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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2004

or

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 333-61286


KID CASTLE EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Florida
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  59-2549529
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

8th Floor, No. 98 Min Chuan Road, Hsien Tien
Taipei, Taiwan ROC

(Address of principal executive offices)

     
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
  011-886-22218 5996

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     
Title of each class
  Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock
  N/A

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:

Title of class
None

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the last ninety days.

Yes x No o

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Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x

As of July 31, 2004, there were 18,999,703 shares of the Registrant’s common stock outstanding.

Documents incorporated by reference: None.

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FORM 10-Q

KID CASTLE EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

         
    Page
PART I            FINANCIAL INFORMATION
       
    1  
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
 EXHIBIT 3.1
 EXHIBIT 31.1
 EXHIBIT 31.2
 EXHIBIT 32.1
 EXHIBIT 32.2

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KID CASTLE EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION

UNAUDITED CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF JUNE 30, 2004 AND DECEMBER 31, 2003
AND
FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2004 AND 2003

KID CASTLE EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION
INDEX TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     
    Pages
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
  2 –3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
  4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
  5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  6 – 8
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
  9 – 24

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Kid Castle Educational Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Expressed in US Dollars)

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
ASSETS
               
Current assets
               
Cash and bank balances
  $ 542,188     $ 1,273,723  
Bank fixed deposits – pledged (Note 12)
    317,660       204,889  
Notes and accounts receivable, net (Notes 5 and 10)
    1,868,207       2,334,385  
Inventories, net (Note 6)
    2,162,633       1,991,951  
Other receivables (Notes 7 and 10)
    557,505       524,974  
Prepayments and other current assets (Note 8)
    114,188       122,292  
Pledged notes receivable (Note 12)
    955,675       1,062,406  
Deferred income tax assets
    604,617       615,286  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current assets
    7,122,673       8,129,906  
Deferred income tax assets
    135,577       120,335  
Prepaid long-term investments
          60,323  
Long-term investments (Note 9)
    309,313       114,200  
Property and equipment, net
    1,955,349       1,993,849  
Intangible assets, net of amortization (Note 11)
    920,390       989,865  
Long-term notes receivable
    576,815       505,091  
Pledged notes receivable (Note 12)
    320,328       444,302  
Other assets
    271,724       184,345  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 11,612,169     $ 12,542,216  
 
   
 
     
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Bank borrowings – short-term and maturing within one year (Note 12)
  $ 1,695,956     $ 1,317,690  
Notes and accounts payable
    1,301,253       1,072,584  
Accrued expenses
    777,300       805,556  
Amounts due to officers (Note 10)
          572,160  
Other payables
    331,407       266,276  
Deposits received
    514,915       421,734  
Receipts in advance (Note 13)
    2,568,872       2,924,636  
Income tax payable
    41,263       44,067  
Obligation under capital leases due within one year
    24,611       32,468  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current liabilities
    7,255,577       7,457,171  
Bank borrowings maturing after one year (Note 12)
    1,328,992       1,166,781  
Receipts in advance (Note 13)
    1,471,034       1,467,025  
Obligation under capital leases
          5,534  
Deposits received
    640,715       603,635  
Accrued pension liabilities
    144,298       134,073  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities
    10,840,616       10,834,219  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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Kid Castle Educational Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - Continued

(Expressed in US Dollars)

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
               
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock, no par share:
               
25,000,000 shares authorized; 18,999,703 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003
    7,669,308       7,669,308  
Additional paid-in capital
    194,021       194,021  
Legal reserve
    65,320       65,320  
Accumulated deficit
    (6,987,774 )     (6,057,482 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (169,322 )     (163,170 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
    771,553       1,707,997  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 11,612,169     $ 12,542,216  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Kid Castle Educational Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Expressed in US Dollars)

                                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,
  Six Months Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
Operating Revenue
                               
Sales of goods
  $ 1,186,926     $ 712,735     $ 3,216,779     $ 2,987,448  
Franchising income
    664,608       415,298       1,192,740       846,949  
Other operating revenue
    151,561       79,791       203,914       135,519  
Total net operating revenue
    2,003,095       1,207,824       4,613,433       3,969,916  
Operating costs
                               
Cost of goods sold
    (650,418 )     (346,036 )     (1,324,923 )     (1,070,083 )
Cost of franchising
    (113,403 )     (165,606 )     (245,504 )     (269,394 )
Other operating costs
    (78,544 )     (47,248 )     (135,739 )     (104,835 )
Total operating costs
    (842,365 )     (558,890 )     (1,706,166 )     (1,444,312 )
Gross profit
    1,160,730       648,934       2,907,267       2,525,604  
Advertising costs
    (327,850 )     (154,772 )     (454,492 )     (198,747 )
Other operating expenses
    (1,413,680 )     (1,474,346 )     (3,430,104 )     (3,122,693 )
Income (loss) from operations
    (580,800 )     (980,184 )     (977,329 )     (795,836 )
Interest expenses, net
    (43,171 )     (80,451 )     (64,936 )     (154,472 )
Share of profit (loss) of an investment
    (15,542 )           31,425       (12,681 )
Loss on write-off of an investment
          (132,116 )           (132,116 )
Other non-operating income (loss), net
    38,097       18,108       81,770       74,208  
Loss before income taxes
    (601,416 )     (1,174,643 )     (929,070 )     (1,020,897 )
Provision for taxes
    (1,222 )     (34,184 )     (1,222 )     (182,681 )
Net loss
  $ (602,638 )   $ (1,208,827 )   $ (930,292 )   $ (1,203,578 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss per share – basic and diluted
  $ (0.032 )   $ (0.080 )   $ (0.049 )   $ (0.080 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Weighted-average shares used to compute loss per share – basic and diluted
    18,999,703       15,074,329       18,999,703       15,074,329  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Kid Castle Educational Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Expressed in US Dollars)

                                                         
    Common Stock                                
                                            Accumulated    
                    Additional                   other    
    Number of           paid-in   Legal   Accumulated   comprehensive    
    shares
  Amount
  capital
  reserve
  deficit
  loss
  Total
Balance, December 31, 2002
    15,074,329     $ 4,654,880     $ 194,021     $ 65,320     $ (4,116,891 )   $ (160,764 )   $ 636,566  
Net loss for 2003
                            (1,940,591 )           (1,940,591 )
Cumulative translation adjustment
                                  (2,406 )     (2,406 )
 
                                                   
 
 
Comprehensive loss
                                                    (1,942,997 )
 
                                                   
 
 
Issuance of common stock for cash
    3,592,040       2,514,428                               2,514,428  
Repayment of a liability by issuance of common stock
    333,334       500,000                               500,000  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, December 31, 2003
    18,999,703       7,669,308       194,021       65,320       (6,057,482 )     (163,170 )     1,707,997  
Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)
                            (930,292 )           (930,292 )
Cumulative translation adjustment (Unaudited)
                                  (6,152 )     (6,152 )
 
                                                   
 
 
Comprehensive loss (Unaudited)
                                                    (936,444 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, June 30, 2004 (Unaudited)
    18,999,703     $ 7,669,308     $ 194,021     $ 65,320     $ (6,987,774 )   $ (169,322 )   $ 771,553  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Kid Castle Educational Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in US Dollars)

                 
    Six months ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities
               
Net (loss) income
  $ (930,292 )   $ (1,203,578 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities
               
Depreciation of property and equipment
    107,729       81,549  
Amortization of intangible assets
    80,824       77,753  
(Reversal of) provision for allowance for sales returns
    (13,126 )     44,617  
Allowance for doubtful debts
    130,866       28,785  
Provision for (reversal of) loss on inventory obsolescence and slow-moving items
    34,970       (168,989 )
Share of (profit) loss of investments
    (31,425 )     12,681  
Loss on write-off of an investment
          132,116  
(Increase)/decrease in:
               
Notes and accounts receivable
    402,524       (606,246 )
Inventories
    (185,880 )     (339,939 )
Other receivables
    (202,283 )     (32,527 )
Prepayments and other current assets
    9,484       (123,391 )
Deferred income tax assets
    3,306       182,030  
Other assets
    (86,257 )     (39,644 )
Increase/(decrease) in:
               
Notes and accounts payable
    219,374       (235,045 )
Accrued expenses
    (36,063 )     30,899  
Other payables
    205,497       454,737  
Receipts in advance
    (202,230 )     31,030  
Income taxes payable
    (3,306 )      
Deposits received
    99,576       167,098  
Accrued pension liabilities
    8,882       29,102  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in operating activities
    (387,830 )     (1,476,962 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (47,371 )     (87,809 )
Amount due from stockholder/director
          122,300  
Acquisition of long-term investments
    (103,346 )      
Bank fixed deposits – pledged
    (111,678 )     (65,381 )
Pledged notes receivable
    11,407       37,873  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (250,988 )     6,983  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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Kid Castle Educational Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Continued

(Expressed in US Dollars)

                 
    Six months ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Proceeds from bank borrowings
  $ 2,865,929     $ 618,415  
Repayment of bank borrowings
    (2,346,878 )     (201,489 )
Repayment of capital leases
    (13,933 )     (6,585 )
Proceeds from loan from officers/stockholders
          31,427  
Repayment of loan from officers/stockholders
    (585,006 )      
Stock subscriptions received in advance
          2,181,578  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    (79,888 )     2,623,346  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (718,706 )     1,153,367  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (12,829 )     3,033  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,273,723       125,806  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 542,188     $ 1,282,206  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information Interest paid
  $ 32,885     $ 247,149  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Income taxes paid
  $ 1,222     $ 1,729  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of significant non-cash transactions
               
Capital lease of transportation equipment
  $     $ 57,571  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Increase (decrease) of notes receivable and pledged notes receivable corresponding to the increase (decrease) in the following accounts:
               
Other receivables – related parties
  $     $ (259,308 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Accrued expenses
  $     $ 5,181  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Deposits received
  $ 20,924     $  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Other payables
  $ 32,900     $  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Receipts in advance
  $ (200,303 )   $ 533,472  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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Kid Castle Educational Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Continued

(Expressed in US Dollars)

                 
    Six months ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)
Write-off of an associate investment against deferred income
               
Balance of an associate investment
  $     $ 298,113  
Balance of deferred income
          (165,997 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Loss on write-off of an associate investment
  $     $ 132,116  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Kid Castle Educational Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in US Dollars)

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Kid Castle Internet Technologies Limited (“KCIT”) was incorporated on December 17, 1999 under the provisions of the Company Law of the Republic of China (“ROC”) as a limited liability company. KCIT is engaged in the business of children’s education focusing on the English language. The business comprises publication, sales and distribution of related books, magazines, audio and videotapes and compact disc, franchising and sales of merchandises complementary to the business. KCIT commenced operations in April 2000 when it acquired the above business from a related company, Kid Castle Enterprises Limited (“KCE”), which was owned by two directors and stockholders of KCIT.

On March 9, 2001, KCIT formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Premier Holding Investment Property Limited incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, which held the entire common stock of Higoal Developments Limited (“Higoal”) incorporated in the Cayman Islands on March 8, 2001. On September 10, 2001, Higoal established a wholly owned subsidiary, Kid Castle Educational Software Development Company Limited (“KCES”) in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”). The existing operations of Higoal are principally located in Taiwan and are being expanded in the PRC. In June 2002, after KCIT undertook a series of group restructurings, KCIT became the direct owner of the outstanding shares of Higoal. Premier Holding Investment Property Limited was then liquidated in June 2003.

On September 18, 2002, Higoal issued 11,880,000 shares of common stock to the stockholders of KCIT in exchange for 100% of the outstanding common stock of KCIT. As a result of this reorganization, KCIT became a wholly owned subsidiary of Higoal. On October 1, 2002, Kid Castle Educational Corporation, formerly King Ball International Technology Limited Corporation (the “Company”) entered into an exchange agreement with Higoal whereby the Company issued to the stockholders of Higoal 11,880,000 shares of common stock of the Company in exchange for 100% of the issued and fully paid up capital of Higoal.

As a result of the share exchange, the former stockholders of Higoal hold a majority of the Company’s outstanding capital stock. Generally accepted accounting principles require in certain circumstances that a company whose stockholders retain the majority voting interest in the combined business to be treated as the acquirer for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the acquisition has been accounted for as a “reverse acquisition” whereby Higoal is deemed to have purchased the Company. However, the Company remains the legal entity and the Registrant for Securities and Exchange Commission reporting purposes. The Company, Higoal and its subsidiaries collectively are referred to as the “Group”. The operations of the Group are principally located in Taiwan and the PRC.

NOTE 2 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying financial data as of June 30, 2004 and for the six months and three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 have been prepared by the Group, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures

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normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Group believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Group’s audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The Group has incurred operating losses since inception and hence, as of June 30, 2004, the balance of accumulated deficit was $6,987,774. The Group plans to fund its working capital needs by obtaining new credit lines from financial institutions and raising capital through the sale of equity securities. If the Group is unable to meet its current operating plan, it will be required to obtain additional funding. Management believes such funding will be available, but there can be no assurances that such funding will be available, or if it is available, on terms acceptable to the Group. Management believes that if funding is not available, other actions can and will be taken to reduce costs. These actions may entail the Group to reduce headcount, sales and marketing, other expansion activities, which may affect the future growth of the Group’s operations.

NOTE 3 — SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Sales of books, magazines, audio and video tapes, compact disc and other merchandises are recognized as revenue on the transfer of risks and rewards of ownership, which generally coincides with the time when the goods are delivered to customers and title has passed. Provision is made for expected future sales returns and allowances when revenue is recognized.

Franchise fees are the annual licensing fees for franchisees to use the Group’s brand name and consulting services. Franchising income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the relevant franchise agreements.

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based on the evaluation of collectibility and aging analysis of notes and accounts receivables.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost includes all costs of purchase, cost of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition, and is calculated using the weighted average method. Market value is determined by reference to the sales proceeds of items sold in the ordinary course of business after the balance sheet date or to management estimates based on prevailing market conditions.

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PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT AND DEPRECIATION

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of depreciable assets over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

     
    Estimated useful life
    (in years)
Land
  Indefinite
Buildings
  50
Furniture and fixtures
  3-10
Transportation equipment
  2.5-5
Miscellaneous equipment
  5-10

Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged directly to the statement of operations as incurred. When assets are disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation thereon are removed from the financial statements and any resulting gain or loss is included in the statement of operations.

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. The Group does not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. For long-lived assets to be held and used, the Group measures fair value based on quoted market prices or based on discounted estimates of future cash flows.

INCOME TAXES

The Company and its subsidiaries accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Under SFAS No. 109, deferred tax liabilities or assets at the end of each period are determined using the tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes are actually paid or recovered. Valuation allowances are established when it is considered more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Franchises and copyrights are stated at cost and amortized on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 10 years.

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a company during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances excluding transactions resulting from investments from owners and distributions to owners. Comprehensive income (loss) is disclosed in the condensed consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity.

NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

The Group computes net earnings (loss) per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share”. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 128, basic net earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders for the period by the weighted

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average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The calculation of diluted net earnings (loss) per share gives effect to common stock equivalents. For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, the Group did not have any potential common stock shares.

RECLASSIFICATION

The presentation of certain prior information has been reclassified to conform with current presentation.

NOTE 4 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No.46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 clarifies when a company should consolidate in its financial statements the assets, liabilities and activities of a variable interest entity. FIN 46 provides general guidance as to the definition of a variable interest entity and requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated if a company absorbs the majority of the variable interest entity’s expected losses, or is entitled to receive a majority of the variable interest entity’s residual returns, or both. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised interpretation of FIN 46 (“FIN 46-R”), which supersedes FIN 46 and clarifies and expands current accounting guidance for variable interest entities. FIN 46 and FIN 46-R are effective immediately for all variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and for variable interest entities created prior to February 1, 2003, no later than the end of the first reporting period after March 15, 2004. We have performed a review of all entities created prior to and subsequent to January 31, 2003, and determined the adoption of FIN 46 and FIN 46-R did not have a material impact on the Group’s financial reporting and disclosures.

On April 30, 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”(“SFAS No. 149”) SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. The new guidance amends SFAS No. 133 for decisions made as part of the Derivatives Implementation Group (“DIG”) process that effectively required amendments to SFAS No. 133, and decisions made in connection with other FASB projects dealing with financial instruments and in connection with implementation issues raised in relation to the application of the definition of a derivative and characteristics of a derivative that contains financing components. In addition, it clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component that warrants special reporting in the statement of cash flows. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The Group does not expect SFAS No. 149 to have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS No. 150”). SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for classifying and measuring as liabilities certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 is effective for all financial instruments created or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Group does not expect SFAS No. 150 to have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

In December 2003, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104, “Revenue Recognition,” which supersedes SAB 101, “Revenue

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Recognition in Financial Statements.” SAB 104’s primary purpose is to rescind accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements and revises the SEC’s “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements Frequently Asked Questions and Answers” that have been codified in Topic 13. SAB 104 was effective immediately and did not have a material impact on the Group’s financial reporting and disclosures.

In December 2003, the FASB revised SFAS No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.” This Statement revises employers’ disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It requires additional disclosures to those in the original SFAS No. 132 about the assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans. The required information should be provided separately for pension plans and for other postretirement benefit plans. This Statement, which also requires new disclosures for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2003, is effective for fiscal years ended after December 15, 2003. The Group has adopted this Statement since the year ended December 31, 2003.

NOTE 5 – NOTES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
Notes and accounts receivable
               
– Third parties
  $ 2,080,179     $ 2,140,073  
– Related parties
    84,504       631,153  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total
    2,164,683       2,771,226  
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns
    (296,476 )     (436,841 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Notes and accounts receivable, net
  $ 1,868,207     $ 2,334,385  
 
   
 
     
 
 

NOTE 6 – INVENTORIES

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
Work in process
  $ 60,173     $ 53,756  
Finished goods and other merchandises
    2,795,835       2,589,990  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    2,856,008       2,643,746  
Less: Allowance for obsolete inventories and lower of cost or market
    (693,375 )     (651,795 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 2,162,633     $ 1,991,951  
 
   
 
     
 
 

NOTE 7 – OTHER RECEIVABLES

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    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
Other receivables – third parties:
               
Tax paid on behalf of landlord
  $ 1,340     $ 1,442  
Advances to staff
    80,658       43,242  
Penalties receivables
          14,658  
Receivables from Shanghai Wonderland Educational Resources Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Wonderland”) (Note (i))
    70,824       105,847  
Other receivables
    87,887       43,622  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Sub-total
    240,709       208,811  
Other receivables – related parties (Note (ii))
    316,796       316,163  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 557,505     $ 524,974  
 
   
 
     
 
 

Note:

(i)   Shanghai Wonderland was established in October 2003 as a distributor of the Group. The Group has loaned Shanghai Wonderland RMB$450,000 (approximately $54,000) for operations, which is unsecured and bears no interest and has paid certain pre-operating costs on behalf of Shanghai Wonderland. Shanghai Wonderland will have to repay the loan of RMB$450,000 on or before January 23, 2005.

(ii)   The amount due from related parties consists of the loan of RMB$1,000,000 (approximately $120,000) from the Group to 21st Century Publishing House (“Publishing House”) for the incorporation of Jiangxi 21st Century Kid Castle Culture Media Co., Ltd. (“Culture Media”). According to the agreement, the loan is unsecured and bears no interest. Pursuant to the terms of the loan, if Publishing House did not repay the loan on or before June 27, 2004, it would transfer 40% of its ownership in Culture Media to the Group. On July 2, 2004, as the loan was not repaid by Publishing House, the board decided to take over the 40% ownership, and the Group’s ownership in Culture Media increased to 90%. As of June 30, 2004, in addition to the loan of RMB$1,000,000 to Publishing House, the amount due from related parties also includes the payment of certain pre-operating costs paid by the Group on behalf of Culture Media for $176,296. The amount due from this related party has no fixed repayment term and bears no interests. In addition, the Group also paid on behalf of its related party, 21st Century Kid Castle Language and Education Center (“Education Center”), for inventory purchases. The amount due from this related party amounted to $2,463 as of June 30, 2004 and has no fixed repayment term and bears no interests.

NOTE 8 – PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
Prepayments
  $ 59,000     $ 51,990  
Temporary payments
    213       4,989  
VAT tax recoverable
    4,926        
Tax recoverable
    33,573       29,208  

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    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
Prepaid interest
    3,221       19,856  
Others
    13,255       16,249  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 114,188     $ 122,292  
 
   
 
     
 
 

NOTE 9 – LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
Jiangxi 21st Century Kid Castle Culture Media Co., Ltd (“Culture Media”) (Note (i))
               
Investment cost
  $ 120,446     $ 120,646  
Share of profit (loss)
    21,707       (11,326 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 142,153     $ 109,320  
 
   
 
     
 
 
21st Century Kid Castle Language and Education Center (“Education Center”) (Note (ii))
               
Investment cost
  $ 90,334     $ 30,161  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Share of loss
    (26,757 )     (25,281 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 63,577     $ 4,880  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Tianjin Kid Castle Educational Investment Consulting Co., Ltd. (Note (iii))
               
Investment cost
  $ 60,223        
 
   
 
     
 
 
Lanbeisi Education &Culture Industrial Co., Ltd (“Lanbeisi”) (Note (iv))
               
Investment cost
  $ 43,360        
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 309,313     $ 114,200  
 
   
 
     
 
 

Note:

(i)   In July 2003, the Group entered into an agreement with 21st Century Publishing House to incorporate Culture Media. It is agreed in the agreement that KCES, the Group’s wholly owned PRC subsidiary, and 21st Century Publishing House each has 50% ownership and that each party contributed RMB$1 million for the incorporation. As the Group’s ownership accounts for 50% equity interest in Culture Media and that the Group has significant influence and should therefore account for its interest on the equity method.
 
    For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the Group recorded an investment gain accounted for under the equity method in Culture Media of $32,939 in the current period’s operation results.
 
    On July 2, 2004, the Group has decided to take over the other 40% of the ownership from Publishing House, and therefore starting from July 2, 2004, the Group’s ownership in Culture Media increased to 90%.
 
(ii)   In October 2003, the Group obtained the government’s approval to co-found Education Center with 21st Century Publishing House in the PRC. In 2004, Education Center registered the total capital as RMB$1,500,000, and KCEC and 21st Century Publishing House each owns 50% of

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    the investee. It has been determined that the Group has significant influence and should therefore account for its investee on the equity method.
 
    For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the Group recognized an investment loss accounted for under the equity method in Education Center of $1,514 in the current period’s operation results.
 
(iii)   On April 1, 2004, the Group signed a joint venture agreement with Tianjin Foreign Enterprises & Experts Service Corp., in Tianjin City, PRC. Pursuant to this joint venture agreement, the Group and Tianjin Foreign Enterprises & Experts Service Corp. each owns a 50% interest in Tianjin Kid Castle Educational Investment Consulting Co., Ltd. It has been determined that the Group has significant influence and should therefore account for its investee on the equity method. The operations had not commenced as of June 30, 2004.
 
(iv)   On April 28, 2004, the Group signed a joint venture agreement with Lanbeisi Education & Culture Industrial Co., Ltd in Sichuan Province, PRC and Sichuan Province Education Institutional Service Center in Sichuan Province, PRC. Pursuant to this joint venture agreement, the Group, Lanbeisi Education & Culture Industrial Co., Ltd and Sichuan Province Education Institutional Service Center own, respectively, 45%, 45% and 10% interests in Sichuan Lanbeisi Kid Castle Education Development Co., Ltd. It has been determined that the Group has significant influence and should therefore account for its investee using the equity method. However, through June 30, 2004, the joint venture was non-operational.

NOTE 10 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A.   Names of related parties and relationship with the Group are as follows:

     
Names of related parties
  Relationship with the Company
Mr. Kuo-An Wang
  He is a director, stockholder and chairman of the Company
 
   
Mr. Yu-En Chiu
  He is a director, stockholder and vice chairman of the Company
 
   
Global International Education Investment Ltd. (“Global International”)
  It was an equity investee prior to August 2003 and one of its stockholders and directors is Mr. Kuo-An Wang
 
   
Kid Castle Enterprises Limited (“KCE”)
  Its two directors and stockholders are Mr. Kuo-An Wang and Mr. Yu-En Chiu
 
   
Chevady Culture Enterprise Limited (“CCE”)
  Its chairman is Mr. Kuo-An Wang
 
   
Private Kid Castle Short Term Language Cram School (“PKC Language”)
  Its chairman is Mr. Yu-En Chiu
 
   
Taipei Country Private Kid Castle Short Term Language Cram School (“TCP PKC”)
  Its chairman is Mr. Yu-En Chiu
 
   
Taipei Country Private Chevady Preschool (“TCP Chevady”)
  Its chairman is Mr. Yu-En Chiu

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Names of related parties
  Relationship with the Company
Taipei Country Private Chung-hua Preschool (“TCP Chung-hua”)
  Its chairman is Mr. Yu-En Chiu
 
   
Taipei Country Private Wonderland Preschool (“TCP Wonderland”)
  Its chairman is Mr. Yu-En Chiu
 
   
Taipei City Private Kid Castle Preschool (“ TCP Kid Castle)
  Its chairman is Mr. Yu-En Chiu
 
   
21st Century Publishing House (“Publishing House”)
  A joint venture
 
   
Jiangxi 21st Century Kid Castle Culture Media Co., Ltd (“Culture Media”)
  An investment accounted for under the equity method.
 
   
21st Century Kid Castle Language and Education Center (“Education Center”)
  An investment accounted for under the equity method.
 
   
Tianjin Foreign Enterprises & Experts Service Corp.
  An investment accounted for under the
equity method
 
   
Lanbeisi Education &Culture Industrial Co., Ltd (“Lanbeisi”)
  An investment accounted for under the
equity method

B. Significant transactions and balances with related parties are as follows:

                     
        Six months ended June 30,
        2004
  2003
        (Unaudited)
(i)
  Sales to:                
 
  - PKC Language   $ 6,944     $ 6,442  
 
  - TCP PKC     6,944       6,442  
 
  - TCP Chevady     6,631       8,088  
 
  - TCP Chung-hua     11,669       13,304  
 
  - TCP Wonderland     6,631       8,203  
 
  - TCP Kid Castle     6,554       11,386  
 
       
 
     
 
 
 
      $ 45,373     $ 53,865  
 
       
 
     
 
 
(ii)
  Rental income from:                
 
  - KCE   $     $ 864  
 
  - CCE     898       864  
 
       
 
     
 
 
 
      $ 898     $ 1,728  
 
       
 
     
 
 
(iii)
  Franchising income from:                
 
  - PKC Language   $ 425     $ 1,119  
 
  - TCP PKC     465        
 
  - TCP Kid Castle     4,887       4,222  
 
  - TCP Chung-Hua     1,468       768  
 
  - TCP Chevady     2,444       2,111  
 
  - TCP Wonderland     2,444       2,111  
 
       
 
     
 
 
 
      $ 12,133     $ 10,331  
 
       
 
     
 
 

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(iv)   The two directors and stockholders, Mr. Kuo-An Wang and Mr. Yu-Eng Chiu, have given personal guarantees to certain bank loans and borrowings. Please see the details as described in Note 12 – Bank Borrowings.
 
    Our management is of the opinion that the above transactions were carried out in the normal course of business at agreed upon terms.

(v)   Accounts and notes receivable – related parties:

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
Name of related parties
  2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
- KCE
  $ 3,556     $ 571,755  
- PKC Language
    8,439       3,358  
- TCP PKC
    8,200       3,358  
- TCP Chung-hua
    16,571       2,863  
- TCP Chevady
    12,181       2,537  
- TCP Wonderland
    12,181       2,537  
- TCP Kid Castle
    10,896        
- Publishing House
    12,480        
- Culture Media
          42,646  
- Education Center
          2,099  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 84,504     $ 631,153  
 
   
 
     
 
 

(vi)   Other receivables – related parties:

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
Name of related parties
  2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
Amount due from Publishing House (Note 1)
  $ 128,840     $ 135,513  
Amount due from Culture Media (Note 2)
    176,460       178,331  
Amount due from Education Center (Note 3)
    2,463       2,319  
Amount due from Lanbeisi (Note 4)
    9,033        
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 316,796     $ 316,163  
 
   
 
     
 
 

Note:

1.   The amount due from Publishing House is mainly a result of the loan of RMB$1,000,000 (approximately $120,000 from the Group to Publishing House for the incorporation of Culture Media). According to the agreement, the loan is unsecured and bears no interest. Pursuant to the terms of the loan, Publishing House must repay the loan on or before June 27, 2004 or give up 40% of its ownership in Culture Media to the Group. On July 2, 2004, the Group decided to take over the 40% ownership from

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    Publishing House, and therefore, the Group’s ownership in Culture Media increased to 90%.

2.   Culture Media was incorporated in December 2003. The Group paid certain pre-operating costs on behalf of Culture Media. The amount due from this related party has no fixed repayment term and bears no interests.

3.   Education Center was founded in October 2003. The amount due from the associate is mainly inventory purchases paid by the Group on behalf of Education Center. The amount due from this related party has no fixed repayment term and bears no interests.

4.   Lanbeisi was incorporated in April 2004. The Group paid pre-operating costs of RMB$75,000 (approximately $9,000) on behalf of Lanbeisi. The amount due from this related party has no fixed repayment term and bears no interests.

(vii)   Amount due to officers:

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
Mr. Kuo-An Wang and Mr. Yu-En Chiu (Note 1)
  $     $ 572,160  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $     $ 572,160  
 
   
 
     
 
 

Note:

1.   As of December 31, 2002, the outstanding balance of amount due to Mr. Hsi-Ming Pai, a stockholder, which was unsecured and bears interests at 25.2% per annum, was $606,208 (including the principal of $600,000 and related interests). On November 15, 2003, the Group entered into a liability transfer agreement with the stockholder to transfer its liability to Mr. Kuo-An Wang and Mr. Yu-En Chiu. According to the agreement, it is stated that the Group would transfer its original liability of $600,000 and the interest thereon separately in two lump sum payments. The first transfer was completed on December 30, 2003 for $70,000, and the remaining balance, including the principal of $530,000 and related interests, which had yet to be transferred, amounted to $572,160 as of December 31, 2003. The Group completed the transfer subsequent to December 31, 2003.

NOTE 11 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
Gross carrying amount
               
Franchise
  $ 1,008,086     $ 997,446  
Copyrights
    592,592       586,338  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
 
    1,600,678       1,583,784  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Less: Accumulated amortization
               
Franchise
    (428,436 )     (374,042 )
Copyrights
    (251,852 )     (219,877 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    (680,288 )     (593,919 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net
  $ 920,390     $ 989,865  
 
   
 
     
 
 

    Amortization charged to operations was $80,824 and $77,753 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

    The estimated aggregate amortization expenses for each of the five succeeding fiscal years are as follows:

         
2005
  $ 161,648
2006
    161,648
2007
    161,648
2008
    161,648
2009
    161,648
 
   
 
 
  $ 808,240
 
   
 

NOTE 12 – BANK BORROWINGS

                         
            June 30,   December 31,
    Notes
  2004
  2003
            (Unaudited)        
Bank term loans
    (i )   $ 633,323     $ 986,280  
Short-term unsecured bank loans
  (ii)     681,481       234,535  
Mid-term loan
  (iii)     761,996       325,515  
Mid-term secured bank loan
  (iv)     948,148       938,141  
 
           
 
     
 
 
 
            3,024,948       2,484,471  
 
           
 
     
 
 
Less: Balances maturing within one year included in current liabilities
                       
Bank term loans
            484,054       757,640  
Short-term unsecured bank loans
            681,481       234,535  
Mid-term loan
            475,085       325,515  
Mid-term secured bank loan
            55,336        
 
           
 
     
 
 
 
            1,695,956       1,317,690  
 
           
 
     
 
 
Bank borrowings maturing after one year
          $ 1,328,992     $ 1,166,781  
 
           
 
     
 
 

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Note:

(i)   The balance represents bank loans with which are pledged by post-dated checks amounting to $1,276,003 and $1,506,708 received from franchisees and the Group’s bank deposits of $36,179 and $87,621 as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively, for the purpose of financing operations. The repayment dates of the loans coincided with the maturity dates of the corresponding pledged post-dated checks. The applicable interest rates ranged from 5.61% to 7.60% per annum as of June 30, 2004. For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, the interest expenses charged to operations amounted to $22,158 and $38,512, respectively.

(ii)   In August 2003, KCIT obtained an unsecured short-term loan with principal amount of $237,037, which is guaranteed by two directors and stockholders of the Group, to finance the Group’s operations. The loan that bears interest at the Taiwan basic borrowing rate plus 1.20% per annum is wholly repayable in August 2004. The applicable interest rate is approximately 4.50% per annum as of June 30, 2004.
 
    In March 2004, KCIT obtained an unsecured short-term loan with principal amount of $296,296, which is guaranteed by two directors and stockholders of the Group, to finance the Group’s operations. The loan that bears interest at the Taiwan basic borrowing rate plus 1.65% per annum is wholly repayable in September 2004. The applicable interest rate is approximately 5.16% per annum as of June 30, 2004.
 
    In April 2004, KCIT obtained another unsecured short-term loan with principal amount of $148,148, which is also guaranteed by two directors and stockholders of the Group, to finance the Group’s operations. The loan that bears interest at the Taiwan basic borrowing rate plus 1.24% per annum is wholly repayable in April 2005. The applicable interest rate is approximately 4.75% per annum as of June 30, 2004.
 
    For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the interest expenses charged to operations from the above three unsecured short-term loans amounted to $12,007.

(iii)   In March 2003, KCIT obtained a loan of $592,593 from a financial institution, which bears interest at 13.5% per annum and is repayable by 18 equal monthly installments, to finance the Group’s operations. The last installment is due on September 30, 2004. As of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the loan was pledged by KCIT’s deposits of $59,259 and $117,268, respectively, and guaranteed by two directors and stockholders of the Group. As of June 30, 2004, the Group repaid $485,357 of the loan.
 
    In March 2004, KCIT obtained a new bank loan of $740,741, which bears interest at 5.25% per annum and is repayable in 24 equal monthly installments, to finance the Group’s operations. The last installment is due on March 31, 2006. As of June 30, 2004, the loan was pledged by the KCIT’s deposits of $222,222, and guaranteed by two directors and stockholders of the Group. As of June 30, 2004, the Group repaid $88,404.
 
    For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, the interest expenses charged to operations from the aforementioned loans amounted to $25,042 and $0, respectively.

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(iv)   In August 2003, KCIT obtained a loan with principal amount of $948,148 from a bank to repay its mortgage loan that was originally granted by a bank on October 5, 2001, as well as to finance its operations. The loan is secured by the Group’s land and buildings and personal guarantees provide by two directors and stockholders of the Group. The loan, which carries interest at the lending bank’s basic borrowing rate plus 1.45% per annum. On July 19, 2004, the bank extended the term of the loan and the Group will have to repay the loan by 168 equal monthly installments starting July 30, 2004. As of June 30, 2004, the applicable interest rate was approximately 3.00% per annum. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the interest expenses charged to operations amounted to $22,747.

NOTE 13 – RECEIPTS IN ADVANCE

The balance comprises:

                         
            June 30,   December 31,
    Notes
  2004
  2003
            (Unaudited)        
Current liabilities:
                       
Sales deposits received
    (i )   $ 367,780     $ 356,575  
Franchising income received
  (ii)     1,574,199       1,703,426  
Subscription fees received
  (iii)     599,957       842,509  
Others
            26,936       22,126  
 
           
 
     
 
 
 
            2,568,872       2,924,636  
 
           
 
     
 
 
Long-term liabilities:
                       
Franchising income received
  (ii)     1,438,850       1,432,343  
Others
            32,184       34,682  
 
           
 
     
 
 
 
            1,471,034       1,467,025  
 
           
 
     
 
 
 
          $ 4,039,906     $ 4,391,661  
 
           
 
     
 
 

Note:

(i)   The balance represents receipts in advance from customers for goods sold to them.

(ii)   The balance mainly represents franchising income received in advance which is attributable to the periods after the respective period end dates.

(iii)   The balance represents subscription fees received in advance for subscription of magazines published by the Group.

NOTE 14 – RETIREMENT PLANS

The Group has a defined benefit retirement plan (the “Plan”) covering all regular employees of KCIT, its ROC subsidiary in Taiwan. Under the funding policy of the Plan, commencing from September 2003, KCIT contributes monthly an amount equal to 2% of the employees’ total salaries and wages, to an independent retirement trust fund deposited with the Central Trust of China in accordance with the ROC Labor Standards Law in Taiwan. The retirement fund is not included in the Group’s financial statements. Net periodic pension cost is based on annual actuarial valuations which use the projected

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unit credit cost method of calculation and is charged to the consolidated statement of operations on a systematic basis over the average remaining service lives of current employees. Under the plan, the employees are entitled to receive retirement benefits upon retirement in the manner stipulated by the ROC Labor Standard Law in Taiwan. The benefits under the plan are based on various factors such as years of service and the final base salary preceding retirement.

The net periodic pension cost is as follows:

                 
    Six months ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)
Service cost
  $ 30,775     $ 26,396  
Interest cost
    3,456       2,231  
Expected return on assets
    (733 )      
Amortization of unrecognized loss
    643       475  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 34,141     $ 29,102  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The Group previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, that it expected to contribute $54,355 to the Plan in 2004. As of June 30, 2004, $25,260 of contributions had been made. The Group presently anticipates contributing an additional $34,047 to fund the Plan in 2004 for a total of $54,355.

NOTE 15 – GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

The Group is principally engaged in the business of child educational teaching materials and related services focusing on English language in Taiwan and the PRC. Accordingly, the Group has two reportable geographic segments: Taiwan and the PRC. The Group evaluates the performance of each geographic segment based on its net income or loss. The Group also accounts for inter-segment sales as if the sales were made to third parties. Information concerning the operations in these geographical segment is as follows:

                                                 
    Taiwan
  The PRC
  Total
    Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended
    June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Revenue
                                               
External revenue
  $ 3,817,279     $ 3,583,706     $ 796,154     $ 386,210     $ 4,613,433     $ 3,969,916  
Inter-segment revenue
    1,949       26,893                   1,949       26,893  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 3,819,228     $ 3,610,599     $ 796,154     $ 386,210     $ 4,615,382     $ 3,996,809  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Profit (loss) from Operations
  $ (324,680 )   $ 64,675     $ (552,785 )   $ (398,834 )   $ (877,465 )   $ (334,159 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Capital expenditures
  $ 32,957     $ 133,164     $ 14,414     $ 12,216     $ 47,371     $ 145,380  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]

                                                 
    Corporate
  Eliminations
  Consolidated
    Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended   Six months ended
    June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,   June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
Revenue
                                               
External revenue
  $     $     $     $     $ 4,613,433     $ 3,969,916  
Inter-segment revenue
                (1,949 )     (26,893 )            
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $     $     $ (1,949 )   $ (26,893 )   $ 4,613,433     $ 3,969,916  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Profit (loss) from Operations
  $ (145,311 )   $ (386,194 )   $ 45,447     $ (75,483 )   $ (977,329 )   $ (795,836 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Capital expenditures
  $     $     $     $     $ 47,371     $ 145,380  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
                                                 
    June 30,   December 31,   June 30,   December 31,   June 30,   December 31,
    2004   2003   2004   2003   2004   2003
Total assets
  $ 10,618,773     $ 10,614,292     $ 1,182,101     $ 2,053,029     $ 11,800,874     $ 12,667,321  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]

                                                 
    June 30,   December 31,   June 30,   December 31,   June 30,   December 31,
    2004   2003   2004   2003   2004   2003
Total assets
  $ 639,081     $ 7,487     $ (827,786 )   $ (132,592 )   $ 11,612,169     $ 12,542,216  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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NOTE 16 – COMMITMENT

(i) On May 28, 2004, the Group signed a joint venture agreement with Zhangjhou Yu Hua Educational Investment Co., Ltd. in Henan Province, PRC to establish a company, Henan Kid Castle Education Development Co., Ltd. with registered capital of RMB$300,000. Pursuant to this joint venture agreement, the Group and Zhangjhou Yu Hua Educational Investment Co., Ltd. each owns 65% and 35% interests in Henan Kid Castle Education Development Co., Ltd. No capital contribution has yet been made for the joint venture as of June 30, 2004.

(ii) On June 29, 2004, the Group signed a joint venture agreement with Li Kai and Zhang Wuen Shou in PRC to establish a company, Shanxi Kid Castle Education Development Co., Ltd. with registered capital of RMB$500,000. Pursuant to this joint venture agreement, the Group, Li Kai and Zhang Wuen Shou own, respectively, 51%, 30% and 19% interests in Shanxi Kid Castle Education Development Co., Ltd. No capital contribution has yet been made for the joint venture as of June 30, 2004.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

This report contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to us that are based on the beliefs and assumptions made by our management as well as information currently available to the management. When used in this document, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, and “expect” and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are discussed under the caption “Factors That May Affect Our Future Results And Financial Condition” contained herein and other factors disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, but not limited to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003. We do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

GENERAL

We are engaged in the business of children’s education, focusing on the publication and sale of kindergarten language school and primary school teaching materials and magazines. We also provide management and consulting services to our franchised kindergarten and language schools. Our teaching materials include books, audio tapes, video tapes and compact discs. A major portion of our educational materials focuses on English language education. We also sell educational tools and equipment that are complementary to our business. Currently, our major business is in Taiwan. In 2001, we started to expand our business in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). We officially launched our operations in Shanghai in April 2002. As in Taiwan, we offer advanced teaching materials and tools, and monthly and bi-weekly magazines to provide children ranging from two to twelve years of age a chance to learn exceptional English language and computer skills, and to provide a pre-school education program.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, JUDGMENTS AND ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to product returns, bad debts, inventories, equity investments, income taxes, financing operations, pensions and commitment and contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.

Revenue Recognition. We recognize sales of teaching materials and educational tools and equipment as revenue when title of the product and risk of ownership are transferred to the customer, which occurs at the time of delivery, or when the goods arrive at the customer designated location, depending on the associated shipping terms. Additionally, we deliver products sold by our distributors directly to the distributors’ customers and as such the delivered goods are recognized as revenue similar to sales to our direct customers. We estimate sales returns and discounts based on historical experience and record as reductions to revenues.

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If market conditions were to decline, we may take actions to increase sales discounts, possibly resulting in an incremental reduction of revenue at the time when revenues are recognized.

Allowance for doubtful accounts. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Allowance for obsolete inventories and lower of cost or market. We write down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about inventory aging, future demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Investment impairments. We hold equity interests in companies having operations in areas within our strategic focus. We record an investment impairment charge when we believe an investment has experienced a decline in value that is not temporary. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying investments could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the investments that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

Fixed assets and depreciation. Our fixed assets are stated at cost. Major improvements and betterments to existing facilities and equipment are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs that do not extend the life of the applicable asset are charged to expense as incurred. Buildings are depreciated over a 50-year term. Fixtures and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from two-and-a-half years to ten years.

Impairment of long-lived assets. We review our fixed assets and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset over its remaining useful life. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The estimate of fair value is generally based on quoted market prices or on the best available information, including prices for similar assets and the results of using other valuation techniques.

As of June 30, 2004, the balance of our amortizable intangible assets was $920,390, including franchise-related intangible assets of $579,650 and copyrights of $340,740. The amortizable intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of 10 years. In determining the useful lives and recoverability of the intangibles, assumptions must be made regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the assets, which may not represent the true fair value. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, there may be significant impact on our results of operations in the period of the change incurred.

Income taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred 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 tax loss carry-forwards. Deferred 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 tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are subject to valuation allowances based upon

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management’s estimates of realizability. Actual results may differ significantly from management’s estimate.

Currency Risk

Our transactions with suppliers and customers are primarily effected in New Taiwan dollars, which is the functional currency of our Taiwanese subsidiary, Kid Castle Internet Technologies Limited. As a result of our expansion in the PRC, our transactions denominated in Renminbi, which is the functional currency of our PRC subsidiary, Kid Castle Educational Software Development Company Limited, are increasing. Our financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars. As a result, fluctuations in the relative exchange rate among the U.S. dollar, the New Taiwan dollar and the Renminbi will affect our reported financial results. Such impacts could be meaningful and are independent of the underlying performance of the business. The market price of our securities could be significantly harmed based on unfavorable changes in exchange rates. We do not actively manage our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

Total net operating revenues increased by $643,517, or 16%, to $4,613,433 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $3,969,916 for the six months ended June 30, 2003, including the increase in sales of goods of $229,331 and the franchising income of $345,791 and other operating revenues of $68,395. The increase in sales of goods, from $2,987,448 for the six months ended June 30, 2003 to $3,216,779 for the six months ended June 30, 2004, or 8%, was mainly due to the increase in net sales of goods generated from our Shanghai operations of $265,027, or 117%, to $490,764 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $225,737 for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in franchising income, from $846,949 for the six months ended June 30, 2003 to $1,192,740 for the six months ended June 30, 2004, or 41%, was mainly due to the increase in numbers of our franchised schools and the increase in the annual franchising fees. Our other operating revenues represent revenues from other activities and services such as training of teachers, arranging for personal English language tutors, organizing field trips and educational fairs, and designing the school layout for franchised schools. Other operating revenues increased by $68,395, or 50%, to $203,914 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $135,519 for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was mainly due to the fees paid by our franchised schools for our services in connection with the construction and decoration of those franchised schools and the income resulting from the sales of education related equipments to our franchised schools.

Gross profit increased by $381,663, or 15%, to $2,907,267 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $2,525,604 for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in gross profit was attributable to the fact that the rate of increase in franchising costs from June 30, 2003 to June 30, 2004 was lower than the rate of increase in franchising income for the same period. In addition, our advertising campaign during this period particularly helped to boost franchising income in both Taiwan and Shanghai, PRC.

Total operating expenses increased by $563,156, or 17%, to $3,884,596 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $3,321,440 for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Advertising costs increased by $255,745, or 129%, to $454,492 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $198,747 for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was mainly due to the additional expenses incurred with respect to the filming of commercials for our new promotional campaign for our products and franchised schools. Other operating expenses increased by $307,411, or 10%, to $3,430,104 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $3,122,693 for the six months ended June 30, 2003, principally due to increases in commission fees from monthly magazines and in expenses as a result of the expansion in Shanghai, PRC. Commission fees increased by $206,484, or 182%, to $320,175 for the six months ended June 30, 2004

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from $113,691 for the six months ended June 30, 2003, which was mainly due to the increase in volume of commission fees incurred from the new promotional campaign of our monthly magazines sold to pre-schools. In addition, our personnel expenses and other relevant expenses increased as a result of the continued expansion of our business and workforce in Shanghai.

Net interest expenses decreased by $89,536, or 58%, to $64,936 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $154,472 for the six months ended June 30, 2003, primarily due to a loan from a stockholder in April 2002 (please refer to Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more information) that had a monthly interest rate of 2.1%. The loan was fully repaid subsequent to December 31, 2003.

Share of profit (loss) of investments increased by $44,106, or 348%, to $31,425 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from ($12,681) for the six months ended June 30, 2003, primarily due to our new investment in Culture Media on July 8, 2003 that incurred an investment gain of $32,939 (please refer to Note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for more information) for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

Loss on write-off of an investment in the six months ended June 30, 2003, was due to a special resolution adopted by our board of directors on June 5, 2003. We resolved to amend the agreement we entered into on May 16, 2001 with Global International to change our cooperation relationship from equity ownership to strategic alliance. As a result, during the six months ended June 30, 2003, we recognized a loss of $132,116 in the operating results.

Other non-operating income increase by $7,562, or 10%, to $81,770 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 from $74,208 for the six months ended June 30, 2003, primarily because of the fluctuation in exchange rate.

The income tax expenses of $1,222 for the six months ended June 30, 2004 represents the additional income tax paid for 2002. Income tax provision for the six months ended June 30, 2003 was $182,681. This income tax provision mainly represents an increase in the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets generated from our Shanghai operations so as to reduce the deferred tax assets to the extent that the tax benefit is more than likely to be realized.

The three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

Total net operating revenues increased by $795,271, or 66%, to $2,003,095 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $1,207,824 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, including the increase in sales of goods of $474,191, franchising income of $249,310 and other operating revenues of $71,770. The increase in sales of goods, from $712,735 for the three months ended June 30, 2003 to $1,186,926 for the three months ended June 30, 2004, or 67%, was mainly due to the net sales of goods generated from our Shanghai operations increased by $101,346, or 96%, to $193,013 or the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $91,667 for the three months ended June 30, 2003. In addition, because we sold the educational materials for the first semester of 2004 to our franchise schools in Taiwan in June, which was earlier than 2003, the sales revenue in the first six months of 2004 increased by approximately $206,335, compared with the same period in 2003. The increase in franchising income, from $415,298 for the three months ended June 30, 2003 to $664,608 for the three months ended June 30, 2004, was mainly due to the increase in numbers of our franchised schools and the increase in the annual franchising fees. Our other operating revenues represent revenues from other activities and services such as training of teachers, arranging for personal English language tutors, organizing field trips and educational fairs, and designing the school layout for franchised schools. Other operating revenues increased to $151,561 for the three

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months ended June 30, 2004 from $79,791 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, mainly due to the fees paid by our franchised schools for our services in connection with the construction and decoration of those franchised schools and the income resulting from the sales of education related equipments to our franchised schools.

Gross profit increase by $511,796, or 79%, to $1,160,730 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $648,934 for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was mainly attributable to an increase in the annual franchising fees as well as an improved utilization of our consulting and management resources provided to our franchised schools.

Total operating expenses increased by $112,412, or 7%, to $1,741,530 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $1,629,118 for the three months ended June 30, 2003. Advertising costs increased by $173,078, or 112%, to $327,850 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $154,772 for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The increase was mainly because we spent additional cost in filming our new commercials on the promotion of our products and franchised schools. Other operating expenses decreased by $60,666, or 4%, to $1,413,680 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $1,474,346 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, primarily because we saved some personnel expenses by closing down our direct-marketing department in April, 2004.

Net interest expenses decreased by $37,280, or 46%, to $43,171 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $80,451 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, primarily due to a loan from a stockholder in April 2002 (please refer to Note 10 to the condensed consolidated financial statements) that had a monthly interest rate of 2.1%. The loan was fully repaid in January, 2004.

Share of loss of investments was $15,542 for the three months ended June 30, 2004, primarily due to our new investments in Culture Media on July 8, 2003, and Education Center in October 2003, which incurred investment losses of $14,068 and $1,474 (please refer to Note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statements for more information) for the three months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.

Loss on write-off of an investment in the three months ended June 30, 2003, was due to a special resolution adopted by our board of directors on June 5, 2003. We resolved to amend the agreement we entered into on May 16, 2001 with Global International to change our cooperation relationship from equity ownership to strategic alliance. As result, during the three months ended June 30, 2003, we recognized a loss of $132,116 in the operation results.

Other non-operating income increase by $19,989, or 110%, to $38,097 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $18,108 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, primarily because of the fluctuation in exchange rates of the primary currencies in which we conduct our operations, the New Taiwan (NT) Dollars and Renminbi (RMB), against the US Dollar.

Income tax expenses of $1,222 for the three months ended June 30, 2004 represents the additional income tax paid for 2002. Income tax provision for the three months ended June 30, 2003 was $34,184. This income tax provision mainly represents an increase in the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets generated from our Shanghai operations so as to reduce the deferred tax assets to the extent that the tax benefit is more than likely to be realized.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of June 30, 2004, our principal sources of liquidity included cash and bank balances of $542,188, which decreased from $1,273,723 at December 31, 2003. The decrease was mainly due to the

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expenditures to fund the daily operations and the new investments in our Shanghai operations (please refer to note 9 to our condensed consolidated financial statement for more information).

Net cash used in operating activities was $387,830 and $1,476,962 during the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Net cash used in operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2004 was primarily attributed to net loss, that was partially offset by an increase in notes and accounts payable, an increase of deposit received, and an increase in other payables.

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities was $(250,988) and $6,983 during the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The $257,971 difference was primarily attributable to the collections of amount due from stockholder/director of $122,300 during the six months ended June 30, 2003 and the payment of long-term investments of $103,346 in Shanghai.

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $(79,888) as compared to $2,623,346 during the six months ended June 30, 2003. The $2,703,234 difference was primarily attributable to the net proceeds of $2,181,578 we received from the issuance of 3,116,540 shares of common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2003, and the repayment of loans from officers/stockholders of $585,006 during the six months ended June 30, 2004.

As of June 30, 2004, the Company has a total line of credit of $2,518,519 from certain banks and the unused credit facility was $255,566.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has described various characteristics to identify contractual arrangements that would fall within the SEC’s definition of off-balance sheet arrangements.

The following table represents the Group’s contractual obligations:

                                                         
    Payments Due By Period (Thousand dollars)
    Total
  2004
  2005
  2006
  2007
  2008
  Thereafter
Contractual obligations
                                                       
Bank borrowing
  $ 2,187       909       1,097       181                    
Pension Benefit
    41                                     41  
Operating leases
    393       118       100       82       54       39        
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
  $ 2,621       1,197       263       82       54       39       41  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

Bank borrowing

One of our financing sources is from bank borrowings. As of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the balances of bank borrowings, including current and non-current portions, were $3,024,948 and $2,484,471, respectively.

Equity investments in joint ventures

On May 28, 2004, KCES signed a joint venture agreement with Zhangjhou Yu Hua Educational Investment Co., Ltd. in Henan Province, PRC. Pursuant to this joint venture agreement, the Group and

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Zhangjhou Yu Hua Educational Investment Co., Ltd. each owns 65% and 35% interests in Henan Kid Castle Education Development Co., Ltd.

On June 29, 2004, KCES signed a joint venture agreement with Li Kai and Zhang Wuen Shou in PRC. Pursuant to this joint venture agreement, the Group, Li Kai and Zhang Wuen Shou own, respectively, 51%, 30% and 19% interests in Shanxi Kid Castle Education Development Co., Ltd.

As of June 30, 2004, no operations had commenced yet for Henan Kid Castle Education Development Co., Ltd., and Shanxi Kid Castle Education Development Co., Ltd. In addition, no capital injection had made for Henan Kid Castle Education Development Co., Ltd. and Shanxi Kid Castle Education Development Co., Ltd.

Pension Benefit

We have a defined benefit retirement plan (the “Plan”) covering all regular employees of KCIT, our subsidiary in Taiwan, as described in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five fiscal years, and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter are $0 and $40,913, respectively. We also make defined contributions to a retirement benefits plan for its employees in the PRC in accordance with local regulations. The contributions made by us for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 amounted to $70,454 and $45,290, respectively.

Operating Leases

We have entered into several non-cancelable lease arrangements for administrative office space, warehouse space and sales offices in various periods.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51.” FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities 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. FIN 46 is effective immediately for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2003. Management is currently evaluating the effect of adopting FIN 46 on its results of operations and financial position.

On April 30, 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 149”). SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. The new guidance amends SFAS No. 133 for decisions made as part of the Derivatives Implementation Group (“DIG”) process that effectively required amendments to SFAS No. 133, and decisions made in connection with other FASB projects dealing with financial instruments and in connection with implementation issues raised in relation to the application of the definition of a derivative and characteristics of a derivative that contains financing components. In addition, it clarifies when a derivative contains a financing component that warrants special reporting in the statement of cash flows. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. We believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 149 will have no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS No. 150”). SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for classifying and measuring as liabilities certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 is effective for all financial instruments created or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. We believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 150 will have no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2003, the Staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104, “Revenue Recognition,” which supersedes SAB 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements.” SAB 104’s primary purpose is to rescind accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements and revises the SEC’s “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements Frequently Asked Questions and Answers” that have been codified in Topic 13. SAB 104 was effective immediately and did not have a material impact on our financial reporting and disclosures.

In December 2003, the FASB revised SFAS No. 132, “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.” This Statement revises employers’ disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It requires additional disclosures to those in the original SFAS No. 132 about the assets, obligations, cash flows and net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans. The required information should be provided separately for pension plans and for other postretirement benefit plans. This Statement, which also requires new disclosures for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2003, is effective for fiscal years ended after December 15, 2003. We have adopted this Statement since the year ended December 31, 2003, and the adoption of this Statement has no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT OUR FUTURE RESULTS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the other information contained in this quarterly report, you should consider the following factors before investing in our securities.

Because our officers and directors are not U.S. Persons, and our operating subsidiaries are Taiwan and People’s Republic of China companies, you may not be able to enforce judgments under the Securities Act.

Our operating subsidiaries are a Taiwanese company and a People’s Republic of China company, our officers and directors are residents of various jurisdictions outside the United States. All or a substantial portion of the assets of our business and of such persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons or to enforce in the United States courts judgments obtained against such persons in United States courts and predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the Securities Act.

Because we face competition from established competitors, we may be unable to maintain market share.

Our primary competitors have significant financial, technical and marketing resources, and/or name recognition, including Giraffe, G-Telp and Jia Yin. Some of these competitors have a longer operating history and greater overall resources than we do. These companies also have established customer support and professional services organizations. As a result, our competitors may be able to adapt more quickly to changes in customer needs, offer products and services at lower prices than us, devote greater resources

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than us to development and sale of teaching/learning products and services, which could result in reducing our market share.

If we lose key management or other personnel, we may experience delays in our product development and other negative effects on our business.

Our success is dependent upon the personal efforts and abilities of our executive officers, Kuo-An Wang, our Chief Executive Officer, and Yu-En Chui, our Chief Financial Officer. If these key officers cease employment with us before we find qualified replacements, it would have a significant negative impact on our operations. We do not have employment agreements with any of our executive officers.

Moreover, our growth and success depend on our ability to attract, hire and retain additional highly qualified management, educators, technical, marketing and sales personnel. These individuals are in high demand and we may not be able to attract the staff we need. The hiring process is intensely competitive, time consuming and may divert the attention of our management from our operations. Competitors and others have in the past, and may in the future, attempt to recruit our employees. If we lose the services of any of our senior management or key education personnel, or if we fail to continue to attract qualified personnel, our business could suffer.

Because we conduct operations in New Taiwan (NT) Dollars and Renminbi (RMB), we are subject to risk from exchange rate fluctuations.

Our transactions with suppliers and customers are effected in New Taiwan dollars, the functional currency of our Taiwanese subsidiary, KCIT, and increasingly in RMB, the functional currency of our PRC subsidiary, KCES, as a result of our expansion in the PRC. Our financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars. As a result, fluctuations in the relative exchange rate among the U.S. dollar, the NT dollar and the RMB will affect our reported financial results from one period to the next. Such impacts could be meaningful and are independent of the underlying performance of our business. The market price of our securities could be significantly harmed based on unfavorable changes in exchange rates. We do not actively manage our exposure to such effects.

An increase in market competition could have a negative impact on our business.

Our markets are new, rapidly evolving and highly competitive, and we expect this competition to persist and intensify in the future. This increase in competition could lead to price reductions, decreased sales-volume, under-utilization of employees, reduced operating margins and loss of market share. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully compete for customers in our targeted markets.

Our failure to maintain and enhance our competitive position could seriously harm our business and operating results. We encounter current or potential competition from a number of sources, including:

  branches and franchises of international language instruction companies;
 
  public institutions and private schools; and
 
  private tutors.

We cannot predict whether demand for our products and services will continue to develop, particularly at the volume or prices that we need to remain profitable.

Although the market for English language instruction and education is growing rapidly, we cannot be certain that this growth will continue in its present form, or at all. We believe our success ultimately will depend upon, among other things, our ability to:

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  increase awareness of our brand and the availability of our products and services;
 
  continue to attract and develop relationships with educational institutions and regulatory authorities in our targeted geographic markets; and
 
  continue to attract and retain customers.

We have a history of operating losses and we anticipate losses and negative cash flow to continue for the foreseeable future, and unless we are able to generate profits and positive cash flow on a consistent basis we may not be able to continue operations.

Our ability to attain a positive cash flow and become profitable depends on our ability to generate and maintain greater revenues while incurring reasonable expenses. This, in turn, depends, among other things, on the development of our business of child educational teaching materials and related services focusing on English language in Taiwan and the PRC, and we may be unable to achieve and maintain profitability if we fail to do any of the following:

  maintain and improve our current products and services and develop or license new ones on a timely basis;
 
  compete effectively with existing and potential competitors;
 
  further develop our business activities;
 
  manage expanding operations; and
 
  attract and retain qualified personnel.

We have incurred operating losses since inception and hence, as of June 30, 2004, the balance of accumulated deficit was $6,987,774. We incurred net losses of $(1,940,591), $(1,906,996), and $(2,500) for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and had cash flow from operations of $(2,689,688), 33,886 and $0 in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. If we are unable to achieve and maintain a positive cash flow and profitability, we may be unable to continue our operations. Even if we do achieve a positive cash flow and profitability, we cannot be certain that we will be able to sustain or increase them on a quarterly or annual basis in the future

Our inability to achieve or maintain profitability or positive cash flow could result in disappointing financial results, impede implementation of our growth strategy or cause the market price of our common stock to decrease. Specifically, if we cannot effectively maintain, improve and develop products and services we may not be able to recover our fixed costs or otherwise turn profitable. We may not be able to develop and introduce new products, services and enhancements that respond to technological changes, evolving education industry standards or customer needs and trends on a timely basis. We may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction or marketing of new products, services and service enhancements. These new products, services and service enhancements may not achieve market acceptance or our competitors may develop alternative technologies and methods that gain broader market acceptance than our products and services. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to generate the cash flow and profits necessary to sustain our business expectations, which makes our ability to successfully implement our business plan uncertain.

Because we may not be able to protect our proprietary rights on a global basis, we may incur substantial costs to defend or protect our business and intellectual property.

If we fail to protect our intellectual property, we may be exposed to expensive litigation or risk jeopardizing our competitive position. The steps we have taken may be inadequate to protect our

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intellectual property. We may have to litigate to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. This litigation could result in substantial costs and the diversion of our management and technical resources which could harm our business.

In addition, laws in the PRC have traditionally been less protective of intellectual property rights and enforcement relating to the protection of intellectual property in the PRC has been sporadic at best. Deterioration in compliance with existing legal protections or reductions in the legal protection for intellectual property rights in the PRC could adversely affect our revenue as we continue to expand into the PRC market.

Because we may not be able to avoid claims that we infringed the proprietary rights of others, we may incur substantial costs to defend or protect our business and intellectual property.

Although we have taken steps to avoid infringement claims from others, these measures may not be adequate to prevent others from claiming that we violated their copyrights, other trademarks or other proprietary rights. Any claim of infringement could cause us to incur substantial costs defending against the claim, even if the claim is invalid, and could distract our management from our business. A party making a claim could secure a judgment that requires us to pay substantial damages.

Because we intend to expand internationally, we will be subject to risks of conducting business in foreign countries.

As we expand our operations outside of Taiwan, we will be subject to the risks of conducting business in foreign countries, including:

  our inability to adapt our products and services to local cultural traits, customs and mobile user preferences;
 
  our inability to locate qualified local employees, partners and suppliers;
 
  difficulties managing foreign operations;
 
  the potential burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws;
 
  trade standards and regulatory requirements;
 
  geopolitical risks, such as political and economic instability and changes in diplomatic and trade relationships;
 
  legal uncertainties or unanticipated changes regarding regulatory requirements, liability, export and import restrictions, tariffs and other trade barriers;
 
  uncertainties of laws and enforcement relating to the protection of intellectual property;
 
  political, economic and social conditions in the foreign countries where we conduct operations;
 
  currency risks and exchange controls;
 
  potential inflation in the applicable foreign economies; and
 
  foreign taxation of earnings and payments received by us from our franchisees and affiliates.

We cannot be certain that the risks associated with our anticipated foreign operations will not negatively affect our operating results or prospects, particularly as these operations expand in scope, scale and significance.

Our operations in the PRC are subject to political, regulatory and economic uncertainties.

Our operations and assets in the PRC are subject to significant political, regulatory and economic uncertainties. Changes in laws and regulations, or their interpretation, or the imposition of confiscatory

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taxation, restrictions on currency conversion, imports and sources of supply, devaluations of currency or the nationalization or other expropriation of private enterprises could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Under its current leadership, the PRC government has been pursuing economic reform policies that encourage private economic activity and greater economic decentralization. There is no assurance, however, that the PRC government will continue to pursue these policies, or that it will not significantly alter these policies from time to time without notice.

In addition, our subsidiary, KCES, entered into agreements in July 2003 to establish two joint ventures, Culture Media and Education Center, with a local Chinese party, 21st Century Publishing House, in Jiangxi Province. We established Culture Media and Education Center to engage mainly in the publication and distribution of English language education materials, the operation of kindergarten and language schools, and the running of cooperative schools in China. We intend to use these joint ventures as one of our primary vehicles for our expansion in the PRC market. Although we have received, on January 19, 2004 and October 31, 2003, licenses from the applicable government authorities to conduct the business of Culture Media and Education Center, respectively, in the PRC, the regulations with respect to operation of businesses by foreign-owned entities are still in flux. There is no assurance that the licenses will not be challenged by the PRC authorities.

The lack of remedies and impartiality under the PRC’s legal system could negatively impact us.

Unlike the U.S., the PRC has a civil law system based on written statutes in which judicial decisions have little precedential value. The PRC government has enacted some laws and regulations dealing with matters such as corporate organization and governance, foreign investment, commerce, taxation and trade. However, their experience in implementing, interpreting and enforcing these laws and regulations is limited, and our ability to enforce commercial claims or to resolve commercial disputes is unpredictable. These matters may be subject to the exercise of considerable discretion by agencies of the PRC government, and forces unrelated to the legal merits of a particular matter or dispute may influence their determination.

“Penny Stock” regulations may impose certain restrictions on marketability of our common stock.

The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define “penny stock” to be an equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share. Our common stock may fall within the definition of penny stock and subject to rules that impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets in excess of $1,000,000, or annual incomes exceeding $200,000 or $300,000, together with their spouse).

For transactions covered by these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchase of such securities and have received the purchaser’s prior written consent to the transaction. Additionally, for any transaction, other than exempt transactions, involving a penny stock, the rules require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a risk disclosure document mandated by the SEC relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and, if the broker-dealer is the sole market-maker, the broker-dealer must disclose this fact and the broker-dealer’s presumed control over the market. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. Consequently, the “penny stock” rules may restrict the ability of broker-dealers to sell our common stock and may affect the ability of investors to sell our common stock in the secondary market.

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An outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (“SARS”) may adversely affect our results of operations.

In March 2003, Guangdong Province of the PRC, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and several other Asian countries encountered in outbreak of SARS, a highly contagious form of atypical pneumonia. Although the SARS epidemic now appears to become under control, some experts fear that the SARS epidemic might resurface as number of isolated SARS cases have been reported recently. In the future, if any of our employees or students is suspected to have contracted SARS, under certain circumstances such employees, students and affected areas of our premises may have to be quarantined. As a result, we may have to temporarily suspend all or part of our operations. Furthermore, a future outbreak of SARS may negatively impact our ability to attract foreign teachers, who may be less inclined to come to Taiwan, and students, whose parents may choose to have them taught at home by an individual.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may affect us due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and interest rates. We have not entered into derivative or hedging transactions to manage risk in connection with such fluctuations.

Interest rate exposure

We are exposed to fluctuating interest rates related to variable rate bank borrowings. It is estimated that if interest rates were to increase by 1%, the result would be an annual increase in our interest expense of $30,523. However, due to the uncertainty of the actions that would be taken and their possible effects, this analysis assumes no such action. Further, this analysis does not consider the effect of the change in the level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment.

Foreign currency exposure

We have operations in both Taiwan and the PRC. The functional currency of Higoal and its subsidiaries other than KCES is NT Dollars and the financial records are maintained and the financial statements are prepared for these entities in NT$. The functional currency of KCES is RMB and the financial records are maintained and the financial statements are prepared for KCES in RMB. In the normal course of business, these operations are not exposed to fluctuations in currency values. We do not generally enter into derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business, nor are such instruments used for speculative purposes. However, fluctuations in the relative exchange rate will affect our reported financial results. The translation from the applicable local currency assets and liabilities to the US dollar is performed using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date except for stockholders’ equity, which is translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated using average exchange rates during the period. Gains and losses resulting from such translations are recorded as a cumulative translation adjustment, a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We are in the process of identifying, developing and implementing measures to improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, and, in particular, internal controls, including plans to enhance our resources, systems and training with respect to our financial reporting and disclosure responsibilities, and to review our actions with the audit committee and independent auditors. Based on this evaluation as of June 30, 2004, our CEO and our CFO have concluded that steps can be taken to improve our disclosure controls and procedures. Nevertheless, our CEO and CFO believe that, subject to the limitations noted

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above, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information required to be included in this report is made known to them on a timely basis.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2004, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We have no material pending legal proceedings.

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES

Pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated August 18, 2003, Globe Wisdom Investments Limited (“GWIL”), a Samoan international business company, subscribed for 175,500 shares of our common stock at an aggregate purchase price of $122,850 in a private offering. As of June 30, 2004, we had not yet issued any shares to GWIL pursuant to the August 18, 2003 stock purchase agreement.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

At our Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 28, 2004, the following proposals were adopted by the margins indicated:

PROPOSAL 1: Annual Election of Directors. The nominees for election as directors were Kuo-An Wang, Yu-En Chiu, Suang-Yi Pai, Chin-Chen Huang, Yu-Fang Lin, Ming-Tsung Shih, Yuanchau Liour and Robert Theng. Each of these nominees was elected to serve for a one-year term, by the following margins of votes:

                 
Nominees
  For
  Withheld
Kuo-An Wang
    13,963,212       760,520  
Yu-En Chiu
    13,963,212       760,520  
Suang-Yi Pai
    13,963,212       760,520  
Chin-Chen Huang
    13,963,212       760,520  

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Nominees
  For
  Withheld
Yu-Fang Lin
    13,963,212       760,520  
Ming-Tsung Shih
    13,963,212       760,520  
Yuanchau Liour
    13,963,212       760,520  
Robert Theng
    13,963,212       760,520  

PROPOSAL 2: Ratification of the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004.

                 
For
  Against
  Abstain
1,3963,212
  0           760,520

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     
A.
  Exhibits
 
   
3.1
  Amended Bylaws
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Kuo-An Wang, Chief Executive Officer of the registrant, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Yu-En Chiu, Chief Financial Officer of the registrant, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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32.1
  Certification of Kuo-An Wang, Chief Executive Officer of the registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.2
  Certification of Yu-En Chiu, Chief Financial Officer of the registrant, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
B.
  Reports on Form 8-K
 
   
       Not applicable.

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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: August 13, 2004
         
     
  By:   /s/ Kuo-An Wang    
    Name:   Kuo-An Wang   
    Title:   Chief Executive Officer   
 

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