As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
January 16, 2008
Registration
No. 333-148512
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Amendment No. 1
to
Form F-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
ATA Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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Cayman Islands
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8200
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Not Applicable
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
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(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
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8th Floor,
Tower E
6 Gongyuan West Street,
Jian Guo Men Nei
Beijing 100005, China
Telephone: 86-10-6518-1122
(Address and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of
Registrants Principal Executive Offices)
CT Corporation System
111 Eighth Avenue,
13th Floor
New York, New York 10011
(212) 894-8940
Copies to:
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Howard Zhang, Esq.
OMelveny & Myers LLP
37th Floor,
Yin Tai Centre, Office Tower
No. 2 Jianguomenwai Avenue
Beijing 100022, China
86-10-6563-4200
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David Johnson, Esq.
OMelveny & Myers LLP
1999 Avenue of the Stars,
7th Floor
Los Angeles
CA 90067-6035
(310) 553-6700
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Chris K.H. Lin, Esq.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
35th Floor,
ICBC Tower
3 Garden Road
Central, Hong Kong SAR, China
852-2514-7600
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the
public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of
this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be
offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to
Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the
following
box. o
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an
offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act,
please check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same
offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to
Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed Maximum |
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Proposed Maximum |
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Amount of |
Title of Each Class of |
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Amount to be |
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Offering Price per |
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Aggregate |
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Registration |
Securities to be Registered(1)(2) |
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Registered(2)(3) |
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Unit(3) |
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Offering Price(3) |
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Fee |
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Common shares, par value $0.01 per share
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11,210,226 |
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$5.75 |
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$64,458,800 |
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$2,533(4)
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(1) |
American depositary shares, or ADSs, evidenced by American
depositary receipts issuable upon deposit of the common shares
registered hereby will be registered under a separate
registration statement on
Form F-6. Each ADS
represents two common shares. |
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(2) |
Includes (a) common shares represented by ADSs that
may be purchased by the underwriters pursuant to their
overallotment option and (b) all common shares represented
by ADSs initially offered and sold outside the United States
that may be resold from time to time in the United States either
as part of the distribution or within 40 days after the
later of the effective date of this registration statement and
the date the securities are first bona fide offered to the
public. |
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(3) |
Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the
registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(a) under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
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(4) |
Previously paid. |
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The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on
such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective
date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this registration statement shall
thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the
registration statement shall become effective on such date as
the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may
determine.
The information
in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be
changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration
statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is
effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell
these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
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Subject to Completion,
Preliminary Prospectus dated
January 16, 2008
PROSPECTUS
4,874,012 American Depositary Shares
ATA Inc.
Representing 9,748,024 Common Shares
This is ATA Inc.s initial public offering. ATA Inc., or
ATA, is offering 4,874,012 American depositary shares, or ADSs.
Each ADS represents two common shares.
We expect the public offering price to be between $9.50 and
$11.50 per ADS. Currently, no public market exists for the
ADSs or the common shares. We have applied to have our ADSs
listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol
ATAI.
Investing in the ADSs involves risks that are described in
the Risk Factors section beginning on page 9 of
this prospectus.
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Per ADS |
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Total |
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Public offering price
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$ |
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$ |
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Underwriting discount
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$ |
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$ |
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Proceeds, before expenses, to ATA
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$ |
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$ |
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The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional
731,101 ADSs from us at the public offering price, less the
underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this
prospectus to cover overallotments.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The ADSs are expected to be delivered against payment on or
about ,
2008.
Merrill Lynch & Co.
Piper Jaffray
Susquehanna Financial Group, LLLP
The date of this prospectus
is ,
2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized
anyone to provide you with information that is different from
that contained in this prospectus. This prospectus may only be
used where it is legal to offer and sell these securities. The
information in this prospectus is only accurate as of the date
of this prospectus.
Through and
including ,
2008 (the
25th day
after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting
transactions in these securities, whether or not participating
in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This
is in addition to dealers obligation to deliver a
prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their
unsold allotments or subscriptions.
(i)
Conventions That Apply to This Prospectus
Unless we indicate otherwise, information is presented in this
prospectus assuming that:
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the underwriters will not exercise their option to purchase
additional ADSs to cover overallotments; and |
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all of our outstanding preferred shares will be converted into
common shares immediately prior to the completion of this
offering. |
In this prospectus,
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all references to years are to the calendar year from
January 1 to December 31 unless specifically stated
otherwise, and references to our fiscal year or years are to the
fiscal year or years ended March 31; |
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we, us, our company,
our and ATA refer to ATA Inc., and its
subsidiaries and affiliated PRC entity as the context requires; |
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China, Chinese and PRC refer
to the Peoples Republic of China, excluding for purposes
of this prospectus Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau; |
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RMB and Renminbi refer to the legal
currency of China, and U.S. dollars,
dollars, and $ refer to the legal
currency of the United States; and |
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U.S. GAAP refers to generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States. |
This prospectus contains translations of Renminbi amounts into
U.S. dollars at specified rates. Unless otherwise noted,
all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollar amounts were
made at the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable
transfers of Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as of September 28, 2007,
which was RMB7.4928 to $1.00. We make no representation that the
Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this
prospectus 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. The Chinese government restricts or
prohibits the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currency and
foreign currency into Renminbi for certain types of
transactions. On January 15, 2008, the noon buying rate was
RMB7.2345 to $1.00.
This prospectus contains information and statistics relating to
Chinas economy and the industries in which we operate
derived from various publications issued by Chinese governmental
entities and other third parties which have not been
independently verified by us, the underwriters or any of their
respective affiliates or advisers. The information in such
third-party sources may not be consistent with other information
compiled in or outside China.
We commissioned International Data Corporation, or IDC, a
leading provider of global IT research and advice, to prepare a
report for the purpose of providing various industry and other
information and illustrating our position in the computer-based
testing services market in China. Information from this report
appears in Industry, Business and other sections of this
prospectus. We have taken such care as we consider reasonable in
the reproduction and extraction of information from the IDC
report and other third-party sources.
(ii)
SUMMARY
This summary highlights selected information contained in
greater detail elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary may
not contain all of the information that you should consider
before investing in our ADSs. You should carefully read the
entire prospectus, including the Risk Factors
section and our consolidated financial statements and the
accompanying notes, before making an investment decision.
ATA Inc.
Our Business
We are the leading provider of computer-based testing services
in China, with the largest market share, 30.9%, in terms of
revenue in 2006, according to IDC. We also provide
career-oriented, test-based educational programs and test
preparation solutions in China. To comply with PRC law, we
operate the online portion of our test preparation solutions
business through a series of contractual arrangements with ATA
Online (Beijing) Education Technology Limited, or ATA Online, a
PRC entity owned by two of our founders and over which we do not
have direct control or direct oversight. Our clients include
professional associations, such as the China Banking Association
and the Securities Association of China, which accounted for
19.5% and 4.2%, respectively, of our net revenues for the six
months ended September 30, 2007, Chinese governmental
agencies, including the PRC Ministry of Labor, which accounted
for 8.5% of our net revenues for the same period, well-known IT
vendors, Chinese educational institutions, distributors of our
test preparation software products, and individual test
preparation services consumers. During the six months ended
September 30, 2007, approximately two million tests
were delivered using our computer-based testing technologies and
services.
We began providing computer-based testing services in 1999. We
offer comprehensive services for the creation and delivery of
computer-based tests based on our proprietary testing
technologies and test delivery platform. Our computer-based
testing services are used for professional licensure and
certification tests in various industries, including information
technology, or IT, services, banking, teaching, securities,
insurance and accounting. Our test center network comprised
1,810 authorized test centers located throughout China as of
September 30, 2007, which we believe is the largest test
center network of any commercial testing service provider in
China based on client feedback and our market experience.
Combined with our test delivery technologies, this network
allows our clients to administer large-scale nationwide tests in
a consistent, secure and cost-effective manner. We have
delivered over 23 million tests since 1999, and in July
2007 delivered tests to more than 200,000 test takers in a
single day for the China Banking Association, through our test
delivery platform.
Leveraging our testing expertise, we have expanded into
providing career-oriented educational services and test
preparation solutions. In 2002, we began offering
career-oriented course programs, which we market to Chinese
educational institutions. We develop our course programs by
integrating our testing technologies and services with IT
learning content authorized by major IT vendors such as
Microsoft China, Borland and Adobe. In March 2006, we began
offering pre-occupational training programs, which allow
students to obtain practical skills for specific job
requirements. By integrating our testing technologies with test
preparation content, we began offering targeted test preparation
solutions for certain professional licensure and certification
tests in the securities, insurance and teaching industries in
2006. ATA Online has launched online test preparation Internet
web sites in coordination with the Securities Association of
China and the China Banking Association to help candidates
across China prepare for these organizations professional
licensure and certification tests, which are delivered through
our test delivery platform. We also offer our NTET Tutorial
Platform software for training teachers for certification under
the National Teachers Skill Test of Applied Educational
Technology in Secondary and Elementary School, or NTET test,
which is delivered nationwide through our test delivery platform.
Our proprietary technologies and know-how for the creation and
delivery of computer-based tests are important to our service
capabilities. Our E-testing platform is composed of a set of
self-developed tools and applications for facilitating the
computer-based testing process, and is capable of handling
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large-scale tests and
quickly and securely transmitting, processing and storing large
amounts of data. We have also developed proprietary technologies
for the creation and operation of advanced performance-based
tests, such as our self-developed Dynamic Simulation Technology,
which leading IT certification sponsors, such as Microsoft, have
adopted for their computer-simulated tests given around the
world. We have also developed content creation technologies for
the conversion of paper-based tests into computer-based formats.
Our total net revenues have increased from RMB69.0 million
for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 to
RMB84.9 million ($11.3 million) for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007 and from RMB32.4 million for the
six months ended September 30, 2006 to RMB76.2 million
($10.2 million) for the six months ended September 30,
2007. We had net losses of RMB24.8 million and
RMB16.8 million for the fiscal years ended March 31,
2006 and 2007, respectively, and net income of
RMB8.5 million ($1.1 million) for the six months ended
September 30, 2007.
Chinas Testing and Education Markets
China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. As
Chinas economy continues to develop, its service
industries are playing an increasingly important role. We
believe this will increase opportunities in the testing and
education markets as people continue to seek advanced skills and
professional licenses and certifications.
China has one of the worlds largest testing markets in
terms of test takers, with 122.7 million test candidates in
2006, according to IDC. Testing has played a prominent role in
Chinese society for centuries, and this long tradition of
testing extends to professional associations and businesses in
China that rely on tests to issue professional licenses and
certifications, assess ongoing professional skills and select
job candidates. As Chinas economy has modernized and
become more dependent on technology, a growing number of test
sponsors have adopted computer-based tests in place of
traditional paper-based tests. Computer-based tests offer key
advantages over traditional paper-based tests, including easier
administration, reduced scoring errors, greater data security
and quicker results analysis. Test sponsors are increasingly
outsourcing the design and delivery of computer-based tests to
third-party service providers.
Chinas education market is experiencing rapid growth in
terms of both the number of schools and the number of students,
especially at the post-secondary higher education level.
However, a growing number of students who are unable to reach
Chinas universities are seeking alternative means to
obtain the skills necessary to succeed in the job market.
Moreover, as Internet usage becomes increasingly common, people
are turning to online resources as a means of furthering their
education and to prepare for various types of tests. Online
education and test preparation provide students the flexibility
to take interactive courses at times and in locations most
convenient to them. Online education and test preparation are
particularly attractive to working adults, and their employers,
as they seek to combine work with the pursuit of higher level
licenses and certifications.
Our Strengths, Strategies and Risks
We believe the following competitive strengths have been
instrumental in achieving our current market position and
provide the basis for our continued growth:
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our early mover advantage and leadership position in the
computer-based testing services industry in China; |
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our experience in delivering sophisticated and large-scale
computer-based tests; |
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our large test center network and scalable test delivery
platform; |
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the flexibility and customizability of our testing services; |
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our performance-based testing and test security technologies; |
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our established relationships with key test sponsors and leading
IT vendors; and |
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our experienced management team. |
Our mission is to extend our position as the leading provider of
computer-based testing services in China, and expand our
career-oriented, test-based educational programs and test
preparation solutions businesses in China, by pursuing the
following strategies:
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continue to seek opportunities in licensure and certification
testing services; |
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further enhance our technology and expand our test center
network reach; |
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leverage our testing service strengths to expand our test
preparation and educational program offerings; |
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increase recognition of our ATA brand; and |
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pursue selective strategic acquisitions and alliances, if and
when attractive opportunities arise. |
The successful execution of our strategies is subject to risks
and uncertainties, including:
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our ability to maintain profitability, as we only achieved
profitability recently and had previously been loss-making since
our inception, in addition to having an accumulated deficit of
RMB135.1 million and RMB126.6 million ($16.9 million) as of
March 31, 2007 and September 30, 2007, respectively; |
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our ability to meet challenges associated with our rapid
expansion, including our expansion into the test preparation
market; |
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market acceptance of our technologies, products and services; |
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our ability to maintain relationships with key governmental
agencies, test sponsors, educational institutions and IT
vendors; and |
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governmental policies, including policies regarding funding for
governmental agencies that sponsor tests, policies promoting
vocational education, tuition policies and policies relating to
foreign investment in Internet content distribution. |
See Risk Factors for a discussion of these and other
risks and uncertainties associated with our business and
investing in our ADSs.
Corporate Structure
Our predecessor company, American Testing Authority, Inc., a New
York company, began operations in 1999, and in that same year
established ATA Testing Authority (Beijing) Limited, or
ATA Testing, as a wholly owned subsidiary in China. In
November 2001, our founders established ATA Testing
Authority (Holdings) Limited, or ATA BVI, in the British
Virgin Islands. The following year American Testing Authority,
Inc. merged into ATA BVI and ATA BVI became our
holding company. In June 2003, we established a Chinese joint
venture company, ATA Learning (Beijing) Inc., or ATA Learning,
with Yinchuan Economic and Technological Development Zone
Investment Holding Co. Ltd., or Yinchuan Holding. In May 2005,
we exercised our call option to acquire the remaining interest
from Yinchuan Holding and converted ATA Learning into a wholly
owned subsidiary of ATA BVI.
We incorporated ATA Inc. in the Cayman Islands in September 2006
as our listing vehicle. ATA Inc. became our ultimate holding
company in November 2006 when it issued shares to the existing
shareholders of ATA BVI in exchange for all of the outstanding
shares of ATA BVI.
Due to PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign ownership of
Internet content businesses in China, we operate the online
portion of our test preparation solutions business through a
series of contractual arrangements entered into among us, ATA
Learning and ATA Online, a PRC entity owned by two of our
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founders. We do not have any direct ownership interest or direct
shareholding rights in ATA Online and as a result do not have
direct control or direct oversight over ATA Online. For a
description of these contractual arrangements, see Our
Corporate Structure and Related Party
Transactions. If the Chinese government determines that
the contractual arrangement structure through which we operate
our online test preparation business does not comply with
Chinese laws and regulations, we could be subject to penalties
and may not be able to continue that business. Moreover, any
conflicts between us and the shareholders of ATA Online, or any
failure by ATA Online or its shareholders to perform their
obligations under our contractual arrangements with them, may
materially and adversely affect our online test preparation
business and financial condition. For a detailed discussion of
the various risks and uncertainties related to these contractual
arrangements and the structure we use to operate our online test
preparation business, see Risk Factors Risks
Relating to Regulation of Our Business.
Recent Developments
The following is an estimate of certain unaudited selected
consolidated financial data for the three months ended
December 31, 2007. Because our financial statements for the
three months ended December 31, 2007 have not been
finalized and are subject to completion of our normal
quarter-end closing procedures, the unaudited selected
consolidated financial data for the three months ended
December 31, 2007 set forth below may be subject to change.
We estimate:
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total net revenues were between RMB63.0 million
($8.4 million) and RMB67.5 million
($9.0 million), compared to RMB36.3 million for the
three months ended December 31, 2006; |
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gross profit was between RMB42.8 million
($5.7 million) and RMB46.0 million
($6.1 million), compared to RMB25.9 million for the
three months ended December 31, 2006; |
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income from operations was between RMB14.8 million
($2.0 million) and RMB16.0 million
($2.1 million), compared to RMB6.6 million for the
three months ended December 31, 2006; and |
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net income was between RMB10.6 million ($1.4 million)
and RMB12.0 million ($1.6 million), compared to
RMB6.9 million for the three months ended December 31,
2006. |
Our preliminary consolidated financial data for the quarter
ended December 31, 2007 are subject to adjustment based
upon, among other things, completion of our reporting processes.
Actual results could differ materially from the estimates
provided above. For additional information regarding the various
risks and uncertainties inherent in such estimates, see
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.
Financial results for the three months ended December 31,
2007 may not be indicative of our full year results for the
fiscal year ending March 31, 2008 or future quarterly
periods. See Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations for
information regarding trends and other factors that may
influence our financial results.
Our quarterly results of operations are subject to seasonal
fluctuations. In particular, net revenues from testing services
and test preparation solutions are typically lowest in the
quarter ending March 31. As a result, we expect our total
net revenues, gross profit, income from operations and net
income to be significantly lower during the three months ending
March 31, 2008 than they were for the three months ended
December 31, 2007, which we estimate will result in a net
loss from operations and a net loss for the three months ending
March 31, 2008. In addition, we may also incur a net loss
from operations and a net loss for the three months ending
June 30, 2008 depending on whether certain large-scale
tests, such as the banking licensure test, are scheduled in the
quarter ending September 30, 2008 instead of the prior
quarter. For more information, see the section entitled
Recent Developments.
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Our Offices
Our principal executive offices are located at 8th Floor,
Tower E, 6 Gongyuan West Street, Jian Guo Men Nei, Beijing
100005, the Peoples Republic of China. Our telephone
number at this address is 86-10-6518-1122, and our fax number is
86-10-6517-9517. Our web site is www.ata.net.cn. The
information contained on our web site is not part of this
prospectus.
Investor inquiries should be directed to us at the address and
telephone number of our principal executive offices set forth
above. Our agent for service of process in the United States is
CT Corporation System, located at 111 Eighth Avenue,
13th Floor,
New York, New York 10011.
The Offering
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ADSs offered by us: |
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4,874,012 ADSs. |
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The ADSs |
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Each ADS represents two common shares, par value $0.01 per
share. The ADSs will be evidenced by American depositary
receipts, or ADRs. |
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A nominee of the depositary will be the registered
holder of the common shares underlying your ADSs, and you will
have rights of an ADR holder as provided in the deposit
agreement among us, the depositary and the holders and
beneficial owners of ADSs from time to time. |
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Although we do not expect to pay cash dividends in
the foreseeable future, in the event we declare dividends on our
common shares, the depositary will pay you the cash dividends
and other distributions it receives on our common shares, after
deducting its fees and expenses, and subject to any tax
withholding requirements and whether the depositary can convert
the currency on a reasonable basis into U.S. dollars and
transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States. |
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You may surrender your ADSs to the depositary for
cancellation in exchange for common shares underlying your ADSs.
The depositary will charge you fees for such cancellations. |
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Under certain circumstances, we may amend or
terminate the deposit agreement for any reason without your
consent, and if you continue to hold our ADSs, you agree to be
bound by the deposit agreement as amended. |
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You should carefully read the section in this prospectus
entitled Description of American Depositary Shares
to better understand the terms of the ADSs. You should also read
the deposit agreement, which is an exhibit to the registration
statement that includes this prospectus. |
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ADSs outstanding immediately after the offering |
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4,874,012 ADSs. |
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Common shares outstanding immediately after this offering |
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43,378,710 common shares. |
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Option to purchase additional ADSs |
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We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable
within 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to
purchase up |
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to an aggregate of 731,101 additional ADSs at the initial
public offering price, less underwriting discounts, solely to
cover overallotments of ADSs, if any. |
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Depositary |
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Citibank, N.A. |
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Timing and settlement for ADSs |
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The ADSs are expected to be delivered against payment on or
around ,
2008. The ADRs evidencing the ADSs purchased in this offering
will be deposited with a custodian for, and registered in the
name of a nominee of, The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, in
New York, New York. In general, beneficial interests in the ADSs
will be shown on, and transfers of these beneficial interests
will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC and its
direct and indirect participants. |
|
|
Use of proceeds |
|
Our net proceeds from this offering are expected to be
approximately $43.8 million (assuming an initial public
offering price of $10.50 per ADS, the mid-point of the
estimated range of the initial public offering price shown on
the front cover of this prospectus, and after deducting
estimated underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses
payable by us). If the underwriters exercise their overallotment
option in full, we estimate that our net proceeds will be
approximately $50.9 million. We anticipate using a portion
of these net proceeds to develop and expand our test preparation
solutions business, to license course content from
IT vendors to expand our degree major and single course
program offerings, for marketing costs related to enhancing our
ATA brand, to fund working capital and for other
general corporate purposes, including incremental costs
associated with being a public company, and for acquisitions of
complementary assets, technologies and businesses. See Use
of Proceeds. |
|
|
Lock-up agreements |
|
We and our executive officers, directors and shareholders have
agreed, with exceptions, not to sell or transfer any of our
common shares or ADSs for 180 days after the date of this
prospectus. See Shares Eligible for Future Sale and
Underwriting. |
|
Risk factors |
|
See Risk Factors and other information included in
this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully
consider before deciding to invest in our ADSs. |
|
Listing |
|
We have applied to have our ADSs listed on the Nasdaq Global
Market. Our common shares will not be listed on any exchange or
quoted for trading on any
over-the-counter
trading system. |
|
|
Nasdaq Global Market symbol |
|
We have applied to have our ADSs listed on the Nasdaq Global
Market under the symbol ATAI. |
|
6
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
You should read the following information with our consolidated
financial statements and related notes, Selected
Consolidated Financial and Operating Data and
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in
this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The following summary consolidated statements of operations data
for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 (other
than pro forma (loss) earnings per common share and ADS data),
and the summary consolidated balance sheets data as of
March 31, 2006 and 2007, are derived from our audited
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus and should be read in conjunction with, and are
qualified in their entirety by reference to, these consolidated
financial statements and related notes.
The summary consolidated statements of operations data for the
six months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 and the
summary consolidated balance sheets data as of
September 30, 2007 are derived from our unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus. We have prepared our unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements on the same basis as our
audited consolidated financial statements. The unaudited
financial information includes all adjustments, consisting only
of normal and recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary
for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating
results for the periods presented. The unaudited results for the
six months ended September 30, 2007 may not be indicative
of our results for the full year ending March 31, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
For the Six Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
(In thousands, except for per share and per ADS data) |
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net revenues
|
|
|
69,037 |
|
|
|
84,881 |
|
|
|
32,368 |
|
|
|
76,248 |
|
|
|
10,176 |
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
35,049 |
|
|
|
43,779 |
|
|
|
13,618 |
|
|
|
43,471 |
|
|
|
5,802 |
|
(Loss) income from
operations(1)
|
|
|
(1,091 |
) |
|
|
(19,596 |
) |
|
|
(13,559 |
) |
|
|
8,736 |
|
|
|
1,166 |
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(22,713 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
(loss)income(2)
|
|
|
(24,809 |
) |
|
|
(16,790 |
) |
|
|
(11,857 |
) |
|
|
8,530 |
|
|
|
1,138 |
|
Accretion of Series A redeemable convertible preferred
shares to redemption value
|
|
|
(13,889 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment on
Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares
|
|
|
3,269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income (applicable) available to common shareholders
|
|
|
(35,429 |
) |
|
|
(16,790 |
) |
|
|
(11,857 |
) |
|
|
8,530 |
|
|
|
1,138 |
|
Basic (loss) earnings per common share
|
|
|
(2.16 |
) |
|
|
(0.82 |
) |
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
|
|
|
(2.16 |
) |
|
|
(0.82 |
) |
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
Pro forma basic (loss) earnings per common
share(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
Pro forma diluted (loss) earnings per common
share(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
Basic (loss) earnings per
ADS(4)
|
|
|
(4.32 |
) |
|
|
(1.64 |
) |
|
|
(1.22 |
) |
|
|
0.78 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
Diluted (loss) earnings per
ADS(4)
|
|
|
(4.32 |
) |
|
|
(1.64 |
) |
|
|
(1.22 |
) |
|
|
0.46 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
Pro forma basic (loss) earnings per ADS
(3)(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
Pro forma diluted (loss) earnings per ADS
(3)(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.46 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes non-cash share-based compensation expenses of
RMB4.2 million, RMB2.5 million, RMB1.2 million
and RMB1.1 million ($0.1 million) for the fiscal years
ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 and the six months ended
September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. |
|
(2) |
Our PRC subsidiaries, ATA Testing and ATA Learning, enjoy tax
holidays provided by local and national PRC tax authorities. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Taxation.
If our PRC |
7
|
|
|
subsidiaries had not enjoyed
these tax holidays, they would have had a preferential
enterprise income tax rate of 15%. The following table shows the
effects of the tax holidays for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
For the Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
(In thousands, except for per share data) |
|
Effect on net (loss) income (applicable) available to common
shareholders
|
|
|
(544 |
) |
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
231 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
Effect on basic (loss) earnings per common share
|
|
|
(0.033 |
) |
|
|
0.008 |
|
|
|
0.009 |
|
|
|
0.011 |
|
|
|
0.001 |
|
Effect on diluted (loss) earnings per common share
|
|
|
(0.033 |
) |
|
|
0.008 |
|
|
|
0.009 |
|
|
|
0.006 |
|
|
|
0.001 |
|
|
|
(3) |
Gives effect to the full conversion of preferred shares into
11,730,554 of our common shares, as if the conversion had taken
place on April 1, 2006. |
|
|
(4) |
Each ADS represents two common shares. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, |
|
|
As of September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
44,624 |
|
|
|
45,019 |
|
|
|
52,567 |
|
|
|
7,016 |
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
67,989 |
|
|
|
76,656 |
|
|
|
97,744 |
|
|
|
13,045 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
88,384 |
|
|
|
108,165 |
|
|
|
131,034 |
|
|
|
17,488 |
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
53,937 |
|
|
|
45,620 |
|
|
|
59,257 |
|
|
|
7,909 |
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
62,492 |
|
|
|
53,517 |
|
|
|
66,804 |
|
|
|
8,916 |
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(118,292 |
) |
|
|
(135,082 |
) |
|
|
(126,552 |
) |
|
|
(16,890 |
) |
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
25,892 |
|
|
|
54,648 |
|
|
|
64,230 |
|
|
|
8,572 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
For the Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Key Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Testing services:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of tests
delivered(1)
|
|
|
2,583,712 |
|
|
|
3,335,701 |
|
|
|
2,004,640 |
|
|
|
2,065,249 |
|
Test-based educational services:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of degree major course programs offered
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
Number of schools offering degree major course programs
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
128 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
Degree major
student-months(2)
|
|
|
401,415 |
|
|
|
465,856 |
|
|
|
215,650 |
|
|
|
198,178 |
|
|
Number of single course programs offered
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
Number of schools offering single course programs
|
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
Single course
student-months(3)
|
|
|
107,891 |
|
|
|
133,562 |
|
|
|
68,740 |
|
|
|
101,603 |
|
Test preparation solutions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of copies of NTET software sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,514 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes tests delivered through our test delivery platform and
tests using our Dynamic Simulation Technology. |
|
(2) |
Degree major student-months are calculated by
(i) multiplying the number of students in each degree major
by the number of months of that degree major course program in
the relevant period and then (ii) aggregating the number of
student-months for all of our degree major course programs
during the period. |
|
(3) |
Single course student-months are calculated by
(i) multiplying the number of students in each single
course program by the number of months of that single course
program in the relevant period and then (ii) aggregating
the number of student-months for all of our single course
programs during the period. |
8
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our ADSs involves significant risks. You
should carefully consider all of the information in this
prospectus, including the risk factors described below, before
making an investment in our ADSs. The following risk factors
describe events, uncertainties or circumstances that create or
enhance risks to our business, financial condition and results
of operations or otherwise to the value of your investment in
our ADSs. Any of these risks could result in a decline in the
market price of our ADSs, in which case you may lose all or part
of your investment.
Risks Relating to Our Business
|
|
|
We have only recently achieved profitability, and we may
not be able to maintain or increase profitability in the
future.
|
Although we were profitable for the six months ended
September 30, 2007, we have not yet been profitable for any
full fiscal year up to and including the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007. It has taken us many years to develop a
revenue base strong enough to realize profitability. Although we
have experienced significant growth in our revenues in recent
years, we may face difficulties maintaining or increasing
profitability as we seek to continue to expand our client base,
sell more of our products and services to our existing clients
and develop new products and services. In addition, we expect
our profitability for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008
and future fiscal years to be negatively affected by a
share-based compensation charge in relation to our issuance of
options to certain employees in October 2007. We expect to incur
compensation expenses of RMB18.5 million
($2.5 million) over the vesting schedule of the options.
Twenty-five percent (25%) of the October 2007 options granted
vested on January 1, 2008, while the remaining seventy-five
(75%) vest ratably at the end of each month over the following
30-month period. Failure to maintain or increase our
profitability could result in a decline in the market price of
our ADSs, in which case you may lose all or part of your
investment in our ADSs.
|
|
|
We have been growing rapidly and plan to expand our
operations significantly over the next few years. If we fail to
address risks or meet new challenges associated with this rapid
expansion, we may not meet internal and external expectations of
our future performance.
|
We are experiencing rapid growth in our operations and
technology and services development, which has placed a
significant strain on our management, administrative,
operational and financial infrastructure. This rapid expansion
may have caused us to overlook or fail to properly address
latent problems. Rapid expansion also may have led to
inefficiencies in our administrative systems or business
operations that have not yet been discovered or addressed.
Furthermore, we anticipate expanding the scope of our operations
significantly in the coming years. Our future success will
depend in part upon the ability of our senior management to
manage this growth effectively. In particular, our management
may face the following challenges managing this growth:
|
|
|
|
|
controlling our costs and expenses and maintaining or increasing
our margins and profitability; |
|
|
|
retaining existing clients and expanding service offerings to
those clients; |
|
|
|
acquiring and retaining new clients, especially for our test
preparation business; |
|
|
|
retaining our key relationships with governmental agencies,
obtaining any governmental approvals required for new service
offerings and responding to changes in the regulatory and policy
environment; |
|
|
|
attracting, training and retaining qualified personnel; |
|
|
|
improving our operating, administrative and financial systems
and internal controls and maintaining close cooperation between
members of management and heads of individual departments; |
9
|
|
|
|
|
increasing the awareness of our brand name and protecting our
reputation; |
|
|
|
keeping up with evolving industry standards, technologies and
market developments; or |
|
|
|
integrating any acquired business into our business operations
and realizing the potential benefits of our acquisition. |
We rely on a handful of relatively senior managers for much of
our marketing and business development, which includes, among
other things, site visits with prospective clients followed by
the signing of non-binding memoranda of understanding or other
preliminary arrangements. Since the number of our senior
managers is still small, we may not have a sufficient number of
marketing and business development professionals with the
experience and talent to quickly and effectively follow up with
such clients and convert these memoranda of understanding and
preliminary arrangements into final agreements and
revenue-generating relationships. If we fail to successfully
address these and other challenges as we expand our operations,
we may not meet internal and external expectations of our future
performance, which could result in a decline in the market price
of our ADSs, in which case you may lose all or part of your
investment in our ADSs.
|
|
|
Our financial results are subject to fluctuations and
seasonality related to the revenue cycles for our products and
services, our relatively long and unpredictable sales cycle and
other factors beyond our control, any of which may decrease our
revenues in a particular period. As a result, it is difficult
for us to predict our results of operations and you should not
rely on our historical operating results as an indication of our
future financial performance.
|
Our results of operations have varied in the past from period to
period, and are likely to vary in the future, due to the fact
that our main sources of revenues, licensing fees from test
sponsors and licensing fees from educational institutions, are
seasonal. We have experienced seasonality and expect in the
future to continue to experience seasonality in net revenues and
accounts receivable related to our test delivery services, with
the quarter ending December 31 typically having the highest
net revenues from testing services and the quarter ending
March 31 typically having the lowest net revenues from
testing services. Under our contracts with test sponsors, we
typically have the right to receive payment approximately one
month after a test is delivered, and our clients typically pay
us within three to six months of delivery. We therefore may
experience substantial increases in our accounts receivable
balance at the end of the quarter ending December 31 of
each year. Also, revenues from our degree major and single
course programs may experience seasonal declines during the
quarter ending September 30 of each fiscal year, which
includes the summer holiday months of July and August, since we
do not recognize revenues in July and August for the last year
of each degree major course program and for most single course
programs. We also expect some seasonality in our accounts
receivable related to degree major programs, because we collect
from our clients typically around the months of October to
November, and a large portion of our clients settle payment with
us two to three months after that time.
In addition, our sales cycles are generally long and
unpredictable. A clients decision to purchase our products
and services often involves a lengthy evaluation process.
Throughout the sales cycle, we often spend considerable time
educating and providing information to prospective clients
regarding the use and benefits of our products and services.
Moreover, budget constraints and the need for multiple approvals
within large enterprises, governmental agencies and educational
institutions may also delay purchasing decisions. The inability
to obtain the required approval for a course taught using one of
our course programs or for procurement of our other products or
services may not be known until the negotiation process has
progressed for many months. As a result, the sales cycle for our
computer-based testing services and career-oriented educational
services may last a year or longer. Such a lengthy sales cycle,
and any future increases in our sales cycle, could lead to
higher sales and marketing expenses and adversely affect our
cash flow from operations. In addition, the lengthy sales cycle
has made, and may continue to make, our financial results prone
to fluctuations or decrease our revenues in a particular period.
If our revenues for a particular quarter are lower than we
expect, we may be unable to reduce our operating expenses for
that quarter by a corresponding amount, which could negatively
affect our operating
10
results for that quarter. As a result, you should not rely on
our quarter-to-quarter
comparisons of our operating results as indicators of likely
future performance. Our operating results may be below the
expectations of public market analysts and investors in one or
more future quarters. If that occurs, the market price of our
ADSs could decline and you could lose part or all of your
investment. Fluctuations of our quarterly financial results may
also lead to increased volatility in the market price of our
ADSs.
|
|
|
The Chinese market for computer-based testing services and
career-oriented educational services is still emerging and
evolving rapidly. If market acceptance of our products and
services declines or fails to grow, our revenue growth may slow
or we may experience a decrease in revenues.
|
As the Chinese market for computer-based testing services and
career-oriented educational services is still emerging, our
success will depend to a large extent on our ability to convince
our clients that our technologies and services are valuable and
that it is more cost-effective for them to utilize our services
than for them to develop similar services in-house. We must
address the following concerns with our clients as they decide
to implement computer-based testing and career-oriented
educational services and to use our technologies and services:
|
|
|
|
|
concern over the commitment of time, personnel and funding
necessary to implement our computer-based testing services and
career-oriented educational services; |
|
|
|
ability of clients to develop their own computer-based testing
services or career-oriented educational services; |
|
|
|
possible perceived security and academic integrity risks
associated with computer-based testing services and third-party
curriculum providers; |
|
|
|
reluctance of the academic community to adopt computer-based
learning materials and computer-based tests; and |
|
|
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reluctance of educational institutions to depend on third-party
providers of curricula and academic certifications. |
A decline in the demand for computer-based testing and education
services by test sponsors or educational institutions would
negatively affect demand for our computer-based testing services
and technologies, as well as our degree major and course
programs, which incorporate computer-based tests. Even if test
sponsors and educational institutions continue to show demand
for computer-based testing services and career-oriented
educational services, this demand may not grow as quickly as we
anticipate.
If demand for computer-based testing services or career-oriented
educational services does not grow to the extent we anticipate,
our revenue growth may slow or we may experience a decrease in
revenues.
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If we are not successful in achieving market acceptance
for our test preparation solutions, our revenues may grow more
slowly or decline.
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In order to increase our revenue sources, we have allocated, and
intend to continue to allocate, time, effort and capital to
expand our test preparation solutions offerings. For example,
our NTET Tutorial Platform accounted for 11.7% and 26.3% of our
net revenues in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 and
the six months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, and
we expect revenues from this and our other test preparation
solutions to grow further. However, the market for these
offerings is still relatively new for us and we cannot assure
you that we will succeed in adapting to client needs in this
market or effectively deal with risks associated with this
expansion. It may be difficult for us to accurately predict
demand for our test preparation solutions, the potential size of
the market or the sustainability of fees for our test
preparation solutions. Furthermore, as this market develops, the
Chinese government may enact unforeseen regulations and policies
that could limit our ability to provide or expand our test
preparation solutions,
11
such as prohibitions on foreign-invested entities engaging in
test preparation services. Additional risks which we face
expanding in this market include the following:
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we may underestimate the amount of capital, personnel and other
resources required to carry out our expansion plans, which may
affect the success of our expansion and/or negatively impact the
quality of our other product and service offerings; |
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if we are unsuccessful in this market, it may negatively affect
our reputation and the status of our brand in our other markets; |
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we face additional regulatory risks in relation to the ATA
Onlines online test preparation business due to
restrictions imposed by the Chinese government on Internet
content services. See Risks Relating to
Regulation of Our Business Substantial uncertainties
and restrictions exist with respect to the application and
implementation of Chinese laws and regulations relating to
Internet content distribution. If the Chinese government finds
that the structure for our online test preparation services and
other services we provide through the Internet do not comply
with Chinese laws and regulations, we could be subject to
penalties and may not be able to continue those
businesses; and |
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we may fail to develop sufficient payment collection, technical
support and other administrative capabilities necessary to
successfully develop and manage our test preparation solutions
on an increasingly large scale. |
The success of our test preparation solutions also depends on
our ability to gain and maintain licenses from test sponsors for
learning materials. Obtaining and maintaining these licenses
from test sponsors for which we also provide testing content
creation or delivery services will require us to convince them
that our test preparation solutions will not compromise the
integrity of the tests that we deliver for them.
A failure to achieve market acceptance for our test preparation
solutions may have an adverse impact on our revenues and results
of operations.
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Breaches or perceived breaches of our security measures
relating to test collection, scoring and storage or unauthorized
disclosure or misuse of personal data through breach of our
computer systems or otherwise could cause us to receive negative
publicity, and lose clients and expose us to protracted and
costly litigation.
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As part of our service offerings, we collect, process, transmit
and store highly confidential information, including personal
information and test questions, answers and scores. Maintaining
the security and confidentiality of the information we handle as
part of our testing services is essential to protecting the
integrity and accuracy of the test taking process and retaining
our client base. Any breach or perceived breach in our security
measures pertaining to the collection, processing, transmission
or storage of such information as a result of third-party
action, employee error, malfeasance or otherwise could result in
liability claims and have a negative impact on our reputation.
Additionally, we could be subject to liability claims or
regulatory penalties for misuses of information collected from
clients or students or for the unauthorized disclosure or
unauthorized or inappropriate use of such information. Any such
negative publicity or liability claims could have a significant
negative impact on our future business, cause us to lose clients
and expose us to costly litigation.
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Any failure by us to obtain new business from our existing
clients or maintain our relationships with key Chinese
governmental agencies may decrease our market share and
revenues.
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The success of our business going forward will rely in large
part on our ability to continue to obtain business from our
existing clients and maintain our relationships with key Chinese
governmental agencies. For the fiscal year ended March 31,
2007 and the six months ended September 30, 2007, 46.9% and
20.6%, respectively, of our total net revenues were generated
from licensing and service fees from Chinese governmental
agencies and educational institutions controlled by the PRC
government. Our
12
contracts for computer-based testing services generally allow
for termination without cause on three months to one years
written notice. Furthermore, educational institutions offering
our career-oriented educational programs are under no
contractual obligation to enroll students in our programs. We
must therefore market our technologies and services to new and
existing clients not only to expand our operations, but also to
maintain our existing client base and revenues.
The willingness of Chinese test sponsors and educational
institutions to use our technologies and services is to some
extent a result of our longstanding relationships with the PRC
Ministries of Labor and Education, which significantly enhance
our name brand and reputation among our client base. At the same
time, maintaining a strong relationship with the Ministry of
Education is important for marketing our career-oriented
educational services, as each program requires approval by the
Ministry of Education before it may be introduced into schools
in China. If our relationships with these two ministries or
their local branches were to deteriorate, it could significantly
reduce our revenues and harm our brand and reputation.
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A limited number of our clients have accounted and are
expected to continue to account for a high percentage of our
revenues. The loss of or significant reduction in orders from
any of these clients could significantly reduce our revenues and
have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations.
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Our largest client in the six months ended September 30,
2007, the China Banking Association, accounted for 19.5% of our
net revenues for that period. In addition, Chengdu Shiguang Co.
Ltd., a distributor of our test preparation solutions software
products, accounted for 10.8% of our net revenues for the six
months ended September 30, 2007, while the PRC Ministry of
Labor accounted for 12.3% and 8.5% of our net revenues for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 and the six months ended
September 30, 2007, respectively. Our top five clients for
the six months ended September 30, 2007, which included the
China Banking Association, the PRC Ministry of Labor and three
distributors of our test preparation solutions software
products, accounted for 52.8% of our net revenues for the six
months ended September 30, 2007. Due to our dependence on a
limited number of clients, any one of the following events,
among others, could cause material fluctuations or declines in
our revenues and have a material adverse effect on our results
of operations:
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a reduction, delay or cancellation of contracts or product or
service orders from one or more of our significant clients; |
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a decision by one or more of our significant clients to award
contracts or orders to one of our competitors; and |
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a decision by one or more of our major clients to significantly
reduce the price they are willing to pay for our services or
products. |
Any of these events could occur due to causes outside of our
control, such as macro-economic conditions, changes in a
clients management or the personnel with whom we interact,
changes in technology, the actions of our competitors, changes
in governmental regulations and policies and changes in a
clients budgeting or financial prospects.
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A significant portion of our revenues are dependent on
market acceptance of our
E-testing platform and
other computer-based testing technologies, and if we are unable
to anticipate and meet our clients technological needs and
challenges from new technologies and industry standards, our
products and services may lose market acceptance or become
obsolete, and our margins and results of operations may be
adversely affected.
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Our advanced technologies for the creation and delivery of
computer-based tests, including our
E-testing platform and
our performance-based testing technologies, are a key factor in
growing and maintaining our relationships with test sponsors,
educational institution clients and educational program content
providers. Our future success depends on our ability to upgrade
our systems, develop new technologies and anticipate and meet
the technical needs of our clients on a regular basis. The
emergence
13
in the market of new test creation and delivery technologies or
substitute products and services could reduce the
competitiveness or result in the obsolescence of our current
technologies and services. Moreover, if other companies develop
similar technologies offering functionality comparable to that
of our technologies, pricing pressure may increase and our
margins and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Additionally, industry standards such as standard interfaces and
data exchange protocols may be developed for testing
technologies, and if these industry standards are incompatible
with our technologies, demand for our technologies, products and
services may decline significantly. To the extent we are unable
to maintain our market leadership position in key testing
technologies or anticipate and respond to technological
developments and changes in industry standards in a timely and
cost-effective manner, our products and services may lose market
acceptance or become obsolete.
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We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from
course programs using materials licensed from Microsoft China
and Adobe, and the loss of the right to use these course
materials could materially harm our revenues and results of
operations.
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A substantial portion of our single course programs and the
individual courses that comprise our degree major course
programs use course materials licensed from IT vendors including
Microsoft China and Adobe. Moreover, our degree major and single
course programs are attractive to our educational institution
clients and their students largely because they offer students
the opportunity to obtain a professional certification, such as
a Microsoft Certified Professional or Delphi certification, at
the same time that they earn academic credit from their school.
We expect our revenues from these sources to continue to account
for a substantial portion of our revenues. Our contracts for
providing course programs and delivering certification exams in
China for Microsoft China and Adobe generally have a term of one
or two years and are automatically renewable for an additional
one or two years. However, our Microsoft China contract is
terminable at will without cause by either party with
90 days prior written notice, while our Adobe contract is
terminable upon breach or mutual agreement of the parties. We
cannot assure you that these IT vendors will renew or will not
terminate these contracts and licenses, as they may decide in
the future to work with other testing service providers, provide
the testing services themselves or license course materials to
another course program developer or to the schools directly. If
we were to lose the right to offer certification tests or course
programs for these IT vendors, our revenues and results of
operations could be materially harmed.
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We do not have any control over the business activities of
the independent distributors of our NTET Tutorial Platform
software after our sale of the software to them, and actions by
them could harm our reputation and negatively impact the image
of and demand for our NTET Tutorial Platform software and other
test preparation solutions.
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We offer our NTET Tutorial Platform software through independent
distributors. We sell all title and distribution rights to the
distributors upon delivery. We do not provide upgrades or any
additional post-contract services, which are the responsibility
of the distributors who sell our NTET Tutorial Platform. We do
not have any control over the business activities of the
independent distributors after our sale of the software to them.
If one or more of our distributors engages in activities that
violate applicable laws and regulations or that are otherwise
harmful to our business or our reputation in the market, it
could expose us to negative publicity and damage our brand
image. Moreover, if our distributors fail to provide adequate,
satisfactory and effective after-sales support, our brand image
may suffer, and our business and results of operations could be
materially adversely affected.
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If Microsoft exercises its contractual option to acquire
the source code of our Dynamic Simulation Technology, or DST,
Microsoft or a company to which Microsoft licenses or sells such
technology may be able to more effectively compete with
us.
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Under our Simulation Technology License Agreement with
Microsoft, Microsoft has the right to acquire for
$3.0 million a perpetual royalty-free license to the source
code of our DST, along with the right to freely sell, license or
sublicense the DST source code to third parties. The contract
does not
14
restrict which entities to which Microsoft may sell, license or
sublicense the DST source code. While Microsofts exercise
of this option would generate $3.0 million in revenue to us
upon exercise, it may materially adversely affect our future
revenues if Microsoft or any company to which Microsoft sells or
licenses the technology uses it to directly compete with us.
In addition, Microsoft has the right to obtain more limited
rights to the source code in the event ATA is in continuing
breach of any of its obligations regarding technical support and
correction of programming errors. Upon the occurrence of a
continuing breach, Microsoft would obtain the right to freely
install, make, use, reproduce, copy, modify, translate, edit and
otherwise create derivative works of the DST source code and to
sublicense any of the foregoing rights to third parties,
excluding certain of our competitors in the computer-based
testing services market.
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Technical errors or failures in relation to computer-based
tests delivered through our test delivery platform could result
in negative publicity, loss of clients, liability claims and
costly and disruptive litigation.
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Due to the complexity of the technologies we have developed and
use to create and deliver computer-based tests for our clients,
there is a risk that technical errors or failures may occur in
relation to these services. These may include errors, failures
or bugs in our self-developed software applications and test
security technologies, breakdowns or failures of our servers and
computer networks, and connectivity failures between our
networks. While we have not to date experienced major problems
due to errors, breakdowns, failures, bugs or defects, we cannot
assure you that we will not experience such problems in the
future. If such a problem were to occur, it could disrupt or
compromise the integrity of the test taking process or of test
content and results, which could lead to negative publicity and
loss of clients and may subject us to liability claims. Although
we have established a formal crisis management system to respond
to technical problems, it has never been tested in a real crisis
situation. Any litigation or negative publicity resulting from
an error or failure, with or without merit, could result in
substantial costs and divert managements attention and
resources from our business and operations.
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Reductions in public funding available to our clients that
are governmental agencies could adversely impact demand by these
agencies and institutions for our products and services.
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We derived 46.9% and 20.6% of our total net revenues for the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 and the six months ended
September 30, 2007, respectively, from licensing and
services fees from Chinese governmental agencies and educational
institutions controlled by the Chinese government. Demand and
ability to pay for our products and services by these agencies
and institutions are affected by government budgetary cycles,
funding availability and government policies. Funding
reductions, reallocations or delays could adversely impact
demand for our products and services by our clients or reduce
the fees these clients are willing to pay for our products and
services.
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If we fail to maintain a strong brand identity, our
business may not grow and our financial results may be adversely
impacted.
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We believe that maintaining and enhancing the value of the
ATA brand is important to attracting clients. Our
success in maintaining brand awareness will depend on our
ability to consistently provide high quality, value-adding,
user-friendly and secure products and services. As we develop
our test preparation solutions, we plan to accelerate our
efforts to establish a wider recognition of the ATA
brand to attract students from all over China and around the
world to our test preparation solutions. To establish a wider
recognition of our ATA brand among students and test
takers, we may need to spend significant resources on
advertising and distribution channels. As we have limited
experience with advertising and other activities required to
establish a widely recognized brand, we cannot assure you that
we will effectively allocate our resources for these activities
or succeed in maintaining and broadening our brand recognition
and appeal. If we fail to maintain a strong brand identity, our
business may not grow and our financial results may be adversely
impacted.
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Actions by our authorized test centers could lead to
damage to our brand and reputation, which could cause us to
incur substantial costs and strain our relationships with our
clients.
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As of September 30, 2007, we had contractual relationships
with 1,810 authorized test centers. We do not own these centers
and their employees are not our employees. Under our contracts
with these test centers, we require them to provide sufficient
facilities to properly administer computer-based tests and to
follow prescribed guidelines for facility maintenance and test
administration. We also conduct regular reviews of their
facilities and operations and provide consulting services on
test administration. However, our contractual arrangements with
the test centers provide us with only limited ability to oversee
their activities, and most test centers engage in other
activities, such as serving as classrooms, when not
administering tests. If a test center were to engage in
unauthorized or unlawful conduct, whether related to
administering computer-based tests or otherwise, our clients,
prospective clients and the general public may associate this
conduct with our brand, and negative publicity associated with
this conduct could harm our reputation and lessen overall demand
for computer-based testing services. Furthermore, our business
may also be adversely affected if our authorized test centers do
not maintain their premises, administer our computer-based tests
in a manner consistent with our standards and requirements, or
hire qualified personnel and train them properly. In addition, a
liability claim against an ATA authorized test center or any
center personnel may result in unfavorable publicity for us, our
products and services and our other test centers, and could
damage our brand and reputation, whether or not the claim is
successful. While we may terminate our contracts and
relationships with our authorized test centers if any of these
events were to occur, we may not be able to identify problems or
take action quickly enough to prevent harm to our reputation.
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We may face increasing competition from international and
Chinese competitors, and may face increasing competition from
domestic rivals. If we fail to successfully compete, our
revenues and market share may decrease, and our results of
operations may be adversely affected.
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We face a number of international competitors in the Chinese and
international markets for computer-based testing services,
career-oriented educational services and test preparation
solutions. Some of these competitors have longer operating
histories, better recognized brands, larger technical staffs,
stronger relationships with our existing IT industry clients
and/or greater financial, technical and marketing resources than
we possess. There are also a number of smaller Chinese firms
that compete with us in our markets. In addition, because the
markets for the services we offer are relatively new and growing
rapidly, we anticipate that new entrants, both domestic and
international, will try to gain market share from us, some of
which may have closer relationships with Chinese educational
institutions or IT vendors. These new entrants may include
our current clients, such as Chinese governmental agencies and
educational institutions, as well as IT vendors that provide us
with course material content. In the future, competitors may
introduce new technologies, products and services that have
better performance, offer lower prices and gain broader
acceptance than our technologies, products and services. Such
new products may reduce the overall market for our products and
services.
In the computer-based testing services market, Prometric and
Pearson VUE are our main competitors. We compete with these and
other computer-based testing services providers primarily on the
basis of technology, price, management experience and
established infrastructure. In the future, as more companies
enter this market, we believe pricing may become increasingly
competitive as well. In relation to our career-oriented
educational services, we face competition from international
companies, such as Aptech Limited and NIIT Limited. Aptech
Limited operates in China primarily through its joint venture
with BeiDa Jade Bird. Although these two companies offer
IT-related courses to post-secondary educational institutions in
China, based on our market experience and client communications
we believe they do not directly compete with our products and
services. For example, these two companies design their own
course content and exams and provide passing students with their
own proprietary certifications, rather than offering course
content and certifications designed by well-known IT vendors, as
we do. Traditional Chinese test preparation material providers,
such as publishing companies, indirectly compete with our test
preparation solutions. Increased competition could cause us to
lose clients or make it
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necessary for us to reduce our prices in order to retain our
clients, which may negatively affect our revenues and results of
operations.
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We depend on our key personnel and our business may be
severely disrupted if we lose their services and are unable to
replace them.
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Our future success is dependent upon the continued services of
our key executives, as we rely on their industry experience and
expertise in our business operations. In particular, we rely
heavily on our
co-founders Kevin
Xiaofeng Ma, our chairman and chief executive officer, and
Walter Lin Wang, our president, for their business vision,
management skills, technical expertise, experience in the
testing, IT and education industries and working relationships
with many of our clients, shareholders and other participants in
the testing, IT and education industries. If either Mr. Ma
or Mr. Wang were unable or unwilling to continue in their
present positions, or if they joined a competitor or formed a
competing company in violation of their employment agreements,
we may not be able to replace them easily and our business may
be severely disrupted. We do not maintain key-man life insurance
for Mr. Ma or Mr. Wang or for any of our other
employees.
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Because competition for highly skilled employees is
intense, we may not be able to attract and retain the highly
skilled employees we need to support our planned growth.
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Due to intense market competition for highly skilled workers, we
have faced difficulties locating experienced and skilled
personnel in certain areas, such as administration, marketing,
product development, sales, finance and accounting. In
particular, we have had difficulty finding personnel with
experience in the relatively new computer-based testing services
market. We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract or
retain the key personnel that we will need to achieve our
business objectives. Even if we can find qualified candidates,
they may be subject to non-competition agreements with their
prior employers that prevent us from hiring them. In addition,
we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our current
skilled personnel. According to our contracts with our
employees, all of our employees are prohibited from engaging in
any activities that compete with our business during the period
of their employment and for two years after termination of their
employment with us. Furthermore, all employees are prohibited,
for a period of two years following termination, from soliciting
other employees to leave us and, for a period of five years
following termination, from soliciting our existing clients.
However, we may have difficulty enforcing these non-competition
and non-solicitation provisions in China because the Chinese
legal system, especially with respect to the enforcement of such
provisions, is still developing.
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Many of our contracts with governmental agencies and
public educational institutions take the form of framework
agreements and offer little contractual or legal protections,
and it may be impractical for us to pursue or obtain legal
remedies against these clients.
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Many governmental agencies and other public sector entities in
China require the use of simple framework agreements for the
procurement of products and services from us that lack many of
the detailed aspects of our business arrangement. For example,
the terms of service may lack the clarity we would normally have
in our contracts with commercial enterprises, or contract terms
to protect our intellectual property may not be as clear and
detailed as we would normally have in our contracts with
commercial enterprises. Moreover, it may not be feasible or
practicable under current Chinese law and practice for us to
take legal action against our government and public sector
clients to enforce our contractual rights. As a result, we may
lack the same contractual or legal protections, or ability to
enforce such protections, that we would normally have under the
contracts we typically enter into with our other clients.
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Unauthorized use of our intellectual property by third
parties, including infringement of our ATA brand,
and the expenses incurred in protecting our intellectual
property rights, may adversely affect our business.
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Our copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other intellectual
property are important to our success. In particular, we believe
that our ATA brand name represents a valuable asset
as we have sought to gain a reputation for high quality and
secure testing services and advanced testing technologies within
our markets. Unauthorized use of any of our intellectual
property may adversely affect our business and reputation. We
rely on trademark and copyright law, trade secret protection and
confidentiality agreements with our employees, clients, business
partners and others to protect our intellectual property rights.
Nevertheless, it may be possible for third parties to obtain and
use our intellectual property without authorization. The
unauthorized use of intellectual property is common and
widespread in China and enforcement of intellectual property
rights by Chinese regulatory agencies is inconsistent. Moreover,
litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our
intellectual property rights. Future litigation could result in
substantial costs and diversion of our managements
attention and resources, and could disrupt our business, as well
as have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and
results of operations. Given the relative unpredictability of
Chinas legal system and potential difficulties enforcing a
court judgment in China, there is no guarantee that we would be
able to halt the unauthorized use of our intellectual property
through litigation.
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We may be subject to intellectual property infringement
claims, which may force us to incur substantial legal expenses
and, if determined adversely against us, may materially disrupt
our business.
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We cannot assure you that our software and other technologies do
not or will not infringe upon patents, valid copyrights or other
intellectual property rights held by third parties. We may
become subject to legal proceedings and claims from time to time
relating to the intellectual property of others in the ordinary
course of our business. If we are found to have violated the
intellectual property rights of others, we may be enjoined from
using such intellectual property, and we may incur licensing
fees or be forced to develop alternatives. In addition, we may
incur substantial expenses, and may be forced to divert
management and other resources from our business operations, to
defend against these third-party infringement claims, regardless
of their merit. Successful infringement or licensing claims
against us may result in substantial monetary liabilities or may
materially disrupt the conduct of our business by restricting or
prohibiting our use of the intellectual property in question.
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We may be subject to liability claims for any inaccurate
or inappropriate content in our course programs, which could
cause us to incur legal costs and damage our reputation.
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For some IT vendors we license the content for our course
programs from the IT vendor, while for others we develop the
content ourselves in cooperation with IT vendors and other
subject-matter experts. We generally do not require that these
content development partners indemnify or otherwise compensate
us for inaccurate or inappropriate materials included in the
course programs. Furthermore, our agreements for delivery of our
course programs do not exclude or limit our liability for
inaccurate or inappropriate course content. Therefore, we may
face civil, administrative or criminal liability if an
individual or corporate, governmental or other entity believes
that the content of any of our course programs violates any
laws, regulations or governmental policies or infringes upon its
legal rights. Even if such a claim were not successful,
defending such a claim may cause us to incur substantial costs.
Moreover, any accusation of inaccurate or inappropriate conduct
could lead to significant negative publicity, which could harm
our reputation and future business prospects.
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Because there is limited business insurance coverage in
China, any business disruption or litigation we experience might
result in our incurring substantial costs and diverting
significant resources to handle such disruption or
litigation.
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The insurance industry in China is not fully developed.
Insurance companies in China offer limited business insurance
products. While business disruption insurance may be available
to a limited
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extent in China, we have determined that the risks of disruption
and the difficulties and costs associated with acquiring such
insurance render it commercially impractical for us to have such
insurance. As a result, we do not have any business liability,
disruption or litigation insurance coverage for our operations
in China. Any business disruption or litigation might result in
our incurring substantial costs and the diversion of resources.
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We may face difficulties implementing our acquisition
strategy, including identifying suitable opportunities and
integrating acquired businesses and assets with our existing
operations, which could interrupt our business operations or
adversely affect our results of operations.
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As part of our business strategy, we may seek to broaden our
service offerings, obtain additional clients and strengthen our
service quality by acquiring other companies or businesses.
However, our ability to implement our acquisition strategy will
depend on a number of factors, including the availability of
suitable acquisition candidates at an acceptable cost or at all,
our ability to compete effectively to attract and reach
agreement with acquisition candidates or joint venture partners
on commercially reasonable terms, and the availability of
financing to complete acquisitions or joint ventures as well as
our ability to obtain any required government approvals or
licenses. In addition, we cannot assure you that any particular
acquisition or joint venture transaction will produce the
intended benefits or synergies. For example, we may not be
successful in integrating acquisitions with our existing
operations and personnel. Moreover, the acquisitions we pursue
may require us to expend significant management and other
resources, which may result in interruption to our business
operations.
There are other risks associated with acquisitions, including:
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unforeseen or hidden liabilities, including exposure to legal
proceedings, associated with newly acquired companies; |
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failure to generate sufficient revenues to offset the costs and
expenses of acquisitions; |
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integration of the management of the acquired business into our
own; |
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potential impairment losses or amortization expenses relating to
goodwill and intangible assets arising from any of such
acquisitions, which may materially reduce our net income or
result in a net loss; |
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potential conflicts with our existing employees as a result of
our integration of newly acquired companies; and |
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possible contravention of Chinese regulations applicable to such
acquisitions. |
Furthermore, raising capital to finance acquisitions could cause
earnings or ownership dilution to your shareholding interests,
which in turn could result in losses to you. Any one or a
combination of the above risks could interrupt our business
operations and adversely affect our results of operations.
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We may need additional capital and any failure by us to
raise additional capital on terms favorable to us, or at all,
could limit our ability to grow our business and develop or
enhance our product and service offerings to respond to market
demand or competitive challenges.
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Capital requirements are difficult to plan in our rapidly
changing industry. Currently, we expect that we will need
capital to fund:
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developing and expanding our test preparation solutions business; |
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marketing costs related to enhancing our ATA brand; |
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licensing course content from IT vendors in order to expand our
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incremental costs associated with being a public company. |
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We believe that our current cash, expected future cash flows
from operations, particularly from testing services and test
preparation solutions, will be sufficient to meet our
anticipated working capital and capital expenditures for the
next 12 months and the foreseeable future beyond that
point. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to
changed business conditions or other future developments,
including any investments or acquisitions we may decide to
pursue. If our sources of liquidity are insufficient to satisfy
our cash requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or
debt securities or obtain a credit facility. The sale of
additional equity securities could result in dilution to our
shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in
increased debt service obligations and could require us to agree
to operating and financing covenants that would restrict our
operations. Our ability to obtain additional capital on
acceptable terms is subject to a variety of uncertainties,
including:
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investors perception of, and demand for, securities of
computer-based testing and education companies; |
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conditions of the U.S. and other capital markets in which we may
seek to raise funds; |
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our future results of operations and financial condition; |
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Chinese government regulation of foreign investment in China; |
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economic, political and other conditions in China; and |
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Chinese government policies relating to the borrowing and
remittance outside China of foreign currency. |
We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts
or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any failure by us to
raise additional funds on terms favorable to us, or at all,
could limit our ability to grow our business and develop or
enhance our product and service offerings to respond to market
demand or competitive challenges.
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Our independent registered public accounting firm, in the
course of auditing our consolidated financial statements, noted
material weaknesses in our internal control over financial
reporting. If we fail to establish an effective system of
internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to
accurately and timely report our financial results or detect or
prevent fraud. In addition, investor confidence in us and the
market price of our ADSs may be adversely impacted if we find
that, or our independent registered public accounting firm
reports that, our internal control over financial reporting is
ineffective in accordance with the requirements of
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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We will be subject to reporting obligations under the
U.S. securities laws. The Securities and Exchange
Commission, or the SEC, as required by Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, or the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act,
adopted rules requiring every public company to include a
management report on such companys internal control over
financial reporting in its annual report, which contains
managements assessment of the effectiveness of the
companys internal control over financial reporting. In
addition, an independent registered public accounting firm must
report on our internal control over financial reporting. These
requirements will first apply to our annual report on
Form 20-F for the
fiscal year ending on March 31, 2009. Our management may
conclude that our internal control over our financial reporting
is not effective. Moreover, even if our management concludes
that our internal control over financial reporting is effective,
our independent registered public accounting firm may report
that our internal control over financial reporting is not
effective.
Our reporting obligations as a public company will place a
significant strain on our management, operational and financial
resources and systems for the foreseeable future. Prior to this
offering, we have been a private company with limited accounting
and other resources with which to adequately address our
internal controls and procedures. In connection with the audit
of our prior consolidated financial statements (not included in
this prospectus), our independent registered public accounting
firm informed us that we lacked sufficient personnel with the
appropriate level of accounting knowledge, experience and
training in the application of U.S. GAAP, which deficiency
amounted to a material weakness as defined
20
under the standards established by the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board. In response to this material weakness and other
internal control deficiencies previously reported to us by our
independent registered public accounting firm we undertook
certain remedial steps to improve our internal controls. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Internal
Controls Over Financial Reporting.
Despite these efforts, in connection with the audit of our
consolidated financial statements for the years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007, our independent registered public
accounting firm reported to us that we had two material
weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting.
One of the material weaknesses communicated to us was our
inability to provide objectively verifiable evidence to apply
cash collections against our accounts receivable balance
following the implementation of a new operational system in
December 2006. These cash collections were initially incorrectly
recorded as deferred revenue, resulting in an audit adjustment
to remove the overstatement of both accounts receivable and
deferred revenue by RMB6.4 million as of March 31,
2007. The second material weakness communicated to us was our
continuing lack of sufficient personnel with an appropriate
level of accounting knowledge, experience and training in the
application of U.S. GAAP. As a result of this material
weakness, the following audit adjustments to our consolidated
financial statements for the years ended March 31, 2006 and
2007 were required by our independent registered public
accounting firm to be recorded by us: (1) adjustments to
recognize additional revenue of RMB14.3 million and
RMB2.2 million for the years ended March 31, 2006 and
2007, respectively, due to our initial inappropriate application
of our revenue recognition policy; (2) an adjustment to
charge to expense RMB9.2 million for the year ended
March 31, 2007 due to the initial incorrect deferral of
certain costs relating to our planned initial public offering
that do not qualify for deferral; (3) adjustments to charge
to expense RMB4.1 million and RMB2.5 million for the
years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, due to
the initial improper recognition of share-based compensation;
(4) adjustments to increase the income tax benefit by
RMB0.5 million and RMB1.8 million for the years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, due to the improper
amount of valuation allowance initially recorded on deferred
income tax assets; (5) an adjustment of
RMB13.9 million to increase the net loss applicable to
common shareholders for the year ended March 31, 2006 due
to an error in the initial recording of the accretion of
redeemable convertible preferred shares to redemption value; and
(6) an adjustment to increase net loss for the year ended
March 31, 2006 by RMB22.4 million due to an error in the
initial recording of the extension of common share warrant.
Certain of these errors also impacted, and required us to make
adjustments to, our consolidated financial statements for
periods prior to our fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
Our independent registered public accounting firm also
communicated to us other deficiencies in our internal control
over financial reporting that required improvement. These
deficiencies included (1) insufficient training of our
newly adopted accounting system, resulting in various accounting
errors; (2) lack of physical control over inventory items
resulting from non-sequential numbering of goods delivery and
receipt; (3) lack of performance review for obsolete
inventory information; (4) insufficient management review
and authorization of employee bonuses; (5) lack of
accountability of recorded transactions resulting from
insufficient documentation for client acceptance of goods and
services received; (6) lack of sufficient reconciliation of
bank account information; (7) lack of management review and
authorization of classification and recording of certain
expenses; (8) insufficient performance review for
information on collectibility of accounts receivable; and
(9) insufficient management review and authorization of
applicability of value-added tax and business tax.
If we fail to timely establish and maintain internal controls,
we may not be able to conclude that we have effective internal
control over financial reporting. Moreover, effective internal
control over financial reporting are necessary for us to produce
reliable financial reports and are important to help prevent
fraud. As a result, our failure to achieve and maintain
effective internal controls over financial reporting could
result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of
our financial statements, which in turn could harm our business
and negatively impact the trading price of our ADSs.
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Compliance with rules and requirements applicable to
public companies may cause us to incur increased costs, and any
failure by us to comply with such rules and requirements could
negatively affect investor confidence in us and cause the market
price of our ADSs to decline.
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As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting
and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company.
In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules
subsequently implemented by the SEC and Nasdaq, have required
changes in corporate governance practices of public companies.
We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal,
accounting and financial compliance costs and to make certain
corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. Complying
with these rules and requirements may be especially difficult
and costly for us because we may have difficulty locating
sufficient personnel in China with experience and expertise
relating to U.S. GAAP and U.S. public-company
reporting requirements, and such personnel may command high
salaries relative to what similarly experienced personnel would
command in the United States. If we cannot employ sufficient
personnel to ensure compliance with these rules and regulations,
we may need to rely more on outside legal, accounting and
financial experts, which may be very costly. In addition, we
will incur additional costs associated with our public company
reporting requirements. We cannot predict or estimate the amount
of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.
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We may become a passive foreign investment company, or
PFIC, which could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences
to U.S. investors.
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Depending upon the value of our shares and ADSs and the nature
of our assets and income over time, we could be classified as a
PFIC by the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. Based on assumptions as
to our projections of the value of our outstanding shares during
the taxable year, which runs from January to December, and our
use of the proceeds of the initial public offering of our ADSs
or shares and of the other cash that we will hold and generate
in the ordinary course of our business throughout taxable year
2008, we do not expect to be a PFIC for the taxable year 2008.
However, we cannot assure you that we will not be a PFIC for the
taxable year 2008 and/or later taxable years, as PFIC status is
tested each year and depends on our assets and income in such
year. Our PFIC status for the current taxable year 2008 will not
be determinable until the close of the taxable year ending
December 31, 2008.
We will be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year if either:
(1) the average percentage value of our gross assets during
the taxable year that produce passive income or are held for the
production of passive income is at least 50% of the value of our
total gross assets or (2) 7% or more of our gross income
for the taxable year is passive income. In particular, in
determining the average percentage value of our gross assets,
the aggregate value of our assets will generally be deemed to be
equal to our market capitalization (determined by the sum of the
aggregate value of our outstanding equity) plus our liabilities.
Additionally, our goodwill (determined by the sum of our market
capitalization plus liabilities, less the value of known assets)
should be treated as a non-passive asset. Therefore, a drop in
the market price of our ADSs and associated decrease in the
value of our goodwill would cause a reduction in the value of
our non-passive assets for purposes of the asset test.
Accordingly, we would likely become a PFIC if our market
capitalization were to decrease significantly while we hold
substantial cash or cash equivalents.
If we were classified as a PFIC in any taxable year in which you
hold our ADSs or shares and you are a U.S. holder, you
would generally be taxed at higher ordinary income rates, rather
than lower capital gain rates, if you dispose of ADSs or shares
for a gain in a later year, even if we are not a PFIC in that
year. In addition, a portion of the tax imposed on your gain
would be increased by an interest charge. Moreover, if we were
classified as a PFIC in any taxable year, you would not be able
to benefit from any preferential tax rate with respect to any
dividend distribution that you may receive from us in that year
or in the following year. Finally, you would also be subject to
special U.S. tax reporting requirements. For more information on
the United States federal income tax consequences to you that
would result from our classification as a PFIC, please see
Taxation United States Federal Income
Taxation U.S. Holders Status as a
PFIC.
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Risks Relating to Regulation of Our Business
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Changes to Chinese government regulation of, or policies
relating to, tuition fees may have a material and adverse effect
on our business and results of operations.
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During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 and
the six months ended September 30, 2007, 50.9%, 50.4% and
27.4%, respectively, of our total net revenues came from license
fees charged to vocational schools and other educational
institutions in China for our career-oriented test-based
educational services. We receive license fees for our
educational services on a per-student basis. If the tuition fees
chargeable by our educational institution clients were to
decline, we may have difficulty maintaining or raising the
per-student fees we charge for our educational services. As
tuition fees are heavily regulated in China, any change in
policy lowering or eliminating tuition fees chargeable by
vocational schools or other educational institutions may have a
negative impact on our pricing power and revenues generated from
the license of our educational services. The Chinese government
has tightened controls on tuition and other fees collected by
certain types of educational institutions in China. While this
has not had a noticeable impact on tuition fees chargeable for
courses taught using our educational services, in the future
there may be changes to Chinese policies and regulations
regarding tuition fees that will have a negative impact on our
business and results of operations.
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Changes to preferential policies adopted by the Chinese
government related to vocational education may negatively affect
our business and results of operations.
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The Chinese government has adopted preferential policies for the
development of vocational schools in China, including The
Decision to Enhance the Promotion of the Reform and Development
of Vocational Education and The Decision to Enhance
the Development of Vocational Education published by the
State Council in September 2002 and October 2005, respectively.
These decisions require all levels of government in China to
intensify their support for vocational education and to
gradually increase the financial resources that local and
provincial governments allocate to vocational education. We
believe that these governmental policies have encouraged clients
to purchase our services and increased the funding available for
purchasing our course programs. If these preferential policies
were to be reduced or eliminated, it may negatively affect our
business and results of operations.
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Substantial uncertainties and restrictions exist with
respect to the application and implementation of Chinese laws
and regulations relating to Internet content distribution. If
the Chinese government finds that the structure for our online
test preparation services and other services we provide through
the Internet do not comply with Chinese laws and regulations, we
could be subject to penalties and may not be able to continue
those businesses.
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The Chinese government regulates Internet access, the
distribution of online information, the conduct of online
commerce and the provision of online services through strict
business licensing requirements and other government
regulations. These laws and regulations also include limitations
on foreign ownership of Chinese companies that provide Internet
content. Specifically, foreign investors are not allowed to own
more than a 50% equity interest in any Chinese company engaging
in Internet content provision.
Because we are a Cayman Islands company, we and our Chinese
subsidiaries and their branch companies in China are treated as
foreign or foreign-invested enterprises under Chinese laws and
regulations. To comply with Chinese laws and regulations, we
conduct our online businesses in China through a series of
contractual arrangements entered into among us, ATA Learning and
ATA Online, which is a domestic Chinese company incorporated in
the PRC and owned by Kevin Xiaofeng Ma, our co-founder, chairman
and chief executive officer and Walter Lin Wang, our co-founder,
director and president. Our contractual arrangements with ATA
Online include a technical support agreement and a strategic
consulting service agreement. These contractual arrangements
also include an equity pledge agreement entered into with each
of the shareholders of ATA Online and a call option and
cooperation agreement entered into with ATA Online and its
shareholders. Under recently issued PRC law, a pledge of
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equity interests can only be valid after such pledge is
registered at the relevant agency. However, we are not aware
that any application for registration of an equity pledge has
been processed by the local administration for industry and
commerce in Beijing due to the lack of registration procedures,
and we have therefore not yet registered our equity pledge over
ATA Onlines equity. ATA Online intends to register the
equity pledge once the local registration authority implements
registration procedures.
ATA Online holds a Telecommunications and Information Services
Operating License, or ICP license, issued by the Beijing
Telecommunications Administration Bureau, a local branch of the
Ministry of Information Industry, or MII, which allows ATA
Online to provide Internet content distribution services. This
license is essential to the operation of our online test
preparation services business which accounted for 2.1% of our
total net revenues for the six months ended September 30,
2007.
The relevant Chinese regulatory authorities have broad
discretion in determining whether a particular contractual
structure is in violation of Chinese law. On July 26, 2006,
MII publicly released the Notice on Strengthening the
Administration of Foreign Investment in Operating Value-added
Telecom Business, dated July 13, 2006, or the MII Notice,
which reiterates certain provisions under the 2002
Administrative Rules on Foreign-Invested Telecommunications
Enterprises prohibiting, among other things, the renting,
transferring or sale of a telecommunications license to foreign
investors in any form. There is currently no official
interpretation or implementation practice under the MII Notice.
It remains uncertain how the MII Notice will be enforced and
whether or to what extent the MII Notice may affect the legality
of the corporate and contractual structures adopted by
foreign-invested Internet companies that operate in China, such
as ours. We have made inquiries with officials at MII but have
not yet been able to obtain a definitive answer regarding
implementation of the MII Notice and any implications on the
legality of our corporate and contractual structures. If our
ATA Online corporate and contractual structure is deemed by
MII to be illegal, either in whole or in part, we may have to
modify such structure to comply with regulatory requirements.
However, we cannot assure you that we can achieve this without
material disruption to our business. Further, if our ATA Online
corporate and contractual structure is found to be in violation
of any existing or future Chinese laws or regulations, the
relevant regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in
dealing with such violations, including:
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revoking our business and operating licenses; |
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levying fines on us; |
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confiscating any of our income that they deem to be obtained
through illegal operations; |
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shutting down a portion or all of our servers or blocking a
portion or all of our web site; |
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discontinuing or restricting our operations in China; |
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imposing conditions or requirements with which we may not be
able to comply; |
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requiring us to restructure our corporate and contractual
structure; |
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restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds from this
offering to finance ATA Onlines business and
operations; and |
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taking other regulatory or enforcement actions that could be
harmful to our business. |
Realization of any of these events could materially and
adversely affect our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
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Our contractual arrangements with ATA Online may be
subject to scrutiny by the Chinese tax authorities and create a
potential double layer of taxation for our revenue-generating
services conducted by ATA Online.
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We could face material and adverse tax consequences if the
Chinese tax authorities determine that our contractual
arrangements with ATA Online were not priced at arms
length for purposes of determining tax liability. If the Chinese
tax authorities determine that these contracts were not entered
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into on an arms-length basis, they may adjust our income
and expenses for Chinese tax purposes in the form of a transfer
pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could result
in a reduction, for Chinese tax purposes, of deductions recorded
by ATA Online, which could adversely affect us by increasing the
tax liabilities of ATA Online. This increased tax liability
could further result in late payment fees and other penalties to
ATA Online for underpaid taxes. Any payments we make under these
arrangements or adjustments in payments under these arrangements
that we may decide to make in the future will be subject to the
same risk.
To date, no specific prices for the services to be performed by
ATA Testing under the contractual arrangements have been set, no
such services have been performed, and no payments have been
invoiced or made under any of the contracts between ATA Testing
and ATA Online. Prices for such services will be set
prospectively and therefore we do not currently have a basis to
believe that any of the payments to be made under the contracts
will or will not be considered arms length for purposes of
determining tax liability. Prior to setting prices and terms
under the contracts, we intend to engage a third party to review
any proposed prices and terms to determine whether they would
qualify as arms-length.
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Our contractual arrangements with ATA Online and its
shareholders do not provide us with ownership interest in ATA
Online. If ATA Online or its shareholders fail to perform their
respective obligations under these contractual arrangements, we
may have to legally enforce such arrangements and our business,
financial condition and results of operations may be materially
and adversely affected if these arrangements cannot be
enforced.
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We rely on contractual arrangements with ATA Online and its
shareholders for operating, and for receiving the economic
benefits from, our online test preparation services. However,
these contractual arrangements do not provide us with ownership
interest in ATA Online.
These contractual arrangements are governed by Chinese or Hong
Kong law and provide for the resolution of disputes through
arbitration in the PRC. Accordingly, these contracts would be
interpreted in accordance with Chinese or Hong Kong law and any
disputes would be resolved in accordance with Chinese or Hong
Kong legal procedures. If ATA Online or its shareholders fail to
perform their respective obligations under these contractual
arrangements, we may have to (i) incur substantial costs
and resources to enforce such arrangements, and (ii) rely
on legal remedies under Chinese or Hong Kong law, including
seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming
damages, which we cannot be sure would be effective. For
example, if Kevin Xiaofeng Ma were to terminate his employment
with us, he would be obligated pursuant to these contractual
arrangements to transfer his share ownership in ATA Online to us
or our designee. If he were to refuse to effect such a transfer,
or if he were otherwise to act in bad faith toward us, then we
may have to take legal action to compel him to fulfill his
contractual obligations. However, the legal environment in the
PRC is not as developed as in the United States and
uncertainties in the Chinese legal system could limit our
ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. In the event
that we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements,
our business, financial condition and results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected.
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The shareholders of ATA Online may have potential
conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and
adversely affect our business and financial condition.
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The shareholders of ATA Online, Kevin Xiaofeng Ma and Walter Lin
Wang, are also beneficial holders of our common shares. They are
also directors of both ATA Online and our company. Conflicts of
interests between their dual roles as shareholders and directors
of both ATA Online and our company may arise. We cannot assure
you that when conflicts of interest arise, any or all of these
individuals will act in the best interests of our company or
that conflicts of interests will be resolved in our favor. In
addition, these individuals may breach or cause ATA Online to
breach or refuse to renew the existing contractual arrangements
that allow us to receive economic benefits from ATA Online.
Currently, we do not have existing arrangements to address
potential conflicts of interest between these individuals and
our company. We rely on these individuals to abide by the laws
of the Cayman Islands and China, both of which provide that
directors owe a fiduciary duty to the company, which requires
them to act in good faith and in the
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best interests of the company and not to use their positions for
personal gain. If we cannot resolve any conflicts of interest or
disputes between us and the shareholders of ATA Online, we would
have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in
disruption of our business and substantial uncertainty as to the
outcome of any such legal proceedings.
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We may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by
ATA Online that are important to the operation of our business
if ATA Online goes bankrupt or becomes subject to a dissolution
or liquidation proceeding.
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To comply with PRC laws and regulations relating to foreign
ownership restrictions in the Internet content distribution
businesses, we currently conduct our operations in China through
contractual arrangements with ATA Online. As part of these
arrangements, ATA Online holds certain of the assets that are
important to the operation of our online test preparation
business. If ATA Online goes bankrupt and all or part of its
assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party
creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our
online test preparation business operations, which could
materially and adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations. If ATA Online undergoes a
voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, its
shareholders or unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights
to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to
operate our online test preparation business, which could
materially and adversely affect our business, financial
condition and result of operations.
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If the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, or
another PRC regulatory agency determines that CSRC approval is
required in connection with this offering, this offering may be
delayed or cancelled, or we may become subject to
penalties.
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On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including
the CSRC, promulgated the Provisions Regarding Mergers and
Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or
the M&A Rule, which became effective on September 8,
2006. The M&A Rule, among other things, requires that an
offshore company controlled by PRC companies or individuals that
has acquired a PRC domestic company for the purpose of listing
the PRC domestic companys equity interest on an overseas
stock exchange must obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the
listing and trading of such offshore companys securities
on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006 the
CSRC, pursuant to the M&A Rule, published on its official
web site procedures specifying documents and materials required
to be submitted to it by offshore companies seeking CSRC
approval of their overseas listings.
In the opinion of our PRC counsel, Jincheng & Tongda
Law Firm, CSRC approval is not required for this offering
because the CSRC approval required under the M&A Rule only
applies to an offshore company that has acquired a domestic PRC
company for the purpose of listing the domestic PRC
companys equity interest on an overseas stock exchange,
while (i) we obtained our equity interest in each of our
PRC subsidiaries by means of direct investment other than by
acquisition of the equity or assets of a PRC domestic company
and (ii) our contractual arrangements with ATA Online do
not constitute the acquisition of ATA Online. However, if the
CSRC or another PRC governmental agency subsequently determines
that we must obtain CSRC approval prior to the completion of
this offering, this offering will be delayed until we obtain
CSRC approval, which may take many months. If during or
following our offering it is determined that CSRC approval is
required, we may face regulatory actions or other sanctions from
the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory
agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in
China, limit our operating privileges in China, delay or
restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from this offering
into China, or take other actions that could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading
price of our ADSs. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies
also may take actions requiring us, or making it advisable for
us, to halt this offering before settlement and delivery of the
ADSs offered hereby. Consequently, if you engage in market
trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to
settlement and delivery, you do so at the risk that settlement
and delivery may not occur.
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The M&A Rule establishes more complex procedures for
some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors,
which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth
through acquisitions in China.
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The M&A Rule establishes additional procedures and
requirements that could make some acquisitions of Chinese
companies by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex,
including requirements in some instances that the Ministry of
Commerce be notified in advance of any change-of-control
transaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a
Chinese domestic enterprise. In the future, we may grow our
business in part by acquiring complementary businesses, although
we do not have any plans to do so at this time. Complying with
the requirements of the M&A Rule to complete such
transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval
processes, including obtaining approval from the Ministry of
Commerce, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such
transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our
business or maintain our market share.
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Because we rely principally on dividends and other
distributions on equity paid by our current and future Chinese
subsidiaries for our cash requirements, restrictions under
Chinese law on their ability to make such payments could
materially and adversely affect our ability to grow, make
investments or acquisitions that could benefit our business, pay
dividends to you, and otherwise fund and conduct our
businesses.
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We have adopted a holding company structure, and our holding
companies rely principally on dividends and other distributions
on equity paid by our current and future Chinese subsidiaries
for their cash requirements, including the funds necessary to
service any debt we may incur or financing we may need for
operations other than through our Chinese subsidiaries. Chinese
legal restrictions permit payments of dividends by our Chinese
subsidiaries only out of their accumulated after-tax profits, if
any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards
and regulations. Our Chinese subsidiaries are also required
under Chinese laws and regulations to allocate at least 10% of
their after-tax profits determined in accordance with PRC GAAP
to statutory reserves until such reserves reach 50% of the
companys registered capital. Allocations to these
statutory reserves and funds can only be used for specific
purposes and are not transferable to us in the form of loans,
advances or cash dividends. As of March 31, 2007, our
Chinese subsidiaries had not allocated anything to these
reserves and funds because both of our Chinese subsidiaries have
cumulative deficits under PRC GAAP. The total amount of our
restricted net assets was RMB39.8 million
($5.3 million) as of March 31, 2007. Any limitations
on the ability of our Chinese subsidiaries to transfer funds to
us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow,
make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our
business, pay dividends and otherwise fund and conduct our
business.
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The discontinuation of any of the preferential tax
treatments currently enjoyed by our subsidiaries in the PRC
could materially increase our tax obligations.
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Under the old PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law for Foreign-Invested
Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises, effective until
December 31, 2007, our Chinese subsidiaries, ATA Testing
and ATA Learning, had been granted preferential tax treatment by
local and national Chinese tax authorities. For example, as
foreign-invested productive enterprises and new technology
enterprises formed in the Zhongguancun Science Park, a
high-technology zone in Beijing, ATA Testing and
ATA Learning were given tax incentives that have the effect
of (i) exempting them from enterprise income tax for their
first three tax years following establishment;
(ii) providing them a reduced enterprise income tax rate of
7.5% for the fourth through sixth tax years following
establishment; and (iii) providing them a preferential
enterprise income tax rate of 15% for tax years thereafter. ATA
Testing, established in 1999, enjoyed a preferential enterprise
income tax rate of 15% for the taxable year 2007, while ATA
Learning was exempted from enterprise income tax for the tax
years 2003, 2004 and 2005 and enjoyed a 7.5% enterprise income
tax rate for the tax years 2006 and 2007.
In March 2007, the National Peoples Congress of China
enacted a new Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the New EIT Law, and
in December 2007, the State Council promulgated the implementing
rules
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of the New EIT Law, both of which became effective on
January 1, 2008. The New EIT Law significantly curtails tax
incentives granted to foreign-invested enterprises under the
previous tax law. The New EIT Law, however, (i) reduces the
top rate of enterprise income tax from 33% to 25%,
(ii) permits companies to continue to enjoy their existing
tax incentives, subject to certain transitional phase-out rules,
and (iii) introduces new tax incentives, subject to various
qualification criteria. Under the phase-out rules, ATA Testing
is expected to be subject to a reduced 18% enterprise income tax
rate for the taxable year 2008, a 20% rate for 2009, a 22% rate
for 2010, a 24% rate for 2011, and a normal 25% rate from 2012
onwards. ATA Learning is expected to be subject to a reduced
7.5% enterprise income tax rate for the taxable year 2008, and
the same tax rates as those applicable to ATA Testing from 2009
onwards. The New EIT Law and its implementing rules permit
certain high-technology enterprises to enjoy a
reduced 15% enterprise income tax rate, although they do not
specify the qualification criteria. Pending promulgation of
detailed qualification criteria, we cannot assure you that ATA
Testing or ATA Learning will qualify as high-technology
enterprises under the New EIT Law. See Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Taxation. In addition, national PRC
tax authorities have indicated that preferential tax treatment
granted to companies registered in high-technology zones, such
as the Zhongguancun Science Park, should only apply if a
beneficiary companys operations are located within the
high-technology zone. From their inception, the main offices of
ATA Testing and ATA Learning and their employees have been
located outside of the Zhongguancun Science Park. However, to
date, the PRC tax authorities have not indicated, through their
periodic audits or otherwise, that our PRC subsidiaries are
ineligible for their preferential tax treatments. In the event
the preferential tax treatment for any of ATA Testing or ATA
Learning is discontinued, or if ATA Online is not granted or
loses preferential tax treatment, the affected entity will
become subject to the standard PRC enterprise income tax rate.
We cannot assure you that the local tax authorities will not, in
the future, change their position and discontinue any of our
preferential tax treatments, potentially with retroactive
effect. The discontinuation of any of our preferential tax
treatments could materially increase our tax obligations.
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Under Chinas new EIT Law, we may be classified as a
resident enterprise of China. Such classification
would likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to
us.
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Under the New EIT Law, an enterprise established outside of
China with de facto management bodies within China
is considered a PRC resident enterprise and will normally be
subject to enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on its
global income. The implementing rules of the New EIT Law
define de facto management as substantial and overall
management and control over the production and operations,
personnel, accounting, and properties. Currently no
further interpretation or application of the New EIT Law and its
implementing rules is available, therefore it is unclear how tax
authorities will determine tax residency based on the facts of
each case. If Chinese tax authorities determine that our
ultimate holding company is a PRC resident enterprise, we may be
subject to enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on our
global income. We are actively monitoring the possibility of
resident enterprise treatment for the 2008 tax year
and are evaluating appropriate organizational changes to avoid
this treatment, to the extent possible.
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Chinese regulation of loans and direct investments by
offshore holding companies or their Chinese subsidiaries or
affiliates may restrict our ability to use the proceeds of this
offering as planned and our ability to execute our business
strategy.
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In order to use our net proceeds from this offering in the
manner as described under Use of Proceeds, we must
invest the funds in our Chinese subsidiaries, through loans or
capital contributions, and in our affiliated PRC entity, ATA
Online, through loans. Under applicable Chinese laws, any loan
made by us to ATA Testing or ATA Learning, both of which are
foreign-invested enterprises, cannot exceed statutory limits
tied to each companys registered capital and total
investment as approved by the Ministry of Commerce or its local
counterpart, and all such loans must be registered with
Chinas State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE,
or its local counterpart. Loans by us to ATA Online, as a
domestic PRC enterprise, must be approved by the relevant
government authority and must also be
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registered with SAFE. We may also decide to finance ATA Testing
or ATA Learning by increasing their registered capital through
capital contributions. The Ministry of Commerce or its local
counterpart must approve any capital contributions to ATA
Testing or ATA Learning.
A failure by us to obtain the necessary government approvals or
complete any required registrations for a capital contribution,
an increase in approved total investment or a loan on a timely
basis, may restrict our ability to use the proceeds of this
offering as planned and our ability to execute our business
strategy.
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A failure by our shareholders who are Chinese citizens or
resident in China to comply with regulations issued by SAFE
could restrict our ability to distribute profits, restrict our
overseas and
cross-border investment
activities or subject us to liability under Chinese laws, which
could adversely affect our business and prospects.
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In October 2005, SAFE, issued the Notice on Issues Relating to
the Administration of Foreign Exchange in Fund-raising and
Return Investment Activities of Domestic Residents Conducted via
Offshore Special Purpose Companies, or Notice 75, which became
effective as of November 1, 2005. Notice 75 states
that Chinese residents must register with the relevant local
SAFE branch in connection with their establishment or control of
an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas
equity financing involving a round-trip investment whereby the
offshore entity acquires or controls onshore assets or equity
interests held by the Chinese residents.
Our shareholders who are Chinese residents did not establish our
offshore companies as part of a round-trip investment to acquire
or control through our offshore companies onshore assets or
equity interests originally held by such Chinese resident
shareholders. Nevertheless, in order to ensure that we remain in
full compliance with all Chinese foreign exchange-related
regulations, in 2006 our Chinese resident shareholders applied
for registration with the Beijing branch of SAFE under Notice
75, but were orally informed that the application could not be
accepted because Notice 75 does not apply to them. On
May 29, 2007, SAFE issued the Notice of Operation Guidance
for Notice 75, or Notice 106, according to which
Chinese resident shareholders in an offshore company which has
at least two years operating history and has made investment in
China can apply for registration under Notice 75. There is
no deadline for such registration. We have urged our Chinese
resident shareholders to register under Notice 75 and they are
preparing for such application. However, we cannot assure you
that the application will be accepted by SAFE. Failure by such
shareholders to comply with Notice 75 could subject us to fines
or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border
investment activities, limit our subsidiaries ability to
make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership
structure, which could adversely affect our business and
prospects. See Risks Relating to Regulation of Our
Business Because we rely principally on dividends
and other distributions on equity paid by our current and future
Chinese subsidiaries for our cash requirements, restrictions
under Chinese law on their ability to make such payments could
materially and adversely affect our ability to grow, make
investments or acquisitions that could benefit our business, pay
dividends to you, and otherwise fund and conduct our
businesses.
Risks Relating to the Peoples Republic of China
Substantially all of our operations are conducted in China.
Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects are subject, to a significant extent,
to economic, political and legal developments in China.
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Chinese economic, political and social conditions, as well
as changes in any government policies, laws and regulations,
could adversely affect the overall economy in China or the
prospects of the industries in which we operate, which in turn
could reduce our net revenues.
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The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed
countries in many respects, including the amount of government
involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of
foreign exchange and allocation of resources. While the Chinese
economy has experienced significant growth in
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the past two to three decades, growth has been uneven, both
geographically and among various sectors of the economy. Demand
for our products and services depends, in large part, on
economic conditions in China. Any slowdown in Chinas
economic growth may cause potential clients to delay or cancel
computer-based testing and IT and vocational education projects,
which in turn could reduce our net revenues.
Although the Chinese economy has been transitioning from a
planned economy to a more market-oriented economy since the late
1970s, 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 Chinas economic growth through the allocation
of resources, controlling the incurrence and payment of foreign
currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and
providing preferential treatment to particular industries or
companies. Changes in any of these policies, laws and
regulations could adversely affect the overall economy in China
or the prospects of the industries in which we operate, which
could harm our business.
The Chinese government has implemented various measures to
encourage foreign investment and sustainable economic growth and
to guide the allocation of financial and other resources, which
have for the most part had a positive effect on our business and
growth. However, we cannot assure you that the Chinese
government will not repeal or alter these measures or introduce
new measures that will have a negative effect on us.
Chinas social and political conditions are also not as
stable as those of the United States and other developed
countries. Any sudden changes to Chinas political system
or the occurrence of widespread social unrest could have
negative effects on our business and results of operations. In
addition, China has contentious relations with some of its
neighbors, most notably Taiwan. A significant further
deterioration in such relations could have negative effects on
the Chinese economy and lead to changes in governmental policies
that would be adverse to our business interests.
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The Chinese legal system embodies uncertainties that could
limit the legal protections available to you and us.
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Unlike common law systems, the Chinese legal system is based on
written statutes and decided legal cases have little
precedential value. In 1979, the Chinese government began to
promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations
governing economic matters in general. The overall effect of
legislation since then has been to significantly enhance the
protections afforded to various forms of foreign investment in
China. Our Chinese operating subsidiaries, ATA Testing and ATA
Learning, are wholly foreign-owned enterprises, which are
enterprises incorporated in China and wholly owned by foreign
investors, and both are subject to laws and regulations
applicable to foreign investment in China in general and laws
and regulations applicable to wholly foreign-owned enterprises
in particular. Our affiliated entity, ATA Online, is subject to
laws and regulations governing the formation and conduct of
domestic PRC companies. Relevant Chinese laws, regulations and
legal requirements may change frequently, and their
interpretation and enforcement involve uncertainties. For
example, we may have to resort to administrative and court
proceedings to enforce the legal protection that we enjoy either
by law or contract. However, since Chinese administrative and
court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting
and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more
difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court
proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in
more developed legal systems. Such uncertainties, including the
inability to enforce our contracts and intellectual property
rights, could materially and adversely affect our business and
operations. In addition, confidentiality protections in China
may not be as effective as in the United States or other
countries. Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect of future
developments in the Chinese legal system, particularly with
regard to the computer-based testing services sectors, including
the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the
interpretation or enforcement thereof, or the preemption of
local regulations by national laws. These uncertainties could
limit the legal protections available to us and other foreign
investors, including you.
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Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to
utilize our revenues effectively and the ability of our Chinese
subsidiaries to obtain financing.
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A substantial majority of our revenues and operating expenses
are denominated in Renminbi. Restrictions on currency exchange
imposed by the Chinese government may limit our ability to
utilize revenues generated in Renminbi to fund our business
activities outside China, if any, or expenditures denominated in
foreign currencies. Under current Chinese regulations, Renminbi
may be freely converted into foreign currency for payments
relating to current account transactions, which
include among other things dividend payments and payments for
the import of goods and services, by complying with certain
procedural requirements. Our Chinese subsidiaries may also
retain foreign exchange in their respective current account bank
accounts, subject to a cap set by SAFE or its local counterpart,
for use in payment of international current account
transactions. Although the Renminbi has been fully convertible
for current account transactions since 1996, we cannot assure
you that the relevant Chinese government authorities will not
limit or eliminate our ability to purchase and retain foreign
currencies for current account transactions in the future.
Conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, and of foreign
currencies into Renminbi, for payments relating to capital
account transactions, which principally include
investments and loans, generally requires the approval of SAFE
and other relevant Chinese governmental authorities.
Restrictions on the convertibility of the Renminbi for capital
account transactions could affect the ability of our Chinese
subsidiaries to make investments overseas or to obtain foreign
exchange through debt or equity financing, including by means of
loans or capital contributions from us.
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Fluctuations in exchange rates could result in foreign
currency exchange losses.
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Because substantially all of our revenues and expenditures are
denominated in Renminbi and the net proceeds from this offering
will be denominated in U.S. dollars, fluctuations in the
exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Renminbi will
affect the relative purchasing power of these proceeds and our
balance sheet and earnings per share in U.S. dollars
following this offering. In addition, appreciation or
depreciation in the value of the Renminbi relative to the
U.S. dollar would affect our financial results reported in
U.S. dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying
change in our business or results of operations. Fluctuations in
the exchange rate will also affect the relative value of any
dividend we issue after this offering that will be exchanged
into U.S. dollars and earnings from and the value of any
U.S. dollar-denominated investments we make in the future.
Since July 2005, the Renminbi has no longer been pegged to the
U.S. dollar. Although currently the Renminbi exchange rate
versus the U.S. dollar is restricted to a rise or fall of
no more than 0.5% per day and the Peoples Bank of
China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to
prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange
rate, the Renminbi may appreciate or depreciate significantly in
value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term.
Moreover, it is possible that in the future Chinese authorities
may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the Renminbi exchange
rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Very limited hedging transactions are available in China to
reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we
have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to
reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we
may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the
availability and effectiveness of these hedging transactions may
be limited and we may not be able to successfully hedge our
exposure at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may
be magnified by Chinese exchange control regulations that
restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency.
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Any future outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome
or avian flu in China, or similar adverse public health
developments, may disrupt our business and operations.
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Our business and operations could be materially and adversely
affected by the outbreak of avian influenza, severe acute
respiratory syndrome, or SARS, or other similar adverse public
health development. In recent years, there have been reports on
the occurrences of avian influenza in various parts of China
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and neighboring countries, including a few confirmed human
cases. Any prolonged recurrence of an adverse public health
development may result in health or other government authorities
requiring the closure of our offices or the offices of our
clients, or the cancellation of exams or classes to avoid
students and others from congregating in closed spaces. Such
occurrences would disrupt our business operations and adversely
affect our results of operations. We have not adopted any
written preventive measures or contingency plans to combat any
future outbreak of avian flu, SARS or any other epidemic.
Risks Relating to This Offering
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An active trading market for our ADSs may not develop and
the trading price for our ADSs may fluctuate
significantly.
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Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our
ADSs or our common shares underlying the ADSs. If an active
public market for our ADSs does not develop after this offering,
the market price and liquidity of our ADSs may be adversely
affected. We have applied to list our ADSs on the Nasdaq Global
Market. We can provide no assurances that a liquid public market
for our ADSs will develop. The initial public offering price for
our ADSs will be determined by negotiation between us and the
underwriters based upon several factors, and we can provide no
assurance that the price at which the ADSs are traded after this
offering will not decline below the initial public offering
price. As a result, investors in our securities may experience a
decrease in the value of their ADSs regardless of our operating
performance or prospects. In the past, following periods of
volatility in the market price of a companys securities,
shareholders have often instituted securities class action
litigation against that company. If we were involved in a class
action suit, it could divert the attention of senior management,
and, if adversely determined, could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
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Stock prices of companies with business operations
primarily in China have fluctuated widely in recent years, and
the trading prices of our ADSs are likely to be volatile, which
could result in substantial losses to investors.
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The trading prices of our ADSs are likely to be volatile and
could fluctuate widely in response to factors beyond our
control. In particular, the performance and fluctuation of the
market prices of other technology companies with business
operations mainly in China that have listed their securities in
the United States may affect the volatility in the price of
and trading volumes for our ADSs. In recent years, a number of
Chinese companies have listed their securities, or are in the
process of preparing for listing their securities, on
U.S. stock markets. Some of these companies have
experienced significant volatility, including significant price
declines in connection with their initial public offerings. The
trading performances of these Chinese companies securities
at the time of or after their offerings may affect the overall
investor sentiment towards Chinese companies listed in the
United States and consequently may impact the trading
performance of our ADSs. These broad market and industry factors
may significantly affect the market price and volatility 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 for specific
business reasons. Factors such as variations in our revenues,
earnings and cash flow, announcements of new investments,
cooperation arrangements or acquisitions, and fluctuations in
market prices for our services could cause the market price for
our ADSs to change substantially. Any of these factors may
result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at
which our ADSs will trade. We cannot give any assurance that
these factors will not occur in the future.
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The sale or availability for sale of substantial amounts
of our ADSs could adversely affect their market price.
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Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs in the public market
after the completion of this offering, or the perception that
these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price
of our ADSs and could materially impair our future ability to
raise capital through offerings of our ADSs.
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There will be 43,378,710 common shares outstanding immediately
after this offering, or 44,840,912 common shares if the
underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs
in full. In addition, there are outstanding options and warrants
to purchase an aggregate of 5,114,411 common shares, including
options and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,604,041
common shares immediately exercisable as of the date of this
prospectus. All of the ADSs sold in this offering will be freely
tradable without restriction or further registration under the
U.S. Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Act, unless
held by our affiliates as that term is defined in
Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Subject to the 180-day
lock-up restrictions described below and applicable restrictions
and limitations under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of
1933, all of our shares outstanding prior to this offering will
be eligible for sale in the public market. In addition, the
common shares subject to options and warrants for the purchase
of our common shares will become eligible for sale in the public
market to the extent permitted by the provisions of various
vesting agreements, the lock-up agreements described below and
Rules 144 and 701 under the Securities Act of 1933. If
these additional shares are sold, or if it is perceived that
they will be sold in the public market, the trading price of our
common shares could decline.
In connection with this offering, we and our directors, officers
and shareholders have agreed, subject to some exceptions, not to
sell any common shares or ADSs for 180 days after the date
of this prospectus without the written consent of the
underwriters. However, the underwriters may release these
securities from these lock-up restrictions at any time. We
cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of securities
held by our significant shareholders or any other shareholder or
the availability of these securities for future sale will have
on the market price of our ADSs.
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A significant percentage of our outstanding common shares
are held by a small number of our existing shareholders, and
these shareholders may have significantly greater influence on
us and our corporate actions by nature of the size of their
shareholdings relative to our public shareholders.
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Following this offering, four of our existing shareholders,
Kevin Xiaofeng Ma, Lijun Mai, Walter Lin Wang and SB Asia
Investment Fund II, will beneficially own, collectively,
approximately 61.8% of our outstanding common shares (assuming
the conversion of all outstanding preferred shares into common
shares) or 59.7% if the underwriters exercise their option to
purchase additional ADSs in full. Each of these shareholders is
expected to be an affiliate within the meaning of the Securities
Act after this offering, due to the size of their respective
shareholdings in us after the offering. Following this offering,
SB Asia Investment Fund II, L.P. is expected to have one
board representative on our
five-director board,
and will beneficially own approximately 29.3% of our outstanding
common shares (assuming the conversion of all outstanding
preferred shares into common shares) or 28.3% if the
underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs
in full. Accordingly, these shareholders have had, and may
continue to have, significant influence in determining the
outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted
to the shareholders for approval, including mergers,
consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our
assets, election of directors and other significant corporate
actions. In addition, without the consent of these shareholders,
we could be prevented from entering into transactions that could
be beneficial to us.
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Because the initial public offering price is substantially
higher than the pro forma net tangible book value per share, you
will incur immediate and substantial dilution.
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If you purchase ADSs in this offering, you will pay more for
your ADSs than the amount paid by existing shareholders for
their common shares on a per ADS basis. As a result, you will
experience immediate and substantial dilution of approximately
$8.12 per ADS (assuming the conversion of all outstanding
preferred shares into common shares and no exercise of
outstanding options to acquire common shares), representing the
difference between our pro forma net tangible book value per ADS
as of September 30, 2007, after giving effect to this
offering and the assumed initial public offering price of
$10.50 per ADS (the mid-point of the estimated range of the
initial public offering price shown on the front cover of this
prospectus). In addition, you may experience further dilution to
the extent that our common shares are issued upon the exercise
of share options. Substantially all of the common shares
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issuable upon the exercise of currently outstanding share
options will be issued at a purchase price on a per ADS basis
that is less than the initial public offering price per ADS in
this offering.
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Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents
may discourage our acquisition by a third party, which could
limit your opportunity to sell your shares at a premium.
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Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
include provisions that could limit the ability of others to
acquire control of us, modify our structure or cause us to
engage in change of control transactions, including, among other
things, the following:
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provisions that restrict the ability of our shareholders to call
meetings and to propose special matters for consideration at
shareholder meetings; and |
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provisions that authorize our board of directors, without action
by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares and to issue
additional common shares, including common shares represented by
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These provisions could have the effect of depriving you of an
opportunity to sell your ADSs at a premium over prevailing
market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to
acquire control of us in a tender offer or similar transactions.
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We have not determined a specific use for a portion of the
net proceeds from this offering and we may use these proceeds in
ways with which you may not agree.
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We have not determined a specific use for a portion of the net
proceeds of this offering. Our management will have considerable
discretion in the application of these proceeds received by us.
You will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment
decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used
appropriately. You must rely on the judgment of our management
regarding the application of the net proceeds of this offering.
The net proceeds may be used for corporate purposes that do not
improve our profitability or increase our ADS price. The net
proceeds from this offering may also be placed in investments
that do not produce income or that may lose value.
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The voting rights of holders of ADSs must be exercised in
accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement, the ADRs,
and the procedures established by the depositary. The process of
voting through the depositary may involve delays that limit the
time available to you to consider proposed shareholders
actions and also may restrict your ability to subsequently
revise your voting instructions.
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A holder of ADSs may exercise its voting rights with respect to
the underlying common shares only in accordance with the
provisions of the deposit agreement and the ADRs. We do not
recognize holders of ADSs representing our common shares as our
shareholders, and instead we recognize the ADS depositary as our
shareholder.
When the depositary receives from us notice of any shareholders
meeting, it will distribute the information in the meeting
notice and any proxy solicitation materials to you. The
depositary will determine the record date for distributing these
materials, and only ADS holders registered with the depositary
on that record date will, subject to applicable laws, be
entitled to instruct the depositary to vote the underlying
common shares. The depositary will also determine and inform you
of the manner for you to give your voting instructions,
including instructions to give discretionary proxies to a person
designated by us. Upon receipt of voting instructions of a
holder of ADSs, the depositary will endeavor to vote the
underlying common shares in accordance with these instructions.
You may not receive sufficient notice of a shareholders
meeting for you to withdraw your common shares and cast your
vote with respect to any proposed resolution, as a holder of our
common shares. In addition, the depositary and its agents may
not be able to send materials relating to the meeting and voting
instruction forms to you, or to carry out your voting
instructions, in a timely manner. We cannot assure you that you
will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can
instruct the depositary to vote your shares. The additional time
required for the depositary to receive from us and distribute to
you meeting notices and materials, and for you to give
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voting instructions to the depositary with respect to the
underlying common shares, will result in your having less time
to consider meeting notices and materials than holders of common
shares who receive such notices and materials directly from us
and who vote their common shares directly. If you have given
your voting instructions to the depositary and subsequently
decide to change those instructions, you may not be able to do
so in time for the depositary to vote in accordance with your
revised instructions. The depositary and its agents will not be
responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to
vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect
of any such vote.
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Except in limited circumstances, the depositary for our
ADSs will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our common
shares underlying your ADSs if you do not vote at
shareholders meetings, which could adversely affect your
interests.
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Under the deposit agreement for the ADSs, the depositary will
give us a discretionary proxy to vote our common shares
underlying your ADSs at shareholders meetings if you do
not vote, unless we notify the depositary that:
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we do not wish to receive a discretionary proxy; |
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we think there is substantial shareholder opposition to the
particular question; or |
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we think the subject of the particular question would have a
material adverse impact on our shareholders. |
The effect of this discretionary proxy is that, absent the
situations described above, you cannot prevent our common shares
underlying your ADSs from being voted and it may make it more
difficult for shareholders to influence the management of our
company. Holders of our common shares are not subject to this
discretionary proxy.
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You may not receive distributions on our common shares or
any value for them if such distribution is illegal or if any
required government approval cannot be obtained in order to make
such distribution available to you.
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The depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash
dividends or other distributions it or the custodian for our
ADSs receives on our common shares or other deposited securities
after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these
distributions in proportion to the number of our common shares
your ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible
to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs if it
decides that it is unlawful to make such distribution. For
example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder
of ADSs if it consisted of securities that required registration
under the Securities Act but that were not properly registered
or distributed pursuant to an applicable exemption from
registration. The depositary is not responsible for making a
distribution available to any holders of ADSs if any government
approval or registration required for such distribution cannot
be obtained after reasonable efforts made by the depositary. We
have no obligation to take any other action to permit the
distribution of our ADSs, common shares, rights or anything else
to holders of our ADSs. This means that you may not receive the
distributions we make on our common shares or any value for them
if it is unlawful or unreasonable from a regulatory perspective
for us to make them available to you. These restrictions may
have a material adverse effect on the value of your ADSs.
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You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your
ADSs.
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Your ADSs represented by ADRs 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 a 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 the books of the depositary
35
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 any
government or government body, or under any provision of the
deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
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We are a Cayman Islands company and, because judicial
precedent regarding the rights of shareholders is more limited
under Cayman Islands law than under U.S. federal or state
laws, you may have less protection of your shareholder rights
than you would under U.S. federal or state laws.
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Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association, the Cayman Islands
Companies Law and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The
rights of shareholders to take action against the directors,
actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary
responsibilities 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 English common law, which has
persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman
Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary
responsibilities 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. In addition, some
jurisdictions, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and
judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman
Islands. As a result of all of the above, public shareholders
may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the
face of actions taken by management, members of the board of
directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public
shareholders of a U.S. company.
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Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders
may not be enforceable.
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We are a Cayman Islands company and substantially all of our
assets are located outside of the United States. Nearly all of
our current operations are conducted in China. In addition, most
of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of
countries other than the United States. A substantial portion of
the assets of these persons are located outside the United
States. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect
service of process within the United States upon these persons.
It may also be difficult for you to enforce in U.S. court
judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil
liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws
against us and our officers and directors, none of whom is
resident in the United States and the substantial majority of
whose assets is located outside of the United States. In
addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the
Cayman Islands or China would recognize or enforce judgments of
U.S. courts against us or such persons predicated upon the
civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United
States or any state. In addition, there is uncertainty as to
whether such Cayman Islands or Chinese courts would be competent
to hear original actions brought in the Cayman Islands or China
against us or such persons predicated upon the securities laws
of the United States or any state. See Enforceability of
Civil Liabilities.
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Your right to participate in any future rights offerings
may be limited, which may cause dilution to your
holdings.
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We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders,
including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot
make rights available to you in the United States unless we
register the rights and the securities to which the rights
relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from the
registration requirements is available. We are under no
obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any
such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a
registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we
may not be able to establish an exemption from registration
under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to
participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution
in your holdings.
36
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and in particular the sections entitled
Prospectus Summary, Risk Factors,
Use of Proceeds, Recent Developments,
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations, Industry,
Business and Regulation contain
forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are
based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and
projections about us and our industry. In some cases, these
forward-looking statements can be identified by words and
phrases such as may, should,
intend, predict, potential,
continue, will, expect,
anticipate, estimate, plan,
believe, is /are likely to or the
negative form of these words and phrases or other comparable
expressions. The forward-looking statements included in this
prospectus relate to, among others:
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our goals and strategies; |
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our future prospects and market acceptance of our technologies,
products and services; |
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our future business development and results of operations; |
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projected revenues, profits, earnings and other estimated
financial information; |
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our plans to expand and enhance our other existing products and
services; |
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competition in the computer-based testing, educational services
and test preparation markets; and |
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Chinese laws, regulations and policies, including those
applicable to the education industry, Internet content
providers, Internet content and foreign exchange. |
These forward-looking statements involve various risks and
uncertainties. Although we believe that our expectations
expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we
cannot assure you that our expectations will turn out to be
correct. Our actual results could be materially different from
or worse than our expectations. Important risks and factors that
could cause our actual results to be materially different from
our expectations are set forth in the Risk Factors,
Recent Developments, Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations, Business and elsewhere in this
prospectus.
This prospectus also contains data relating to the testing and
education markets in China and internationally that includes
projections based on a number of assumptions. These markets may
not grow at the rates projected by market data, or at all. The
failure of these markets to grow at the projected rates may have
a material adverse effect on our business prospects, results of
operations and the market price of our ADSs. In addition, the
relatively new and rapidly changing nature of these markets
subjects any projections or estimates relating to the growth
prospects or future condition of these markets to significant
uncertainties. If any one or more of the assumptions underlying
the market data turns out 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.
The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus relate
only to events or information as of the date on which the
statements are made in this prospectus. We undertake no
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements
after the date of this prospectus.
37
OUR CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Corporate History
Our predecessor company, American Testing Authority, Inc., a New
York company, began operations in 1999, and in that same year
established ATA Testing Authority (Beijing) Limited, or
ATA Testing, as a wholly owned subsidiary in China. In
November 2001 our founders established ATA Testing
Authority (Holdings) Limited, or ATA BVI, in the British Virgin
Islands. The following year American Testing Authority, Inc.
merged into ATA BVI and ATA BVI became our holding company.
In June 2003, we established a Chinese joint venture company,
ATA Learning (Beijing) Inc., or ATA Learning, with Yinchuan
Holding. Initially, we held a 40% equity interest in ATA
Learning. We also had a call option to acquire Yinchuan
Holdings 60% equity interest for RMB30 million, and
Yinchuan Holding had a put option that would have obligated us,
if exercised, to purchase Yinchuan Holdings 60% equity
interest for RMB30 million. In May 2005, we exercised our
call option and converted ATA Learning into a wholly owned
subsidiary of ATA BVI. As the primary beneficiary of ATA
Learning, we have consolidated ATA Learnings results of
operations in our U.S. GAAP consolidated financial statements
since ATA Learnings establishment.
We incorporated ATA Inc. in the Cayman Islands in September 2006
as our listing vehicle. ATA Inc. became our ultimate holding
company in November 2006 when it issued shares to the existing
shareholders of ATA BVI in exchange for all of the outstanding
shares of ATA BVI.
We and our subsidiaries also previously held equity interests in
the following entities:
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In December 2001, ATA Testing established and held a 50%
interest in a Chinese joint venture company, Beijing Sai Er
Xingyuan Leadership Ability Testing Technologies Development Co.
Ltd., or Sai Er Testing, with one other joint venture partner.
In October 2005, ATA Testing sold its 50% equity interest in Sai
Er Testing. |
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In April 2002, ATA Testing established a Chinese joint venture
company, Jiangsu ATA Software Co. Ltd., or ATA Jiangsu,
with two other joint venture partners, with ATA Testing
holding 30% of the equity interest in ATA Jiangsu. In May 2006,
ATA Jiangsu completed a voluntary winding up. |
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In April 2005, ATA Learning established Xiamen Wendu Software
Education Investment Co. Ltd., or Wendu Education, with two
other partners. ATA Learning is in the process of disposing
its 40% equity interest holding in Wendu Education, which we
expect to be completed in the fiscal year ending March 31,
2008. |
We disposed or are in the process of disposing of these
interests to eliminate these entities from our corporate
structure and streamline our operations.
Corporate Structure and Arrangements with Our Affiliated PRC
Entity
In connection with the launch of our test preparation solutions
in November 2006, we have, for the first time, become a
distributor of Internet content, which subjects us to
significant restrictions on foreign investment in this sector
under current PRC laws and regulations. See
Regulation. To comply with PRC laws and regulations,
our online test preparation business in China is conducted
through a series of contractual arrangements entered into among
ATA BVI, ATA Learning and ATA Online (Beijing) Education
Technology Limited, ATA Online, a PRC entity incorporated
in the PRC and owned by Kevin Xiaofeng Ma, our co-founder,
chairman and chief executive officer and Walter Lin Wang, our
co-founder, director and president, in the percentages described
in the diagram below. ATA Online holds the license required to
operate the online portion of our test preparation solutions
business.
Our contractual arrangements with ATA Online include a technical
support agreement and a strategic consulting service agreement
pursuant to which ATA Learning is entitled to receive service
and license fees from ATA Online. In addition, we have entered
into an equity pledge agreement with each of
38
the shareholders of ATA Online pursuant to which each of the
shareholders has pledged all of his or her interest in ATA
Online to ATA Learning as security for the performance of ATA
Onlines obligations under the technical support agreement
and the strategic consulting service agreement. Pursuant to a
call option and cooperation agreement with ATA Online and its
shareholders, ATA BVI or any third party designated by ATA BVI
has the right to acquire, in whole or in part, the equity
interest of ATA Online or ATA Onlines assets, when
permitted by applicable PRC laws and regulations. We do not have
any direct ownership interest or direct shareholding rights in
ATA Online and as a result do not have direct control or direct
oversight over ATA Online. For a detailed description of these
contractual arrangements, see Related Party
Transactions. As a result of these contractual
arrangements, under U.S. GAAP, we are considered the
primary beneficiary of ATA Online. Accordingly, we consolidate
ATA Onlines results in our consolidated financial
statements.
The following diagram illustrates our corporate and share
ownership structure. Except for ATA BVI, all of our subsidiaries
and our affiliated PRC entity are incorporated in the PRC.
Our subsidiaries or ATA Online enter into commercial contracts
with third party customers and clients based upon a judgment we
make as to which entity is the appropriate entity for the
provision of the type of service being offered. We primarily
sell our testing services and the non-online portion of our test
preparation solutions business through ATA Testing, our
education services through ATA Learning and our online test
preparation services through ATA Online.
For risks associated with our contractual arrangements with ATA
Online and its shareholders, see Risk Factors
Risks Relating to Regulation of Our Business
Substantial uncertainties and restrictions exist with respect to
the application and implementation of Chinese laws and
regulations relating to Internet content distribution. If the
Chinese government finds that the structure for our online test
preparation services and other services we provide through the
Internet do not comply with Chinese laws and regulations, we
could be subject to penalties and may not be able to continue
those businesses. and Our contractual
arrangements with ATA Online and its shareholders do not provide
us with ownership interest in ATA Online. If ATA Online or its
shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under
these contractual arrangements, we may have to legally enforce
such arrangements and our business, financial condition and
results of operations may be materially and adversely affected
if these arrangements cannot be enforced.
39
USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering
of approximately $43.8 million, or approximately
$50.9 million if the underwriters exercise their
overallotment option in full, after deducting underwriting
discounts and other estimated offering expenses payable by us
and assuming an initial public offering price of $10.50 per
ADS, the mid-point of the estimated range of the initial public
offering price shown on the front cover of this prospectus.
As of the date of this prospectus, we anticipate using the net
proceeds from this offering as follows:
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approximately $2 million to develop and expand our test
preparation solutions business; |
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approximately $2 million to license course content from IT
vendors to expand our degree major and single course program
offerings; |
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approximately $1 million for marketing costs related to
enhancing our ATA brand; and |
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the balance to fund working capital and for other general
corporate purposes, including incremental costs associated with
being a public company, and for acquisitions of or investments
in other businesses, products or technologies that we believe
are complementary to our own business or that otherwise extend
our business or brand. We do not currently have any agreements
or understandings to make any material acquisitions of, or
investments in, other businesses. |
The industries in which we operate are evolving rapidly which
could cause significant and rapid changes to our strategies and
business plans. The foregoing represents our current intentions
with respect to the use and allocation of the net proceeds from
this offering based upon our present plans and business
conditions, but our management will have broad flexibility and
discretion in applying the net proceeds from this offering. The
occurrence of new business opportunities, unforeseen events or
changed business conditions may result in application of the
proceeds from this offering in a manner other than as described
in this prospectus.
To the extent that a certain portion or all of the net proceeds
we receive from this offering are not immediately applied for
the above purposes, we intend to invest our net proceeds in
short-term, investment grade, debt securities or to deposit the
proceeds into interest-bearing bank accounts. These investments
may have a material adverse effect on the U.S. federal
income tax consequences of your investment in our ADSs. It is
possible that we may become a PFIC for U.S. federal income
taxpayers, which could result in negative tax consequences to
you. See Taxation United States Federal Income
Taxation U.S. Holders Status as a
PFIC.
40
DIVIDEND POLICY
In March 2005, our board of directors approved the issuance of
3,584,680 treasury shares to our shareholders. The estimated
fair value of the issuance was RMB26.4 million. Out of the
total number of shares issued, 2,730,739 shares were
allocated and distributed on a pro rata basis to all
shareholders and were accounted for as a share
split-up effected in
the form of a share dividend. The remaining 853,941 shares
were distributed to one shareholder and were accounted for as a
share-based compensation expense. See Related Party
Transactions Share Repurchases and Private
Placement. We have never declared cash dividends on our
common shares. We currently intend to retain all available funds
and any future earnings to finance our business and to fund the
growth and expansion of our business, and, therefore, do not
expect to pay any cash dividends on our common shares, including
those represented by ADSs, in the foreseeable future. Any future
determination to pay dividends will be made at the discretion of
our board of directors and will be based upon our future
operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus,
general financial condition, shareholders interests,
contractual restrictions and other factors our board of
directors may deem relevant.
Holders of our ADSs will be entitled to receive dividends, if
any, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, to the same
extent as the holders of our common shares. Cash dividends will
be paid to the depositary in U.S. dollars, which will
distribute them to the holders of ADSs according to the terms of
the deposit agreement. Other distributions, if any, will be paid
by the depositary to the holders of ADSs in any means it deems
legal, fair and practical. See Description of American
Depositary Shares Other Distributions.
41
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of
September 30, 2007 presented on:
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an actual basis; |
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a pro forma basis to reflect the automatic conversion of all of
our Series A and
Series A-1
convertible preferred shares into an aggregate of 11,730,554 of
our common shares; and |
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a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to (1) the
issuance and sale of 4,874,012 ADSs in this offering, assuming
an initial public offering price of $10.50 per ADS, the
mid-point of the estimated range of the initial public offering
price shown on the front cover of this prospectus, and assuming
the underwriters do not exercise their overallotment option, and
after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and estimated
offering expenses payable by us; and (2) the automatic
conversion of all of our Series A and
Series A-1
convertible preferred shares into an aggregate of 11,730,554 of
our common shares. |
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There has been no material change in our consolidated
capitalization since September 30, 2007.
You should read this section in conjunction with Selected
Consolidated Financial and Operating Data,
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations and our consolidated
financial statements and corresponding notes thereto included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
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As of September 30, 2007 |
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Pro forma as |
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Actual |
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Pro forma |
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adjusted(1) |
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RMB |
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$ |
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RMB |
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$ |
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RMB |
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$ |
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(In thousands except for share and per share data) |
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Shareholders equity:
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Convertible preferred shares, $0.01 par value;
10,000,000 shares authorized, including:
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Series A convertible preferred shares; 6,628,369 shares
issued on an actual basis and nil shares issued on a
pro forma and pro forma as adjusted basis
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533 |
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71 |
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Series A-1 convertible preferred shares;
883,783 shares issued on an actual basis and nil shares
issued on a pro forma and pro forma as adjusted basis
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71 |
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10 |
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Common shares, $0.01 par value;
40,000,000 shares authorized, 25,479,452, 37,210,006
and 46,958,030 shares issued on an actual, proforma and
pro forma as adjusted
basis(2)
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2,094 |
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279 |
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2,967 |
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396 |
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3,703 |
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494 |
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Treasury shares 3,579,320 common shares, at cost
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(16,107 |
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(2,150 |
) |
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(16,107 |
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(2,150 |
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(16,107 |
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(2,150 |
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Additional paid-in
capital(3)
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204,191 |
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27,252 |
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203,922 |
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27,216 |
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531,049 |
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70,875 |
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Accumulated deficit
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(126,552 |
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(16,890 |
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(126,552 |
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(16,890 |
) |
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(126,552 |
) |
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(16,890 |
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Total shareholders
equity(3)
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64,230 |
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8,572 |
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64,230 |
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8,572 |
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392,093 |
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52,329 |
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Total
capitalization(3)
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64,230 |
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8,572 |
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64,230 |
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8,572 |
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392,093 |
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52,329 |
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42
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(1) |
Assumes that the underwriters do not exercise their option to
purchase additional ADSs. |
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(2) |
Excludes 4,047,863 common shares issuable upon the exercise of
options under our share option plans and 547,945 common shares
issuable upon the exercise of warrants as of September 30,
2007, 391,800 common shares issuable upon exercise of options
granted on October 1, 2007, and 126,803 common shares
issuable upon exercise of warrants granted on October 15,
2007. |
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(3) |
Assuming the number of ADSs offered by us as set forth on the
cover page of this prospectus remains the same, and after
deduction of underwriting discounts and the estimated offering
expenses payable by us, a $1.00 increase (decrease) in the
assumed initial public offering price of US$10.50 per ADS
would increase (decrease) each of additional paid-in capital,
total shareholders equity and total capitalization by
approximately US$4.5 million. |
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43
DILUTION
If you invest in our ADSs, your interest will be diluted to the
extent of the difference between the initial public offering
price per ADS and the pro forma net tangible book value per ADS
after this offering. Our net tangible book value as of
September 30, 2007 was approximately $7.7 million, or
$0.35 per common share outstanding on that date, or
$0.70 per ADS. Net tangible book value represents total
consolidated tangible assets minus the amount of our total
consolidated liabilities. Our pro forma net tangible book value
as of September 30, 2007 was approximately $0.23 per
common share, or $0.46 per ADS. Pro forma net tangible book
value adjusts net tangible book value to give effect to the
conversion of all of our outstanding preferred shares into our
common shares. See Capitalization. Assuming we had
sold the ADSs offered in this offering at an assumed initial
public offering price of $10.50 per ADS, and after
deducting underwriting discounts and estimated expenses of this
offering payable by us, our pro forma net tangible book value as
of September 30, 2007 would have been $1.19 per common
share, or $2.38 per ADS. This represents an immediate
increase in pro forma net tangible book value of $0.96 per
common share, or $1.92 per ADS, to existing shareholders
and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of
$4.06 per common share, or $8.12 per ADS, to new
investors purchasing ADSs at the initial public offering price.
The following table illustrates such per ADS dilution. The
assumed initial public offering price per share set forth below
of $5.25 is based on the mid-point of the estimated range
of the initial public offering price shown on the front cover of
this prospectus.
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Assumed initial public offering price per common share
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$ |
5.25 |
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Net tangible book value per common share as of
September 30, 2007
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$ |
0.35 |
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Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per common share
attributable to existing shareholders
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$ |
0.96 |
|
Pro forma net tangible book value per common share after this
offering
|
|
$ |
1.19 |
|
Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per common share
to new investors
|
|
$ |
4.06 |
|
Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per ADS to new
investors
|
|
$ |
8.12 |
|
The following table summarizes, on a pro forma basis as of
September 30, 2007, the differences between our existing
shareholders and the new investors with respect to the number of
common shares purchased from us, the total consideration paid to
us and the average price per common share paid by our existing
shareholders and by the new investors purchasing common shares
evidenced by ADS in this offering at the initial public offering
price of $10.50 per ADS and without giving effect to
underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable
by us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
|
Average Price |
|
|
|
|
|
Purchased |
|
|
Total Consideration |
|
|
Per Ordinary |
|
|
Average Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share |
|
|
Per ADS |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Percent |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Percent |
|
|
Equivalent |
|
|
Equivalent |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Existing shareholders
|
|
|
33,631 |
|
|
|
78 |
% |
|
$ |
22,080 |
|
|
|
30 |
% |
|
$ |
0.66 |
|
|
$ |
1.32 |
|
New investors
|
|
|
9,748 |
|
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
51,177 |
|
|
|
70 |
% |
|
|
5.25 |
|
|
|
10.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
43,379 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
73,257 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44
The foregoing discussion and tables assume no exercise of any
outstanding options or warrants to purchase our common shares.
As of September 30, 2007, there were options and warrants
outstanding to purchase an aggregate of 4,595,808 common
shares at a weighted average exercise price of $1.94 per
share. In addition, options to purchase 391,800 common shares
were granted on October 1, 2007 and warrants to purchase
126,803 common shares were granted on October 15, 2007. If
all of the options and warrants outstanding as of
September 30, 2007 (excluding the options to purchase
391,800 common shares granted on October 1, 2007 and the
warrants to purchase 126,803 common shares granted on
October 15, 2007) had been exercised on September 30,
2007, after giving effect to this offering, our pro forma net
tangible book value would have been approximately $1.26 per
common share or $2.52 per ADS, the increase in pro forma
net tangible book value attributable to existing shareholders
would have been $0.07 per common share, or $0.14 per
ADS, and the dilution in pro forma net tangible book value to
new investors would have been $3.99 per common share, or
$7.98 per ADS. In addition, the dilution would have been
$3.89 per common share, or $7.78 per ADS, if the
underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs
in full.
45
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
Our ultimate holding company, ATA Inc., is incorporated under
the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company with
limited liability. We incorporated ATA Inc. in the Cayman
Islands because of certain benefits associated with being a
Cayman Islands corporation, such as political and economic
stability, an effective judicial system, a favorable tax system,
the absence of foreign exchange control or currency restrictions
and the availability of professional and support services.
However, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of
securities laws as compared to the United States and provides
protections for investors to a significantly lesser extent. In
addition, Cayman Islands companies do not have standing to sue
before the federal courts of the United States.
Substantially all of our assets are located outside the United
States. In addition, most of our directors and officers may be
nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United
States and a substantial portion of their assets may be located
outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for
investors to effect service of process within the United States
upon us or these persons, or to enforce against us or them
judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments
predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities
laws of the United States or any state in the United States.
We have appointed CT Corporation System as ATA Inc.s agent
to receive service of process with respect to any action brought
against ATA Inc. in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York under the federal securities laws
of the United States or of any state in the United States or any
action brought against ATA Inc. in the Supreme Court of the
State of New York in the County of New York under the securities
laws of the State of New York.
Conyers, Dill & Pearman, Cayman, our counsel as to
Cayman Islands law, and Jincheng & Tongda Law Firm, our
counsel as to Chinese law, have advised us that there is
uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands or
China would, respectively, (i) recognize or enforce
judgments of United States courts obtained against us or our
directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability
provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any
state in the United States, or (ii) entertain original
actions brought in the Cayman Islands or China against us or our
directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability
provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any
state in the United States.
Conyers, Dill & Pearman has further advised us that a
final and conclusive judgment in the federal or state courts of
the United States under which a sum of money is payable, other
than a sum payable in respect of taxes, fines, penalties or
similar charges, may be subject to enforcement proceedings as a
debt in the courts of the Cayman Islands under the common law
doctrine of obligation, provided that (a) such federal or
state courts of the United States had proper jurisdiction over
the parties subject to such judgment; (b) such federal or
state courts of the United States did not contravene the rules
of natural justice of the Cayman Islands; (c) such judgment
was not obtained by fraud; (d) the enforcement of the
judgment would not be contrary to the public policy of the
Cayman Islands; (e) no new admissible evidence relevant to
the action is submitted prior to the rendering of the judgment
by the courts of the Cayman Islands; and (f) there is due
compliance with the correct procedures under the laws of the
Cayman Islands.
Jincheng & Tongda Law Firm has advised us further that
the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are
provided for under the Chinese Civil Procedure Law. Chinese
courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance
with the requirements of the Chinese Civil Procedure Law based
either on treaties between China and the country where the
judgment is made or on reciprocity between jurisdictions.
46
EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION
Our business is primarily conducted in China and a substantial
majority of our revenues and expenses are denominated in
Renminbi. For your convenience, this prospectus contains
translations of Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at
specified rates. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from
Renminbi to U.S. dollar amounts were made at the noon
buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers of
Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York, as of September 28, 2007, which
was RMB7.4928 to $1.00. On January 15, 2008, the noon
buying rate was RMB7.2345 to $1.00. We make no representation
that the Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in
this prospectus 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. The Chinese government restricts or
prohibits the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currency and
foreign currency into Renminbi for certain types of transactions.
The following table sets forth information concerning exchange
rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar for the
periods indicated. These rates are provided solely for your
convenience and are not necessarily the exchange rates that we
used in this prospectus or will use in the preparation of our
periodic reports or any other information to be provided to you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Renminbi per U.S. Dollar Noon Buying Rate |
|
|
|
|
|
Average(1)
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
Period-end |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2003
|
|
|
8.2773 |
|
|
|
8.2800 |
|
|
|
8.2700 |
|
|
|
8.2774 |
|
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2004
|
|
|
8.2770 |
|
|
|
8.2798 |
|
|
|
8.2765 |
|
|
|
8.2770 |
|
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2005
|
|
|
8.2767 |
|
|
|
8.2773 |
|
|
|
8.2764 |
|
|
|
8.2765 |
|
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2006
|
|
|
8.1234 |
|
|
|
8.2765 |
|
|
|
8.0167 |
|
|
|
8.0167 |
|
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2007
|
|
|
7.8843 |
|
|
|
8.0300 |
|
|
|
7.7232 |
|
|
|
7.7232 |
|
Most recent six months:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 2007
|
|
|
7.5757 |
|
|
|
7.6055 |
|
|
|
7.5580 |
|
|
|
7.5720 |
|
|
August 2007
|
|
|
7.5734 |
|
|
|
7.6181 |
|
|
|
7.5420 |
|
|
|
7.5462 |
|
|
September 2007
|
|
|
7.5196 |
|
|
|
7.5540 |
|
|
|
7.4928 |
|
|
|
7.4928 |
|
|
October 2007
|
|
|
7.5016 |
|
|
|
7.5158 |
|
|
|
7.4682 |
|
|
|
7.4682 |
|
|
November 2007
|
|
|
7.4212 |
|
|
|
7.4582 |
|
|
|
7.3800 |
|
|
|
7.3850 |
|
|
December 2007
|
|
|
7.3682 |
|
|
|
7.4120 |
|
|
|
7.2946 |
|
|
|
7.2946 |
|
|
January 2008 (period through January 15)
|
|
|
7.2658 |
|
|
|
7.2946 |
|
|
|
7.2345 |
|
|
|
7.2345 |
|
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York
|
|
(1) |
Annual averages are calculated using the exchange rates for the
last day of each month during the calendar year. Monthly
averages are calculated using daily exchange rates during the
month. |
47
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
You should read the following information with our consolidated
financial statements and related notes, and
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in
this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The following selected consolidated statements of operations
data for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007
(other than pro forma (loss) earnings per common share and
ADS data), and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as
of March 31, 2006 and 2007, are derived from our audited
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus and should be read in conjunction with, and are
qualified in their entirety by reference to, these consolidated
financial statements and related notes. Our selected
consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 (other than ADS data)
and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of
December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 are derived from our
audited consolidated financial statements, which are not
included in this prospectus. Our previously issued consolidated
financial statements for the years ended and as of
December 31, 2003 and 2004 have been restated. Our selected
consolidated statements of operations data for the three months
ended March 31, 2005 (other than ADS data) and the selected
consolidated balance sheets data as of March 31, 2005 are
derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements,
which are not included in this prospectus.
The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the
six months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 and the
selected consolidated balance sheets data as of
September 30, 2007 are derived from our unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
prospectus. We have prepared our unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements on the same basis as our
audited consolidated financial statements. The unaudited
financial information includes all adjustments, consisting only
of normal and recurring adjustments, that we consider necessary
for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating
results for the periods presented. The unaudited results for the
six months ended September 30, 2007 may not be indicative
of our results for the full year ending March 31, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Months Ended |
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
For the Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated)(1) |
|
|
(Restated)(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands, except for per share and per ADS data) |
|
Selected Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Testing services
|
|
|
7,746 |
|
|
|
9,975 |
|
|
|
17,351 |
|
|
|
1,977 |
|
|
|
18,170 |
|
|
|
24,628 |
|
|
|
10,622 |
|
|
|
29,472 |
|
|
|
3,933 |
|
|
Test-based educational services
|
|
|
354 |
|
|
|
5,489 |
|
|
|
18,369 |
|
|
|
6,684 |
|
|
|
35,138 |
|
|
|
42,804 |
|
|
|
18,749 |
|
|
|
20,891 |
|
|
|
2,788 |
|
|
Test preparation solutions
|
|
|
134 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
407 |
|
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
10,076 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
21,632 |
|
|
|
2,887 |
|
|
Other(2)
|
|
|
5,260 |
|
|
|
7,073 |
|
|
|
8,394 |
|
|
|
1,780 |
|
|
|
15,389 |
|
|
|
7,373 |
|
|
|
2,992 |
|
|
|
4,253 |
|
|
|
568 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net revenues
|
|
|
13,494 |
|
|
|
22,619 |
|
|
|
44,521 |
|
|
|
10,458 |
|
|
|
69,037 |
|
|
|
84,881 |
|
|
|
32,368 |
|
|
|
76,248 |
|
|
|
10,176 |
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
1,717 |
|
|
|
8,829 |
|
|
|
21,388 |
|
|
|
3,527 |
|
|
|
35,049 |
|
|
|
43,779 |
|
|
|
13,618 |
|
|
|
43,471 |
|
|
|
5,802 |
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
21,023 |
|
|
|
26,762 |
|
|
|
24,967 |
|
|
|
13,266 |
|
|
|
36,140 |
|
|
|
63,375 |
|
|
|
27,177 |
|
|
|
34,735 |
|
|
|
4,636 |
|
(Loss) income from
operations(3)
|
|
|
(19,306 |
) |
|
|
(17,933 |
) |
|
|
(3,579 |
) |
|
|
(9,739 |
) |
|
|
(1,091 |
) |
|
|
(19,596 |
) |
|
|
(13,559 |
) |
|
|
8,736 |
|
|
|
1,166 |
|
Interest
expense(4)
|
|
|
(2,729 |
) |
|
|
(9,093 |
) |
|
|
(9,690 |
) |
|
|
(1,143 |
) |
|
|
(22,713 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange losses, net
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(66 |
) |
|
|
(1,050 |
) |
|
|
(909 |
) |
|
|
(519 |
) |
|
|
(186 |
) |
|
|
(25 |
) |
Net (loss) income
|
|
|
(25,681 |
) |
|
|
(26,874 |
) |
|
|
(12,198 |
) |
|
|
(8,683 |
) |
|
|
(24,809 |
) |
|
|
(16,790 |
) |
|
|
(11,857 |
) |
|
|
8,530 |
|
|
|
1,138 |
|
48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Months Ended |
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
For the Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated)(1) |
|
|
(Restated)(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands, except for per share and per ADS data) |
|
Accretion of Series A redeemable convertible preferred
shares to redemption value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,889 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment on
Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income (applicable) available to common
shareholders(5)
|
|
|
(25,681 |
) |
|
|
(26,874 |
) |
|
|
(12,198 |
) |
|
|
(8,683 |
) |
|
|
(35,429 |
) |
|
|
(16,790 |
) |
|
|
(11,857 |
) |
|
|
8,530 |
|
|
|
1,138 |
|
Basic (loss) earnings per common
share(5)
|
|
|
(1.28 |
) |
|
|
(1.34 |
) |
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
(0.50 |
) |
|
|
(2.16 |
) |
|
|
(0.82 |
) |
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
Diluted (loss) earnings per common
share(5)
|
|
|
(1.28 |
) |
|
|
(1.34 |
) |
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
(0.50 |
) |
|
|
(2.16 |
) |
|
|
(0.82 |
) |
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
Pro forma basic (loss) earnings per common share
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
Pro forma diluted (loss) earnings per common share
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
Basic (loss) earnings per
ADS(7)
|
|
|
(2.56 |
) |
|
|
(2.68 |
) |
|
|
(1.22 |
) |
|
|
(1.00 |
) |
|
|
(4.32 |
) |
|
|
(1.64 |
) |
|
|
(1.22 |
) |
|
|
0.78 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
Diluted (loss) earnings per
ADS(7)
|
|
|
(2.56 |
) |
|
|
(2.68 |
) |
|
|
(1.22 |
) |
|
|
(1.00 |
) |
|
|
(4.32 |
) |
|
|
(1.64 |
) |
|
|
(1.22 |
) |
|
|
0.46 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
Pro forma basic (loss) earnings per
ADS(6)(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
Pro forma diluted (loss) earnings per
ADS(6)(7)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.46 |
|
|
|
0.06 |
|
49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
As of March 31, |
|
|
As of September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated)(1) |
|
|
(Restated)(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
3,344 |
|
|
|
12,852 |
|
|
|
11,827 |
|
|
|
93,030 |
|
|
|
44,624 |
|
|
|
45,019 |
|
|
|
52,567 |
|
|
|
7,016 |
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
1,482 |
|
|
|
5,142 |
|
|
|
10,967 |
|
|
|
4,354 |
|
|
|
12,984 |
|
|
|
16,978 |
|
|
|
29,612 |
|
|
|
3,952 |
|
Due from related parties
|
|
|
295 |
|
|
|
323 |
|
|
|
21,381 |
|
|
|
23,798 |
|
|
|
4,368 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
6,631 |
|
|
|
21,614 |
|
|
|
50,189 |
|
|
|
125,881 |
|
|
|
67,989 |
|
|
|
76,656 |
|
|
|
97,744 |
|
|
|
13,045 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
16,768 |
|
|
|
53,924 |
|
|
|
63,986 |
|
|
|
139,260 |
|
|
|
88,384 |
|
|
|
108,165 |
|
|
|
131,034 |
|
|
|
17,488 |
|
Note payable,
current(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,940 |
|
|
|
18,666 |
|
|
|
19,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due to related parties
|
|
|
9,033 |
|
|
|
50,804 |
|
|
|
54,576 |
|
|
|
46,277 |
|
|
|
1,644 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred revenues, current
|
|
|
9,109 |
|
|
|
10,640 |
|
|
|
23,288 |
|
|
|
20,564 |
|
|
|
22,340 |
|
|
|
26,341 |
|
|
|
27,177 |
|
|
|
3,627 |
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
25,013 |
|
|
|
74,185 |
|
|
|
113,575 |
|
|
|
112,453 |
|
|
|
53,937 |
|
|
|
45,620 |
|
|
|
59,257 |
|
|
|
7,909 |
|
Note payable,
non-current(8)
|
|
|
18,570 |
|
|
|
15,384 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred revenues, non-current
|
|
|
7,426 |
|
|
|
14,377 |
|
|
|
10,442 |
|
|
|
8,585 |
|
|
|
8,555 |
|
|
|
7,897 |
|
|
|
7,547 |
|
|
|
1,007 |
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
51,009 |
|
|
|
103,946 |
|
|
|
124,017 |
|
|
|
121,038 |
|
|
|
62,492 |
|
|
|
53,517 |
|
|
|
66,804 |
|
|
|
8,916 |
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(45,728 |
) |
|
|
(72,602 |
) |
|
|
(84,800 |
) |
|
|
(93,483 |
) |
|
|
(118,292 |
) |
|
|
(135,082 |
) |
|
|
(126,552 |
) |
|
|
(16,890 |
) |
Total shareholders (deficit) equity
|
|
|
(34,241 |
) |
|
|
(50,022 |
) |
|
|
(60,031 |
) |
|
|
(94,444 |
) |
|
|
25,892 |
|
|
|
54,648 |
|
|
|
64,230 |
|
|
|
8,572 |
|
|
|
(1) |
During the course of preparing our consolidated financial
statements for the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007, we
discovered that in certain cases prior to December 31,
2005, we recognized revenue prior to obtaining signed contracts
from our customers. Consequently, because we did not have proper
evidence of an arrangement at the time we recognized such
revenue, our previously-issued consolidated financial statements
for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 have been
restated to correct the errors in revenue recognition and,
depending on the billing and customer payment status,
corresponding corrections were made to accounts receivable,
prepaid business tax (included in total current assets),
deferred revenues and current taxes payable (included in total
current liabilities). The following table summarizes the effects
of the restatements on our selected consolidated operations data
and consolidated balance sheet data as of and for the years
ended December 31, 2003 and 2004. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As |
|
|
|
|
As |
|
|
|
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
As |
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
As |
|
|
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
Consolidated statements of operations data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Test-based educational services
|
|
|
5,849 |
|
|
|
(360 |
) |
|
|
5,489 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
369 |
|
|
|
18,369 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net revenue
|
|
|
22,979 |
|
|
|
(360 |
) |
|
|
22,619 |
|
|
|
44,152 |
|
|
|
369 |
|
|
|
44,521 |
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
9,190 |
|
|
|
(360 |
) |
|
|
8,829 |
|
|
|
21,019 |
|
|
|
369 |
|
|
|
21,388 |
|
Loss from operations
|
|
|
(17,573 |
) |
|
|
(360 |
) |
|
|
(17,933 |
) |
|
|
(3,948 |
) |
|
|
369 |
|
|
|
(3,579 |
) |
Net loss
|
|
|
(26,514 |
) |
|
|
(360 |
) |
|
|
(26,874 |
) |
|
|
(12,567 |
) |
|
|
369 |
|
|
|
(12,198 |
) |
Net loss applicable to to common Shareholders
|
|
|
(26,514 |
) |
|
|
(360 |
) |
|
|
(26,874 |
) |
|
|
(12,567 |
) |
|
|
369 |
|
|
|
(12,198 |
) |
Basic loss per common share
|
|
|
(1.32 |
) |
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
(1.34 |
) |
|
|
(0.63 |
) |
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
Diluted loss per common share
|
|
|
(1.32 |
) |
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
(1.34 |
) |
|
|
(0.63 |
) |
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As |
|
|
|
|
As |
|
|
|
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
As |
|
|
Previously |
|
|
|
|
As |
|
|
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
|
Reported |
|
|
Adjustments |
|
|
Restated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
Consolidated balance sheet data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
5,282 |
|
|
|
(140 |
) |
|
|
5,142 |
|
|
|
12,022 |
|
|
|
(1,055 |
) |
|
|
10,967 |
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
21,725 |
|
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
|
21,614 |
|
|
|
51,197 |
|
|
|
(1,008 |
) |
|
|
50,189 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
54,034 |
|
|
|
(110 |
) |
|
|
53,924 |
|
|
|
64,994 |
|
|
|
(1,008 |
) |
|
|
63,986 |
|
Deferred revenue, current
|
|
|
10,394 |
|
|
|
246 |
|
|
|
10,640 |
|
|
|
24,399 |
|
|
|
(1,111 |
) |
|
|
23,288 |
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
73,915 |
|
|
|
270 |
|
|
|
74,185 |
|
|
|
114,573 |
|
|
|
(997 |
) |
|
|
113,575 |
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
103,676 |
|
|
|
270 |
|
|
|
103,946 |
|
|
|
125,014 |
|
|
|
(997 |
) |
|
|
124,017 |
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(72,222 |
) |
|
|
(380 |
) |
|
|
(72,602 |
) |
|
|
(84,789 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
(84,800 |
) |
Total shareholders deficit
|
|
|
(49,642 |
) |
|
|
(380 |
) |
|
|
(50,022 |
) |
|
|
(60,020 |
) |
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
(60,031 |
) |
As a result of the correction of the error, accumulated deficit
as of January 1, 2003 decreased from RMB45,708,000 to
RMB45,728,000. |
|
|
(2) |
In March 2002, our subsidiary ATA Testing entered into an
agreement with ATA Jiangsu to assign ATA Testings rights
and interests in a number of test delivery service contracts to
ATA Jiangsu. ATA Testing collected a RMB6.5 million payment
under this agreement in the year ended December 31, 2002.
We initially anticipated that the test delivery service
contracts would generate revenues and ATA Testing would provide
ancillary services under the agreement for a period of ten
years. We therefore deferred the recognition of revenue upon
receipt of the payment, and began to recognize the payment into
income over a ten year period for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004. However, on
December 27, 2005, the board of directors of ATA Jiangsu
resolved to commence a voluntary winding up of ATA Jiangsu. As a
result, we recognized the remaining deferred revenue of
RMB3.9 million into income in December 2005. |
|
(3) |
Includes non-cash share-based compensation expenses of nil,
RMB1.3 million, RMB1.1 million, RMB6.4 million,
RMB4.2 million, RMB2.5 million, RMB1.2 million
and RMB1.1 million ($0.1 million) for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, the three months ended
March 31, 2005, the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006
and 2007 and the six months ended September 30, 2006 and
2007, respectively. Our non-cash share-based compensation
expense for the three months ended March 31, 2005 includes
an expense of RMB6.3 million resulting from the issuance of
853,941 of our common shares to Kevin Xiaofeng Ma, our
co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer, to reward his
past performance. |
|
(4) |
Includes interest expense and loan discount charged for the
years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, the three
months ended March 31, 2005 and the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006 of RMB2.7 million, RMB3.0 million,
RMB2.6 million, RMB0.7 million and
RMB22.7 million, respectively, in connection with a
RMB19.0 million loan from a third party that was repaid in
full on May 19, 2006. Also includes earnings attributable
and payable to an investor of ATA Learning of
RMB6.1 million and RMB7.1 million for the years ended
December 31, 2003 and 2004, respectively. |
|
(5) |
Our PRC subsidiaries, ATA Testing and ATA Learning, enjoy tax
holidays provided by local and national PRC tax authorities. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Taxation.
If our PRC subsidiaries had not enjoyed these tax holidays they
would have had a preferential enterprise income tax rate of 15%.
The following table shows the effects of the tax holidays for
the periods indicated: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Months |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
For the Year |
|
|
For the Six Months |
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
|
(Restated) |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands, except for per share) |
|
Effect on net (loss) income (applicable) available to common
shareholders
|
|
|
1.260 |
|
|
|
399 |
|
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
(544 |
) |
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
183 |
|
|
|
231 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
Effect on basic (loss) earnings per common share
|
|
|
0.063 |
|
|
|
0.020 |
|
|
|
(0.001 |
) |
|
|
0.005 |
|
|
|
(0.033 |
) |
|
|
0.008 |
|
|
|
0.009 |
|
|
|
0.011 |
|
|
|
0.001 |
|
Effect on diluted (loss) earnings per common share
|
|
|
0.063 |
|
|
|
0.020 |
|
|
|
(0.001 |
) |
|
|
0.005 |
|
|
|
(0.033 |
) |
|
|
0.008 |
|
|
|
0.009 |
|
|
|
0.006 |
|
|
|
0.001 |
|
|
|
(6) |
Gives effect to the full conversion of preferred shares into
11,730,554 of our common shares, as if the conversion had taken
place on April 1, 2006. |
|
|
(7) |
Each ADS represents two common shares. |
|
|
|
(8) |
Note payable to a third party was repaid in full on May 19,
2006 |
|
51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Months |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
For the Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Restated) |
|
|
(Restated) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Key Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Testing services:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of tests
delivered(1)
|
|
|
848,840 |
|
|
|
1,399,170 |
|
|
|
1,851,476 |
|
|
|
245,012 |
|
|
|
2,583,712 |
|
|
|
3,335,701 |
|
|
|
2,004,640 |
|
|
|
2,065,249 |
|
Test-based educational services:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of degree major course programs offered
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
Number of schools offering degree major course programs
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
82 |
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
137 |
|
|
|
128 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
Degree major
student-months(2)
|
|
|
4,520 |
|
|
|
52,348 |
|
|
|
181,072 |
|
|
|
75,978 |
|
|
|
401,415 |
|
|
|
465,856 |
|
|
|
215,650 |
|
|
|
198,178 |
|
|
Number of single course programs offered
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
Number of schools offering single course programs
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
|
|
136 |
|
|
|
86 |
|
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
119 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
Single course
student-months(3)
|
|
|
846 |
|
|
|
34,005 |
|
|
|
71,355 |
|
|
|
29,371 |
|
|
|
107,891 |
|
|
|
133,562 |
|
|
|
68,740 |
|
|
|
101,603 |
|
Test preparation solutions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of copies of NTET software sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,514 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Includes tests delivered through our test delivery platform and
tests using our Dynamic Simulation Technology. |
|
(2) |
Degree major student-months are calculated by
(i) multiplying the number of students in each degree major
by the number of months of that degree major course program in
the relevant period and then (ii) aggregating the number of
student-months for all of our degree major course programs
during the period. |
|
(3) |
Single course student-months are calculated by
(i) multiplying the number of students in each single
course program by the number of months of that single course
program in the relevant period and then (ii) aggregating
the number of student-months for all of our single course
programs during the period. |
52
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The following is an estimate of certain unaudited selected
consolidated financial data for the three months ended
December 31, 2007. Because our financial statements for the
three months ended December 31, 2007 have not been
finalized and are subject to completion of our normal
quarter-end closing procedures, the unaudited selected
consolidated financial data for the three months ended
December 31, 2007 set forth below may be subject to change.
We estimate:
|
|
|
|
|
total net revenues were between RMB63.0 million
($8.4 million) and RMB67.5 million
($9.0 million), compared to RMB36.3 million for the
three months ended December 31, 2006; |
|
|
|
gross profit was between RMB42.8 million
($5.7 million) and RMB46.0 million
($6.1 million), compared to RMB25.9 million for the
three months ended December 31, 2006; |
|
|
|
income from operations was between RMB14.8 million
($2.0 million) and RMB16.0 million
($2.1 million), compared to RMB6.6 million for the
three months ended December 31, 2006; and |
|
|
|
net income was between RMB10.6 million ($1.4 million)
and RMB12.0 million ($1.6 million), compared to
RMB6.9 million for the three months ended December 31,
2006. |
We estimate that our total net revenues, gross profit, income
from operations and net income for the three months ended
December 31, 2007 reached their highest quarterly levels in
our operating history, primarily due to a large increase in net
revenues from testing services, which we estimate were between
RMB34.8 million ($4.6 million) and
RMB37.3 million ($5.0 million), compared to
RMB10.9 million for the three months ended
December 31, 2006. This increase in testing services net
revenues was driven to a large degree by significant increases
in the number of finance industry-related tests, principally
banking and securities licensure tests, that we delivered during
the three months ended December 31, 2007. The large
increase in testing services net revenues was partially offset
by slower growth in net revenues from test-based educational
services, which was primarily due to a decline in net revenues
from degree major course programs. We estimate that our cost of
revenues and operating expenses also increased significantly
during this quarter, generally in line with our revenue growth.
We estimate our cost of revenues and operating expenses included
approximately RMB9.3 million ($1.2 million) in
share-based compensation expenses, the substantial majority of
which relate to our October 2007 grant of share options to
employees.
Our preliminary consolidated financial data for the quarter
ended December 31, 2007 are subject to adjustment based
upon, among other things, completion of our reporting processes.
Actual results could differ materially from the estimates
provided above. For example, total net revenues are subject to
finalization of our determination of revenues to be recognized
in the quarter or deferred to future periods and the amount of
accrued business tax, income from operations is also subject to
finalization of our share-based compensation expenses and other
operating expenses, and net income is further subject to
finalization of our determination of income tax expense for the
quarter. For additional information regarding the various risks
and uncertainties inherent in such estimates, see Special
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. Financial
results for the three months ended December 31, 2007 may
not be indicative of our full year results for the fiscal year
ending March 31, 2008 or future quarterly periods. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations for information
regarding trends and other factors that may influence our
financial results.
Our quarterly results of operations are subject to seasonal
fluctuations. In particular, net revenues from testing services
and test preparation solutions are typically highest in the
quarter ending December 31 due to a generally higher number
of tests delivered by our clients during that quarter and lowest
in the quarter ending March 31. Principally due to this
seasonal decline in net revenues from testing services and
53
test preparation solutions, we expect our total net revenues,
gross profit, income from operations and net income to be
significantly lower during the three months ending
March 31, 2008 than they were for the three months ended
December 31, 2007. As a result, we currently estimate that
we may incur a net loss from operations and a net loss for the
three months ending March 31, 2008. In addition, we may
also incur a net loss from operations and a net loss for the
three months ending June 30, 2008 depending on whether
certain large-scale tests, such as the banking licensure test,
are scheduled in the quarter ending September 30, 2008
instead of the prior quarter.
54
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our
financial condition and results of operations in conjunction
with the section entitled Selected Consolidated Financial
and Operating Data and our consolidated financial
statements and the related notes for the fiscal years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007 included elsewhere in this
prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The discussion in
this section contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ
materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking
statements as a result of various factors, including those set
forth under Risk Factors and elsewhere in this
prospectus.
Overview
We are the leading provider of computer-based testing services
in China, with the largest market share, 30.9%, in terms of
revenue in 2006, according to IDC. We also provide
career-oriented test-based educational programs and test
preparation solutions. To comply with PRC law, we operate the
online portion of our test preparation solutions business
through a series of contractual arrangements with ATA Online
(Beijing) Education Technology Limited, or ATA Online, a PRC
entity owned by two of our founders and over which we do not
have direct control or direct oversight. We have experienced
significant growth in our business during the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007. Our total net revenues have increased from
RMB69.0 million for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006 to RMB84.9 million ($11.3 million) for the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2007, and from RMB32.4 million
for the six months ended September 30, 2006 to
RMB76.2 million ($10.2 million) for the six months
ended September 30, 2007. We had net losses of
RMB24.8 million and RMB16.8 million for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, and net
income of RMB8.5 million ($1.1 million) for the six
months ended September 30, 2007.
We started our business in 1999 focusing on providing
computer-based testing services to test sponsors. Our revenues
from the licensing of testing services, which we provide to test
sponsors, have grown primarily as a result of increases in the
number of test takers who take tests created and delivered using
our testing technologies as well as our ability to secure
increasing numbers of new contracts from test sponsors for the
creation and delivery of new computer-based test titles. Testing
services revenues accounted for 32.8% and 38.7% of our total net
revenues for the six months ended September 30, 2006 and
2007, respectively. In the near term, we expect our testing
services revenues to continue to be the largest source of our
total net revenues as a result of new contracts with test
sponsors in the banking, securities and insurance sectors. Our
testing services are also important for reasons other than the
revenues they generate. The expertise we have developed in the
creation and delivery of large scale tests covering a wide
variety of test topics and industries contributes to our ability
to create and offer career-oriented course programs and test
preparation solutions.
55
The following graph shows the growth in the number of tests
delivered using our testing technologies for the twelve months
ended March 31, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
|
|
(1) |
Includes tests delivered through our
E-testing platform and
tests using our Dynamic Simulation Technology. |
Leveraging our testing expertise, in 2002 we began offering our
career-oriented course programs, which we market to Chinese
educational institutions. We develop our course programs by
integrating our testing technologies and services with IT
learning content authorized by major IT vendors. Many of our
course programs allow students to earn an IT vendor certificate
upon completion of the program and the successful passage of
related tests in addition to earning credits toward graduation.
In March 2006, we began to offer pre-occupational training
programs, which are programs with trained instructors that allow
students to obtain practical skills through exercises designed
to more closely align their skills with specific job
requirements. Licensing fees from test-based educational
services accounted for 57.9% and 27.4% of our total net revenues
for the six months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007,
respectively.
By integrating our testing technologies with targeted test
preparation content for certain professional licensure and
certification tests, in 2006 we began offering test preparation
solutions for the securities, insurance and teaching industries.
ATA Online, our affiliated PRC entity, launched online test
preparation Internet web sites in coordination with the
Securities Association of China, the China Futures Association
and the China Banking Association to help candidates across
China practice and prepare for these organizations
professional licensure and certification tests, which tests are
delivered by us through our test delivery platform. We also
offer our NTET Tutorial Platform software, which comprises a
comprehensive set of training materials to prepare teachers for
certification under the National Teachers Skill Test of
Applied Educational Technology in Secondary and Elementary
Schools, or NTET test, which is delivered nationwide through our
test delivery platform. Revenues from our test preparation
solutions increased as a percentage of our total net revenues
from 0.5% for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 to 28.4%
for the six months ended September 30, 2007.
On October 15, 2007, we entered into definitive agreements
to purchase the entire equity interests of Beijing Jindixin
Software Technology Company Limited and JDX Holdings Limited,
which are related companies incorporated in China and the
British Virgin Islands, respectively, engaged in the development
and marketing of software for computer-based tests. The
aggregate cash consideration for the acquisition is
RMB10.0 million. On October 15, 2007, we made a
deposit of RMB2.0 million in the aggregate to the sellers
with the remainder of the consideration due upon closing. The
transaction is expected to close in March 2008, subject to
satisfaction of customary closing conditions. In conjunction
with the acquisition, we also issued to certain of the sellers
warrants for the purchase of an aggregate of 126,803 of our
common shares at a strike price of $5.25 per share, which
warrants are exercisable upon the closing of the transaction and
expire on April 30, 2008. On the date of issuance, the
estimated intrinsic value of the warrants granted to certain of
the sellers approximated RMB4.1 million ($0.5 million)
based on the
56
estimated fair market value of underlying shares of $9.52 (the
mid-point of the estimated range of the initial public offering
price of this offering after a discount of 9.16% to account for
inherent business risk and lack of marketability).
|
|
|
Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
|
Some of the key factors affecting our results of operations are:
|
|
|
|
|
growth in Chinas professional services sector resulting in
increasing demand for qualified and certified talent in China; |
|
|
|
overall economic growth and rising income levels in China
contributing to increased spending on education, testing and
test preparation; |
|
|
|
government and industry initiatives to standardize and license
professionals in industries such as securities, futures,
banking, law and accounting; |
|
|
|
growth in the use of computer-based tests and performance-based
tests and willingness of test sponsors and educational program
providers to outsource test content development and delivery for
sophisticated computer-based and performance-based tests; |
|
|
|
emphasis on, and government encouragement for, career-oriented
and IT-related educational programs in China; |
|
|
|
the increasing importance of identifying qualified talent
contributing to increasing demand for testing and certification
programs that can confirm the qualifications of the applicant or
job seeker; |
|
|
|
acceptance by educational institutions of our career-oriented
and IT-related educational programs; and |
|
|
|
our introduction of new services, such as our pre-occupational
training programs launched in March 2006 and our test
preparation solutions launched in November 2006. |
Although we anticipate the above factors will continue to
increase demand for our products and services in China, a
slowing or reversal of any of the above factors could cause our
revenue growth to slow or stop, or to not grow as fast as we
might expect.
In addition, our results of operations for the fiscal years
ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 and the six months ended
September 30, 2007 have been significantly affected by the
following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
share-based compensation; |
|
|
|
the impact of certain preferential tax rates and tax holidays; |
|
|
|
valuation of tax loss carryforwards; |
|
|
|
foreign currency exchange losses; |
|
|
|
accretion of, and foreign currency exchange translation
adjustment on, our Series A redeemable convertible
preferred shares, or preferred shares, to redemption value; |
|
|
|
interest expense relating to extension of a warrant to a
third-party lender; |
|
|
|
recognition into income in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006 of previously deferred revenue of RMB3.9 million from
ATA Jiangsu as a result of its voluntary winding up; |
|
|
|
gain on disposal of Xiamen Wendu Software Education Investment
Co. Ltd., or Wendu Education, in the amount of
RMB2.8 million, which was consummated during the six months
ended September 30, 2007; and |
|
|
|
the relative proportion of our net revenues derived from
higher-gross margin and lower-gross margin product and service
offerings. |
57
Going forward, we expect our results of operations to be
affected by the following:
|
|
|
|
|
share-based compensation; |
|
|
|
the impact of certain preferential tax rates and tax holidays; |
|
|
|
valuation of tax loss carryforwards; |
|
|
|
foreign currency exchange losses; and |
|
|
|
the relative proportion of our net revenues derived from
higher-gross margin and lower-gross margin product and service
offerings. |
Net Revenues
We derive revenues from licensing of fees for computer-based
testing services, licensing fees for test-based educational
services, sales of test preparation solutions, and other
products and services. Our net revenues are presented net of PRC
business taxes. The following table sets forth a breakdown of
our total net revenues for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
For the Six Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(In thousands, except for percentages) |
|
Net revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Testing services
|
|
|
18,170 |
|
|
|
26.3 |
% |
|
|
24,628 |
|
|
|
29.0 |
% |
|
|
10,622 |
|
|
|
32.8 |
% |
|
|
29,472 |
|
|
|
3,933 |
|
|
|
38.6 |
% |
|
Test-based educational services
|
|
|
35,138 |
|
|
|
50.9 |
% |
|
|
42,804 |
|
|
|
50.4 |
% |
|
|
18,749 |
|
|
|
57.9 |
% |
|
|
20,891 |
|
|
|
2,788 |
|
|
|
27.4 |
% |
|
Test preparation solutions
|
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
|
|
10,076 |
|
|
|
11.9 |
% |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
% |
|
|
21,632 |
|
|
|
2,887 |
|
|
|
28.4 |
% |
|
Other
|
|
|
15,389 |
|
|
|
22.3 |
% |
|
|
7,373 |
|
|
|
8.7 |
% |
|
|
2,992 |
|
|
|
9.2 |
% |
|
|
4,253 |
|
|
|
568 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net revenues
|
|
|
69,037 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
84,881 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
32,368 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
76,248 |
|
|
|
10,176 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Testing Services
We derive testing services revenues from licensing fees charged
to test sponsors for our test delivery services and from
simulation testing technology licensing. Revenues from testing
services accounted for 26.3%, 29.0%, 32.8% and 38.7% of our
total net revenues for the fiscal years ended March 31,
2006 and 2007 and the six months ended September 30, 2006
and 2007, respectively.
Test delivery services. We generate test delivery
services revenues through licensing fees charged for providing
computer-based testing services to test sponsors such as
governmental agencies, IT vendors and other sponsors of
licensure and certification tests. We offer our clients a
comprehensive set of services for the compilation, delivery and
analysis of computer-based tests using our E-testing platform,
as well as logistical services such as test registration and fee
collection. Tests delivered through our E-testing platform may
be conducted at our ATA authorized test centers or at other
locations at the test sponsors discretion. We generate
revenues from our test delivery services through technology
licensing fees charged to test sponsors based on the total
number of test takers taking a requested test. Our clients
typically pay us within three to six months of delivery of the
test. We recognize revenue for test delivery services upon
completion of the relevant test.
We have experienced seasonality and expect in the future to
continue to experience seasonality in revenues and accounts
receivable related to our test delivery services. We typically
have higher net revenues from test delivery services in the
quarter ending December 31 than in other quarters due to a
generally higher number of tests delivered by our clients during
that quarter. Net revenues from test delivery services are
typically lowest in the quarter ending March 31. Our second
largest quarter in terms
58
of number of tests delivered may vary between the quarters
ending June 30 and September 30 depending on whether
certain large-scale tests, such as the banking licensure test,
are scheduled in one or the other quarter. Depending on when we
receive payment from our test sponsor clients, we may experience
substantial increases in our accounts receivable balance at the
end of the quarter ending December 31 of each fiscal year.
Simulation testing technology licensing. We license our
Dynamic Simulation Technology and other simulation testing
technologies to IT certification sponsors, such as Microsoft,
and international test preparation service providers. Our
technology licensing arrangements include annual license fees
and royalty fees. Annual license fees are prepaid at the end of
the quarter ending June 30 of each year, while royalty fees are
payable quarterly. We recognise revenue from royalty fees in the
quarter in which our simulation testing technology licenses are
delivered, which is evidenced by the quarterly usage reports
received from the licensees. Annual license fee revenues are
recognized over the year on a straight-line basis. We have not
experienced significant seasonality in revenues or accounts
receivable in relation to our simulation testing technology
licensing.
Significant Factors Affecting Testing Services
The most significant factor directly affecting our revenues from
licensing fees charged for our testing services are the number
of test takers. The number of test takers for a test is driven
by our ability to secure contracts with test sponsors for the
creation and delivery of computer-based test titles popular with
test takers. The volume of tests we offer is determined by the
willingness of test sponsors to use our services. We believe
test sponsors choose our services because (i) for all test
sponsors, our testing services provide a proven and
technologically advanced computer-based and performance-based
testing format that is stable, cost-effective, secure, accurate
and better able to assess the real-world, practical skills of
test takers, (ii) for government test sponsors, our testing
services allow governmental agencies to outsource the burden and
difficulty of administering large-scale tests to a third-party
service provider better equipped to handle the testing process,
and (iii) for IT vendors, our testing services help
perpetuate the market prevalence of their products and
technologies and help identify technical talent from across
China. Our revenues from licensing fees charged for our testing
services revenues are also affected by the price we can charge
per test, which generally remains fairly stable once we are
engaged by a test sponsor to help deliver a particular test.
Demand and pricing for a test is affected by whether a certain
profession, career or job position for which the certification,
licensure or qualification test is being given is considered
desirable by potential test takers. Some industries may
experience fluctuations in the numbers of people attempting to
become qualified to participate in the industry, depending on
the overall health of the relevant industry, changes in average
salary levels in the relevant industry, the popularity of
certain types of careers and employers, governmental policies
that impact the relevant industry, or other factors. Tests that
test proficiency in specific IT-related skill sets are
particularly sensitive to changes in or the obsolescence of the
relevant technologies.
In addition, obtaining contracts from test sponsors for new test
titles and for upgrading existing test titles often requires us
to expend considerable time and resources. Many of our clients
administer tests to a large number of people on a regular basis,
and maintaining consistency and stability from year to year in
the test delivery format is important to them. The decision
process involved in adopting a new type of test or a new test
delivery format can be difficult and complex. These factors
often result in significant delays in our ability to secure
contracts, which can make it difficult for us to predict our
revenues from licensing fees from test sponsors in any given
year. On the other hand, for test sponsors that administer many
tests on a regular basis, our ability to secure an initial
contract and to effectively meet their test delivery
requirements under the contract can help us obtain future test
title contracts from that test sponsor, which enables us to
increase and diversify our revenues and to hinder the ability of
competitors to secure contracts with the test sponsor. In
addition, our ability to license our simulation technology to
leading IT vendors and other clients that require cutting-edge
computer-based simulation testing technologies depends largely
on our ability to maintain and extend our technology leadership
in this area.
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In this regard, our revenues from licensing fees from test
sponsors may be negatively affected if Microsoft exercises its
contractual option to purchase the source code of our Dynamic
Simulation Technology. See Risk Factors Risks
Relating to Our Business If Microsoft exercises its
contractual option to acquire the source code of our Dynamic
Simulation Technology, or DST, Microsoft or a company to which
Microsoft licenses or sells such technology may be able to more
effectively compete with us. We have not received any
indication from Microsoft that it intends to exercise this
purchase option.
Finally, our ability to roll out the delivery of new tests,
particularly large-scale tests delivered nationwide through our
network of ATA authorized test centers, can be complicated and
time consuming, which may delay our ability to generate revenues
under some of our contracts for delivery of tests that have not
been delivered previously.
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Test-Based Educational Services
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We receive licensing fees from test-based educational services
charged to educational institutions for our degree major course
programs, single course programs and pre-occupational training
programs. Revenues from these licensing fees accounted for
50.9%, 50.4%, 57.9% and 27.4% of our total net revenues for the
fiscal years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 and the six
months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Degree major course programs. Our degree major course
programs are comprised of a series of individual course programs
designed to help students acquire a cluster of skill sets that
can best prepare them for specific job types and careers, and,
in some cases, allow them to acquire certifications from
well-known IT vendors. Our degree major course programs are
designed to be completed within one to five years, with the
majority being completed in two to three years. Our course
content and related tests for each course in the degree major
course program integrate our computer-based simulation and other
testing technologies with IT learning content and certifications
authorized by the IT vendors. Revenues from our degree major
course program offerings accounted for 49.2% and 20.3%,
respectively, of our total net revenues, and 84.9% and 73.9%,
respectively, of our test-based educational services net
revenues, in the six months ended September 30, 2006 and
2007. We expect our degree major course programs to continue to
contribute a substantial majority of our revenues from licensing
fees from test-based educational services as these programs
become more popular with educational institutions across China.
We generate revenues from our degree major course programs
through licensing fees charged to educational institutions. Our
licensing fees are charged per student per year and are agreed
upon prior to delivery of any course or test materials. Our fee
is payable shortly after confirmation by the educational
institution of the number of students enrolled in each degree
major course program near the beginning of each school year. For
first-year courses, confirmation of the number of students
enrolled in each degree major course program usually occurs one
to two months into the school year because a small percentage of
first-year students change their degree major in the first
couple months after commencement of the school year. Therefore,
billing and payment collection for our first-year courses often
does not occur until later in the school year. The fees are not
refundable if the student fails to complete one or more of the
courses or the entire degree major course program or fails any
of the tests. We charge schools based on our perceived market
value of both the individual certifications to be awarded at the
completion of each course and the overall degree to be awarded
to the student at the completion of the degree major course
program.
Revenues from our degree major course programs may fluctuate
because revenues from the final year of the degree major course
program are recognized over a
ten-month period
(generally September through June) while revenues from the first
through the next-to-last years of the program are recognized
over a 12-month period
(generally September through August). In the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007, we experienced lower revenues from these
programs in the quarter ended September 30, 2006 as final
year students comprise a material amount of the revenue
contributing student population and we do not recognize revenues
in July and August for these students. We expect this seasonal
fluctuation to continue while the magnitude of the fluctuation
depends on the proportion of students in early years of the
programs as compared to students in the latter years of the
program.
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We also expect some seasonality in our billing and accounts
receivable related to degree major course programs. Our
contractual right to collect from our clients typically falls
around the months of October to November when the number of
enrolled students is confirmed. A large portion of our clients
settle payment with us two to three months after that time,
around the months of December and January. Depending on the mix
of clients that pay us in December or January each year, we may
experience fluctuations in our accounts receivable balance and
cash booked. As a result, our accounts receivable have
historically been highest at the end of the quarter ending
December 31 of each fiscal year.
Single course programs. Our single course programs
typically center around a specific type of computer software
application or other technology that requires significant
training and practice to master and for which certification is
offered. Our single course programs integrate our testing
technologies and services with IT learning content and
certifications authorized by well-known IT vendors. Chinese
universities, vocational colleges and other educational
institutions offer these course programs to non-IT major
students as elective courses. In order to receive certification
from IT vendors, students must pass a computer-based test
administered at the end of the single course program. Revenues
from our single course program offerings accounted for 7.7% and
5.3%, respectively, of our total net revenues, and 13.2% and
19.5%, respectively, of our test-based educational services net
revenues, for the six months ended September 30, 2006 and
2007.
We generate revenues from our single course programs through
licensing fees charged to educational institutions. We charge
licensing fees for our single course programs based on a
pre-agreed fee per student taking each course. A portion of the
per-student fee, generally 30% to 50% of the total, is due prior
to delivery of the course materials at the beginning of the
course period based on the number of students who enroll in the
course. The remainder of the per-student fee is due prior to
delivery of the final test and is based on the number of
students taking the final test. We charge schools based on our
perceived market value of the certification to be awarded to the
student at the completion of the course.
Our contracts for single course programs entered into prior to
January 2006 were silent as to the term or period that we are
required to provide services. Beginning in January 2006, we have
revised the standard terms of our single course program
contracts to stipulate that we have no obligations to provide
future services after a definitive term even if the course has
not been completed. We are also in the process of amending or
replacing our single course program contracts entered into prior
to January 2006 to stipulate that we have no obligations to
provide future services after six or 12 months from the
commencement of our services. As of September 30, 2007,
approximately 20% of our effective single course program
contracts entered into prior to January 2006 have been amended
to include the contractual term of service period. Upon
commencement of a single course program that does not have a
definitive term, we estimate, based on our historical
experience, the percentage of contracts that will be completed
within 12 months, and recognize revenue for such contracts
on a straight-line basis over a period of five months, which is
the expected service period based on historical averages. For
the percentage of contracts that are not expected to be
completed within 12 months, we do not recognize revenue
until the course is completed or we otherwise obtain
confirmation from the educational institution that we no longer
have any future obligations.
For all single course programs that have a definitive term of
service period, we recognize revenue on a straight-line basis
over the service period or the contractual period, whichever is
longer.
At the end of each reporting period upon the closing of our
financial records, we compare the revenue recognized at the
onset of the contracts to the actual completion status of each
contract, on a contract by contract basis, and make any revenue
adjustments to reflect the actual completion status of the
contracts. Given that substantially all course programs are
delivered during a school year, which spans from September of
each year to June of the following year, we will experience a
substantial decrease in single course program revenues for the
months of July and August each year. We do not expect
significant accounts receivable from our single course program
clients due to the fact that we bill and receive cash prior to
delivery of a large portion of the relevant services.
61
Pre-occupational training programs. Our pre-occupational
training programs provide trained instructors to teach students
practical skills through exercises designed to more closely
align their skills with specific job requirements. We generate
revenues by licensing our pre-occupational training programs to
educational institutions and from fees charged to educational
institutions for arranging deployment of training instructors.
We currently run two models for our pre-occupational training
programs: the co-operated model and the self-operated model.
Under the co-operated model, we provide pre-occupational
training personnel and programs, while the educational
institutions provide the facilities, equipment and operational
staff and are responsible for student in-take. We charge either
on a consumption basis by referencing the number of enrolled
students or by course hours consumed over the typical training
period of two to three months or on a license basis by
referencing the number of licenses purchased per year, which is
determined by the number of courses that comprise the training
program and working units in the training center. Alternatively,
we also receive instructor deployment revenue based on the
length of the program if a client requires us to deploy training
instructors. Under the self-operated model, the training center
is invested and operated by us. Participating schools send
students to our training facilities and we collect fees based on
the number of class units taken over the typical training period
of two to three months.
We recognize revenue from licensing our pre-occupational
training programs over the service delivery period on a
straight-line basis, either over the typical training period of
two to three months, or if the license fee charged is on a
per-year basis, over the 12-month period from the commencement
date. We typically collect cash either in full prior to delivery
of the service, or 50% at the time when the service is first
delivered and 50% just prior to completion of services.
Instructor deployment revenue is collected prior to instructor
deployment, and is recognized on straight-line basis over the
service delivery period. Revenues from our pre-occupational
training program offerings accounted for 1.1% and 1.8%,
respectively, of our total net revenues, and 1.9% and 6.6%,
respectively, of our test-based educational services net
revenues, in the six months ended September 30, 2006 and
2007.
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Significant Factors Affecting Test-Based Educational
Services
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We use the concept of student-months to track growth
in our test-based educational services revenues from licensing
fees charged to educational institutions for our degree major
course programs, single course programs and pre-occupational
training programs. Degree major student-months are calculated by
first multiplying the number of students in each degree major by
the number of months of that degree major course program in the
relevant period and then adding the resulting numbers for all of
our degree major course programs together to reach an aggregate
degree major student-months figure for the period. Single course
student-months are calculated by first multiplying the number of
students in each single course program by the number of months
of that single course program in the relevant period and then
adding the resulting numbers for all of our single course
programs together to reach an aggregate single course
student-months figure for the period.
A number of factors affect our degree major, single course and
pre-occupational training student-months, as follows:
Our ability to add schools that offer our course
programs. Our ability to increase student-months and grow
revenues from licensing fees from test-based educational
services depends on our ability to continue to add new
educational institutions to our client list, expand our program
offerings from existing and new IT vendors, expand program
offerings to subjects outside of the IT sector and maintain our
relationships with our existing educational institution clients.
As schools continue to offer our programs to enable students to
obtain vocational skills, our number of student-months and our
revenues from licensing fees from educational institutions will
increase. Schools in China are required by national policy
initiatives to provide more career-oriented courses and
practical skills training to assist students entering the IT
industry. In addition, we believe employers and industry
associations in China are increasingly requiring job applicants
and industry participants to obtain professional certifications
and licenses to qualify for increasing numbers of positions in
various industries.
62
Our experience has been that schools typically take a
conservative and incremental approach to new technologies and
teaching methods, preferring to start small with the adoption of
two or three degree major course programs to allow teachers to
be properly trained to administer the courses and to test the
receptiveness of students to the courses. In addition,
educational institutions generally make purchasing decisions for
our course programs during the latter part of the school year,
typically from April to July of each year, to allow sufficient
time for integration of the course programs into their school
curriculum, training of teachers, and marketing of the new
course program offerings to returning and incoming new students,
prior to the beginning of the new school year each fall. If
there is a significant delay by a school in making the decision
to integrate our course programs, and such decision is not made
by August, our course program revenues from that school will
likely be delayed for a year or more, which can make it
difficult for us to predict these revenues in any given year.
Once a school decides to adopt one or more of our course
programs, our revenues are further affected by our ability to
roll out these programs in the school in a timely manner. Each
roll-out involves several important steps, including assessing
and improving the educational institutions infrastructure
to ensure that it can support our computer-based testing and
course materials and training a sufficient number of teachers to
be able to offer the course programs. For our most basic single
course programs, this process can usually be completed in a
matter of days, but for more complicated course programs and for
degree major course programs, it can take several months or more
before the programs will be ready for introduction into the
schools curriculum.
Our ability to add new course programs to existing
educational institution clients. Because of the nature of
school enrollment generally, we often generate revenues quickly
in the first several years following introduction of our single
course and degree major course programs in a particular
educational institution. For example, if we offer a three-year
degree program, we may experience fast initial growth in the
number of students in the first year, second year and third year
the educational institution offers the program as we move from
offering the program to one class year to offering it to
students in all three class years. However, starting in the
fourth year after the initial introduction of the program in the
schools curriculum, we may experience a leveling off, or
decline, in the number of students enrolled in the course as new
first-year student enrollments will be offset by graduated
students. Thus, our ability to continue introducing new course
programs to existing educational institution clients is a
significant factor in driving revenue growth from each
individual educational institution.
Our ability to secure rights from IT vendors. Our degree
major and single course programs are more attractive if they
offer skills or certifications from well-known international and
domestic IT vendors. We believe that such IT vendors typically
offer certification programs for skills that are readily
marketable, which provides students that acquire such skills and
certifications with advantages in the job market. As a result,
we are able to charge educational institutions higher licensing
fees per student for course content and certifications provided
by well-known IT vendors.
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Test Preparation Solutions
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We derive test preparation solutions revenues from the sale of
teacher training software products and online test preparation
services. We historically also generated some revenues from
sales of software to schools to conduct computer-based exercises
and tests. Test preparation solutions accounted for 0.5%, 11.9%,
0.1% and 28.4% of our total net revenues for the fiscal years
ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 and the six months ended
September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
NTET Tutorial Platform. We offer, through independent
sales agents, our NTET Tutorial Platform software, which
comprises a comprehensive set of training materials for
preparing teachers for certification under the NTET test. We
began offering our NTET Tutorial Platform in November 2006. We
sell all title and distribution rights to the distributor upon
delivery. We do not provide upgrades or any additional
post-contract services, which are the responsibility of the
sales agents who sell or otherwise dispose of our NTET Tutorial
Platform. We recognize this revenue upon delivery of the
software and once collectibility is reasonably assured. We
expect seasonal fluctuations in the sales of these software
products
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because we typically negotiate with our independent sales agents
the right to distribute our software on a provincial basis in
the quarters ending March 31 and June 30 of each fiscal year.
Sales of our NTET Tutorial Platform accounted for 92.5% of our
test preparation solutions revenues in the six months ended
September 30, 2007.
Online test preparation services. ATA Online provides
online test preparation for professional licensure and
certification tests delivered through our testing platform for
the Securities Association of China, the China Futures
Association and the China Banking Association. Revenues from
online test preparation services are generated by selling online
point cards to end users directly or through distributors on a
consignment basis. The online point cards entitle end users to
unlimited use of online mock testing during a specified service
period, which normally ranges from 90 to 180 days from the
activation of the online point cards. Sales proceeds from the
online point cards, net of the discounts granted to
distributors, are recognized on a straight-line basis ratably
over the service period commencing at the point of time the card
is activated as online test preparation service fees. If the
cards sold to end users are not activated before the expiration
date, all online service fees received will be recognized on the
expiration date. ATA Online is not contractually obligated to
accept, nor has it historically accepted, returns from end users.
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Significant Factors Affecting Test Preparation
Solutions
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A number of factors affect our revenues from test preparation
solutions. One of the most important of these is our ability to
grow the number of test titles we deliver through our test
delivery platform. Because we only offer test preparation
solutions for tests that are delivered through our test delivery
platform, the number of test titles we deliver through our test
delivery platform directly impacts the potential number of tests
for which we can offer test preparation solutions. However, the
demand for test preparation solutions is not the same for all
tests. Demand for test preparation solutions for a particular
test depends on the relative level of importance or difficulty
of the test, with greater demand for test preparation solutions
for more important and more difficult tests. Therefore, our
ability to secure test delivery services contracts for more
important and more difficult tests may affect our test
preparation solutions business. Our ability to grow our test
preparation solutions business is also affected by the
willingness of our test sponsor clients to permit us to provide
test preparation solutions for their tests. Some test sponsor
clients may not permit us to provide test preparation solutions
in relation to tests for which we provide test delivery and
other services due to a perceived conflict of interest. In
addition, because we generally do not develop the learning
content used in our test preparation solutions, our ability to
license test preparation learning content and materials from the
relevant test sponsor or third party content provider is
critical to the expansion of the number of tests for which we
offer test preparation solutions.
In addition, our revenues from existing test preparation
solutions depend on the number of users of our test preparation
solutions and the price we can charge for them. These in turn
depend on a number of factors, including whether test takers are
aware of our test preparation solutions and the timing of the
test being delivered. We market our current test preparation
solutions through either distributors or the test sponsor and
the number of test preparation solutions users depends on the
effectiveness of these marketing channels.
We derive other revenues from licensing fees paid to us by
operators of our ATA authorized test centers, issuance of
certificates delivered to passing candidates, test content
creation services, teacher training, sales of educational
compact discs and textbooks, sales of testing peripherals, and
other fees and services. Our other revenues accounted for 22.3%,
8.7%, 9.2% and 5.6% of our total net revenues for the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 and the six months
ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Licensing fees from ATA authorized test centers. We have
established our nationwide network of ATA authorized test
centers by contracting with qualified independent operators that
act as ATA
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authorized test centers for us. Under our contracts with test
center operators, we license our ATA name and ATA E-testing
platform technology and provide ongoing technical support,
upgrades and training during the contract period in exchange for
license fees. Each test center is obligated to provide testing
venues, computers with Internet access for use as testing
terminals, other testing equipment and test monitoring services
as specified by us. We have ongoing obligations to provide
technical support and system upgrades during the licensing
period. Although we generate a small but steady stream of
licensing revenue from test center operators, we view our
network of ATA authorized test centers primarily as a channel
for the nationwide delivery of our tests, which is an important
consideration for many of our test sponsor clients, as well as a
means to build our brand by placing ATA signage in our numerous
test centers across China. We do not provide loan guarantees,
asset pledges or any other financial support to the ATA
authorized test centers.
We receive license fees from our test center operators in the
form of either a single initial license fee or a combination of
initial license fee and annual continuing license fees. Under
either fee arrangement, our licensees can extend their licensing
agreement with us indefinitely. We recognize revenue from
initial license fees on a straight-line basis over the expected
licensing period, which currently is ten years. We recognize
revenue from annual license fees once collectibility is
reasonably assured, which has generally been once we receive
cash payment, over the remaining months of the year to which the
annual license fees relate.
Certificates. Many of our testing services clients,
including well-known test sponsors, charge passing candidates a
separate fee to receive a certificate for a test passed. We
produce and deliver these certificates to these candidates upon
request. We charge a per-certificate price for the certificates
and recognize revenues from certificate issuances upon delivery
of the certificate.
Test content creation services. Our test content creation
services include the installation of our technology on client
testing platforms, the conversion of paper-based tests into
computer-based tests, and other related services. We build test
items for computer-based tests using our advanced testing
technologies and we license our testing technologies to clients
to enable them to create and administer their own tests. We have
also developed other advanced testing technologies for creating
sophisticated computer-based tests. We generate revenues from
our test content creation services through service fees charged
to governmental agencies, IT vendors and other sponsors of
licensure, certification and qualification tests. We recognize
revenue from our test content creation services upon the
acceptance of the services by the client.
Teacher training services. Through our teacher training
services, we organize training events for teachers to improve
their understanding of our course program content and our
E-testing platform as
used in the context of our degree major and single course
programs. We charge schools a fixed price per teacher attending
our training sessions, which typically take one week to
complete. For course content training, we generally outsource
the training presentation to the IT vendors that provided the
content for the specific course program, or to college
professors or other instructors or trainers with expertise in
the course program subject matter. We recognize revenue from
teacher training services upon completion of the services, which
usually occurs within several weeks.
Educational compact discs and textbooks. We do not market
our educational materials, such as compact discs and textbooks,
separately from the course programs to which they relate.
However, our clients, mainly educational institutions, may
request additional copies of course program compact discs and
textbooks to replace those lost by students or to provide
additional copies for instructors. We recognize revenue from
sales of educational compact discs and textbooks upon receiving
cash payment at delivery.
Other fees and services. From time to time and as
requested by our clients, we may perform certain IT consulting
or system integration work for our test sponsor clients. These
are typically short one-time contracts from which we recognize
revenue upon completion of the services, which usually occurs
within a short period of time. We also, from time to time,
receive revenue from content providers for our test-based
educational services course programs in the form of marketing
fees charged to these content
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providers to host conferences and events to promote the course
programs. We recognize revenue from these marketing fees upon
receiving cash payment.
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenues consists primarily of royalty fees, payroll
compensation, the cost of inventory sold and test delivery
monitoring costs, all of which are directly attributable to the
provision of our testing services, test-based educational
services, test preparation solutions and our other products and
services. The following table shows our cost of revenues and
gross profit for the periods indicated:
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RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(In thousands, except for percentages) |
|
Net revenues
|
|
|
69,037 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
84,881 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
32,368 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
76,248 |
|
|
|
10,176 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
33,988 |
|
|
|
49.2 |
% |
|
|
41,102 |
|
|
|
48.4 |
% |
|
|
18,750 |
|
|
|
57.9 |
% |
|
|
32,777 |
|
|
|
4,374 |
|
|
|
43.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
35,049 |
|
|
|
50.8 |
% |
|
|
43,779 |
|
|
|
51.6 |
% |
|
|
13,618 |
|
|
|
42.1 |
% |
|
|
43,471 |
|
|
|
5,802 |
|
|
|
57.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The largest component of our cost of revenues is attributable to
royalty fees paid to IT vendors for the use of their proprietary
content in our course programs and our computer-based tests. We
pay substantially all of these royalty fees under an enrollment
model, whereby royalty fees are determined based on the number
of students who enroll in the course. Under limited
circumstances, an IT vendor may also charge an annual royalty
cost regardless of the number of students enrolled in, or that
take the final test for, the course.
The second largest component of our cost of revenues relates to
payroll compensation. Payroll consists of base salary and
related welfare benefits paid to staff in our services
implementation and customer support departments.
Our cost of inventory sold is comprised of printed learning
material that are pre-printed by third parties and that we
record as inventory. When a school contracts with us for degree
major and single course programs, we deliver the related compact
discs and textbooks and other course materials prior to the
start of the course programs. Cost of inventory is recognized on
a first-in-first-out
basis.
|
|
|
Test Delivery Monitoring Costs
|
Our test delivery monitoring costs consist of fees paid to hire
test proctors, rental of testing facilities and peripheral items
used for the provision of our testing services, such as USB
flash drives used for security control keys, computer cameras
used during testing for communication and identification,
compact discs used to store and deliver our testing software,
and signage used to identify and brand our ATA authorized test
centers.
|
|
|
Factors Affecting Gross Margin
|
Our gross margin is affected by changes in our net revenues and
cost of revenues. Our net revenues are determined by the number
of schools or IT vendors to which we provide services, the
number of test sponsors we provide testing services to and the
number of test takers per test title, the amount of software
products we sell and the number of test preparation users that
purchase our online point cards, as well as by the amounts we
can charge for our services. Our cost of revenues are affected
by the size of, and increases or decreases in, royalty payments
to IT vendors and other content providers for our course
66
programs. Degree major and single course program licensing fees
are subject to mutual negotiation between us and the content
providers. While we may be able to negotiate better royalty fees
with some content providers as our business grows larger, we may
also experience cases where content provider licensing fees may
increase. For example, we may need to pay larger-than-average
license fees for the right to create new, or update existing,
course program titles for more popular IT career paths and
technologies. These licensing fees may also increase over time,
but we may feel compelled to continue providing these course
programs to schools, despite increasing costs, in order to
support existing degree major course programs and course
offerings at various schools.
Our gross margin is also affected by the mix of our service
offerings. For example, the introduction of test preparation
solutions such as our NTET Tutorial Platform and ATA
Onlines online test preparation services in November 2006,
which both involve relatively low direct costs of service,
contributed to our higher gross margin in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 and the six months ended September 30,
2007. Our gross margin will, in part, be affected by how
successful we are in increasing the proportion of our revenues
derived from services that have a lower direct cost of service.
In addition, our cost of revenues is recognized as incurred,
typically at the beginning of the revenue recognition period.
Therefore, a significant amount of our degree major course
program revenues is recognized ratably over the course period or
school year while related costs are generally incurred up front.
We expect our gross margin to fluctuate from quarter to quarter
due to this cost recognition policy. We expect gross margin to
be lower in the quarters ending September 30 and
March 31 of each fiscal year as these are times when school
starts, educational materials are distributed to the schools and
we recognize the majority of our course program costs.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses consist of research and development
expenses, sales and marketing expenses and general and
administrative expenses.
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|
|
Research and Development Expenses
|
Our research and development expenses consist primarily of costs
of equipment used in our research and development activities,
salaries and benefits for our research and development
personnel, cost of outsourcing services and other costs relating
to the design, development, testing and enhancement of our
products and services.
|
|
|
Sales and Marketing Expenses
|
Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of sales
commissions paid to our sales personnel, cost of hosting
conferences, advertising expense, travel and entertainment
expenses, salaries and benefits for our sales and marketing
personnel, and other sales and marketing expenses.
|
|
|
General and Administrative Expenses
|
Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of
salaries and benefits for our administrative and finance
personnel, professional fees, office expenses, rental costs,
provisions for uncollectible accounts receivable, travel and
entertainment expenses, and share-based compensation expense.
Taxation
Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands and the British
Virgin Islands, neither we nor ATA BVI is subject to tax on its
income or capital gains. In addition, payment of dividends by
either company is not subject to withholding tax in those
jurisdictions.
Until December 31, 2007, our subsidiaries incorporated in
China, ATA Testing and ATA Learning, were governed by the PRC
Enterprise Income Tax Law for Foreign-Invested Enterprises and
67
Foreign Enterprises. Our affiliated PRC entity, ATA Online, was
subject to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Provisional
Regulations. Under those laws and regulations, foreign-invested
enterprises, such as ATA Testing and ATA Learning, and domestic
Chinese companies, such as ATA Online, were generally subject to
enterprise income tax at a statutory rate of 33% (30% national
income tax plus 3% local income tax). However, ATA Testing and
ATA Learning have enjoyed preferential tax treatments provided
by local and national Chinese tax authorities. In addition,
under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law for Foreign-Invested
Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises, dividends paid to us by ATA
Testing and ATA Learning were exempt from withholding tax. As
foreign-invested productive enterprises and new technology
enterprises located in Beijing, ATA Testing and ATA Learning
were given tax incentives that have the effect of
(i) exempting the company from enterprise income tax for
their first three tax years following establishment;
(ii) providing the company a reduced enterprise income tax
rate of 7.5% for the fourth through sixth tax years following
establishment; and (iii) providing the company a
preferential enterprise income tax rate of 15% for tax years
thereafter. ATA Testing, established in 1999, enjoyed a
preferential enterprise income tax rate of 15% for the taxable
year 2007, while ATA Learning was exempted from enterprise
income tax for the tax years 2003, 2004 and 2005 and enjoyed a
7.5% enterprise income tax rate for the years 2006 and 2007.
On March 16, 2007, the National Peoples Congress of
China enacted a new Enterprise Income Tax Law, or New EIT Law,
and in December 2007, the State Council promulgated the
implementing rules of the New EIT Law, both of which became
effective on January 1, 2008. Unlike the Income Tax Law for
Foreign-Invested Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises, the New
EIT Law does not specifically exempt withholding tax on
dividends paid by foreign-invested enterprises to foreign
investors. The implementing rules of the New EIT Law set the
rate of such withholding tax at 10%. The ultimate withholding
tax rate on dividends is subject to reduction by applicable tax
treaty between the PRC and the tax residence of the foreign
investor. We are actively monitoring the withholding tax on
dividends and are evaluating appropriate organizational changes
to minimize any unfavorable tax consequences, to the extent
practicable.
In addition, the New EIT Law imposes a unified enterprise income
tax rate of 25% on all domestic enterprises and foreign-invested
enterprises unless they qualify for certain tax incentives.
Under the New EIT Law, enterprises that were established and
already enjoyed preferential tax treatments before
March 16, 2007 will continue to enjoy them (1) in the
case of reduced tax rates, for a period of five years from
January 1, 2008, or (ii) in the case of fixed-term tax
holidays, until the expiration of such term, subject to certain
phase-out rules. Under the phase-out rules, ATA Testing is
expected to be subject to a reduced 18% enterprise income tax
rate for the taxable year 2008, a 20% rate for 2009, a 22% rate
for 2010, a 24% rate for 2011, and a normal 25% rate from 2012
onwards. ATA Learning is expected to be subject to a reduced
7.5% enterprise income tax rate for the taxable year 2008, and
the same tax rates as those applicable to ATA Testing from 2009
onwards. The New EIT Law permits certain high-technology
enterprises to enjoy a reduced 15% enterprise tax rate. If
ATA Testing and ATA Learning qualify as high-technology
enterprises and are eligible for preferential tax treatments
under the New EIT Law during the phase-out period of their
current tax preferential treatment, they may be allowed to
choose the more favorable treatment between the phase-out
treatment and the 15% reduced-rate treatment under the New EIT
Law. Neither the New EIT Law nor its implementing rules specify
the qualification criteria. Pending promulgation of the
qualification criteria, which are yet to be formulated by the
finance and tax authorities of the State Council, we cannot
assure you that ATA Testing or ATA Learning will qualify as
high-technology enterprises under the New EIT Law.
Under applicable Chinese tax laws, foreign-invested enterprises
and domestic chinese companies may carry forward losses up to
five years. As a result of accumulated operating losses by our
PRC subsidiaries, and our affiliated PRC entity, as of
March 31, 2007, we had RMB15.6 million
($2.1 million), respectively, in gross operating loss
carryforwards that could be used to offset taxable income in
future tax years.
68
ATA Testing, ATA Learning and ATA Online are also subject to
Chinese business tax. We pay business tax on gross revenues
generated from service and license fees in China at a rate of
5%. This business tax is included as a reduction of revenue in
our consolidated statements of operations.
Critical Accounting Policies
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity
with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make judgments,
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
our assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities on the date of each set of consolidated financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during each financial reporting period. We continually evaluate
these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently
available information, our own historical experience and various
other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the
circumstances. Since the use of estimates is an integral
component of the financial reporting process, actual results
could differ from those estimates as a result of changes in our
estimates or changes in the facts or circumstances underlying
our estimates and assumptions.
An accounting policy is considered to be critical if it requires
an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about
matters that are highly uncertain at the time such estimate is
made, and if different accounting estimates that reasonably
could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates
that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could
materially impact the consolidated financial statements. Some of
our accounting policies require higher degrees of judgment than
others in their application. We consider the policies discussed
below to be critical to an understanding of our consolidated
financial statements as their application places the most
significant demands on our managements judgment. When
reviewing our consolidated financial statements, you should take
into account:
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|
|
|
|
our critical accounting policies discussed below; |
|
|
|
the related judgments made by us and other uncertainties
affecting the application of these policies; |
|
|
|
the sensitivity of our reported results to changes in prevailing
facts and circumstances and our related estimates and
assumptions; and |
|
|
|
the risks and uncertainties described under Risk
Factors. |
See note 2 to our audited consolidated financial statements
for additional information regarding our significant accounting
policies.
Critical determinations made in connection with our revenue
recognition policies are set forth below.
Determination of applicability of VSOE. In determining
our revenue recognition model for license fees from educational
institutions, we have concluded, based on our past experience
with our educational institution clients and our anticipated
service model, that vendor specific objective evidence, or VSOE,
does not exist for the post-contract services, or PCS, and other
services provided in the degree major and single course
programs, which are the only undelivered elements subsequent to
the beginning of the programs. If the licensing and service
arrangements with schools change from our current model to such
where significant evidence for VSOE does exist for the PCS and
services provided then we may no longer recognize revenue from
educational institutions ratably over the service period on a
straight-line basis. In such a case, we may instead recognize
revenue on a relative fair value basis.
Determination of single course program service period.
Some of our current single course program contracts do not have
a fixed contract term. Upon commencement of a single course
program that does not have a definitive term, we estimate, based
on our historical experience, the percentage of contracts that
will be completed within 12 months, and recognize revenue
for such contracts on a straight-line basis over a period of
five months, which is the expected service period, based on our
historical
69
experience of the average length of the course period and our
regular evaluation of such estimate. Such estimate is consistent
with our understanding of educational institutions course
schedules. If the course program service period for revenue
recognition increased or decreased by one month, our net
revenues from course programs in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 would not have been significantly impacted.
Determination of single course program deferred revenue.
For the percentage of single course program contracts that are
not expected to be completed within 12 months, we do not
recognize revenue until the course is completed or we otherwise
obtain confirmation from the school that we no longer have any
future obligation. Based on historical trend analysis and our
expectation that in the future the number of courses that are
not completed within 12 months will gradually decrease,
each year we estimate a certain percentage of all new courses
started during that year but were not expected to be completed
within 12 months. If the actual number of courses that have
a delivery period of greater than 12 months is materially
higher than our estimate, we may need to revise our revenue
deferral policy for future periods. If the percentage of
estimated deferred revenue for new courses started during the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 and not completed within
12 months changed by 10%, our net revenues in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2007 would not have been significantly
impacted.
We assess the likelihood that our net deferred income tax assets
will be realized from future taxable income. To the extent that
we believe that it is more likely than not that some portion or
the entire amount of deferred income tax assets will not be
realized, we establish a valuation allowance. In assessing the
need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available
evidence, including projected future taxable income, tax
planning strategies, historical taxable income (losses), and the
expiration period of the operating loss carryforwards.
In assessing the realizability of deferred income tax assets, we
consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or
all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The
ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent
upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods
in which those temporary differences become deductible or tax
carryforwards are utilized. We consider projected future taxable
income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.
The largest component of deferred income tax assets is the net
operating loss carryforwards generated by ATA Testing. ATA
Testing incurred operating losses through 2004. ATA Testing
utilized tax loss carryforwards, which were previously provided
for, amounting to RMB1.2 million and RMB1.0 million,
respectively, in the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007.
We believe that ATA Testings cumulative operating losses
for the three-year period ended March 31, 2006 constituted
significant evidence that deferred income tax assets would not
be realizable and this evidence outweighed our expectations that
ATA Testing would generate future taxable income. Therefore, a
valuation allowance of RMB2.3 million has been provided
against ATA Testings deferred income tax assets as of
March 31, 2006. The deferred income tax assets of
RMB0.4 million recognized on net operating loss generated
during the three months ended March 31, 2006 was expected
to be recovered within the tax year of 2006, thus no valuation
allowance was provided. For the year ended March 31, 2007,
we considered the continuous realization of tax loss
carryforwards, the marginal cumulative operating losses for the
three-year period ended March 31, 2007, the level of
non-deductible permanent differences and our expectations of ATA
Testings generation of future taxable income, and
concluded that ATA Testings deferred income tax assets as
of March 31, 2007 are more likely than not realizable.
Therefore, we released the valuation allowance of
RMB1.4 million attributable to ATA Testings tax loss
carryforwards and recognized an income tax benefit in the
consolidated statements of operations. The valuation allowance
of RMB0.1 million as of March 31, 2007 was provided
for the net operating loss carryforwards of ATA Online. Due to
the short operating history of ATA Online, we do not believe
that its deferred income tax assets are more likely than not
realizable and therefore, a full valuation allowance was
provided against ATA Onlines deferred income tax assets as
of March 31, 2007. The amount of the net deferred income
tax assets considered realizable as of March 31, 2007 could
be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable
income are reduced.
70
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Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
|
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated
losses resulting from the failure of customers to make required
payments. We review the accounts receivable on a periodic basis
and make specific allowances when there is doubt as to the
collectibility of individual balances. In evaluating the
collectibility of individual receivable balances, we consider
many factors, including the age of the balance, the
customers past payment history and current
credit-worthiness and current economic trends. To date, we have
not written-off any customer receivable, although we have
recognized provisions for doubtful accounts of
RMB0.9 million and RMB0.5 million during the years
ended March 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
If our assumptions regarding the financial condition of our
customers and their ability and willingness to pay us are
incorrect, our actual bad debt provisions may be higher than
estimated, which could result in a charge against our income and
a higher level of allowance for doubtful accounts in the future,
either of which could have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition and results of operations.
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Share-Based Compensation to Employees
|
As further described in Note 12 to our Consolidated
Financial Statements, we have elected to adopt the Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards
No. 123-R,
Share-Based Payment, or SFAS 123R. Under
SFAS 123R, the cost of all share-based payment transactions
are recognized in our consolidated financial statements based on
their grant-date fair value over the required period, which is
generally the period from the date of grant to the date when the
share compensation is no longer contingent upon additional
service from the employee, or the vesting period. When no future
services are required to be performed by the employee in
exchange for an award of equity instruments, and if such award
does not contain a performance or market condition, the cost of
the award (as measured based on the grant-date fair value of the
equity instrument) is expensed on the grant date.
The determination of fair value of equity awards such as options
requires making complex and subjective judgments about the
projected financial and operating results of the subject
company. It also requires making certain assumptions relating to
cost of capital, general market and macroeconomic conditions,
industry trends, comparable companies, share price volatility of
the subject company, expected lives of options and discount
rates. These assumptions are inherently uncertain. Changes in
these assumptions could significantly affect the amount of
employee share-based compensation expense we recognize in our
consolidated financial statements.
We determined the estimated fair value of our employees
share options granted in April 2005, December 2005, May 2006,
December 2006 and October 2007 based on retrospective valuations
conducted by Sallmanns (Far East) Limited, an independent
third-party valuation firm. In determining the per share value
of our common shares for purposes of determining the fair value
of the options, we considered the guidance prescribed by the
AICPA Audit and Accounting Practice Aid Valuation of
Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as
Compensation, or Practice Aid. Specifically,
paragraph 16 of the Practice Aid sets forth the preferred
types of valuation that should be used. The fair value of our
common shares was determined in a two-step process. In the first
step, the equity value of our company was determined based on a
valuation performed by Sallmanns (Far East) Limited. Sallmanns
(Far East) Limited considered both the market approach and
income approach to arrive at the fair value of our equity value.
Sallmanns (Far East) Limited considered the market approach in
the form of guideline company method and in the context of an
equity transaction with unrelated third parties in exchange for
cash consideration. Due to lack of general consistency in the
guideline companies valuation ratios, Sallmanns (Far East)
Limited did not apply any weight to the guideline company to
arrive at the fair value of our equity. In accordance with the
Practice Aid, because we had an equity transaction in March 2005
with an unrelated party in consideration for cash, we believed
this equity transaction established a reference to determine a
fair value of our equity value for option grants proximate to
this transaction. Therefore, for the valuation of options
granted in April 2005, December 2005 and May 2006, which were in
the 12-month
71
proximity with the March 2005 transaction, income approach
(discounted cash flow method) was used with the discount rate
referencing the recent equity transaction to arrive at the value
of our equity value for these respective grants. For option
grants after May 2006, without available reference of an equity
transaction, income approach served as the method to determine
our equity value. For the October 2007 grant, the fair value of
the 391,800 stock options granted was determined by using the
binomial option-pricing model with an estimated fair market
value of underlying shares of $9.52 (the mid-point of the
estimated range of the initial public offering price of this
offering after a discount of 9.16% to account for inherent
business risk and lack of marketability).
For the income approach, Sallmanns (Far East) Limited utilized a
discounted cash flow method based on our projected cash flows
from 2006 through 2011, including the following factors:
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|
analysis of our industry and comparable listed companies; |
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|
our business and future development plan which includes
estimated revenue volume and average unit price; |
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|
our historical financial results; |
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|
our projections of gross margins, earnings before income tax
margin, capital expenditures and working capital changes from
2006 through 2011; and |
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|
appropriate discount rate to bring the projected future net cash
flows available for payment of shareholders interest to
their present worth. |
Sallmanns (Far East) Limited used a weighted average cost of
capital, or WACC, of 11.68% as the discount rate to determine
the enterprise value in May 2006, which was near a 12-month
proximity to an equity transaction with unrelated third parties
in exchange for cash consideration. The near-term equity
transaction established a fair value basis for us and an implied
discount rate of 11.68% in the transaction was resolved to
reflect expectations of free cash flows at that point of time.
We believe that such discount rate represented the fair value
risk perception of the unrelated investors. Our operations had
not undergone major changes from the near-term equity
transaction to May 2006 and therefore the same discount rate was
applied in the May 2006 valuation. Sallmanns (Far East) Limited
used a discount rate of 16% to determine the enterprise value of
our company in December 2006. There were no equity transactions
objectively establishing our discount rate near a 12-month
proximity of this issuance and the discount rate was derived
using the WACC formula.
In the second step, since our capital structure comprised a
warrant, preferred shares and common shares at the grant date,
Sallmanns (Far East) Limited allocated our equity value between
each class of equity securities using the option pricing method.
The option pricing method treats the warrant, common shares and
preferred shares as call options on our companys equity
value, with exercise prices based on the warrants exercise
price and liquidation preference of the preferred shares. We
determined the fair value of the options on the date of grant by
using the binomial option pricing method under the following
assumptions.
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May 2006 |
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December 2006 |
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October 2007 |
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options |
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options |
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options |
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|
Expected volatility of future common share price
|
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|
57 |
% |
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|
56 |
% |
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|
43 |
% |
Expected dividend rate
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|
Expected term of the options
|
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|
9.3 years |
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8.9 years |
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1.8 years |
|
Risk-free interest rate (per annum)
|
|
|
5.06 |
% |
|
|
4.66 |
% |
|
|
4.56 |
% |
Estimated fair value of each common share at grant date
|
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|
$1.14 |
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|
$1.66 |
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|
$9.52 |
|
We estimate the expected volatility of our future common share
price based on the price volatility of the publicly traded
common shares of comparable companies in the United States over
the most recent period to be equal to the expected option life
of our employees share options. The maturity of the option
is estimated based on the contractual terms of our
employees share options. To determine the estimated
72
fair value of our share options, we believe that the expected
volatility and the fair value of our common shares are the most
subjective assumptions, as we are a private company prior to the
completion of this offering. The fair value of the 330,400,
250,000 and 391,800 options granted as of May 26, 2006,
December 27, 2006 and October 1, 2007 was $140,800,
$171,500 and $2,473,437 respectively.
We believe that the increase in the fair value of our common
shares between the May 2006 and December 2006 grant date was
attributable to the following significant factors and events. We
experienced strong growth in testing services and test-based
educational services in the fiscal quarter ended
December 31, 2006. In addition, we launched our NTET test
preparation software and our online service platform in the same
quarter. Further, in the same quarter, we hired a new vice
president responsible for product and service development.
However, the valuation did not increase more significantly
because we incurred negative operating cashflows during the
period from May to December 2006 and we expected our operating
cash flow to remain negative in the fiscal quarter ended
March 31, 2007. Finally, new revenue contributors such as
test preparation were still in the relatively early stages of
development and subject to significant uncertainty which is also
reflected in the increased discount rate applied as discussed in
the preceding paragraphs.
We believe that the increase in the fair value of our common
shares between December 2006 and the present is attributable to
the following significant factors and events:
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In January 2007, we underwent an organizational restructuring to
realign resources to focus on development of testing services
and test-based preparation solutions. In addition, operating
resources were realigned to minimize duplicate sales and
marketing, research and development and administrative efforts. |
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|
Since June 2007, our test preparation business model has become
more mature, developing an established distribution channel,
clear pricing structure, stable product and service offerings
and support from test sponsors in marketing and distribution. |
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|
Since June 2007, we have experienced and we expect to continue
to experience rapid and substantial growth in test volume due to
significant new contracts from the China Banking Association,
Securities Association of China and Ministry of Culture to test
and certify professionals working in their respective industries. |
We had 4,052,863 employee share options outstanding, including
2,694,026 immediately exercisable employee share options, as of
March 31, 2007. The following table sets out information
regarding our outstanding employee share options as of
March 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options Outstanding as of March 31, 2007 |
|
Options Exercisable as of March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
|
Remaining |
Number |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Contractual |
|
Number of |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Contractual |
of Shares |
|
per Share |
|
Life |
|
Shares |
|
per Share |
|
Life |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
($) |
|
|
|
|
|
($) |
|
|
|
1,369,863 |
|
|
|
0.545 |
|
|
|
6.1 years |
|
|
|
1,369,863 |
|
|
|
0.545 |
|
|
|
6.1 years |
|
|
1,312,600 |
|
|
|
2.263 |
|
|
|
8.0 years |
|
|
|
1,077,288 |
|
|
|
2.263 |
|
|
|
8.0 years |
|
|
790,000 |
|
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
8.7 years |
|
|
|
246,875 |
|
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
8.7 years |
|
|
330,400 |
|
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
9.2 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
9.7 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,052,863 |
|
|
|
2.134 |
|
|
|
7.7 years |
|
|
|
2,694,026 |
|
|
|
1.512 |
|
|
|
7.1 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For our share options issued in 2005 and 2006, we used an
expected volatility that ranged from 56% to 64% and estimated
fair values for our common shares that ranged from $0.89 to
$1.66 per share, resulting in estimated weighted average
fair values of $0.378 and $0.538 per option, respectively.
We recorded non-cash share-based compensation expenses of
RMB4.2 million and RMB2.5 ($0.3 million) million
in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007,
respectively. As of March 31, 2007, there were
73
RMB2.6 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related
to non-vested share options. These costs are expected to be
recognized over the next four years. Further, in connection with
the October 2007 grant of 391,800 options, an additional
RMB18.5 million in unrecognized compensation costs are
expected to be recognized as compensation expense over the
vesting period. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the October 2007
options granted vested on January 1, 2008, while the
remaining seventy-five percent (75%) vest ratably at the end of
each month over the following 30-month period.
Changes in our estimates and assumptions regarding the expected
volatility and valuation of our common shares could
significantly impact the estimated fair values of our share
options determined under the binomial valuation model and, as a
result, our net loss and the net loss applicable to our common
shareholders.
|
|
|
Fair Value of Equity Instruments Issued to Third
Parties
|
On May 23, 2005, as a result of a modification of a note
payable and extension of a warrants maturity, we
re-determined the fair value of the warrant to be
RMB22.4 million, based on an independent valuation by
Sallmanns (Far East) Limited using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model. The assumptions used in determining the fair
value of the warrant were: expected dividend yield of 0%,
risk-free interest rate of 3.35%, maturity life of one year,
volatility of 64% and fair value of underlying common shares of
$0.89. We believe that the use of the Black-Scholes option
pricing model for the issuance of the warrants in May 2005, in
the absence of an exchange of certain rights or privileges which
could be valued in direct relation to monetary amounts, was the
most appropriate valuation technique. The model was considered
to be appropriate to value the issuance of the warrants in May
2005 because of the development of our business model between
2003 and 2005, which provided a more reliable basis upon which
to estimate certain key assumptions used, in particular, the
long-term growth rate and discount rate. In addition, the
existence of unrelated share issuances in March 2005 to third
parties in exchange for cash consideration provided a basis to
correlate the enterprise value underlying the Black-Scholes
model to that implicit in the issuance of warrants for cash. The
warrant was exercised in full in June 2006.
Changes in our estimates and assumptions regarding the expected
volatility and valuation of our common shares could have
significantly impacted the estimated fair values of the warrant
determined under the Black-Scholes option pricing model and, as
a result, our net loss and the net loss applicable to our common
shareholders for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary, for the periods
indicated, of our consolidated results of operations and each
item expressed as a percentage of our total net revenues. Our
historical results presented below are not necessarily
indicative of the results that may be expected for any future
period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
For the Six Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(In thousands, except for percentages and per share data) |
|
Net revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Testing services
|
|
|
18,170 |
|
|
|
26.3 |
% |
|
|
24,628 |
|
|
|
29.0 |
% |
|
|
10,622 |
|
|
|
32.8 |
% |
|
|
29,472 |
|
|
|
3,933 |
|
|
|
38.6 |
% |
|
Test-based educational services
|
|
|
35,138 |
|
|
|
50.9 |
% |
|
|
42,804 |
|
|
|
50.4 |
% |
|
|
18,749 |
|
|
|
57.9 |
% |
|
|
20,891 |
|
|
|
2,788 |
|
|
|
27.4 |
% |
|
Test preparation solutions
|
|
|
340 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
|
|
10,076 |
|
|
|
11.9 |
% |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
% |
|
|
21,632 |
|
|
|
2,887 |
|
|
|
28.4 |
% |
|
Other
|
|
|
15,389 |
|
|
|
22.3 |
% |
|
|
7,373 |
|
|
|
8.7 |
% |
|
|
2,992 |
|
|
|
9.2 |
% |
|
|
4,253 |
|
|
|
568 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net revenues
|
|
|
69,037 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
84,881 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
32,368 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
76,248 |
|
|
|
10,176 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
33,988 |
|
|
|
49.2 |
% |
|
|
41,102 |
|
|
|
48.4 |
% |
|
|
18,750 |
|
|
|
57.9 |
% |
|
|
32,777 |
|
|
|
4,374 |
|
|
|
43.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
35,049 |
|
|
|
50.8 |
% |
|
|
43,779 |
|
|
|
51.6 |
% |
|
|
13,618 |
|
|
|
42.1 |
% |
|
|
43,471 |
|
|
|
5,802 |
|
|
|
57.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
For the Six Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(In thousands, except for percentages and per share data) |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development
|
|
|
4,854 |
|
|
|
7.0 |
% |
|
|
9,322 |
|
|
|
11.0 |
% |
|
|
4,018 |
|
|
|
12.4 |
% |
|
|
5,286 |
|
|
|
706 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
% |
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
12,263 |
|
|
|
17.8 |
% |
|
|
22,029 |
|
|
|
26.0 |
% |
|
|
10,843 |
|
|
|
33.5 |
% |
|
|
12,094 |
|
|
|
1,614 |
|
|
|
15.8 |
% |
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
19,023 |
|
|
|
27.6 |
% |
|
|
32,024 |
|
|
|
37.7 |
% |
|
|
12,316 |
|
|
|
38.1 |
% |
|
|
17,355 |
|
|
|
2,316 |
|
|
|
22.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
36,140 |
|
|
|
52.4 |
% |
|
|
63,375 |
|
|
|
74.7 |
% |
|
|
27,177 |
|
|
|
84.0 |
% |
|
|
34,735 |
|
|
|
4,636 |
|
|
|
45.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) income from operations
|
|
|
(1,091 |
) |
|
|
(1.6 |
%) |
|
|
(19,596 |
) |
|
|
(23.1 |
%) |
|
|
(13,559 |
) |
|
|
(41.9 |
%) |
|
|
8,736 |
|
|
|
1,166 |
|
|
|
11.5 |
% |
Equity in net losses of affiliates
|
|
|
(561 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
%) |
|
|
(187 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
%) |
|
|
(320 |
) |
|
|
(1.0 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain from sale of an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,837 |
|
|
|
379 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
% |
Gain from liquidation of an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,509 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
% |
|
|
1,509 |
|
|
|
4.7 |
% |
|
|
988 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
% |
Interest income
|
|
|
332 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
% |
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
270 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
% |
Interest expense
|
|
|
(22,713 |
) |
|
|
(32.9 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from revaluation of preferred share warrant
|
|
|
(211 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange losses, net
|
|
|
(1,050 |
) |
|
|
(1.5 |
%) |
|
|
(909 |
) |
|
|
(1.1 |
%) |
|
|
(519 |
) |
|
|
(1.6 |
%) |
|
|
(186 |
) |
|
|
(25 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) income before income tax
|
|
|
(25,294 |
) |
|
|
(36.6 |
%) |
|
|
(18,583 |
) |
|
|
(21.9 |
%) |
|
|
(12,540 |
) |
|
|
(38.7 |
%) |
|
|
12,645 |
|
|
|
1,688 |
|
|
|
16.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax benefit (expense)
|
|
|
485 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
% |
|
|
1,793 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
% |
|
|
683 |
|
|
|
2.1 |
% |
|
|
(4,115 |
) |
|
|
(550 |
) |
|
|
(5.4 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
|
(24,809 |
) |
|
|
(35.9 |
%) |
|
|
(16,790 |
) |
|
|
(19.8 |
%) |
|
|
(11,857 |
) |
|
|
(36.6 |
%) |
|
|
8,530 |
|
|
|
1,138 |
|
|
|
11.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion of Series A redeemable convertible preferred
shares to redemption value
|
|
|
(13,889 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment on
Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares
|
|
|
3,269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income (applicable) available to common
shareholders
|
|
|
(35,429 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,790 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,857 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,530 |
|
|
|
1,138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
For the Six Months Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(In thousands, except for percentages and per share data) |
|
Basic (loss) earnings per common share
|
|
|
(2.16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.82 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted (loss) earnings per common share
|
|
|
(2.16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.82 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to Six
Months Ended September 30, 2006
Our total net revenues increased by RMB43.9 million, or
135.6%, to RMB76.2 million ($10.2 million) in the six
months ended September 30, 2007 from RMB32.4 million
in the six months ended September 30, 2006, primarily as a
result of increases in revenues from our testing services and
significant sales of our NTET Tutorial Platform, which was
launched in November 2006. Our test preparation solutions
revenue increased to RMB21.6 million ($2.9 million) in
the six months ended September 30, 2007 from RMB5,000 in
the six months ended September 30, 2006.
Testing services. Testing services revenues increased by
RMB18.9 million, or 177.5%, to RMB29.5 million
($3.9 million) in the six months ended September 30,
2007 from RMB10.6 million in the six months ended
September 30, 2006. This increase was primarily driven by
test delivery revenue, which increased by RMB18.8 million,
or 188.9%, to RMB28.7 million ($3.8 million) in the six
months ended September 30, 2007 from RMB9.9 million in
the six months ended September 30, 2006. The total number
of tests delivered increased to 2,065,249 in the six months
ended September 30, 2007 from 2,004,640 in the six months
ended September 30, 2006. Our average revenue per test
delivered also increased to RMB14.3 ($1.9) in the six months
ended September 30, 2007 from RMB5.3 in the six months
ended September 30, 2006. This increase in both the average
revenue per test and the number of tests delivered was due, in
part, to a significant increase in the number of finance
industry-related tests delivered, which tests also have a higher
than average revenue per test. Our net revenues from the China
Banking Association, the Securities Association of China and the
China Futures Association grew to an aggregate of
RMB19.5 million ($2.6 million) in the six months ended
September 30, 2007 from RMB1.2 million in the six
months ended September 30, 2006. The number of tests
delivered for these three clients increased to 334,869 in the
six months ended September 30, 2007 from 32,333 tests in
the six months ended September 30, 2006. We expect growth
from testing services revenues to continue to increase, driven
significantly by increases in the volume of finance
industry-related tests and the introduction of new test titles
for the finance industry and other clients.
Test-based educational services. Revenues from test-based
educational services increased by RMB2.1 million, or 11.4%,
to RMB20.9 million ($2.8 million) in the six months
ended September 30, 2007 from RMB18.7 million in the
six months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was
driven by increases in revenues from single course programs and
pre-occupational training programs. Single course program
revenue increased RMB1.6 million, or 64.0%, to
RMB4.1 million ($0.5 million) in the six months ended
September 30, 2007 from RMB2.5 million in the six
months ended September 30, 2006. We experienced an increase
of 47.8% in the number of student-months for single course
programs to 101,603 in the six months ended September 30,
2007 from 68,740 in the six months ended September 30,
2006, while the effective average price of our single course
programs increased by 11.1% to RMB40.1 ($5.4) in the six months
ended September 30, 2007 from RMB36.1 in the six months
ended September 30, 2006 due to a higher contribution to
revenues from higher-priced single course programs in the six
months ended September 30, 2007. Pre-occupational training
program revenues increased to RMB1.4 million ($0.2 million)
in the six months ended September 30, 2007 from
RMB0.4 million in the six months ended September 30,
2006 as a result of an increase in the number of students
participating in these programs. Increases in revenues from our
single course programs and pre-occupational programs were
partially offset
76
by a decrease of RMB0.5 million, or 3.1%, in revenues from
our degree major course program to RMB15.4 million ($2.1
million) in the six months ended September 30, 2007 from
RMB15.9 million in the six months ended September 30,
2006. The number of degree major student-months decreased 8.1%
to 198,178 in the six months ended September 30, 2007 from
215,650 in the six months ended September 30, 2006, while
the average price per student-month of our degree major course
programs increased by 5.6% to RMB77.9 from RMB73.8 during the
same periods. The decrease in the degree major student-months
was due primarily to an increasing number of students graduating
from our existing degree major course programs not being fully
offset by new student intake into the programs. We anticipate
stable growth from our test-based education services as we offer
more degree major course programs with licensed content from
Tsinghua University and as pre-occupational training programs
become more popular, as partially offset by an increase in the
number of students that graduate from our current degree major
course programs.
Test preparation solutions. Our revenues from test
preparation solutions increased to RMB21.6 million
($2.9 million) in the six months ended September 30,
2007 from RMB5,000 in the six months ended September 30,
2006, primarily as a result of rapid increases in the sales of
our NTET Tutorial Platform and our online test preparation
services. Sales of our NTET Tutorial Platform contributed
RMB20.0 million, or 92.5%, of our test preparation
solutions revenues in the six months ended September 30,
2007. We believe that sales of our NTET Tutorial Platform will
continue to accelerate as more teachers plan to complete their
qualification tests in the coming years and as more schools
purchase our NTET Tutorial Platform to help teachers prepare for
the test. Revenues from our online test preparation services for
finance industry-related tests accounted for the remainder of
our test preparation solutions revenue in the six months ended
September 30, 2007. We expect our online test preparation
services revenues to increase as increasing numbers of banking
and securities industry professionals and test takers use our
online services to prepare for their licensure tests or to
satisfy their continuous professional training requirements as
required by industry rules.
Other revenue increased by RMB1.3 million, or 42.1%, to
RMB4.3 million ($0.6 million) in the six months ended
September 30, 2007 from RMB3.0 million in the six
months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to a
significant increase in revenues from test content creation
services. We expect other revenue to continue to grow in the
future as growth in testing services and test-based educational
services continues to drive demand for our ancillary services
for which we charge service fees.
Our gross profit increased by RMB29.9 million to
RMB43.5 million ($5.8 million) in the six months ended
September 30, 2007 from RMB13.6 million in the six
months ended September 30, 2006. Our gross margin increased
to 57.0% in the six months ended September 30, 2007 from
42.1% in the six months ended September 30, 2006. This
increase in our gross margin was principally due to the
significantly higher gross margins of our NTET Tutorial Platform
and ATA Onlines online test preparation services, both of
which were introduced in November 2006 and have a much lower
cost structure relative to our testing services and test-based
educational services. These test preparation services contain a
much lower relative cost structure because they do not require
us to pay royalty fees to content providers and the operation of
an Internet-based delivery platform does not require high
marginal operating costs. Offsetting this was an increase in our
test monitoring costs, due principally to higher monitoring
costs related to the initial national banker licensure tests
that we delivered. We expect that our cost of revenues related
to our revenues from test sponsors, educational institutions and
test preparation customers will remain stable or increase
slightly, but at a slower rate than the overall growth of our
revenues as we increase our test preparation revenues and enjoy
the operating economies of scale from test delivery services.
Our operating expenses increased by RMB7.5 million, or
27.8%, to RMB34.7 million ($4.6 million) in the six
months ended September 30, 2007 from RMB27.2 million
in the six months
77
ended September 30, 2006, primarily resulting from a
substantial increase in our general and administrative expenses.
In connection with our grant of share options to certain
employees in October 2007, we expect to incur operating expenses
of RMB17.6 million ($2.3 million) over the vesting
schedule of the options. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the
October 2007 options granted vested on January 1, 2008,
while the remaining seventy-five percent (75%) vest ratably at
the end of each month over the following
30-month period.
Research and development expenses. Our research and
development expenses increased by RMB1.3 million, or 31.6%,
to RMB5.3 million ($0.7 million) in the six months
ended September 30, 2007 from RMB4.0 million in the
six months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was due
primarily to increases in salaries and other compensation
expenses relating to our research and development professionals.
Research and development expenses as a percentage of our total
net revenues decreased significantly during this period. We
expect our research and development expenses in future periods
to rise steadily but to continue to decrease as a percentage of
our total revenues, as we do not expect to utilize outsourced
development of new course content for test-based educational
services to the same extent as we have in the past.
Sales and marketing expenses. Our sales and marketing
expenses increased by RMB1.3 million, or 11.5%, to
RMB12.1 million ($1.6 million) in the six months ended
September 30, 2007 from RMB10.8 million in the six
months ended September 30, 2006. Sales and marketing
expenses as a percentage of our total net revenues decreased to
15.9% in the six months ended September 30, 2007 from 33.5%
in the six months ended September 30, 2006. This percentage
decrease was primarily related to our increase in revenues from
testing services and test preparation solutions, as business
development activities for testing services and test preparation
solutions require less sales and marketing outlays compared to
business development activities for test-based educational
services. We expect that our sales and marketing expenses will
increase in the near term as we increase our incentive pay to
our sales team, increase our sales efforts, hire additional
sales personnel, target new educational institution clients and
initiate additional marketing programs to build our
ATA brand. However, we expect that the rate of
growth in our overall revenues will continue to outpace the rate
of growth in our sales and marketing expenses.
General and administrative expenses. Our general and
administrative expenses increased by RMB5.0 million, or
40.9%, to RMB17.3 million ($2.3 million) in the six
months ended September 30, 2007 from RMB12.3 million
in the six months ended September 30, 2006. This increase
was primarily due to an increase of RMB2.4 million in
certain professional fees which we incurred in connection with
our preparation for operating as a publicly listed company and
an increase of RMB1.3 million related to the hiring of new
management staff. Although our general and administrative
expenses increased significantly over this period, general and
administrative expenses as a percentage of our total net
revenues decreased to 22.8% in the six months ended
September 30, 2007 from 38.0% in the six months ended
September 30, 2006. We expect our general and
administrative expenses to continue to increase as we hire
additional personnel and incur expenses to support our
operations as a U.S. publicly traded company, including
compliance-related costs. However, we also expect our general
and administrative expenses to continue to decrease as a
percentage of revenues as we achieve greater efficiency in our
operations.
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Equity in Net Loss of an Affiliate
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Our equity in income of affiliates was nil in the six months
ended September 30, 2007, compared with loss in affiliates
of RMB0.3 million in the six months ended
September 30, 2006, all of which derived from our 40%
equity interest in Wendu Education, which was sold during the
six months ended September 30, 2007.
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Gain from Sale of an Affiliate
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We sold 100% of our equity interest in Wendu Education during
the six months ended September 30, 2007 and recognized
RMB2.8 million ($0.4 million) in income in relation to
the sale.
78
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Gain from Liquidation of an Affiliate
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We recognized a gain in relation to proceeds received upon
completion of the liquidation of ATA Jiangsu of
RMB1.5 million and RMB1.0 million ($0.1 million)
for the six months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007,
respectively.
Our interest income was RMB0.3 million ($36,048) in the six
months ended September 30, 2007 and RMB0.3 million in
the six months ended September 30, 2006. Our interest
income was slightly lower in the six months ended
September 30, 2007 largely as a result of a decrease in
cash balance in higher interest earning U.S. dollar bank
accounts offset by an overall higher cash balance.
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Foreign Currency Exchange Losses, Net
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Our net foreign currency exchange losses decreased to
RMB0.2 million ($24,864) in the six months ended
September 30, 2007 from RMB0.5 million in the six
months ended September 30, 2006 primarily due to a decrease
in our U.S. dollar assets offset by the effect of the
appreciation of the Renminbi versus the U.S. dollar during 2006
and 2007.
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Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
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We had an income tax expense of RMB4.1 million
($0.5 million) in the six months ended September 30,
2007, compared with an income tax benefit of RMB0.7 million
in the six months ended September 30, 2006. Our effective
tax rate increased from 5.4% in the six months ended
September 30, 2006 to 32.5% in the six months ended
September 30, 2007. This increase was mainly due to the
fact that we turned from a loss before income tax in the six
months ended September 30, 2006 to a profit before income
tax in the six months ended September 30, 2007 and the
impact from non-tax-deductible expenses, which decrease the
income tax benefit in loss-making periods and increase the
income tax expenses in profit-making periods.
The tax holiday increased the actual income tax benefit by
RMB0.2 million and decreased the actual income tax expense
by RMB0.2 million for the six months ended
September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The effect of
the tax holiday on basic earnings per common share for the six
months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 were RMB0.009 and
RMB0.011, respectively. The effect on diluted earnings per
common share of the tax holiday for the six months ended
September 30, 2006 and 2007 were RMB0.009 and RMB0.006,
respectively.
As a result of the above factors, we had net income of
RMB8.5 million ($1.1 million) in the six months ended
September 30, 2007 as compared to a net loss of
RMB11.9 million in the six months ended September 30,
2006.
The basic (loss) earnings per common share were RMB(0.61)
and RMB0.39 for the six months ended September 30, 2006 and
2007, respectively. The diluted (loss) earnings per common
share were RMB(0.61) and RMB0.23 for the six months ended
September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. The
Companys dilutive common equivalent shares for the six
months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 consisted of
920,119 and 3,118,875 common shares issuable upon exercise of
outstanding share options, respectively (using the treasury
stock method), 2,294,549 and 516,576 common shares issuable upon
exercise of warrants, respectively (using the treasury stock
method), and 11,593,077 and 11,730,554 common shares issuable
upon the conversion of the convertible preferred shares,
respectively (using the as-converted method). These potentially
dilutive securities were not included in the calculation of
dilutive loss per share for the period ended September 30,
2006 due to their anti-dilutive effect.
79
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2007 Compared to Fiscal Year
Ended March 31, 2006
Our total net revenues increased by RMB15.9 million, or
22.9%, to RMB84.9 million ($11.3 million) in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 from RMB69.0 million
in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, largely as a
result of significant sales of our NTET Tutorial Platform, which
was launched in November 2006. Our test preparation solutions
revenue increased to RMB10.1 million ($1.3 million) in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 from
RMB0.3 million in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006, making this our fastest growing source of revenue.
Offsetting this increase was a decrease in other revenue from
ATA Jiangsu in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. We
recognized RMB4.4 million from ATA Jiangsu in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2006 and nil in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007.
Testing services. Testing services revenues increased by
RMB6.4 million, or 35.5%, to RMB24.6 million
($3.3 million) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007
from RMB18.2 million in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006. This increase was primarily driven by test
delivery revenue that increased by RMB6.4 million, or
37.5%, to RMB23.4 million ($3.1 million) in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2007 from RMB17.0 million in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. The total number of tests
delivered increased from 2,583,712 in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006 to 3,335,701 in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007. Our average revenue per test delivered also
increased to RMB7.0 ($0.9) in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 from RMB6.57 in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006. This increase in both the average revenue
per test and the number of tests delivered was due, in part, to
an increase in the number of finance industry-related tests
delivered, which tests also have a higher than average per test
revenue. In addition, with the recent growth in trading activity
in Chinas securities markets, an increasing number of
people took tests to obtain the necessary securities
professional licenses. We experienced an increase of 66.6% in
volume to 185,156 finance industry-related tests, most of which
were related to the securities industry, delivered in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2007, which tests are mainly comprised
of securities industry-related tests, which increased to 134,907
test takers in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 from
94,359 test takers in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
In addition, new tests, such as the NTET test, contributed an
additional 93,073 test takers in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007.
Test-based educational services. Revenues from test-based
educational services increased by RMB7.7 million, or 21.8%,
to RMB42.8 million ($5.7 million) in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007 from RMB35.1 million in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. This increase was mainly
due to an increase in degree major course program revenue.
Degree major course program revenue increased
RMB6.2 million, or 20.7%, to RMB36.0 million
($4.8 million) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007
from RMB29.8 million in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006. The number of major student-months
increased 16.1% to 465,856 in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 from 401,415 in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006. This growth was a result of an increase in
the number of schools offering our degree major course programs
to 137 in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 from 117 in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Single course program
revenue increased RMB0.4 million, or 8.1%, to
RMB5.7 million ($0.8 million) in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 from RMB5.3 million in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2006. Although we experienced a 23.8%
increase in student-months to 133,562 in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 from 107,891 in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006, the average price of our single course
programs declined from RMB49 in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006 to RMB43 ($5.7) in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007. This decrease in the average selling
price for our single course programs was due to the launch of a
new course program in April 2006 that has a RMB37.0 ($4.9) fee
per student-month. This course program had a lower fee per
student-month principally because we did not license third-party
course content for this course program. Pre-occupational
training program revenues increased to RMB1.1 million
($0.1 million) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007
from RMB7,283 in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, as a
result of increased marketing of this program in key cities and
provinces such as Beijing, Henan and Anhui.
80
Test preparation solutions. The significant increase in
our revenues from test preparation solutions to
RMB10.1 million ($1.3 million) in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007 from RMB0.3 million in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2006 was mainly a result of the
successful launch and sales of over 11,000 copies of our NTET
Tutorial Platform in the fiscal quarter ended December 31,
2006. Sales of our NTET Tutorial Platform contributed 98.6% of
our test preparation solutions revenues in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007. This software test preparation product was
popular among schools across China as teachers in these schools
sought to prepare for the National Teachers Skill Test of
Applied Educational Technology in Secondary and Elementary
School qualification test. In November 2006, ATA Online launched
online test preparation services, generating revenue of
RMB0.1 million ($17,842) from sales of 4,019 online point
cards during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.
Other. Other revenue declined by RMB8.0 million, or
52.1%, to RMB7.4 million ($1.0 million) in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2007 from RMB15.4 million in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. This was largely due to
the ending of recognition of licensing fee revenue from ATA
Jiangsu in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Licensing
fees from ATA Jiangsu were RMB4.4 million in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2006 as a result of recognition of all
remaining deferred revenue resulting from an upfront payment of
RMB6.5 million made to ATA Testing in 2002 by
ATA Jiangsu. In 2002, ATA Jiangsu made a
RMB6.5 million payment to ATA Testing in exchange for
assigning ATA Testings rights and interests in a number of
test delivery service contracts to ATA Jiangsu. We initially
anticipated that the service contracts would generate revenues
and that ATA Testing would provide ancillary services under the
contract with ATA Jiangsu for a period of ten years. We
therefore deferred revenue recognition of the initial
RMB6.5 million payment upon receipt in 2002, and began to
recognize the amount into income over a ten-year period on a
straight-line basis. However, in 2005, the board of directors of
ATA Jiangsu resolved to commence a voluntary winding up of ATA
Jiangsu. Therefore, we recognized the remaining deferred revenue
into income as ATA Testing had no further obligations to ATA
Jiangsu as a result of their voluntary wind-up. In addition,
test content creation revenue declined by RMB1.9 million,
or 52.8% to RMB1.7 million ($0.2 million) in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 from RMB3.6 million
in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. This was because a
higher percentage of our test content was up to date and did not
require any new chargeable test content to be created. Other
service fees also decreased by RMB0.5 million to
RMB0.3 million ($39,388) in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 from RMB0.8 million in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2006 as the content providers for our
test-based educational course programs required less promotional
activities during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007.
Our gross profit increased by RMB8.8 million, or 24.9%, to
RMB43.8 million ($5.8 million) in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007 from RMB35.0 million, which
included RMB4.4 million in revenue from ATA Jiangsu, in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Our gross margin
increased to 51.6% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007
from 50.8% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. This
increase in our gross margin was primarily due to a decline in
the marginal costs required to generate additional revenue. The
test preparation services we launched in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007, including our NTET Tutorial Platform and
online test preparation services, contain a much lower cost
structure relative to our testing services and test-based
educational services because they do not require us to pay
royalty fees to content providers and the operation of an
Internet-based delivery platform does not require high marginal
operating costs. In addition, the decline in our marginal costs
was a result of our being able to deliver larger numbers of
tests to greater numbers of test takers without significantly
increasing our personnel or peripheral costs related to our test
delivery services.
Our operating expenses increased by RMB27.3 million, or
75.3%, to RMB63.4 million ($8.5 million) in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2007 from RMB36.1 million in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 as a result of substantial
increase in our research and development expenses sales and
81
marketing expenses and, as well as a less pronounced increase in
general and administrative expenses. We believe that our
substantial increase in spending on research and development and
sales and marketing in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007
was important to building the foundation for accelerating our
future revenue growth, and to achieving and increasing
profitability in the future. We also substantially increased our
general and administrative spending to enhance the quality of
our management team in anticipation of the rapid growth of our
business and to prepare to become a U.S. publicly listed
company. In connection with our grant of share options to
certain employees in October 2007, we expect to incur operating
expenses of RMB17.6 million ($2.3 million) over the
vesting schedule of the options. Twenty-five percent (25%) of
the October 2007 options granted vested on January 1, 2008,
while the remaining seventy-five percent (75%) vest ratably at
the end of each month over the following
30-month period.
Research and development expenses. Our research and
development expenses increased by RMB4.4 million, or 92.1%,
to RMB9.3 million ($1.2 million) in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007 from RMB4.9 million in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2006. Research and development
expenses as a percentage of our total net revenues increased to
11.0% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 from 7.0% in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. This increase
resulted, in part, from increased average salaries for our
research and development personnel, which was offset by a
decrease in the number of our in-house research and development
personnel from 56 as of March 31, 2006 to 53 as of
March 31, 2007. In addition, we incurred additional
expenses in connection with the substantial increase in the use
of outside technical consultants to develop new content for our
test-based educational services in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007.
Sales and marketing expenses. Our sales and marketing
expenses increased by RMB9.7 million, or 79.6%, to
RMB22.0 million ($2.9 million) in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007 from RMB12.3 million in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Sales and marketing
expenses as a percentage of our total net revenues increased to
26.0% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 from 17.8% in
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. This increase
resulted primarily from increases in sales commission,
entertainment, conferences and travel expenses as we continued
to expand our sales and marketing efforts in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007. In addition, we increased our sales
and marketing staff from 70 as of March 31, 2006 to 96 as
of March 31, 2007 to intensify our efforts to acquire new
clients and contracts in test-based educational services.
General and administrative expenses. Our general and
administrative expenses increased by RMB13.0 million, or
68.3%, to RMB32.0 million ($4.3 million) in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2007 from RMB19.0 million in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. General and
administrative expenses as a percentage of our total net
revenues increased to 37.7% in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 from 27.6% in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006. This increase was due to an increase from
44 administrative staff as of March 31, 2006 to 62
administrative staff as of March 31, 2007, including staff
increases in our finance and legal departments, and our senior
management in product development. This increase also resulted
from an increase in IPO-related professional fees from
RMB1.2 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006
to RMB9.2 million ($1.2 million) in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007.
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Gain from Liquidation of an Affiliate
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Our gain from liquidation of an affiliate was
RMB1.5 million ($0.2 million) in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 primarily due to a forgiveness of a
liability upon the completion of ATA Jiangsus liquidation
on May 10, 2006.
Our interest income was RMB0.6 million ($80,060) in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, compared with
RMB0.3 million in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006. Our higher interest income in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 was attributable to interest earned on
higher cash balance deposited with financial institutions.
82
Our interest expense was nil in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007. We incurred RMB22.7 million of interest
expense in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 due to
RMB22.7 million of the loan discount on the
RMB19 million note payable to a third party. Under the
original loan agreement, the note payable was due, with
interest, on April 11, 2004. However, in March 2003, the
third-party lender agreed to extend the maturity of the loan to
May 2005 and forgive all previously accrued interest on the loan
and to waive all future interest on the loan through the date of
maturity. In exchange, we issued a warrant to the third party to
purchase up to 20% of our common shares. In May 2005, the note
payable and warrant were each extended, and the number of common
shares the third party was entitled to purchase under the loan
was determined to be 5,479,452 shares. In May 2006, ATA
Testing repaid the loan in its entirety, and the third-party
lender exercised its warrant in full in June 2006. We recognized
RMB22.7 million in loan discount in relation to this loan
in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
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Foreign Currency Exchange Losses, Net
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Our foreign currency exchange losses, net, decreased to
RMB0.9 million ($0.1 million) in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 from RMB1.1 million in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2006 primarily due a decrease in our U.S.
dollar assets offset by the effect of the appreciation of the
Renminbi versus the U.S. dollar during 2006. We had
significant U.S. dollar assets due to the proceeds from our
March 2005 sale of our preferred shares. See
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk Foreign Currency Risk.
We incurred current income tax expenses of nil in the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2006 and incurred RMB26,187 ($3,495)
current income tax expenses in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007. One of our PRC subsidiaries, ATA Learning,
was enjoying a tax holiday during the tax year ended
December 31, 2005 and a reduced enterprise income tax rate
of 7.5% during the tax years ended or ending December 31,
2006 and 2007. The current income tax expense of RMB26,187 was
attributable to our PRC operations during the year ended
March 31, 2007. Our other PRC subsidiary, ATA Testing, and
affiliated PRC entity, ATA Online, had accumulated losses prior
to and as of March 31, 2007. ATA Testing utilized tax loss
carryforwards, which were previously provided for, amounting to
RMB1,185,570 and RMB957,566, respectively, in the years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007. We believe that ATA Testings
cumulative operating losses for the three-year period ended
March 31, 2006 constituted significant evidence that
deferred income tax assets would not be realizable and this
evidence outweighed our expectations that ATA Testing would
generate future taxable income. Therefore, a full valuation
allowance has been provided against ATA Testings deferred
income tax assets as of March 31, 2006. In the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007, we considered the continuous
realization of tax loss carryforwards, the marginal cumulative
operating losses for the three-year period ended March 31,
2007, the level of non-deductible permanent differences and our
expectations of ATA Testings generation of future taxable
income, and concluded that ATA Testings deferred income
tax assets as of March 31, 2007 are more likely than not
realizable. Therefore, we released the valuation allowance of
RMB1,391,220 attributable to ATA Testings tax loss
carryforwards and recognized an income tax benefit in the
consolidated statements of operations. Without the income tax
holiday, the total income tax expense in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006 would have been RMB58,857.
As a result of the above factors, our net loss decreased to
RMB16.8 million ($2.2 million) in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007 from a net loss of
RMB24.8 million in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006.
83
|
|
|
Accretion of Preferred Shares
|
We recorded an accretion to the redemption value of our
preferred shares in the amount of RMB13.9 million as a
reduction to earnings to arrive at net loss applicable to common
shareholders in our consolidated statements of operations for
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Upon the elimination
of the redemption feature on our preferred shares on
March 9, 2006, our preferred shares were reclassified to
permanent equity and as a result we ceased recording such
accretion.
|
|
|
Foreign Currency Exchange Translation Adjustment on
Preferred Shares
|
Prior to March 9, 2006, we re-measured the effects of
currency exchange rate movements on the carrying value of our
preferred shares, which were classified outside of permanent
equity since issuance and we recorded a foreign currency
exchange loss of RMB3.3 million as a reduction to earnings
to arrive at net loss applicable to common shareholders in our
consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006. Upon the elimination of the redemption
feature on March 9, 2006, our preferred shares were
reclassified to permanent equity and as a result we ceased
recording such
re-measurement.
|
|
|
Net Loss Applicable to Common Shareholders
|
As a result of the above factors, our net loss applicable to
common shareholders decreased to a net loss of
RMB16.8 million ($2.2 million) in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007 from RMB35.4 million in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Without the income tax
holiday, our net loss applicable to common shareholders in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 would have further
increased to RMB36.0 million.
|
|
|
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share Applicable to Common
Shareholders
|
As a result of the above factors, our basic and diluted loss
applicable to common shareholders decreased to RMB0.82 ($0.11)
in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 from RMB2.16 in the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. Without the income tax
holiday, our basic and diluted loss per share applicable to
common shareholders in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006
would have further increased to RMB2.19.
84
Quarterly Financial Information
The following table sets forth condensed consolidated results of
operations data, each derived from our unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements for the three-month periods
ended on the dates indicated. You should read the following
table in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial
statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this
prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
June 30, 2007 |
|
|
September 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(in thousands, except for percentages) |
|
Net revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Testing services
|
|
|
10,875 |
|
|
|
30.0 |
|
|
|
3,131 |
|
|
|
19.3 |
|
|
|
8,088 |
|
|
|
30.6 |
|
|
|
21,384 |
|
|
|
43.0 |
|
|
Test-based educational services
|
|
|
11,964 |
|
|
|
33.0 |
|
|
|
12,091 |
|
|
|
74.5 |
|
|
|
10,690 |
|
|
|
40.4 |
|
|
|
10,201 |
|
|
|
20.5 |
|
|
Test preparation solutions
|
|
|
10,022 |
|
|
|
27.6 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
5,675 |
|
|
|
21.4 |
|
|
|
15,957 |
|
|
|
32.0 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
3,427 |
|
|
|
9.4 |
|
|
|
954 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
|
|
|
2,016 |
|
|
|
7.6 |
|
|
|
2,237 |
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
Total net revenues
|
|
|
36,288 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
16,225 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
26,469 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
49,779 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
10,418 |
|
|
|
28.7 |
|
|
|
11,934 |
|
|
|
73.6 |
|
|
|
12,717 |
|
|
|
48.0 |
|
|
|
20,060 |
|
|
|
40.3 |
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
25,870 |
|
|
|
71.3 |
|
|
|
4,291 |
|
|
|
26.4 |
|
|
|
13,752 |
|
|
|
52.0 |
|
|
|
29,719 |
|
|
|
59.7 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development
|
|
|
2,742 |
|
|
|
7.6 |
|
|
|
2,562 |
|
|
|
15.8 |
|
|
|
2,551 |
|
|
|
9.6 |
|
|
|
2,735 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
5,597 |
|
|
|
15.4 |
|
|
|
5,589 |
|
|
|
34.4 |
|
|
|
5,927 |
|
|
|
22.4 |
|
|
|
6,167 |
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
10,968 |
|
|
|
30.2 |
|
|
|
8,740 |
|
|
|
53.9 |
|
|
|
6,539 |
|
|
|
24.7 |
|
|
|
10,816 |
|
|
|
21.7 |
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
19,307 |
|
|
|
53.2 |
|
|
|
16,891 |
|
|
|
104.1 |
|
|
|
15,017 |
|
|
|
56.7 |
|
|
|
19,718 |
|
|
|
39.6 |
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
6,563 |
|
|
|
18.1 |
|
|
|
(12,600 |
) |
|
|
(77.7 |
) |
|
|
(1,265 |
) |
|
|
(4.7 |
) |
|
|
10,001 |
|
|
|
20.1 |
|
Equity in income (loss) of an affiliate
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
(37 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain from sale of an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,837 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
Gain from liquidation of an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
988 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
149 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
Foreign currency exchange losses, net
|
|
|
(279 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(111 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(92 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(94 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
Income (loss) before income tax
|
|
|
6,587 |
|
|
|
18.1 |
|
|
|
(12,630 |
) |
|
|
(77.8 |
) |
|
|
(248 |
) |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
12,893 |
|
|
|
25.9 |
|
Income tax benefit (expense)
|
|
|
316 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
794 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
(523 |
) |
|
|
(2.0 |
) |
|
|
(3,592 |
) |
|
|
(7.2 |
) |
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
6,903 |
|
|
|
19.0% |
|
|
|
(11,836 |
) |
|
|
(72.9 |
%) |
|
|
(771 |
) |
|
|
(2.9 |
%) |
|
|
9,301 |
|
|
|
18.7% |
|
85
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
|
June 30, 2006 |
|
|
September 30, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
(In thousands, except for percentages) |
|
Net revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Testing services
|
|
|
8,152 |
|
|
|
33.5 |
|
|
|
2,417 |
|
|
|
15.5 |
|
|
|
8,171 |
|
|
|
38.8 |
|
|
|
2,451 |
|
|
|
21.7 |
|
|
Test-based educational services
|
|
|
10,035 |
|
|
|
41.3 |
|
|
|
10,196 |
|
|
|
65.2 |
|
|
|
11,442 |
|
|
|
54.4 |
|
|
|
7,307 |
|
|
|
64.5 |
|
|
Test preparation solutions
|
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
5,988 |
|
|
|
24.6 |
|
|
|
3,011 |
|
|
|
19.3 |
|
|
|
1,431 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
1,561 |
|
|
|
13.8 |
|
Total net revenues
|
|
|
24,322 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
15,624 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
21,049 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
11,319 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
6,640 |
|
|
|
27.3 |
|
|
|
11,183 |
|
|
|
71.6 |
|
|
|
8,683 |
|
|
|
41.3 |
|
|
|
10,067 |
|
|
|
88.9 |
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
17,682 |
|
|
|
72.7 |
|
|
|
4,441 |
|
|
|
28.4 |
|
|
|
12,366 |
|
|
|
58.7 |
|
|
|
1,252 |
|
|
|
11.1 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development
|
|
|
1,077 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
1,767 |
|
|
|
11.3 |
|
|
|
1,943 |
|
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
2,075 |
|
|
|
18.3 |
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
3,303 |
|
|
|
13.6 |
|
|
|
3,266 |
|
|
|
20.9 |
|
|
|
5,195 |
|
|
|
24.7 |
|
|
|
5,648 |
|
|
|
50.0 |
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
4,981 |
|
|
|
20.5 |
|
|
|
3,567 |
|
|
|
22.8 |
|
|
|
5,885 |
|
|
|
27.9 |
|
|
|
6,431 |
|
|
|
56.8 |
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
9,361 |
|
|
|
38.5 |
|
|
|
8,600 |
|
|
|
55.0 |
|
|
|
13,023 |
|
|
|
61.8 |
|
|
|
14,154 |
|
|
|
125.1 |
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
8,321 |
|
|
|
34.2 |
|
|
|
(4,159 |
) |
|
|
(26.6 |
) |
|
|
(657 |
) |
|
|
(3.1 |
) |
|
|
(12,902 |
) |
|
|
(114.0 |
) |
Equity in income (losses) of affiliates
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
(650 |
) |
|
|
(4.1 |
) |
|
|
(133 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(187 |
) |
|
|
(1.6 |
) |
Gain from liquidation of an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,509 |
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
111 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
214 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
(Loss) gain from revaluation of preferred share warrant
|
|
|
(697 |
) |
|
|
(2.8 |
) |
|
|
502 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange losses, net
|
|
|
(171 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(111 |
) |
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
(408 |
) |
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
Income (loss) before income tax
|
|
|
7,672 |
|
|
|
31.6 |
|
|
|
(4,255 |
) |
|
|
(27.2 |
) |
|
|
743 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
(13,283 |
) |
|
|
(117.3 |
) |
Income tax (expense) benefit
|
|
|
(478 |
) |
|
|
(2.0 |
) |
|
|
391 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
(258 |
) |
|
|
(1.2 |
) |
|
|
941 |
|
|
|
8.3 |
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
7,194 |
|
|
|
29.6 |
% |
|
|
(3,864 |
) |
|
|
(24.7 |
%) |
|
|
485 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
% |
|
|
(12,342 |
) |
|
|
(109.0 |
%) |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, we have financed our working capital and capital
expenditure requirements primarily through debt financing and
more recently through the sale of our preferred shares. As of
September 30, 2007, we had RMB52.6 million
($7.0 million) in cash. Our cash was primarily deposited
with banks in China and Hong Kong. We intend to finance our
future additional working capital and capital expenditure needs
from cash flow provided by operations.
86
The following table summarizes our net cash flows with respect
to operating activities, investing activities and financing
activities in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006 and
2007 and the six months ended September 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six |
|
|
|
For the Fiscal Year |
|
|
Months Ended |
|
|
|
Ended March 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
|
|
|
(16,548 |
) |
|
|
(16,524 |
) |
|
|
6,057 |
|
|
|
808 |
|
Net cash provided by investing activities
|
|
|
12,158 |
|
|
|
1,052 |
|
|
|
2,483 |
|
|
|
331 |
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
|
|
|
(43,942 |
) |
|
|
16,030 |
|
|
|
(829 |
) |
|
|
(111 |
) |
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
|
|
|
(74 |
) |
|
|
(163 |
) |
|
|
(163 |
) |
|
|
(21 |
) |
Net (decrease) increase in cash
|
|
|
(48,406 |
) |
|
|
395 |
|
|
|
7,548 |
|
|
|
1,007 |
|
Cash at beginning of year/period
|
|
|
93,030 |
|
|
|
44,624 |
|
|
|
45,019 |
|
|
|
6,008 |
|
Cash at end of year/period
|
|
|
44,624 |
|
|
|
45,019 |
|
|
|
52,567 |
|
|
|
7,015 |
|
Net cash used in operating activities was RMB16.5 million
($2.2 million) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007
compared to net cash used in operating activities of
RMB16.5 million in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, we paid
RMB7.6 million to a related party, Yinchuan Holding, in
connection with our exercise of a call option to purchase
Yinchuan Holdings 60% equity interest in ATA Learning. We
did not incur a similar interest payment in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007. Without taking into account the
effect of interest payment, our cash used in operating
activities in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007 was
RMB7.6 million higher than that in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2006 primarily because we paid
RMB8.0 million professional service fees in connection with
our initial public offering process and we increased our
pre-payments under our license from Microsoft China, paying a
substantially higher prepaid royalty in anticipation of growth
in the number of students participating in test-based
educational programs involving Microsoft content. Our
pre-payment to Microsoft China was RMB4.5 million as of
March 31, 2007 as compared to nil as of March 31,
2006. Net cash provided by operating activities in the six
months ended September 30, 2007 turned positive, at
RMB6.1 million ($0.8 million), primarily due to a
significant increase in cash collected from our testing services
and test preparation solutions, including RMB31.5 million
cash collected from test takers in relation to tests delivered
for the China Banking Association. Our current testing services
and test preparation solutions clients generally have a shorter
accounts receivable cycle than our
test-based educational
services clients. Offsetting this cash inflow were cash
expenditures on test monitoring costs, license fees paid to IT
vendors and other operating expenses.
Net cash provided by investing activities was
RMB1.1 million ($0.1 million) in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 and was affected principally by the deposit
of RMB2.0 million received from the sale of Wendu
Education, and RMB5.1 million received from the collection
of loans and advances to shareholders and management in
connection with a new policy implemented by us to eliminate
personal loans and minimize operations-related loans and
advances available to shareholders and management. Offsetting
these cash increases was a capital expenditure of
RMB4.7 million mainly used to purchase computers and
servers to support our new business initiatives such as online
test preparation services. Net cash provided by investing
activities in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 was
RMB12.2 million, principally due to RMB20.0 million
loan collected from Yinchuan Holding, which was partially offset
by a RMB4.0 million investment in Wendu Education and
RMB2.7 million used in capital expenditures on computer
equipment and servers. Net cash provided by investing activities
in the six months ended September 30, 2007 of
RMB2.5 million ($0.3 million) was primarily
attributable to the proceeds from disposal of our interest in
Wendu Education and from the liquidation of ATA Jiangsu, offset
by RMB2.5 million spent on capital equipment, including
computers and servers.
87
Net cash provided by financing activities was
RMB16.0 million ($2.1 million) in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007. This was primarily attributable to
the cash proceeds from the exercise of a warrant held by SB Asia
Investment Fund II, L.P. to purchase preferred shares for
RMB24.0 million. Offsetting these proceeds was
RMB8.0 million paid in connection with preparations for our
initial public offering incurred in the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007. Net cash used by financing activities was
RMB43.9 million in the fiscal year ended March 31,
2006. This was primarily attributable to repayment of a
financial arrangement to acquire the remaining equity ownership
interest in ATA Learning for RMB30.0 million. We also paid
RMB9.9 million to repay advances and loans from both
related and third parties, and RMB4.1 million in connection
with the issuance of our preferred shares and preferred share
related warrants and in preparation of our initial public
offering. Net cash used in financing activities in the six
months ended September 30, 2007 was RMB0.8 million
($0.1 million), attributable to cash paid in connection
with preparations for our initial public offering.
We believe that, without giving effect to this offering, our
current cash and expected future cash flows from operations,
particularly from testing services and test preparation
solutions, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working
capital and capital expenditures through the fiscal year ending
March 31, 2009, and that giving effect to this offering,
our cash flows will also be sufficient to carry out the
activities described in Use of Proceeds. Our current
expansion plans do not require significant capital commitments.
Obtaining and performing new computer-based testing contracts
does not involve significant new costs or capital outlays and
are generally handled by our existing facilities, resources and
systems. Our expansion into test preparation solutions is also
not cash-intensive as these solutions may be implemented to a
large extent using our existing technologies and service
know-how. We do, however, expect to spend money on the
development of our ATA brand and the licensing of
new course content for our test-based educational programs. We
do not expect our short-term and long-term cash requirements to
be materially different.
Nevertheless, we may require additional sources of liquidity in
the event of changes in business conditions or other future
developments. Factors affecting our sources of liquidity include
our sales performance and changes in working capital. Any
changes in the significant factors affecting our revenues from
testing services, test-based educational services and test
preparation solutions may cause material fluctuations in our
cash generated from operations. See Net
Revenues for a description of these significant factors.
Changes in working capital, including any significant shortening
or lengthening of our accounts receivable cycle or client
prepayment cycles, may also cause fluctuations in our cash
generated from operations. If our sources of liquidity are
insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to
sell additional equity or debt securities to meet our cash
needs. The sale of convertible debt securities or additional
equity securities could result in dilution to our shareholders.
The incurrence of indebtedness would result in debt service
obligations and could result in operating and financial
covenants that would restrict our operations. We cannot assure
you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms
acceptable to us, if at all.
From time to time, we evaluate possible investments,
acquisitions or divestments and may, if a suitable opportunity
arises, make an investment or acquisition or conduct a
divestment. We generally deposit our excess cash in
interest-bearing bank accounts located at banks in China and
Hong Kong.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of
fiscal year ended March 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payment Due by Period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More |
|
|
|
|
|
Within |
|
|
1-3 |
|
|
3-5 |
|
|
than 5 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1 Year |
|
|
Years |
|
|
Years |
|
|
Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands of RMB) |
|
Operating lease obligations
|
|
|
14,745 |
|
|
|
4,110 |
|
|
|
10,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our operating lease obligations are comprised of our office
lease obligations for our offices in China, including an
increase in lease payments for the lease of an additional floor
at our current principal
88
office location to cope with growth in our business and
headcount. These office leases expire at different times over
the period from the date of this prospectus through April 2011,
and will become subject to renewal. We will evaluate the need to
renew each office lease on a case-by-case basis prior to its
expiration.
Under our cooperation agreement with Tsinghua University,
entered into in August 2007, for the development and delivery of
course programs using course content provided by Tsinghua
University, we are obligated to pay Tsinghua University at least
RMB15.0 million in license fees for Tsinghua University
course content by the end the third anniversary of the date of
the contract, of which RMB5.0 million was payable prior to
October 31, 2007. The license fees are paid to Tsinghua
University quarterly based on actual usage.
On October 15, 2007, we entered into definitive agreements
to purchase the entire equity interests of Beijing Jindixin
Software Technology Company Limited and JDX Holdings Limited for
an aggregate consideration of RMB10.0 million. On
October 15, 2007, we made a deposit of RMB2.0 million
in the aggregate to the sellers with the remainder of the
consideration due upon closing. The transaction is expected to
close in March 2008, subject to satisfaction of customary
closing conditions.
We currently do not have any outstanding debt, debt securities,
contingent liabilities, mortgages, or liens.
Capital Expenditures
The following table sets forth our historical capital
expenditures for the periods indicated. Actual future capital
expenditures may differ from the amounts indicated below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six |
|
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
Months Ended |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Total capital expenditures
|
|
|
2,699 |
|
|
|
4,721 |
|
|
|
2,558 |
|
|
|
341 |
|
In the past, our capital expenditures were made primarily for
the purchase of computer equipment and servers. Our capital
expenditures for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 are
expected to be higher than in the past due to additional
purchases of computer equipment and servers. We also expect to
incur capital expenditures in the form of leasehold improvements.
Foreign Exchange
We maintain our accounts in Renminbi, Hong Kong dollars and
U.S. dollars. A substantial majority of our revenues and
expenditures are denominated in Renminbi. The non-Renminbi
portion of our revenues have primarily consisted of
U.S. dollar-denominated licensing fees and royalty
payments, while the non-Renminbi portion of our expenditures
have primarily consisted of professional fees, both denominated
in U.S. dollars, as well as certain Hong Kong
dollar-denominated general and administrative expenses.
Fluctuations in exchange rates, primarily those involving the
U.S. dollar against the Renminbi, may affect our costs and
operating margins and our reported operating results. Under the
current foreign exchange system in China, our operations in
China may not be able to hedge effectively against currency
risk, including any possible future Renminbi devaluation. See
Risk Factors Risks Relating to the
Peoples Republic of China Fluctuations in
exchange rates could result in foreign currency exchange
losses.
89
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments and Arrangements
We do not currently have, and do not expect in the future to
have, any outstanding off-balance sheet arrangements or
commitments. In our ongoing business, we do not plan to enter
into transactions involving, or otherwise form relationships
with, unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships
established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet
arrangements or commitments.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to interest
income generated by excess cash, which is mostly held in
interest-bearing bank deposits. We have not used derivative
financial instruments in our investment portfolio.
Interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate
risk. We have not been exposed, nor do we anticipate being
exposed, to material risks due to changes in market interest
rates. However, our future interest income may fall short of
expectations due to changes in market interest rates.
A substantial majority of our revenues and expenditures are
denominated in Renminbi. As a result, fluctuations in the
exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Renminbi will
affect our financial results in U.S. dollar terms without
giving effect to any underlying change in our business or
results of operations. The Renminbis exchange rate with
the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by, among
other things, changes in Chinas political and economic
conditions. The exchange rate for conversion of Renminbi into
foreign currencies is heavily influenced by intervention in the
foreign exchange market by the Peoples Bank of China. From
1995 until July 2005, the Peoples Bank of China intervened
in the foreign exchange market to maintain an exchange rate of
approximately 8.3 Renminbi per U.S. dollar. On
July 21, 2005, the Chinese government changed this policy
and began allowing modest appreciation of the Renminbi versus
the U.S. dollar. However, the Renminbi is restricted to a
rise or fall of no more than 0.5% per day versus the
U.S. dollar, and the Peoples Bank of China continues
to intervene in the foreign exchange market to prevent
significant short-term fluctuations in the Renminbi exchange
rate. Nevertheless, under Chinas current exchange rate
regime, the Renminbi may appreciate or depreciate significantly
in value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long
term. The Renminbi appreciated 11.9% versus the U.S. dollar
from July 21, 2005 to December 31, 2007. There remains
significant international pressure on the Chinese government to
adopt a substantial liberalization of its currency policy, which
could result in a further and more significant appreciation in
the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.
In recent years, China has not experienced significant
inflation, and thus inflation has not had a material impact on
our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of
Statistics of China, the change in Chinas Consumer Price
Index was 3.9%, 1.8%, 1.5% and 4.6% in the years 2004, 2005,
2006 and the eleven months through November 2007, respectively.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In connection with the audit of our prior consolidated financial
statements (not included in this prospectus), our independent
registered public accounting firm informed us that we lacked
sufficient personnel with the appropriate level of accounting
knowledge, experience and training in the application of
U.S. GAAP, which deficiency amounted to a material
weakness as defined under the standards established by the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. In response to this
material weakness and other internal control deficiencies
previously reported to us by our independent registered public
90
accounting firm we undertook certain remedial steps to improve
our internal controls, including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Contract Controls Prior to 2006, we did not
have a systematic process to capture, record, process, and
report appropriate revenue information from our contracts. In
2006, we began implementing procedures designed to ensure all
contract information was appropriately captured by our finance
department in a timely manner, including the implementation of,
processes to improve the initiation, authorization, recording,
processing, and reporting of relevant contract data and other
information necessary to properly record our business
transactions in accordance with U.S. GAAP. |
|
|
|
Accounting Management Software Prior to 2006,
our accounting ledgers and records were kept manually. In 2006,
we began to use an accounting management software system to
improve the accuracy of our financial records. In December 2006,
we implemented a new operational system, which allows contract
information to be linked to our accounting management software
system to facilitate real-time updating and management of
financial information. In addition, when fully implemented, this
upgrade will enable us to automate the preparation of certain
financial reports of all our different legal entities. |
|
|
|
Expense and Cash Controls Starting in the
first half of 2007, we began implementing new expense and cash
control procedures designed to ensure that cash advances and
expenses are approved at the appropriate level commensurate with
the amount, and that requests for expense reimbursement by
employees are properly documented. Further, since May 2007, cash
management has been centralized in the finance department of our
Beijing headquarters, including centralized monitoring over the
bank account balances of all our regional offices. In addition,
since March 2007, we have implemented strict cost and expense
accrual reporting by each of our business departments to ensure
costs and expenses are properly accrued at the end of each month. |
|
|
|
Internal and Third Party Monitoring Services
In October 2007, we began efforts to establish an internal audit
team by retaining a professional recruiting firm to help us find
qualified staff in the areas of U.S. GAAP and compliance
with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The purpose of
our internal audit team will be to randomly and periodically
monitor and report on the quality and integrity of our internal
ledgers and accounting system, monitor and report any
deficiencies in contract processing procedures, and monitor the
operating progress of contracts performed as compared to
contracts agreed. In addition, we also plan to give more
training to our accounting staff and hire additional and more
experienced accounting personnel with U.S. GAAP experience. |
Despite these ongoing efforts, in connection with the audit of
our consolidated financial statements for the years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007, our independent registered public
accounting firm reported to us that we had two material
weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting.
One of the material weaknesses communicated to us was our
inability to provide objectively verifiable evidence to apply
cash collections against our accounts receivable balance
following the implementation of a new operational system in
December 2006. These cash collections were initially incorrectly
recorded as deferred revenue, resulting in an audit adjustment
to remove the overstatement of both accounts receivable and
deferred revenue by RMB6.4 million as of March 31, 2007.
The second material weakness communicated to us was our
continuing lack of sufficient personnel with an appropriate
level of accounting knowledge, experience and training in the
application of U.S. GAAP. As a result of this material
weakness, the following audit adjustments to our consolidated
financial statements for the years ended March 31, 2006 and
2007 were required by our independent registered public
accounting firm to be recorded by us: (1) adjustments to
recognize additional revenue of RMB14.3 million and
RMB2.2 million for the years ended March 31, 2006 and
2007, respectively, due to our initial inappropriate application
of our revenue recognition policy; (2) an adjustment to
charge to expense RMB9.2 million for the year ended
March 31, 2007 due to the initial incorrect deferral of
certain costs
91
relating to our planned initial public offering that do not
qualify for deferral; (3) adjustments to charge to expense
of RMB4.1 million and RMB2.5 million for the years
ended March 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, due to the
initial improper recognition of share-based compensation;
(4) adjustments to increase our income tax benefit by
RMB0.5 million and RMB1.8 million for the years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, due to the improper
valuation allowance initially recorded on deferred income tax
assets; (5) an adjustment of RMB13.9 million to
increase the net loss applicable to common shareholders for the
year ended March 31, 2006 due to an error in the initial
recording of the accretion of redeemable convertible preferred
shares to redemption value; and (6) an adjustment to
increase net loss for the year ended March 31, 2006 by
RMB22.4 million due to an error in the initial recording of the
extension of a common share warrant. Certain of these errors
also impacted, and required us to make adjustments to, our
consolidated financial statements for periods prior to our
fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
To address these material weaknesses in our internal controls:
|
|
|
|
|
we are actively seeking to hire additional individuals with the
requisite U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting expertise; |
|
|
|
we intend to increase our in-house expertise and reporting
capabilities through additional training and increased
interaction with our independent registered public accounting
firm; |
|
|
|
we are preparing an accounting policy manual as a reference in
connection with reviewing recurring transactions and period-end
closing processes, among other tasks; |
|
|
|
we intend to strengthen our internal audit function to focus on
financial and reporting processes in addition to our operational
activities; and |
|
|
|
we are implementing monitoring and oversight control for
non-recurring and complex transactions with such procedures to
include the retention of third-party consultants to assist us in
complying with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements. |
Our independent registered public accounting firm also
communicated to us other deficiencies in our internal control
over financial reporting that required improvement. These
deficiencies included (1) insufficient training of our
newly adopted accounting system, resulting in various accounting
errors; (2) lack of physical control over inventory items
resulting from non-sequential numbering of goods delivery and
receipt; (3) lack of performance review for obsolete
inventory information; (4) insufficient management review
and authorization of employee bonuses; (5) lack of
accountability of recorded transactions resulting from
insufficient documentation for client acceptance of goods and
services received; (6) lack of sufficient reconciliation of
bank account information; (7) lack of management review and
authorization of classification and recording of certain
expenses; (8) insufficient performance review for
information on collectibility of accounts receivable; and
(9) insufficient management review and authorization of
applicability of value-added tax and business tax.
We plan to remediate the material weaknesses and deficiencies
discussed above and to take other steps to improve our internal
control processes in time to meet the deadline for compliance
with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act. If, however, we fail to timely achieve and maintain the
adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to
conclude that we have effective internal controls over financial
reporting.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,
or FIN 48, which, among other things, requires applying a
more likely than not threshold to the recognition
and derecognition of tax positions. Our adoption of FIN 48
as of April 1, 2007 did not have any effect on our
financial position or results of operations. We have elected to
classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax
benefits, if and when required, as part of income tax expense in
the consolidated statements of operations. No interest or
penalties have been accrued at the
92
date of adoption. According to the 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 the withholding agent. The statute of limitations
will be extended to five years under special circumstances,
which are not clearly defined. In the case of a related party
transaction, the statute of limitation is 10 years. There
is no statute of limitation in the case of tax evasion.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,
Fair Value Measurements, or
SFAS No. 157, which defines fair value, establishes a
framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted
accounting principles, and expands disclosures about the fair
value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157
will be effective for us on April 1, 2008. We are currently
evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS No. 157 on our
consolidated financial statements, but we do not expect its
adoption to have a significant transition impact on our
consolidated financial statements.
In November 2006, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force
Issue No. 06-6,
Debtors Accounting for a Modification (or
Exchange) of Convertible Debt Instruments, or
EITF 06-6, which
applies to modifications and exchanges of debt instruments that
(a) either add or eliminate an embedded conversion option
or (b) affect the fair value of an existing embedded
conversion option. Our adoption of
EITF 06-6 on
April 1, 2007 did not have any effect on our financial
position or results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159 The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities, or SFAS No. 159, which permits
entities to choose to measure many financial assets and
financial liabilities at fair value. The standard requires that
unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value
option has been elected be reports in earnings. The provisions
of SFAS No. 159 will be effective for us on April 1,
2008. We are currently evaluating whether to elect the fair
value option as permitted under SFAS No. 159.
93
INDUSTRY
Chinas Growing Economy and Service Sector
China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Chinas National Bureau of Statistics reported that
Chinas annual disposable income per urban resident
increased from $1,028 in 2002 to $1,569 in 2006, representing a
CAGR of 11.1%. As Chinas economy continues to develop, its
service industries are playing an increasingly important role.
The tertiary sector, which is comprised mainly of service
industries, accounted for approximately 39% of Chinas GDP
and employed approximately 32% of Chinas total labor force
in 2006, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China.
Chinas Testing Market
China has one of the worlds largest testing markets in
terms of number of test takers with 122.7 million test
candidates in 2006, up from 112.6 million in 2005,
according to IDC. Testing has played a prominent role in Chinese
society for centuries, with successive Chinese dynasties and
governments regularly administering standardized examinations as
an integral part of selecting members of Chinas civil
service. This long tradition of testing continues today and its
impact extends beyond government and education, with
professional associations and businesses in China also relying
on tests to issue professional licenses and certifications,
assess ongoing professional skills, and select job candidates.
The following graph sets forth total revenues for Chinas
testing market from 2005 to 2010.
China Testing Market Revenue
Source: IDC, China Computer-Based Testing 2006-2010 Forecast and
Analysis
Chinas testing market is broken down into academic testing
and licensure and certification testing. Academic testing
includes tests that students take in conjunction with primary,
secondary and post-secondary education, for example college and
graduate school entrance examinations. Licensure and
certification testing includes the assessment of professional
qualifications and certifications in areas such as teaching,
financial services and IT related certifications, as well as
tests for specialized skills, such as foreign language
proficiency. In addition to academic testing, licensure and
certification testing represents a significant pool of test
takers and a significant portion of the total amount spent on
testing. According to IDC, licensure and certification testing
in China is expected to grow significantly more rapidly than
academic testing over the next several years. According to CEIC
Data Company, Ltd., there were approximately 3.7 million
employees in the banking and insurance industries as of June
2007, and according to Chinas Ministry of Education,
approximately 11.2 million teachers involved in primary and
secondary education throughout China in 2006. As licensure and
certification testing continues to outgrow academic testing, we
expect a corresponding increase in the number of candidates in
the above industries.
94
The following graph sets forth data on test takers in China from
2005 to 2010.
China Testing Market Test Candidates Breakdown
Source: IDC, China Computer-Based Testing 2006-2010 Forecast and
Analysis
Key Trends in Chinas Testing Market
|
|
|
|
|
Increasing number of individuals seeking licensure and
certification. In many industries in China there is a
shortage of highly skilled workers, especially workers who have
proper licenses and qualifications. For example, Chinas
National Bureau of Statistics estimates that in 2006 there were
only 68,000 registered employees in the securities industry in
all of China. According to IDC, the demand and supply gap for
employees with specialized skills will be between
51.8 million and 53.5 million in 2010, leading to
further demand for individuals seeking licensure and
certification. |
|
|
|
|
Increasing use of computer-based testing. As Chinas
economy has modernized and become more dependent on technology,
a growing number of test sponsors have adopted computer-based
tests in place of traditional paper-based tests. Computer-based
tests offer key advantages over traditional paper-based tests,
including easier administration, reduced scoring errors, greater
data security and quicker results analysis. According to IDC,
the ratio of computer-based tests to all tests administered in
China will increase from 21.9% in 2006 to 31.7% in 2010 as
measured by the number of test takers, and from 14.1% to 23.1%
as measured by revenue. |
|
95
The following graph sets forth total revenue and growth rates
for Chinas computer-based testing market from 2005 to 2010.
China Computer-Based Testing Market Revenue
Source: IDC, China Computer-Based Testing 2006-2010 Forecast and
Analysis
|
|
|
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Increasing importance of performance-based testing.
Traditional paper-based tests have limited ability to
evaluate a test takers performance of specific tasks.
Performance-based testing simulates a problem that requires the
test taker to perform a series of hands-on tasks where a test
takers problem-solving skills can be evaluated. An
increasing number of test sponsors in a wide variety of
industries are shifting from standard multiple-choice and
fill-in-the blank tests, to performance-based tests. In
addition, many academic institutions in China are also
increasingly moving towards performance-based testing as a way
to encourage students to learn not only concepts and theory but
also the real-world application of such knowledge to make them
more competitive in the career marketplace. |
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Increasing demand for IT certification tests using
computer-based simulation technology. The demand for IT
education in China is growing rapidly due to the nations
growing IT sector. To meet the increasing need for skilled IT
professionals in China, IT vendors are increasingly relying on
certification programs centered on computer-simulated testing
methods. These programs allow candidates to learn by doing and
to build practical skills and experience through simulated-
environment learning and testing. |
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Increasing demand for outsourced testing services.
Traditionally, the development and delivery of tests have
been handled in-house by education providers or test sponsors.
However, the increasing use of computer-based tests and
performance-based tests in recent years has created challenges
for education providers and test sponsors that have made
in-house test delivery and administration increasingly
difficult. In order to cost-effectively respond to these
challenges, education providers and test sponsors are
increasingly outsourcing the design and delivery of their tests
to third-party service providers. |
The above key trends provide significant growth potential for
computer-based testing service providers in China.
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The following graph shows the expected revenues from
Chinas computer-based test delivery services market from
2005 to 2010.
China Computer-Based Test Delivery Services Market Revenue
Source: IDC, China Computer-Based Testing 2006-2010 Forecast and
Analysis
Three major players, including us, together held more than 75%
of Chinas computer-based testing services market in 2006
in terms of revenue, as shown in the following chart.
2006 Market Share of Major Computer-Based Testing Service
Providers in China
Source: IDC, Computer-Based Testing 2006-2010 Forecast and
Analysis
Chinas Education Market
Chinas education market is experiencing rapid growth both
in terms of the number of schools and the number of students,
especially at the post-secondary higher education level. The
number of students in post-secondary higher education programs
has increased from 12.1 million in 2001 to over
25.0 million in 2006,
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according to Chinas Ministry of Education. Moreover,
spending on education has risen in recent years, as shown in the
graph below.
China National Education Spending
Source: National Bureau of Statistics of the Peoples
Republic of China
As more people enter Chinas job market with higher
education levels, we expect that the competition for higher
paying jobs will become more intense. Workers with comparable
education levels will seek a competitive edge in testing for
professional licenses and certifications. We believe that test
takers in China spend significantly more time and money on test
preparation and learning exercises than on actual test taking.
As the number of tests and the number of test takers continue to
grow in China, we believe that test preparation spending will
continue to enjoy significant growth in the next decade.
Key Trends in Chinas Education Market
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Rapid growth of vocational education. The market for
vocational education in China is expected to grow due to various
demands, including demand from employers for skilled workers,
demand from an increasing number of technical high school and
junior college graduates seeking entry-level employment
positions which require professional licenses and
certifications, and demand from working people who wish to
further their career and salary advancement potential. According
to the Beijing Zhong Jing Zongheng Economic Research
Institution, the career education and management education
markets were valued at approximately $4.3 billion and
$2.0 billion, respectively, in 2004, and are expected to
grow to approximately $39.9 billion and $18.0 billion,
respectively, in 2010. |
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We believe that Chinese vocational education providers are
increasingly looking to source course content and learning
materials from outside providers. In particular, we believe that
an attractive opportunity exists for educational service
providers who can provide effective learning programs that
enable students to better prepare for and attain licenses and
certifications in professions such as the IT industry and other
industries requiring high technical competence or specialized
knowledge and skills. According to the Beijing Zhong Jing
Zongheng Economic Research Institution, Chinas IT training
market is estimated to grow from $533.8 million in 2006 to
$1.3 billion in 2010, representing a CAGR of 25.7%. |
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Emergence of online education and test preparation market.
The rise of Internet use in China is reflected in the
growing number of Internet users in China. According to IDC, the
number of Internet users in China is expected to reach
approximately 150.1 million in 2007 and 196.4 million
in 2011. As Internet usage becomes increasingly common, people
are turning to online resources as a means of furthering their
education and to prepare for |
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various types of tests. Online education and test preparation
provide students the flexibility to take interactive courses at
times and in locations most convenient to them. Online education
and test preparation are particularly attractive to working
adults, and their employers, especially as they seek to combine
work and their pursuit of higher level licenses and
certifications. In addition, the Internet also enables
educational service providers to reach and serve a broader base
of students without substantial incremental costs such as the
additional hiring of more teachers and usage of teaching
facilities. According to the Beijing Zhong Jing Zongheng
Economic Research Institution, Chinas online education
market was valued at approximately $1.9 billion in 2004 and
is expected to grow to $4.0 billion by 2007. |
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BUSINESS
Overview
We are the leading provider of computer-based testing services
in China, with the largest market share, 30.9%, in terms of
revenue in 2006, according to IDC. We also provide
career-oriented, test-based educational programs and test
preparation solutions in China. To comply with PRC law, we
operate the online portion of our test preparation solutions
business through a series of contractual arrangements with ATA
Online (Beijing) Education Technology Limited, or ATA Online, a
PRC entity owned by two of our founders and over which we do not
have direct control or direct oversight. Our clients include
professional associations, such as the China Banking Association
and the Securities Association of China, which accounted for
19.5% and 4.2%, respectively, of our net revenues for the six
months ended September 30, 2007, Chinese governmental
agencies, including the PRC Ministry of Labor, which accounted
for 8.5% of our net revenues for the same period, well-known IT
vendors, Chinese educational institutions, distributors of our
test preparation software products, and individual test
preparation services consumers. During the six months ended
September 30, 2007, approximately two million tests
were delivered using our computer-based testing technologies and
services.
We began providing computer-based testing services in 1999. We
offer comprehensive services for the creation and delivery of
computer-based tests based on our proprietary testing
technologies and test delivery platform. Our computer-based
testing services are used for professional licensure and
certification tests in various industries, including IT
services, banking, teaching, securities, insurance and
accounting. Our test center network comprised 1,810 authorized
test centers located throughout China as of September 30,
2007, which we believe is the largest test center network of any
commercial testing service provider in China based on client
feedback and our market experience. Combined with our test
delivery technologies, this network allows our clients to
administer large-scale nationwide tests in a consistent, secure
and cost-effective manner. We have delivered over
23 million tests since 1999, and in July 2007 delivered
tests to more than 200,000 test takers in a single day for the
China Banking Association, through our test delivery platform.
Leveraging our testing expertise, we have expanded into
providing career-oriented educational services and test
preparation solutions. In 2002, we began offering
career-oriented course programs, which we market to Chinese
educational institutions. We develop our course programs by
integrating our testing technologies and services with IT
learning content authorized by major IT vendors such as
Microsoft China, Borland and Adobe. In March 2006, we began
offering pre-occupational training programs, which allow
students to obtain practical skills for specific job
requirements. By integrating our testing technologies with test
preparation content, we began offering targeted test preparation
solutions for certain professional licensure and certification
tests in the securities, insurance and teaching industries in
2006. ATA Online has launched online test preparation Internet
web sites in coordination with the Securities Association of
China and the China Banking Association to help candidates
across China prepare for these organizations professional
licensure and certification tests, which are delivered through
our test delivery platform. We also offer our NTET Tutorial
Platform software for training teachers for certification under
the National Teachers Skill Test of Applied Educational
Technology in Secondary and Elementary School, or NTET test,
which is delivered nationwide through our test delivery platform.
Our proprietary technologies and know-how for the creation and
delivery of computer-based tests are important to our service
capabilities. Our E-testing platform is composed of a set of
self-developed tools and applications for facilitating the
computer-based testing process, and is capable of handling
large-scale tests and quickly and securely transmitting,
processing and storing large amounts of data. We have also
developed proprietary technologies for the creation and
operation of advanced performance-based tests, such as our
self-developed Dynamic Simulation Technology, which leading IT
certification sponsors, such as Microsoft have adopted for their
computer-simulated tests given around the world. We have also
developed content creation technologies for the conversion of
paper-based tests into computer-based formats.
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Our total net revenues have increased from RMB69.0 million
for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 to
RMB84.9 million ($11.3 million) for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007 and from RMB32.4 million for the
six months ended September 30, 2006 to RMB76.2 million
($10.2 million) for the six months ended September 30,
2007. We had net losses of RMB24.8 million and
RMB16.8 million for the fiscal years ended March 31,
2006 and 2007, respectively, and net income of
RMB8.5 million ($1.1 million) for the six months ended
September 30, 2007.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that the following competitive strengths have been
instrumental in achieving our current market position and
provide the basis for our continued growth:
Early Mover Advantage and Leadership Position in the
Computer-Based Testing Services Industry in China
Testing has played a prominent role in Chinese society for
centuries and continues to factor heavily in Chinas
educational system and professional associations and
businesses assessment of job candidates and their
qualifications. While most tests are still conducted using
traditional pen-and-paper formats, governmental and other test
sponsors have begun migrating tests to computer-based formats.
We began developing and marketing computer-based testing
technologies and services in 1999 to test sponsors to help them
more efficiently, securely and cost-effectively deliver their
computer-based tests. We are also the only Asia-based member of
the Association of Test Publishers, a widely recognized testing
services trade association, which we believe further enhances
our reputation in the testing services market in China.
By entering this market early in China, we have been able to
secure long-standing relationships with many of Chinas
most desirable and prolific test sponsors and become the first
computer-based testing services provider for many of our
clients. Entering this market early is important because many
clients are reluctant to switch testing service providers once
they have chosen one because of a desire to maintain consistency
and stability from year to year in the test delivery format. In
addition, switching testing service providers requires
significant time and costs and often raises concerns about data
security. Consequently, we believe that as long as our testing
platform consistently meets our clients test delivery
requirements, they are likely to continue to use our testing
platform and to focus their testing-related resources on
creating and updating the content of their tests for use with
our testing technologies and test delivery platform.
Ability to Provide Sophisticated and Large-Scale Testing
Services
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Track record of delivering large-scale computer-based
tests. Through years of experience serving major test
sponsors in China, we have developed considerable expertise in
the delivery and administration of large-scale nationwide
computer-based tests. Building upon this expertise, we have
developed an advanced, secure and comprehensive test delivery
platform. According to IDC, in 2006 we were the largest
deliverer of computer-based testing services in China by
revenues. We have delivered over 23 million tests since
1999, and in July 2007 delivered tests to more than 200,000 test
takers in a single day for the China Banking Association,
through our test delivery platform. |
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Extensive test center network and scalable test delivery
platform. Our extensive test center network and E-testing
platform technologies provide the software and hardware
necessary to ensure the stable, cost-effective, secure, accurate
and easy-to-manage delivery of large-scale computer-based tests.
Our nationwide test delivery network, comprised of
1,810 ATA authorized test centers located across China as
of September 30, 2007, provides us with a distinct
competitive advantage over our international and domestic
rivals, none of which possess test center networks in China of
comparable size to ours. We believe that it will be difficult
and costly for others to replicate our nationwide test center
network. Complementing our test center network, our E-testing
platform provides us the technological |
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platform to handle simultaneous delivery of computer-based tests
in multiple locations. Our E-testing platform incorporates a
flexible and customizable set of technologies covering all
stages of the test delivery process from test item compilation
and storage to test scoring and results analysis. Once a
clients test has been customized for delivery through our
E-testing platform, we can increase the size and volume of tests
delivered easily and at relatively low additional costs. We
believe that the large and increasing scale of our
computer-based test delivery platform combined with its
reputation for reliability, stability and flexibility in the
testing market in China, provides a significant barrier to entry
for potential competitors. |
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Flexible and customizable testing services. Our
computer-based testing technologies and services are designed to
maximize flexibility and adaptability, which allows us to
customize our services to meet each clients specific
testing needs. The long history and diversity of Chinas
testing market make standardization of testing platforms and
formats difficult in China. As a result, flexibility and
customization in testing services and test delivery platform are
important in Chinas testing services market. Our
E-testing platform is
composed of a standardized core testing software
system around which we have developed customizable parameters
that may be configured to meet each clients specific
needs. Using our
E-testing platform as
the basis, we work closely with each test sponsor client to
develop a customized service plan that matches their technical
and performance requirements. The flexibility of our
technologies and services are especially important to clients
with multiple test requirements, as they can use our testing
platform for their various computer-based testing needs. |
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Advanced performance-based testing and test security
technologies. We have developed proprietary technologies as
well as sophisticated and flexible software applications for the
development and delivery of advanced performance-based tests.
Our Dynamic Simulation Technology for the creation and operation
of performance-based tests with computer-simulated environments
has been licensed by Microsoft since 2003 for use with Microsoft
Learning Products and Microsoft Certified Professional Exams
delivered globally. As of September 30, 2007, approximately
390,000 Microsoft Certified Professional Exams had been
delivered around the world using our proprietary testing
technologies and interface. We also offer specialized test
security systems that combine traditional communication security
techniques, such as the separation of test content into data
fragments, with the use of cutting-edge data security
technologies, such as encrypted data, digital algorithms and
electronic authorization keys, which we believe are among the
most advanced in the global computer-based testing services
market. We believe that computer-based test sponsors are
concerned with test data security and that our test security
technologies and systems are recognized as meeting the highest
standards in the industry. |
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Established Relationships with Key Test Sponsors and
Leading IT Vendors
Client relationships are critical to our success and we continue
to strengthen our collaborative relationships with key clients,
including since 2000 the PRC Ministry of Labor, for which we
have delivered 472,761, 649,406 and 394,374 tests in the fiscal
years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 and the six months
ended September 30, 2007, respectively. We have also
developed relationships with other Chinese governmental
institutions that sponsor tests, such as the Ministry of
Education, with which we have worked to develop our
career-oriented course programs since 2002 and more recently our
NTET Tutorial Platform software. In addition, we have developed
relationships with various key professional services
organizations, such as the Securities Association of China, the
China Futures Association, the China Banking Association and the
Insurance Association of China.
Beginning with Microsoft in 2002, we have entered into
cooperation agreements with leading IT vendors, such as Adobe,
Borland, Corel, Digital China, H3C, Trend Micro and Turbolinux,
for the development of performance-based and application-driven
educational programs and tests. Our deep knowledge of
career-oriented education content acquired through our
relationships with leading IT vendors
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and with test sponsors has provided us with the ability to
create career-oriented educational programs curricula designed
to teach practical skill sets and effectively assess the
students application of these skill sets.
Experienced Management Team
We have an international management team with extensive
experience in computer-based testing, education services and
software development. Several members of our senior management
team have significant experience working with Chinese
governmental agencies and several have worked with leading
companies in the computer-based testing and education
industries, such as Microsoft Learning, Pearson VUE and
Prometric. The combination of skills and experience of our
senior management team has allowed us to solidify our
relationships with a diverse group of clients ranging from
Chinese governmental ministries to the worlds leading IT
vendors to academic institutions and other organizations in
China.
Our Strategy
Our mission is to extend our position as the leading provider of
computer-based testing services in China, and expand our
career-oriented educational programs and test preparation
solutions in China, by pursuing the following strategies:
Continue to Seek Opportunities in Licensure and
Certification Testing Services
As Chinas economy and service sector continue to develop,
governmental agencies, industry associations and private
business are increasingly using licensure and certification
tests to identify qualified professionals. We believe the number
of people seeking careers in professions that require licensure
and certification is growing, and will continue to grow,
rapidly. In order to certify increasing numbers of people, the
number and scale of licensure and certification tests will
continue to grow, which offers us an opportunity to expand into
additional industries requiring licensure and certification. We
will continue to identify industries where traditional licensure
and certification tests can be adapted to our computer-based
testing methods to leverage our computer-based testing expertise
and technologies and our extensive test delivery network. We
actively promote computer-based testing and our services to
sponsors of traditional-format tests by educating them about the
benefits of computer-based testing. In addition, we will
continue to seek opportunities in industries that will require
progressively advanced levels of licensure and certifications,
such as different levels of certifications for securities,
banking or insurance industry professionals. We believe that
such additional levels of licensure and certifications will
increase both the number of tests delivered through our test
delivery platform as well as bring additional users to ATA
Onlines Internet test preparation web sites.
Further Enhance Our Technology and Expand Our Test Center
Network Reach
Our test content creation and delivery technologies are
important components of our products, services and market
leadership. We will continuously upgrade our test content
creation technologies and delivery systems in order to provide
best-in-class testing services at competitive prices to our
clients. In addition to periodically updating our E-testing
platform technology, we are working on the commercial
implementation of advanced testing technologies, such as speech
recognition engines and more advanced simulation of real
environments. We plan to incorporate these technologies into our
service offerings as well as to license certain advanced
technologies to leading international IT vendors and test
preparation companies. We also intend to promote our
self-developed computer-based testing interface technology and
data specification standards as industry standards. At the same
time, to respond to the rapidly increasing demand by Chinese
test sponsors for nationwide, large-scale tests, we will
continue to expand our network of authorized test centers,
especially in smaller cities and less developed provinces of
China.
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Leverage Our Testing Service Strengths to Expand Our Test
Preparation and Educational Program Offerings
We believe that people spend significantly more time and money
on test preparation and learning exercises than on actual test
taking. Moreover, we believe that the importance attached to
tests and test results in China encourages people to spend
significant amounts of time and money to seek advantages over
other test takers. Our experience and leadership position in
providing computer-based testing services provides us with an
effective platform from which to expand our service offerings
into test preparation and educational services.
ATA Online launched online test preparation Internet web sites
in coordination with the Securities Association of China in
November 2006 to help the large number of candidates across
China prepare for professional licensure and certification tests
conducted by this professional association that are delivered
using our testing technologies and platform. We launched a
similar web site in coordination with the China Banking
Association in July 2007 and plan to launch online test
preparation solutions for insurance and futures certification
tests in early 2008. We also plan to offer new services for
teachers preparing for the NTET test and add upgrades to our
NTET Tutorial Platform through our web site. Leveraging our
experience in developing software programs for our NTET Tutorial
Platform, we plan to offer similar software programs to junior
and middle schools for use in relation to courses and tests
given to students. In relation to our educational service
offerings, which are currently aimed at students majoring in
IT-related subjects, we plan to develop career-oriented course
programs for students preparing for careers in the financial
services industries, including securities, futures, banking and
insurance. Our goal is to leverage our relationships with key
test sponsors to provide comprehensive services along the entire
education value chain, from learning to test preparation to
testing.
Increase Recognition of our ATA Brand
As we expand our test preparation solutions, our brand, which we
believe is currently well-recognized among test sponsors and
educational institutions, will become increasingly critical to
our success. We intend to establish the ATA name as the leading
provider of quality computer-based testing and test preparation
solutions in China. We believe our familiarity with testing
procedures and test content will allow us to establish our
market credibility and position us favorably as a leading test
preparation solutions provider. We promote wider recognition of
our ATA brand among test takers by placing our logo
prominently outside ATA authorized test centers and in test and
course program materials. We also engage in on-campus marketing
activities through prominently placed marketing materials, such
as posters and other advertising means.
Pursue Selective Strategic Acquisitions and
Alliances
We believe that selective acquisitions of and alliances with
complementary businesses can further broaden our service
offerings, attract additional clients and strengthen our service
quality. We intend to seek acquisition and alliance
opportunities in the areas of testing, test preparation and
education that can enhance the scope of our products and
services. We intend to pursue any acquisitions and alliances
with prudence and only consider opportunities that are
strategically complementary and can add long-term value to our
shareholders.
Our Products and Services
Our primary product and service offerings currently include:
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computer-based testing development and delivery, which includes
our computer-based test delivery platform and services, our ATA
authorized test center network and our test content creation
technologies and services; |
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career-oriented educational services, which include single
course programs, degree major course programs and
pre-occupational training programs; and |
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test preparation solutions, which include test preparation and
training platforms for the securities and banking industries and
test preparation software for the teaching industry. |
Computer-Based Testing Development and Delivery
We have developed a series of technologies and service solutions
for the development and delivery of computer-based tests. Our
comprehensive E-testing platform integrates all aspects of the
test delivery process for computer-based tests, from test form
compilation to test scoring and results analysis. Our test
delivery services are further enhanced by our nation-wide
network of test centers, which allows us to deliver tests on a
large scale in a consistent, secure and cost-effective manner.
By combining our advanced test content creation technologies
with our test delivery platform and network of test centers, we
can offer our clients a comprehensive and integrated solution to
enhance the effectiveness of the entire testing process, as
shown in the following diagram.
We have assisted our clients in creating and delivering a wide
range of computer-based tests, including:
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licensure tests administered by governmental agencies that test
the competence of candidates for positions with various
governmental agencies or for certain types of jobs, and public
exams administered by provincial-level human resources bureaus; |
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professional association or qualifications tests required by
governmental agencies or industry associations that test the
competence of individuals who operate in certain industries that
require technical expertise and which carry professional titles,
such as: |
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the Qualifications Exam for Individuals Engaged in the
Securities Industry, designed and administered by the Securities
Association of China under the supervision of the China
Securities Regulatory Commission; |
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the Insurance Agent Qualifications Exam, designed and
administered by the Insurance Association of China under the
supervision of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission; |
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the Certification of China Banking Professionals Exam, designed
and administered by the China Banking Association under the
supervision of the China Banking Regulatory Commission; |
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IT vendor tests that assess the technical skills and competence
of IT professionals in relation to specific types of IT
applications, computer operating systems or other IT skill sets,
and that allow test takers to obtain a professional license or
certification in a specific subject area, job title or career
path; and |
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enterprise assessment tests that various enterprises use for
internal personnel assessment purposes. |
Computer-based test delivery platform and services. We
offer our clients a comprehensive set of services for the
compilation, delivery and analysis of computer-based tests as
well as logistical services such as test registration,
scheduling and fee collection. Our E-testing platform
incorporates a number of technologies and protocols designed to
ensure the stable, cost-effective, secure, accurate, fast and
easy-to-manage delivery of computer-based tests on a large
scale. Our E-testing platform is flexible and is easily
customized for many types of test content and the specific
requirements of the test sponsor. Tests
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delivered through our E-testing platform may be conducted at our
ATA authorized test centers or at other locations at the test
sponsors discretion.
Our E-testing platform includes the following services, which we
also offer individually depending on the test sponsors
needs:
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installing our ATA E-testing platform on the clients
computer system to assist with centralizing administrative
matters relating to the test or, in the case of repeat clients,
upgrading the existing platform as necessary, for new tests; |
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providing technical support throughout the testing process; |
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uploading test information and performing test rehearsals and
final testing environment control; and |
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processing test scores, summarizing and analyzing test scores
and results. |
We also offer a number of logistical support services relating
to test administration that we incorporate into the licensing
fee for our test delivery platform based on a clients
individual needs. These support services include:
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managing test taker registration and scheduling; |
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managing test taker fee collection; |
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arranging test stations and pre-test training of staff at each
ATA authorized test center; |
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providing test data management, such as test score publishing;
and |
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preparing and delivering certificates for test takers who have
passed the test sponsor certification requirements. |
ATA authorized test center network. To help our clients
reach a broad base of test takers, we have established a large
network of authorized test centers across China and in Hong
Kong, which we refer to as our ATA authorized test centers. In
2005, the number of ATA authorized test centers in our network
reached 1,500. As of September 30, 2007, we had contractual
relationships with 1,810 ATA authorized test centers, of which
1,302 had hosted tests delivered through our testing platform
during the preceding 24-month period. 1,275 of our authorized
test centers possess the right to use our ATA brand
name and logo. Our network of ATA authorized test centers
provides the means for delivering and administering tests
nationally both simultaneously and on a regularly scheduled
basis under consistent and secure testing conditions. Our ATA
authorized test center network is especially important for many
of our government and industry association test sponsor clients
that need to regularly administer large-scale tests across
China. Our IT vendor clients value the ability of our ATA
authorized test centers to broaden the base of potential test
takers, allowing them to increase the number of certified
professionals competent in the operation and use of their
products and technologies.
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The following map shows the geographic distribution of our ATA
authorized test centers as of September 30, 2007:
We do not own any of our ATA authorized test centers but instead
enter into a standard form of contract with qualified
independent operators to act as ATA authorized test centers.
Most of our ATA authorized test centers are owned by Chinese
vocational schools, which we believe enhances the quality and
dependability of the centers. Under our contracts with the test
centers, we license our ATA E-testing platform technology and
provide ongoing technical support and training during the
contract period. We require each test center to provide
sufficient facilities to properly administer computer-based
tests and to follow prescribed guidelines for facility
maintenance and test administration. We also conduct regular
reviews of their facilities and operations. We assist our
clients in liaising and coordinating testing arrangements with
our ATA authorized test centers.
Our ATA authorized test centers are divided into general test
centers, which offer a wide range of tests and have the right to
use our ATA brand name and logo, and special test
centers, such as Microsoft Learning Centers, with which we enter
into contracts to carry out specific tests for specific test
sponsor clients. We receive license fees from our test center
operators in the form of either a single initial license fee or
a combination of initial license fee and annual continuing
license fees. Under either fee arrangement, our licensees can
extend their licensing agreement with us indefinitely.
Test content creation technologies and services. We offer
our clients advanced technologies and software applications for
the creation of sophisticated computer-based tests, including
advanced performance-based tests. Our Dynamic Simulation
Technology provides the format for creating, illustrating,
running and scoring tests in a virtual computer environment that
accurately and realistically
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simulates the operating environment and functions of the
software applications being tested without requiring the
installation or use of those applications.
We have also developed two non-simulation core testing
technologies: Real Environment Technology and ATA Markup
Language. Our Real Environment Technology is used for creating,
illustrating and running performance-based tests and learning
exercises that operate within the actual operating system or
software application being tested. For the creation and
illustration of traditional knowledge-based test items, such as
multiple-choice questions, we developed our ATA Markup Language,
which is an XML-based language for writing and illustrating
computer-based test questions using traditional
question-and-answer formats.
We directly generate revenue from our test content creation
technologies through the licensing of our technology. For
example, we have agreements for the license of our Dynamic
Simulation Technology and related simulation authoring tools to
international IT certification sponsors, such as Microsoft, and
third-party test preparation companies for the creation of test
items and test preparation course exercise items for Microsoft
Learning Products, including Microsoft Certified Professional
Exams, delivered to students and test takers all over the world.
Creation of effective and user-friendly computer-based tests
involves a multi-step process, including:
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Test design. Our content development consultants work
together with the client to determine the test purpose, intended
audience, test objectives and required competency level to
formulate an overall test outline. We then arrange for the
client to work with our subject matter experts, or to engage
outside subject matter experts with specific experience in the
subject area, to work with us on the scope of knowledge covered
by the test and to design and author specific testing items for
required knowledge points. |
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Test item authoring. Based on the test outline and using
our advanced test engine technologies, we work together with
subject matter experts to create test items designed to
determine a test takers proficiency and speed in solving
both practical and conceptual problems. The test items are
designed to support immediate test scoring and results analysis.
Test items generally fall into two types: multiple-choice items
and performance-based items. Once all of the test items have
been created, our content development consultants and subject
matter experts commence a review to ensure the validity of each
test item, clarity of language and overall quality. All of the
test items are deposited in a master test item pool. |
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Test form and item bank construction. Once the test items
are ready, we set test item parameters to be used for building
up test item banks to enable test forms to be formulated. Test
forms with equal level of difficulty are generated through
random item selection from the test item bank based on the
pre-defined blueprint of the test to ensure fairness across test
forms. |
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Final user acceptance beta test. Before publication, the
test undergoes a final user acceptance beta test during which
volunteer test takers take the test and provide feedback. Based
on the test results from the beta test, we are able to evaluate
the efficacy of the test, eliminate problematic test items and
otherwise fine tune the test items to ensure quality. |
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Continuous upgrades through analysis and user feedback.
As we deliver tests in real-world environments, we monitor and
analyze the quality and adequacy of the test content and make
upgrades as we develop or adopt new technologies and techniques.
We also communicate with test users and collect feedback from
the test sponsors and test takers to ensure that desired
improvements are made in a timely manner. |
Depending on the clients needs, we can perform some or all
of the above steps for each client. For example, in some cases,
clients may have already created all of the test items and may
only require us to build the test using our ATA E-testing
platform. Computer-based tests can also be designed for delivery
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as on-going tests, which can be taken by the test taker at any
time at his or her choice, for example by downloading the test
from the clients web site, or as regularly scheduled
tests, which must be taken by test takers at a specified time
with advanced scheduling required.
We usually offer test delivery services and test content
creation services as an integrated package and collect a fixed
fee per test per test taker. The fee we charge depends on the
length and complexity of the test, the amount of effort it takes
to transform the testing content into a computer-based test
format and other factors in the test development and
administration process, such as security levels and the amount
of logistical services provided.
Career-Oriented Educational Services
In late 2002, in line with Chinese government policies promoting
the development of career-oriented educational services and
incentives for greater investment in vocational schools, we
began developing educational course programs to be taught at
educational institutions across China. With a focus on IT
industry and vocational certification, this became our first
effort to expand into the educational and test preparation
market by leveraging our strong capabilities in test delivery.
Our educational services package the testing and certification
component of our testing services with licensed learning
materials to provide an integrated learning and assessment
solution. Many of the tests contained in our course programs
have incorporated our advanced performance-based testing
technologies to encourage hands-on real-world interactive
learning experiences to replace the theoretical modes of
learning which are no longer favored by many students, teachers
and pedagogy scholars.
Our career-oriented educational services include single course
programs, degree major course programs and pre-occupational
training programs. We market these educational services to
universities and vocational schools throughout China, often
through regional marketing agreements with computer science or
other relevant academic departments in key regional schools. Our
educational services allow academic institutions to provide more
career-oriented content and practical skills to assist their
students in more easily securing employment with leading IT
industry businesses, which increasingly favor job candidates
with real-world experience in operating and trouble-shooting
their products and technologies. At the same time, our
educational services are attractive to IT vendors and other
certification providers as they help to increase the market
prevalence and acceptance of the software applications and
technologies taught in the course program by hooking
students onto those technologies and by motivating employers to
adopt the technologies due to the larger talent pool proficient
in operating them. We plan to expand our career-oriented
educational service offerings beyond the IT industry by
developing similar programs for students looking for careers in
banking, securities, insurance and other industries in which we
have relationships with key licensure and certification
providers.
Single course programs. Each single course program we
offer is typically centered on a specific type of computer
software application or other technology that requires
significant training and practice to master and for which
certification is offered. We work closely with both the
certification providers, which are usually well-known IT
vendors, and the academic institutions to ensure the course and
final exam content fully satisfies all of their respective
requirements and maximizes the students learning
experience.
Upon successful completion of the course work and related
computer-based examination, the student will obtain a
qualification certification from the IT vendor or other
certification provider as well as academic credit from the
students school. These courses are designed both for IT
major students and non-IT majors. We contract with academic
institutions to license the course program for the course
period, which usually lasts for one academic semester. The
license can be subsequently renewed for each new course
semester. We generally provide the following services to the
academic institution as part of our course programs:
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installing the ATA E-testing platform on the schools
computer system or, in the case of a renewal of the course
license, performing an upgrade of the existing platform for the
new course; |
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at the beginning of each course period, providing students and
teachers with course materials, which include textbooks, compact
disks, visual lab equipment, slides, flash video case studies
and exercise items; |
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during the course period, providing ongoing support relating to
the course and test software and the course materials, such as
content updates, software upgrades, telephone support for
teachers and students, online support including downloadable
teaching guides, articles by well-known instructors and sample
test materials available at our web site; |
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at the end of each course period, uploading authorization
information to permit the school to administer the final exam; |
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delivering a second exam at no extra charge to each enrolled
student who fails the final exam on the first try; |
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on request and subject to additional fees, providing training
sessions for course teachers during the summer or winter
holidays for a separate fee charged to the schools, which we
record as training revenue; and |
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where necessary, preparing and delivering certificates for test
takers who have passed the test certification requirement. |
We charge educational institutions a fixed fee for these
services on a per-student, per-course basis based on our
perceived market value of the certification to be awarded to the
student at the completion of the course.
Degree major course programs. Our degree major course
programs are designed to be career-oriented, helping graduates
prepare for particular types of jobs and career paths. These
programs are essentially combinations of multiple single course
programs designed to help students acquire a cluster of skill
sets that can best prepare them for particular job types and
careers and, in some cases, the specific requirements of certain
well-known IT vendors. Generally, the entire degree major course
program can be completed within two to three years and comprises
all courses necessary for the students college major. When
designing a degree major course program, we first work with the
IT vendors to define a job type or career path and to design a
course curriculum that enables students to acquire the sets of
knowledge and practical skills required to perform the job and
become certified operators within that area. We then design what
we refer to as a learning roadmap for each job type,
which includes a set of core, compulsory courses and additional
elective courses that students can choose from based on the
specific career path they intend to pursue. We work with IT
vendors and the course instructors to ensure that the courses
are taught in an interactive and dynamic manner making maximum
use of our advanced performance-based learning and testing
technologies. In August 2007, we entered into a cooperation
agreement with Tsinghua University to develop IT degree major
course programs to be taught at post-secondary educational
institutions incorporating course content developed by Tsinghua
University.
Our contracts with academic institutions for degree major course
programs are similar to our contracts for single course
programs. We license the various single course programs
contained within the degree major course program to the schools
for the duration of the degree major course program period. We
also provide substantially the same support and other services
as we provide for single course programs. We charge schools on a
per-student, per-course basis based on our perceived market
value of both the individual certifications to be awarded at the
completion of each course and the overall degree to be awarded
to the student at the completion of the degree major course
program.
Pre-occupational training programs. Vocational school
students in China are generally required to spend one semester
prior to graduation in an internship. However, many
students have difficulty finding quality internships that
provide the opportunity to hone practical skills prior to
entering the job market. To provide these students with more
alternatives, we have worked with vocational schools and our IT
vendor clients to develop pre-occupational training programs to
help meet the internship requirement. These programs, which we
began offering to vocational school students in March 2006,
provide students with a
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simulated internship environment replicating what these students
would experience in an actual internship. Students are organized
into small groups and given a series of specific job tasks, with
each students role within the small group changing at
intervals during the program period. A typical pre-occupational
training program will last two to three months. Software
applications using our performance-based testing technology help
guide and monitor the students progress in completing the
required tasks and are able to provide constant feedback to
enhance the learning experience and improve the students
performance. Upon completion of the pre-occupational training
program, the students receive the internship credits necessary
to graduate.
To date, we have developed pre-occupational training programs
for three different job types: software development, network
management and multimedia design, the latter including skills
related to Adobe and Macromedia products. Each pre-occupational
training program is designed to prepare the student for an
actual job position in the IT department of a company or in the
software development business.
Our pre-occupational training programs are offered principally
to students enrolled in schools offering our course programs and
are particularly well-suited for students taking one of our
degree major course programs. We cooperate with the school to
arrange for space and the provision of resources for the
pre-occupational training programs. In some cases we license the
materials and provide trained supervisors to the school in
exchange for a per-student fee paid by the school. In other
cases, we directly collect fees from the students and pay a
portion of that fee to the schools that provide space and
equipment for conducting the pre-occupational training programs.
Test Preparation Solutions
In late 2006, we began offering test preparation solutions by
integrating our testing and assessment technologies with test
preparation content targeted at professional licensure and
certification tests in China. Building on our established
reputation in, and in-depth understanding of, the Chinese market
for professional licensure and certification tests in the
securities, futures, banking, insurance and teaching industries,
we began offering test preparation programs and services to test
candidates preparing to take professional certification tests in
these industries.
Online test preparation and training platform for the
securities, insurance and banking industries. Leveraging the
increased scale of ATA-delivered securities, insurance and
banking professional licensure and certification tests, in
November 2006, ATA Online launched online test preparation
Internet web sites in coordination with the Securities
Association of China. These web sites were launched to provide a
flexible and scalable platform aimed at helping test candidates
across China to practice and prepare for professional licensure
and certification tests delivered by ATA. Test preparation
customers gain access to Internet web sites that contain the
latest test related topics, preparation materials provided by
the test sponsors and streaming video teaching sessions and
practice tests developed by ATA. A stored value card-based
credit system allows each customer unlimited use of online mock
testing during a specified service period, which normally ranges
from 90 to 180 days from the date of activation of the
card. These cards are sold directly to test candidates or to our
test sponsor clients, who then distribute the stored value cards
nationwide to interested test candidates. ATA Online launched a
similar web site in coordination with the China Banking
Association in July 2007 and plans to launch online test
preparation solutions for insurance and futures certification
tests in early 2008.
Starting in 2007, the China Securities Regulatory Commission,
with our assistance, began to more vigorously track and enforce
mandatory continuing professional training requirements for
licensed securities professionals. Each licensed securities
professional must satisfy an annual minimum hourly training
requirement to maintain their securities license. In response,
ATA Online upgraded its securities test preparation web site to
allow securities professionals to meet the continuous
professional training hours requirement. We plan to market
similar test preparation and training web sites to our other
test delivery clients to assist them in launching nationwide,
scalable and flexible test preparation and training programs.
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NTET Tutorial Platform test preparation software
for the teaching industry. In November 2006, we began
offering software comprising a comprehensive set of training
materials for preparing teachers for certification under the
NTET test, which is conducted by Chinas Ministry of
Education and delivered through our test delivery platform and
test center network. This software package, which we refer to as
our NTET Tutorial Platform, is installed on a schools
computer system and offers teachers access to user-friendly and
interactive tutorial programs, practice questions and learning
exercises through the schools intranet. We sell our NTET
Tutorial Platform primarily through provincial and local
distributors. We plan to offer additional services for teachers
preparing for the NTET test and upgrades to our NTET Tutorial
Platform through our web site. We also plan to offer similar
software programs to junior and middle schools for use in
relation to courses and tests given to students.
Our Technology
We believe our proprietary technologies and software
applications are one of our major strengths and we have devoted
significant resources to the development of technologies for the
creation and delivery of advanced computer-based tests. These
include our E-testing platform, test content creation and
management tools, advanced performance-based testing
technologies and web-based applications.
E-testing Platform
Our E-testing platform, which we also refer to as ETX, is
composed of a set of tools and applications for facilitating the
computer-based testing process. ETX includes a network
sub-system for managing and transferring test content, test
taker information and test results data in a secure and
efficient manner and incorporates centralized servers, test site
servers, test site management computers and individual testing
computers. ETX is compatible with different testing modes, such
as daily tests, on-demand tests and centralized tests. All of
our ETX applications have been written using C++ and Microsoft
..NET and run on all PC-based Windows operating systems,
including Windows 98, 2000, 2003 and XP. We have also designed
them to support multiple database management systems, including
SQL, Oracle and DB2.
Our ETX software applications are designed to handle large-scale
testing environments and are capable of transmitting, receiving,
processing and storing large amounts of information in a short
time span. We currently have the capability to deliver more than
1,000,000 tests per day using our 30 servers. In order to avoid
bottle-necks or system crashes during the process of
transmitting data for large-scale examinations, we employ load
balancing equipment, which is designed to ensure that data flow
is evenly distributed among our servers. As our current load
balancing equipment can support up to 200 servers, we have the
capability to expand our data transmission capacity by deploying
additional servers. We periodically upgrade our equipment and
software applications to handle increasing testing volume as
required.
Test Content Creation and Management Tools
We have developed proprietary software applications and tools
for the creation, illustration and operation of computer-based
tests. These software applications include test item authoring
tools, which are used to create and revise the visible display
and operation of test items, and test engines, which are
required to run tests and exchange test data on specific testing
platforms. We have developed test item authoring tool
applications for our Dynamic Simulation Technology, our Real
Environment Technology and our ATA Markup Language. We have also
developed other authoring tools, such as a user interface
cloning and translation software, for increasing the efficiency
of the test content creation and revision process. To meet
individual client needs, we have developed test engine
applications for integrating tests using our testing
technologies on multiple testing platforms. For instance, we
have developed test engine applications that allow running
Dynamic Simulation Technology tests on our own test delivery
platform, on Microsofts test port and on other test
platforms. Our test item authoring tools and test engine
applications are all coded in the C++ programming language and
are compatible with Windows operating systems.
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We have developed test item management tools for managing test
item banks and test question forms for individual tests. These
tools offer multiple functions, including the creation and
management of test blueprints by test sponsors and the indexing
of test items according to properties such as difficulty,
question format and knowledge points, thus allowing the
compilation of individual test forms in conformance with the
test blueprint.
We have also developed our ATA Markup Language for the creation
and illustration of knowledge-based test items that require the
test taker to respond to specific questions in a traditional
question-and-answer format. While less sophisticated than our
performance-based testing technologies, ATA Markup Language
remains a key technology for our large base of clients who
contract with us for the conversion of paper-based tests to
computer-based tests. In addition, many performance-based tests
also include traditional multiple-choice questions created and
run using our ATA Markup Language and related software
applications.
We upgrade and enhance all of our test content creation and
management software applications on a regular basis. To reduce
time and costs associated with upgrading related materials
already used in previous versions, our systems upgrades are all
compatible with earlier versions.
Advanced Performance-Based Testing Technologies
We have developed technologies for delivering both
computer-simulated and real-environment performance-based tests.
Our Dynamic Simulation Technology, or DST, allows simulation of
complicated operating systems, software applications and network
environments. We have developed performance-based testing and
learning materials based on DST to enable the assessment of a
test takers ability to perform real-world tasks while
avoiding the use of real systems, which can be costly and risky
in terms of real data or configurations being corrupted when
conducting certain tasks, such as disk formatting or
multi-server network configurations. DST is designed to provide
maximum interactivity and allow the test taker to go down
multi-level testing paths where each new action will lead the
test taker to a different set of questions and problems.
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The current version of DST, version 4.5, is an interpreter-based
simulation technology, which represents our fourth generation of
simulation testing technologies, as shown in the table below:
Interpreter-based simulation offers high flexibility,
adaptability to most applications, low disk space usage and
short lead times for developing new tests once the system is in
place. Based on feedback from our clients, we believe we are the
only company in the world that has developed and is marketing
interpreter-based simulation technology for testing and
educational use. For this reason, we believe our DST is the
worlds leading technology for the creation and
illustration of performance-based tests through simulation.
We have also developed Real Environment Technology, which is
another testing technology for creating, illustrating and
running performance-based tests. Like DST, our Real Environment
Technology allows for the creation of test questions requiring
the test taker to operate software applications to solve
real-world problems. Unlike DST, however, test content using our
Real Environment Technology is built on top of the underlying
software application and require the installation of the
underlying software applications that the test taker is being
asked to operate. Real Environment Technology is particularly
suitable for testing MS Office, Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk
AutoCAD.
All of our advanced performance-based testing technologies have
been developed in-house, and none incorporates any third-party
intellectual property.
Web-Based Applications
ATA Online provides web-based services to and on behalf of
clients with related applications, such as a customer service
web portal for test candidates and an online payment portal that
can be used to collect fees for ATA Onlines online test
preparation programs. ATA Onlines online payment portal is
linked to IPS, which we believe is one of the most reputable
online payment service providers in China. All of ATA
Onlines online services and applications may be accessed
by users using standard web browsers and do not require
installation of custom software on a users computer. Parts
of our test delivery system also operate via the Internet
through a closed client-server network between our centralized
servers and client computers located at the test sites.
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Data Storage and Security
One of the most important aspects of our computer-based testing
services is ensuring the integrity and security of the
test-taking process. To accomplish this, we use multiple
technologies and methods to ensure the security of test content,
test results and other sensitive data used or obtained in
relation to our services.
We have developed and implemented the following technologies and
measures to protect security throughout all stages of test
development and delivery:
Preparation and Storage of Test Items
To reduce the risks associated with potential unauthorized
disclosure or misuse of test questions by ATA personnel during
the process of creating test item banks, we divide test item
authoring and management tasks among multiple persons and limit
each persons access to the test item content through the
use of access permissions. Each test item author is only
responsible for creating a limited amount of test item content
and is permitted access only to that content for which that
person is responsible. As a result, no one has full access to
the contents beyond his or her scope of work. Test item bank
managers receive limited permissions and are not given access to
view the content of individual test items. Moreover, our test
item authoring and test item bank management tools record and
track all access and modifications to test items or the test
item pool to detect any breaches to the security protocols. Once
the test item banks are created, the content is encrypted and
stored on our secure central servers or the clients
servers. Our servers are located in a central machine room
operated by one of the most well-established server hosting
service providers in China. These servers are protected by
firewalls and stored using
NetApptm
equipment, which permits real-time back-up. We encrypt all test
item banks using our self-developed encryption technologies,
which prevent decryption or reverse engineering through the use
of electronic fingerprinting, anti-tracking and trapping
technologies.
Creation of Test Forms and Transmission of Test Materials
to the Test Site
Our software applications automatically compile individual test
forms from the test item bank according to the test blueprint
and pre-arranged parameters. During this process, no access or
viewing of the content of individual test items is permitted and
all steps in the process are digitally recorded. The encrypted
test forms are delivered to the test sites server either
on hard disc or through a secure network, generally one day
before the day of the test. The relevant information on each
test taker is separately transferred in encrypted format to the
test site via the Internet. A hardware dongle containing an
encrypted time stamp is used to ensure that the test begins and
ends on time. A hardware dongle is a hardware device that must
be inserted into the USB port of the test sites central
computer to decrypt and operate the test content. We design our
own hardware dongles, which incorporate ATA-owned integrated
circuit technology, and outsource its production to multiple
factories in China. A decryption algorithm used along with the
hardware dongle to complete decryption of test materials and
commence the test.
Conduct of the Test
We train all test center personnel on protocols and supervision
techniques to be used during test time. Test center
administrators confirm test takers identities through
photographs, fingerprints and other biometric data. We also
issue to each test taker upon registration a password that must
be inputted on the test day to start the test. Once the test
session has begun, software installed as part of each test
tracks all actions and operations taken during the test and
records them on the test site central server in real time. The
testing software prevents test takers from accessing any network
during test time. When a test taker opens up a question, it is
decrypted and displayed. To protect against cheating, the order
in which test answer choices appear is randomly generated with
each answer choice encoded as a unique number and letter chain.
Immediately upon the test takers completion of each test
item, the data recorded is re-encoded and re-encrypted.
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Transmission, Reading and Storage of Test Results
In most instances, tests are scored on the test site server
immediately following conclusion of the test and subsequently
uploaded to our central servers. All transferred data is
encrypted and data code integrity is verified using MD5 and Hash
technologies. Following scoring, we store all test content and
results on our firewall-protected central servers.
Research and Development
Research and development is important to our continued success.
Our research and development initiatives are designed to improve
our existing testing technologies and to develop new and
innovative technologies. We conduct our research and development
activities primarily in-house but may also from time to time
outsource certain research and development activities. We have
an experienced team of engineers with expertise in the fields of
computing, software, system design, and test design and
conversion. Our research and development team consisted of 53
people as of March 31, 2007. We will continue to look
selectively for experienced software engineers and other
technology talent to further increase our technological
capabilities. While we focus on development of technologies that
can be commercialized and integrated into our service offerings
in the short term, we also invest in the research and
development of testing technologies for the medium and long term
in preparation for developing next generation and cutting-edge
products and services. Our total expenses for research and
development were RMB4.9 million, RMB9.3 million and
RMB5.3 million ($0.7 million) for the fiscal years
ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 and the six months ended
September 30, 2007, respectively.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property protections, including copyrights,
trademarks and trade secrets are important to our success. We
rely on copyright and trademark law, trade secret protection and
confidentiality agreements with our employees, clients, business
partners and others to protect our intellectual property rights.
All of our senior management and engineering employees are
required to sign agreements to acknowledge that all inventions,
trade secrets, works of authorship, innovations and other
processes generated by them that relate to our business are our
property, and to assign to us any ownership rights in those
works. Despite our efforts, it may be possible for third parties
to obtain and use our intellectual property without
authorization.
We have registered 15 software copyrights relevant to our
product and service offerings with the Copyright Protection
Center of China.
Our application to register our ATA trademark with
the China Trademark Office is currently pending. We have also
registered 16 domain names relating to our web sites,
including www.ata.net.cn, the primary URL for our web
site, with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and
Numbers and the China Internet Network Information Center, a
domain name registration service provider in China.
We have chosen not to obtain any patents for our testing
technologies for a number of reasons. Principally, we believe it
is the industry norm in China not to obtain patents for
technologies that are not in the form of hardware. The process
for patenting technologies is cumbersome and generally takes
approximately 18 months or more, and due to the prevalence
of intellectual property infringement and relatively weak
enforcement mechanisms in China, we believe the risks involved
in obtaining a patent, which would be publicly accessible,
outweigh the potential benefits. Expertise underlying our
testing technologies enjoys protection in China as trade secrets
under Chinas Anti-Unfair Competition Law.
Clients
The quality and flexibility of our product and service offerings
has attracted a broad base of clients. Our clients principally
include Chinese governmental agencies, professional
associations, well-known IT vendors and Chinese educational
institutions as well as individual test preparation services
consumers. The China Banking Association and Chengdu Shiguang
Co., Ltd., a distributor of our NTET
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Tutorial Platform software, accounted for 19.5% and 10.8%,
respectively, of our total net revenues for the six months ended
September 30, 2007. The PRC Ministry of Labor accounted for
12.3% of our total net revenues for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007. No other client accounted for more than 10%
of our total net revenues for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2007 or the six months ended September 30,
2007.
As of September 30, 2007, we had 92 contracts with
test sponsors for our computer-based testing services. For the
six months ended September 30, 2007, our five largest
computer-based testing services clients based on revenue were:
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the China Banking Association, which has been designated by the
China Banking Regulatory Commission as the sole administrator of
banking industry qualification tests in China; |
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the Professional Skills Qualification Center of the PRC Ministry
of Labor; |
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the Securities Association of China, which has been designated
by the China Securities Regulatory Commission as the sole
administrator of securities industry qualification tests in
China; |
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the Testing Center of the PRC Ministry of Education; and |
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the China Futures Association, which has been designated by the
China Securities Regulatory Commission as the sole administrator
of futures industry qualification tests in China. |
These five clients represented an aggregate of 36.5% of our
total net revenues for the six months ended September 30,
2007.
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During the six months ended September 30, 2007, 135 Chinese
educational institutions offered our degree major course
programs and 118 Chinese educational institutions were offering
our single course programs.
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New Business Development
Our business development department, composed primarily of
members of our senior management and supported by a professional
team, is responsible for identifying and developing new markets
and client opportunities for our product and service offerings.
We target key governmental agencies and professional
associations to help them develop standardized licensure and
certification policies. Once we have identified a potential
client, we submit an initial proposal outlining the services we
would provide. If engaged by the client, we develop and conduct
trial tests tailored to the clients needs based on the
terms of a memorandum of understanding signed with the client.
We generally enter into a final contract with the client only
after successful completion of the trial tests. Once the final
contract is in place, we complete the test delivery
implementation plans and prepare for the large-scale launch of
the test through our nation-wide test delivery platform. During
the trial test and contract negotiation phases of the client
development process, we actively market our test preparation
services and ancillary testing services to the client. The
following diagram illustrates the key stages in our testing
services business development process.
Our track record, expertise, capability and credibility within
the testing industry provide us with opportunities to work with
governing bodies to develop licensure, certification and testing
programs. As an example, we helped arrange to have members of
Chinas securities and banking industries, the Ministry of
Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Communications and
China Inspection and Quarantine Association meet with their
counterparts in Western countries to have them observe and learn
industry best practices and experiences for licensure,
certification and testing, which can be used as models for
China. We also hosted Chinas first testing-related
conference endorsed by the Association of Test Publishers, of
which we are the only Asian member. We believe that these
business development efforts enhance our industry reputation and
allow us to develop new markets with stable long-term client
relationships and relatively high entry barriers.
Sales and Marketing
Our business development department maintains a running master
list of tests administered throughout China and all of our
contracts for our educational services. We assess on a regular
basis how to approach various prospective clients and enhance
our relationships with our existing clients, as well as how to
increase cross selling opportunities for our products and
services. Utilizing our deep industry knowledge, our business
development department typically identifies and prioritizes
opportunities through analyzing the needs and readiness of our
prospective clients and explains our service offerings to and
works with each prospective client to secure a first mandate to
create a particular computer-based test title or to create a
particular course program for an educational institution. We
work closely with new and existing clients to develop new or
updated test titles and introduce additional educational
services on an ongoing basis.
We engage in a variety of marketing activities to promote our
product and service offerings. We host and invite potential
clients, such as key governmental agencies and governing bodies,
to industry conferences on topics such as the development of
computer-based testing technologies. We also attend conferences
and trade shows to demonstrate and promote our technologies and
product and service offerings. We conduct marketing for our
career-oriented educational services through promotional
activities in cooperation with local governmental departments
and educational institutions and through our local sales agents.
Our on-campus marketing activities include promoting the IT
vendors certification tests and the relevant educational
services, while linking both to our ATA brand name,
through prominently placed marketing materials like posters and
other advertising means. We promote wider recognition of our
ATA brand by placing our logo prominently outside
ATA authorized test centers and in test and course program
materials. We use our strong network of educational institution
clients and testing partner network
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to attract IT vendor clients that desire to introduce their
technologies, products and services into schools across China.
Client Service and Support
We seek feedback from our clients on a regular basis regarding
the quality of our technologies, products and services and ideas
for improving them. We use this feedback, along with our
internal performance review processes, to upgrade our
technologies, products and services. We also seek feedback from
students and test takers to improve the effectiveness and
user-friendliness of our educational service and test
preparation program content. Based on this feedback and regular
communication we have with test sponsors and course content
providers, we upgrade our course program and test preparation
materials and exercises.
We provide technical support and training to our test centers
and educational institution clients. Under our contracts with
our test centers, each test center is provided a set of
guidelines setting forth the basic standards, rules and
procedures for administering our tests. We also provide training
related to all aspects of the test administration process, from
equipment setup and troubleshooting to security protocols, and
conduct regular reviews of each test centers facilities
and operations. As part of our course program services, we
provide training for teachers on how to maximize the
effectiveness of our learning exercises and offer ongoing
technical support and consulting services, including training in
relation to any technical upgrades and improvements to the
curriculum and learning exercises.
Competition
In relation to computer-based testing services, we compete with
domestic Chinese and international computer-based testing
service providers. Prometric and Pearson VUE are our main
competitors in China. We compete with them primarily based on
technology, price, management experience and established
infrastructure. We believe our overall testing services and
technologies compare favorably with the services and
technologies offered by these competitors. Moreover, we believe
that our nationwide test center network and test delivery
platform provides us with a significant competitive advantage
over these two competitors. We believe we are currently the
market leader in computer-based testing services in China due to
the combination of our experience in and familiarity with the
China computer-based testing services market, our advanced
technology, our large nationwide network of test centers, our
established relationships with key test sponsors and
governmental agencies and our competitive cost levels.
In relation to our career-oriented educational services, we face
competition from international companies, such as Aptech Limited
and NIIT Limited. Aptech Limited operates in China primarily
through its joint venture with BeiDa Jade Bird. Although these
two companies offer IT-related courses to post-secondary
educational institutions in China, based on our market
experience and client communications we believe they do not
directly compete with our products and services. For example,
these two companies design their own course content and exams
and provide passing students with their own proprietary
certifications, rather than offering course content and
certifications designed by well-known IT vendors, as we do.
Other than the joint venture between Aptech Limited and BeiDa
Jade Bird, we are not aware of any domestic Chinese company that
offers educational services similar to or competitive with our
career-oriented educational services. As a result, we have to
date experienced little pricing pressure due to competition,
although we do feel some pressure to maintain a pricing level
for our educational services that is affordable for vocational
schools that ultimately need to pass such costs on to students
in the form of tuition and course fees. This may prevent us from
raising prices for our education services significantly in the
short term.
Traditional Chinese test preparation material providers, such as
publishing companies, indirectly compete with our test
preparation solutions. However, we are not aware of any
significant competitors in China in the online test preparation
solutions business. In relation to our simulation technologies,
there are a few
U.S.-based companies
providing performance-based testing technologies, including
Certiport, Inc.
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We are aware of only a handful of other simulation testing
technology developers, which primarily focus on the training and
test preparation business market in the United States. We
believe, based on communications with our clients and others in
the industry, that our simulation testing technology compares
favorably to those offered by other companies and in other
countries, including the United States.
While we anticipate new market entrants and increased efforts by
existing international players to expand their presence in
China, we believe that relatively high entry barriers, such as
the time and costs associated with establishing a large-scale
test center network and developing course and test content for
educational programs, will make it difficult for new entrants or
international competitors to quickly gain market share from us
in China. We believe potential domestic entrants lack the
technology and commercial relationships that we have already
developed with domestic and international test sponsors.
International competitors will likely face challenges in
establishing effective relationships with key Chinese government
and industry test sponsors or local educational institutions.
Employees
We had 196, 264 and 328 employees as of March 31, 2005,
2006 and 2007, respectively. As of September 30, 2007, we
had 340 employees, 102 of which were in sales and
marketing, 52 in research and development, 119 in
client service and support and 67 in general and
administrative functions.
In April 2005, we adopted a share incentive plan, or the 2005
Plan. In January 2008, we adopted our 2008 Employee Share
Incentive Plan, or the 2008 Plan. We use our share incentive
plans as an additional means to further attract, motivate,
retain and reward selected directors, officers, employees and
third-party consultants and advisors. For more information, see
Management Share Incentives Share
Option Plan. We believe these initiatives have contributed
to our ability to attract and retain talent.
As required by Chinese laws and regulations, we participate in
various employee benefit plans that are organized by municipal
and provincial governments, including housing, pension, medical
and unemployment benefit plans. We make monthly payments to
these plans in respect of each employee based on the
employees compensation. We believe that we maintain a good
working relationship with our employees and we have not
experienced any significant labor disputes. Our employees have
not entered into any collective bargaining agreements.
According to our contracts with our employees, our employees are
generally prohibited from engaging in any activities that
compete with our business during the period of their employment
and for two years after termination of their employment with us.
Furthermore, all employees are prohibited, for a period of two
years following termination, from soliciting other employees to
leave us and, for a period of five years following termination,
from soliciting our existing clients. However, we may have
difficulty enforcing these non-competition and non-solicitation
terms in China because the Chinese legal system, especially with
respect to the enforcement of such terms, is still developing.
Facilities
Our principal executive offices are located in approximately
2,170 square meters of office space leased by us at
Tower E, 6 Gongyuan West Street, Jian Guo Men Nei, Beijing
100005, China. We also occupy approximately 1,363 square
meters of total leased office space in our subsidiaries and
branches located in Shanghai, Fuzhou, Nanjing and Wuhan. We
believe that our existing facilities are adequate for our
current requirements and that additional space can be obtained
on commercially reasonable terms to meet our future requirements.
Legal Proceedings
We are not currently involved in any litigation, arbitration or
administrative proceedings that could have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition or results of operations. From
time to time, we may be subject to various claims and legal
actions arising in the ordinary course of business.
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REGULATION
This section sets forth a summary of the most significant laws,
regulations, policies and requirements that affect our business
activities in China, the industries in which we operate, and our
shareholders right to receive dividends and other
distributions from us.
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Regulation of the Software Industry
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In China, holders of computer software copyrights enjoy
protection under the Copyright Law of the Peoples Republic
of China, or the Copyright Law. Under the Copyright Law,
Chinas State Council and the State Copyright
Administration have also promulgated various regulations
relating to the protection of software copyrights in China.
Under these regulations, computer software that is independently
developed and exists in a physical form will be protected, and
software copyright owners may license or transfer their software
copyrights to others. Registration of software copyrights and
exclusive licensing and transfer contracts with the Copyright
Protection Center of China (previously, the State Copyright
Administration) or its local branches are encouraged. Such
registration is not mandatory under Chinese law, but can enhance
the protections available to the registering parties. For
example, the registration certificate serves an evidentiary
function enabling the registering parties to prove they have
protectable rights. We have registered 14 software copyrights
with the Copyright Protection Center of China.
Chinas Ministry of Information Industry, or MII, has
promulgated regulations to regulate the production, sale, import
or export of software products in China. Under these
regulations, all domestically produced software products to be
operated or sold in China must be duly registered and filed with
the provincial branches of MII. We have complied with the
registration and filing requirements necessary to sell our
software products in China. These registrations generally remain
in effect for five years and are subject to renewal.
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Regulation of Vocational Education
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Chinese laws and regulations impose restrictions on foreign
investment in educational institutions in China. However,
Chinese laws and regulations do not impose restrictions on
foreign investment in companies providing course and test
content or related products and services to educational
institutions. In addition, the Chinese government has issued a
series of circulars and regulations promoting the development of
vocational education, including The Decision to Enhance
the Promotion of the Reform and Development of Vocational
Education and The Decision to Enhance the
Development of Vocational Education published by the State
Council, respectively, on September 24, 2002 and October 28,
2005. These circulars and regulations require all levels of
governments in China to intensify their support for vocational
education and to gradually increase the financial resources that
local and provincial governments allocate to vocational
education.
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Restrictions on Telecommunication Industry
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The telecommunications industry, including computer information
and Internet access services, is highly regulated by the Chinese
government. Regulations issued or implemented by the State
Council, MII and other relevant government authorities cover
virtually every aspect of telecommunications network operations,
including entry into the telecommunications industry, the scope
of permissible business activities, interconnection and
transmission line arrangements, tariff policy and foreign
investment.
Since March 1998, the National Peoples Congress of the PRC
has directed MII to assume responsibility for, among other
things:
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formulating and enforcing telecommunications industry policy,
standards and regulations; |
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granting licenses to provide telecommunications and Internet
services; |
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formulating tariff and service charge policies for
telecommunications and Internet services; |
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supervising the operations of telecommunications and Internet
service providers; and |
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maintaining fair and orderly market competition among operators. |
In addition to the regulations promulgated by the Chinese
central government, some local governments have also promulgated
local rules applicable to Internet companies operating within
their respective jurisdictions.
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Foreign Ownership Restrictions on Internet Content Provision
Businesses
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In September 2000, the State Council promulgated the
Telecommunications Regulations. The Telecommunications
Regulations categorize all telecommunications businesses in
China as either infrastructure telecommunications businesses or
value-added telecommunications businesses. In February 2003, MII
amended the original classification of telecommunication
business with Internet content provision services being
classified as value-added telecommunications businesses. The
Telecommunications Regulations also set forth extensive
guidelines with respect to different aspects of
telecommunications operations in China.
In December 2001, in order to comply with Chinas
commitments with respect to its entry into the World Trade
Organization, the State Council promulgated the Administrative
Rules on Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises. The
Administrative Rules on Foreign-Invested Telecommunications
Enterprises set forth detailed requirements with respect to
capitalization, investor qualifications and application
procedures in connection with the establishment of a foreign
invested telecommunications enterprise. Pursuant to the
Administrative Rules on Foreign-Invested Telecommunications
Enterprises, the ultimate capital contribution ratio of the
foreign investor or investors in a foreign-funded
telecommunications enterprise that provides value-added
telecommunications services shall not exceed 50%. In addition,
pursuant to the Foreign Investment Industrial Guidance
Catalogue, the permitted foreign investment ratio of value-added
telecommunications services is no more than 50%.
However, for a foreign investor to acquire any equity interest
in a value-added telecommunication business in China, it must
satisfy a number of stringent performance and operational
experience requirements, including demonstrating a track record
and experience in operating value-added telecommunication
business overseas. Moreover, foreign investors that meet these
requirements must obtain approvals from MII and the Ministry of
Commerce or their authorized local counterparts, which retain
considerable discretion in granting approvals.
On July 26, 2006, MII publicly released the Notice on
Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in
Operating Value-added Telecom Business, dated July 13,
2006, or the MII Notice, which reiterates certain provisions
under the 2002 Administrative Rules on Foreign-Invested
Telecommunications Enterprises. According to the MII Notice, if
any foreign investor intends to invest in a Chinese
telecommunications business, a foreign-invested
telecommunications enterprise shall be established and such
enterprise shall apply for the relevant telecommunications
business licenses. Under the MII Notice, domestic
telecommunications enterprises are prohibited from renting,
transferring or selling a telecommunications license to foreign
investors in any form.
As a result of current Chinese laws and regulations that impose
substantial restrictions on foreign investment in the Internet
businesses in China, we conduct our online test preparation
business in China through a series of contractual arrangements
entered into among us, ATA Learning, and our newly formed
affiliated PRC entity, ATA Online (Beijing) Education Technology
Limited, or ATA Online, which is a domestic Chinese company
incorporated in the PRC and owned by Kevin Xiaofeng Ma, our
chairman and chief executive officer, and Walter Lin Wang, our
director and president, both of whom are PRC citizens. See
Our Corporate Structure. ATA Online has obtained the
licenses and approvals that are required to operate the online
test preparation business.
Our contractual arrangements with ATA Online include a technical
support agreement and a strategic consulting service agreement.
In addition, ATA Learning has entered into an equity pledge
agreement with each of the shareholders of ATA Online pursuant
to which each of the shareholders has
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pledged all of his or her interest in ATA Online to ATA Learning
as security for the performance of ATA Onlines obligations
under the technical support agreement and the strategic
consulting service agreement. Pursuant to a call option and
cooperation agreement with ATA Online and its shareholders, ATA
BVI or any third party designated by ATA BVI has the right to
acquire, in whole or in part, the respective equity interests in
ATA Online of its shareholders or ATA Onlines assets when
permitted by applicable PRC laws and regulations. However, we do
not have any direct ownership interests or direct voting rights
in ATA Online.
In the opinion of Jincheng & Tongda Law Firm, our PRC legal
counsel:
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the ownership structures of ATA Online and our wholly owned
subsidiaries in China, both currently and after giving effect to
this offering, are in compliance with existing published Chinese
laws and regulations; |
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our contractual arrangements among our wholly owned subsidiaries
in China and ATA Online and its shareholders, are valid and
binding, will not result in any material violation of published
Chinese laws or regulations currently in effect, and are
enforceable in accordance with their terms and
conditions; and |
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the business operations of our company, all of our Chinese
subsidiaries and ATA Online, as described in this prospectus,
are in compliance with existing published Chinese laws and
regulations in all material aspects. |
However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the
interpretation and application of current or future Chinese laws
and regulations, including the laws and regulations governing
the enforcement and performance of our contractual arrangements
in the event of imposition of statutory liens, bankruptcy and
criminal proceedings. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the
Chinese regulatory authorities will not ultimately take a
contrary view. If the Chinese government finds that the
agreements that establish the structure of our operations in
China do not comply with Chinese government restrictions on
foreign investment in our industry, we could be subject to
severe penalties.
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Internet Content Provider Licensure Requirements
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The provision of online test preparation services and content on
Internet web sites is subject to Chinese laws and regulations
relating to the telecommunications industry and the Internet,
and regulated by various government authorities, including MII
and the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, or SAIC.
The principal regulations governing the telecommunications
industry and the Internet include:
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The Telecommunications Regulations (2000); |
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The Administrative Measures for Telecommunications Business
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The Internet Information Services Administrative Measures (2000). |
Under these regulations, Internet content provision services are
classified as value-added telecommunications businesses, and a
commercial operator must obtain a Telecommunications and
Information Services Operating License, or ICP license, from the
appropriate telecommunications authority in order to carry out
commercial Internet content provision operations in China. In
addition, the regulations also provide that operators involved
in Internet content provision that operate in sensitive and
strategic sectors, including news, publishing, education, health
care, medicine and medical devices, must obtain additional
approvals from the relevant authorities in charge of those
sectors.
Certain local governments have promulgated local rules
applicable to Internet companies operating within their
respective jurisdictions. In Beijing, the Beijing Administration
of Industry and Commerce has promulgated a number of
Internet-related rules. On October 31, 2004, a rule was
enacted requiring owners
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of commercial web sites located within Beijing to file their
commercial web sites with the Beijing Administration of Industry
and Commerce.
ATA Online holds an ICP license issued by the Beijing
Telecommunications Administration Bureau, a local branch of the
Ministry of Information Industry, or MII, which allows ATA
Online to provide Internet content distribution services. This
license is essential to the operation of ATA Onlines
online test preparation services business.
The MII Notice requires that a value-added telecommunications
business operator (or its shareholders) should own any domain
names and trademarks used by it to engage in the value-added
telecommunications business, and have premises and facilities
appropriate for such business. To comply with the MII Notice, we
intend to transfer to ATA Online the domain names owned by our
subsidiaries that are used principally in connection with our
online business activities.
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Regulation of Internet Content
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The Chinese government has promulgated measures relating to
Internet content through a number of ministries and agencies,
including MII, the Ministry of Culture and the State Press and
Publications Administration. These measures specifically
prohibit Internet activities that result in the publication of
any content that is found to, among other things, propagate
obscenity, gambling or violence, instigate crimes, undermine
public morality or the cultural traditions of China, or
compromise State security or secrets. If an ICP license holder
violates these measures, the Chinese government may revoke its
ICP license and shut down its web sites.
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Regulation of Online and Distance Education
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Pursuant to the Administrative Regulations on Educational Web
sites and Online and Distance Education Schools issued by the
Ministry of Education in 2000, educational web sites and online
education schools may provide education services in relation to
higher education, elementary education, pre-school education,
teaching education, occupational education, adult education,
other education and public educational information services.
Educational web sites refers to organizations
providing education or education-related information services to
web site visitors by means of a database or online education
platform connected via the Internet or an educational television
station through an Internet service provider, or ISP.
Online education schools refer to education web
sites providing academic education services or training services
with the issuance of various certificates.
Setting up educational web sites and online education schools is
subject to approval from relevant education authorities,
depending on the specific types of education provided. Any
educational web site and online education school shall, upon
receipt of approval, indicate on its web site such approval
information as well as the approval date and file number.
According to the Administrative License Law promulgated by the
National Peoples Congress on August 27, 2003 and
effective as of July 1, 2004, only laws promulgated by the
National Peoples Congress and regulations and decisions
promulgated by the State Council may set down administrative
license requirements. On June 29, 2004, the State Council
promulgated the Decision on Setting Down Administrative Licenses
for the Administrative Examination and Approval
Items Really Necessary to be Retained, in which the
administrative license for online education schools
was retained, while the administrative license for
educational web sites was not retained. ATA Online
is not required to obtain a license as an online education
school because ATA Online does not intend to offer through its
web site academic education services or training services that
result in the issuance of a degree or other certification.
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Regulation of Broadcasting Audio-Video Programs through the
Internet or Other Information Network
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The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or
SARFT, promulgated the Rules for Administration of Broadcasting
of Audio-Video Programs through the Internet and Other
Information
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Networks, or the Broadcasting Rules, in 2004, which became
effective on October 11, 2004. The Broadcasting Rules apply
to the activities of broadcasting, integrating, transmitting and
downloading of audio-video programs with computers, televisions
or mobile phones as the main terminals and through various types
of information networks. Pursuant to the Broadcasting Rules, a
Permit for Broadcasting Audio-Video Programs via Information
Network is required to engage in these Internet broadcasting
activities. On April 13, 2005, the State Council announced
a policy on private investments in businesses in China relating
to cultural matters that prohibits private investments in
businesses relating to the dissemination of audio-video programs
through information networks. As these regulations are
relatively new, there are significant uncertainties relating to
their interpretation and implementation, including the
definition of audio-video programs as specified in
these regulations. We cannot assure you that ATA Online will be
able to obtain a Permit for Broadcasting Audio-Video Programs
via Information Network if it is determined that one is required
to operate the online test preparation business.
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Regulation of Information Security
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Internet content in China is also regulated and restricted by
the PRC government to protect State security. The National
Peoples Congress, Chinas national legislative body,
has enacted a law that may subject to criminal punishment in
China any effort to: (1) gain improper entry into a
computer or system of strategic importance; (2) disseminate
politically disruptive information; (3) leak State secrets;
(4) spread false commercial information; or
(5) infringe intellectual property rights.
The Ministry of Public Security has promulgated measures that
prohibit use of the Internet in ways that, among other things,
result in a leakage of State secrets or a spread of socially
destabilizing content. The Ministry of Public Security has
supervision and inspection rights in this regard, and we may be
subject to the jurisdiction of the local security bureaus. If an
ICP license holder violates these measures, the PRC government
may revoke its ICP license and shut down its web sites.
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Regulation of Domain Names and Web Site Names
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PRC law requires owners of Internet domain names to register
their domain names with qualified domain name registration
agencies approved by MII and obtain a registration certificate
from such registration agencies. A registered domain name owner
has an exclusive use right over its domain name. Unregistered
domain names may not receive proper legal protections and may be
misappropriated by unauthorized third parties. We have
registered 16 domain names relating to our web sites,
including www.ata.net.cn, the primary URL for our web
site, with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and
Numbers and the China Internet Network Information Center, a
domain name registration service provider in China.
PRC law requires entities operating commercial web sites to
register their web site names with SAIC, or its local offices
and obtain a commercial web site name registration certificate.
If any entity operates a commercial web site without obtaining
such certificate, it may be charged a fine or suffer other
penalties by the SAIC or its local offices. Our web sites used
in connection with our testing and education services are
considered non-commercial web sites as we do not provide
products and services through those web sites, and therefore the
names of those web sites are not required to be registered with
SAIC. ATA Online is in the process of registering the web site
name used in connection with the online test preparation
business with Beijing municipal SAIC.
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Regulation of Privacy Protection
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PRC law does not prohibit Internet content providers from
collecting and analyzing personal information from their users.
PRC law prohibits Internet content providers from disclosing to
any third parties any information transmitted by users through
their networks unless otherwise permitted by law. If an Internet
content provider violates these regulations, MII or its local
offices may impose penalties and the Internet content provider
may be liable for damages caused to its users.
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Regulation of Foreign Exchange
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Chinas government imposes restrictions on the
convertibility of the Renminbi and on the collection and use of
foreign currency by Chinese entities. Under current regulations,
the Renminbi is convertible for current account transactions,
which include dividend distributions, interest payments, and the
import and export of goods and services. Conversion of Renminbi
into foreign currency and foreign currency into Renminbi for
capital account transactions, such as direct investment,
portfolio investment and loans, however, is still generally
subject to the prior approval of the PRC State Administration of
Foreign Exchange, or SAFE.
Under current Chinese regulations, foreign-invested enterprises
such as our Chinese subsidiaries are required to apply to SAFE
for a Foreign Exchange Registration Certificate for
Foreign-Invested Enterprise. With such a foreign exchange
registration certificate (which is subject to review and renewal
by SAFE on an annual basis), a foreign-invested enterprise may
open foreign exchange bank accounts at banks authorized to
conduct foreign exchange business by SAFE and may buy, sell and
remit foreign exchange through such banks, subject to
documentation and approval requirements. Foreign-invested
enterprises are required to open and maintain separate foreign
exchange accounts for capital account transactions and current
account transactions. In addition, there are restrictions on the
amount of foreign currency that foreign-invested enterprises may
retain in such accounts.
The exchange rate for conversion of Renminbi into foreign
currencies is heavily influenced by intervention in the foreign
exchange market by the Peoples Bank of China. From 1995
until July 2005, the Peoples Bank of China intervened in
the foreign exchange market to maintain an exchange rate of
approximately 8.3 Renminbi per U.S. dollar. On
July 21, 2005, the Chinese government changed this policy
and began allowing appreciation of the Renminbi versus the
U.S. dollar. However, the Renminbi is restricted to a rise
or fall of no more than 0.5% per day versus the
U.S. dollar, and the Peoples Bank of China continues
to intervene in the foreign exchange market to prevent
significant short-term fluctuations in the Renminbi exchange
rate. Nevertheless, under Chinas current exchange rate
regime, the Renminbi may appreciate or depreciate significantly
in value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long
term. The Renminbi appreciated 6.7% versus the U.S. dollar
from July 21, 2005 to March 30, 2007. There remains
significant international pressure on the Chinese government to
adopt a substantial liberalization of its currency policy, which
could result in a further and more significant appreciation in
the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.
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Regulation of Foreign Exchange in Certain Onshore and
Offshore Transactions
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In October 2005, SAFE issued the Notice on Issues Relating to
the Administration of Foreign Exchange in Fund-Raising and
Return Investment Activities of Domestic Residents Conducted via
Offshore Special Purpose Companies, or Notice 75, which became
effective as of November 1, 2005. Notice 75 states
that Chinese residents must register with the relevant local
SAFE branch in connection with their establishment or control of
an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas
equity financing involving a round-trip investment whereby the
offshore entity acquires or controls onshore assets or equity
interests held by the Chinese residents.
Our shareholders who are Chinese residents did not establish our
offshore companies as part of a round-trip investment to acquire
or control through our offshore companies onshore assets or
equity interests originally held by such Chinese resident
shareholders. Nevertheless, to ensure that we remain in full
compliance with all Chinese foreign exchange-related
regulations, our Chinese resident shareholders have applied for
registration with the Beijing branch of SAFE under
Notice 75 in 2006, but were orally informed that the
application could not be accepted because Notice 75 does not
apply to them. On May 29, 2007, SAFE issued the Notice of
Operation Guidance for Notice 75, or Notice 106,
according to which Chinese resident shareholders in an offshore
company which has at least two years operating history and has
made investment in China can apply for registration under
Notice 75. There is no deadline for such registration. We
have urged our Chinese resident shareholders to register under
Notice 75 and they are preparing for such application.
However, we cannot assure you that the application will be
accepted by
127
SAFE. Failure by such shareholders to comply with Notice 75
could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our
overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our
subsidiaries ability to make distributions or pay
dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could
adversely affect our business and prospects.
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|
|
Regulation of Overseas Listings
|
On August 8, 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including
the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC,
promulgated the Provisions Regarding Mergers and Acquisitions of
Domestic Enterprise by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rule,
which became effective on September 8, 2006 without
retroactive effect. The M&A Rule, among other things,
requires that an offshore company controlled by PRC companies or
individuals that has acquired a PRC domestic company for the
purpose of listing the PRC domestic companys equity
interest on an overseas stock exchange must obtain the approval
of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such offshore
companys securities on an overseas stock exchange. On
September 21, 2006, the CSRC, pursuant to the M&A Rule,
published on its official web site procedures specifying
documents and materials required to be submitted to it by
offshore companies seeking CSRC approval of their overseas
listings.
In the opinion of our PRC counsel, Jincheng & Tongda Law
Firm, CSRC approval is not required for this offering because
the CSRC approval required under the M&A Rule only applies
to an offshore company that has acquired a domestic
PRC company for the purpose of listing the domestic
PRC companys equity interest on an overseas stock
exchange, while (i) we obtained our equity interest in each
of our PRC subsidiaries by means of direct investment other than
by acquisition of the equity or assets of a PRC domestic company
and (ii) our contractual arrangements with ATA Online do
not constitute the acquisition of ATA Online. See Risk
Factors Risks Relating to Regulation of Our
Business If the China Securities Regulatory
Commission, or CSRC, or another PRC regulatory agency determines
that CSRC approval is required in connection with his offering,
this offering may be delayed or cancelled, or we may be subject
to penalties.
128
MANAGEMENT
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information relating to
our directors and executive officers upon completion of this
offering. The business address of each of our directors and
executive officers is 8th Floor, Tower E, 6 Gongyuan
West Street, Jian Guo Men Nei, Beijing 100005, China.
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|
Name |
|
Age |
|
|
Position |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin Xiaofeng Ma
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer |
Walter Lin Wang
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
Director, President |
Carl
Yeung(1)
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
Director, Chief Financial Officer |
Andrew Yan
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
Director |
Lynda
Lau(1)
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
Director |
Hope
Ni(2)
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
Director |
Alec
Tsui(2)
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
Director |
Patrick Tien
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
Vice President of Channel and Sales |
Alex Tong
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
Vice President of Business Development |
Paul Hsu
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
Vice President of Product Marketing |
|
|
(1) |
Mr. Yeung and Ms. Lau have agreed to resign from our
board of directors effective upon the SECs declaration of
effectiveness of our registration statement on
Form F-1, of which
this prospectus is a part. |
|
(2) |
Ms. Ni and Mr. Tsui have agreed to become our
independent directors effective upon the SECs declaration
of effectiveness of our registration statement on
Form F-1, of which
this prospectus is a part. |
Kevin Xiaofeng Ma is co-founder, chairman of the board
and chief executive officer of our company. Prior to co-founding
our company, Mr. Ma co-founded Dynamic Technology
Corporation and served as its chief executive officer from 1996
to 1998. From 1990 to 1996, Mr. Ma served as general
manager in the Hainan High-Tech Industry International
Cooperation Center. Previously, Mr. Ma gained experience as
vice president at the Beijing MDI High-Tech Center, as president
at Beijing Zhongjia Integrated Intelligent System Engineering,
and as director at China Radio International. Mr. Ma is a
member of the board of directors of a number of private
enterprises with operations in China. Mr. Ma graduated from
Nanjing University with a bachelors degree in economics.
Walter Lin Wang is a co-founder, director and president
of our company. Prior to co-founding our company, Mr. Wang
practiced independent IT consulting. Mr. Wang also worked
as an engineer and deputy department head at the PRC Ministry of
Railways Information Center. Mr. Wang holds a
bachelors degree in computer science from Southwest
Jiaotong University and a masters degree in computer science
from University of Central Florida.
Carl Yeung is currently a director and the chief
financial officer of our company and will resign from our board
of directors effective upon the SECs declaration of
effectiveness of our registration statement on
Form F-1, of which
this prospectus is a part. Prior to joining us, Mr. Yeung
worked as an analyst and associate at Merrill Lynch (Asia
Pacific) Limited from 2002 to 2006. Mr. Yeung holds a
bachelors degree in economics with concentrations in
finance and operations management from Wharton School,
University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelors degree in
applied science with a concentration in systems engineering from
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of
Pennsylvania.
Andrew Yan is a director of our company. He is the
managing partner of SB Asia Investment Fund II, L.P. and
president of Softbank Asia Infrastructure Fund. Before joining
Softbank Asia Infrastructure Fund in 2001, Mr. Yan was a
managing director and the head of the Hong Kong office of
Emerging Markets Partnership. From 1991 to 1994, he was the
director responsible for strategic planning and business
development for the Asia Pacific region at Sprint International
Corporation. Mr. Yan has
129
also worked as research fellow at the Hudson Institute in
Washington D.C., the World Bank and the Economic Restructuring
Institute of the State Council of the PRC. Mr. Yan was
elected as Venture Capitalist of the Year in 2004 by
the China Venture Capital Association. He is currently an
independent director of three Hong Kong-listed companies, China
Oilfield Services Limited, China Resources Land Limited and
Stone Group Holdings Limited. Mr. Yan received a master of
arts degree from Princeton University and a master of arts
degree from Peking University as well as a bachelors
degree in engineering from the Nanjing Aeronautic Institute.
Lynda Lau is currently a director of our company and will
resign from our board of directors effective upon the SECs
declaration of effectiveness of our registration statement on
Form F-1, of which
this prospectus is a part. She is currently a principal with
SAIF Partners, managing SB Asia Infrastructure Fund and SB Asia
Investment Fund II, L.P. from 2002 to 2007. Prior to
joining SAIF Partners, Ms. Lau worked in ING Barings Securities
(HK) Ltd. as the regional telecom research analyst from
1999 to 2001. Ms. Lau has also worked as an associate at
Asian Infrastructure Fund Advisers Ltd. and as a research
analyst in Credit Lyonnais Securities (Asia) Ltd. and
Schroder Securities Asia Limited. Ms. Lau received a
bachelors degree in computing studies from the Hong Kong
Polytechnic University; received a masters degree in
business administration from University of Warwick, UK; and
obtained a post-graduate diploma in English and Hong Kong
Law (CPE) from Manchester Metropolitan University and
University of Hong Kong. She is also a Chartered Financial
Analyst (CFA).
Hope Ni will serve as our independent director commencing
from the SECs declaration of effectiveness of our
registration statement on Form F-1, of which this
prospectus is a part. Ms. Ni is currently serving as Vice
Chairman of Comtech Group and as a director of KongZhong
Corporation, both listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
Ms. Ni served as the chief financial officer and secretary
for Comtech Group Inc. from August 2004 to December 2007. She
also serves on the board of Qianjia Consulting Company, which
she founded in 2002. From September 1998 to August 2004,
Ms. Ni was an attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher
& Flom LLP in New York and Hong Kong specializing in
corporate finance and from 1995 to 1996 worked at Merrill Lynch
in its investment banking division in New York. Ms. Ni
received a juris doctor degree from University of Pennsylvania
Law School and a bachelors degree in applied economics and
business management from Cornell University.
Mr. Alec Tsui will serve as our independent director
commencing from the SECs declaration of effectiveness of
our registration statement on Form F-1, of which this
prospectus is a part. Mr. Tsui is currently an independent
non-executive director of a number of listed companies in Hong
Kong, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia)
Limited, China Chengtong Development Group Ltd., COSCO
International Holdings, China Power International Development
Limited, Synergis Holdings Ltd., Greentown China Holdings Ltd.,
China BlueChemical Limited, Vertex Group Ltd., China Hui Yuan
Juice Holdings Co. Ltd., and Pacific Online Ltd. He was also an
independent non-executive director of Melco PBL Entertainment
(Macau) Ltd. which is listed in NASDAQ Global Market. He was the
chairman of the Hong Kong Securities Institute from 2001 to
2004. He was an advisor and a council member of the Shenzhen
Stock Exchange from July 2001 to June 2002. He joined the Hong
Kong Stock Exchange in 1994 as an executive director of the
finance and operations services division and became its chief
executive in 1997. Prior to that Mr. Tsui served at the
Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong from 1989 to
1993. Mr. Tsui graduated from the University of Tennessee
with a bachelors degree and a master of engineering degree
in industrial engineering. He completed a program for senior
managers in government at the John F. Kennedy School of
Government of Harvard University.
Patrick Tien is a vice president, in charge of channel
and sales, of our company. Prior to joining us, Mr. Tien
worked as a project general director at Microsoft Learning from
1991 to 2005. Mr. Tien holds a bachelors degree in
computer science from Chung Yuan Christian University, and a
masters degree in computer engineering from University of
Massachusetts, Lowell.
Alex Tong is a vice president, in charge of business
development, of our company. Prior to joining us, Mr. Tong
worked as the Asia Pacific General Manger at the Royal
Institution of Charted Surveyors from 2003 to 2005. Prior to
that, Mr. Tong worked for Thomson Prometric in the position
of executive
130
director from 1999 to 2003 and as the managing director at
Pearson NCS Hong Kong Ltd. from 1997 to 1999. Mr. Tong
graduated from University of Nottingham with a bachelors
degree in education and a masters degree of philosophy in
education and from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with an
executive MBA.
Paul Hsu is a vice president, in charge of product
development and marketing, of our company. Prior to joining us,
Mr. Hsu worked as product marketing director at Microsoft
Greater China Region from 1995 to 2006 and worked as a technical
group manager at Digital Equipment Corp Taiwan from 1990 to
1995. Mr. Hsu holds a college degree in mechanical engineering
from Taiwan DongNan College.
Duties of Directors
Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a statutory duty of
loyalty to act honestly in good faith with a view to our best
interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the care,
diligence and skills that a reasonably prudent person would
exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty
of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. A
shareholder has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our
directors is breached.
The functions and powers of our board of directors include,
among others:
|
|
|
|
|
convening shareholders annual general meetings and
reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings; |
|
|
|
issuing authorized but unissued shares; |
|
|
|
declaring dividends and distributions; |
|
|
|
exercising the borrowing powers of our company and mortgaging
the property of our company; |
|
|
|
approving the transfer of shares of our company, including the
registering of such shares in our share register; and |
|
|
|
exercising any other powers conferred by the shareholders
meetings or under our amended and restated memorandum and
articles of association. |
Terms of Directors
Upon the closing of this offering, we will have a board of five
directors divided into class A, class B and
class C directors. Initially, the class A directors
will be Kevin Xiaofeng Ma and Walter Lin Wang, the class B
director will be Andrew Yan, and the class C directors will
be Hope Ni and Alec Tsui. Each class of directors will stand for
election every year at our annual general meeting of
shareholders on a rotating basis, beginning with our
class A directors at the first annual general meeting of
our shareholders following completion of this offering. Our
chief executive officer, which currently is Kevin Xiaofeng Ma,
shall not, while holding office, be subject to retirement or be
taken into account in determining the number of directors to
retire in any year.
Board Practices
Our board of directors has established an audit committee, a
compensation committee and a nominations committee.
Our audit committee will consist of Hope Ni and Alec Tsui
commencing from the SECs declaration of effectiveness of
our registration statement on Form F-1, of which this
prospectus is a part. Hope Ni will be the chairman of our audit
committee. Our board of directors has determined that Hope Ni
and Alec Tsui are independent directors within the
meaning of Nasdaq Marketplace
131
Rule 4200(a)(15) and meet the criteria for independence set
forth in Rule 10A-3(b) of the Exchange Act. Hope Ni meets
the criteria of an audit committee financial expert as set forth
under the applicable rules of the SEC. Upon the completion of
this offering, the third seat on our audit committee will be
vacant in reliance on Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4350(a)(1),
which permits a foreign private issuer like us to follow
home country practices in relation to the
composition of its audit committee. In this regard we have
elected to adopt the practices of our home country, the Cayman
Islands, which does not require us to have a three member audit
committee or to fill all three seats on the audit committee at
this time. We intend to seek a third independent director to
fill this vacancy within 12 months of this offering.
Our audit committee is responsible for, among other things:
|
|
|
|
|
appointing the independent auditor; |
|
|
|
pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted
to be performed by the independent auditor; |
|
|
|
annually reviewing the independent auditors report
describing the auditing firms internal quality-control
procedures, any material issues raised by the most recent
internal quality-control review, or peer review, of the
independent auditor and all relationships between the
independent auditor and our company; |
|
|
|
setting clear hiring policies for employees and former employees
of the independent auditor; |
|
|
|
reviewing with the independent auditor any audit problems or
difficulties and managements responses; |
|
|
|
reviewing and approving all related party transactions on an
ongoing basis; |
|
|
|
reviewing and discussing the annual audited financial statements
with management and the independent auditor; |
|
|
|
reviewing and discussing with management and the independent
auditor major issues regarding accounting principles and
financial statement presentations; |
|
|
|
reviewing reports prepared by management or the independent
auditor relating to significant financial reporting issues and
judgments; |
|
|
|
discussing earnings press releases with management, as well as
financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts
and rating agencies; |
|
|
|
reviewing with management and the independent auditor the effect
of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off-balance
sheet structures, on our financial statements; |
|
|
|
discussing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk
management with management, internal auditors and the
independent auditor; |
|
|
|
timely reviewing reports from the independent auditor regarding
all critical accounting policies and practices to be used by our
company, all alternative treatments of financial information
within U.S. GAAP that have been discussed with management
and all other material written communications between the
independent auditor and management; |
|
|
|
establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment
of complaints received from our employees regarding accounting,
internal accounting controls, or auditing matters, and the
confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns
regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; |
|
|
|
annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit
committee charter; |
|
|
|
such other matters that are specifically delegated to our audit
committee by our board of directors from time to time; |
132
|
|
|
|
|
meeting separately, periodically, with management, internal
auditors and the independent auditor; and |
|
|
|
reporting regularly to the full board of directors. |
Our compensation committee will consist of Andrew Yan, Hope Ni
and Alec Tsui commencing from the SECs declaration of
effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1, of
which this prospectus is a part. Andrew Yan will be the chairman
of our compensation committee. Our board of directors has
determined that all of our compensation committee members are
independent directors within the meaning of Nasdaq
Marketplace Rule 4200(a)(15).
Our compensation committee is responsible for:
|
|
|
|
|
reviewing and approving our overall compensation policies; |
|
|
|
reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant
to the compensation of our chief executive officer, evaluating
our chief executive officers performance in light of those
goals and objectives, reporting the results of such evaluation
to the board of directors, and determining our chief executive
officers compensation level based on this evaluation; |
|
|
|
determining the compensation level of our other executive
officers; |
|
|
|
making recommendations to the board of directors with respect to
our incentive-compensation plan and equity-based compensation
plans; |
|
|
|
administering our equity-based compensation plans in accordance
with the terms thereof; and |
|
|
|
such other matters that are specifically delegated to the
compensation committee by our board of directors from time to
time. |
Our nominations committee will consist of Kevin Xiaofeng Ma,
Andrew Yan and Alec Tsui commencing from the SECs
declaration of effectiveness of our registration statement on
Form F-1, of which
this prospectus is a part. Kevin Xiaofeng Ma will be the
chairman of the nominations committee. Although Nasdaq
Marketplace Rules generally require all members of the
nominations committee of a listed company to be
independent directors within the meaning of Nasdaq
Marketplace Rule 4200(a)(15), Nasdaq Marketplace
Rule 4350(a)(1) permits a foreign private issuer like us to
follow home country practices in relation to
composition of its nominations committee. In this regard, we
have elected to adopt the practices of our home country, the
Cayman Islands, which does not require that any of the members
of a companys nominations committee be independent
directors.
Our nominations committee is responsible for, among other things:
|
|
|
|
|
seeking and evaluating qualified individuals to become new
directors as needed; |
|
|
|
reviewing and making recommendations to the board of directors
regarding the independence and suitability of each board member
for continued service; and |
|
|
|
evaluating the nature, structure and composition of other board
committees. |
Corporate Governance
Our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics, which is
applicable to our senior executive and financial officers. In
addition, our board of directors has adopted a code of conduct,
which is applicable to all of our directors, officers, employees
and advisors. We will make our code of ethics and our code of
conduct publicly available on our web site. In addition, our
board of directors has adopted a
133
set of corporate governance guidelines. The guidelines reflect
certain guiding principles with respect to our boards
structure, procedures and committees. The guidelines are not
intended to change or interpret any law, or our amended and
restated memorandum and articles of association. The code of
ethics, code of conduct and corporate governance guidelines all
become effective upon completion of this offering.
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, we and our
subsidiaries paid aggregate cash compensation of approximately
RMB3.9 million ($0.5 million) to our directors and
executive officers as a group, and granted to selected directors
and executive officers options to acquire an aggregate of
580,400 common shares. We do not pay or set aside any amounts
pursuant to a bonus plan or for pension, retirement or other
benefits for our officers and directors.
Share Incentives
|
|
|
Historical Issuance of Options and Warrants
|
On May 23, 2003, we granted options to purchase our common
shares to certain employees and consultants. We issued to
Jianguo Wang, our former senior vice president, and Xiaozhong
Luo, our vice president, options to purchase 1,095,890 and
273,973 of our common shares, respectively, for a price of
$0.545 per share in consideration for their contribution to our
company up to that time. We also issued a warrant to purchase
547,945 of our common shares for a price of $0.545 per share to
Techina Capital Inc. for its previous service as financial
advisor to us. Options held by Jianguo Wang and Xiaozhong Luo
were vested as of April 12, 2005 and will expire on
May 22, 2013. The warrant held by Techina Capital Inc. was
exercisable as of June 30, 2003 and will expire on
May 22, 2008.
We adopted a share incentive plan, or the 2005 Plan, in April
2005. We adopted our 2008 Employee Share Incentive Plan, or the
2008 Plan, in January 2008. Our share incentive plans are
intended to promote our success and to increase shareholder
value by providing an additional means to attract, motivate,
retain and reward selected directors, officers, employees and
other eligible persons. An aggregate of 3,310,300 common shares
are reserved for issuance under the 2005 Plan. Subject to any
amendment of our 2008 Plan by our directors, the maximum
aggregate number of common shares that may be issued pursuant to
all awards under the 2008 Plan is 336,307 shares, plus an annual
increase on January 1 of each calendar year beginning in 2009
equal to the lesser of (x) one percent (1%) of the number
of shares issued and outstanding on December 31 of the
immediately preceding calendar year, (y) 336,307 shares,
and (z) any lesser number of shares determined by our board
of directors.
As of the date of this prospectus, we have granted options under
the 2005 Plan for the purchase of a total of 3,235,800 common
shares to selected directors, officers, employees and individual
consultants and advisors, of which 3,069,800 are outstanding. In
April 2005, we granted options for the purchase of
1,312,600 shares at an exercise price of $2.263 per
share. In December 2005, we granted options for the purchase of
951,000 shares at an exercise price of $3.60 per
share. In May 2006, we granted options for the purchase of
330,400 shares at an exercise price of $3.60 per
share. In December 2006, we granted options for the
purchase of 250,000 common shares at an exercise price of $3.60
per share. In October 2007, we granted options for the purchase
of 391,800 shares at an exercise price of $3.60 per share.
Our options issued under the 2005 Plan in April 2005, December
2005, May 2006 and December 2006 vest over a period of four
years, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the vesting
start date designated in the board resolution granting such
options and 2.0833% vesting on the same day as the vesting start
date of each calendar month over the subsequent three years. For
our options issued under the 2005 Plan in October 2007, 25% vest
on January 1, 2008 and the remaining 75% vest in
30 equal monthly installments beginning January 31,
2008. A total number of 1,686,233 options issued under the
2005 Plan were vested and exercisable for common shares as of
the date of this prospectus. As of the date of this prospectus,
we have not granted any options pursuant to the 2008 Plan.
134
Options granted under our share incentive plans generally do not
vest unless the grantee remains under our employment or in
service with us on the given vesting date. However, the options
granted to Andrew Yan, one of our directors, and Joe Zhou, a
former director, provide that the vesting of their options will
be accelerated so that the grantees options become
completely vested and exercisable on the date the grantee ceases
to be a director of our company. Joe Zhou ceased to be a
director of our company in December 2006.
Generally, if the grantees employment or service with us
is terminated for cause, all such grantees options under
our share incentive plans, vested and unvested, immediately
terminate and become unexercisable. On the other hand, if the
grantees employment or service with us is terminated for
any reason other than for cause, all such grantees vested
options terminate and become unexercisable ninety days following
the grantees last day of employment or service with us. In
circumstances where there is a death or total disability of the
grantee, generally all unvested options immediately terminate
and become unexercisable while vested options terminate and
become unexercisable twelve months after the last date of
employment or service with us.
Our board of directors may amend, alter, suspend, or terminate
our share incentive plans at any time, provided, however, that
our board of directors must first seek the approval of the
participants of our share incentive plans if such amendment,
alteration, suspension or termination would adversely affect the
rights of participants under any option granted prior to that
date. Without further action by our board of directors, the 2005
Plan will terminate in 2015 and the 2008 Plan will terminate in
2018.
The table below sets forth the option grants made to our current
directors and executive officers pursuant to our share incentive
plans:
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|
|
|
|
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Number of |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to be Issued |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upon Exercise |
|
|
Price per |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
of Options |
|
|
Common Share |
|
|
Date of Grant |
|
|
Vesting Start Date |
|
|
Date of Expiration |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carl Yeung
|
|
|
330,400 |
|
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
|
May 26, 2006 |
|
|
|
May 1, 2006 |
|
|
|
May 25, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
187,800 |
|
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
|
October 1, 2007 |
|
|
|
July 1, 2007 |
|
|
|
September 30, 2017 |
|
Andrew Yan
|
|
|
330,400 |
|
|
$ |
2.263 |
|
|
|
April 12, 2005 |
|
|
|
May 1, 2005 |
|
|
|
April 11, 2015 |
|
Patrick Tien
|
|
|
220,000 |
|
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
|
December 16, 2005 |
|
|
|
January 1, 2006 |
|
|
|
December 15, 2015 |
|
Alex Tong
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
|
December 16, 2005 |
|
|
|
January 1, 2006 |
|
|
|
December 15, 2015 |
|
Paul Hsu
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
|
December 27, 2006 |
|
|
|
October 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
December 26, 2016 |
|
Our board of directors has approved the issuance of options to
purchase 50,000 of our common shares to each of Hope Ni and Alec
Tsui upon the SECs declaration of effectiveness of our
registration statement on Form F-1, of which this
prospectus is a part. These options will vest over a four-year
period.
135
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information with respect to the
beneficial ownership, within the meaning of
Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act, of our common shares
as of the date of this prospectus assuming conversion of all of
our outstanding preferred shares into common shares, as adjusted
to reflect the sale of the ADSs offered in this offering by:
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each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our
common shares, and |
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each of our directors and executive officers, |
and further assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their
overallotment option.
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Common Shares |
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Shares Beneficially |
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Beneficially Owned |
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Owned After |
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Prior to This Offering |
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This Offering |
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Number(1) |
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Percent(2) |
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Number(1) |
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Percent(2) |
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Directors and Executive Officers:
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Kevin Xiaofeng
Ma(3)
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6,148,648 |
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18.3 |
% |
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6,148,648 |
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14.2 |
% |
Walter Lin
Wang(4)
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3,086,936 |
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9.2 |
% |
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3,086,936 |
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7.1 |
% |
Carl Yeung**
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* |
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* |
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* |
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* |
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Andrew Yan
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* |
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* |
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* |
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* |
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Lynda Lau**
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Hope Ni***
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Alec Tsui***
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Patrick Tien
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* |
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* |
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* |
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* |
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Alex Tong
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* |
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* |
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* |
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* |
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Paul Hsu
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* |
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* |
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* |
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* |
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Directors and Executive Officers Combined
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9,917,391 |
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28.9 |
% |
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9,917,391 |
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22.5 |
% |
Principal Shareholders:
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SB Asia Investment Fund II,
L.P.(5)
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12,707,436 |
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37.8 |
% |
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12,707,436 |
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29.3 |
% |
Able Knight Development
Limited(6)
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6,148,648 |
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18.3 |
% |
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6,148,648 |
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14.2 |
% |
Lijun
Mai(7)
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4,845,000 |
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14.4 |
% |
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4,845,000 |
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11.2 |
% |
Wealth Treasure Management
Limited(8)
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3,086,936 |
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9.2 |
% |
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3,086,936 |
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7.1 |
% |
Jianguo
Wang(9)
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2,095,890 |
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6.0 |
% |
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2,095,890 |
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4.7 |
% |
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* |
Beneficially owns less than 1% of our common shares. |
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** |
Mr. Yeung and Ms. Lau have agreed to resign from our
board of directors effective upon the SECs declaration of
effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1, of
which this prospectus is a part. |
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*** |
Ms. Ni and Mr. Tsui have agreed to become our
independent directors effective upon the SECs declaration
of effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1,
of which this prospectus is a part. |
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(1) |
The number of common shares beneficially owned by each of the
listed persons includes common shares that such person has the
right to acquire within 60 days after the date of this
prospectus. |
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(2) |
Percentage of beneficial ownership for each of the persons
listed above is determined by dividing (i) the number of
common shares beneficially owned by such person by (ii) the
total number of common shares outstanding, plus the number of
common shares such person has the right to acquire within
60 days after the date of this prospectus. The total number
of common shares outstanding as of the date of this prospectus
is 33,630,686, assuming conversion of all preferred shares into
common shares. The total number of common shares outstanding
after completion of this offering will be 43,378,710 assuming
the underwriters do not exercise their overallotment option or
44,840,912 if the underwriters exercise their overallotment
option in full. |
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(3) |
Includes 6,148,648 common shares held by Able Knight Development
Limited, which is a British Virgin Islands company ultimately
wholly owned by HSBC International Trustee Limited as trustee of
an irrevocable trust constituted under the laws of the Cayman
Islands with Kevin Xiaofeng Ma as the settlor and certain family
members of Kevin Xiaofeng Ma as the beneficiaries. Kevin
Xiaofeng Ma is the sole director of Able Knight Development
Limited. The business address of Able Knight Development Limited
is Portcullis TrustNet Chambers, P.O. Box 3444, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Islands. |
136
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(4) |
Includes 3,086,936 common shares held by Wealth Treasure
Management Limited. Wealth Treasure Management Limited is a
British Virgin Islands company ultimately wholly owned by HSBC
International Trustee Limited as trustee of an irrevocable trust
constituted under the laws of Cayman Islands with Walter Lin
Wang as the settlor and one of the beneficiaries. Walter Lin
Wang is the sole director of Wealth Treasure Management Limited.
The business address of Wealth Treasure Management Limited is
Portcullis TrustNet Chambers, P.O. Box 3444, Road Town, Tortola,
British Virgin Islands. |
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(5) |
Includes 1,700,000 common shares, 10,123,653 common shares
issuable upon conversion of 6,186,478 Series A convertible
preferred shares, and 883,783 common shares issuable upon
conversion of 883,783 Series A-1 convertible preferred
shares held by SB Asia Investment Fund II, L.P., a Cayman
Islands limited partnership. The sole general partner of SB Asia
Investment Fund II, L.P. is SB Asia Pacific Partners, L.P.
The sole general partner of SB Asia Pacific Partners, L.P. is
SB Asia Pacific Investment Limited, whose sole shareholder
is Asia Infrastructure Investment Limited. Asia Infrastructure
Investment Limited is controlled by SB First Singapore Pte Ltd.,
whose sole shareholder is SOFTBANK Corporation. |
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(6) |
Includes 6,148,648 common shares held by Able Knight Development
Limited, which is a British Virgin Islands company ultimately
wholly owned by HSBC International Trustee Limited as trustee of
an irrevocable trust constituted under the laws of the Cayman
Islands with Kevin Xiaofeng Ma as the settlor and certain family
members of Kevin Xiaofeng Ma as the beneficiaries. Kevin
Xiaofeng Ma is the sole director of Able Knight Development
Limited. The business address of Able Knight Development Limited
is Portcullis TrustNet Chambers, P.O. Box 3444, Road Town,
Tortola, British Virgin Islands. |
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(7) |
Includes 1,645,000 common shares held by Mutual Step Holdings
Limited, 1,600,000 common shares held by Art Kind Technology
Limited and 1,600,000 common shares held by Art Grace
Development Limited. Each of Mutual Step Holdings Limited, Art
Kind Technology Limited and Art Grace Development Limited is a
British Virgin Islands company ultimately wholly owned by HSBC
International Trustee Limited as trustee of an irrevocable trust
constituted under the laws of Cayman Islands with Lijun Mai or
certain family members of Lijun Mai as the settlor and
beneficiaries. Lijun Mai is the sole director of Mutual Step
Holdings Limited. The business address of each of Mutual Step
Holdings Limited, Art Kind Technology Limited and Art Grace
Development Limited is Portcullis TrustNet Chambers,
P.O. Box 3444, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin
Islands. |
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(8) |
Includes 3,086,936 common shares held by Wealth Treasure
Management Limited. Wealth Treasure Management Limited is a
British Virgin Islands company ultimately wholly owned by HSBC
International Trustee Limited as trustee of an irrevocable trust
constituted under the laws of Cayman Islands with Walter Lin
Wang as the settlor and one of the beneficiaries. Walter Lin
Wang is the sole director of Wealth Treasure Management Limited.
The business address of Wealth Treasure Management Limited is
Portcullis TrustNet Chambers, P.O. Box 3444, Road
Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. |
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(9) |
Includes 1,000,000 common shares held by Pro-Winner Limited, a
British Virgin Islands company wholly owned by Jianguo Wang, our
former senior vice president, and 1,095,890 common shares
issuable upon exercise of options beneficially owned by
Pro-Winner Limited. |
None of our shareholders will have different voting rights from
other shareholders after the closing of this offering. None of
the record holders of our outstanding shares prior to this
offering resides in the United States.
Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, all of our
outstanding preferred shares will be converted into common
shares.
None of our existing shareholders has voting rights that will
differ from the voting rights of other shareholders after the
completion of this offering. We are not aware of any arrangement
that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of
our company.
Recent Transactions Involving Our Securities
In March 2005, we executed a
100-to-1 share
split of our common shares. In March 2005, our board of
directors approved the re-issuance of 3,584,680 treasury shares
to our shareholders. The estimated fair value of the re-issuance
was RMB26.4 million. Out of the total shares issued,
2,730,739 shares were allocated and distributed on a pro
rata basis to all shareholders and were accounted for as a share
split-up effected in
the form of a share dividend. The remaining 853,941 shares
were distributed to Kevin Xiaofeng Ma and were accounted for as
a non-cash share-based compensation expense. See Related
Party Transactions Issuance of Common Shares to Our
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The following share
transaction information is presented as if the share split and
share dividend discussed above had already occurred.
In January 2005, we repurchased 5,000,000 common shares from
Kin-ming Cheng, 1,776,000 common shares from Mingfang Zhang and
388,000 common shares from Shi Chen for a per-share price of
$0.545. The 7,164,000 common shares repurchased in these
transactions represented 35.82% of our total
137
outstanding shares at the time. Subsequent to these repurchases,
these three shareholders no longer owned any shares in our
company.
In March 2005, we entered into a share purchase agreement with
SB Asia Investment Fund II, L.P., or SAIF, and Winning King
Ltd., pursuant to which we issued 6,186,478 Series A
convertible preferred shares to SAIF and 441,891 Series A
convertible preferred shares to Winning King Ltd. at a price of
$2.263 per preferred share. The following table sets forth
the change in shareholdings of our shareholders following the
issuance of the Series A convertible preferred shares
pursuant to the March 2005 share purchase agreement:
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Shares Owned |
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Percentage |
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Shares Owned |
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Percentage |
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Name of Shareholder |
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Before Change |
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Before Change |
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After Change |
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After Change |
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Kevin Xiaofeng Ma
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8,246,808 |
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50.22 |
% |
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8,246,808 |
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35.78 |
% |
Walter Lin Wang
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4,086,936 |
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24.89 |
% |
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4,086,936 |
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17.73 |
% |
Zhenxiu Zheng
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485,096 |
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2.95 |
% |
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485,096 |
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2.10 |
% |
Ming Guo
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3,601,840 |
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21.93 |
% |
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3,601,840 |
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15.63 |
% |
SB Asia Investment Fund II, L.P.
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6,186,478 |
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26.84 |
% |
Winning King Ltd.
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441,891 |
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1.92 |
% |
In September 2005 Ming Guo sold 1,700,000 common shares to SAIF,
1,000,000 common shares to Pro-Winner Ltd., a company wholly
owned by our former senior vice president Jianguo Wang, and
901,840 to Kevin Xiaofeng Ma, resulting in the following changes
to our shareholding structure:
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Shares Owned |
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Percentage |
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Shares Owned |
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Percentage |
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Name of Shareholder |
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Before Change |
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Before Change |
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After Change |
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After Change |
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Kevin Xiaofeng Ma
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8,246,808 |
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35.78 |
% |
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9,148,648 |
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39.69 |
% |
Walter Lin Wang
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4,086,936 |
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17.73 |
% |
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4,086,936 |
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17.73 |
% |
Zhenxiu Zheng
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485,096 |
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2.10 |
% |
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485,096 |
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2.10 |
% |
Ming Guo
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3,601,840 |
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15.63 |
% |
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SB Asia Investment Fund II, L.P.
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6,186,478 |
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26.84 |
% |
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7,886,478 |
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34.22 |
% |
Winning King Ltd.
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441,891 |
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1.92 |
% |
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441,891 |
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1.92 |
% |
Pro-Winner Ltd.
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1,000,000 |
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4.34 |
% |
Under the March 2005 share purchase agreement, we issued a
warrant to SAIF granting SAIF the right to purchase 883,783
Series A-1
convertible preferred shares at a price of $3.3945 per
preferred share. In May 2006, SAIF exercised this warrant in its
entirety, resulting in an increase in SAIFs percentage
shareholding from 34.22% to 36.65%.
138
In June 2006, Lijun Mai exercised a warrant to
purchase 5,479,452 of our outstanding common shares.
Ms. Mai obtained this warrant pursuant to the terms of
agreements entered into between Ms. Mai and ATA BVI in May
2003 under which Ms. Mai loaned RMB19.0 million
($2.5 million) to ATA BVI. See Related Party
Transactions Warrant Granted to a Third Party That
Has Become a Significant Shareholder. The following table
sets forth the change in shareholdings of our shareholders
following the exercise of this warrant:
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Shares Owned |
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Percentage |
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Shares Owned |
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Percentage |
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Name of Shareholder |
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Before Change |
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Before Change |
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After Change |
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After Change |
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Kevin Xiaofeng Ma
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9,148,648 |
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38.23 |
% |
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9,148,648 |
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31.10 |
% |
Walter Lin Wang
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4,086,936 |
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17.08 |
% |
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4,086,936 |
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13.90 |
% |
Zhenxiu Zheng
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485,096 |
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2.03 |
% |
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485,096 |
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1.65 |
% |
SB Asia Investment Fund II, L.P.
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8,770,261 |
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36.65 |
% |
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8,770,261 |
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29.82 |
% |
Winning King Ltd.
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441,891 |
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1.85 |
% |
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441,891 |
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1.50 |
% |
Pro-Winner Ltd.
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1,000,000 |
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4.18 |
% |
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1,000,000 |
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3.40 |
% |
Lijun Mai
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5,479,452 |
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18.63 |
% |
In July 2007, we adjusted the conversion price of the
Series A convertible preferred shares to $1.3829 per
share in accordance with the provisions of our memorandum and
articles of association, as a result of which each Series A
convertible preferred share became convertible into
1.6364163 common shares. See note 13 to our audited
consolidated financial statements.
In October 2007, Kevin Xiaofeng Ma transferred by gift all of
his ownership interest in (1) 6,148,648 common shares to
Able Knight Development Limited, (2) 1,500,000 common
shares to Creation Linkage Development Limited, and
(3) 1,500,000 common shares to New Beauty Holdings Limited.
Able Knight Development Limited is a company ultimately wholly
owned by a trust of which Kevin Xiaofeng Ma is the settlor and
certain family members of Kevin Xiaofeng Ma are the
beneficiaries. Each of Creation Linkage Development Limited and
New Beauty Holdings Limited is a company ultimately wholly owned
by a trust of which one or more adult family members of Kevin
Xiaofeng Ma are the settlor and beneficiaries.
In December 2007, Walter Lin Wang transferred by gift all of his
ownership interest in (1) 3,086,936 common shares to Wealth
Treasure Management Limited and (2) 1,000,000 common shares
to Valley Joy Limited. Wealth Treasure Management Limited is a
British Virgin Islands company ultimately wholly owned by HSBC
International Trustee Limited as trustee of an irrevocable trust
constituted under the laws of Cayman Islands with Walter Lin
Wang as the settlor and one of the beneficiaries. Valley Joy
Limited is a company ultimately wholly owned by HSBC
International Trustee Limited as trustee of an irrevocable trust
constituted under the laws of Cayman Islands with one or more
family members of Walter Lin Wang as the settlor and
beneficiaries.
In December 2007, Lijun Mai transferred by gift all of her
ownership interest in (1) 1,645,000 common shares to Mutual
Step Holdings Limited, (2) 1,600,000 common shares to Art
Kind Technology Limited, (3) 1,600,000 common shares to Art
Grace Development Limited, and (4) 634,452 common shares to
Joy Spread Development Limited. Each of Mutual Step Holdings
Limited, Art Kind Technology Limited and Art Grace Development
Limited is a British Virgin Islands company ultimately wholly
owned by HSBC International Trustee Limited as trustee of an
irrevocable trust constituted under the laws of Cayman Islands
with Lijun Mai or certain family members of Lijun Mai as the
settlor and beneficiaries. Joy Spread Development Limited is a
British Virgin Islands company ultimately wholly owned by a
sister of Lijun Mai.
In December 2007, Zhenxiu Zheng transferred by gift all of his
ownership interest in 485,096 common shares to Capitalink
Holdings Limited, which is a company wholly owned by Zhenxiu
Zheng.
139
Shareholders Agreement and Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale
Agreement
In connection with our sale of Series A convertible
preferred shares to SAIF and Winning King Ltd. in March 2005, we
and our existing shareholders entered into a Shareholders
Agreement. Under this agreement, our preferred shareholders are
entitled to certain registration rights, including demand
registration rights, piggyback registration rights, and
Form F-3 or
Form S-3
registration rights. For a more detailed description of these
registration rights and the terms upon which they will
terminate, see Description of Share Capital
Registration Rights Under Shareholders Agreement.
The Shareholders Agreement also provides for other rights
enjoyed by holders of our preferred shares, all of which rights
will automatically terminate upon the completion of an initial
public offering in which:
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the aggregate proceeds to us is equal to or greater than
$100 million (before deduction of underwriters commissions
and expenses related to this offering); and |
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the valuation of our company as a result of such public offering
is equal to or greater than $300 million. |
These rights include (1) the right to elect two of five
directors on our board, (2) pre-emptive rights to
participate in issuances of new securities by us, excluding,
among others, securities issued pursuant to an initial public
offering meeting the standards set forth above, and (3) the
right to receive certain financial statements, budgets and
reports to be prepared by us and to inspect our books on demand.
We and our existing shareholders also entered into a Right of
First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement in March 2005. Under this
agreement, holders of our preferred shares have certain rights
of first refusal and co-sale rights with respect to any proposed
share transfers by any of the holders of our common shares.
However, these rights do not apply to transfers pursuant to an
initial public offering meeting the standards set forth above,
and these rights shall automatically terminate upon the
completion of an initial public offering meeting the standards
set forth above.
Following establishment of our Cayman Islands holding company,
we entered into a Shareholders Agreement and a Right of First
Refusal and Co-Sale
Agreement, each on the same terms as described above, with the
shareholders of our Cayman Islands holding company in November
2006.
140
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Agreements among ATA BVI, ATA Learning and ATA Online
Due to PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign ownership of
Internet content businesses in China, we operate the online
portion of our test preparation solutions business through ATA
Online (Beijing) Education Technology Limited, or ATA Online,
which is a domestic Chinese company incorporated in the PRC in
September 2006 and owned by Kevin Xiaofeng Ma, our co-founder,
chairman and chief executive officer and Walter Lin Wang, our
co-founder, director and president, both of whom are PRC
citizens. ATA BVI and ATA Learning (Beijing) Inc., or ATA
Learning, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, have entered
into a series of contractual arrangements with ATA Online,
including an exclusive technical support agreement, a strategic
consulting service agreement and a call option and cooperation
agreement. These contractual arrangements also include an equity
pledge agreement entered into with each of the shareholders of
ATA Online. As a result of these contractual arrangements,
under U.S. GAAP, we are considered the primary beneficiary
of ATA Online. Accordingly, we consolidate ATA Onlines
results in our consolidated financial statements. See Our
Corporate Structure Corporate Structure and
Arrangements with Our Affiliated PRC Entity.
The following is a summary of the material provisions of these
agreements. For more complete information you should read these
agreements in their entirety. Directions on how to obtain copies
of these agreements are provided in this prospectus under
Where you can find additional information.
Technical support agreement, dated October 27, 2006.
Under this agreement, ATA Learning provides ATA Online with
exclusive technical support services for the maintenance of
ATA Onlines servers, networks and other equipment,
software and systems. In return, ATA Online pays a quarterly
service fee to ATA Learning. The service fee is mutually agreed
by both parties, and is determined based on certain objective
criteria such as the actual services required by ATA Online and
the actual labor costs, as determined by the number of days and
personnel involved, incurred by ATA Learning for providing the
services during the relevant period. In addition,
ATA Online reimburses ATA Learning for out of pocket costs
ATA Learning incurs in connection with providing the services.
The term of this agreement is ten years, automatically renewable
for successive one year terms unless ATA Learning notifies ATA
Online of its intention not to renew 30 days before the
relevant term expires. ATA Online may not terminate this
agreement during its term.
Strategic consulting service agreement, dated
October 27, 2006. Under this agreement, ATA Learning
provides ATA Online with strategic consulting and related
services for ATA Onlines business, including
(1) valuation of new products; (2) industry
investigation and survey; (3) marketing and promotion
strategies; and (4) other services related to ATA
Onlines online test preparation services business. The
fees for these services must be confirmed by ATA Learning
and will be calculated monthly but paid quarterly based on
actual time spent providing the services. In addition,
ATA Learning has the right to adjust the fees payable by
ATA Online in accordance with its performance. The term of
this agreement is 20 years, automatically renewable for
successive one year terms unless ATA Learning notifies ATA
Online of its intention not to renew 30 days before the
relevant term expires. If either party fails to comply with this
agreement, it shall indemnify all losses incurred by the other
party. Each party may terminate this agreement if the other
party fails to perform its obligations under this agreement or
the representations, warranties or covenants of the other party
are materially inaccurate or misleading.
Equity pledge agreement, dated October 27, 2006, as
amended and restated on February 12, 2007. To secure
the payment obligations of ATA Online under the exclusive
technical support agreement and the strategic consulting service
agreement described above, ATA Onlines shareholders have
pledged to ATA Learning their entire equity ownership
interests in ATA Online. Upon the occurrence of certain events
of default specified in this agreement, the pledgee may exercise
its rights and foreclose on the pledged equity interest. Under
this agreement, the pledgor may not transfer the pledged equity
interest without the pledgees prior written consent. This
agreement will also be binding upon successors of the pledgor
and transferees of the pledged equity interest. The term of the
pledge is the same as the term of
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the strategic consulting service agreement. This agreement may
be terminated upon the completion of ATA Onlines
contractual liabilities under the exclusive technical support
agreement and the strategic consulting service agreement as
described above. In February 2007, Jianguo Wang transferred
all of his equity interest in ATA Online to Walter Lin
Wang. We amended and restated the October 2006 agreement to
take this transfer into account.
Loans to the Shareholders of ATA Online, dated
October 27, 2006, as amended on February 12, 2007.
ATA BVI entered into loan agreements with each of Kevin
Xiaofeng Ma, Walter Lin Wang and Jianguo Wang, the shareholders
of ATA Online to extend each of Kevin Xiaofeng Ma, Walter Lin
Wang and Jianguo Wang a loan in the amount of
RMB0.9 million, RMB50,000 and RMB50,000, respectively, for
the sole purpose of investing in ATA Online as ATA Onlines
registered capital. The initial term of these loans in each case
is ten years, which may be extended upon the parties
agreement. Kevin Xiaofeng Ma, Walter Lin Wang and Jianguo Wang
can only repay the loans by transferring all of their interest
in ATA Online to ATA BVI or to a third party designated by
ATA BVI. When Kevin Xiaofeng Ma, Walter Lin Wang and
Jianguo Wang transfer their interest in ATA Online to
ATA BVI or its designee, if the actual transfer price is
higher than the principal amount of the loans, the amount
exceeding the principal amount of the loans will be deemed as
interest accrued on such loans and repaid by Kevin Xiaofeng Ma,
Walter Lin Wang and Jianguo Wang to ATA BVI. ATA BVI
also has the right to, but have no obligation to, purchase, or
designate a third party to purchase, all or part of their
interest in ATA Online at a price equal to the amount of the
loans. In February 2007, Jianguo Wang repaid the loan by
transferring all of his interest in ATA Online to Walter
Lin Wang. As a result, ATA BVI terminated the loan
agreement with Jianguo Wang and amended the agreement with
Walter Lin Wang to increase the principal of the loan to
RMB0.1 million.
Call option and cooperation agreement, dated October 27,
2006, as amended and restated on February 12, 2007.
Through the call option and cooperation agreement entered into
between ATA BVI and ATA Online and its shareholders,
ATA BVI or any third party designated by ATA BVI has
the right to acquire, in whole or in part, the respective equity
interests in ATA Online of its shareholders or ATA
Onlines assets when permitted by applicable Chinese laws
and regulations. The proceeds from the exercise of the call
option will be applied to repay the loans under the loan
agreement described above. This agreement can only be terminated
with the unanimous consent of all parties, except that
ATA BVI may terminate this agreement with 30 days
prior notice to the other parties. In February 2007,
Jianguo Wang transferred all of his equity interest in
ATA Online to Walter Lin Wang. We amended and restated the
October 2006 agreement to take this transfer into account.
Share Repurchases and Private Placement
In March 2005, we executed a
100-to-1 share
split of our common shares. In March 2005, our board of
directors approved the re-issuance of 3,584,680 treasury shares
to our shareholders. The estimated fair value of the re-issuance
was RMB26.4 million. Out of the total shares issued,
2,730,739 shares were allocated and distributed on a pro
rata basis to all shareholders and were accounted for as a share
split-up effected in
the form of a share dividend. The remaining 853,941 shares
were distributed to Kevin Xiaofeng Ma, our co-founder, chairman
and chief executive officer, and were accounted for as a
non-cash share-based compensation expense. The following share
transaction information is presented as if the share split and
share dividend discussed above had already occurred.
In January 2005, we repurchased 5,000,000 common shares from
Kin-ming Cheng, 1,776,000 common shares from Mingfang Zhang and
388,800 common shares from Shi Chen for a per-share price of
$0.545. The 7,164,000 common shares repurchased in these
transactions represented 35.82% of our total outstanding shares
at the time. Subsequent to these repurchases, these three
shareholders no longer owned any shares in our company.
In March 2005, we entered into a share purchase agreement with
SB Asia Investment Fund II, L.P., or SAIF, and Winning King
Ltd., pursuant to which we issued 6,186,478 Series A
convertible preferred shares to SAIF and 441,891 Series A
convertible preferred shares to Winning King Ltd. at a
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price of $2.263 per preferred share. In July 2007, we
adjusted the conversion price of the Series A convertible
preferred shares to $1.3829 per share in accordance with the
provisions of our memorandum and articles of association, as a
result of which each Series A convertible preferred share
became convertible into 1.6364163 common shares. See
note 13 to our audited consolidated financial statements.
Under the March 2005 share purchase agreement, we issued a
warrant to SAIF granting SAIF the right to purchase 883,783
Series A-1
convertible preferred shares at a price of $3.3945 per
preferred share. In May 2006, SAIF exercised this warrant in its
entirety.
Shareholders Agreement and Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale
Agreement
In connection with our sale of Series A convertible
preferred shares to SAIF and Winning King Ltd. in March 2005, we
and our existing shareholders entered into a Shareholders
Agreement. Under this agreement, our preferred shareholders are
entitled to certain registration rights, including demand
registration rights, piggyback registration rights, and
Form F-3 or
Form S-3
registration rights. For a more detailed description of these
registration rights and the terms upon which they will
terminate, see Description of Share Capital
Registration Rights Under Shareholders Agreement.
The Shareholders Agreement also provides for other rights
enjoyed by holders of our preferred shares, all of which rights
will automatically terminate upon the completion of an initial
public offering in which:
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the aggregate proceeds to us is equal to or greater than
$100 million (before deduction of underwriters commissions
and expenses related to this offering); and |
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our valuation as a result of such public offering is equal to or
greater than $300 million. |
These rights include (1) the right to elect two of five
directors on our board, (2) pre-emptive rights to
participate in issuances of new securities by us, excluding,
among others, securities issued pursuant to an initial public
offering meeting the standards set forth above, and (3) the
right to receive certain financial statements, budgets and
reports to be prepared by us and to inspect our books on demand.
We and our existing shareholders also entered into a Right of
First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement in March 2005. Under this
agreement, holders of our preferred shares have certain rights
of first refusal and co-sale rights with respect to any proposed
share transfers by any of the holders of our common shares.
However, these rights do not apply to transfers pursuant to an
initial public offering meeting the standards set forth above,
and these rights shall automatically terminate upon the
completion of an initial public offering meeting the standards
set forth above.
Following establishment of our Cayman Islands holding company,
we entered into a Shareholders Agreement and a Right of First
Refusal and Co-Sale
Agreement, each on the same terms as described above, with the
shareholders of our Cayman Islands holding company in November
2006.
Warrants Granted to a Third Party That Has Become a
Significant Shareholder
In April 2002, we entered into a loan agreement with Lijun Mai
pursuant to which ATA Testing borrowed an unsecured loan of
RMB19.0 million bearing interest at 20% per annum from
Ms. Mai. The loan was due for repayment in April 2004.
In May 2003, we entered into a revised agreement with
Ms. Mai amending the terms of the aforementioned loan
agreement. Under the revised agreement the maturity of the loan
was extended to May 2005, no interest was chargeable by
Ms. Mai to ATA Testing from that date, and all accrued
interest payable by ATA Testing as of that date was waived. In
consideration for these amendments to the original loan
agreement, we granted a warrant to Ms. Mai to purchase up
to 20% of our fully diluted outstanding common shares for an
aggregate exercise price of RMB19.0 million, if certain
conditions were met. The number of common shares Ms. Mai
was entitled to purchase under the warrant was determined to be
5,479,452 shares on the date of issuance. Ms. Mai did
not require repayment of the loan (instead it became a demand
loan) and continued to waive all interest while we agreed to
extend the maturity of the
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warrant to the earlier of 30 days after the repayment of
the loan or 30 days after our completion of an initial
public offering. The RMB19.0 million loan was repaid in its
entirety in May 2006, and the warrant was exercised in full for
the purchase of 5,479,452 shares in June 2006.
Issuance of Common Shares to Our Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
In March 2005, we issued 853,941 of our common shares to Kevin
Xiaofeng Ma, our co-founder, chairman and chief executive
officer, to reward his past performance.
Transactions with Yinchuan Economic and Technological
Development Zone Investment Holding Co. Ltd., or Yinchuan
Holding
Upon the formation of ATA Learning in 2003, Yinchuan Holding
contributed RMB30.0 million in cash for a 60% equity
ownership interest in ATA Learning. We were granted a call
option that allowed us to acquire Yinchuan Holdings 60%
equity interest for RMB30.0 million, and Yinchuan Holding
had a put option that, upon exercise, obligated us to purchase
Yinchuan Holdings 60% equity interest for
RMB30.0 million. Both the call option and put option
expired the earlier of (i) the end of the fourth fiscal
year end following ATA Learnings formation or
(ii) the point when ATA Learning reached an accumulative
net profit of RMB30.0 million. On May 9, 2005, we
exercised the call option to acquire the remaining 60% of the
equity interest in ATA Learning from Yinchuan Holding for
RMB30.0 million.
In December 2003, ATA Learning loaned RMB20.0 million to
its investor, Yinchuan Holding, and a subsidiary of Yinchuan
Holding at the base lending rate prescribed by the Peoples
Bank of China. The loan was originally due for repayment in
December 2004. The loan period was subsequently extended until
repaid with interest in June 2005.
In February 2003, ATA Testing borrowed RMB5.0 million from
Yinchuan Holding. The balance was unsecured, interest-free and
repayable on demand. In 2005, Yinchuan Holding agreed to waive
RMB2.0 million out of the total loan balance of
RMB5.0 million. ATA Testing repaid the remaining
RMB3.0 million in June 2005.
Transactions with Jiangsu ATA Software Co. Ltd., or ATA
Jiangsu
In March 2002, ATA Testing entered into an agreement with ATA
Jiangsu whereby ATA Testing assigned its interests and rights in
certain service contracts to ATA Jiangsu. ATA Testing estimated
that these service contracts would generate revenue for ten
years and that ATA Testing would provide ongoing technical
support to ATA Jiangsu during that period. During the years
ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the three months ended
March 31, 2005, ATA Testing received advances from ATA
Jiangsu as working capital and ATA Jiangsu paid certain
operating expenses on behalf of ATA Testing. In December 2002
and April 2003, during the transition period of service
contracts assigned to ATA Jiangsu, ATA Testing received service
fees from customer on behalf of ATA Jiangsu. As of
March 31, 2005, the total balance due from ATA Testing to
ATA Jiangsu was RMB1.5 million. In December 2005, ATA
Jiangsu commenced voluntary winding up, which was completed in
May 2006, after which none of the above amounts remain
outstanding to ATA Jiangsu.
Loans to Our Shareholders, Members of Our Management and
Companies Controlled by Our Shareholders or Members of Our
Management
Our subsidiaries have in the past made loans and advances to
certain of our shareholders and members of our management.
During the period from April 2004 through the date of this
document, the maximum aggregate amount of outstanding balances
due on such loans and advances was RMB3.5 million. All of
these loans and advances were unsecured and non-interest
bearing. There are no outstanding amounts due on these loans as
of the date of this prospectus.
We also received advances from our shareholders and members of
our management for operating, investing and financing
activities. All such advances have been repaid as of the date of
this prospectus.
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In 2002 ATA Testing borrowed an unsecured interest-free loan of
RMB0.8 million, repayable on demand, from Tian Xing, a
subsidiary of Shanghai Mingshen Development Co. Ltd., or
Minshen. Kin-ming
Cheng, our shareholder prior to January 2005, was a director of
Mingshen until July 2004. The loan was repaid in full in July
2005.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, ATA Testing
extended unsecured interest-free loans in the aggregate amount
of approximately RMB0.5 million, repayable on demand, to
Keying Shiji Co. Ltd., or Keying. Two of our executive officers
own 90% and 10% equity interest, respectively, of Keying. The
entire RMB0.5 million due under these loans was repaid in
full in December 2006.
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized share capital
consists of 40,000,000 common shares, par value
$0.01 per share, and 10,000,000 preferred shares, par
value $0.01 per share. As of the date of this prospectus,
21,900,132 common shares, 6,628,369 Series A
convertible preferred shares convertible into
10,846,771 common shares, 883,783 Series A-1
convertible preferred shares convertible into
883,783 common shares, warrants to purchase
674,748 common shares and options to purchase
4,439,663 common shares are issued and outstanding.
Immediately prior to completion of this offering, all of our
issued and outstanding preferred shares will be converted into
common shares and our authorized share capital will be increased
to $5,000,000 divided into 500,000,000 common shares, par value
$0.01 per share.
We were incorporated as an exempted company with limited
liability under the Companies Law (2004 Revision) Cap. 22 of the
Cayman Islands, or the Companies Law, on September 22,
2006. Our shareholders who are non-residents of the Cayman
Islands may freely hold and vote their shares. A Cayman Islands
exempted company:
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is a company that conducts its business outside the Cayman
Islands; |
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is exempted from certain requirements of the Companies Law,
including the filing of an annual return of its shareholders
with the Registrar of Companies; |
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does not have to make its register of shareholders open to
inspection; and |
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may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future
taxation. |
Upon the completion of this offering, our affairs will be
governed by our third amended and restated memorandum and
articles of association and the Companies Law. The following
summarizes the material terms of our third amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Law
insofar as they relate to the material terms of our common
shares. This summary is not complete, and you should read the
form of our amended and restated memorandum and articles of
association, which will be filed as exhibits to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part.
The following discussion primarily concerns common shares and
the rights of holders of common shares. The holders of ADSs will
not be treated as our shareholders and will be required to
surrender their ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal from the
depositary facility in which the common shares are held in order
to exercise shareholders rights in respect of the common
shares. However, the holders of ADSs generally have the right
under the deposit agreement to instruct the depositary bank to
exercise the voting rights for the common shares represented by
the ADSs. See Description of American Depositary
Share Withdrawal of Shares Upon Cancellation of
ADSs.
Meetings
Subject to the companys regulatory requirements, an annual
general meeting and any extraordinary general meeting shall be
called by not less than ten days notice in writing. Notice
of every general meeting will be given to all of our
shareholders other than those that, under the provisions of our
third amended and restated articles of association or the terms
of issue of the common shares they hold, are not entitled to
receive such notices from us, and also to our principal external
auditors. Extraordinary general meetings may be called only by
the chairman of our board of directors or a majority of our
board of directors and may not be called by any other person.
Notwithstanding that a meeting is called by shorter notice than
that mentioned above, but, subject to applicable regulatory
requirements, it will be deemed to have been duly called, if it
is so agreed (1) in the case of a meeting called as an
annual general meeting by all of our shareholders entitled to
attend and vote at the meeting; (2) in the case of any
other meeting, by a majority in number of our shareholders
having a right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a
majority together holding not less than 95% in nominal value of
the common shares giving that right.
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Two shareholders present in person or by proxy that represent
not less than one-third in nominal value of our total issued and
outstanding voting shares will constitute a quorum. No business
other than the appointment of a chairman may be transacted at
any general meeting unless a quorum is present at the
commencement of business. However, the absence of a quorum will
not preclude the appointment of a chairman. If present, the
chairman of our board of directors shall be the chairman
presiding at any shareholders meetings.
A corporation being a shareholder shall be deemed for the
purpose of our third amended and restated articles of
association to be present in person if represented by its duly
authorized representative being the person appointed by
resolution of the directors or other governing body of such
corporation to act as its representative at the relevant general
meeting or at any relevant general meeting of any class of our
shareholders. Such duly authorized representative shall be
entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the
corporation that he represents as that corporation could
exercise if it were our individual shareholder.
The quorum for a separate general meeting of the holders of a
separate class of shares is described in
Modification of Rights below.
Voting Rights Attaching to the Shares
Subject to any special rights or restrictions as to voting for
the time being attached to any shares, at any general meeting
every shareholder who is present in person or by proxy (or, in
the case of a shareholder being a corporation, by its duly
authorized representative) shall have one vote, and on a poll
every shareholder present in person or by proxy (or, in the case
of a shareholder being a corporation, by its duly appointed
representative) shall have one vote for each fully paid share
which such shareholder is the holder.
No shareholder shall be entitled to vote or be reckoned in a
quorum, in respect of any share, unless such shareholder is duly
registered as our shareholder at the applicable record date for
that meeting and all calls or installments due by such
shareholder to us have been paid.
If a recognized clearing house (or its nominee(s)), being a
corporation, is our shareholder, it may authorize such person or
persons as it thinks fit to act as its representative(s) at any
meeting or at any meeting of any class of shareholders provided
that, if more than one person is so authorized, the
authorization shall specify the number and class of shares in
respect of which each such person is so authorized. A person
authorized pursuant to this provision is entitled to exercise
the same powers on behalf of the recognized clearing house (or
its nominee(s)) as if such person was the registered holder of
our shares held by that clearing house (or its nominee(s))
including the right to vote individually on a show of hands.
Protection of Minority Shareholders
The Grand Court of the Cayman Islands may, on the application of
shareholders holding not less than one fifth of our shares in
issue, appoint an inspector to examine our affairs and to report
thereon in a manner as the Grand Court shall direct.
Any shareholder may petition the Grand Court of the Cayman
Islands that may make a winding up order, if the court is of the
opinion that it is just and equitable that we should be wound up.
Claims against us by our shareholders must, as a general rule,
be based on the general laws of contract or tort applicable in
the Cayman Islands or their individual rights as shareholders as
established by our third amended and restated memorandum and
articles of association.
The Cayman Islands courts ordinarily would be expected to follow
English case law precedents which permit a minority shareholder
to commence a representative action against, or derivative
actions in our name to challenge (1) an act which is
ultra vires or illegal, (2) an act which constitutes
a fraud
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against the minority and the wrongdoers are themselves in
control of us, and (3) an irregularity in the passing of a
resolution which requires a qualified (or special) majority.
Pre-Emption Rights
There are no pre-emption rights applicable to the issue of new
shares under either Cayman Islands law or our third amended and
restated memorandum and articles of association.
Liquidation Rights
Subject to any special rights, privileges or restrictions as to
the distribution of available surplus assets on liquidation for
the time being attached to any class or classes of shares,
(1) if we are wound up and the assets available for
distribution among our shareholders are more than sufficient to
repay the whole of the capital paid up at the commencement of
the winding up, the excess shall be distributed pari passu
among those shareholders in proportion to the amount paid up
at the commencement of the winding up on the shares held by
them, respectively; and (2) if we are wound up and the
assets available for distribution among the shareholders as such
are insufficient to repay the whole of the
paid-up capital, those
assets shall be distributed so that, as nearly as may be, the
losses shall be borne by the shareholders in proportion to the
capital paid up at the commencement of the winding up on the
shares held by them, respectively.
If we are wound up, the liquidator may with the sanction of our
special resolution and any other sanction required by the
Companies Law, divide among our shareholders in specie or kind
the whole or any part of our assets (whether or not they shall
consist of property of the same kind) and may, for such purpose,
set such value as the liquidator deems fair upon any property to
be divided and may determine how such division shall be carried
out as between the shareholders or different classes of
shareholders. The liquidator may also vest the whole or any part
of these assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of
the shareholders as the liquidator shall think fit, but so that
no shareholder will be compelled to accept any assets, shares or
other securities upon which there is a liability.
Modification of Rights
Except with respect to share capital (as described below) and
the location of the registered office, alterations to our third
amended and restated memorandum and articles of association may
only be made by special resolution, meaning a majority of not
less than two-thirds of votes cast at a shareholders meeting.
Subject to the Companies Law, all or any of the special rights
attached to shares of any class (unless otherwise provided for
by the terms of issue of the shares of that class) may be
varied, modified or abrogated with the sanction of a special
resolution passed at a separate general meeting of the holders
of the shares of that class. The provisions of our third amended
and restated articles of association relating to general
meetings shall apply similarly to every such separate general
meeting, but so that the quorum for the purposes of any such
separate general meeting or at its adjourned meeting shall be a
person or persons together holding (or represented by proxy) on
the date of the relevant meeting not less than one-third in
nominal value of the issued shares of that class, that every
holder of shares of the class shall be entitled on a poll to one
vote for every such share held by such holder and that any
holder of shares of that class present in person or by proxy may
demand a poll.
The special rights conferred upon the holders of any class of
shares shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided in the
rights attaching to or the terms of issue of such shares, be
deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares
ranking pari passu therewith.
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Alteration of Capital
We may from time to time by ordinary resolution:
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increase our capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of
such amounts, as the resolution shall prescribe; |
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consolidate and divide all or any of our share capital into
shares of larger amount than our existing shares; |
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cancel any shares which, at the date of the passing of the
resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any
person, and diminish the amount of its share capital by the
amount of the shares so cancelled subject to the provisions of
the Companies Law; |
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sub-divide our shares or any of them into shares of smaller
amount than is fixed by our third amended and restated
memorandum of association, subject nevertheless to the Companies
Law, and so that the resolution whereby any share is sub-divided
may determine that, as between the holders of the shares
resulting from such subdivision, one or more of the shares may
have any such preferred or other special rights, over, or may
have such deferred rights or be subject to any such restrictions
as compared with the others as we have power to attach to
unissued or new shares; and |
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divide our shares into several classes and without prejudice to
any special rights previously conferred on the holders of
existing shares, attach to these shares respectively any
preferential, deferred, qualified or special rights, privileges,
conditions or such restrictions that in the absence of any such
determination in general meeting may be determined by our
directors. |
We may, by special resolution, subject to any confirmation or
consent required by the Companies Law, reduce our share capital
or any capital redemption reserve in any manner authorized by
law.
Transfer of Shares
Subject to any applicable restrictions set forth in our third
amended and restated articles of association, any of our
shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her shares by an
instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or in a form
prescribed by the Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. or in any other form
that our directors may approve.
Our directors may decline to register any transfer of any share
which is not paid up or on which we have a lien. Our directors
may also decline to register any transfer of any share unless:
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the instrument of transfer is lodged with us accompanied by the
certificate for the shares to which it relates and such other
evidence as our directors may reasonably require to show the
right of the transferor to make the transfer; |
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the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of
share; |
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the instrument of transfer is properly stamped (in circumstances
where stamping is required); and |
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a fee of such maximum sum as the Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. 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 shall,
within two months after the date on which the instrument of
transfer was lodged, send to each of the transferor and the
transferee notice of such refusal.
The registration of transfers may, on notice being given by
advertisement in such one or more newspapers or by any other
means in accordance with the requirements of the Nasdaq Stock
Market Inc.,
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be suspended and the register closed at such times and for such
periods as our directors may from time to time determine;
provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not
be suspended nor the register closed for more than 30 days
in any year as our directors may determine.
Share Repurchase
We are empowered by the Companies Law and our third amended and
restated articles of association to purchase our own shares,
subject to certain restrictions. Our directors may only exercise
this power on our behalf, subject to the Companies Law, our
third amended and restated memorandum and articles of
association and to any applicable requirements imposed from time
to time by the Nasdaq Stock Market Inc., the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or by
any other recognized stock exchange on which our securities are
listed.
Dividends
Subject to the Companies Law, our directors may declare
dividends in any currency to be paid to our shareholders.
Dividends may be declared and paid out of our profits, realized
or unrealized, or from any reserve set aside from profits which
our directors determine is no longer needed. Our board of
directors may also declare and pay dividends out of the share
premium account or any other fund or account that can be
authorized for this purpose in accordance with the Companies Law.
Except in so far as the rights attaching to, or the terms of
issue of, any share otherwise provides, (1) all dividends
shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on
the shares in respect of which the dividend is paid, but no
amount paid up on a share in advance of calls shall be treated
for this purpose as paid up on that share; and (2) all
dividends shall be apportioned and paid pro rata
according to the amounts paid up on the shares during any
portion or portions of the period in respect of which the
dividend is paid.
Our directors may also pay any dividend that is payable on any
shares semi-annually or on any other dates, whenever our
financial position, in the opinion of our directors, justifies
such payment.
Our directors may deduct from any dividend or bonus payable to
any shareholder all sums of money (if any) presently payable by
such shareholder to us on account of calls or otherwise.
No dividend or other money payable by us on or in respect of any
share shall bear interest against us.
In respect of any dividend proposed to be paid or declared on
our share capital, our directors may resolve and direct that
(1) such dividend be satisfied wholly or in part in the
form of an allotment of shares credited as fully paid up,
provided that our shareholders entitled thereto will be entitled
to elect to receive such dividend (or part thereof if our
directors so determine) in cash in lieu of such allotment or
(2) the shareholders entitled to such dividend will be
entitled to elect to receive an allotment of shares credited as
fully paid up in lieu of the whole or such part of the dividend
as our directors may think fit. Our directors may also resolve
in respect of any particular dividend that, notwithstanding the
foregoing, a dividend may be satisfied wholly in the form of an
allotment of shares credited as fully paid up without offering
any right to shareholders to elect to receive such dividend in
cash in lieu of such allotment.
Any dividend, interest or other sum payable in cash to the
holder of shares may be paid by check or warrant sent by mail
addressed to the holder at his registered address, or addressed
to such person and at such addresses as the holder may direct.
Every check or warrant shall, unless the holder or joint holders
otherwise direct, be made payable to the order of the holder or,
in the case of joint holders, to the order of the holder whose
name stands first on the register in respect of such shares, and
shall be sent at his or their risk and payment of the check or
warrant by the bank on which it is drawn shall constitute a good
discharge to us.
All dividends unclaimed for one year after having been declared
may be invested or otherwise made use of by our board of
directors for the benefit of our company until claimed. Any
dividend
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unclaimed after a period of six years from the date of
declaration of such dividend shall be forfeited and shall revert
to us.
Whenever our directors have resolved that a dividend be paid or
declared, our directors may further resolve that such dividend
be satisfied wholly or in part by the distribution of specific
assets of any kind, and in particular of paid up shares,
debentures or warrants to subscribe for our securities or
securities of any other company. Where any difficulty arises
with regard to such distribution, our directors may settle it as
they think expedient. In particular, our directors may issue
fractional certificates, ignore fractions altogether or round
the same up or down, fix the value for distribution purposes of
any such specific assets, determine that cash payments shall be
made to any of our shareholders upon the footing of the value so
fixed in order to adjust the rights of the parties, vest any
such specific assets in trustees as may seem expedient to our
directors, and appoint any person to sign any requisite
instruments of transfer and other documents on behalf of the
persons entitled to the dividend, which appointment shall be
effective and binding on our shareholders.
Untraceable Shareholders
We are entitled to sell any shares of a shareholder who is
untraceable, provided that:
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all checks or warrants in respect of dividends of such shares,
being not less than three in total number, for any sums payable
in cash to the holder of such shares have remained un-cashed for
a period of 12 years prior to the publication of the
advertisement and during the three months referred to in third
bullet point below; |
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we have not during that time received any indication of the
existence of the shareholder or person entitled to such shares
by death, bankruptcy or operation of law; and |
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we have caused an advertisement to be published in newspapers in
the manner stipulated by our third amended and restated articles
of association, giving notice of our intention to sell these
shares, and a period of three months has elapsed since such
advertisement and the Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. has been notified
of such intention. |
The net proceeds of any such sale shall belong to us, and when
we receive these net proceeds we shall become indebted to the
former shareholder for an amount equal to such net proceeds.
Differences in Corporate Law
The Companies Law is modeled after similar laws in the United
Kingdom but does not follow recent changes in United Kingdom
laws. In addition, the Companies Law differs from laws
applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders.
Set forth below is a summary of the significant differences
between the provisions of the Companies Law applicable to us and
the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United
States.
Mergers and Similar Arrangements. Cayman Islands law does
not provide for mergers as that expression is understood under
United States corporate law. However, there are statutory
provisions that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation
of companies, provided that the arrangement in question is
approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders
and creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made, and who
must in addition represent three fourths in value of each such
class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are
present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or
meetings convened for that purpose. The convening of the
meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by
the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting
shareholder would have the right to express to the court the
view that the transaction should not be approved, the court can
be expected to approve the arrangement if it satisfies itself
that:
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the company is not proposing to act illegally and the statutory
provisions as to majority vote have been complied with; |
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the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in
question; |
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the arrangement is such as a businessman would reasonably
approve; and |
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the arrangement is not one that would more properly be
sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Law or
that would amount to a fraud on the minority. |
When a takeover offer is made and accepted by holders of 90% of
the shares within four months, the offerer may, within a
two-month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to
transfer such shares on the terms of the offer. An objection may
be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but is unlikely
to succeed unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or
collusion.
If the arrangement and reconstruction are thus approved, any
dissenting shareholders would have no rights comparable to
appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available
to dissenting shareholders of United States corporations,
providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially
determined value of the shares.
Shareholders Suits. In principle, we will normally
be the proper plaintiff and a derivative action may not be
brought by a minority shareholder. However, based on English
authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive
authority in the Cayman Islands, exceptions to the foregoing
principle apply in circumstances in which:
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a company is acting or proposing to act illegally or beyond the
scope of its authority; |
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the act complained of, although not beyond the scope of its
authority, could be effected duly if authorized by more than a
simple majority vote which has not been obtained; and |
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those who control the company are perpetrating a fraud on
the minority. |
Corporate Governance. Cayman Islands laws do not restrict
transactions with directors, requiring only that directors
exercise a duty of care and owe a fiduciary duty to the
companies for which they serve. Under our amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association, subject to any separate
requirement for audit committee approval under the applicable
rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. or unless disqualified by
the chairman of the relevant board meeting, so long as a
director discloses the nature of his interest in any contract or
arrangement which he is interested in, such a director may vote
in respect of any contract or proposed contract or arrangement
in which such director is interested and may be counted in the
quorum at such meeting.
Board of Directors
We are managed by our board of directors. Our third amended and
restated memorandum and articles of association provide that the
number of our directors will be fixed from time to time pursuant
to a special resolution of our shareholders, but must consist of
not less than two directors. There is no maximum number of
directors unless otherwise determined by our shareholders in
general meeting. Any director on our board may be removed by way
of a special resolution of our shareholders. Any vacancies on
our board of directors can be filled by way of an ordinary
resolution of our shareholders and additions to the existing
board of directors can be filled by way of a special resolution
of our shareholders. Any vacancies on our board of directors or
additions to the existing board of directors can also be filled
by the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the remaining
directors, although this may be less than a quorum where the
number of remaining directors falls below the minimum number
fixed by our board of directors. Our directors are not required
to hold any of our shares to be qualified to serve on our board
of directors.
Meetings of our board of directors may be convened at any time
deemed necessary by our secretary on request of a director or by
any director. Advance notice of a meeting may be given in
writing or by telephone or in such other manner as the board of
directors may from time to time determine. A meeting of our
board of directors shall be competent to make lawful and binding
decisions if at least two of the members of our board of
directors are present or represented unless the board has fixed
any other number. At any meeting of our directors, each director
is entitled to one vote.
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Questions arising at a meeting of our board of directors are
required to be decided by simple majority votes of the members
of our board of directors present or represented at the meeting.
In the case of a tie vote, the chairman of the meeting shall
have an additional or casting vote. Our board of directors may
also pass resolutions without a meeting by unanimous written
consent.
Our board of directors is divided into different classes, namely
class A directors, class B directors and class C
directors. At the first annual general meeting after this
offering, all class A directors shall retire from office
and be eligible for re-election. At the second annual general
meeting after this offering, all class B directors shall
retire from office and be eligible for re-election. At the third
annual general meeting after this offering, all class C
directors shall retire from office and be eligible for
re-election. At each subsequent annual general meeting after the
third annual general meeting after this offering, one-third of
our directors for the time being (or, if their number is not a
multiple of three, the number nearest to but not greater than
one-third) shall retire from office by rotation. A retiring
director shall be eligible for re-election. The directors to
retire by rotation shall include (so far as necessary to
ascertain the number of directors to retire by rotation) any
director who wishes to retire and not to offer himself for
re-election. Any further directors so to retire shall be those
of the other directors subject to retirement by rotation who
have been longest in office since their last re-election or
appointment and so that as between persons who became or were
last re-elected directors on the same day those to retire shall
(unless they otherwise agree among themselves) be determined by
lot. However, our chief executive officer shall not, while in
such office, be subject to retirement or be taken into account
in determining the number of directors to retire in any year.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Pursuant to our third amended and restated articles of
association, our board of directors has established an audit
committee, a compensation committee and a nominations committee.
Issuance of Additional Common shares or Preferred shares
Our third amended and restated memorandum and articles of
association authorizes our board of directors to issue
additional common shares from time to time as our board of
directors shall determine, to the extent of available authorized
but unissued shares.
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association
authorizes our board of directors to establish from time to time
one or more series of preferred shares and to determine, with
respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights
of that series, including:
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the designation of the series; |
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the number of shares of the series; |
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the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting
rights; and |
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the rights and terms of redemption and liquidation preferences. |
Our board of directors may issue series of preferred shares
without action by our shareholders to the extent authorized but
unissued. Accordingly, the issuance of preferred shares may
adversely affect the rights of the holders of the common shares.
In addition, the issuance of preferred shares may be used as an
anti-takeover device without further action on the part of the
shareholders. Issuance of preferred shares may dilute the voting
power of holders of common shares.
Subject to applicable regulatory requirements, our board of
directors may issue additional common shares without action by
our shareholders to the extent of available authorized but
unissued shares. The issuance of additional common shares may be
used as an anti-takeover device without further action on the
part of the shareholders. Such issuance may dilute the voting
power of existing holders of common shares.
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Registration Rights Under Shareholders Agreement
Under the terms of the shareholders agreement among all of our
existing shareholders, from the date that is six months after
the closing of our initial public offering, certain shareholders
holding at least 25% of our then outstanding registrable
securities may, up to a maximum of three times, require us to
effect the registration and/or qualification for sale of all or
part of the registrable securities then outstanding.
Under the shareholders agreement, registrable securities include
(1) our common shares issuable or issued upon conversion of
our preferred shares, (2) any of our common shares issued
as a dividend or other distribution with respect to, in exchange
for, or in replacement of, the shares referenced in (1). Upon
completion of this offering, the holders of 11,730,554 of our
common shares, or approximately 27.0% of the outstanding shares
immediately after the offering, or 26.2% if the underwriters
exercise their option to purchase additional ADSs in full, or
their transferees will be entitled to request that we register
their common shares under the Securities Act following the
expiration of the lockup agreements described elsewhere in this
prospectus.
Holders of registrable securities also have
piggyback registration rights, pursuant to which
they may require us to register all or any part of the
registrable securities then held by such holders when we
register any common shares, but excluding any registration
relating to any employee benefit plan or relating to a corporate
reorganization.
Holders of registrable securities may require us to effect a
registration statement on
Form S-3 or
Form F-3, as
applicable, for a public offering of registrable securities so
long as we are entitled to use
Form S-3 or
Form F-3 for such
offering and the reasonably anticipated aggregate price to the
public, net of all underwriting discounts, is more than
$1 million. Holders of registrable securities may demand a
registration on
Form F-3 on
unlimited occasions, but we are not required to effect more than
four such registrations in any twelve month period.
However, we are not obligated to effect any registration,
whether or not on
Form S-3 or
Form F-3:
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if within ten days of the receipt of any request, we give notice
to the initiating holders of our bona fide intention to effect
the filing for our own account of a registration statement of
our common shares within 60 days of receipt of that
request, and we are actively employing in good faith our
reasonable best efforts to cause such registration to become
effective within 60 days of the initial filing, and that
the holders are entitled to join such registration; |
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within six months following any registration of our securities,
if the holders are entitled to join such registration. |
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in any particular jurisdiction in which we would be required
solely as a result of such registration to execute a general
consent to service of process in effecting such registration,
qualification or compliance, unless we are already subject to
service of process in such jurisdiction; |
We are not obligated to effect any demand registration or
registration on
Form S-3 or
Form F-3 if we
furnish to the holders of registrable securities a certificate
signed by our chief executive officer stating that, in the good
faith judgment of our board of directors, it would be materially
detrimental to us or our shareholders for a registration
statement to be filed in the near future, in which event we have
the right to defer the filing of the registration statement, no
more than once during any 12-month period, for the period during
which such filing would be seriously detrimental but in any
event for a period not to exceed 90 days from the receipt
of the request to file such registration statement.
If any of the offerings involves an underwriting, the managing
underwriter of any such offering has certain rights to limit the
number of shares included in such registration. However, where
the number of registrable securities included in an underwritten
public offering other than our initial public offering is to be
reduced, the securities other than registrable shares must be
reduced before any registrable securities
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may be reduced, and the number of our registrable shares that
are included in such offering may not be reduced to less than
30% of the aggregate number of our registrable shares requested
to be included in such underwriting.
We are generally required to bear all of the registration
expenses, excluding underwriting discounts, incurred in
connection with all demand, piggyback and
Form S-3 or
Form F-3
registration, unless any request is subsequently withdrawn at
the request of a majority in interest of the holders requesting
such registration.
The foregoing demand, piggyback and
Form S-3 or
Form F-3
registration rights will terminate upon the earlier of the date
that is eight years after March 31, 2005 or the date that
is four years after the effective date of an initial public
offering in which:
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the aggregate proceeds to us from this offering is equal to or
greater than $100 million (before deduction of underwriters
commissions and expenses related to this offering); and |
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the valuation of our company as a result of such public offering
is equal to or greater than $300 million. |
Inspection of Books and Records
Holders of our common shares will have no general right under
Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of
shareholders or our corporate records. However, we will provide
our shareholders with annual audited financial statements. See
Where You Can Find Additional Information.
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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
American Depositary Shares
Citibank, N.A. has agreed to act as the depositary bank for the
American Depositary Shares. Citibank, N.A.s depositary
offices are located at 388 Greenwich Street,
14th
Floor, New York, New York 10013, U.S.A. American Depositary
Shares are frequently referred to as ADSs and
represent ownership interests in securities that are on deposit
with the depositary bank. ADSs may be represented by
certificates that are commonly known as American
Depositary Receipts or ADRs. The depositary
bank typically appoints a custodian to safekeep the securities
on deposit. In this case, the custodian is Citibank Hong Kong,
located at 10/ F, Harbour Front (II), 22, Tak Fung Street, Hung
Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
We appoint Citibank, N.A. as depositary bank pursuant to a
deposit agreement. A copy of the deposit agreement is on file
with the SEC under cover of a Registration Statement on
Form F-6. You may obtain a copy of the deposit agreement
from the SECs Public Reference Room at Headquarters
Office, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C.
20549 and from the SECs website (http://www.sec.gov).
Please refer to Registration Number 333-148641 when retrieving
such copy.
We are providing you with a summary description of the material
terms of the ADSs and of your material rights as an owner of
ADSs. Please remember that summaries by their nature lack the
precision of the information summarized and that a holders
rights and obligations as an owner of ADSs will be determined by
reference to the terms of the deposit agreement and not by this
summary. We urge you to review the deposit agreement in its
entirety.
Each ADS represents the right to receive two common shares on
deposit with the custodian. An ADS will also represent the right
to receive any other property received by the depositary bank or
the custodian on behalf of the owner of the ADS but that has not
been distributed to the owners of ADSs because of legal
restrictions or practical considerations.
If you become an owner of ADSs, you will become a party to the
deposit agreement and therefore will be bound to its terms and
to the terms of the ADR that represents your ADSs. The deposit
agreement and the ADRs specify our rights and obligations as
well as your rights and obligations as owner of ADSs and those
of the depositary bank. As an ADS holder you appoint the
depositary bank to act on your behalf in certain circumstances.
The deposit agreement and the ADRs are governed by New York law.
However, our obligations to the holders of common shares will
continue to be governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands which
may be different from the laws of the United States.
As an owner of ADSs, you may hold your ADSs either by means of
an ADR registered in your name, through a brokerage or
safekeeping account, or through an account established by the
depositary bank in your name reflecting the registration of
uncertificated ADSs directly on the books of the depositary bank
(commonly referred to as the direct registration
system or DRS). The direct registration system
reflects the uncertificated (book-entry) registration of
ownership of ADSs by the depositary bank. Under the direct
registration system, ownership of ADSs is evidenced by periodic
statements issued by the depositary bank to the holders of the
ADSs. The direct registration system includes automated
transfers between the depositary bank and The Depository
Trust Company, or DTC, the central book-entry clearing and
settlement system for equity securities in the United States. If
you decide to hold your ADSs through your brokerage or
safekeeping account, you must rely on the procedures of your
broker or bank to assert your rights as an ADS owner. Banks and
brokers typically hold securities such as ADSs through clearing
and settlement systems such as DTC. The procedures of such
clearing and settlement systems may limit your ability to
exercise your rights as an owner of ADSs. Please consult with
your broker or bank if you have any questions concerning these
limitations and procedures. This summary description assumes you
have opted to own the ADSs directly by means of an ADR
registered in your name and, as such, we will refer to you as
the holder. When we refer to you, we
assume the reader owns ADSs and will own ADSs at the relevant
time.
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Dividends and Distributions
As a holder, you generally have the right to receive the
distributions we make on the securities deposited with the
custodian bank. Your receipt of these distributions may be
limited, however, by practical considerations and legal
limitations. Holders will receive such distributions under the
terms of the deposit agreement in proportion to the number of
ADSs held as of a specified record date.
Distributions of Cash
Whenever we make a cash distribution for the securities on
deposit with the custodian, we will deposit the funds with the
custodian. Upon receipt of confirmation of the deposit of the
requisite funds, the depositary bank will arrange for the funds
to be converted into U.S. dollars and for the distribution of
the U.S. dollars to the holders, subject to the laws of the
Cayman Islands and regulations.
The conversion into U.S. dollars will take place only if
practicable and if the U.S. dollars are transferable to the
United States. The amounts distributed to holders will be net of
the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges payable by
holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. The depositary
will apply the same method for distributing the proceeds of the
sale of any property (such as undistributed rights) held by the
custodian in respect of securities on deposit.
Distributions of Shares
Whenever we make a free distribution of common shares for the
securities on deposit with the custodian, we will deposit the
applicable number of shares with the custodian. Upon receipt of
confirmation of such deposit, the depositary bank will either
distribute to holders new ADSs representing the common shares
deposited or modify the ADS-to-common shares ratio, in which
case each ADS you hold will represent rights and interests in
the additional shares so deposited. Only whole new ADSs will be
distributed. Fractional entitlements will be sold and the
proceeds of such sale will be distributed as in the case of a
cash distribution.
The distribution of new ADSs or the modification of the
ADS-to-common shares ratio upon a distribution of shares will be
made net of the fees, expenses, taxes and governmental charges
payable by holders under the terms of the deposit agreement. In
order to pay such taxes or governmental charges, the depositary
bank may sell all or a portion of the new shares so distributed.
No such distribution of new ADSs will be made if it would
violate a law (i.e., the U.S. securities laws) or if it is not
operationally practicable. If the depositary bank does not
distribute new ADSs as described above, it may sell the common
shares received upon the terms described in the deposit
agreement and will distribute the proceeds of the sale as in the
case of a distribution of cash.
Distributions of Rights
Whenever we intend to distribute rights to purchase additional
common shares, we will give prior notice to the depositary bank
and we will assist the depositary bank in determining whether it
is lawful and reasonably practicable to distribute rights to
purchase additional ADSs to holders.
The depositary bank will establish procedures to distribute
rights to purchase additional ADSs to holders and to enable such
holders to exercise such rights if it is lawful and reasonably
practicable to make the rights available to holders of ADSs, and
if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in the
deposit agreement (such as opinions to address the lawfulness of
the transaction). You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and
other governmental charges to subscribe for the new ADSs upon
the exercise of your rights. The depositary bank is not
obligated to establish procedures to facilitate the distribution
and exercise by holders of rights to purchase new common shares
other than in the form of ADSs.
The depositary bank will not distribute the rights to you if:
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We do not timely request that the rights be distributed to you
or we request that the rights not be distributed to you; or |
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We fail to deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary
bank; or |
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It is not reasonably practicable to distribute the rights. |
The depositary bank will sell the rights that are not exercised
or not distributed if such sale is lawful and reasonably
practicable. The proceeds of such sale will be distributed to
holders as in the case of a cash distribution. If the depositary
bank is unable to sell the rights, it will allow the rights to
lapse.
Elective Distributions
Whenever we intend to distribute a dividend payable at the
election of shareholders either in cash or in additional shares,
we will give prior notice thereof to the depositary bank and
will indicate whether we wish the elective distribution to be
made available to you. In such case, we will assist the
depositary bank in determining whether such distribution is
lawful and reasonably practicable.
The depositary bank will make the election available to you only
if it is reasonably practical and if we have provided all of the
documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement. In such
case, the depositary bank will establish procedures to enable
you to elect to receive either cash or additional ADSs, in each
case as described in the deposit agreement.
If the election is not made available to you, you will receive
either cash or additional ADSs, depending on what a shareholder
would receive upon failing to make an election, as more fully
described in the deposit agreement.
Other Distributions
Whenever we intend to distribute property other than cash,
common shares or rights to purchase additional common shares, we
will notify the depositary bank in advance and will indicate
whether we wish such distribution to be made to you. If so, we
will assist the depositary bank in determining whether such
distribution to holders is lawful and reasonably practicable.
If it is reasonably practicable to distribute such property to
you and if we provide all of the documentation contemplated in
the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will distribute the
property to the holders in a manner it deems practicable.
The distribution will be made net of fees, expenses, taxes and
governmental charges payable by holders under the terms of the
deposit agreement. In order to pay such taxes and governmental
charges, the depositary bank may sell all or a portion of the
property received.
The depositary bank will not distribute the property to you and
will sell the property if:
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We do not request that the property be distributed to you or if
we ask that the property not be distributed to you; or |
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We do not deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary bank;
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The depositary bank determines that all or a portion of the
distribution to you is not reasonably practicable. |
The proceeds of such a sale will be distributed to holders as in
the case of a cash distribution.
Whenever we decide to redeem any of the securities on deposit
with the custodian, we will notify the depositary bank. If it is
reasonably practicable and if we provide all of the
documentation contemplated in the deposit agreement, the
depositary bank will mail notice of the redemption to the
holders.
The custodian will be instructed to surrender the shares being
redeemed against payment of the applicable redemption price. The
depositary bank will convert the redemption funds received into
U.S. dollars upon the terms of the deposit agreement and will
establish procedures to enable holders to receive the net
proceeds from the redemption upon surrender of their ADSs to the
depositary bank. You may have
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to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges upon
the redemption of your ADSs. If less than all ADSs are being
redeemed, the ADSs to be retired will be selected by lot or on a
pro rata basis, as the depositary bank may determine.
Changes Affecting Shares
The common shares held on deposit for your ADSs may change from
time to time. For example, there may be a change in nominal or
par value, a split-up, cancellation, consolidation or
reclassification of such shares or a recapitalization,
reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of assets.
If any such change were to occur, your ADSs would, to the extent
permitted by law, represent the right to receive the property
received or exchanged in respect of the common shares held on
deposit. The depositary bank may in such circumstances deliver
new ADSs to you or call for the exchange of your existing ADSs
for new ADSs. If the depositary bank may not lawfully distribute
such property to you, the depositary bank may sell such property
and distribute the net proceeds to you as in the case of a cash
distribution.
Issuance of ADSs Upon Deposit of Common Shares
The depositary bank may create ADSs on your behalf if you or
your broker deposit common shares with the custodian. The
depositary bank will deliver these ADSs to the person you
indicate only after you pay any applicable issuance fees and any
charges and taxes payable for the transfer of the common shares
to the custodian. Your ability to deposit common shares and
receive ADSs may be limited by U.S. and Cayman Islands legal
considerations applicable at the time of deposit.
The issuance of ADSs may be delayed until the depositary bank or
the custodian receives confirmation that all required approvals
have been given and that the common shares have been duly
transferred to the custodian. The depositary bank will only
issue ADSs in whole numbers.
When you make a deposit of common shares, you will be
responsible for transferring good and valid title to the
depositary bank. As such, you will be deemed to represent and
warrant that:
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The common shares are duly authorized, validly issued, fully
paid, non-assessable and legally obtained. |
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All preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to
such common shares have been validly waived or exercised. |
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You are duly authorized to deposit the common shares. |
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The common shares presented for deposit are free and clear of
any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or
adverse claim, and are not, and the ADSs issuable upon such
deposit will not be, restricted securities (as
defined in the deposit agreement). |
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The shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any
rights or entitlements. |
If any of the representations or warranties are incorrect in any
way, we and the depositary bank may, at your cost and expense,
take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences
of the misrepresentations.
Transfer, Combination and Split Up of ADRs
As an ADR holder, you will be entitled to transfer, combine or
split up your ADRs and the ADSs evidenced thereby. For transfers
of ADRs, you will have to surrender the ADRs to be transferred
to the depositary bank and also must:
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Ensure that the surrendered ADR certificate is properly endorsed
or otherwise in proper form for transfer; |
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Provide such proof of identity and genuineness of signatures as
the depositary bank deems appropriate; |
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Provide any transfer stamps required by the State of New York or
the United States; and |
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Pay all applicable fees, charges, expenses, taxes and other
government charges payable by ADR holders pursuant to the terms
of the deposit agreement, upon the transfer of ADRs. |
To have your ADRs either combined or split up, you must
surrender the ADRs in question to the depositary bank with your
request to have them combined or split up, and you must pay all
applicable fees, charges and expenses payable by ADR holders,
pursuant to the terms of the deposit agreement, upon a
combination or split up of ADRs.
Withdrawal of Shares Upon Cancellation of ADSs
As a holder, you will be entitled to present your ADSs to the
depositary bank for cancellation and then receive the
corresponding number of underlying common shares at the
custodians offices. Your ability to withdraw the common
shares may be limited by U.S. and Cayman Islands legal
considerations applicable at the time of withdrawal. In order to
withdraw the common shares represented by your ADSs, you will be
required to pay to the depositary the fees for cancellation of
ADSs and any charges and taxes payable upon the transfer of the
common shares being withdrawn. You assume the risk for delivery
of all funds and securities upon withdrawal. Once canceled, the
ADSs will not have any rights under the deposit agreement.
If you hold ADSs registered in your name, the depositary bank
may ask you to provide proof of identity and genuineness of any
signature and such other documents as the depositary bank may
deem appropriate before it will cancel your ADSs. The withdrawal
of the shares represented by your ADSs may be delayed until the
depositary bank receives satisfactory evidence of compliance
with all applicable laws and regulations. Please keep in mind
that the depositary bank will only accept ADSs for cancellation
that represent a whole number of securities on deposit.
You will have the right to withdraw the securities represented
by your ADSs at any time except for:
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Temporary delays that may arise because (i) the transfer
books for the common shares or ADSs are closed, or
(ii) common shares are immobilized on account of a
shareholders meeting or a payment of dividends. |
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Obligations to pay fees, taxes and similar charges. |
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Restrictions imposed because of laws or regulations applicable
to ADSs or the withdrawal of securities on deposit. |
The deposit agreement may not be modified to impair your right
to withdraw the securities represented by your ADSs except to
comply with mandatory provisions of law.
As a holder, you generally have the right under the deposit
agreement to instruct the depositary bank to exercise the voting
rights for the common shares represented by your ADSs. The
voting rights of holders of common shares are described in
Description of Share Capital Voting Rights
Attaching to the Shares above.
At our request, the depositary bank will distribute to you any
notice of shareholders meeting received from us together
with information explaining how to instruct the depositary bank
to exercise the voting rights of the securities represented by
ADSs.
If the depositary bank timely receives voting instructions from
a holder of ADSs, it will endeavor to vote the securities
represented by the holders ADSs in accordance with such
voting instructions.
In the event of voting by a show of hands, each shareholder has
one vote irrespective of the number of shares held by such
person and the depositary shall vote or cause the custodian to
vote all the
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shares then on deposit in accordance with instructions received
from a majority of holders giving voting instructions. In the
event of poll voting, each shareholder has an amount of votes
equal to the number of shares held as of record date for the
meeting and the depositary shall vote or cause the custodian to
vote the shares on deposit in respect of ADSs for which holder
of ADSs have timely given voting instructions to the depositary.
If the depositary timely receives voting instructions from a
holder of ADSs that fail to specify the manner in which the
depositary is to vote the shares represented by that
holders ADSs, the depositary will deem the holder to have
voted in favor of the items set forth in the voting
instructions. If the depositary does not timely receive voting
instructions from a holder of ADSs and we have timely provided
the depositary with our notice of meeting and related materials,
that holder will be deemed, and the depositary will deem that
holder to have instructed the depositary to give a discretionary
proxy to a person designated by us to vote the shares
represented by the ADSs at our discretion, unless:
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we have failed to timely provide the depositary with our notice
of meeting and related voting materials; |
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we have instructed the depositary that we do not wish a
discretionary proxy to be given; |
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we have informed the depositary that there is substantial
opposition as to a matter to be voted on at the meeting; |
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a matter to be voted on at the meeting would have a material
adverse impact on shareholders; or |
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voting at the meeting is made on a show of hands. |
Please note that the ability of the depositary bank to carry out
voting instructions may be limited by practical and legal
limitations and the terms of the securities on deposit. We
cannot assure you that you will receive voting materials in time
to enable you to return voting instructions to the depositary
bank in a timely manner. Securities for which no voting
instructions have been received will not be voted.
Fees and Charges
As an ADS holder, you will be required to pay the following
service fees to the depositary bank:
Service Fees
Issuance of ADSs
Cancellation of ADSs
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Up to 5¢ per ADS canceled |
Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions
Distribution of ADSs pursuant to share dividends, free share
distributions or exercise of rights
Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to
purchase additional ADSs
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Up to 5¢ per share (or share equivalent) held |
Depositary Services Fee
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Up to 2¢ per ADS held on the applicable record date(s)
established by the depositary |
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Transfer of ADRs
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$1.50 per certificate presented for transfer |
As an ADS holder you will also be responsible to pay certain
fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank and certain
taxes and governmental charges such as:
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Fees for the transfer and registration of common shares charged
by the registrar and transfer agent for the common shares in the
Cayman Islands (i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of common
shares). |
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Expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S.
dollars. |
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Expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery
of securities. |
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Taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities (i.e., when
common shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit). |
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Fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or
servicing of common shares on deposit. |
We have agreed to pay certain other charges and expenses of the
depositary bank. Note that the fees and charges you may be
required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by us and
by the depositary bank. You will receive prior notice of such
changes.
Citibank, N.A., as depositary bank, has separately agreed to
make available to us a portion of the net fees (after deduction
of custody fees for the shares on deposit) it collects from ADS
holders. These amounts will be available to cover certain
expenses related to the establishment and maintenance of the ADR
program, including:
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legal fees and expenses; |
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ADS listing fees; |
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investor relations fees and expenses including training and
travel expenses for our investor relations staff; |
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mailing and printing fees (i.e. for annual reports and proxy
statements); and |
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website and web casting expenses. |
Neither the depositary bank nor we can determine the exact
amount to be made available to us because (i) the number of
ADSs that will be issued and outstanding, (ii) the level of
fees to be charged to holders of ADSs and (iii) our
reimbursable expenses related to the ADR program are not known
at this time.
Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancellation of
ADSs are generally paid to the depositary bank by the brokers
receiving the newly issued ADSs from the depositary bank and by
the brokers delivering the ADSs to the depositary bank for
cancellation. Depositary fees payable in connection with
distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and the
depositary service fee are charged by the depositary bank to the
holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date.
In the case of cash distributions, the depositary fees are
generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case
of distributions other than cash (e.g., stock dividends, rights,
etc.), the depositary bank charges the applicable fee to the ADS
record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the
case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether
certificated or in DRS), the depositary bank sends invoices to
the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held
in brokerage and custodian accounts (via DTC), the depositary
bank generally collects its fees through the settlement systems
provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the
ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs
in their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their
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clients ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their
clients accounts the amount of the fees paid to the
depositary banks.
In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees the
depositary bank may, under the terms of the deposit agreement,
refuse the requested service until payment is received or may
set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution
to be made to the ADS holder.
Amendments and Termination
We may agree with the depositary bank to modify the deposit
agreement at any time without your consent. We undertake to give
holders 30 days prior notice of any modifications
that would materially prejudice any of their substantial rights
under the deposit agreement. We will not consider to be
materially prejudicial to your substantial rights any
modifications or supplements that are reasonably necessary for
the ADSs to be registered under the Securities Act or to be
eligible for book-entry settlement, in each case without
imposing or increasing the fees and charges you are required to
pay. In addition, we may not be able to provide you with prior
notice of any modifications or supplements that are required to
accommodate compliance with applicable provisions of law.
You will be bound by the modifications to the deposit agreement
if you continue to hold your ADSs after the modifications to the
deposit agreement become effective. The deposit agreement cannot
be amended to prevent you from withdrawing the common shares
represented by your ADSs (except to comply with mandatory
provisions of law).
We have the right to direct the depositary bank to terminate the
deposit agreement. Similarly, the depositary bank may in certain
circumstances on its own initiative terminate the deposit
agreement. In either case, the depositary bank must give notice
to the holders at least 30 days before termination, which
notice shall fix a date for termination of the deposit agreement.
After the termination and prior to any sale of the securities
held on deposit (as described below), you will be able to
request the cancellation of your ADSs and the withdrawal of the
common shares represented by your ADSs and the delivery of all
other property held by the depositary bank in respect of those
common shares on the same terms as prior to the termination.
During such period, the depositary bank will continue to collect
all distributions received on the common shares on deposit
(e.g., dividends) but will not distribute any such property to
you until you request the cancellation of your ADSs.
At any time after the date fixed for termination of the deposit
agreement, the depositary bank may sell the securities held on
deposit. The depositary bank will hold the proceeds from such
sale and any other funds then held for the holders of ADSs in a
non-interest bearing account. At that point, the depositary bank
will have no further obligations to holders other than to
account for the funds then held for the holders of ADSs still
outstanding (after deduction of applicable fees, expenses and
taxes).
After termination, your obligations under the deposit agreement
as an ADS holder will continue until your ADSs are presented to
the depositary bank for cancellation.
Books of Depositary
The depositary bank will maintain ADS holder records at its
depositary office. You may inspect such records at such office
during regular business hours but solely for the purpose of
communicating with other holders in the interest of business
matters relating to the ADSs and the deposit agreement.
The depositary bank will maintain in New York facilities to
record and process the issuance, cancellation, combination,
split-up and transfer of ADRs. These facilities may be closed
from time to time, to the extent not prohibited by law.
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Limitations on Obligations and Liabilities
The deposit agreement limits our obligations and the depositary
banks obligations to you. Please note the following:
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We and the depositary bank are obligated only to take the
actions specifically stated in the deposit agreement without
negligence or bad faith. |
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The depositary bank disclaims any liability for any failure to
carry out voting instructions, for any manner in which a vote is
cast or for the effect of any vote, provided that it acts in
good faith and in accordance with the terms of the deposit
agreement. |
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The depositary bank disclaims any liability for any failure to
determine the lawfulness or practicality of any action, for the
content of any document forwarded to you on our behalf or for
the accuracy of any translation of such a document, for the
investment risks associated with investing in common shares, for
the validity or worth of the common shares, for any tax
consequences that result from the ownership of ADSs, for the
credit-worthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to
lapse under the terms of the deposit agreement, for the
timeliness of any of our notices or for our failure to give
notice. |
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We and the depositary bank will not be obligated to perform any
act that is inconsistent with the terms of the deposit agreement. |
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We and the depositary bank disclaim any liability if we are
prevented or forbidden from acting on account of any law or
regulation, any provision of our amended and restated memorandum
and articles of association, any provision of any securities on
deposit or by reason of any act of God or war or other
circumstances beyond our control. |
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We and the depositary bank disclaim any liability by reason of
any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided
for the deposit agreement or in our amended and restated
memorandum and articles of association or in any provisions of
securities on deposit. |
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We and the depositary bank further disclaim any liability for
any action or inaction in reliance on the advice or information
received from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting
shares for deposit, any holder of ADSs or authorized
representatives thereof, or any other person believed by either
of us in good faith to be competent to give such advice or
information. |
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We and the depositary bank also disclaim liability for the
inability by a holder to benefit from any distribution,
offering, right or other benefit which is made available to
holders of common shares but is not, under the terms of the
deposit agreement, made available to you. |
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We and the depositary bank may rely without any liability upon
any written notice, request or other document believed to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper
parties. |
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We and the depositary bank also disclaim liability for any
consequential or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of
the deposit agreement. |
Pre-Release Transactions
The depositary bank may, in certain circumstances, issue ADSs
before receiving a deposit of common shares or release common
shares before receiving ADSs for cancellation. These
transactions are commonly referred to as pre-release
transactions. The deposit agreement limits the aggregate
size of pre-release transactions and imposes a number of
conditions on such transactions (e.g., the need to fully
collateralize, the type of collateral required, the
representations required from brokers, etc.). The depositary
bank may retain the compensation received from the pre-release
transactions.
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Taxes
You will be responsible for the taxes and other governmental
charges payable on the ADSs and the securities represented by
the ADSs. We, the depositary bank and the custodian may deduct
from any distribution the taxes and governmental charges payable
by holders and may sell any and all property on deposit to pay
the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders. You will
be liable for any deficiency if the sale proceeds do not cover
the taxes that are due.
The depositary bank may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver,
transfer, split and combine ADRs or to release securities on
deposit until all taxes and charges are paid by the applicable
holder. The depositary bank and the custodian may take
reasonable administrative actions to obtain tax refunds and
reduced tax withholding for any distributions on your behalf.
However, you may be required to provide to the depositary bank
and to the custodian proof of taxpayer status and residence and
such other information as the depositary bank and the custodian
may require to fulfill legal obligations. You are required to
indemnify us, the depositary bank and the custodian for any
claims with respect to taxes based on any tax benefit obtained
for you.
Foreign Currency Conversion
The depositary bank will arrange for the conversion of all
foreign currency received into U.S. dollars if such conversion
is practical, and it will distribute the U.S. dollars in
accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement. You may have
to pay fees and expenses incurred in converting foreign
currency, such as fees and expenses incurred in complying with
currency exchange controls and other governmental requirements.
If the conversion of foreign currency is not practical or
lawful, or if any required approvals are denied or not
obtainable at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable period,
the depositary bank may take the following actions in its
discretion:
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Convert the foreign currency to the extent practical and lawful
and distribute the U.S. dollars to the holders for whom the
conversion and distribution is lawful and practical. |
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Distribute the foreign currency to holders for whom the
distribution is lawful and practical. |
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Hold the foreign currency (without liability for interest) for
the applicable holders. |
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our
common shares or our ADSs, and while application has been made
for our ADSs to be quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market, we cannot
assure you that an active trading market for our ADSs will
develop or be sustained after this offering. Future sales of
substantial amounts of our ADSs in the public market following
this offering or perception that such future sales may occur
could adversely affect market price prevailing from time to time
and could impair our ability through sale of our equity
securities. We currently do not expect that an active trading
market will develop for our common shares not represented by the
ADSs.
Upon completion of this offering, we will have outstanding ADSs
representing approximately 22.5% of our common shares, or 25.0%
if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional
ADSs in full. All of the ADSs sold in this offering and the
common shares they represent will be freely transferable without
restriction or further registration under the Securities Act,
except for any ADSs purchased by our affiliates as
that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
Rule 144 defines an affiliate of a company as a person
that, directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common
control with, our company. All outstanding common shares prior
to this offering are restricted securities as that
term is defined in Rule 144 because they were issued in a
transaction or series of transactions not involving a public
offering. Restricted Securities, in the form of ADSs or
otherwise, may be sold only if they are the subject of an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act or if
they are sold pursuant to an exemption from the registration
requirement of the Securities Act such as those provided for in
Rules 144 or 701 promulgated under the Securities Act,
which rules are summarized below. Restricted common shares may
also be sold outside of the United States to
non-U.S. persons
in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S under the
Act. This prospectus may not be used in connection with any
resale of our ADSs acquired in this offering by our affiliates.
Lock-Up Agreements
We have agreed for a period of 180 days after the date of
this prospectus not to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of,
and not to announce an intention to sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of, without the prior written consent of the
representative:
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any common shares or depositary shares representing common
shares; |
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any shares of our subsidiaries or controlled affiliates or
depositary shares representing those shares; |
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any securities that are substantially similar to the common
shares or depositary shares referred to above, including any
securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or
otherwise represent the right to receive common shares, other
shares or depositary shares referred to above; |
in each case other than pursuant to the exercises of options
under employee share option plans existing on the date of this
prospectus and described in this prospectus.
In addition, we have agreed to cause each of our subsidiaries
not to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, and not to
announce an intention to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of,
for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus,
without the prior written consent of the representative, any of
the securities referred to above.
Furthermore, each of our shareholders, directors and executive
officers have entered into a similar 180 day
lock-up agreement.
These parties collectively own 100% of our outstanding common
shares prior to this offering.
These restrictions do not apply to (1) the ADSs and the
common shares representing such ADSs being offered in connection
with this offering and (2) up to ADSs and the common shares
representing
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such ADSs that may be purchased by the underwriters if their
option to purchase additional ADSs is exercised in full.
We are not aware of any plans by any significant shareholder to
dispose of significant numbers of ADSs or common shares. We
cannot assure you, however, that one or more existing
shareholders will not dispose of significant numbers of ADSs or
common shares. See Principal Shareholders for a
description of our significant shareholders. No prediction can
be made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of ADSs or
common shares, or the availability of ADSs or common shares for
future sale, will have on the market price of our ADSs
prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of
ADSs or common shares in the public market, or the perception
that future sales may occur, could materially and adversely
affect the prevailing market price of our ADSs.
Rule 144
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect,
beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus a
person who has beneficially owned our restricted securities for
at least six months is entitled to sell the restricted
securities without registration under the Securities Act,
subject to certain restrictions. Persons who are our affiliates
(including persons beneficially owning 10% or more of our
outstanding shares) may sell within any three-month period a
number of restricted securities that does not exceed the greater
of the following:
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1% of the number of our common shares then outstanding, in the
form of ADSs or otherwise, which will equal approximately
433,787 shares immediately after this offering, or 448,409 if
the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional
ADSs in full; and |
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the average weekly trading volume of our ADSs on the Nasdaq
Global Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the date
on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC. |
Such sales are also subject to manner-of-sale provisions, notice
requirements and the availability of current public information
about us. Persons who are not our affiliates and have
beneficially owned our restricted securities for more than six
months but not more than one year may sell the restricted
securities without registration under the Securities Act subject
to the availability of current public information about us.
Persons who are not our affiliates and have beneficially owned
our restricted securities for more than one year may freely sell
the restricted securities without registration under the
Securities Act.
Rule 701
In general, under Rule 701, any of our employees,
directors, officers, or consultants who purchase common shares
from us in connection with a compensatory stock or option plan
or other written agreement before the effective date of this
offering is entitled to sell these common shares 180 days
after the effective date of offering in reliance on
Rule 144. Rule 701 provides that affiliates may sell
their Rule 701 common shares under Rule 144 without
having to comply with the holding period and notice filing
requirements of Rule 144, and that non-affiliates may sell
those common shares in reliance on Rule 144 without having
to comply with the holding period, public information, volume
limitation or notice requirements under Rule 144.
Registration Rights
Upon completion of this offering, the holders of
11,730,554 common shares, or approximately 27.0% of our
outstanding shares immediately after this offering, or 26.2% if
the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional
ADSs in full, or their transferees will be entitled to request
that we register their common shares under the Securities Act,
following the expiration of the lockup agreements described
above. For a further description of these registration rights,
see Description of Share Capital Registration
Rights Under Shareholders Agreement.
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TAXATION
The following discussion of the material Cayman Islands and
United States federal income tax consequences of an investment
in our ADSs is based upon laws and relevant interpretations
thereof in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of
which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect.
This discussion does not deal with all possible tax consequences
relating to an investment in our ADSs, such as the tax
consequences under state, local and other tax laws. To the
extent that the discussion relates to matters of Cayman Islands
tax law, it represents the opinion of Conyers, Dill &
Pearman, special Cayman Islands counsel to us. To the extent the
discussion relates to legal conclusions under current
U.S. federal income tax law (not including any of our
expectations), and subject to the qualifications herein, it
represents the opinion of OMelveny & Myers LLP,
our special U.S. counsel.
Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or
corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciations
and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or
estate duty or withholding tax applicable to us or to any holder
of ADSs or common shares. 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. No stamp duty is payable in the Cayman
Islands on transfers of shares of Cayman Islands companies
except those which hold interests in land in the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties.
There are no exchange control regulations or currency
restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
Pursuant to Section 6 of the Tax Concessions Law (1999
Revision) of the Cayman Islands, we have obtained an undertaking
from the
Governor-in-Cabinet:
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that no law which is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any
tax to be levied on profits or income or gains or appreciations
shall apply to the Company or its operations; and |
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that the aforesaid tax or any tax in the nature of estate duty
or inheritance tax shall not be payable on the shares,
debentures or other obligations of the Company. |
The undertaking for us is for a period of twenty years from
October 3, 2006.
United States Federal Income Taxation
This discussion describes the material U.S. federal income
tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition
of our ADSs under currently applicable law. Where specifically
noted, and subject to the qualifications herein, the legal
conclusions in this discussion represent the opinion of our
special U.S. tax counsel, under current U.S. federal
income tax. This discussion does not address any aspect of
U.S. federal gift or estate tax, or the state, local or
foreign tax consequences of an investment in our ADSs. This
discussion applies to you only if you are an initial purchaser
of our ADSs and you hold and beneficially own our ADSs as
capital assets (generally, property held for investment) for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. This discussion does not
apply to you if you are a member of a class of holders subject
to special rules, such as:
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dealers in securities or currencies; |
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traders in securities that elect to use a
mark-to-market method
of accounting for securities holdings; |
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banks or other financial institutions; |
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regulated investment companies or real estate investment trusts; |
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expatriates; |
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insurance companies; |
168
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tax-exempt organizations; |
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partnerships and other pass-through entities for
U.S. federal income tax purposes or investors in such
partnerships or pass-through entities; |
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persons that hold ADSs as part of a hedge, straddle,
constructive sale, conversion transaction or other integrated
investment; |
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U.S. Holders (as defined below) whose functional currency
for tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar; |
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persons liable for alternative minimum tax; or |
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persons who own or are deemed to own more than 10% of our voting
shares. |
This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended, which we refer to in this discussion as the
Code, existing and proposed regulations promulgated thereunder,
published rulings and court decisions, all as currently in
effect. These laws are subject to change, possibly on a
retroactive basis. In addition, this discussion is based in part
upon the representations of the depositary and the assumption
that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related
agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.
If you are considering the purchase, ownership or disposition
of our ADSs, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning
the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you in light of
your particular situation as well as any consequences arising
under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
For purposes of the U.S. federal income tax discussion
below, you are a U.S. Holder if you
beneficially own ADSs and are:
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a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a corporation, or entity taxable as a corporation, that was
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States,
any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
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an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal
income tax regardless of its source; or |
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a trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to
exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or
more U.S. persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust, or (b) the trust has a
valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person. |
If you are not a U.S. Holder, please refer to the
discussion below under
Non-U.S. Holders.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, income earned through
a foreign or domestic partnership or other pass-through entity
is attributed to its owners. Accordingly, if a partnership holds
ADSs, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in
such partnership will generally depend on the status of such
partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners and
partnerships should consult their tax advisors as to the
particular U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable
to them.
U.S. Holders
If you hold ADSs, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you
generally will be treated as the owner of the underlying shares
that are represented by such ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or
withdrawals of shares for ADSs will not be subject to
U.S. federal income tax.
The United States Treasury has expressed concerns that parties
to whom ADSs are prereleased may be taking actions that are
inconsistent with the claiming, by United States Holders of
ADSs, of foreign tax credits for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the
claiming of the reduced rate of tax applicable to dividends
received by certain non-corporate United States
169
Holders, as described below. Accordingly, the availability of
the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain
non-corporate United States Holders could be affected by future
actions that may be taken by the United States Treasury.
We do not anticipate paying dividends on our common shares or
indirectly on our ADSs, in the foreseeable future. See
Dividend Policy.
Subject to the discussion under the heading Status as a
PFIC below, if we do make distributions and you are a
U.S. Holder, the gross amount of distributions on the ADSs
will be taxable as dividends, to the extent paid out of our
current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under
U.S. federal income tax principles. Such income (including
withheld taxes) will be includable in your gross income as
ordinary income on the day actually or constructively received
by the depositary. Such dividends will not be eligible for the
dividends received deduction allowed to corporations under the
Code. With respect to non-corporate United States investors,
certain dividends received before January 1, 2011 from a
qualified foreign corporation may be subject to reduced rates of
taxation (generally 15%). A foreign corporation is treated as a
qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid by
that corporation on shares (or ADSs backed by such shares) that
are readily tradable on an established securities market in the
United States. United States Treasury Department guidance
indicates that our ADSs, which we have applied to be listed on
the Nasdaq Global Market, will be readily tradable on an
established securities market in the United States.
Non-corporate holders that do not meet a minimum holding period
requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of
loss or that elect to treat the dividend income as
investment income pursuant to section 163(d)(4)
of the Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of
taxation regardless of our status as a qualified foreign
corporation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to
dividends if the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make
related payments with respect to positions in substantially
similar or related property. This disallowance applies even if
the minimum holding period has been met. You should consult your
own tax advisors regarding the application of this legislation
to your particular circumstances.
To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds our
current and accumulated earnings and profits for a taxable year,
as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, the
distribution will first be treated as a tax-free return of
capital, causing a reduction in the adjusted basis of the ADSs
(thereby increasing the amount of gain, or decreasing the amount
of loss, to be recognized by you on a subsequent disposition of
the ADSs), and the balance in excess of adjusted basis will be
taxed as capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange. However,
we do not expect to keep earnings and profits in accordance with
United States federal income tax principles. Therefore, you
should expect that a distribution will generally be treated as
dividend (as discussed above).
Distributions of ADSs, common shares or rights to subscribe for
common shares that are received as part of a pro rata
distribution to all of our shareholders generally will not be
subject to U.S. federal income tax. The basis of the new
ADSs, common shares or rights so received will be determined by
allocating the your basis in the old ADSs between the old ADSs
and the new ADSs, common shares or rights received, based on
their relative fair market values on the date of distribution.
However, the basis of the rights will be zero if:
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the fair market value of the rights is less than 15 percent
of the fair market value of the old ADSs at the time of
distribution, unless you elect to determine the basis of the old
ADSs and of the rights by allocating the adjusted basis of the
old ADSs between the old ADSs and the rights, or |
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the rights are not exercised and thus expire. |
170
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Sales and Other Dispositions of ADSs
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Subject to the discussion under the heading Status as a
PFIC below, when you sell or otherwise dispose of ADSs,
you will generally recognize capital gain or loss in an amount
equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale
or other disposition and your tax basis in the ADSs. Your tax
basis will generally equal the amount you paid for the ADSs. Any
gain or loss you recognize will be long-term capital gain or
loss if you have held the ADSs for more than one year at the
time of disposition. If you are an individual, any such
long-term capital gain will be taxed at preferential rates
(generally 15% for capital gain recognized before
January 1, 2011). Your ability to deduct capital losses
will be subject to various limitations.
If we are a PFIC in any taxable year, as a U.S. Holder, you
will generally be subject to additional taxes and interest
charges on certain excess distributions we make and
on any gain realized on the disposition or deemed disposition of
your ADSs regardless of whether we continue to be a PFIC in the
year in which you receive an excess distribution or
dispose of or are deemed to dispose of your ADSs. Distributions
in respect of your ADSs during a taxable year will generally
constitute excess distributions if, in the
aggregate, they exceed 125% of the average amount of
distributions in respect of your ADSs over the three preceding
taxable years or, if shorter, the portion of your holding period
before such taxable year.
To compute the tax on excess distributions or any
gain, (1) the excess distribution or the gain
will be allocated ratably to each day in your holding period,
(2) the amount allocated to the current year and any tax
year before we became a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income in
the current year, (3) the amount allocated to other taxable
years will be taxable at the highest applicable marginal rate in
effect for that year, and (4) an interest charge at the
rate for underpayment of taxes for any period described under
(3) above will be imposed with respect to any portion of
the excess distribution or gain that is allocated to
such period. In addition, if we are a PFIC, no distribution that
you receive from us will qualify for taxation at the
preferential rate discussed in the Dividends on ADSs
section above.
We will be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year if either:
(1) 75% or more of our gross income for the taxable year is
passive income (such as certain dividends, interest or
royalties), or (2) the average percentage value of our
gross assets during the taxable year that produce passive income
or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50%
of the value of our total assets. For purposes of the asset
test, any cash, including any cash proceeds from this offering
not invested in active assets shortly after the offering, cash
equivalents, and cash invested in short-term, interest bearing,
debt instruments, or bank deposits, that is readily convertible
into cash, will generally count as a passive asset. If we own at
least 25% (by value) of the stock of another corporation, we
will be treated, for purposes of the PFIC tests, as owning our
proportionate share of the other corporations assets and
receiving our proportionate share of the other
corporations income.
We do not expect to be a PFIC for the taxable year 2008. Our
expectation is based on assumptions as to our projections of the
value of our outstanding shares during the year and our use of
the proceeds of this offering and of the other cash that we will
hold and generate in the ordinary course of our business
throughout taxable year 2008. Despite our expectation, there can
be no assurance that we will not be a PFIC for the taxable year
2008 and/or later taxable years, as PFIC status is re-tested
each year and depends on the actual facts in such year. We could
be a PFIC, for example, if we do not spend sufficient amounts of
the proceeds of the initial public offering of our ADSs, if our
market capitalization (i.e., our share price multiplied by the
total number of our outstanding common shares) at any time in
the future is lower than projected, or if our business and
assets evolve in ways that are different from what we currently
anticipate. In addition, though we believe that our assets and
the income derived from our assets do not generally constitute
passive assets and income under the PFIC rules, there is no
assurance that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or IRS,
will agree with us. Our special U.S. counsel expresses no
opinion with respect to our expectations contained in this
paragraph.
171
If we are a PFIC in any year, as a U.S. Holder, you will be
required to make an annual return on IRS Form 8621
regarding your ADSs. However, in part because we do not plan on
keeping a set of U.S. tax accounting books, we do not
intend to generate, or share with you, the information that you
might need to properly complete IRS Form 8621. You should
consult with your own tax adviser regarding reporting
requirements with regard to your ADSs.
The ADSs will be marketable as long as they remain
regularly traded on a national securities exchange, such as
NASDAQ. As a result, if we are a PFIC in any year, you will be
able to avoid the excess distribution rules
described above by making a timely so-called
mark-to-market
election with respect to your ADSs. If you make this election in
a timely fashion, you will generally recognize as ordinary
income or ordinary loss the difference between the fair market
value of your ADSs on the last day of any taxable year and your
adjusted tax basis in the ADSs. Any ordinary income resulting
from this election will generally be taxed at ordinary income
rates. Any ordinary losses will be limited to the extent of the
net amount of previously included income as a result of the
mark-to-market
election, if any. Your adjusted tax basis in the ADSs will be
adjusted to reflect any such income or loss. You should consult
with your own tax adviser regarding potential advantages and
disadvantages to you of making a
mark-to-market
election with respect to your ADSs.
Generally, if we are or become a PFIC in any year, you would be
able to avoid the excess distribution rules by
making a timely election to treat us as a so-called
Qualified Electing Fund or QEF. However,
because we do not intend to keep a set of U.S. tax
accounting books and do not intend to provide you with the
information you would need to make or maintain a QEF
election, you will not be able to make or maintain such an
election with respect to your ADSs.
Non-U.S. Holders
If you are not a U.S. Holder for U.S. federal income
tax purposes (a
non-U.S. Holders),
you generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income
tax or withholding on dividends received from us with respect to
ADSs unless that income is considered effectively connected with
your conduct of a U.S. trade or business and, if an
applicable income tax treaty so requires as a condition for you
to be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to
income from your ADSs, such dividends are attributable to a
permanent establishment that you maintain in the United States.
You generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income
tax, including withholding tax, on any gain realized upon the
sale or exchange of ADSs, unless:
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that gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a
U.S. trade or business and, if an applicable income tax
treaty so requires as a condition for you to be subject to
U.S. federal income tax with respect to income from your
ADSs, such gain is attributable to a permanent establishment
that you maintain in the United States; or |
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you are a nonresident alien individual and are present in the
United States for at least 183 days in the taxable year of
the sale or other disposition and either (1) your gain is
attributable to an office or other fixed place of business that
you maintain in the United States or (2) you have a tax
home in the United States. |
If you are engaged in a U.S. trade or business, unless an
applicable tax treaty provides otherwise, the income from your
ADSs, including dividends and the gain from the disposition of
ADSs, that is effectively connected with the conduct of that
trade or business will generally be subject to the rules
applicable to U.S. Holders discussed above. In addition, if
you are a corporation, you may be subject to an additional
branch profits tax at a rate of 30% or any lower rate under an
applicable tax treaty.
U.S. Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Rules
In general, dividend payments with respect to the ADSs and the
proceeds received on the sale or other disposition of those ADSs
may be subject to information reporting to the IRS, and to
backup withholding (currently imposed at a rate of 28%). Backup
withholding will not apply, however, if you
172
(1) are a corporation or come within certain other exempt
categories and, when required, can demonstrate that fact or
(2) provide a taxpayer identification number, certify as to
no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise
comply with the applicable backup withholding rules. To
establish your status as an exempt person, you will generally be
required to provide certification on IRS
Form W-9, W-8BEN
or W-8ECI, as applicable. Any amounts withheld from payments to
you under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a
refund or a credit against your U.S. federal income tax
liability, provided that you furnish the required information to
the IRS.
Prospective purchasers should consult with their own tax
advisors regarding the application of the U.S. federal
income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any
additional tax consequences resulting from purchasing, holding
or disposing of ADSs, including the applicability and effect of
the tax laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction,
including estate, gift, and inheritance laws.
173
UNDERWRITING
We intend to offer the ADSs through the underwriters. Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated is acting as
representative of the underwriters named below and as the
bookrunner of this offering. Subject to the terms and conditions
contained in the underwriting agreement among us and the
underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and
the underwriters severally have agreed to purchase from us, the
number of ADSs listed opposite their names below.
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Number |
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of ADSs |
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Underwriter
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Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
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Incorporated
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Piper Jaffray & Co.
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Susquehanna Financial Group, LLLP
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Total
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4,874,012 |
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The underwriters have agreed to purchase all of the ADSs sold
under the underwriting agreement if any of these ADSs is
purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting
agreement provides that, in certain circumstances, the purchase
commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased
or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or
to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to
make in respect of those liabilities.
The underwriters are offering the ADSs, subject to prior sale,
when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to
approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the
validity of the ADSs, and other conditions contained in the
underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters
of officers certificates and legal opinions. The
underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify
offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Commissions and Discounts
The representative has advised us that the underwriters propose
initially to offer the ADSs to the public at the public offering
price on the cover page of this prospectus, and to certain
dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of
$ per
ADS. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may re-allow, a
discount from the concession not in excess of
$ per
ADS to other dealers. After the initial public offering, the
public offering price, concession and discount may be changed.
The following table shows the public offering price,
underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to ATA. The
information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the
underwriters of their overallotment option.
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Per ADS |
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Without Option |
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With Option |
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Public offering price
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Underwriting discount
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Proceeds, before expenses, to ATA
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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Overallotment Option
We have granted options to the underwriters to purchase up to
731,101 additional ADSs at the public offering price less
the underwriting discount. The underwriters may exercise these
options for 30 days from the date of this prospectus solely
to cover any overallotments. If the underwriters exercise these
options, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained
in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of
additional ADSs proportionate to that underwriters initial
amount reflected in the above table.
174
Directed Share Program
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to eight
percent of the ADSs being offered, at the initial public
offering price, through a directed share program to persons that
we believe have contributed to our growth, including certain
friends and family members of our management, directors,
affiliates and strategic partners, and employees of certain of
our clients, course content providers and landlord. There can be
no assurance that any of the reserved shares will be so
purchased. The number of shares available for sale to the
general public in this offering will be reduced to the extent
that the reserved shares are purchased in the directed share
program. Any reserved shares not purchased through the directed
share program will be offered to the general public on the same
basis as the other shares offered hereby.
No Sale of Similar Securities
We have agreed not to sell or transfer any of our common shares
or ADSs other than the ADSs sold in the initial public offering
for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without
first obtaining the written consent of the representative,
except issuances pursuant to the exercise of employee share
options outstanding on the date hereof. Specifically, we have
agreed not to directly or indirectly:
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offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any common shares or
ADSs, |
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sell any option or contract to purchase any common shares or
ADSs, |
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purchase any option or contract to sell any common shares or
ADSs, |
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grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of any common
shares or ADSs, |
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lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any common shares or
ADSs, or |
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enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole
or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of any common
shares or ADS whether any such swap or transaction is to be
settled by delivery of shares, ADS or other securities, in cash
or otherwise. |
Our executive officers, directors and shareholders have agreed
not to sell or transfer any of our common shares or ADSs other
than the ADSs sold in the initial public offering for
180 days after the date of this prospectus without first
obtaining the written consent of the representative.
Specifically, our executive officers, directors and shareholders
have agreed not to directly or indirectly:
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offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any common shares or
ADSs, |
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sell any option or contract to purchase any common shares or
ADSs, |
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purchase any option or contract to sell any common shares or
ADSs, |
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grant any option, right or warrant for the sale of any common
shares or ADSs, |
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lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any common shares or
ADSs or any security convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for ADSs or common shares, or |
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enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole
or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of any common
shares or ADS whether any such swap or transaction is to be
settled by delivery of shares, ADS or other securities, in cash
or otherwise. |
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The foregoing lock-up
provisions apply to the common shares and ADSs and to securities
convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable
with the common shares or ADSs. If (1) during the last
17 days of the
180-day
lock-up period, we
issue an earnings release or announce material news or a
material event or (2) before the expiration of the
lock-up period, we
announce we will
175
release earnings results or become aware that material news or a
material event will occur during the
16-day period beginning
on the last day of the
lock-up period, the
lock-up restrictions
will continue to apply until the expiration of the
18-day period beginning
on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the
material news or material event.
Nasdaq Global Market Listing
We have applied to have our ADSs listed on the Nasdaq Global
Market under the symbol ATAI.
Before this offering, there has been no public market for our
common shares or ADSs. The initial public offering price will be
determined through negotiations between us and the
representative. In addition to prevailing market conditions, the
factors to be considered in determining the initial public
offering price are:
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the valuation multiples of publicly traded companies that the
representative believes to be comparable to us, |
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our financial information, |
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the history of, and the prospects for, our company and the
industry in which we compete, |
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an assessment of our management, its past and present
operations, and the prospects for, and timing of, our future
revenues, |
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the present state of our development, and |
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the above factors in relation to market values and various
valuation measures of other companies engaged in activities
similar to ours. |
An active trading market for the ADSs may not develop. It is
also possible that after the offering the ADSs will not trade in
the public market at or above the initial public offering price.
We are not aware of any person who intends to purchase more than
5% of the ADSs. However, through a book-building process to
assess market demand for the ADSs, there may be persons who may
indicate an interest to purchase more than 5% of the ADSs. If
there are persons who apply to buy and are subsequently allotted
more than 5% of the ADSs offered in this offering, we will make
the necessary disclosure in the final prospectus.
Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
Until the distribution of the ADSs is completed, SEC rules may
limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for
and purchasing our ADSs. However, the representative may engage
in transactions that stabilize the price of the ADSs, such as
bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price in
accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may make short
sales of the ADSs, which involves the sale by the underwriters
of a greater number of ADSs than they are required to purchase
in the offering, and may purchase ADSs on the open market to
cover positions created by short sales. Covered short sales are
sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters
overallotment option to purchase additional ADSs in the
offering. The representative may close out any covered short
position by either exercising their overallotment option or
purchasing ADSs in the open market. In determining the source of
ADSs to close out the covered short position, the representative
will consider, among other things, the price of ADSs available
for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at
which they may purchase ADSs through the overallotment option.
Naked short sales are sales in excess of the overallotment
option. The representative must close out any naked short
position by purchasing ADSs in the open market. A naked short
position is more likely to be created if the representative is
concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of
the ADSs in the open market after pricing that could adversely
affect investors who purchase in the offering. Similar to other
purchase transactions, the
176
representatives purchases to cover the syndicate short
sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market
price of the ADSs or preventing or retarding a decline in the
market price of the ADSs. As a result, the price of the ADSs may
be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open
market.
The representative may also impose a penalty bid on underwriters
and selling group members. This means that if the representative
purchases ADSs in the open market to reduce the
underwriters short position or to stabilize the price of
such ADSs, it may reclaim the amount of the selling concession
from the underwriters and selling group members who sold those
ADSs. The imposition of a penalty bid may also affect the price
of the shares in that it discourages resales of those ADSs.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation
or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect
that the transactions described above may have on the price of
the ADSs. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters
makes any representation that the representative will engage in
these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced,
will not be discontinued without notice.
Other Relationships
Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in,
and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other
commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us.
They have received customary fees and commissions for these
transactions.
Selling Restrictions
No action has been or will be taken by us or by any underwriter
in any jurisdiction except in the United States that would
permit a public offering of our ADSs, or the possession,
circulation or distribution of a prospectus or any other
material relating to us and our ADSs in any country or
jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required.
Accordingly, our ADSs may not be offered or sold, directly or
indirectly, and neither this prospectus nor any other material
or advertisements in connection with this offering may be
distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction
except in compliance with any applicable rules and regulations
of any such country or jurisdiction. The foregoing restrictions
do not apply to stabilization transactions.
In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area
which has implemented the Prospectus Directive, with effect from
and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is
implemented in that Member State the underwriters have not made
and may not make an offer of ADSs to the public in that Member
State, except that the underwriters may, with effect from and
including such date, make an offer of ADSs to the public in that
Member State:
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|
|
|
|
at any time to legal entities which are authorized or regulated
to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or
regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in
securities; |
|
|
|
at any time to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an
average of at least 250 employees during the last financial
year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than
43,000,000 and
(3) an annual net turnover of more than
50,000,000, as
shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts; or |
|
|
|
at any time in any other circumstances which do not require the
publication by us of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of
the Prospectus Directive. |
For the purposes of the above, the expression an offer of
ADSs to the public in relation to any ADSs in any Member
State means the communication in any form and by any means of
sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the ADSs to
be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to
177
purchase or subscribe the ADSs, as the same may be varied in
that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus
Directive in that Member State and the expression Prospectus
Directive means Directive 2003/71/ EC and includes any relevant
implementing measure in that Member State.
The underwriters have only communicated or caused to be
communicated and may only communicate or cause to be
communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment
activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial
Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or
sale of the ADSs in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of
such Act does not apply to us and it has complied and will
comply with all applicable provisions of such Act with respect
to anything done by it in relation to any ADSs in, from or
otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
Neither this prospectus nor any offering material relating to
ADSs or common shares has been or will be submitted to the
Commission des Opérations de Bourse for
approval (Visa) in France. Underwriters may not
offer or sell any ADSs or common shares or distribute or cause
to be distributed any copies of this prospectus or any offering
material relating to the ADSs or common shares, directly or
indirectly, in France, except to qualified investors
(investisseurs qualifiés) and/or a restricted
group of investors (cercle restreint
dinvestisseurs), in each case acting for their
account, all as defined in, and in accordance with,
Article L. 411-1 and L. 411-2 of the Monetary and Financial
Code and Décret no. 98-880 dated
October 1, 1998.
This prospectus is not a Securities Selling Prospectus
(Verkaufsprospekt) within the meaning of the German Securities
Prospectus Act (Verkaufsprospektgesetz) of September 9,
1998, as amended, and has not been filed with and approved by
the German Federal Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt für
Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) or any other German governmental
authority. Underwriters may not offer or sell any ADSs or common
shares or distribute copies of this prospectus or any document
relating to the ADSs, directly or indirectly, in Germany except
to persons falling within the scope of paragraph 2
numbers 1, 2 and 3 of the German Securities Prospectus Act
and underwriters will not take any steps which would constitute
a public offering of the ADSs or common shares in Germany.
The offering of the ADSs or common shares has not been
registered with the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e
la Borsa or CONSOB, in accordance with Italian
securities legislation. Accordingly, each underwriter has
represented and agreed that the ADSs or common shares may not be
offered, sold or delivered, and copies of this prospectus or any
other document relating to the ADSs or common shares may not be
distributed in Italy except to Professional Investors, as
defined in Art. 31.2 of CONSOB Regulation no. 11522 of
1st July, 1998, as amended, pursuant to Art. 30.2 and Art.
100 of Legislative Decree no. 58 of 24th February, 1998 (or
the Finance Law) or in any other circumstance where an express
exemption to comply with the solicitation restrictions provided
by the Finance Law or CONSOB Regulation no. 11971 of
14th May, 1999, as amended (or the Issuers Regulation)
applies, including those provided for under Art. 100 of the
Finance Law and Art. 33 of the Issuers Regulation, and provided,
however, that any such offer, sale, or delivery of the ADSs or
common shares or distribution of copies of this prospectus or
any other document relating to the ADSs or common shares in
Italy must (i) be made in accordance with all applicable
Italian laws and regulations, (ii) be made in compliance
with Article 129 of Legislative Decree no. 385 of
1st September 1993, as amended (the Banking Law
Consolidated Act) and the implementing guidelines of the
Bank of Italy (Istruzioni di Vigilanza per le banche) pursuant
to which the issue, trading or placement of securities in the
Republic of Italy is subject to prior notification to the Bank
of Italy, unless an exemption applies depending, inter alia, on
the amount of the issue and the characteristics of the
securities, (iii) be conducted in accordance with any
relevant
178
limitations or procedural requirements the Bank of Italy or
CONSOB may impose upon the offer or sale of the securities, and
(iv) be made only by (a) banks, investment firms or
financial companies enrolled in the special register provided
for in Article 107 of the Banking Law Consolidated Act, to
the extent duly authorized to engage in the placement and/or
underwriting of financial instruments in Italy in accordance
with the Financial Laws Consolidated Act and the relevant
implementing regulations; or by (b) foreign banks or
financial institutions (the controlling shareholding of which is
owned by one or more banks located in the same EU Member State)
authorized to place and distribute securities in the Republic of
Italy pursuant to Articles 15, 16 and 18 of the Banking Law
Consolidated Act, in each case acting in compliance with every
applicable law and regulation.
Underwriters may not offer, distribute, sell, transfer or
deliver any ADSs or common shares, directly or indirectly, in
The Netherlands, as part of their initial distribution or at any
time thereafter, to any person other than our employees or
employees of our subsidiaries, individuals who or legal entities
which trade or invest in securities in the conduct of their
profession or business within the meaning of article 2 of the
Exemption Regulation issued under the Securities
Transactions Supervision Act 1995 (Vrijstellingsregeling
Wet toezicht effectenverkeer 1995), which includes banks,
brokers, pension funds, insurance companies, securities
institutions, investment institutions and other institutional
investors, including, among others, treasuries of large
enterprises, who or which regularly trade or invest in
securities in a professional capacity.
Underwriters may not offer or sell the ADSs and common shares to
any investors in Switzerland other than on a non public basis;
this prospectus does not constitute a prospectus within the
meaning of Article 652a and Art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of
Obligations (Schweizerisches Obligationenrecht); and none of
this offering, the ADSs and common shares has been or will be
approved by any Swiss regulatory authority.
The common shares and ADSs may not be offered or sold in Hong
Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to
professional investors as defined in the Securities
and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made
under that Ordinance, or (b) in other circumstances which
do not result in the document being a prospectus as
defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong
or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the
meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or
document relating to the common shares or ADSs may be issued,
whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the
contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the
public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the
securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to common
shares or ADSs which are or are intended to be disposed of only
to persons outside of Hong Kong or only to professional
investors as defined in the Securities and Futures
Ordinance and any rules made under that Ordinance.
This prospectus has not been registered with the Monetary
Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, the underwriters have not
offered or sold any ADSs or caused the ADSs to be made the
subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase and may
not offer or sell any ADSs or cause the ADSs to be made the
subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, and has
not circulated or distributed, nor will it circulate or
distribute, the prospectus or any other document or material in
connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for
subscription or purchase, of the ADSs, whether directly or
indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an
institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA,
(ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to
Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions,
specified in
179
Section 275 of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant
to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other
applicable provision of the SFA.
The underwriters will notify (whether through the distribution
of the prospectus or otherwise) each of the following relevant
persons specified in Section 275 of the SFA that has
subscribed or purchased ADSs from or through that underwriter,
namely a person that is:
|
|
|
(a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the
sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire
share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each
of whom is an accredited investor; or |
|
|
(b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited
investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each
beneficiary is an accredited investor, |
that shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of
that corporation or the beneficiaries rights and interest
in that trust shall not be transferable for six months after
that corporation or that trust has acquired the ADSs under
Section 275 except:
|
|
|
(1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of
the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to
Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions,
specified in Section 275 of the SFA; |
|
|
(2) where no consideration is given for the
transfer; or |
|
|
(3) by operation of law. |
|
|
|
Peoples Republic of China
|
This prospectus does not constitute a public offer of the ADSs
or common shares, whether by way of sale or subscription, in the
Peoples Republic of China. The ADSs and common shares may
not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the
Peoples Republic of China. For the purposes of this
paragraph, the Peoples Republic of China excludes Hong
Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
This prospectus does not constitute a public offering of the
ADSs or common shares, whether by way of sale or subscription,
in the Cayman Islands.
The ADSs have not been and will not be registered under the
Securities and Exchange Law of Japan. The underwriters have not
offered or sold, and may not offer or sell, directly or
indirectly, any ADSs in Japan or to, or for the account or
benefit of, any resident of Japan or to, or for the account or
benefit of, any resident for reoffering or resale, directly or
indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of,
any resident of Japan except:
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|
|
|
|
pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of,
or otherwise in compliance with, the Securities and Exchange Law
of Japan; and |
|
|
|
in compliance with the other relevant laws and regulations of
Japan. |
This prospectus is not intended to constitute an offer, sale or
delivery of shares or other securities under the laws of the
United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ADSs have not been and will not
be registered under Federal Law No. 4 of 2000 Concerning
the Emirates Securities and Commodities Authority and the
Emirates Security and Commodity Exchange, or with UAE Central
Bank, the Dubai Financial Market, the Abu Dhabi Securities
Market or with any other UAE exchange.
180
The offering, the ADSs and interests therein have not been
approved or licensed by the UAE Central Bank or any other
relevant licensing authorities in the UAE, and do not constitute
a public offer of securities in the UAE in accordance with the
Commercial Companies Law, Federal Law No. 8 of 1984 (as
amended) or otherwise.
In relation to its use in the UAE, this prospectus is strictly
private and confidential and is being distributed to a limited
number of investors and must not be provided to any person other
than the original recipient, and may not be reproduced or used
for any other purpose. The interests in the ADSs may not be
offered or sold directly or indirectly to the public in the UAE.
The offering is restricted in the Kingdom of Bahrain to banks,
financial institutions and professional investors and any person
receiving this prospectus in the Kingdom of Bahrain and not
falling within those categories is ineligible to purchase the
ADSs.
The ADSs have not been authorized or licensed for offering,
marketing or sale in the State of Kuwait. The distribution of
this prospectus and the offering and sale of the ADSs in the
State of Kuwait is restricted by law unless a license is
obtained from the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry in
accordance with Law 31 of 149 1990. Persons into whose
possession this prospectus comes are required by us and the
underwriters to inform themselves about and to observe such
restrictions. Investors in the State of Kuwait who approach us
or any of the underwriters to obtain copies of this prospectus
are required by us and the underwriters to keep such prospectus
confidential and not to make copies thereof or distribute the
same to any other person and are also required to observe the
restrictions provided for in all jurisdictions with respect to
offering, marketing and the sale of the ADSs.
No action has been or will be taken in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia that would permit a public offering or private placement
of the ADSs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or possession or
distribution of any offering materials in relation thereto. The
ADSs may only be offered and sold in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
in accordance with Part 5 (Exempt Offers) of the Offers of
Securities Regulations dated 20/8/1425 AH corresponding to
4/10/2004 (the Regulations) and, in accordance with
Part 5 (Exempt Offers) Article 17(a)(3) of the
Regulations, the ADSs will be offered to no more than 60
offerees in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with each such offeree
paying an amount not less than Saudi Riyals one million or its
equivalent. Investors are informed that Article 20 of the
Regulations places restrictions on secondary market activity
with respect to the ADSs. Any resale or other transfer, or
attempted resale or other transfer, made other than in
compliance with the above-stated restrictions shall not be
recognized by us.
181
EXPENSES RELATING TO THIS OFFERING
The following table sets forth the main estimated expenses in
connection with this offering, other than the underwriting
discounts, which we will be required to pay:
|
|
|
|
|
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee
|
|
$ |
2,533 |
|
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority filing fee
|
|
$ |
10,500 |
|
Nasdaq Global Market listing fee
|
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
Legal fees and expenses
|
|
$ |
1,900,000 |
|
Accounting fees and expenses
|
|
$ |
750,000 |
|
Printing fees
|
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
Financial advisory fees
|
|
$ |
130,000 |
|
Other fees and expenses
|
|
$ |
589,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
3,837,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
All amounts are estimated, except the Securities and Exchange
Commission registration fee, the Nasdaq Global Market listing
fee and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority filing fee.
182
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain matters of United States federal and New York State law
will be passed upon for us by OMelveny & Myers
LLP. Certain legal matters of United States federal and New York
State law in connection with this offering will be passed upon
for the underwriters by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
The validity of the common shares represented by the ADSs
offered in this offering will be passed upon for us by Conyers,
Dill & Pearman. Legal matters as to Chinese law will be
passed upon for us by Jincheng & Tongda Law Firm and
for the underwriters by Commerce & Finance Law Offices.
EXPERTS
Our consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2006
and 2007 and for the years then ended have been included in this
registration statement in reliance on the report of KPMG, an
independent registered public accounting firm, appearing
elsewhere herein and upon the authority of said firm as experts
in accounting and auditing. The offices of KPMG are located at
8/ F Princes Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong
Kong Special Administrative Region, the Peoples Republic
of China.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on
Form F-1
(No. 333-148512)
and the depositary has filed a registration statement on
Form F-6
(No. 333-148641),
including relevant exhibits and schedules under the Securities
Act, covering the common shares represented by the ADSs offered
by this prospectus, as well as the ADSs. You should refer to our
registration statements and their exhibits and schedules if you
would like to find out more about us and about the ADSs and the
common shares represented by the ADSs. This prospectus
summarizes material provisions of contracts and other documents
that we refer you to. Since the prospectus may not contain all
the information that you may find important, you should review a
full text of these documents.
Upon the completion of this offering, we will be subject to
periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the
U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the
Exchange Act, as applicable to foreign private issuers.
Accordingly, we will be required to file reports, including
annual reports on
Form 20-F, and
submitting other reports and information under cover of
Form 6-K with the
SEC. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from some of the
Exchange Act reporting requirements, the rules prescribing the
furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders, and
Section 16 short-swing profit reporting for our officers
and directors and for holders of more than 10% of our common
shares. You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC
at the SECs public reference room at Room 1580, 100 F
Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for more
information on the public reference rooms and their copy
charges. The SEC also maintains a web site that contains
reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding issuers, such as us, who file electronically with the
SEC. The address of that web site is http://www.sec.gov.
We will furnish to Citibank, N.A., as depositary of our ADSs,
our annual reports. When the depositary receives these reports,
it will upon our request promptly provide them to all holders of
record of ADSs. We will also furnish the depositary with all
notices of shareholders meetings and other reports and
communications in English that we make available to our
shareholders. The depositary will make these notices, reports
and communications available to holders of ADSs and will upon
our request mail to all holders of record of ADSs the
information contained in any notice of a shareholders
meeting it receives.
183
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page |
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F-2 |
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F-3 |
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|
F-4 |
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|
F-5 |
|
|
|
|
F-6 |
|
|
|
|
F-7 |
|
|
|
|
F-38 |
|
|
|
|
F-39 |
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|
|
F-40 |
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|
|
|
F-41 |
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|
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|
F-42 |
|
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
ATA Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
ATA Inc. and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2006 and
2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
shareholders equity, and cash flows for the years then
ended, all expressed in Renminbi. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Companys
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of ATA Inc. and its subsidiaries as of March 31,
2006 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for
the year ended March 31, 2007 have been translated into
United States dollars solely for the convenience of the reader.
We have audited the translation and, in our opinion, such
consolidated financial statements expressed in Renminbi have
been translated into United States dollars on the basis set
forth in Note 2(d) to the consolidated financial statements.
/s/ KPMG
Hong Kong, China
September 1, 2007, except as to Note 2(d)
and paragraphs (b) and (c) of
Note 19, which are as of October 15, 2007
and as to paragraph (d) of Note 19,
which is as of January 7, 2008
F-2
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
USD |
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44,624,314 |
|
|
|
45,019,114 |
|
|
|
6,008,317 |
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
(3) |
|
|
|
12,984,378 |
|
|
|
16,977,651 |
|
|
|
2,265,862 |
|
|
Due from related parties
|
|
|
(17) |
|
|
|
4,368,339 |
|
|
|
19,770 |
|
|
|
2,639 |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,316,753 |
|
|
|
2,405,912 |
|
|
|
321,097 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
3,695,082 |
|
|
|
12,233,295 |
|
|
|
1,632,672 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,988,866 |
|
|
|
76,655,742 |
|
|
|
10,230,587 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in affiliates
|
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
3,349,716 |
|
|
|
3,162,548 |
|
|
|
422,078 |
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
(6) |
|
|
|
3,076,512 |
|
|
|
7,543,184 |
|
|
|
1,006,724 |
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,880,123 |
|
|
|
6,880,123 |
|
|
|
918,231 |
|
|
Deferred initial public offering costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,462,485 |
|
|
|
1,262,877 |
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,089,183 |
|
|
|
4,461,368 |
|
|
|
595,421 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
88,384,400 |
|
|
|
108,165,450 |
|
|
|
14,435,918 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note payable
|
|
|
(7) |
|
|
|
19,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,276,501 |
|
|
|
5,546,140 |
|
|
|
740,196 |
|
|
Due to related parties
|
|
|
(17) |
|
|
|
1,643,720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses and other payables
|
|
|
(8) |
|
|
|
6,676,814 |
|
|
|
13,732,392 |
|
|
|
1,832,745 |
|
|
Deferred revenues
|
|
|
(9) |
|
|
|
22,340,221 |
|
|
|
26,341,019 |
|
|
|
3,515,511 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,937,256 |
|
|
|
45,619,551 |
|
|
|
6,088,452 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred revenues
|
|
|
(9) |
|
|
|
8,555,393 |
|
|
|
7,897,234 |
|
|
|
1,053,976 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,492,649 |
|
|
|
53,516,785 |
|
|
|
7,142,428 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible preferred shares: USD0.01 par value; 10,000,000
shares authorized, including:
|
|
|
(13) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A preferred shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,628,369 issued; USD15,000,000 liquidation value; |
|
|
(13) |
|
|
|
533,451 |
|
|
|
533,451 |
|
|
|
71,195 |
|
|
|
Series A-1 preferred shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
883,783 issued; USD3,000,000 liquidation value |
|
|
(13) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,848 |
|
|
|
9,455 |
|
Common shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD0.01 par value; 40,000,000 shares
authorized, 20,000,000, and 25,479,452 shares
issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,655,313 |
|
|
|
2,093,877 |
|
|
|
279,452 |
|
Treasury shares 3,579,320 common shares, at cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,106,940 |
) |
|
|
(16,106,940 |
) |
|
|
(2,149,656 |
) |
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
(7, 13, 14) |
|
|
|
158,102,092 |
|
|
|
203,139,446 |
|
|
|
27,111,287 |
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(118,292,165 |
) |
|
|
(135,082,017 |
) |
|
|
(18,028,243 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,891,751 |
|
|
|
54,648,665 |
|
|
|
7,293,490 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies
|
|
|
(11, 15) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
88,384,400 |
|
|
|
108,165,450 |
|
|
|
14,435,918 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
F-3
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
USD |
|
Net revenues
|
|
|
(10) |
|
|
|
69,037,472 |
|
|
|
84,880,877 |
|
|
|
11,328,325 |
|
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,988,787 |
|
|
|
41,101,688 |
|
|
|
5,485,491 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,048,685 |
|
|
|
43,779,189 |
|
|
|
5,842,834 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,853,772 |
|
|
|
9,322,068 |
|
|
|
1,244,137 |
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,262,787 |
|
|
|
22,028,895 |
|
|
|
2,940,009 |
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,023,011 |
|
|
|
32,024,170 |
|
|
|
4,273,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,139,570 |
|
|
|
63,375,133 |
|
|
|
8,458,138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,090,885 |
) |
|
|
(19,595,944 |
) |
|
|
(2,615,304 |
) |
Equity in net losses of affiliates
|
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
(560,858 |
) |
|
|
(187,168 |
) |
|
|
(24,980 |
) |
Gain from liquidation of an affiliate
|
|
|
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,509,228 |
|
|
|
201,424 |
|
Interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
331,898 |
|
|
|
599,872 |
|
|
|
80,060 |
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(7) |
|
|
|
(22,713,422 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from revaluation of preferred share warrant
|
|
|
(13) |
|
|
|
(211,136 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange losses, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,050,152 |
) |
|
|
(908,998 |
) |
|
|
(121,316 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income tax benefit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(25,294,555 |
) |
|
|
(18,583,010 |
) |
|
|
(2,480,116 |
) |
Income tax benefit
|
|
|
(11) |
|
|
|
485,456 |
|
|
|
1,793,158 |
|
|
|
239,318 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24,809,099 |
) |
|
|
(16,789,852 |
) |
|
|
(2,240,798 |
) |
Accretion of Series A redeemable convertible preferred
shares to redemption value
|
|
|
(13) |
|
|
|
(13,889,483 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment on
Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,269,224 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35,429,358 |
) |
|
|
(16,789,852 |
) |
|
|
(2,240,798 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per share applicable to common
shareholders
|
|
|
(16) |
|
|
|
(2.16 |
) |
|
|
(0.82 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
Proforma basic and diluted loss per share applicable to common
shareholders
|
|
|
(20) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.52 |
) |
|
|
(0.07 |
) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
F-4
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible preferred shares |
|
|
Common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
Treasury |
|
|
Additional |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
shareholders |
|
|
|
Series A shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Series A-1 shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
shares |
|
|
paid-in capital |
|
|
deficit |
|
|
equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
Balance as of April 1, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000,000 |
|
|
|
1,655,313 |
|
|
|
(16,106,940 |
) |
|
|
13,490,576 |
|
|
|
(93,483,066 |
) |
|
|
(94,444,117 |
) |
Issuance of common share warrant (See Notes 7 and 14)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,379,656 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,379,656 |
|
Accretion of Series A redeemable convertible preferred
shares to redemption value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,889,483 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,889,483 |
) |
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment on
Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,269,224 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,269,224 |
|
Reclassification of Series A redeemable convertible
preferred shares to convertible preferred shares upon waiver of
the redemption feature (See Note 13)
|
|
|
6,628,369 |
|
|
|
533,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122,753,340 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
123,286,791 |
|
Reclassification of liability classified warrant to equity (See
Note 13)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,916,546 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,916,546 |
|
Share option expense (See Note 12)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,182,233 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,182,233 |
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24,809,099 |
) |
|
|
(24,809,099 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of March 31, 2006
|
|
|
6,628,369 |
|
|
|
533,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000,000 |
|
|
|
1,655,313 |
|
|
|
(16,106,940 |
) |
|
|
158,102,092 |
|
|
|
(118,292,165 |
) |
|
|
25,891,751 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of preferred share warrant and issuance of
Series A-1 convertible preferred shares (See Note 13)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
883,783 |
|
|
|
70,848 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,978,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,049,448 |
|
Exercise of common share warrant and issuance of common shares
(See Notes 7 and 14)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,479,452 |
|
|
|
438,564 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,561,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,000,000 |
|
Share option expense (See Note 12)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,497,318 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,497,318 |
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,789,852 |
) |
|
|
(16,789,852 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of March 31, 2007
|
|
|
6,628,369 |
|
|
|
533,451 |
|
|
|
883,783 |
|
|
|
70,848 |
|
|
|
25,479,452 |
|
|
|
2,093,877 |
|
|
|
(16,106,940 |
) |
|
|
203,139,446 |
|
|
|
(135,082,017 |
) |
|
|
54,648,665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of March 31, 2007-USD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
71,195 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,455 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
279,452 |
|
|
|
(2,149,656 |
) |
|
|
27,111,287 |
|
|
|
(18,028,243 |
) |
|
|
7,293,490 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
F-5
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
USD |
|
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(24,809,099 |
) |
|
|
(16,789,852 |
) |
|
|
(2,240,798 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of loan discount
|
|
|
22,713,422 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in net losses of affiliates
|
|
|
560,858 |
|
|
|
187,168 |
|
|
|
24,980 |
|
Gain from liquidation of an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,509,228 |
) |
|
|
(201,424 |
) |
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss
|
|
|
73,341 |
|
|
|
162,562 |
|
|
|
21,696 |
|
Bad debt expense
|
|
|
932,127 |
|
|
|
499,729 |
|
|
|
66,695 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,547,017 |
|
|
|
1,836,675 |
|
|
|
245,125 |
|
Gain from disposal of property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,667 |
) |
|
|
(222 |
) |
Share-based compensation
|
|
|
4,182,233 |
|
|
|
2,497,318 |
|
|
|
333,296 |
|
Deferred income tax benefit
|
|
|
(485,456 |
) |
|
|
(1,819,345 |
) |
|
|
(242,812 |
) |
Loss from revaluation of preferred share warrant
|
|
|
211,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(9,562,443 |
) |
|
|
(4,493,002 |
) |
|
|
(599,643 |
) |
Due from related parties
|
|
|
572,652 |
|
|
|
870,036 |
|
|
|
116,116 |
|
Inventories
|
|
|
(878,167 |
) |
|
|
(89,159 |
) |
|
|
(11,899 |
) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(380,939 |
) |
|
|
(7,065,627 |
) |
|
|
(942,989 |
) |
Other assets
|
|
|
(1,993,503 |
) |
|
|
1,128,494 |
|
|
|
150,610 |
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(1,748,876 |
) |
|
|
1,269,639 |
|
|
|
169,448 |
|
Due to related parties
|
|
|
(7,551,496 |
) |
|
|
(163,633 |
) |
|
|
(21,839 |
) |
Accrued expenses and other payables
|
|
|
(1,677,319 |
) |
|
|
3,612,773 |
|
|
|
482,166 |
|
Deferred revenues
|
|
|
1,746,667 |
|
|
|
3,342,639 |
|
|
|
446,113 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(16,547,845 |
) |
|
|
(16,524,480 |
) |
|
|
(2,205,381 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(2,699,341 |
) |
|
|
(4,720,600 |
) |
|
|
(630,018 |
) |
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
2,002 |
|
Deposit from sale of Wendu Education
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
266,923 |
|
Proceeds from liquidation of ATA Jiangsu
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,141 |
|
|
|
3,889 |
|
Proceeds from disposal of an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
33,365 |
|
Investment in Wendu Education
|
|
|
(4,000,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances and loans to related parties
|
|
|
(1,142,554 |
) |
|
|
(1,655,213 |
) |
|
|
(220,907 |
) |
Collection of advances and loans to related parties
|
|
|
20,000,000 |
|
|
|
5,133,746 |
|
|
|
685,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by investing activities
|
|
|
12,158,105 |
|
|
|
1,052,074 |
|
|
|
140,411 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of common shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,000,000 |
|
|
|
2,535,768 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,049,448 |
|
|
|
3,209,675 |
|
Cash paid for preferred shares and warrants issuance cost
|
|
|
(4,061,003 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for initial public offering costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,019,680 |
) |
|
|
(1,070,318 |
) |
Cash paid to settle a debt from an investor of ATA Learning
|
|
|
(30,000,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment of note payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19,000,000 |
) |
|
|
(2,535,768 |
) |
Repayment of advances and loans from related parties
|
|
|
(7,081,480 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment of advances from third parties
|
|
|
(2,800,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
|
|
|
(43,942,483 |
) |
|
|
16,029,768 |
|
|
|
2,139,357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
|
|
|
(73,341 |
) |
|
|
(162,562 |
) |
|
|
(21,696 |
) |
Net (decrease) increase in cash
|
|
|
(48,405,564 |
) |
|
|
394,800 |
|
|
|
52,691 |
|
Cash at beginning of year
|
|
|
93,029,878 |
|
|
|
44,624,314 |
|
|
|
5,955,626 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at end of year
|
|
|
44,624,314 |
|
|
|
45,019,114 |
|
|
|
6,008,317 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest expenses
|
|
|
7,630,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accretion of Series A redeemable convertible preferred
shares to redemption value
|
|
|
13,889,483 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disposal of an affiliate in exchange for a note receivable
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forgiven liability due to ATA Jiangsu
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,480,087 |
|
|
|
197,535 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reclassification of liability classified warrant to equity
|
|
|
5,916,546 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
F-6
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
(1) |
ORGANIZATION, DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT
CONCENTRATIONS AND RISKS
|
|
|
|
Organization and Description of Business
|
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
financial statements of ATA Inc. (the Company), its
subsidiaries, ATA Testing Authority (Holdings) Limited
(ATA BVI), ATA Testing Authority (Beijing)
Limited (ATA Testing) and ATA Learning (Beijing)
Inc. (ATA Learning), and a consolidated
variable interest entity (VIE), ATA Online (Beijing)
Education Technology Limited (ATA Online). The
Company, its consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated VIE are
collectively referred to as the Group. The Group is
a provider of computer-based testing services, test-based
educational services, test preparation solutions and other
related services in the Peoples Republic of China (the
PRC).
The Company is a holding company and does not conduct any
operations. The Company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands
on September 22, 2006 and became the parent company of ATA
BVI when the Company issued shares to the preferred and common
shareholders of ATA BVI on November 10, 2006 in exchange
for proportionally all of their shares held by them in ATA BVI.
ATA BVI is also a holding company incorporated in the
British Virgin Islands on November 22, 2001 and does not
conduct any operations. The rights of the preferred and common
shares issued by the Company are the same as those originally
issued by ATA BVI. In substance, ATA BVI has been
reorganized as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The
Company has accounted for this reorganization as a legal
reorganization of entities under common control in a manner
similar to a pooling-of-interests. Accordingly, the
Companys consolidated financial statements are prepared to
include the financial statements of ATA BVI, its
subsidiaries and VIEs through November 10, 2006 and the
Companys consolidated financial statements since then are
prepared to include the financial statements of the Company, its
subsidiaries and VIE.
ATA Testing is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ATA BVI and is
primarily engaged in providing computer-based testing services
by licensing its technologies and software applications to
third-party test sponsors and providing non-online test
preparation solutions business. To a lesser extent, ATA Testing
has also established a network of ATA Authorized Test Center
across the PRC by licensing the ATA brand name and
technologies to third-party test centers in the PRC.
ATA Learning was a cooperative joint venture established by ATA
BVI and Yinchuan Economic & Technical Development Zone
Investment Holding Co., Ltd. (Yinchuan Holding). ATA
Learning is primarily engaged in test-based educational
services, including developing course programs and providing
single course and degree major course programs to educational
institutions and to lesser extent, providing training sessions
to course operators. ATA Learning was a consolidated VIE of the
Group through May 9, 2005, at which time it became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of ATA BVI (See Note 17(h)).
ATA Online is a domestic PRC company established by three
shareholders/executive officers of the Company on
September 11, 2006. ATA Online is primarily engaged in
providing online test preparation services. ATA Online is a
consolidated VIE of ATA BVI since October 27, 2006.
|
|
|
Significant Concentrations and Risks
|
The success of the Groups business going forward will rely
in large part on its ability to continue to obtain business from
its existing clients and maintain its relationships with key
Chinese governmental agencies. The Groups success will
depend to a large extent on its ability to convince its clients
that the Groups technologies and services are valuable and
that it is more cost-effective for those clients to utilize the
Groups services than for them to develop similar services
in-house. RMB37.1 million and RMB39.8 million,
representing 53.8% and 46.9%, of its total net revenues for the
years ended March 31,
F-7
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
2006 and 2007, respectively, were generated from licensing and
service fees from Chinese governmental agencies and educational
institutions controlled by the PRC government.
RMB8.4 million and RMB10.4 million, representing 12.2%
and 12.3%, of the Groups total net revenues for the years
ended March 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively, was generated
from the PRC Ministry of Labor. No other client accounted for
10% or more of the Groups total net revenues for the years
ended March 31, 2006 and 2007. Demand and ability to pay
for the Groups products and services by these agencies and
institutions are affected by government budgetary cycles,
funding availability and government policies. Funding
reductions, reallocations or delays could adversely impact
demand for the Groups products and services or reduce the
fees the Groups clients are willing to pay for such
products and services. The Chinese markets for testing services,
test-based educational services and test preparation solutions
are still emerging and evolving rapidly.
In November 2006, the Group launched the sales of NTET Tutorial
Platform. NTET revenue of RMB9.9 million accounted for
11.7% of the Groups total net revenues for the year ended
March 31, 2007.
A substantial portion of the Groups revenues are derived
from the licensing of course programs that incorporate course
materials licensed by the Group from IT vendors including
Microsoft (China) Co., Ltd. (Microsoft) and Adobe
Systems Software (Beijing) Co., Ltd.. If the Group was to lose
the right to offer certification tests or course materials of
these IT vendors, the Groups revenues and results of
operations could be materially affected. The licensing
agreements with various IT vendors are normally renewed every
two to three years. Under the Simulation Technology License
Agreement with Microsoft, Microsoft has the right to acquire for
USD3 million a perpetual royalty-free license to the source
code of the Dynamic Simulation Technology (DST),
along with the right to freely sell, license or sublicense the
DST source code to third parties. The contract does not restrict
which entities to which Microsoft may sell, license or
sublicense the DST source code. While Microsofts exercise
of this option would generate additional revenue to the Group in
the short term, it may materially adversely affect the
Groups future revenues if Microsoft or any company to
which Microsoft sells or licenses the technology uses it to
directly compete with the Group.
The Group is subject to special considerations and risks
associated with the PRC. These include risks associated with,
among others, the political, economic, legal and social
environment in the PRC, including the relative difficulty of
protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights in the
PRC. The interpretation and application of current or proposed
requirements and regulations may have an adverse effect on the
Groups business, financial condition and result of
operations. In addition, the ability to negotiate and implement
specific business development projects in a timely and favorable
manner may be impacted by political considerations unrelated to
or beyond the control of the Group. Although the PRC government
has been pursuing economic reform policies for over two decades,
no assurance can be given that the PRC government will continue
to pursue such policies or that such policies may not be
significantly altered. Any change in PRC government policies and
regulations affecting the industries in which the Group operates
may have a negative impact on the Groups operating results
and financial condition.
There is also no guarantee that the PRC governments
pursuit of economic reforms will be consistent or effective and
as a result, changes in the rate or method of taxation,
reduction in tariff protection and other import restrictions,
and changes in state policies and regulations affecting software
for the vocational education industry may have a negative impact
on the Groups operating results and financial condition.
The Groups success will depend to a large extent on its
ability to convince its clients that the Groups
technologies and services are valuable and that it is more
cost-effective for those clients to utilize the Groups
services than for them to develop similar services in-house.
F-8
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
As of March 31, 2006 and 2007, RMB41,370,448 and
RMB38,320,167, respectively, was held in major financial
institutions located in the PRC, and the remaining cash of
RMB2,281,186 and RMB6,640,823, respectively, was held in major
financial institutions located in the Hong Kong Special
Administration Region. Management believes that these major
financial institutions are of high credit quality. Cash
denominated in currencies other than RMB is subject to foreign
currency risk due to the appreciation or depreciation of RMB
under the current exchange rate regime in the PRC.
The Group does not have concentrations of available sources of
labor, services, franchises or other rights that could, if
suddenly eliminated, severely impact its operations.
|
|
(2) |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
|
|
(a) |
Principles of consolidation
|
The consolidated financial statements include the financial
statements of the Company, its subsidiaries and a VIE. All
significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated on consolidation. The Company has adopted FASB
Interpretation No. 46 Revised, Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB
No. 51 (FIN 46R) issued by
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
FIN 46R requires certain VIEs to be consolidated by the
primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the
entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling
financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for
the entity to finance its activities without additional
subordinated financial support from other parties.
Prior to May 9, 2005, ATA BVI held 40% of the equity
interest in ATA Learning, which was determined to be a VIE.
Although the Group held less than a majority equity interest in
ATA Learning at that time, the Group determined that ATA BVI was
ATA Learnings primary beneficiary. On May 9, 2005,
ATA BVI acquired the remaining 60% equity interest held by
Yinchuan Holding (See Note 17(h)). The financial statements
of ATA Learning have been included in the consolidated financial
statements of the Company for all periods presented.
PRC regulations prohibit direct foreign ownership of business
entities that engage in internet content provision
(ICP) services in the PRC. The Company and its
subsidiaries are foreign owned business entities under the PRC
law and accordingly are prohibited from providing ICP services
in the PRC. To comply with the PRC laws and regulations, the
Group conducts its online test preparation business, a type of
ICP service, through ATA Online. The Company has no ownership
interest in ATA Online. However, the Company has economic
controlling interest over ATA Online through a series of
contractual agreements, including loan agreements, a call option
and cooperation agreement, an equity pledge agreement, a
strategic consulting service agreement and a technical support
agreement between the Company, ATA Online and ATA Onlines
owners. As a result of these agreements, the Company absorbs a
majority of ATA Onlines expected losses and receives a
majority of ATA Onlines expected residual returns and
therefore the Company has been deemed the primary beneficiary of
ATA Online. The financial statements of ATA Online have been
included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company
since October 27, 2006, the effective date of a series of
contractual arrangements entered into among ATA BVI, ATA
Learning and ATA Online. The loans, under the loan agreements
discussed above, are eliminated on consolidation.
|
|
|
(b) Basis of
presentation
|
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP).
F-9
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US
GAAP requires management of the Group to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Such estimates include the fair value of share-based
payments, expected service period for course programs, expected
licensing period for perpetual ATA Test centers, collectibility
of accounts receivable and amounts due from related parties,
realization of deferred income tax assets, useful lives and
residual values of long-lived assets, recovery of the carrying
values of long-lived assets and goodwill, and the fair values of
financial and certain equity instruments. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.
|
|
|
(d) Foreign currency
translation and risks
|
The Groups reporting currency is the Renminbi
(RMB).
A majority of the Groups revenues and expenditures are
denominated in RMB. Transactions denominated in currencies other
than the RMB are translated into the RMB at the exchange rates
quoted by the Peoples Bank of China (PBOC)
prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated
into RMB using the applicable exchange rates quoted by the PBOC
at the balance sheet dates. All such exchange gains and losses
are included in the consolidated statements of operations in the
line item Foreign currency exchange losses, net. The
effects of currency exchange rate movements on the carrying
value of redeemable convertible preferred shares is included in
the consolidated statements of shareholders equity and is
recorded as a reduction to earnings to arrive at net loss
applicable to common shareholders until the reclassification of
redeemable convertible preferred shares to shareholders
equity.
For the convenience of the readers, the 2007 RMB amounts
included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements
have been translated into United States dollars (U.S.
dollar or USD) at the rate of USD1.00 =
RMB7.4928, being the noon buying rate for USD in effect on
September 28, 2007 in the City of New York for cable
transfer in RMB per USD as certified for custom purposes by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York. No representation is made that
the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted into USD
at that rate or at any other certain rate on September 28,
2007.
|
|
|
(e) Commitments and
contingencies
|
In the normal course of business, the Group is subject to
contingencies, such as legal proceedings and claims arising out
of its business, that cover a wide range of matters. Liabilities
for such contingencies are recorded when it is probable that a
liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can
be reasonably estimated.
|
|
|
(f) Fair value of financial
instruments
|
The carrying amounts of cash, accounts receivable, current
amounts due from related parties, other current receivables
which are included in the prepaid expenses and other current
assets, advances to third parties, accounts payable, current
amounts due to related parties, note payable and other payables
approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature.
The fair values of long-term advances to third parties (included
in other assets) as of March 31, 2006 and 2007 are
RMB3,863,012 and RMB3,101,795, respectively, and are estimated
by discounting expected future cash flows using the interest
rate at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with
similar credit ratings and remaining maturities.
F-10
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The Groups revenues are principally derived from the
provision of testing services, test-based educational services
and test preparation solutions. The Group recognizes revenues
when all of the followings have occurred:
|
|
|
|
|
persuasive evidence of an agreement with the customer exists; |
|
|
|
services have been performed and/or delivery of goods has
occurred; |
|
|
|
the fees for services performed and/or price of goods sold are
fixed or determinable; and |
|
|
|
collectibility of the fees and/or sales proceeds is reasonably
assured. |
The application of the above criteria for revenue recognition
for each type of service or product is as follows:
Licensing fees from test sponsors for test delivery services are
recognized upon the completion of the examination by all
enrolled test takers since the Group has no significant future
involvement after the completion of the examination. The Group
also enters licensing arrangements for use of the DST with test
sponsors. Licensing fees from clients for use of the DST are
recognized in the quarter in which simulation testing technology
licenses are delivered, which is evidenced by the quarterly
usage reports received from the licensees.
|
|
|
ii) Test-based educational services |
Licensing fees from educational institutions for degree major
course programs are recognized on a straight-line basis ratably
over the contractual licensing period, which typically starts in
the month of September and ends in the month of June or August
of the following year, i.e. 10 to 12 months.
Licensing fees from educational institutions for single course
programs are recognized as follows, (1) if the contracts do
not have a definitive term of service period, the Group
estimates, based on historical experience, the percentage of
contracts that will be completed within 12 months, and
recognizes revenue for such contracts on a straight-line basis
over a period of five months, which is the expected service
period based on historical averages; (2) for the percentage
of contracts that are not expected to be completed within
12 months, the Group does not recognize revenue until the
course is completed or upon receipt of confirmations from the
educational institutions that no further services were required;
and (3) for all single course programs, which have a
definitive term of service period, the Group recognizes revenue
on a straight-line basis over the expected service period or the
contractual period, whichever is longer. At the end of each
reporting period upon the closing of the Groups financial
records, the Group compares the revenue recognized at the onset
of the contracts to the actual completion status of each
contract, on a contract by contract basis, and make any revenue
adjustments to reflect the actual completion status.
Licensing fees from educational institutions for
pre-occupational training programs are recognized on a
straight-line basis ratably over the training period, which is
approximately 2 to 3 months.
The fees are not refundable if the student fails to complete one
or more of the courses or the entire degree major course
programs or fails any of the exams.
F-11
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
|
|
iii) Test preparation solutions |
|
|
|
a) Online test preparation
service fees
|
The Group sells online point cards to end users directly or
through distributors on a consignment basis. The online point
cards entitle the end users unlimited use of online mock
examinations during a specified service period, which normally
ranges from 90 to 180 days since the activation of the
cards.
Sales proceeds of online point cards are recognized on a
straight-line basis ratably over the service period commencing
at the point of time the card is activated as online test
preparation service fees.
If the cards sold to the end users are not activated before the
expiration date, related online service fees received will be
recognized on the expiration date.
The Group is not contractually obligated, nor has the Group
historically accepted returns from end users.
|
|
|
b) NTET Tutorial Platform
Software sales
|
NTET Tutorial Platform Software sales are recognized upon
delivery and when collectibility is reasonably assured. Based on
historical experience with customers of certain software related
products, collectibility of amounts billed for such software
related products is not reasonably assured at the time of
delivery. Consequently, revenue for such products is recognized
on a cash basis.
|
|
|
a) Licensing fees from
authorized test centers
|
The Group receives either a fixed initial fee plus continuing
annual fees or a fixed fee for a perpetual licensing period for
licensing the Groups name, E-testing platform, ongoing
technical support, unspecific system upgrades and training to
authorized test centers staff. Initial fees and fees for
perpetual period are recognized ratably over the expected
licensing period of 10 years, during which the Group is expected
to have continuing involvement with the authorized test centers.
Management estimates the expected licensing period based on its
historical retention experience, factoring in the expected level
of future competition, the risk of technological obsolescence,
technological innovation, and the expected changes in the social
environment.
|
|
|
b) Test development
services
|
Test development service fees are recognised upon the acceptance
of the developed tests by the client. The period to develop the
tests is short, generally within two months from commencement of
development.
Revenue is recorded, net of business tax. Business tax is levied
on the Groups service-related revenues generated in the
PRC at 5%. Payments received or receivable in advance of the
rendering of services and payments received in advance of
delivery of products are recorded as deferred revenue.
Cost of revenues consist primarily of royalty fees for IT vendor
licensing arrangements, cost of inventories sold, payroll
compensation, technical support, and related costs incurred by
the Group, which are directly attributable to the rendering of
the Groups services.
Such costs are expensed as incurred, typically at the beginning
of the respective degree major course or single course program
period, over which revenue is recognized. The royalty fees paid
to IT vendors are charged to expense based on actual usage
according to the contract provisions. During the
F-12
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007, royalty fees of
RMB15,784,255 and RMB19,030,182, respectively, were charged to
the consolidated statements of operations as cost of revenues.
|
|
|
(i) Research and development
costs
|
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, which
primarily consist of software developed for internal use and
software developed for sale or lease.
|
|
|
i) Software developed for
internal use
|
The Group recognizes development costs of software for internal
use in accordance with Statement of Position (SOP)
No. 98-1,
Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed
or Obtained for Internal Use. The Group expenses all
costs that are incurred in connection with the planning and
implementation phases of development of software. Costs incurred
in the development phase are capitalized and amortized over the
estimated product life. No costs were capitalized for all
periods presented.
|
|
|
ii) Software developed for sale
or lease
|
Pursuant to the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standard (SFAS) No. 86, Accounting for
the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise
Marketed, costs incurred internally in researching and
developing a computer software product are charged to expense as
research and development costs prior to technological
feasibility being established for the product. Once
technological feasibility is established, all computer 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 computer software product can be produced
in accordance with its design specifications, including
functions, features, and technical performance requirements. No
costs were capitalized for all periods presented.
Deferred income taxes are provided using the asset and liability
method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
respective tax bases and operating loss carryforwards. Deferred
income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax
rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which
those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or
settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in
the period that includes the enactment date or the date of
change in tax status. A valuation allowance is provided to
reduce the amount of deferred income tax assets if it is
considered more likely than not that some portion, or all, of
the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.
The Company adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payment as of the earliest date
presented. Under this method, compensation cost related to
employee share options or similar equity instruments is measured
at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and
recognized over the period during which an employee is required
to provide service in exchange for the award, which generally is
the vesting period. When no future services are required to be
performed by the employee in exchange for an award of equity
instruments, and if such award does not contain a performance or
market condition, the cost of the award (as measured based on
the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument) is expensed
on the grant date.
F-13
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
All transactions with non-employee vendors in which goods or
services are received in exchange for equity instruments are
accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration
received or the fair value of the equity instrument issued,
whichever is more reliably measurable. The measurement date of
the fair value of the equity instrument issued is the date on
which the counterpartys performance is completed.
Cash consists of cash on hand and at banks. None of the
Groups cash is restricted from withdrawal.
Accounts receivable include amounts billed at the invoiced
amount and unbilled amounts. Unbilled receivables relate to
revenues earned and recognized but which have not been billed by
the Group in accordance with the terms of the contract.
The allowance for doubtful accounts is the managements
best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses resulting
from the inability of the Groups customers to make
required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based
on a review of specifically identified accounts, aging data and
historical collection. Account balances are charged off against
the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted
and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Group
does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to
its customers.
Inventories consist mainly of textbooks and educational
materials on electronic media, electronics kits and supplies
held for sale. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or
market value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out
method.
|
|
|
(o) Investments in
affiliates
|
An affiliated company is an entity in which the Group has the
ability to exercise significant influence over its financial and
operating policies and decisions, but does not have a
controlling financial interest in the entity.
Investments in affiliated companies are accounted for under the
equity method. The Group recognizes an impairment loss when
there is a decline in value below the carrying value of the
investment which is considered other than temporary. The factors
management evaluates in determining if a decline is other than
temporary are the Groups ability and intent to hold the
investment over a reasonable period of time sufficient for a
forecasted recovery of fair value, the severity of the
impairment, duration of the impairment and forecasted recovery
of fair value.
F-14
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
|
|
(p) Property and equipment,
net
|
Property and equipment is stated at historical cost.
Depreciation and amortization is provided using the
straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives,
with nil residual value, as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Computer equipment
|
|
|
5 years |
|
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment
|
|
|
5 years |
|
Motor vehicles
|
|
|
5 years |
|
Software
|
|
|
5 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
Over the shorter of the lease terms or 5 years |
|
|
|
|
(q) Impairment of long-lived
assets, excluding goodwill
|
Long-lived assets, which include property, equipment and
intangible assets other than goodwill, are reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The
Group recognizes impairment of long-lived assets in the event
that the carrying value of such assets exceeds the future
undiscounted cash flows attributable to such assets. An
impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the
carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the
asset. No impairment of long-lived assets was recognized for all
periods presented.
Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair
value of the proportional net assets acquired to purchase the
remaining equity interest in ATA Testing in November 2002. Such
goodwill is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at
least annually or more frequently if certain circumstances
indicate a possible impairment may exist. Management completes
its annual impairment assessment for goodwill in March of each
year. Management evaluates the recoverability of goodwill using
a two-step impairment test approach at the reporting unit level,
which was determined to be the enterprise level. In the first
step, the fair value of the Company is compared to its carrying
value including goodwill. The fair value of the Company is
determined based upon a combination of multiple of earnings,
discounted future cash flows and the projected profitability of
the market in which it operates. Second, if the carrying amount
of the Company exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is
recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the goodwill
over the implied fair value of the goodwill. The implied fair
value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of
the Company in a manner similar to a business combination. No
impairment loss on goodwill was recognized for any period
presented.
|
|
|
(s) Employee benefit
plans
|
As stipulated by the regulations of the PRC, the Companys
PRC subsidiaries and VIE are required to contribute to various
defined contribution plans, organized by municipal and
provincial governments on behalf of their employees. These
companies are required to make contributions to these plans at
rates ranging from 40.3% to 44% of employees salaries. The
Group has no other material obligation for the payment of
employee benefits associated with these plans beyond the annual
contributions described above. During the years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007, the Group contributed RMB3,325,524
and RMB4,190,954 to these plans, respectively.
|
|
|
(t) Earning (loss) per
share
|
Basic earning (loss) per share is computed by dividing net
income (loss) available (applicable) to common shareholders
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
during the period
F-15
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net
income is allocated between common shares and other
participating securities based on their participating rights in
undistributed earnings. The Companys convertible preferred
shares are participating securities since the holders of these
securities may participate in dividends with common shareholders
based on a pre-determined formula.
Diluted earning (loss) per share is calculated by dividing
net income (loss) available (applicable) to common
shareholders as adjusted for the effect of dilutive common
equivalent shares, if any, by the weighted average number of
common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during
the period. Common equivalent shares consist of the common
shares issuable upon the conversion of the convertible preferred
shares (using the as-converted method) and common shares
issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share options and
warrants (using the treasury stock method). Common equivalent
shares in the diluted earning (loss) per share computation
are excluded to the effect that they would be anti-dilutive.
The Group has no operating segments, as that term is defined by
FASB Statement No. 131, Disclosure About Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information.
Substantially all of the Groups operations and
customers are located in the PRC. Consequently, no geographic
information is presented.
|
|
|
(v) Recently issued
accounting standards
|
In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
(FIN 48), which, among other things,
requires applying a more likely than not threshold
to the recognition and derecognition of tax positions. The
provisions of FIN 48 will be effective for the Group on
April 1, 2007. Management is currently evaluating the
impact of adopting FIN 48 on the consolidated financial
statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157,
Fair Value Measurements
(SFAS No. 157), which defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally
accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about
the fair value measurements. The provisions of
SFAS No. 157 will be effective for the Group on
April 1, 2008. Management is currently evaluating the
impact of adopting SFAS No. 157 on the consolidated
financial statements, but management does not expect its
adoption will have a material transition effect to the
consolidated financial statements.
In November 2006, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force
(EITF) Issue
No. 06-6,
Debtors Accounting for a Modification (or
Exchange) of Convertible Debt Instruments (EITF
06-6), which applies to modifications and exchanges of
debt instruments that (a) either add or eliminate an
embedded conversion option or (b) affect the fair value of
an existing embedded conversion option. The provisions of EITF
06-6 will be effective for the Group on April 1, 2007.
Management is currently evaluating the impact of adopting EITF
06-6 on the consolidated financial statements, but management
does not expect its adoption will have a material transition
effect to the consolidated financial statements.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities
(SFAS No. 159), which permits entities to
choose to measure many financial assets and financial
liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items
for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in
earnings. The provisions of SFAS No. 159 will be
effective for the Group on April 1, 2008. Management is
currently evaluating whether to elect the fair value option as
permitted under SFAS No. 159.
F-16
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(3) ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
Accounts receivable, net is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
14,924,800 |
|
|
|
19,417,802 |
|
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
(1,940,422 |
) |
|
|
(2,440,151 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
12,984,378 |
|
|
|
16,977,651 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable are unsecured and denominated in RMB, and
are derived from operations arising in the PRC. Management
performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers
financial condition and generally does not require collateral on
accounts receivable.
The Groups accounts receivable also comprise amounts
earned and recognized under contractual terms but not yet billed
(unbilled receivables). Management expects that substantially
all unbilled receivables will be billed and collected within
twelve months of each balance sheet date. Historically the Group
has been able to collect substantially all amounts due under the
contract terms without making any concessions on payments.
No individual customer contributed to more than 10% of the
Groups total net revenues for the years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007. Except for the National
Educational Examinations Authority, which accounted for 11% of
the Groups accounts receivables as of March 31, 2006,
no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of accounts
receivable as of March 31, 2006 and 2007.
As of March 31, 2006 and 2007, accounts receivable of
RMB6,678,685 and RMB9,427,729, respectively, represented amounts
that the Group had the right to bill according to the contract
terms, primarily relating to degree major course programs, but
related revenue was not recognized until earned.
The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts
receivable for the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 were
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
1,008,295 |
|
|
|
1,940,422 |
|
Additions charged to bad debt expense
|
|
|
932,127 |
|
|
|
499,729 |
|
Write-off of accounts receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ending allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
1,940,422 |
|
|
|
2,440,151 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-17
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
|
(4) |
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Prepaid royalty(a)
|
|
|
76,120 |
|
|
|
4,632,656 |
|
Prepaid business tax
|
|
|
1,001,212 |
|
|
|
1,573,799 |
|
Advances to third parties
|
|
|
775,000 |
|
|
|
778,568 |
|
Advances to employees
|
|
|
928,630 |
|
|
|
504,721 |
|
Advances to suppliers
|
|
|
66,800 |
|
|
|
804,812 |
|
Other current assets(b)
|
|
|
847,320 |
|
|
|
3,938,739 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
3,695,082 |
|
|
|
12,233,295 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
The balance as of March 31, 2006 and 2007 mainly included a
prepaid royalty fee to Microsoft. According to the contract
provisions, the royalty is paid based on forecasted usage and is
charged to expense as cost of revenues in the consolidated
statements of operations based on actual usage. |
|
(b) |
The balance as of March 31, 2006 and 2007 mainly included
prepaid marketing fees, lease receivable and current deferred
income tax assets. |
|
|
(5) |
INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES
|
The Groups investments in affiliated companies which are
all non-listed PRC companies were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Held |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
by the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Companys |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or VIE |
|
|
|
|
|
Form of Business |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Company |
|
Structure |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Principal Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
Jiangsu ATA Software Co., Ltd. (ATA Jiangsu)
|
|
|
Limited liability |
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computer-based testing service |
|
Xiamen Wendu Software Education Investment (Wendu
Education)
|
|
|
Limited liability |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
Investment in software related education industry |
ATA Jiangsu had incurred substantial operating losses and as of
March 31, 2003, the Groups carrying amount in that
investment was reduced to zero. The Group suspended the
application of the equity method of accounting since that time.
As a result of the completion of ATA Jiangsus liquidation
on May 10, 2006, the Group recognized a gain of
RMB1,509,228, including RMB29,141 cash collection and
RMB1,480,087 forgiveness of a liability. In April 2007, the
Group received liquidation proceeds of RMB988,133 in cash from
ATA Jiangsus major shareholder which was recognized as a
gain upon receipt.
In April 2005, ATA Learning, with other unrelated investors,
established Wendu Education. ATA Learning contributed cash in
the amount of RMB4,000,000 in exchange for a 40% equity
ownership interest. In June 2006, ATA Learning resolved to sell
its equity interest in Wendu Education for RMB6,000,000 to an
unrelated buyer. On September 22, 2006, a deposit of
RMB2,000,000 was received
F-18
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(See Note 8) but the sale of Wendu Education had not been
consummated as of March 31, 2007. In April 2007, the
remaining balance of RMB4,000,000 was collected.
(6) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Computer equipment
|
|
|
3,459,809 |
|
|
|
9,345,563 |
|
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment
|
|
|
197,208 |
|
|
|
409,134 |
|
Software
|
|
|
774,501 |
|
|
|
993,501 |
|
Motor vehicles
|
|
|
1,042,930 |
|
|
|
992,930 |
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
2,478,170 |
|
|
|
2,478,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,952,618 |
|
|
|
14,219,298 |
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(4,876,106 |
) |
|
|
(6,676,114 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
3,076,512 |
|
|
|
7,543,184 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7) NOTE PAYABLE
On April 12, 2002, a loan agreement was entered with a
third-party (the Lender) for which ATA Testing
borrowed RMB19,000,000. The note payable was unsecured and the
entire principal amount, including interest at 20% per annum was
due on April 11, 2004.
On May 23, 2003, the Lender agreed to extend the maturity
of the note payable to May 23, 2005, and concurrent with
the extension, the Company issued a warrant to the Lender to
purchase up to 20% of the common shares of the Company (See
Note 14). Further, the Lender agreed to forgive all
previously accrued interest on the loan and to waive all future
interest on the loan through May 23, 2005. Management
evaluated the debt exchange/modification and concluded it was
not a troubled debt restructuring. Further, management assessed
whether the exchange/modification was considered
substantial, as defined by EITF Issue
No. 96-19,
Debtors Accounting for a Modification or Exchange
of Debt Instruments, and concluded it was not a
substantial modification. Consequently, the Company recognized a
discount to the modified note payable on May 23, 2003 in
the amount of RMB4,729,857, which consisted of the then fair
value of the warrant (RMB8,651,061) less the accrued interest to
date that was forgiven (RMB3,921,204). The loan discount was
amortized to expense through May 23, 2005 using the
effective interest method. The fair value of the warrant was
recognized as an addition to additional paid-in capital on
May 23, 2003.
On May 23, 2005, which was the date the note became payable
and the warrant was set to expire, the Lender did not require
repayment of the loan (instead it became a demand loan) and
continued to waive all interest while the Company agreed to
extend the maturity of the warrant to the earlier of
30 days after the repayment of the note payable or
30 days after the Companys completion of an initial
public offering. Management again evaluated the debt
modification and concluded it was not a troubled debt
restructuring. Further, management again assessed whether the
modification was considered substantial and
concluded it was not a substantial modification. Consequently,
the Company re-determined the fair value of the warrant and
recognized a loan discount on May 23, 2005 in the amount of
RMB22,379,656 and charged this amount immediately to expense.
The fair value of the warrant was recognized as an addition to
additional paid-in capital on May 23, 2005.
F-19
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
On May 19, 2006, ATA Testing repaid the RMB19,000,000 loan
to the Lender and on June 26, 2006, the Company issued
5,479,452 common shares in connection with the exercise of this
warrant (See Note 14).
The loan discount charged into the consolidated statements of
operations, including loan issuance cost of RMB670,000, was
RMB22,713,422 and RMBNil during the years ended March 31,
2006 and 2007, respectively.
(8) ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER
PAYABLES
Accrued expenses and other payables consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Accrued payroll and welfare
|
|
|
2,671,305 |
|
|
|
2,786,524 |
|
Accrued fees for professional services
|
|
|
1,502,749 |
|
|
|
1,498,273 |
|
Business and other taxes payable
|
|
|
1,188,073 |
|
|
|
4,210,561 |
|
Deposit received toward the sale of an affiliate (See
Note 5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
Accrued initial public offering costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,442,805 |
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
1,314,687 |
|
|
|
1,794,229 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total accrued expenses and other payables
|
|
|
6,676,814 |
|
|
|
13,732,392 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9) DEFERRED REVENUES
Deferred revenues are analyzed as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Balance at beginning of year
|
|
|
29,148,947 |
|
|
|
30,895,614 |
|
Additions for the year:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Test-based educational services
|
|
|
43,720,021 |
|
|
|
49,884,975 |
|
Test preparation solutions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
185,107 |
|
Other revenue
|
|
|
3,255,936 |
|
|
|
1,835,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
76,124,904 |
|
|
|
82,800,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reduction for the year:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Testing services
|
|
|
(352,257 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Test-based educational services
|
|
|
(37,275,944 |
) |
|
|
(45,337,790 |
) |
Test preparation solutions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(138,145 |
) |
Other revenue
|
|
|
(7,601,089 |
) |
|
|
(3,086,762 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year
|
|
|
30,895,614 |
|
|
|
34,238,253 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Representing:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion
|
|
|
22,340,221 |
|
|
|
26,341,019 |
|
|
Non-current portion
|
|
|
8,555,393 |
|
|
|
7,897,234 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred revenues
|
|
|
30,895,614 |
|
|
|
34,238,253 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-20
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(10) NET REVENUES
Components of net revenues for the years ended March 31,
2006 and 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Testing services
|
|
|
18,169,773 |
|
|
|
24,628,465 |
|
Test-based educational services
|
|
|
35,138,112 |
|
|
|
42,803,677 |
|
Test preparation solutions
|
|
|
340,538 |
|
|
|
10,075,778 |
|
Other
revenue(a)
|
|
|
15,389,049 |
|
|
|
7,372,957 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues, net
|
|
|
69,037,472 |
|
|
|
84,880,877 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Other revenue primarily includes licensing fees from authorized
test centers, test development services, test certificate
services and licensing fee from ATA Jiangsu (2006 only). |
(11) INCOME TAXES
The Company and each of its consolidated entities file separate
income tax returns.
|
|
|
Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands
|
Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands and British Virgin
Islands, the Company and ATA BVI are not subject to tax on
income or capital gains. In addition, upon any payment or
dividend by the Company or ATA BVI, no withholding tax is
imposed.
|
|
|
Peoples Republic of China
|
The Companys consolidated PRC subsidiaries are registered
in the PRC as Foreign Invested Enterprise and are generally
subject to the PRC foreign enterprise income tax
(FEIT) rate of 33%. ATA Online, the Companys
consolidated VIE is registered in the PRC as domestic company
and is subject to the PRC enterprise income tax rate of 33%.
In 1999, ATA Testing was granted the status of a High New
Technology Development Enterprise (high-tech
enterprise) that entitles it to a preferential FEIT rate
of 15%. In 2003, ATA Learning was granted the status of a
high-tech enterprise that entitles it to a preferential FEIT
rate of 15%. In addition, ATA Learning has been granted a
tax holiday for exemption of FEIT for calendar years
2003 through 2005 and a FEIT holiday rate of 7.5% for calendar
years 2006 through 2008.
On March 16, 2007, the Fifth Plenary Session of the Tenth
National Peoples Congress passed the Corporate Income Tax
Law of the PRC (New Tax Law) which will take effect
on January 1, 2008. The New Tax Law unified the income tax
rate of PRC domestic enterprises and foreign invested
enterprises into a standard rate of 25%. According to the New
Tax Law, certain high-tech enterprises will continue to be
entitled to a reduced tax rate of 15%. The Group currently
believes ATA Testing and ATA Learning will continue to qualify
as high-tech enterprises under the New Tax Law and therefore
management believes the tax status of ATA Testing and ATA
Learning has not changed as a result of the New Tax Law.
However, detailed implementation rules regarding the
preferential tax policies (e.g. the details of how a taxpayer
can qualify as a high-tech enterprise under the New Tax Law)
have yet to be made public. Any effect on deferred income tax
assets and liabilities of a change in tax status as a result of
the detailed implementation rules will be recognized in the
statement of operations in the period that the change in tax
status is known.
F-21
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Also, under the New Tax Law, a withholding tax of 20% may be
applied on the dividends received by ATA BVI from ATA Testing
and ATA Learning after January 1, 2008. However, detailed
implementation rules, including whether exemptions from
withholding taxes would be granted to holding companies
incorporated in certain tax jurisdictions has not yet been
announced. Deferred tax liability arising from the withholding
tax, if any, cannot be determined as the New Tax Law has not yet
been clarified. As a result, no deferred tax liability has been
recognized. There are no unremitted earnings from ATA Testing
and ATA Learning as of March 31, 2007.
In addition, the Chinese tax system is generally subject to
substantial uncertainties and has been subject to recently
enacted changes, the interpretation and enforcement of which are
also uncertain. There can be no assurance that changes in
Chinese tax laws or their interpretation or their application
will not subject the Companys PRC entities to substantial
Chinese taxes in the future. The above preferential tax
treatments enjoyed or enjoying by ATA Testing and ATA Learning
may be taken away by the local tax authorities due to such
changes.
Income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated
statements of operations consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,187 |
|
Deferred
|
|
|
(485,456 |
) |
|
|
(1,819,345 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
(485,456 |
) |
|
|
(1,793,158 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The components of loss before income tax benefit separating the
Groups operations in the Cayman Islands and British Virgin
Islands, and the PRC are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Operations in the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands
|
|
|
(30,194,446 |
) |
|
|
(18,678,162 |
) |
Operations in the PRC
|
|
|
4,899,891 |
|
|
|
95,152 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income tax benefit
|
|
|
(25,294,555 |
) |
|
|
(18,583,010 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-22
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The actual income tax benefit as reported in the consolidated
statements of operations differs from the amounts computed by
applying the PRC FEIT rate of 33% to pretax loss as a result of
the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Computed expected income tax benefit
|
|
|
(8,347,203 |
) |
|
|
(6,132,393 |
) |
Realization of tax loss carryforwards previously provided for
|
|
|
(1,185,570 |
) |
|
|
(957,566 |
) |
Decrease in valuation allowance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,333,911 |
) |
Tax holiday
|
|
|
(544,313 |
) |
|
|
155,072 |
|
Preferential tax rate
|
|
|
(1,468,395 |
) |
|
|
(555,685 |
) |
Foreign tax differential
|
|
|
9,964,167 |
|
|
|
6,163,793 |
|
Deductible software amortization
|
|
|
(330,000 |
) |
|
|
(330,000 |
) |
Non-deductible entertainment expenses
|
|
|
489,713 |
|
|
|
762,738 |
|
Non-deductible bad debt expense
|
|
|
307,602 |
|
|
|
164,911 |
|
Taxable inter-company licensing fees
|
|
|
658,053 |
|
|
|
767,928 |
|
Non-taxable equity income in affiliates
|
|
|
(29,510 |
) |
|
|
(498,045 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual income tax benefit
|
|
|
(485,456 |
) |
|
|
(1,793,158 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The PRC statutory rate has been used since substantially all of
the Groups operations, taxable income and income tax
expense are generated in the PRC.
The Groups tax holiday increased the actual income tax
benefit by RMB544,313 and decreased the actual income tax
benefit by RMB155,072 for the years ended March 31, 2006
and 2007, respectively. Basic and diluted loss per common share
effect of the tax holiday for the years ended March 31,
2006 and 2007 were RMB(0.03) and RMB0.01, respectively.
The tax effects of the Groups temporary differences that
give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax
assets are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Deferred income tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carryforwards
|
|
|
2,685,899 |
|
|
|
2,208,133 |
|
Pre-operating expenses
|
|
|
57,959 |
|
|
|
32,200 |
|
Investment in an affiliate
|
|
|
48,771 |
|
|
|
62,809 |
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
124,466 |
|
|
|
141,821 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total gross deferred income tax assets
|
|
|
2,917,095 |
|
|
|
2,444,963 |
|
Less: Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(2,348,786 |
) |
|
|
(57,309 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred income tax assets
|
|
|
568,309 |
|
|
|
2,387,654 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current deferred income tax assets, included in prepaid expenses
and other current assets
|
|
|
456,620 |
|
|
|
2,179,206 |
|
Non-current deferred income tax assets, included in other
non-current assets
|
|
|
111,689 |
|
|
|
208,448 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
568,309 |
|
|
|
2,387,654 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-23
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Tax loss operating carryforwards of the Group amounted to
RMB15,640,901 as of March 31, 2007 of which RMB2,526,847,
RMB6,664,859, RMB218,737 and RMB6,230,458 will expire if unused
during the years ending March 31, 2008, 2009, 2012 and
2013, respectively.
In assessing the realizability of deferred income tax assets,
management considers whether it is more likely than not that
some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not
be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax
assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income
during the periods in which those temporary differences become
deductible or tax carryforwards are utilized. Management
considers projected future taxable income and tax planning
strategies in making this assessment. The largest component of
deferred income tax assets is the net operating loss
carryforwards generated by ATA Testing. ATA Testing incurred
operating losses through 2004. ATA Testing utilized tax loss
carryforwards, which were previously provided for, amounting to
RMB1,185,570 and RMB957,566, respectively, in the years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007. Management believes that ATA
Testings cumulative operating losses for the three-year
period ended March 31, 2006 constituted significant
evidence that deferred income tax assets would not be realizable
and this evidence outweighed the Groups expectations that
ATA Testing would generate future taxable income. Therefore, a
valuation allowance of RMB2,348,786 has been provided against
ATA Testings deferred income tax assets as of
March 31, 2006. The deferred income tax assets of
RMB430,861 recognized on net operating loss generated during the
three months ended March 31, 2006 was expected to be
recovered within the tax year of 2006, thus no valuation
allowance was provided. For the year ended March 31, 2007,
management considered the continuous realization of tax loss
carryforwards, the marginal cumulative operating losses for the
three-year period ended March 31, 2007, the level of
non-deductible permanent differences and the Groups
expectations of ATA Testings generation of future taxable
income, and concluded that ATA Testings deferred income
tax assets as of March 31, 2007 are more likely than not
realizable. Therefore, the Company released the valuation
allowance of RMB1,391,220 attributable to ATA Testings tax
loss carryforwards and recognized an income tax benefit in the
consolidated statements of operations. The valuation allowance
of RMB57,309 as of March 31, 2007 was provided for the net
operating loss carryforwards of ATA Online. Due to the short
operating history of ATA Online, management does not believe
that its deferred income tax assets are more likely than not
realizable and therefore, a full valuation allowance was
provided against ATA Onlines deferred income tax assets as
of March 31, 2007. The amount of the net deferred income
tax assets considered realizable as of March 31, 2007 could
be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable
income are reduced.
(12) SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
|
|
|
Options granted to officers
|
In May 2003, the Company entered into agreements with two
executives to grant share options as a reward for their
services. The options entitled the executives to purchase up to
1,369,863 common shares at USD0.545 (RMB4.50) per share.
The options have a contractual term of 10 years. 50%, 25%
and 25% of the options will be vested after the first, second
and third anniversary of the date of the grant of the options,
respectively. Unvested options expire if the holders cease to be
employees of the Group.
On April 12, 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company
resolved to accelerate the vesting of the above mentioned
options, which would have fully vested in 2006. The accelerated
options resulted in compensation expense of RMB296,115 being
recognized in the year ended March 31, 2006.
|
|
|
2005 Share incentive plan
|
In April 2005, the Company adopted a share incentive plan (the
Plan), pursuant to which the Companys Board of
Directors may grant share options to officers, employees,
directors and consultants of the Group. The Plan authorizes the
Company to grant options to purchase up to 2,894,000 common
F-24
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
shares. The Plan expires in ten years. Options awards provide
for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as
defined in the Plan).
On April 12, 2005, 1,312,600 share options were granted to
employees and a consultant at an exercise price of USD2.263
(RMB17.48) per share. 25% of options granted vest on May 1,
2006 and the remaining 75% vest ratably each month over the
following 36-month period. The contractual term of these share
options is 10 years. Of the 1,312,600 options, 860,800
share options become fully vested to the extent the holders
cease to be employees, directors or a consultant of the Group.
On December 16, 2005, 951,000 share options were granted to
employees at an exercise price of USD3.60 (RMB27.80) per share.
25% of options granted vest on January 1, 2007 and the
remaining 75% vest ratably each month over the following
36-month period. The contractual term of these options is
10 years.
On May 26, 2006, 330,400 share options were granted to an
officer at an exercise price of USD3.60 (RMB27.80) per share.
25% of options granted vest on May 1, 2007 and the
remaining 75% vest ratably each month over the following
36-month period. The contractual term of these options is 10
years.
On December 27, 2006, 250,000 share options were granted to
employees at an exercise price of USD3.60 (RMB27.80) per share.
25% of options granted vest on October 31, 2007 and the
remaining 75% vest ratably each month over the following
36-month period. The contractual term of these options is
10 years.
A summary of all the option activities for the years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007 is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average |
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Weighted average |
|
remaining |
|
Aggregated |
|
|
of shares |
|
exercise price |
|
contractual term |
|
intrinsic value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD |
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at April 1, 2005
|
|
|
1,369,863 |
|
|
|
0.545 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
2,263,600 |
|
|
|
2.825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(120,000 |
) |
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at March 31, 2006
|
|
|
3,513,463 |
|
|
|
1.909 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
580,400 |
|
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(41,000 |
) |
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at March 31, 2007
|
|
|
4,052,863 |
|
|
|
2.134 |
|
|
|
7.7 years |
|
|
|
USD1,527,397 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fully vested and exercisable as of March 31, 2007
|
|
|
2,694,026 |
|
|
|
1.512 |
|
|
|
7.1 years |
|
|
|
USD1,527,397 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-25
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The following is additional information relating to options
outstanding as of March 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding as of March 31, 2007 |
|
Options exercisable as of March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Exercise price |
|
Remaining |
|
Number |
|
Exercise price |
|
Remaining |
|
|
of shares |
|
per share |
|
contractual life |
|
of shares |
|
per share |
|
contractual life |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD |
|
|
|
|
|
USD |
|
|
|
|
|
1,369,863 |
|
|
|
0.545 |
|
|
|
6.1 years |
|
|
|
1,369,863 |
|
|
|
0.545 |
|
|
|
6.1 years |
|
|
|
|
1,312,600 |
|
|
|
2.263 |
|
|
|
8.0 years |
|
|
|
1,077,288 |
|
|
|
2.263 |
|
|
|
8.0 years |
|
|
|
|
790,000 |
|
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
8.7 years |
|
|
|
246,875 |
|
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
8.7 years |
|
|
|
|
330,400 |
|
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
9.2 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
9.7 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,052,863 |
|
|
|
2.134 |
|
|
|
7.7 years |
|
|
|
2,694,026 |
|
|
|
1.512 |
|
|
|
7.1 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management determined the estimated fair value of each option
award to executives, directors, consultants and employees using
the Binomial option-pricing valuation model under the
assumptions noted in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April |
|
December |
|
May |
|
December |
Expected volatility
|
|
|
64% |
|
|
|
60% |
|
|
|
57% |
|
|
|
56% |
|
Expected dividends
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected life
|
|
|
9.0 years |
|
|
|
9.5 years |
|
|
|
9.3 years |
|
|
|
8.9 years |
|
Risk-free interest rate (per annum)
|
|
|
4.38% |
|
|
|
4.45% |
|
|
|
5.06% |
|
|
|
4.66% |
|
Estimated fair value at grant date of underlying common shares
(per share)
|
|
|
USD0.89 |
|
|
|
USD0.99 |
|
|
|
USD1.14 |
|
|
|
USD1.66 |
|
Because the Company does not have an internal market for its
shares, the expected volatility was based on the historical
volatilities of comparable publicly traded training and testing
services companies operating in the United States. The expected
term is the period of time the options are expected to be
outstanding. Since the share options, once exercised, will
primarily trade in the United States capital market and there
was no comparable PRC zero coupon rate, the risk-free rate for
periods within the contractual life of the option is based on
the United States treasury yield curve in effect at the time of
grant.
The estimated fair value of the underlying common shares on the
date of grant was determined by management based on valuations
conducted by Sallmanns (Far East) Limited, an independent
third-party valuation firm, on the Companys common shares
as of the dates of grant, supplemented by the forecasted
profitability and cash flows of the Group estimated by the
Company.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted
during the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 was USD0.378
(RMB3.095) and USD0.538 (RMB4.258) per share, respectively. The
Company recorded share-based compensation expense of
RMB4,182,233 and RMB2,497,318 for the years ended March 31,
2006 and 2007, respectively.
As of March 31, 2007, there was RMB2,614,644 of total
unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share
options. This cost is expected to be recognized over the next
4 years.
(13) CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED
SHARES
The Company is authorized to issue Series A redeemable
convertible preferred shares (Series A Shares)
and Series A-1
redeemable convertible preferred shares
(Series A-1
Shares), which both carry
F-26
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
the same rights and are designated as the same class of
preferred shares. Series A Shares and
Series A-1 Shares
are referred to collectively as the Preferred Shares.
On January 16, 2005, the Company obtained a bridge loan of
USD5,000,000 (RMB41,382,500) from SB Asia Investment
Fund II, L.P. (SAIF) in contemplation of the
issuance of Series A Shares.
On March 31, 2005, the Company issued 6,628,369
Series A Shares to two investors SAIF and
Winning King Ltd. at USD2.263 (RMB18.730) per share (the
Series A issue price) for a total cash
consideration of USD15,000,000 (RMB124,147,500), including
conversion of the bridge loan of USD5,000,000 (RMB41,382,500)
and accrued interest of USD50,313 (RMB416,416). The accrued
interest was added to the initial carrying amount of the
Series A Shares.
Total direct external incremental costs of issuing the
Series A Shares and warrant of RMB6,191,974 were charged
against the proceeds of the Series A Shares.
Prior to March 9, 2006, the Series A Shares were
redeemable at the option of the majority of the holders for cash
any time after 4 years from the issuance at a redemption
price equal to 150% of the Series A issue price, plus
accrued but unpaid dividends. Consequently, the Series A
Shares were classified outside of permanent equity of the
Company at issuance and until March 9, 2006. The accretion
to the redemption value was reported as a reduction to earnings
to arrive at net loss applicable to common shareholders in the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations and amounted
to RMB13,889,483 for the year ended March 31, 2006.
On March 9, 2006, the holders of Series A Shares and
warrant waived their rights to redeem the then outstanding
Series A and
Series A-1 Shares.
Upon waiver of the redemption feature, the Company reclassified
the carrying amount of the Series A Shares amounting to
RMB123,286,791 to shareholders equity.
The significant terms of the Preferred Shares are as follows:
The holders of Preferred Shares have the right to convert all or
any portion of their holdings into common shares of the Company
at any time. In addition, each Preferred Share will
automatically be converted into common share upon vote or
written consent of the holders of more than two-thirds of the
then outstanding Preferred Shares or the consummation of a
Qualified Public Offering, as defined in the preferred share
agreement.
Each Preferred Share is convertible into one common share,
subject to a contingent conversion price adjustment if the
audited US GAAP consolidated net income of the Group for the
year ended December 31, 2005 is less than USD6,000,000
(RMB46,339,200) or the Company does not close or complete a
Qualified Public Offering by March 31, 2006. The contingent
conversion price adjustment is based on a formula which
considers the net income of the Group for the 12 months
period ended December 31, 2005 and the valuation of the
Company as a result of an initial public offering. As of
March 31, 2007, the contingency was not resolved with
respect to determining the adjusted conversion price because one
of the conditions, the valuation of the Company as a result of
an initial public offering, was unknown as of March 31,
2007. Based on the Companys best estimate of the company
value, 4,218,402 common shares would have been issuable, if the
contingency (the valuation of the Company as a result of an
initial public offering) was resolved on March 31, 2007.
The Company has determined that there was no beneficial
conversion feature attributable to the Preferred Shares at the
date of issuance. The contingent conversion price adjustment may
provide the holders of the Preferred Shares with a beneficial
conversion feature; however, any such beneficial
F-27
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
conversion feature relating to the conversion ratio adjustment
will be recognized when the contingency is resolved.
On March 31, 2005, in conjunction with the issuance of
Series A Shares, the Company also issued a warrant to SAIF
to purchase an aggregate of 883,783
Series A-1 Shares
at an exercise price of USD3.3945 (RMB27.2119). The warrant is
exercisable until the earlier of: (i) March 31, 2010;
or (ii) the date of closing of a qualified initial public
offering.
The warrant permits SAIF to acquire
Series A-1 Shares
that are redeemable at its option. Therefore, the warrant has
been classified separately as a liability (with a corresponding
reduction to the carrying amount of the Series A Shares) on
the date of issuance at its fair value of RMB5,705,410 (or
RMB6.46 per share). The fair value of warrant was determined by
first valuing the Companys enterprise value as a whole and
then using a top-down approach to allocate the enterprises
equity value, probability weighted to reflect the respective
contractual provisions of certain capital or equity transactions
of the Company, to different classes of equity, including the
warrant. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model under certain
capital or equity transactions was used to determine the
allocation of equity value to the warrant. Subsequent changes to
the fair value of the warrant were reported in the consolidated
statements of operations. Immediately prior to the elimination
of the redemption feature on March 9, 2006, the Company
remeasured the warrant to its fair value of RMB5,916,546 with
the increase in fair value of RMB211,136 being recognized as
loss from revaluation of preferred share warrant in the
consolidated statements of operations. The Company then
reclassified the preferred shares into shareholders
equity. The warrant was also reclassified into
shareholders equity at its fair value of RMB5,916,546.
The common shares that will be issued upon conversion of the
Preferred Shares as of March 31, 2007 would be 7,512,152,
which had been reserved by the Company to satisfy the conversion.
The holders of the Preferred Shares have voting rights
equivalent to the common shareholders on an if
converted basis.
Prior to March 9, 2006, holders of the Preferred Shares
were entitled to receive preferred dividends at an annual rate
of 6% of the issue price per annum, out of any funds legally
available for this purpose, when and if declared by the Board of
Directors of the Company. On March 9, 2006, the holders of
Series A Shares and warrant waived their rights to receive
dividends prior to any other class or series of shares.
Two directors shall be elected by the holders of a majority of
the Preferred Shares, voting separately as a class.
Prior to March 9, 2006, in the event of any liquidation
event (as defined in the Companys Articles of
Association), the holders of the Preferred Shares were entitled
to receive, prior to any distribution to the holders of any
other class or series of shares, an amount per share equal to
the 150% of Series A issue price of USD2.263 (RMB18.730),
as adjusted for any share splits, share dividends and
recapitalization, and the amount payable to common shareholders
on an as-converted basis. On March 9, 2006, the holders of
Series A Shares and warrant waived their rights to receive
150% of original issue price
F-28
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
of Series A and
Series A-1
preferred shares upon Liquidation events to instead, receive an
amount equal to 100% of the original issue price of
Series A and
Series A-1
preferred shares upon Liquidation events.
The Company may not undertake any of the following actions
without the prior approval of directors nominated by the holders
of Preferred Shares:
|
|
|
(i) Undertake merger, amalgamation or consolidation
(Transaction) of the Company with any person who
does not own or control at least a majority of the voting power
of the combined entity before the Transaction; |
|
|
(ii) Sell all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company; |
|
|
(iii) Liquidate, wind up or dissolve the Company; |
|
|
(iv) Authorize, create or issue shares of any class of
shares with rights senior to or in parity with the Preferred
Shares; |
|
|
(v) Reclassify any outstanding shares into shares having
preferences or priority as to dividends or assets senior to or
in parity with the Preferred Shares; and |
|
|
(vi) Increase and decrease the number of directors above
seven directors. |
On May 1, 2006, SAIF exercised the warrant and purchased
883,783 Series A-1 Shares at USD3.3945 (RMB27.2119) per share.
The exercise of the warrant resulted in the issuance of
Series A-1 shares
at RMB24,049,448 (USD3,000,000).
(14) COMMON SHARES
|
|
|
Common share warrants granted to third parties
|
On May 23, 2003, the Company issued a warrant to the Lender
in connection with a debt modification (See Note 7) to
purchase 5,479,452 common shares of the Company for
RMB19,000,000. The warrant was initially set to expire on
May 23, 2005, but was extended on that date to expire at
the earlier of: i) 30 days after ATA Testing repays the
note payable of RMB19,000,000; or ii) 30 days after the
Company completes its initial public offering. The fair value of
the warrant granted on May 23, 2003 was determined to be
RMB8,651,061, which was the present value of the total forgiven
interest payable under the original terms of the note payable.
The Company believes that the present value of the forgiven
interest based on the contractual interest rate is a more
reliable evidence for the fair value of the warrant than any
other valuation of the warrant on a stand-alone basis. The value
of this warrant has been recognized as additional paid-in
capital in connection with the loan modification.
On May 23, 2005, as a result of a further loan modification
and the extension of the warrants maturity, the Company
re-determined the fair value of the warrant to be RMB22,379,656,
based on an independent valuation by Sallmanns (Far East)
Limited using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair
value of this warrant has been recognized as additional paid-in
capital in connection with the second loan modification.
In June 2006, the Lender exercised the warrant and purchased
5,479,452 common shares at a total price of RMB19,000,000. The
excess of the total price over the par value of the common
shares of RMB438,564 amounting to RMB18,561,436 was charged
against additional paid-in capital.
F-29
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(15) COMMITMENTS AND
CONTINGENCIES
The Group entered into non-cancelable operating leases,
primarily for office buildings, for initial terms of one to five
years, without renewal options.
Minimum rent payments under operating leases are recognized on a
straight-line basis over the term of the lease, including any
periods of free rent.
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating
leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one
year) as of March 31, 2007 are:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Lease Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
Year ended March 31, 2008
|
|
|
4,110,167 |
|
Year ended March 31, 2009
|
|
|
4,899,390 |
|
Year ended March 31, 2010
|
|
|
4,070,714 |
|
Year ended March 31, 2011
|
|
|
1,664,742 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,745,013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rental expense for operating leases (except those with lease
terms of a month or less that were not renewed) for the years
ended March 31, 2006 and 2007 were RMB3,162,284 and
RMB4,259,792, respectively.
(16) LOSS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted loss per common share is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
|
|
|
35,429,358 |
|
|
|
16,789,852 |
|
Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
16,420,680 |
|
|
|
20,594,071 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per share
|
|
|
2.16 |
|
|
|
0.82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys common equivalent shares for the years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007 consist of 645,033 and 920,119
common shares issuable upon exercise of share options,
respectively (using the treasury stock method); 3,436,529 and
1,143,994 common shares issuable upon exercise of warrants,
respectively (using the treasury stock method); and 10,846,771
and 11,655,493 common shares issuable upon conversion of
Preferred Shares (using the as-converted method), respectively.
For the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007, all common
equivalent shares in the diluted loss per share computation were
excluded as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
F-30
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
|
(17) |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
The principal related party transactions during the years ended
March 31, 2006 and 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Loan collection from Yinchuan Holding and Yinchuan
Holdings subsidiary, including interest and business tax
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
21,378,898 |
|
|
|
|
|
Loans to (collection from) Keying Shiji Co., Ltd.
(Keying)
|
|
|
(e) |
|
|
|
540,000 |
|
|
|
(540,000 |
) |
Loan repaid to Yinchuan Holding
|
|
|
(b) |
|
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Financing repaid to Yinchuan Holding including accrued interest
expenses
|
|
|
(h) |
|
|
|
37,630,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income from assigned interests in service contracts from ATA
Jiangsu, net of business tax
|
|
|
(f) |
|
|
|
4,373,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses paid by (repaid to) ATA Jiangsu
|
|
|
(g) |
|
|
|
43,869 |
|
|
|
(60,857 |
) |
Forgiveness of a liability to ATA Jiangsu
|
|
|
(g) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,480,087 |
|
Collection from ATA Jiangsu as a result of the liquidation
|
|
|
(g) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,141 |
|
Advances to shareholders and management:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Operations related
|
|
|
(c) |
|
|
|
984,543 |
|
|
|
2,631,924 |
|
|
- Other
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
602,554 |
|
|
|
1,655,213 |
|
Collection of advances to shareholders and management:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Operations related
|
|
|
(c) |
|
|
|
178,296 |
|
|
|
3,501,960 |
|
|
- Other
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,593,746 |
|
Advances from shareholders and management:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Operations related
|
|
|
(c) |
|
|
|
102,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment of advances from shareholders and management:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Operations related
|
|
|
(c) |
|
|
|
67,471 |
|
|
|
102,776 |
|
|
- Other
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
4,081,480 |
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts due from and due to related parties were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due from Keying
|
|
|
(e) |
|
|
|
540,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Due from shareholders and management
|
|
|
(c)&(d) |
|
|
|
3,828,339 |
|
|
|
19,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,368,339 |
|
|
|
19,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due to ATA Jiangsu
|
|
|
(g) |
|
|
|
1,540,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
Due to shareholders and management
|
|
|
(d) |
|
|
|
102,776 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,643,720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-31
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Notes:
|
|
(a) |
Yinchuan Holding held 60% of the equity interest of ATA Learning
prior to May 9, 2005. Yinchuan Holding and its subsidiary
borrowed RMB20,000,000 from ATA Learning in December 2003. The
loan was unsecured and interest accrued at bank lending rate
prescribed by the PBOC, originally due for collection on
December 31, 2004 and was subsequently extended until
collected with interest on June 1, 2005. |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
In February 2003, ATA Testing borrowed RMB5,000,000 from
Yinchuan Holding. The borrowing was unsecured, interest free and
repayable on demand. Yinchuan Holding agreed to forgive
RMB2,000,000 out of the total loan balance of RMB5,000,000. Such
forgiveness was connected to the exercise of call option for
RMB30,000,000 by ATA BVI (See (h)). Upon the extinguishment of
this obligation, ATA Testing recognized a RMB2,000,000 gain in
the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended
March 31, 2005. ATA Testing repaid the remaining
RMB3,000,000 on June 1, 2005. |
|
(c) |
|
The management and shareholders of the Group received business
advances from the Group for the Groups daily operation
purposes. The amounts are unsecured, interest free and repayable
on demand. The balances due from management and shareholders
were charged in the consolidated statements of operations when
expenses were incurred. |
|
(d) |
|
The management and shareholders of the Group periodically
provided advances to the Group for working capital purposes or
received advances from the Group for their personal use. The
amounts are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.
The balances due to/from management and shareholders were
settled periodically and were fully settled as of March 31,
2007. |
|
(e) |
|
Two executive officers of the Group, own 90% and 10% shares,
respectively, of Keying. The loans made during the year ended
March 31, 2006 were to finance Keyings working capital and
were interest free, unsecured and repayable on demand. Keying
repaid the loan in full during the year ended March 31,
2007. |
|
(f) |
|
In March 2002, ATA Testing entered into an agreement with ATA
Jiangsu (an affiliate of the Company) to assign ATA
Testings interests and rights in certain services
contracts. ATA Testing collected RMB6,500,000 related to the
assignment of these contracts. ATA Testing estimated that these
service contracts would generate revenue for 10 years and
would provide ongoing technical support during the period of
service contracts. As a result, ATA Testing initially deferred
the recognition of such revenue and was recognizing the
RMB6,500,000 into income ratably over the 10 year period.
In December 2005, ATA Jiangsu commenced a voluntary winding up,
which was completed in May 2006. Consequently, ATA determined it
would no longer be required to provide ongoing technical
support. Therefore, ATA Testing recognized the remaining portion
of the deferred revenue into income during the year ended
March 31, 2006. For the years ended March 31, 2006 and
2007, the Group recognized revenue from assignment of interest
in service contracts of RMB4,373,958 and RMBNil, respectively. |
|
(g) |
|
ATA Jiangsu paid certain operating expenses on behalf of ATA
Testing. Such expenses were charged into the consolidated
statements of operations when incurred. RMB60,857 of
March 31, 2006 balance was settled by cash and the
remaining balance of RMB1,480,087 was recognized as a gain from
the liquidation of ATA Jiangsus net assets. |
|
(h) |
|
Upon the formation of ATA Learning in 2003, Yinchuan Holding
contributed RMB30,000,000 in cash for a 60% equity ownership
interest. ATA BVI was granted a call option that allowed it to
acquire Yinchuan Holdings 60% equity interest for
RMB30,000,000, and Yinchuan Holding was granted a put option
that, upon exercise, obligated ATA BVI to purchase Yinchuan
Holdings 60% equity interest for RMB30,000,000. Both the
call option and put option expired the earlier of (i) the |
F-32
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
end of the fourth fiscal year end since ATA Learnings
formation or (ii) the point when ATA Learning reaches an
accumulative net income of RMB30,000,000. Since ATA BVI was the
primary beneficiary of ATA Learning and was consolidating ATA
Learning in accordance with FIN 46R, Yinchuan
Holdings RMB30,000,000 cash contribution was accounted for
by ATA BVI as a financing arrangement pursuant to the provisions
of EITF Issue
No. 00-04
Majority Owners Accounting for a Transaction in
the Share of a Consolidated Subsidiary and a Derivative Indexed
to the Minority Interest in That Subsidiary. To the
extent that the financing was repaid at any time prior to the
end of a calendar year (as effected through exercise of the
option), Yinchuan Holding was not entitled to receive a pro rata
share of ATA Learnings earnings for that calendar year. On
May 9, 2005, ATA BVI exercised the call option to acquire
the remaining 60% of the equity interest in ATA Learning from
Yinchuan Holding for RMB30,000,000, and the accrued unpaid
interest of RMB7,630,670 was paid by June 1,
2005. Consequently, upon exercise of the call option in May 2005
that resulted in the repayment of the financing arrangement, no
interest expense with respect to this arrangement was recognized
for the period from January 2005 to May 2005. |
|
|
(18) |
ATA INC. (Parent Company)
|
Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations permit payments of
dividends by the Groups PRC subsidiaries and VIE only out
of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance
with the PRC accounting standards and regulations. There are no
retained earnings available for distribution as of
March 31, 2007 as ATA Testing, ATA Learning and ATA Online
all recorded accumulated losses in their financial statements
prepared in accordance with the PRC accounting standards and
regulations.
In accordance with the relevant laws and regulations for
sino-foreign investment enterprises incorporated under the Law
of the PRC on Joint Venture Using Chinese and Foreign
Investment, ATA Learning is required to make appropriation of
net income to general reserve fund, enterprise expansion fund
and staff and workers welfare and bonus fund
(Funds) at the discretion of the board of directors.
ATA Learning decided not to appropriate after tax income to
Funds for the year ended December 31, 2004 (the statutory
financial year for all PRC enterprises is from January 1 to
December 31). In May 2005, ATA Learning was converted to a
wholly-owned foreign enterprise after acquisition of 60% of its
equity interest by ATA BVI (See Note 1). Under the PRC
Company Law and the Law of the PRC on Enterprises with Wholly
Owned Foreign Investment, ATA Testing, ATA Learning and ATA
Online are required to allocate at least 10% of their after tax
income, after making good of accumulated losses as reported in
their PRC statutory financial statements, to the general reserve
fund/statutory surplus reserve and have the right to discontinue
allocations to the general reserve fund/statutory surplus
reserve if the balance of such reserve has reached 50% of their
registered capital. These statutory reserves are not available
for distribution to the shareholders (except in liquidation) and
may not be transferred in the form of loans, advances, or cash
dividend.
No after tax income were appropriated from retained earnings and
set aside for these statutory reserves by ATA Testing, ATA
Learning and ATA Online on or before March 31, 2007.
As a result of these PRC laws and regulations, the Groups
PRC subsidiaries and VIE are restricted in their ability to
transfer a portion of their net assets either in the form of
dividends, loans or advances, which restricted portion,
consisted of paid-up capital, capital surplus and accumulated
deficit, amounted to RMB39,833,084 as of March 31, 2007.
F-33
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The following presents condensed unconsolidated financial
information of the Parent Company only.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Cash
|
|
|
2,281,186 |
|
|
|
6,640,823 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
101,489 |
|
|
|
48,380 |
|
Investments in subsidiaries and variable interest entity
|
|
|
62,367,930 |
|
|
|
75,240,501 |
|
Deferred initial public offering costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,462,485 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
64,750,605 |
|
|
|
91,392,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other payables
|
|
|
1,502,207 |
|
|
|
3,030,352 |
|
Guaranteed obligation for losses of subsidiaries and variable
interest entity
|
|
|
37,356,647 |
|
|
|
33,713,172 |
|
Shareholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible preferred shares
|
|
|
533,451 |
|
|
|
604,299 |
|
Common shares
|
|
|
1,655,313 |
|
|
|
2,093,877 |
|
Treasury shares
|
|
|
(16,106,940 |
) |
|
|
(16,106,940 |
) |
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
158,102,092 |
|
|
|
203,139,446 |
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(118,292,165 |
) |
|
|
(135,082,017 |
) |
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
25,891,751 |
|
|
|
54,648,665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
|
64,750,605 |
|
|
|
91,392,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company had no contingent obligations other than guaranteed
obligation for losses of subsidiaries and variable interest
entity, as discussed above, as of March 31, 2006 and 2007.
|
|
|
Condensed Statements of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
(5,921,927 |
) |
|
|
(16,187,897 |
) |
Other expenses
|
|
|
(1,507,890 |
) |
|
|
(2,922,571 |
) |
Interest expenses
|
|
|
(22,713,422 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Loss from revaluation of preferred share warrant
|
|
|
(211,136 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
159,929 |
|
|
|
432,306 |
|
Equity in income from subsidiaries and variable interest entity
|
|
|
5,385,347 |
|
|
|
1,888,310 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(24,809,099 |
) |
|
|
(16,789,852 |
) |
Accretion of Series A redeemable convertible preferred
shares to redemption value
|
|
|
(13,889,483 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment on
Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares
|
|
|
3,269,224 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
|
|
|
(35,429,358 |
) |
|
|
(16,789,852 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-34
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
|
|
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(24,809,099 |
) |
|
|
(16,789,852 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of loan discount
|
|
|
22,713,422 |
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss
|
|
|
535,741 |
|
|
|
1,567,582 |
|
Loss on revaluation of preferred share warrant
|
|
|
211,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation
|
|
|
4,182,233 |
|
|
|
2,497,318 |
|
Equity in income of subsidiaries and variable interest entity
|
|
|
(5,385,347 |
) |
|
|
(1,888,310 |
) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(101,489 |
) |
|
|
53,109 |
|
Other payables
|
|
|
(1,456,563 |
) |
|
|
85,340 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(4,109,966 |
) |
|
|
(14,474,813 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contribution made to ATA Testing
|
|
|
(19,384,391 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Advances to subsidiaries
|
|
|
(26,046,003 |
) |
|
|
(15,032,756 |
) |
Loans to related parties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,000,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(45,430,394 |
) |
|
|
(16,032,756 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of common shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,000,000 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,049,448 |
|
Cash paid to settle a debt from an investor of ATA Learning
|
|
|
(30,000,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for preferred shares and warrants issuance cost
|
|
|
(4,061,003 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for initial public offering costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,019,680 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
|
|
|
(34,061,003 |
) |
|
|
35,029,768 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
|
|
|
(73,341 |
) |
|
|
(162,562 |
) |
Net (decrease) increase in cash
|
|
|
(83,674,704 |
) |
|
|
4,359,637 |
|
Cash at beginning of year
|
|
|
85,955,890 |
|
|
|
2,281,186 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at end of year
|
|
|
2,281,186 |
|
|
|
6,640,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) Adjustment to the
conversion price of Series A Shares
|
On July 2, 2007, the Company and the holders of the
Series A Shares agreed to adjust the conversion price of
Series A Shares to common shares from USD2.263 to USD1.3829
per share according to the mechanism stipulated in the
Companys memorandum and articles of association.
Accordingly, on a fullyconverted basis, Series A
Shares will be converted to 10,846,771 common shares under the
adjusted conversion price.
F-35
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The Company has also determined that the non-detachable
conversion feature had no intrinsic value on July 2, 2007,
when the contigency was resolved, as the commitment-date fair
value (USD0.89) of the underlying common shares of the Company
issuable upon conversion is lower than the adjusted conversion
price of Series A Shares. Therefore, no beneficial
conversion feature was recognised. The fair value of the
underlying common shares of the Company was determined by
Sallmanns (Far East) Limited, an independent third-party
valuation firm, using an income approach. Since the
Companys capital structure comprised a warrant, common
shares and Preferred Shares, the equity value was allocated
between each class of equity securities using the option pricing
method. The option pricing method treats the warrant, common
shares and Preferred Shares as call options on the equity value
with exercise prices based on the warrants exercise price
and liquidation preferences of the Preferred Shares.
On July 2, 2007, the Company also resolved that the number
of common shares, which were reserved for the purpose of issuing
upon conversion of the Series A and Series A-1 shares, were
adjusted to 11,730,554.
|
|
|
(b) Grant of stock
options
|
On October 1, 2007, the Groups board of directors
approved the grant of 391,800 options to purchase common shares
at an exercise price of USD3.60 per common share. 25% of the
options granted vest on January 1, 2008 and the remaining
75% vest ratably at the end of each month over the following
30-month period. The contractual term of these options is
10 years. Based on the preliminary valuation performed by
Sallmanns (Far East) Limited, an independent valuation firm, the
grant-date fair value of the 391,800 options is estimated at
approximately RMB18,500,000 (unaudited). Sallmanns (Far East)
Limited used the binomial option pricing model. The assumptions
used in determining the fair value of the options were as
follows: expected volatility of 43%, expected dividend rate of
0%, expected life of 1.8 years, risk-free interest rate of
4.56% per annum, and estimated fair market value of underlying
shares of USD9.52 (the mid-point of the estimated range of the
initial public offering price of this offering after a discount
of 9.16% to account for inherent business risk and lack of
marketability)(Unaudited).
|
|
|
(c) Acquisition of equity
interests in Beijing Jindixin Software Technology Company
Limited (Beijing Jindixin) and JDX Holdings
Limited
|
On October 15, 2007, the Company entered into definitive
agreements to purchase the entire equity interests of Beijing
Jindixin and JDX Holdings Limited for total cash consideration
of RMB10 million. Beijing Jindixin is a PRC incorporated
entity primarily engaged in the development and marketing of
software for computer-based tests. JDX Holdings Limited is a
British Virgin Islands incorporated entity established by the
equity holders of Beijing Jindixin to receive permanent and
exclusive licensing rights for the use of technology owned by
Beijing Jindixin. On October 15, 2007, a deposit of
RMB2 million in the aggregate was made to the sellers with
the remainder of the consideration due upon closing. The
transaction is expected to close within 90 days of the date of
the agreements, subject to satisfaction of customary closing
conditions. In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company
also issued to certain of the sellers warrants for the purchase
of an aggregate of 126,803 of the Companys common shares
at a strike price of USD5.25 per share, which warrants are
exercisable upon the closing of the transaction and expire on
January 13, 2008. On the date of issuance, the estimated
intrinsic value of the warrants granted to certain of the
sellers approximated RMB 4.1 million (USD0.5 million)
based on the estimated fair market value of underlying shares of
USD9.52 (the mid-point of the estimated range of the initial
public offering price of this offering after a discount of 9.16%
to account for inherent business risk and lack of marketability).
The acquisition of the equity interest of Beijing Jindixin and
JDX Holdings Limited will be accounted for in accordance with
SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. The
results of Beijing Jindixin
F-36
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
and JDX Holdings Limited will be included in the consolidated
results and financial position of the Group for the periods
subsequent to the consummation of the acquisition.
This acquisition is being made to expand the Groups
business by allowing the Group to market test delivery services
to test sponsors that are using test and content management
software developed by Beijing Jindixin, expand our scope of
services to test sponsors that wish to outsource their test
management systems, and leverage the relationship developed by
the management of Beijing Jindixin with test sponsors.
|
|
|
(d) Extension of
warrants
|
In connection with the warrants issued related to the
acquisition of JDX Holding Limited as disclosed in
Note 19(c) above, on January 5, 2008, the expiration
date of the warrants was extended to April 30, 2008.
|
|
(20) |
PRO FORMA LOSS PER SHARE (UNAUDITED)
|
If the Company completes an initial public offering under the
terms presently anticipated, all of the Preferred Shares will be
converted to 11,730,554 common shares immediately prior to the
completion of the offering. The pro forma basic loss per share
data gives full effect as if the conversion of the Preferred
Shares had taken place on April 1, 2006 to reflect the pro
forma presentation for the year ended March 31, 2007.
Securities that could potentially dilute pro forma basic loss
per share include share options. The computation of pro forma
diluted loss per share for the year ended March 31, 2007,
did not assume exercise of share options because their effect
would all be anti-dilutive.
The pro forma basic and diluted loss per share has been
calculated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
Net loss applicable to common shareholders as reported
|
|
|
16,789,852 |
|
Denominator for basic loss per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common share outstanding
|
|
|
20,594,071 |
|
|
Conversion of Preferred Shares
|
|
|
11,730,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,324,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma basic and diluted loss per share
|
|
|
0.52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-37
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
September 30, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
Note |
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Note 1) |
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
|
USD |
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,019,114 |
|
|
|
52,567,487 |
|
|
|
7,015,733 |
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
16,977,651 |
|
|
|
29,611,903 |
|
|
|
3,952,048 |
|
|
Due from related parties
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,405,912 |
|
|
|
2,435,439 |
|
|
|
325,037 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,233,295 |
|
|
|
13,129,413 |
|
|
|
1,752,271 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
76,655,742 |
|
|
|
97,744,242 |
|
|
|
13,045,089 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in an affiliate
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
3,162,548 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
7,543,184 |
|
|
|
8,641,821 |
|
|
|
1,153,350 |
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,880,123 |
|
|
|
6,880,123 |
|
|
|
918,231 |
|
|
Deferred initial public offering costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,462,485 |
|
|
|
12,777,888 |
|
|
|
1,716,850 |
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,461,368 |
|
|
|
4,990,251 |
|
|
|
654,512 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
108,165,450 |
|
|
|
131,034,325 |
|
|
|
17,488,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,546,140 |
|
|
|
4,297,789 |
|
|
|
573,589 |
|
|
Accrued expenses and other payables
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
13,732,392 |
|
|
|
27,782,741 |
|
|
|
3,707,925 |
|
|
Deferred revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,341,019 |
|
|
|
27,177,105 |
|
|
|
3,627,096 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,619,551 |
|
|
|
59,257,635 |
|
|
|
7,908,610 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,897,234 |
|
|
|
7,547,070 |
|
|
|
1,007,243 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,516,785 |
|
|
|
66,804,705 |
|
|
|
8,915,853 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible preferred shares: USD0.01 par value;
10,000,000 shares authorized, including:
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series A preferred shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,628,369 issued USD15,000,000 liquidation value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
533,451 |
|
|
|
533,451 |
|
|
|
71,195 |
|
|
Series A-1 preferred shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
883,783 issued USD3,000,000 liquidation value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,848 |
|
|
|
70,848 |
|
|
|
9,456 |
|
Common shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD0.01 par value 40,000,000 shares authorized
25,479,452 shares issued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,093,877 |
|
|
|
2,093,877 |
|
|
|
279,452 |
|
|
Treasury shares 3,579,320 common shares, at cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,106,940 |
) |
|
|
(16,106,940 |
) |
|
|
(2,149,656 |
) |
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
203,139,446 |
|
|
|
204,190,236 |
|
|
|
27,251,526 |
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(135,082,017 |
) |
|
|
(126,551,852 |
) |
|
|
(16,889,794 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,648,665 |
|
|
|
64,229,620 |
|
|
|
8,572,179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies
|
|
|
(11 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
108,165,450 |
|
|
|
131,034,325 |
|
|
|
17,488,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See the accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements.
F-38
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six-month Period Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Note 1) |
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
|
USD |
Net revenues
|
|
|
(7) |
|
|
|
32,368,428 |
|
|
|
76,248,429 |
|
|
|
10,176,226 |
|
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,750,871 |
|
|
|
32,777,269 |
|
|
|
4,374,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,617,557 |
|
|
|
43,471,160 |
|
|
|
5,801,724 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,017,439 |
|
|
|
5,286,358 |
|
|
|
705,525 |
|
|
Sales and marketing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,842,730 |
|
|
|
12,094,238 |
|
|
|
1,614,115 |
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,316,047 |
|
|
|
17,354,747 |
|
|
|
2,316,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,176,216 |
|
|
|
34,735,343 |
|
|
|
4,635,829 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,558,659 |
) |
|
|
8,735,817 |
|
|
|
1,165,895 |
|
Equity in net loss of an affiliate
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
(320,515 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain from sale of an affiliate
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,837,451 |
|
|
|
378,690 |
|
Gains from liquidation of an affiliate
|
|
|
(4) |
|
|
|
1,509,228 |
|
|
|
988,133 |
|
|
|
131,878 |
|
Interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
349,157 |
|
|
|
270,097 |
|
|
|
36,048 |
|
Foreign currency exchange losses, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(519,235 |
) |
|
|
(186,299 |
) |
|
|
(24,864 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,540,024 |
) |
|
|
12,645,199 |
|
|
|
1,687,647 |
|
Income tax benefit (expense)
|
|
|
(8) |
|
|
|
683,128 |
|
|
|
(4,115,034 |
) |
|
|
(549,199 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,856,896 |
) |
|
|
8,530,165 |
|
|
|
1,138,448 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
|
|
|
(12) |
|
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
|
|
|
(12) |
|
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
Proforma basic earnings per common share
|
|
|
(14) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
Proforma diluted earnings per common share
|
|
|
(14) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
See the accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements.
F-39
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible Preferred Shares |
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Series A |
|
|
|
Series A-1 |
|
|
|
of |
|
|
|
Treasury |
|
Paid-in |
|
Accumulated |
|
Shareholders |
|
|
Shares |
|
Amount |
|
Shares |
|
Amount |
|
Shares |
|
Amount |
|
Shares |
|
Capital |
|
Deficit |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Balance as of March 31, 2007
|
|
|
6,628,369 |
|
|
|
533,451 |
|
|
|
883,783 |
|
|
|
70,848 |
|
|
|
25,479,452 |
|
|
|
2,093,877 |
|
|
|
(16,106,940 |
) |
|
|
203,139,446 |
|
|
|
(135,082,017 |
) |
|
|
54,648,665 |
|
Share option expense (See Note 9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,050,790 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,050,790 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,530,165 |
|
|
|
8,530,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of September 30, 2007
|
|
|
6,628,369 |
|
|
|
533,451 |
|
|
|
883,783 |
|
|
|
70,848 |
|
|
|
25,479,452 |
|
|
|
2,093,877 |
|
|
|
(16,106,940 |
) |
|
|
204,190,236 |
|
|
|
(126,551,852 |
) |
|
|
64,229,620 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of September 30, 2007 USD (See
Note 1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
71,195 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
279,452 |
|
|
|
(2,149,656 |
) |
|
|
27,251,526 |
|
|
|
(16,889,794 |
) |
|
|
8,572,179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See the accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements.
F-40
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six-month Period Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Note 1) |
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
|
USD |
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
(11,856,896 |
) |
|
|
8,530,165 |
|
|
|
1,138,448 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
by (used in) operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity in net loss of an affiliate
|
|
|
320,515 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain from liquidation of an affiliate
|
|
|
(1,509,228 |
) |
|
|
(988,133 |
) |
|
|
(131,878 |
) |
Gain from sale of an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,837,451 |
) |
|
|
(378,690 |
) |
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss
|
|
|
460,521 |
|
|
|
163,175 |
|
|
|
21,778 |
|
Bad debt expense
|
|
|
44,984 |
|
|
|
467,997 |
|
|
|
62,460 |
|
Inventory write-down
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,437 |
|
|
|
2,327 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
737,714 |
|
|
|
1,216,059 |
|
|
|
162,297 |
|
Gain from disposal of property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(150,841 |
) |
|
|
(20,131 |
) |
Share-based compensation
|
|
|
1,239,532 |
|
|
|
1,050,790 |
|
|
|
140,240 |
|
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
|
(683,128 |
) |
|
|
2,216,293 |
|
|
|
295,790 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(3,598,947 |
) |
|
|
(13,102,249 |
) |
|
|
(1,748,645 |
) |
Due from related parties
|
|
|
(637,404 |
) |
|
|
19,770 |
|
|
|
2,639 |
|
Inventories
|
|
|
(421,761 |
) |
|
|
(46,964 |
) |
|
|
(6,268 |
) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(795,628 |
) |
|
|
(2,990,091 |
) |
|
|
(399,062 |
) |
Other assets
|
|
|
447,542 |
|
|
|
(309,701 |
) |
|
|
(41,333 |
) |
Accounts payable
|
|
|
3,688,494 |
|
|
|
(1,248,351 |
) |
|
|
(166,607 |
) |
Due to related parties
|
|
|
(163,633 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses and other payables
|
|
|
484,158 |
|
|
|
13,563,831 |
|
|
|
1,810,247 |
|
Deferred revenues
|
|
|
(11,267,571 |
) |
|
|
485,922 |
|
|
|
64,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
|
(23,510,736 |
) |
|
|
6,057,658 |
|
|
|
808,464 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(3,348,028 |
) |
|
|
(2,558,407 |
) |
|
|
(341,449 |
) |
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,050 |
|
|
|
7,080 |
|
Deposit from sale of an affiliate
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
|
|
533,846 |
|
Proceeds from liquidation of an affiliate
|
|
|
29,141 |
|
|
|
988,133 |
|
|
|
131,878 |
|
Proceeds from disposal of an affiliate
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances and loans to related parties
|
|
|
(1,571,850 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Collection of advances and loans to related parties
|
|
|
2,354,450 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
(286,287 |
) |
|
|
2,482,776 |
|
|
|
331,355 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of common shares
|
|
|
19,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of preferred shares
|
|
|
24,049,448 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for initial public offering costs
|
|
|
(2,138,542 |
) |
|
|
(828,886 |
) |
|
|
(110,624 |
) |
Repayment of note payable
|
|
|
(19,000,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
21,910,906 |
|
|
|
(828,886 |
) |
|
|
(110,624 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
|
|
|
(460,521 |
) |
|
|
(163,175 |
) |
|
|
(21,778 |
) |
Net increase in cash
|
|
|
(2,346,638 |
) |
|
|
7,548,373 |
|
|
|
1,007,417 |
|
Cash at beginning of period
|
|
|
44,624,314 |
|
|
|
45,019,114 |
|
|
|
6,008,316 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash at end of period
|
|
|
42,277,676 |
|
|
|
52,567,487 |
|
|
|
7,015,733 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,543 |
|
|
|
1,674 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forgiven liability due to ATA Jiangsu
|
|
|
1,480,087 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred initial public offering costs included in accrued
expenses
|
|
|
5,294,839 |
|
|
|
3,315,403 |
|
|
|
442,479 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See the accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements.
F-41
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
|
|
(1) |
ORGANIZATION, DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, BASIS OF PRESENTATION
AND SIGNIFICANT CONCETRATIONS OF RISK
|
|
|
|
Organization and Description of Business
|
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements include the financial statements of ATA Inc. (the
Company), its subsidiaries, ATA Testing Authority
(Holdings) Limited (ATA BVI), ATA Testing Authority
(Beijing) Limited (ATA Testing) and ATA Learning
(Beijing) Inc. (ATA Learning), and a consolidated
variable interest entity (VIE), ATA Online (Beijing)
Education Technology Limited (ATA Online). The
Company, its consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated VIE are
collectively referred to as the Group. The Group is
a provider of computer-based testing services, test-based
educational services, test preparation solutions and other
related services in the Peoples Republic of China (the
PRC).
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
(U.S. GAAP). Certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance
with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted under the
rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission. The March 31, 2007 condensed consolidated
balance sheet was derived from the audited financial statements
of the Group. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
Groups consolidated financial statements and the notes
thereto for the years ended March 31, 2006 and 2007.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include
normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present a fair
statement of the financial position as of September 30,
2007, and the results of operations and cash flows for the
six-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, have
been made.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
U.S. GAAP requires management of the Group to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Such estimates include the fair value of share-based
payments, expected service period for course programs, expected
licensing period for perpetual ATA Test centers, collectibility
of accounts receivable, realization of deferred income tax
assets, useful lives and residual values of long-lived assets,
recovery of the carrying values of long-lived assets and
goodwill, and the fair values of financial and certain equity
instruments. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The Group has experienced, and expects to continue to
experience, seasonal fluctuations in revenue, primarily due to
the seasonal changes in student enrollments and completion of
examinations by test takers. Consequently, the Groups
financial position, operating results, cash flows and trends in
these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are
not necessarily indicative of future results that may be
expected for any other interim period or for the full year.
For the convenience of readers, certain Renmibi
(RMB) amounts as of and for the six-month period
ended September 30, 2007 included in the accompanying
unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been
translated into United States dollars (USD) at the
rate of USD1.00 = RMB7.4928, being the noon buying rate of USD
in effect on September 28, 2007 in the City of New York for
cable transfer in RMB per USD as certified for custom purposes
by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. No representation is
made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be,
converted into USD at that rate or at any other certain rate on
September 28, 2007.
F-42
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (continued)
|
|
|
Significant Concentrations and Risks
|
The success of the Groups business going forward will rely
in large part on its ability to continue to obtain business from
its existing clients and maintain its relationships with key
Chinese governmental agencies. The Groups success will
depend to a large extent on its ability to convince its clients
that the Groups technologies and services are valuable and
that it is more cost-effective for those clients to utilize the
Groups services than for them to develop similar services
in-house. RMB19.3 million and RMB16.4 million,
representing 59.6% and 20.6 %, of its total net revenues for the
six months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively,
were generated from licensing and service fees from Chinese
governmental agencies and educational institutions controlled by
the PRC government. Demand and ability to pay for the
Groups products and services by these agencies and
institutions are affected by government budgetary cycles,
funding availability and government policies. Funding
reductions, reallocations or delays could adversely impact
demand for the Groups products and services or reduce the
fees the Groups clients are willing to pay for such
products and services. The Chinese markets for testing services,
test-based educational services and test preparation solutions
are still emerging and evolving rapidly.
In November 2006, the Group launched sales of its NTET Tutorial
Platform. NTET revenue of RMB20 million accounted for 26.3%
of the Groups total net revenues for the six-month period
ended September 30, 2007.
Net revenues to clients which individually exceeded 10% of the
Groups net revenue are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six-month Period Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
PRC Ministry of Labor
|
|
|
5,539,637 |
|
|
|
17.1% |
|
|
|
6,455,167 |
|
|
|
8.5% |
|
China Banking Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0% |
|
|
|
14,860,585 |
|
|
|
19.5% |
|
Chengdu Shiguang Co., Ltd. (NTET distributor)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0% |
|
|
|
8,205,128 |
|
|
|
10.8% |
|
No other client accounted for 10% or more of the Groups
total net revenues for the six-month periods ended
September 30, 2006 and 2007.
Accounts receivable from clients which individually exceeded 10%
of the Groups accounts receivable are as follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
September 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
% |
|
Hefei Huaxing Co., Ltd. (NTET distributor)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0% |
|
|
|
8,400,000 |
|
|
|
28.4% |
|
Chengdu Shiguang Co., Ltd. (NTET distributor)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0% |
|
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
20.3% |
|
No other client accounted for 10% or more of the Groups
accounts receivable as of March 31 or September 30,
2007.
As of March 31 and September 30, 2007, RMB38,320,167
and RMB38,282,203, respectively, in cash was held in major
financial institutions located in the PRC, and cash of
RMB6,640,823 and RMB14,138,071, respectively, was held in major
financial institutions located in the Hong Kong Special
Administration Region. Management believes that these major
financial institutions are of high credit quality. Cash
denominated in currencies other than RMB is subject to foreign
currency risk due to the appreciation or depreciation of RMB
under the current exchange rate regime in the PRC.
F-43
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (continued)
The Group does not have concentrations of available sources of
labor, services, franchises or other rights that could, if
suddenly eliminated, severely impact its operations.
|
|
(2) |
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
|
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes
(FIN 48), which, among other things, requires
applying a more likely than not threshold to the
recognition and derecognizing of tax positions. The Groups
adoption of FIN 48 as of April 1, 2007 did not have
any effect on its financial position or results of operations.
The Group has elected to classify interest and penalties related
to unrecognized tax benefits, if and when required, as part of
income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
No interest or penalties have been accrued at the date of
adoption. According to the 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 the withholding agent. The statute of limitations
will be extended to five years under special circumstances,
which are not clearly defined. In the case of a related party
transaction, the statute of limitation is 10 years. There
is no statute of limitation in the case of tax evasion.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 157,
Fair Value Measurements
(SFAS No. 157), which defines fair value,
establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally
accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about
the fair value measurements. The provisions of
SFAS No. 157 will be effective for the Group on
April 1, 2008. Although the Group will continue to evaluate
the impact of adopting SFAS No. 157 on the
consolidated financial statements, management does not currently
expect its adoption will have a material transition effect on
the consolidated financial statements.
In November 2006, the FASB issued Emerging Issues Task Force
(EITF) Issue
No. 06-6,
Debtors Accounting for a Modification (or
Exchange) of Convertible Debt Instruments
(EITF 06-6),
which applies to modifications and exchanges of debt instruments
that (a) either add or eliminate an embedded conversion
option or (b) affect the fair value of an existing embedded
conversion option. The Groups adoption of
EITF 06-6 as of
April 1, 2007 did not have any effect on its financial
position or results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159
The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities
(SFAS No. 159), which permits entities to
choose to measure many financial assets and financial
liabilities at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items
for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in
earnings. The provisions of SFAS No. 159 will be
effective for the Group on April 1, 2008. Management is
currently evaluating whether to elect the fair value option as
permitted under SFAS No. 159.
|
|
(3) |
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
|
Accounts receivable, net is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
19,417,802 |
|
|
|
32,400,291 |
|
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
(2,440,151 |
) |
|
|
(2,788,388 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
16,977,651 |
|
|
|
29,611,903 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-44
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (continued)
As of March 31 and September 30, 2007, accounts
receivable of RMB9,427,729 and RMB2,676,616 respectively,
represented amounts that the Group had the right to bill
according to the contract terms, primarily relating to degree
major course programs, but related revenue was not recognized
until earned.
The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for accounts
receivable for the six-month periods ended September 30,
2006 and 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six-month Period Ended |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
1,940,422 |
|
|
|
2,440,151 |
|
Additions charged to bad debt expense
|
|
|
44,984 |
|
|
|
467,997 |
|
Write-off of accounts receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(119,760 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ending allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
1,985,406 |
|
|
|
2,788,388 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4) |
INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES
|
The Groups investments in affiliated companies which are
all non-listed PRC companies were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Held |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Form of Business |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
September 30, |
|
|
|
Name of Company |
|
Structure |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Principal Activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
|
|
|
Jiangsu ATA Software Co., Ltd. (ATA Jiangsu)
|
|
|
Limited liability |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computer-based testing service |
Xiamen Wendu Software Education Investment (Wendu
Education)
|
|
|
Limited liability |
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in software related education industry |
ATA Jiangsu had incurred substantial operating losses and as of
March 31, 2003, the Groups carrying amount in that
investment was reduced to zero. The Group suspended the
application of the equity method of accounting since that time.
As a result of the completion of ATA Jiangsus liquidation
on May 10, 2006, the Group recognized a gain of
RMB1,509,228, including RMB29,141 cash collection and
RMB1,480,087 forgiveness of a liability. In April 2007, the
Group received liquidation proceeds of RMB988,133 in cash from
ATA Jiangsus major shareholder which was recognized as a
gain upon receipt.
In April 2005, ATA Learning, with other unrelated investors,
established Wendu Education. ATA Learning contributed cash in
the amount of RMB4,000,000 in exchange for a 40% equity
ownership interest. In June 2006, ATA Learning resolved to sell
its equity interest of Wendu Education for RMB6,000,000 to an
unrelated buyer. On September 22, 2006, a deposit of
RMB2,000,000 was received but the sale of Wendu Education had
not been consummated as of March 31, 2007. In April 2007,
the remaining balance of RMB4,000,000 was collected. On
August 26, 2007, upon the approval of the shareholders of
Wendu Education the sale was consummated and ATA Learning
recognized a gain of RMB 2,837,451 on the sale of Wendu
Education.
F-45
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (continued)
|
|
(5) |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
|
Property and equipment, net consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Computer equipment
|
|
|
9,345,563 |
|
|
|
9,641,050 |
|
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment
|
|
|
409,134 |
|
|
|
270,160 |
|
Software
|
|
|
993,501 |
|
|
|
993,501 |
|
Motor vehicles
|
|
|
992,931 |
|
|
|
694,211 |
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
2,478,169 |
|
|
|
2,478,169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,219,298 |
|
|
|
14,077,091 |
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(6,676,114 |
) |
|
|
(5,435,270 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
7,543,184 |
|
|
|
8,641,821 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6) |
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER PAYABLES
|
Accrued expenses and other payables consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
September 30, |
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Accrued payroll and welfare
|
|
|
2,786,524 |
|
|
|
2,274,816 |
|
Accrued fees for professional services
|
|
|
1,498,273 |
|
|
|
5,342,312 |
|
Accrued initial public offering costs
|
|
|
1,442,805 |
|
|
|
3,929,322 |
|
Business and other taxes payable
|
|
|
2,296,018 |
|
|
|
3,375,323 |
|
Value added tax payable
|
|
|
1,888,356 |
|
|
|
5,165,912 |
|
Income taxes payable
|
|
|
26,187 |
|
|
|
1,912,385 |
|
Deposits due to customers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,123,184 |
|
Deposit received toward the sale of Wendu Education (see
Note 4)
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
1,794,229 |
|
|
|
2,659,487 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total accrued expenses and other payables
|
|
|
13,732,392 |
|
|
|
27,782,741 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-46
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (continued)
Components of net revenues for the six month periods ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six-month Period |
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Testing services
|
|
|
10,622,263 |
|
|
|
29,471,779 |
|
Test based educational services
|
|
|
18,748,427 |
|
|
|
20,891,624 |
|
Test preparation solutions
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
21,632,092 |
|
Other revenue
|
|
|
2,992,738 |
|
|
|
4,252,934 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues, net
|
|
|
32,368,428 |
|
|
|
76,248,429 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The income tax expense (benefit) recognized in the interim
condensed consolidated statements of operations consists of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six-month Period |
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Current income tax expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,898,741 |
|
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
|
(683,128 |
) |
|
|
2,216,293 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
|
(683,128 |
) |
|
|
4,115,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The actual income tax expense (benefit) as reported in the
consolidated statements of operations differs from the amounts
computed by applying the PRC foreign enterprise income tax rate
of 33% to pretax income (loss) as a result of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six-month Period |
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Computed expected income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
|
(4,138,208 |
) |
|
|
4,172,915 |
|
Increase in valuation allowance
|
|
|
4,177 |
|
|
|
403,713 |
|
Tax holiday
|
|
|
182,622 |
|
|
|
230,941 |
|
Preferential tax rate
|
|
|
1,065,766 |
|
|
|
(3,981,866 |
) |
Foreign tax differential
|
|
|
2,108,912 |
|
|
|
3,006,903 |
|
Deductible software amortization
|
|
|
(165,000 |
) |
|
|
(165,000 |
) |
Non-deductible entertainment expenses
|
|
|
407,763 |
|
|
|
158,744 |
|
Non-deductible bad debt and inventory write-offs
|
|
|
14,845 |
|
|
|
160,193 |
|
Non-deductible value added tax late payment surcharge
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
76,730 |
|
Taxable inter-company licensing fees
|
|
|
334,041 |
|
|
|
377,845 |
|
Non-taxable equity income in affiliates
|
|
|
(498,046 |
) |
|
|
(326,084 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
|
(683,128 |
) |
|
|
4,115,034 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-47
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (continued)
The PRC statutory rate has been used since substantially all of
the Groups operations, taxable income and income tax
expense are generated in the PRC.
The Groups tax holiday increased the actual income tax
benefit by RMB182,622 and decreased the actual income tax
expense by RMB230,941 for the six-month periods ended
September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. Basic (loss)
earnings per common share effect of the tax holiday for the
six-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 were
RMB0.009 and RMB0.011, respectively. Diluted (loss) earnings per
common share effect of tax holiday for the six-month periods
ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 were RMB0.009 and
RMB0.006, respectively.
|
|
(9) |
SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
|
A summary of all the options activities for the six-month period
ended September 30, 2007 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Average |
|
Remaining |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Stock Options |
|
Exercise Price |
|
Contractual Term |
|
Intrinsic Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding as of March 31, 2007
|
|
|
4,052,863 |
|
|
|
2.134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited or expired
|
|
|
(5,000 |
) |
|
|
3.600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding as of September 30, 2007
|
|
|
4,047,863 |
|
|
|
2.133 |
|
|
|
7.2 years |
|
|
|
USD29,903,227 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable as of September 30, 2007
|
|
|
2,964,080 |
|
|
|
1.751 |
|
|
|
6.8 years |
|
|
|
USD23,248,124 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group recorded share-based compensation expense of
RMB1,239,532 and RMB1,050,790 for the six-month periods ended
September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
As of September 30, 2007, there was RMB1,588,815 of total
unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share
options. This cost is expected to be recognized over the next
4 years.
|
|
(10) |
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED SHARES
|
On July 2, 2007, the Company and the holders of the
Series A Shares agreed to adjust the conversion price of
Series A Shares to common shares from USD2.263 to
USD1.3829 per share according to the mechanism stipulated
in the Companys memorandum and articles of association.
Accordingly, on a fully-converted basis, Series A Shares
will be converted to 10,846,771 common shares under the adjusted
conversion price.
The company has also determined that the non-detachable
conversion feature had no intrinsic value on July 2, 2007,
when the contingency was resolved, as the commitment-date fair
value (USD0.89) of the underlying common shares of the Company
issuable upon conversion is lower than the adjusted conversion
price of Series A Shares. Therefore, no beneficial
conversion feature was recognized. The fair value of the
underlying common shares of the Company was determined by
Sallmanns (Far East) Limited, an independent third-party
valuation firm, using an income approach. Since the
Companys capital structure comprised a warrant, common
shares and Convertible Preferred Shares, the equity value was
allocated between each class of equity securities using the
option pricing method. The option pricing
F-48
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (continued)
method treats the warrant, common shares and Convertible
Preferred Shares as call options on the equity value with
exercise prices based on the warrants exercise price and
liquidation preferences of the Convertible Preferred Shares.
On July 2, 2007, the Company also resolved that the number
of common shares, which were reserved for the purpose of issuing
upon conversion of the Series A and
Series A-1 shares,
were adjusted to 11,730,554.
|
|
(11) |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
|
The Group entered into non-cancelable operating leases,
primarily for office buildings, for initial terms of one to five
years, without renewal options.
Minimum rent payments under operating leases are recognized on a
straight-line basis over the term of the lease, including any
periods of free rent.
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating
leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one
year) as of September 30, 2007 are:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum |
|
|
Lease Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
From October 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008
|
|
|
2,288,513 |
|
Year ended March 31, 2009
|
|
|
4,899,390 |
|
Year ended March 31, 2010
|
|
|
4,070,714 |
|
Year ended March 31, 2011
|
|
|
1,664,742 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,923,359 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rental expense for operating leases (except those with lease
terms of a month or less that were not renewed) for the
six-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 was
RMB2,113,427 and RMB2,427,703, respectively.
In August 2007, the Company entered into a cooperation agreement
with Tsinghua University to develop IT degree major course
programs to be taught at post-secondary educational institutions
incorporating course content developed by Tsinghua University.
Under the agreement, which expires on October 14, 2010, the
Company is obligated to pay Tsinghua University at least
RMB15.0 million in license fees by the end of the contract,
of which RMB5.0 million was payable prior to
October 31, 2007. The license fees are paid to Tsinghua
University quarterly based on actual usage.
F-49
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (continued)
|
|
(12) |
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
|
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share has been
calculated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six-month Period |
|
|
Ended September 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
Net income (loss) available (applicable) to common shareholders
|
|
|
(11,856,896 |
) |
|
|
8,530,165 |
|
Denominator for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common
share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
19,343,054 |
|
|
|
21,900,132 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plus weighted average issuable option shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,118,875 |
|
Plus weighted average issuable warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
516,576 |
|
Plus convertible preferred shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,730,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing
diluted earnings (loss) per common share
|
|
|
19,343,054 |
|
|
|
37,266,137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
|
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
|
|
|
(0.61 |
) |
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys dilutive common equivalent shares for the
six-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 consist
of 920,119 and 3,118,875 common shares issuable upon exercise of
outstanding share options, respectively (using the treasury
stock method); 2,294,549 and 516,576 common shares issuable upon
exercise of warrants, respectively (using the treasury stock
method), and 11,593,077 and 11,730,554 common shares issuable
upon the conversion of the convertible preferred shares,
respectively (using the as-converted method). These potentially
dilutive securities were not included in the calculation of
dilutive loss per share for the period ended September 30,
2006 due to their anti-dilutive effect.
|
|
(a) |
Grant of stock options
|
On October 1, 2007, the Groups board of directors
approved the grant of 391,800 options to purchase common shares
at an exercise price of USD3.60 per common share. 25% of
the options granted vest on January 1, 2008 and the
remaining 75% vest ratably at the end of each month over the
following 30-month
period. The contractual term of these options is 10 years.
Based on the preliminary results of Sallmanns (Far East)
Limited, an independent third party valuation firm using the
binomial option pricing model, the grant-date fair value of the
391,800 options is estimated at approximately RMB18,500,000. The
assumptions used in determining the fair value of the options
were as follows: expected volatility of 43%, expected dividend
rate of 0%, expected life of 1.8 years, risk-free interest
rate of 4.56% per annum, and estimated fair market value of
underlying shares of USD9.52 (the mid-point of the estimated
range of the initial public offering price of this offering
after a discount of 9.16% to account for inherent business risk
and lack of marketability.
F-50
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (continued)
|
|
(b) |
Acquisition of equity interests in Beijing Jindixin
Software Technology Company Limited (Beijing
Jindixin) and JDX Holdings Limited
|
On October 15, 2007, the Company entered into definitive
agreements to purchase the entire equity interests of Beijing
Jindixin and JDX Holdings Limited for total cash consideration
of RMB10 million. Beijing Jindixin is a PRC incorporated
entity primarily engaged in the development and marketing of
software for computer-based tests. JDX Holdings Limited is a
British Virgin Islands incorporated entity established by the
equity holders of Beijing Jindixin to receive permanent and
exclusive licensing rights for the use of technology owned by
Beijing Jindixin. On October 15, 2007, a deposit of
RMB2 million in the aggregate was made to the sellers with
the remainder of the consideration due upon closing. The
transaction is expected to close within 90 days of the date
of the agreements, subject to satisfaction of customary closing
conditions. In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company
also issued to certain of the sellers warrants for the purchase
of an aggregate of 126,803 shares of the Companys
common stock at a strike price of USD5.25 per share, which
warrants are exercisable upon the closing of the transaction and
expire on January 13, 2008. On the date of issuance, the
estimated intrinsic value of the warrants granted to certain of
the sellers approximated RMB4.1 million
(USD0.5 million) based on the estimated fair market value
of underlying shares of USD9.52 (the mid-point of the estimated
range of the initial public offering price of this offering
after a discount of 9.16% to account for inherent business risk
and lack of marketability). On January 5, 2008, the
expiration date of the warrants was extended to April 30,
2008.
The acquisition of the equity interest of Beijing Jindixin and
JDX Holdings Limited will be accounted for in accordance with
SFAS No. 141,Business Combinations.
The results of Beijing Jindixin and JDX Holdings Limited will be
included in the consolidated operating results and financial
position of the Group for the periods subsequent to the
consummation of the acquisition.
This acquisition is being made to expand the Groups
business by allowing the Group to market test delivery services
to test sponsors that are using test and content management
software developed by Beijing Jindixin, expand its scope of
services to test sponsors that wish to outsource their test
management systems, and leverage the relationship developed by
the management of Beijing Jindixin with test sponsors.
|
|
(14) |
PRO FORMA EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
|
If the Company completes an initial public offering under the
terms presently anticipated, all of the Convertible Preferred
Shares will be converted to 11,730,554 common shares immediately
prior to the completion of the offering. The pro forma basic
earnings per share data gives full effect as if the conversion
of the Preferred Shares had taken place on April 1, 2007 to
reflect the pro forma presentation for the six-month period
ended September 30, 2007.
Securities that could potentially dilute pro forma basic
earnings per share include share options and warrants.
F-51
ATA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (continued)
The pro forma basic and diluted earnings per common share has
been calculated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six-month Period |
|
|
Ended September 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
Net income applicable to common shareholders as reported
|
|
|
8,530,165 |
|
Denominator for pro forma basic earnings per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average common shares outstanding
|
|
|
21,900,132 |
|
Conversion of Preferred Shares
|
|
|
11,730,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computing pro forma basic earnings per share
|
|
|
33,630,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for pro forma diluted earnings per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
Plus weighted average issuable option shares
|
|
|
3,118,875 |
|
Plus weighted average issuable warrants
|
|
|
516,576 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computing pro forma diluted earnings per common share
|
|
|
37,266,137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma basic earnings per common share
|
|
|
0.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma diluted earnings per common share
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-52
4,874,012 American Depositary Shares
ATA Inc.
Representing 9,748,024 Common shares
PROSPECTUS
Merrill Lynch & Co.
Piper Jaffray
Susquehanna Financial Group, LLLP
,
2008
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
|
|
Item 6. |
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
|
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a
companys articles of association may provide
indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent
any such provision may be held by the Cayman Island courts to be
contrary to the public interest, such as providing
indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of
committing a crime. The registrants articles of
association provide that each officer or director of the
registrant shall be indemnified out of the assets of the
registrant against any liability incurred by him or her in
defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which
judgment is given in his or her favor, or the proceedings are
otherwise disposed of without any finding or admission of any
material breach of duty on his or her part, or in which he or
she is acquitted or in connection with any application in which
relief is granted to him or her by the court from liability for
negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust in
relation to the affairs of the registrant.
|
|
Item 7. |
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
|
During the past three years, we have issued and sold the
securities listed below without registering the securities under
the Securities Act. None of these transactions involved any
underwriters underwriting discounts or any public
offering. We believe that each of the following issuances was
exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on
Regulation S or Rule 701 under the Securities Act or
pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act regarding
transactions not involving a public offering.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities Originally |
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
Purchaser |
|
Date of Issuance |
|
Issued |
|
as Converted(1) |
|
|
Consideration |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin Xiaofeng Ma
|
|
March 31, 2005 |
|
8,246,808 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
None (result of share split, share dividend, and compensation
for prior services) |
Walter Lin Wang
|
|
March 31, 2005 |
|
4,086,936 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
None (result of share split and share dividend) |
Ming Guo
|
|
March 31, 2005 |
|
3,601,840 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
None (result of share split and share dividend) |
Zhenxiu Zheng.
|
|
March 31, 2005 |
|
485,096 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
None (result of share split and share dividend) |
SB Asia Investment Fund II, L.P.
|
|
March 31, 2005 |
|
6,186,478 Series A Convertible Preferred Shares |
|
|
6,186,478 |
|
|
$2.2630 per share |
|
|
May 1, 2006 |
|
883,783 Series A-1 Convertible Preferred Shares |
|
|
883,783 |
|
|
$3.3945 per share |
Winning King Ltd.
|
|
March 31, 2005 |
|
441,897 Series A Convertible Preferred Shares |
|
|
441,897 |
|
|
$2.2630 per share |
Lijun Mai
|
|
June 26, 2006 |
|
5,479,452 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
RMB19,000,000 ($2.54 million) |
Certain Directors, Officers, and Employees.
|
|
April 12, 2005 |
|
Options to purchase a total of 1,312,600 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
December 16, 2005 |
|
Options to purchase a total of 951,000 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
May 8, 2006 |
|
Options to purchase a total of 330,400 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
December 27, 2006 |
|
Options to purchase a total of 250,000 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
October 1, 2007 |
|
Options to purchase a total of 391,800 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
Yong Chai
|
|
October 15, 2007 |
|
Warrants to purchase 45,655 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
Selling of Beijing Jindixin Software Technology Company Limited
and JDX Holdings Limited to us |
Xia Li
|
|
October 15, 2007 |
|
Warrants to purchase 20,287 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
Selling of Beijing Jindixin Software Technology Company Limited
and JDX Holdings Limited to us |
II-1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities Originally |
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
Purchaser |
|
Date of Issuance |
|
Issued |
|
as Converted(1) |
|
|
Consideration |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zhenghong Chen
|
|
October 15, 2007 |
|
Warrants to purchase 20,287 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
Selling of Beijing Jindixin Software Technology Company Limited
and JDX Holdings Limited to us |
Yansheng Jiang
|
|
October 15, 2007 |
|
Warrants to purchase 20,287 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
Selling of Beijing Jindixin Software Technology Company Limited
and JDX Holdings Limited to us |
Lin Wu
|
|
October 15, 2007 |
|
Warrants to purchase 20,287 common shares |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
Selling of Beijing Jindixin Software Technology Company Limited
and JDX Holdings Limited to us |
|
|
(1) |
Based on a one-to-one
conversion ratio. |
|
|
Item 8. |
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
|
(a) Exhibits
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
No. |
|
Description of Exhibit |
|
|
|
|
1 |
.1 |
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement.** |
|
3 |
.1 |
|
Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles
of Association of the Registrant.* |
|
3 |
.2 |
|
Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles
of Association of the Registrant.* |
|
4 |
.1 |
|
Form of Common Share Certificate.* |
|
4 |
.2 |
|
Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles
of Association of the Registrant (Filed as Exhibit 3.1
hereto).* |
|
4 |
.3 |
|
Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles
of Association of the Registrant (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 hereto).* |
|
4 |
.4 |
|
Form of Deposit Agreement between the Registrant and
Citibank, N.A., as
depositary.(1)
|
|
4 |
.5 |
|
Form of American depositary receipt evidencing
American depositary shares (included in Exhibit 4.4).* |
|
4 |
.6 |
|
Shareholders Agreement, dated November 10,
2006, among the Registrant and its shareholders party thereto.* |
|
4 |
.7 |
|
Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement, dated
November 10, 2006, among the Registrant and its
shareholders party thereto.* |
|
5 |
.1 |
|
Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman Cayman
regarding the issue of common shares being registered. |
|
5 |
.2 |
|
Opinion of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP,
counsel for the depositary, as to the legality of the American
depositary shares and American depositary
receipts.(1)
|
|
8 |
.1 |
|
Opinion of OMelveny & Myers LLP regarding
certain U.S. tax matters. |
|
8 |
.2 |
|
Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman regarding
certain Cayman Islands tax matters. |
|
10 |
.1 |
|
2005 Share Incentive Plan of ATA Testing Authority
(Holdings) Limited.* |
|
10 |
.2 |
|
2008 Employee Share Incentive Plan of the Registrant
and form of ISO Option Agreement and NQSO Option Agreement.* |
|
10 |
.3 |
|
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the
Registrant and its directors.* |
|
10 |
.4 |
|
Master Service Agreement between Microsoft (China)
Co., Ltd. and ATA Testing Authority, (Beijing) Limited, dated
May 16, 2003 and the Addendum to Master Service Agreement,
dated June 8, 2006. |
|
10 |
.5 |
|
Technical Support Agreement between ATA Online
(Beijing) Education Technology Limited and ATA Learning
(Beijing) Inc., dated October 27, 2006.* |
|
10 |
.6 |
|
Strategic Consulting Service Agreement between ATA
Online (Beijing) Education Technology Limited and ATA Learning
(Beijing) Inc., dated October 27, 2006.* |
II-2
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
No. |
|
Description of Exhibit |
|
|
|
|
10 |
.7 |
|
Loan Agreement between ATA Testing Authority
(Holdings) Limited and Xiaofeng Ma, dated October 27, 2006.* |
|
10 |
.8 |
|
Loan Agreement between ATA Testing Authority
(Holdings) Limited and Lin Wang, dated October 27, 2006,
which was amended on February 12, 2007.* |
|
10 |
.9 |
|
Call Option and Cooperation Agreement among ATA
Testing Authority (Holdings) Limited, Xiaofeng Ma, Lin Wang,
Jianguo Wang and ATA Online (Beijing) Education Technology
Limited, dated October 27, 2006.* |
|
10 |
.10 |
|
Framework Agreement for Option Right Exercise among
ATA Testing Authority (Holdings) Limited, Lin Wang, Jianguo
Wang, ATA Online (Beijing) Education Technology Limited and ATA
Learning (Beijing) Inc., dated February 12, 2007.* |
|
10 |
.11 |
|
Option Exercise Notice between ATA Testing Authority
(Holdings) Limited and Jianguo Wang, dated February 12,
2007.* |
|
10 |
.12 |
|
Call Option and Cooperation Agreement among ATA
Testing Authority (Holdings) Limited, Xiaofeng Ma, Lin Wang and
ATA Online (Beijing) Education Technology Limited, dated
February 12, 2007.* |
|
10 |
.13 |
|
Equity Pledge Agreement among Xiaofeng Ma, Lin Wang
and ATA Learning (Beijing) Inc., dated February 12, 2007.* |
|
21 |
.1 |
|
Subsidiaries of Registrant.* |
|
23 |
.1 |
|
Consent of KPMG. |
|
23 |
.2 |
|
Consent of Conyers, Dill and Pearman, Cayman
(included in Exhibit 8.2).* |
|
23 |
.3 |
|
Consent of Jincheng & Tongda Law Firm.* |
|
23 |
.4 |
|
Consent of IDC. |
|
23 |
.5 |
|
Consent of Sallmanns (Far East) Limited. |
|
23 |
.6 |
|
Consent of Hope Ni. |
|
23 |
.7 |
|
Consent of Alec Tsui. |
|
24 |
.1 |
|
Powers of Attorney.* |
|
99 |
.1 |
|
Code of Conduct.* |
|
|
|
* |
Previously filed. |
|
|
|
** |
To be filed by amendment. |
|
|
|
Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this
exhibit. |
|
|
(1) |
Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on
Form F-6 (File No. 333-148641) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to American
depositary shares representing our common shares. |
|
(b) Financial Statement Schedules.
All supplement schedules are omitted because of the absence of
conditions under which they are required or because the
information is shown in the financial statements or notes
thereto.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the
underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting
agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in
such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt
delivery to each purchaser.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the registrant under the provisions
described in Item 6, or otherwise, the registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is
therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action,
II-3
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of
prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in
reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) or
(4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to
be part of this registration statement as of the time it was
declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a
form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration
statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) For the purpose of determining liability under the
Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed
pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement
relating to an offering, other than registration statements
relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in
reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and
included in the registration statement as of the date it is
first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no
statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is
part of the registration statement or made in a document
incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the
registration statement or prospectus that is part of the
registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of
contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify
any statement that was made in the registration statement or
prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made
in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
(4) For the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, that in a primary offering of securities
of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration
statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell
the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered
or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following
communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to
the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such
securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the
undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be
filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering
prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used
or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus
relating to the offering containing material information about
the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on
behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the
offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
II-4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds
to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on
Form F-1 and has
duly caused this amendment to the registration statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in Hong Kong on January 16, 2008.
|
|
|
|
Title: |
Director and Chief Financial Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
amendment to the registration statement has been signed by the
following persons in the capacities indicated in Hong Kong on
January 16, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Capacity |
|
|
|
|
*
Kevin
Xiaofeng Ma |
|
Director and Chief Executive
Officer (principal
executive officer) |
|
*
Walter
Lin Wang |
|
Director and President |
|
/s/ Carl Yeung
Carl
Yeung |
|
Director and Chief Financial
Officer (principal
financial and accounting officer) |
|
*
Andrew
Yan |
|
Director |
|
*
Lynda
Lau |
|
Director |
|
* By: /s/ Carl Yeung
Carl
Yeung
Attorney-in-Fact |
|
|
II-5
SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED
STATES
Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United
States of ATA Inc. has signed this registration statement or
amendment thereto in Newark, Delaware, on January 16, 2008.
|
|
|
Authorized Representative |
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Donald J. Puglisi |
|
|
|
Name: Donald J. Puglisi |
|
Title: Managing Director, Puglisi &
Associates |
II-6
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
No. |
|
Description of Exhibit |
|
|
|
|
1 |
.1 |
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement.** |
|
3 |
.1 |
|
Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles
of Association of the Registrant.* |
|
3 |
.2 |
|
Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles
of Association of the Registrant.* |
|
4 |
.1 |
|
Form of Common Share Certificate.* |
|
4 |
.2 |
|
Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles
of Association of the Registrant (Filed as Exhibit 3.1
hereto).* |
|
4 |
.3 |
|
Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles
of Association of the Registrant (Filed as Exhibit 3.2
hereto).* |
|
4 |
.4 |
|
Form of Deposit Agreement between the Registrant and
Citibank, N.A., as
depositary.(1)
|
|
4 |
.5 |
|
Form of American depositary receipt evidencing
American depositary shares (included in Exhibit 4.4).* |
|
4 |
.6 |
|
Shareholders Agreement, dated November 10,
2006, among the Registrant and its shareholders party thereto.* |
|
4 |
.7 |
|
Right of First Refusal and Co-Sale Agreement, dated
November 10, 2006, among the Registrant and its
shareholders party thereto.* |
|
5 |
.1 |
|
Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman, Cayman
regarding the issue of common shares being registered. |
|
5 |
.2 |
|
Opinion of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP,
counsel for the depositary, as to the legality of the American
depositary shares and American depositary
receipts.(1)
|
|
8 |
.1 |
|
Opinion of OMelveny & Myers LLP regarding
certain U.S. tax matters. |
|
8 |
.2 |
|
Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman regarding
certain Cayman Islands tax matters. |
|
10 |
.1 |
|
2005 Share Incentive Plan of ATA Testing Authority
(Holdings) Limited.* |
|
10 |
.2 |
|
2008 Employee Share Incentive Plan of the Registrant
and form of ISO Option Agreement and NQSO Option Agreement.* |
|
10 |
.3 |
|
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the
Registrant and its directors.* |
|
10 |
.4 |
|
Master Service Agreement between Microsoft (China)
Co., Ltd. and ATA Testing Authority, (Beijing) Limited, dated
May 16, 2003 and the Addendum to Master Service Agreement,
dated June 8, 2006. |
|
10 |
.5 |
|
Technical Support Agreement between ATA Online
(Beijing) Education Technology Limited and ATA Learning
(Beijing) Inc., dated October 27, 2006.* |
|
10 |
.6 |
|
Strategic Consulting Service Agreement between ATA
Online (Beijing) Education Technology Limited and ATA Learning
(Beijing) Inc., dated October 27, 2006.* |
|
10 |
.7 |
|
Loan Agreement between ATA Testing Authority
(Holdings) Limited and Xiaofeng Ma, dated October 27, 2006.* |
|
10 |
.8 |
|
Loan Agreement between ATA Testing Authority
(Holdings) Limited and Lin Wang, dated October 27, 2006,
which was amended on February 12, 2007.* |
|
10 |
.9 |
|
Call Option and Cooperation Agreement among ATA
Testing Authority (Holdings) Limited, Xiaofeng Ma, Lin Wang,
Jianguo Wang and ATA Online (Beijing) Education Technology
Limited, dated October 27, 2006.* |
|
10 |
.10 |
|
Framework Agreement for Option Right Exercise among
ATA Testing Authority (Holdings) Limited, Lin Wang, Jianguo
Wang, ATA Online (Beijing) Education Technology Limited and ATA
Learning (Beijing) Inc., dated February 12, 2007.* |
|
10 |
.11 |
|
Option Exercise Notice between ATA Testing Authority
(Holdings) Limited and Jianguo Wang, dated February 12,
2007.* |
|
10 |
.12 |
|
Call Option and Cooperation Agreement among ATA
Testing Authority (Holdings) Limited, Xiaofeng Ma, Lin Wang and
ATA Online (Beijing) Education Technology Limited, dated
February 12, 2007.* |
|
10 |
.13 |
|
Equity Pledge Agreement among Xiaofeng Ma, Lin Wang
and ATA Learning (Beijing) Inc., dated February 12, 2007.* |
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
No. |
|
Description of Exhibit |
|
|
|
|
21 |
.1 |
|
Subsidiaries of Registrant.* |
|
23 |
.1 |
|
Consent of KPMG. |
|
23 |
.2 |
|
Consent of Conyers, Dill and Pearman, Cayman
(included in Exhibit 8.2).* |
|
23 |
.3 |
|
Consent of Jincheng & Tongda Law Firm.* |
|
23 |
.4 |
|
Consent of IDC. |
|
23 |
.5 |
|
Consent of Sallmanns (Far East) Limited. |
|
23 |
.6 |
|
Consent of Hope Ni. |
|
23 |
.7 |
|
Consent of Alec Tsui. |
|
24 |
.1 |
|
Powers of Attorney.* |
|
99 |
.1 |
|
Code of Conduct.* |
|
|
|
* |
Previously filed. |
|
|
|
** |
To be filed by amendment. |
|
|
|
Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this
exhibit. |
|
|
(1) |
Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on
Form F-6 (File No. 333-148641) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to American
depositary shares representing our common shares. |
|