UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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: September 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
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)
Registrants 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
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes o No x
o
As of November 10, 2004, there were 18,999,703 shares of the Registrants common stock outstanding.
Documents incorporated by reference: None.
FORM 10-Q
KID CASTLE EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page |
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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
||||||||
2 | ||||||||
28 | ||||||||
40 | ||||||||
41 | ||||||||
41 | ||||||||
41 | ||||||||
41 | ||||||||
41 | ||||||||
42 | ||||||||
EXHIBIT 31.1 | ||||||||
EXHIBIT 31.2 | ||||||||
EXHIBIT 32.1 | ||||||||
EXHIBIT 32.2 |
i
KID CASTLE EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION
UNAUDITED CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 AND DECEMBER 31, 2003
AND
FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 AND 2003
KID CASTLE EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION
Pages | ||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet |
34 | |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations |
5 | |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity |
6 | |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
79 | |
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements |
1027 |
-2-
Kid Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Expressed in US Dollars)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||
Cash and bank balances |
$ | 438,694 | $ | 1,273,723 | ||||
Bank fixed deposits pledged (Note 12) |
360,426 | 204,889 | ||||||
Notes and accounts receivable, net (Notes 5 and 10) |
2,712,030 | 2,334,385 | ||||||
Inventories, net (Note 6) |
2,547,764 | 1,991,951 | ||||||
Other receivables (Notes 7 and 10) |
361,683 | 524,974 | ||||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
168,398 | 122,292 | ||||||
Prepayments to related party (Note 10) |
265,559 | | ||||||
Pledged notes receivable (Note 12) |
957,385 | 1,062,406 | ||||||
Deferred income tax assets |
535,200 | 615,286 | ||||||
Total current assets |
8,347,139 | 8,129,906 | ||||||
Deferred income tax assets |
136,374 | 120,335 | ||||||
Prepaid long-term investments |
| 60,323 | ||||||
Long-term investments (Note 8) |
146,432 | 114,200 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
2,059,880 | 1,993,849 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net of amortization (Note 11) |
874,156 | 989,865 | ||||||
Long-term notes receivable |
361,196 | 505,091 | ||||||
Pledged notes receivable (Note 12) |
248,101 | 444,302 | ||||||
Other assets |
306,115 | 184,345 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 12,479,393 | $ | 12,542,216 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Bank borrowings short-term and maturing within
one year (Note 12) |
$ | 1,865,412 | $ | 1,317,690 | ||||
Notes and accounts payable |
1,175,404 | 1,072,584 | ||||||
Accounts payable to related party (Note 10) |
607,310 | | ||||||
Accrued expenses |
704,675 | 805,556 | ||||||
Amounts due to officers (Note 10) |
| 572,160 | ||||||
Other payables |
322,919 | 266,276 | ||||||
Deposits received |
535,970 | 421,734 | ||||||
Receipts in advance (Note 13) |
3,058,877 | 2,924,636 | ||||||
Income tax payable |
86,722 | 44,067 | ||||||
Obligation under capital leases due within one year |
16,291 | 32,468 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
8,373,580 | 7,457,171 | ||||||
Bank borrowings maturing after one year (Note 12) |
1,467,124 | 1,166,781 | ||||||
Receipts in advance (Note 13) |
971,247 | 1,467,025 | ||||||
Obligation under capital leases |
| 5,534 | ||||||
Deposits received |
574,581 | 603,635 | ||||||
Accrued pension liabilities (Note 14) |
144,839 | 134,073 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
11,531,371 | 10,834,219 | ||||||
-3-
Kid Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - Continued
(Expressed in US Dollars)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16) |
||||||||
Minority interest |
31,075 | | ||||||
Stockholders equity |
||||||||
Common stock, no par share: |
||||||||
25,000,000 shares authorized;
18,999,703 shares issued and
outstanding at September 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 |
(6,842,653 | ) | (6,057,482 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(169,049 | ) | (163,170 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
916,947 | 1,707,997 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 12,479,393 | $ | 12,542,216 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
-4-
Kid Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Expressed in US Dollars)
Three Months Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||
Operating Revenue |
||||||||||||||||
Sales of goods |
$ | 2,444,267 | $ | 2,488,914 | $ | 5,661,046 | $ | 5,476,362 | ||||||||
Franchising income |
622,244 | 473,337 | 1,814,984 | 1,320,286 | ||||||||||||
Other operating revenue |
185,932 | 126,295 | 389,846 | 261,814 | ||||||||||||
Total net operating revenue |
3,252,443 | 3,088,546 | 7,865,876 | 7,058,462 | ||||||||||||
Operating costs
|
||||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold |
(1,101,089 | ) | (912,418 | ) | (2,426,012 | ) | (1,982,501 | ) | ||||||||
Cost of franchising |
(128,476 | ) | (139,913 | ) | (373,980 | ) | (409,307 | ) | ||||||||
Other operating costs |
(171,921 | ) | (116,050 | ) | (307,660 | ) | (220,885 | ) | ||||||||
Total operating costs |
(1,401,486 | ) | (1,168,381 | ) | (3,107,652 | ) | (2,612,693 | ) | ||||||||
Gross profit |
1,850,957 | 1,920,165 | 4,758,224 | 4,445,769 | ||||||||||||
Advertising costs |
(72 | ) | (98,483 | ) | (448,971 | ) | (297,230 | ) | ||||||||
Other operating expenses |
(1,525,248 | ) | (1,764,537 | ) | (4,960,945 | ) | (4,887,230 | ) | ||||||||
Income (loss) from operations |
325,637 | 57,145 | (651,692 | ) | (738,691 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest expenses, net |
(35,956 | ) | (72,197 | ) | (100,892 | ) | (226,669 | ) | ||||||||
Share of profit (loss) of an investment |
(20,816 | ) | | 10,609 | (12,750 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss on write-off of an investment |
| | | (132,842 | ) | |||||||||||
Other non-operating income (loss), net |
(10,788 | ) | 69,997 | 70,982 | 145,000 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
258,077 | 54,945 | (670,993 | ) | (965,952 | ) | ||||||||||
Provision for taxes |
(110,345 | ) | (148,253 | ) | (111,567 | ) | (330,934 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) from operations |
147,732 | (93,308 | ) | (782,560 | ) | (1,296,886 | ) | |||||||||
Minority interest income |
(2,611 | ) | | (2,611 | ) | | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 145,121 | $ | (93,308 | ) | $ | (785,171 | ) | $ | (1,296,886 | ) | |||||
Earnings (loss) per share basic and
diluted |
$ | 0.008 | $ | (0.005 | ) | $ | (0.041 | ) | $ | (0.080 | ) | |||||
Weighted-average shares used to
compute earnings (loss) per share
basic
and diluted |
18,999,703 | 18,190,869 | 18,999,703 | 16,250,166 | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
-5-
Kid Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity
(Expressed in US Dollars)
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | 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 nine months
ended
September 30, 2004
(Unaudited) |
| | | | (785,171 | ) | | (785,171 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation
adjustment (Unaudited) |
| | | | | (5,879 | ) | (5,879 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive loss
(Unaudited) |
(791,050 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2004
(Unaudited) |
18,999,703 | $ | 7,669,308 | $ | 194,021 | $ | 65,320 | $ | (6,842,653 | ) | $ | (169,049 | ) | $ | 916,947 | |||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
-6-
Kid Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Expressed in US Dollars)
Nine months ended September 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (785,171 | ) | $ | (1,296,886 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
net cash used in operating activities
|
||||||||
Depreciation of property and equipment |
137,746 | 133,094 | ||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
120,515 | 117,271 | ||||||
Provision of allowance for sales returns |
56,597 | 77,077 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful debts |
115,940 | 93,514 | ||||||
Provision for (reversal of) loss on inventory
obsolescence and slow-moving items |
113,573 | (163,831 | ) | |||||
Share of (gain) loss of investments |
(10,609 | ) | 12,750 | |||||
Minority interest income |
2,611 | | ||||||
Loss on write-off of an investment |
| 132,842 | ||||||
(Increase)/decrease in: |
||||||||
Notes and accounts receivable |
(482,415 | ) | (1,939,891 | ) | ||||
Inventories |
(403,744 | ) | (144,037 | ) | ||||
Other receivables |
(99,282 | ) | (301,096 | ) | ||||
Prepayments and other current assets |
(250,194 | ) | (223,779 | ) | ||||
Deferred income tax assets |
67,378 | 330,283 | ||||||
Other assets |
(122,453 | ) | (18,505 | ) | ||||
Increase/(decrease) in: |
||||||||
Notes and accounts payable |
572,556 | (59,094 | ) | |||||
Accrued expenses |
(104,349 | ) | (22,668 | ) | ||||
Other payables |
(88,561 | ) | 322,151 | |||||
Receipts in advance |
349,247 | 613,267 | ||||||
Income taxes payable |
42,967 | | ||||||
Deposits received |
129,455 | 258,249 | ||||||
Accrued pension liabilities |
10,406 | 43,893 | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(627,787 | ) | (2,035,396 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(197,389 | ) | (172,562 | ) | ||||
Acquisition, net of cash acquired |
79,135 | | ||||||
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment |
| 13,416 | ||||||
Prepayment of long-term investments |
| (58,828 | ) | |||||
Amount due from stockholder/director |
| 122,973 | ||||||
Acquisition of long-term investments |
(103,563 | ) | | |||||
Bank fixed deposits pledged |
(156,518 | ) | (8,719 | ) | ||||
Pledged notes receivable |
(77,685 | ) | 38,081 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(456,020 | ) | (65,639 | ) | ||||
-7-
Kid Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Continued
(Expressed in US Dollars)
Nine months ended September 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||
Proceeds from bank borrowings |
$ | 2,500,962 | $ | 2,240,020 | ||||
Repayment of bank borrowings |
(1,652,431 | ) | (1,749,178 | ) | ||||
Repayment of capital leases |
(22,086 | ) | (13,409 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from loan from officers/stockholders |
| 69,017 | ||||||
Repayment of loan from officers/stockholders |
(581,228 | ) | | |||||
Issuance of common stock for cash |
2,181,578 | |||||||
Stock subscriptions received in advance |
| 122,850 | ||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
245,217 | 2,850,878 | ||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(838,590 | ) | 749,843 | |||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
cash equivalents |
3,561 | 27,593 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
1,273,723 | 125,806 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 438,694 | $ | 903,242 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Interest paid |
$ | 184,155 | $ | 301,415 | ||||
Income taxes paid |
$ | 1,419 | $ | 1,738 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of significant non-cash
transactions |
||||||||
Capital lease of transportation equipment |
$ | | $ | 57,887 | ||||
Increase (decrease) of notes receivable and pledged
notes receivable corresponding to the increase
(decrease) in the following accounts: |
||||||||
Other receivables related parties |
$ | | $ | (260,734 | ) | |||
Deposits received |
$ | (46,996 | ) | $ | | |||
Other payables |
$ | 17,659 | $ | | ||||
Receipts in advance |
$ | (712,252 | ) | $ | 83,439 | |||
-8-
Kid Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Continued
(Expressed in US Dollars)
Nine months ended September 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Increase of long-term investments corresponding to the
(decrease) in the following accounts: |
||||||||
Prepaid long-term investments |
$ | (61,202 | ) | $ | | |||
Other receivables related parties |
$ | (120,422 | ) | $ | | |||
Write-off of an associate investment against deferred income
|
||||||||
Balance of an associate investment |
$ | | $ | 299,752 | ||||
Balance of deferred income |
| (166,910 | ) | |||||
Loss on write-off of an associate investment |
$ | | $ | 132,842 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
-9-
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 childrens 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 Peoples 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 (the Company), formerly King Ball International Technology Limited Corporation 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 Companys 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.
In July 2003, KCES entered into an agreement with 21st Century Publishing House to incorporate Jiangxi 21st Century Kid Castle Culture Media Co., Ltd (Culture Media). It was agreed that KCES and 21st Century Publishing House each owned 50% ownership and that each party contributed RMB$1 million for the incorporation. On July 2, 2004, KCES acquired additional 40% of ownership in Culture Media from 21st Century Publishing House. As of September 30, 2004, the Group owns 90% of Culture Media, which became a consolidated entity.
-10-
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 September 30, 2004 and for the nine months and three months ended September 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 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 Groups 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 September 30, 2004, the balance of accumulated deficit was $6,842,653. 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 Groups operations.
NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Sales of books, magazines, audio and video tapes, compact disc and other merchandises are recognised 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 Groups 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.
-11-
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.
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)
-12-
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 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 nine months ended September 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 to 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 entitys expected losses, or is entitled to receive a majority of the variable interest entitys residual returns, or both. In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised interpretation of FIN 46 (FIN 46-R), which supercedes 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 Groups 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 Groups consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
-13-
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 Groups 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 supercedes SAB 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements. SAB 104s primary purpose is to rescind accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements and revises the SECs 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 Groups 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.
In September 2004, the EITF delayed the effective date for the recognition and measurement guidance previously discussed under EITF Issue No. 03-01, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments (EITF 03-01) as included in paragraphs 10-20 of the proposed statement. The proposed statement will clarify the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to investments in debt and equity securities, in particular investments within the scope of FASB Statement No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and investment accounted for under the cost method. The Group is currently evaluating the effect of this proposed statement on its financial position and results of operations.
NOTE 5 NOTES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Notes and accounts receivable
|
||||||||
Third parties |
$ | 2,937,632 | $ | 2,140,073 | ||||
Related parties (NOTE 10) |
126,325 | 631,153 | ||||||
Total |
3,063,957 | 2,771,226 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns |
(351,927 | ) | (436,841 | ) | ||||
Notes and accounts receivable, net |
$ | 2,712,030 | $ | 2,334,385 | ||||
-14-
NOTE 6 INVENTORIES
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Work in process |
$ | 97,019 | $ | 53,756 | ||||
Finished goods and other merchandises |
3,217,177 | 2,589,990 | ||||||
3,314,196 | 2,643,746 | |||||||
Less: Allowance for obsolete inventories and
decline of market value |
(766,432 | ) | (651,795 | ) | ||||
$ | 2,547,764 | $ | 1,991,951 | |||||
NOTE 7 OTHER RECEIVABLES
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Other receivables third parties: |
||||||||
Tax paid on behalf of landlord |
$ | 1,522 | $ | 1,442 | ||||
Advances to staff |
93,921 | 43,242 | ||||||
Penalties receivables |
| 14,658 | ||||||
Receivables from Shanghai Wonderland Educational
Resources Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Wonderland) (Note (i)) |
131,188 | 105,847 | ||||||
Other receivables |
111,990 | 43,622 | ||||||
Sub-total |
338,621 | 208,811 | ||||||
Other receivables related parties (NOTE 10) |
23,062 | 316,163 | ||||||
$ | 361,683 | $ | 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), and RMB$500,000 (approximately $60,000) for operations in December 2003 and July 2004, respectively, which are both unsecured and bears no interest. The Group also paid certain pre-operating costs on behalf of Shanghai Wonderland. Shanghai Wonderland will have to repay the loans of RMB$450,000 and RMB$500,000 on or before January 23, 2005 and August 13, 2005, respectively. |
-15-
NOTE 8 LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Jiangxi 21st Century Kid Castle Culture Media Co., Ltd
(Culture Media) (Note (i)) |
||||||||
Investment cost |
$ | | $ | 120,646 | ||||
Share of loss |
| (11,326 | ) | |||||
$ | | $ | 109,320 | |||||
21st Century Kid Castle Language and Education Center
(Education Center) (Note (ii))
|
||||||||
Investment cost |
$ | 90,431 | $ | 30,161 | ||||
Share of loss |
(10,294 | ) | (25,281 | ) | ||||
$ | 80,137 | $ | 4,880 | |||||
Tianjin Kid Castle Educational Investment Consulting Co., Ltd.
(Tianjin Consulting) (Note (iii))
|
||||||||
Investment cost |
$ | 60,288 | $ | | ||||
Share of loss |
(25,801 | ) | | |||||
$ | 34,487 | $ | | |||||
Lanbeisi Education &Culture Industrial Co., Ltd (Lanbeisi) (Note (iv))
|
||||||||
Investment cost |
$ | 43,407 | $ | | ||||
Share of loss |
(11,599 | ) | | |||||
$ | 31,808 | $ | | |||||
Total |
$ | 146,432 | $ | 114,200 | ||||
Note:
(i) | In July 2003, the Group entered into an agreement with 21st Century Publishing House to incorporate Culture Media. It was agreed that KCES, the Groups wholly owned PRC subsidiary, and 21st Century Publishing House each had 50% ownership and that each party contributed RMB$1 million for the incorporation. On July 2, 2004, the Group acquired additional 40% of the ownership in Culture Media from 21st Century Publishing House. As of September 30, 2004, the Group owns 90% of Culture Media, which became a consolidated entity. | |||
(ii) | In October 2003, the Group obtained the governments 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 KCES and 21st Century Publishing House each owns 50% of 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 nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Group recognized an investment income accounted for under the equity method in Education Center of $14,987 in the current periods operation results. |
-16-
(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. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Group recognized an investment loss accounted for under the equity method in Tianjin Consulting of $25,801. | |||
(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. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, the Group recognized an investment loss accounted for under the equity method in Lanbeisi of $11,599. |
NOTE 9 ACQUISITION
In July 2003, the Group entered into an agreement with 21st Century Publishing House to incorporate Culture Media. It was agreed that KCES, the Groups wholly owned PRC subsidiary, and 21st Century Publishing House each had 50% ownership and that each party contributed RMB$1 million for the incorporation. On July 2, 2004, the Group acquired additional 40% of the ownership in Culture Media from 21st Century Publishing House for a purchase price of approximately $121,000 (RMB $1 million). The Groups management believed that the book value of the existing assets and liabilities of Culture Media approximated the fair value of these assets and liabilities, based on which the purchase price was determined for the purpose of applying purchase accounting. The acquisition expands the Groups current sales and services in Shanghai and is expected to increase the Groups competitive position in China. As of September 30, 2004, the Group owns 90% of Culture Media, which became a consolidated entity.
The fair values of Culture Medias assets and liabilities as at July 2, 2004 are presented below:
ASSETS |
||||
Cash and bank balances |
$ | 31,660 | ||
Accounts receivable, net |
112,175 | |||
Inventories, net |
105,881 | |||
Other receivables |
45,757 | |||
Prepayments and other current assets |
25,795 | |||
Total assets |
$ | 321,268 | ||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 56,635 | ||
Receipts in advance |
222 | |||
Other payable |
143,965 | |||
Total liabilities |
$ | 200,822 | ||
NET ASSETS ACQUIRED |
$ | 120,446 | ||
-17-
The result of operations of Culture Media during the period since July 2, 2004, the date that the respective acquisition was completed, to September 30, 2004 has been included in the Groups condensed consolidated statements of operations. The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of the results of operations of the Group assuming the acquisition of Culture Media occurred on January 1, 2004. And as Culture Media has not commenced its operation until October 2003, the information presented for the preceding year does not include the result of operations of Culture Media.
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 8,123,037 | $ | 7,058,462 | ||||
Net income |
$ | (758,764 | ) | $ | (1,296,886 | ) | ||
Net income per share basic and diluted: |
$ | (0.040 | ) | $ | (0.080 | ) |
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 | ||
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 | |
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 venturer | |
Jiangxi 21st
Century Kid Castle Culture
Media Co., Ltd (Culture Media) |
An investment accounted for under the equity method before July 2, 2004. It has become a consolidated entity after July 2, 2004. |
-18-
Names of related parties |
Relationship with the Company |
|
21st Century
Kid Castle Language and Education Center (Education Center) |
An investment accounted for under
the equity method. |
|
Tianjin Kid Castle Educational
Investment Consulting Co., Ltd.(Tianjin Consulting) |
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:
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
(i | ) | Sales to: |
||||||||||
- PKC Language |
$ | 10,496 | $ | 12,553 | ||||||||
- TCP PKC |
10,496 | 12,553 | ||||||||||
- TCP Chevady |
11,308 | 13,437 | ||||||||||
- TCP Chung-hua |
13,614 | 21,686 | ||||||||||
- TCP Wonderland |
11,308 | 13,437 | ||||||||||
- TCP Kid Castle |
12,264 | 16,960 | ||||||||||
- English School |
6,419 | | ||||||||||
- Tianjin Consulting |
4,875 | | ||||||||||
- Lanbeisi |
13,225 | | ||||||||||
$ | 94,005 | $ | 90,626 | |||||||||
(ii) | Rental income from: |
|||||||||||
- KCE |
$ | | $ | 1,302 | ||||||||
- CCE |
1,338 | 1,302 | ||||||||||
$ | 1,338 | $ | 2,604 | |||||||||
(iii) | Franchising income from: |
|||||||||||
- PKC Language |
$ | 496 | $ | | ||||||||
- TCP PKC |
496 | 1,447 | ||||||||||
- TCP Kid Castle |
6,898 | 6,312 | ||||||||||
- TCP Chung-Hua |
1,770 | 1,103 | ||||||||||
- TCP Chevady |
3,449 | 3,156 | ||||||||||
- TCP Wonderland |
3,449 | 3,156 | ||||||||||
$ | 16,558 | $ | 15,174 | |||||||||
(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: |
-19-
Name of related parties |
2004 |
2003 |
||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
- KCE |
$ | | $ | 571,755 | ||||
- PKC Language |
12,299 | 3,358 | ||||||
- TCP PKC |
12,298 | 3,358 | ||||||
- TCP Chung-hua |
22,090 | 2,863 | ||||||
- TCP Chevady |
20,079 | 2,537 | ||||||
- TCP Wonderland |
20,079 | 2,537 | ||||||
- TCP Kid Castle |
27,090 | | ||||||
- Education Center |
578 | | ||||||
- Tianjin Consulting |
5,029 | 42,646 | ||||||
- Lanbeisi |
6,783 | 2,099 | ||||||
$ | 126,325 | $ | 631,153 | |||||
(vi) | Other receivables related parties: |
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
Name of related parties |
2004 |
2003 |
||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Amount due from Publishing House (Note 1) |
$ | 13,752 | $ | 135,513 | ||||
Amount due from Culture Media (Note 2) |
| 178,331 | ||||||
Amount due from Education Center (Note 3) |
267 | 2,319 | ||||||
Amount due from Lanbeisi (Note 4) |
9,043 | | ||||||
$ | 23,062 | $ | 316,163 | |||||
Note:
1. | As of December 31, 2003, the amount due from Publishing House consists primarily of amounts due under a loan of RMB$1,000,000 (approximately $120,000 from the Group to Publishing House for the incorporation of Culture Media). The loan is unsecured and bears no interest. Pursuant to the terms of the loan, Publishing House was obligated to repay the loan on or before June 27, 2004 or it would be required to transfer its 40% ownership interest in Culture Media to the Group. On July 2, 2004, as Publishing House did not repay the loan, the Group decided to take over the 40% ownership from Publishing House, and therefore, the Groups ownership in Culture Media has increased to 90% and Culture Media has become a consolidated entity as of September 30, 2004. | |||
2. | Culture Media was incorporated in December 2003. The Group paid certain pre-operating costs on behalf of Culture Media. As of December 31, 2003, the amount due from this related party had no fixed repayment term and bears no interest. As of September 30, 2004, Culture Media was consolidated into the Groups financial statements. | |||
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 interest. |
-20-
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 interest. | |||
(vii) | Prepayments, other current assets |
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
Name of related parties |
2004 |
2003 |
||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Prepayments to Publishing House |
265,559 | | ||||||
$ | 265,559 | $ | | |||||
Prepayments to Publishing House are mainly for inventory ordered by Culture Media. According to each contract signed with Publishing House, Culture Media has to prepay a certain percentage of inventories purchased upon the effectiveness of the contracts. The remaining payments will be made three months after the initial payment.
(viii) | Accounts payable related parties: |
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
Name of related parties |
2004 |
2003 |
||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
- Publishing House |
$ | 607,310 | $ | | ||||
$ | 607,310 | $ | | |||||
(ix) Amount due to officers:
September 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 the loan amount due to Mr. Hsi-Ming Pai, a stockholder, which was unsecured and bore interest at 25.2% per annum, was $606,208 (including the principal of $600,000 and accrued interest). On November 15, 2003, the Group entered into a liability transfer agreement with the stockholder to transfer this liability to Mr. Kuo-An Wang and Mr. Yu-En Chiu. Pursuant to the liability transfer agreement, the Group transferred its original liability of $600,000 and the accrued 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 accrued interest was transferred in January 2004. |
-21-
NOTE 11 INTANGIBLE ASSETS
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Gross carrying amount |
||||||||
Franchise |
$ | 1,000,968 | $ | 997,446 | ||||
Copyrights |
588,408 | 586,338 | ||||||
1,589,376 | 1,583,784 | |||||||
Less: Accumulated amortization |
||||||||
Franchise |
(450,436 | ) | (374,042 | ) | ||||
Copyrights |
(264,784 | ) | (219,877 | ) | ||||
(715,220 | ) | (593,919 | ) | |||||
Net |
$ | 874,156 | $ | 989,865 | ||||
Amortization charged to operations was $120,515 and $117,271 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
The estimated aggregate amortization expenses for each of the five succeeding fiscal years are as follows:
2005 |
$ | 160,687 | ||
2006 |
160,687 | |||
2007 |
160,687 | |||
2008 |
160,687 | |||
2009 |
160,687 | |||
$ | 803,435 | |||
NOTE 12 BANK BORROWINGS
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||
Notes | 2004 |
2003 |
||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Bank term loans |
(i | ) | $ | 603,111 | $ | 986,280 | ||||||
Short-term unsecured bank loans |
(ii) | 676,670 | 234,535 | |||||||||
Mid-term loan |
(iii) | 1,124,884 | 325,515 | |||||||||
Mid-term secured bank loan |
(iv) | 927,871 | 938,141 | |||||||||
3,332,536 | 2,484,471 | |||||||||||
Less: Balances maturing within one year included
in current liabilities |
||||||||||||
Bank term loans |
483,470 | 757,640 | ||||||||||
Short-term unsecured bank loans |
676,670 | 234,535 | ||||||||||
Mid-term loan |
649,914 | 325,515 | ||||||||||
Mid-term secured bank loan |
55,358 | | ||||||||||
-22-
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||
Notes |
2004 |
2003 |
||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
1,865,412 | 1,317,690 | |||||||||||
Bank borrowings maturing after one year |
$ | 1,467,124 | $ | 1,166,781 | ||||||||
Note:
(i) | This line item represents bank loans that have been secured by a pledge of post-dated checks amounting to $1,205,486 and $1,506,708 that we have received from franchisees and the Groups bank deposits of $22,091 and $87,621 as of September 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 range from 5.61% to 7.60% per annum as of September 30, 2004. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, the interest expenses charged to operations amounted to $30,051 and $53,384, respectively. | |||
(ii) | In August 2003, KCIT obtained an unsecured short-term loan in the amount of $235,363, which is guaranteed by two directors and stockholders of the Group, to finance the Groups operations. The loan bears interest at the Taiwan basic borrowing rate plus 1.20% per annum and is due and payable in June 2005. The applicable interest rate is approximately 4.50% per annum as of September 30, 2004. | |||
In March 2004, KCIT obtained an unsecured short-term loan in the amount of $294,204, which is guaranteed by two directors and stockholders of the Group, to finance the Groups operations. The loan bears interest at the Taiwan basic borrowing rate plus 1.65% per annum and is due and payable in February 2005. The applicable interest rate is approximately 5.11% per annum as of September 30, 2004. | ||||
In April 2004, KCIT obtained another unsecured short-term loan in the amount of $147,102, which is also guaranteed by two directors and stockholders of the Group, to finance the Groups operations. The loan bears interest at the Taiwan basic borrowing rate plus 1.24% per annum is due and payable in April 2005. The applicable interest rate is approximately 4.75% per annum as of September 30, 2004. | ||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, the interest expense charged to operations from the above three unsecured short-term loans amounted to $20,294 and $2,230, respectively. | ||||
(iii) | In March 2003, KCIT obtained a loan of $588,408 from a financial institution, which bore interest at 13.5% per annum and was repayable in 18 equal monthly installments, to finance the Groups operations. The last installment was due on September 30, 2004 and the Group has extended the term with the financial institution to September 2006. Pursuant to the amended terms of the loan, the loan bears interest at 9.69% per annum and is repayable in 24 equal monthly installments. As of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the loan was pledged by KCITs deposits of $147,102 and $117,268, respectively, and guaranteed by two directors and stockholders of the Group. As of September 30, 2004, the Group repaid $22,318 of the loan. |
-23-
In March 2004, KCIT obtained a new bank loan of $735,510, which bears interest at 5.25% per annum and is repayable in 24 equal monthly installments, to finance the Groups operations. The last installment is due on March 31, 2006. As of September 30, 2004, the loan was pledged by the KCITs deposits of $220,653, and guaranteed by two directors and stockholders of the Group. As of September 30, 2004, the Group repaid $176,718. | ||||
For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, the interest expenses charged to operations from the aforementioned loans amounted to $40,223 and $34,094, respectively. | ||||
(iv) | In August 2003, KCIT obtained a bank loan in the principal amount of $948,148 to repay its mortgage loan that was originally granted by a bank on October 5, 2001 and to finance its operations. The loan is secured by the Groups land and buildings and personal guarantees provide by two directors and stockholders of the Group. The loan bears interest at the lending banks basic borrowing rate plus 1.45% per annum. On July 19, 2004, the bank extended the term of the loan and the Group repays the loan, which is now repayable in 168 equal monthly installments starting July 30, 2004. As of September 30, 2004, the applicable interest rate is approximately 3.00% per annum. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, the interest expenses charged to operations amounted to $29,716 and $7,169, respectively. |
NOTE 13 RECEIPTS IN ADVANCE
The balance comprises:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||
Notes |
2004 |
2003 |
||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Sales deposits received |
(i | ) | $ | 366,362 | $ | 356,575 | ||||||
Franchising income received |
(ii) | 2,129,835 | 1,703,426 | |||||||||
Subscription fees received |
(iii) | 535,176 | 842,509 | |||||||||
Others |
27,504 | 22,126 | ||||||||||
3,058,877 | 2,924,636 | |||||||||||
Long-term liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Franchising income received |
(ii) | 949,162 | 1,432,343 | |||||||||
Others |
22,085 | 34,682 | ||||||||||
971,247 | 1,467,025 | |||||||||||
$ | 4,030,124 | $ | 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. |
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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 Groups financial statements. Net periodic pension cost is based on annual actuarial valuations which use the projected 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:
Nine months ended September 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Service cost |
$ | 45,888 | $ | 40,913 | ||||
Interest cost |
5,153 | 3,458 | ||||||
Expected return on assets |
(1,093 | ) | | |||||
Amortization of unrecognized loss |
959 | 736 | ||||||
Net periodic pension cost |
$ | 50,907 | $ | 45,107 | ||||
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 September 30, 2004, $35,580 of contributions had been made. The Group presently anticipates contributing an additional $18,775 to fund the Plan in 2004 for a total of $54,355.
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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 segments is as follows:
Taiwan |
The PRC |
Total |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Nine months ended | Nine months ended | Nine months ended | Nine months ended | Nine months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September. 30, | September 30, | September. 30, | September 30, | September. 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
External revenue |
$ | 6,180,392 | $ | 6,227,909 | $ | 1,637,648 | $ | 830,553 | $ | 7,818,040 | $ | 7,058,462 | ||||||||||||
Inter-segment revenue |
6,111 | 5,739 | | | 6,111 | 5,739 | ||||||||||||||||||
$ | 6,186,503 | $ | 6,233,648 | $ | 1,637,648 | $ | 830,553 | $ | 7,824,151 | $ | 7,064,201 | |||||||||||||
Profit (loss) from
Operations |
$ | 339,135 | $ | 471,758 | $ | (762,233 | ) | $ | (708,312 | ) | $ | (423,098 | ) | $ | (236,554 | ) | ||||||||
Capital expenditures |
$ | 22,196 | $ | 150,338 | $ | 175,193 | $ | 80,111 | $ | 197,389 | $ | 230,449 | ||||||||||||
[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
Corporate |
Eliminations |
Consolidated |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Nine months ended | Nine months ended | Nine months ended | Nine months ended | Nine months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September. 30, | September 30, | September. 30, | September 30, | September. 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
External revenue |
$ | 47,836 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 7,865,876 | $ | 7,058,462 | ||||||||||||
Inter-segment revenue |
| | (6,111 | ) | (5,739 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
$ | 47,836 | $ | | $ | (6,111 | ) | $ | (5,739 | ) | $ | 7,865,876 | $ | 7,058,462 | |||||||||||
Profit (loss) from
Operations |
$ | (264,195 | ) | $ | (454,451 | ) | $ | 35,601 | $ | (47,686 | ) | $ | (651,692 | ) | $ | (738,691 | ) | |||||||
Capital expenditures |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 197,389 | $ | 230,449 | ||||||||||||
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September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 9,505,255 | $ | 10,614,292 | $ | 3,246,966 | $ | 2,053,029 | $ | 12,752,221 | $ | 12,667,321 | ||||||||||||
[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | December 31, | September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 2,854 | $ | 7,487 | $ | (275,682 | ) | $ | (132,592 | ) | $ | 12,479,393 | $ | 12,542,216 | ||||||||||
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 September 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 September 30, 2004. |
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS 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 childrens 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 Peoples 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 investments 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 September 30, 2004, the balance of our amortizable intangible assets was $874,156, including franchise-related intangible assets of $550,532 and copyrights of $323,624. 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
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upon managements estimates of realizability. Actual results may differ significantly from managements 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 subsidiaries, Kid Castle Educational Software Development Company Limited and Jiangxi 21st Century Kid Castle Culture Media Co., Ltd., 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 nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003
Total net operating revenues increased by $807,414, or 11%, to $7,865,876 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $7,058,462 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, including the increase in sales of goods of $184,684 and the franchising income of $494,698 and other operating revenues of $128,032. The increase in sales of goods, from $5,476,362 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $5,661,046 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, or 3%, was mainly due to the increase in net sales of goods generated from our Shanghai operations of $510,366, or 92%, to $1,064,466 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $554,100 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase in franchising income, from $1,320,286 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $1,814,984 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, or 37%, was mainly due to the increase in numbers of our franchised schools in Shanghai. 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 $128,032, or 49%, to $389,846 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $261,814 for the nine months ended September 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 $312,455, or 7%, to $4,758,224 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $4,445,769 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The increase in gross profit was attributable to the fact that the rate of increase in franchising costs from September 30, 2003 to September 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 $225,456, or 4%, to $5,409,916 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $5,184,460 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. Advertising costs increased by $151,741, or 51%, to $448,971 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $297,230 for the nine months ended September 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 $73,715, or 2%, to $4,960,945 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $4,887,230 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, principally due to increases in expenses as a result of the expansion in Shanghai, PRC.
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Net interest expenses decreased by $125,777, or 55%, to $100,892 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 from $226,669 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, primarily due to the repayment of a loan due to a stockholder (please refer to Note 12 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information).
Loss on write-off of an investment in the nine months ended September 30, 2003, was due to an agreement to change of our relationship with Global International from one of equity ownership to that of a strategic alliance. As a result, during the nine months ended September 30, 2003, we recognized a loss of $132,842 in our operating results.
The decrease of income tax expenses from $330,934 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 to $111,567 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was mainly due to the reversal of tax benefits recognized in prior years in the amount of approximately $220,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2003, which was resulted from the provision of valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets from our Shanghai and Taiwan operations.
The three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003
Total net operating revenues increased by $163,897, or 5%, to $3,252,443 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $3,088,546 for the three months ended September 30, 2003, including the decrease in sales of goods of $44,647, increase in franchising income of $148,907 and increase in other operating revenues of $59,637. The decrease in sales of goods, from $2,488,914 for the three months ended September 30, 2003 to $2,444,267 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, or 2%, was mainly due to the termination of the direct marketing department during this year that generated net sales of $216,697 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The increase in franchising income, from $473,337 for the three months ended September 30, 2003 to $622,244 for the three months ended September 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 $185,932 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $126,295 for the three months ended September 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 decreased by $69,208, or 4%, to $1,850,957 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $1,920,165 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The decrease was mainly attributable to the consolidation of Culture media that has a lower margin compared to our usual operations.
Total operating expenses decreased by $337,700, or 18%, to $1,525,320 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $1,863,020 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. Advertising costs decreased by $98,411, or 100%, to $72 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $98,483 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The decrease was mainly because we filmed our new commercials on the promotion of our products and franchised schools in the first half of 2004 and recorded as occurred in Q2, 2004. Other operating expenses decreased by $239,289, or 14%, to $1,525,248 for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from $1,764,537 for the three months ended September 30, 2003, primarily because we saved some personnel expenses by closing down our direct-marketing department in April, 2004.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of September 30, 2004, our principal sources of liquidity included cash and bank balances of $438,694 which decreased from $1,273,723 at December 31, 2003. The decrease was mainly due to the expenditures to fund the daily operations and the new investments in our Shanghai operations (please refer to Note 8 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statement for more information).
Net cash used in operating activities was $627,787 and $2,035,396 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Net cash used in operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was primarily attributed to net loss and an increase in notes and accounts receivable, that was partially offset by an increase in notes and accounts payable.
Net cash used in investing activities was $456,020 and $65,639 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The $390,381 difference was primarily attributable to the collections of amount due from stockholder/director of $122,973, the acquisitions of long-term investments in two investees, and the increase in pledged bank deposits of $156,518 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004.
Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $245,217 as compared to $2,850,878 during the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The $2,605,661 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 nine months ended September 30, 2003, and the repayment of loans from officers/stockholders of $581,228 during the nine months ended September 30, 2004.
As of September 30, 2004, the Company has a total line of credit of $3,926,155 from certain banks and the unused credit facility was $593,619.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has described various characteristics to identify contractual arrangements that would fall within the SECs definition of off-balance sheet arrangements.
The following table represents the Groups contractual obligations:
Payments Due By Period (Thousand dollars) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Thereafter |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual obligations |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bank borrowing |
$ | 3,333 | 425 | 1,656 | 449 | 60 | 62 | 681 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension Benefit |
41 | | | | | | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating leases |
339 | 62 | 97 | 81 | 54 | 39 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 3,713 | 487 | 1,753 | 530 | 114 | 101 | 728 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bank borrowing
One of our financing sources is from bank borrowings. As of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the balances of bank borrowings, including current and non-current portions, were $3,332,536 and $2,484,471, respectively.
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Equity investments in joint ventures
We did not enter into any joint venture agreements for the three months ended September 30, 2004.
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 our Condensed 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 nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 amounted to $79,528 and $73,855, 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 September 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after September 30, 2003. We believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 149 will have no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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.
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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 104s primary purpose is to rescind accounting guidance contained in SAB 101 related to multiple element revenue arrangements and revises the SECs 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.
In September 2004, the EITF delayed the effective date for the recognition and measurement guidance previously discussed under EITF Issue No. 03-01, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments (EITF 03-01) as included in paragraphs 10-20 of the proposed statement. The proposed statement will clarify the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to investments in debt and equity securities, in particular investments within the scope of FASB Statement No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and investment accounted for under the cost method. The Group is currently evaluating the effect of this proposed statement on its financial position and results of operations.
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 Peoples 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 Peoples 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 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 September 30, 2004, the balance of accumulated deficit was $6,842,653. 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.
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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 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; |
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| 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 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 PRCs 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).
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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 purchasers 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-dealers 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.
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.
Investors could lose confidence in the reliability of the Companys financial statements if the Company fails to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
If the Company is unable to complete its assessment as to the adequacy of its internal control over financial reporting as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, investors could lose confidence in the reliability of the Companys financial statements, which could result in a decrease in the value of the Companys Common Stock.
As directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rules requiring public companies to include a report of management on the companys internal control over financial reporting in their annual reports on Form 10-K. This report is required to contain an assessment by management of the effectiveness of such companys internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, the public accounting firm auditing a public companys financial statements must attest to and report on managements assessment of the effectiveness of the companys internal controls over financial reporting. While the Company is expending significant resources in developing the necessary documentation and testing procedures required by Section 404, there is a significant risk that the Company will not comply with all of the requirements imposed by Section 404. If the Company fails to implement required new or improved controls, it may be unable to comply with the requirements of SEC 404 in a timely manner. This could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of the Companys financial statements, which could cause the market price of the Companys Common Stock to decline and make it more difficult for the Company to finance its operations.
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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. In analyzing the effect of interest rate fluctuations based on the average balances of our outstanding bank borrowings for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we have projected that, if interest rates were to increase by 1%, the result would be an annual increase in our interest expense of $29,085. This analysis does not take into consideration the effect of changes in the level of overall economic activity on interest rate fluctuations.
Foreign currency exposure
We have operations in both Taiwan and the PRC. The functional currency of Higoal and its subsidiaries other than KCES is NT Dollars and the financial records are maintained and the financial statements are prepared for these entities in NT$. 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. Since April 2004, we have been in the process of implementing a system with respect to internal control over financial reporting. In May 2004, we began installing a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system through [an application service provider], and we expect the installation to be completed in 2005. Our CEO and our CFO believe that such measures will help improve our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this information, as of September 30, 2004, our CEO and our CFO believe that, subject to the limitations noted above, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that material information required to be included in Kid Castles SEC reports is made known to them on a timely basis.
In July 2004, our accounting manger, who was in charge of handling our internal control over financial reporting, resigned. We hired a new accounting manager in August 2004, who is responsible for general accounting matters and coordinating our internal control over financial reporting. Although this personnel change caused a temporary interruption of our internal control over financial reporting, we believe that our timely replacement of accounting personnel, the ongoing implementation of our new system with respect to internal control over financial reporting and the installation of our ERP system have minimized any adverse effect that may have been caused by such resignation.
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PART II
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 September 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
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
A. |
Exhibits |
|
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. | |
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. |