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TCTM Kids(TCTM) - 2020 Q4 - Annual Report

Financial Performance - Net revenues for 2020 were RMB 1,897,883 thousand, a decrease of 7.4% compared to RMB 2,051,354 thousand in 2019[31]. - Gross profit for 2020 was RMB 831,041 thousand, down from RMB 877,520 thousand in 2019, reflecting a gross margin of approximately 43.8%[31]. - Operating loss for 2020 was RMB 806,380 thousand, compared to an operating loss of RMB 1,098,156 thousand in 2019, indicating a reduction in losses[31]. - Net loss attributable to shareholders for 2020 was RMB 766,643 thousand, compared to a net loss of RMB 1,036,086 thousand in 2019, showing an improvement[31]. - Total assets as of December 31, 2020, were RMB 1,959,249 thousand, a decrease from RMB 2,512,020 thousand in 2019[35]. - Total liabilities increased to RMB 3,098,518 thousand in 2020 from RMB 2,915,084 thousand in 2019, indicating rising debt levels[35]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to RMB 320,179 thousand in 2020 from RMB 537,701 thousand in 2019, reflecting liquidity challenges[35]. - Research and development expenses for 2020 were RMB 100,466 thousand, a decrease from RMB 132,672 thousand in 2019, indicating a potential slowdown in innovation[31]. - Deferred revenue increased to RMB 1,998,198 thousand in 2020 from RMB 1,585,970 thousand in 2019, suggesting growth in future revenue recognition[35]. - The company incurred net losses of RMB 771.2 million (US$ 118.2 million) in 2020, following losses of RMB 1,038.9 million in 2019, RMB 592.2 million in 2018, and RMB 147 thousand in 2017[49]. Operational Challenges - The COVID-19 pandemic led to temporary closures of learning centers from February to May 2020, impacting student recruitment and operational activities[60]. - The effectiveness of online recruiting activities during COVID-19 remains uncertain, affecting student enrollment[61]. - The overall impact of COVID-19 on the company’s financial condition and operations remains uncertain, depending on various external factors[63]. - The company has not experienced major difficulties in recruiting qualified instructors and teaching assistants but acknowledges potential future challenges[51]. - The company closed 26 non-performing learning centers in 2020, indicating a strategic focus on operational efficiency[78]. Market and Competition - The company’s business model heavily relies on brand recognition, with significant resources allocated to marketing and promotion efforts[58]. - The company plans to continue investing in branding and marketing activities to attract new students and improve online learning modules[49]. - The company faces competition from both online and offline providers in the fragmented professional education market in China[91]. - The company relies on a broad network of corporate employers for student job placements and course customization, which is a core competitive strength[79]. Student Performance and Enrollment - K-12 computer programming, digital arts, K-12 robotics programming, and Java courses contributed 20.6%, 16.8%, 15.7%, and 13.8% respectively to the total net revenues in 2020[56]. - The average six-month post-course job placement rate for adult students was approximately 90% for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020[64]. - Among students enrolled in 2017, 2018, and 2019, the graduation rates were 86%, 88%, and 96% respectively, with job-seeking students at 76%, 75%, and 65%[64]. - K-12 computer programming course revenues exceeded 10% of total revenues in 2019, indicating strong demand in this segment[66]. - The number of K-12 education learning centers increased from 30 in 2017 to 236 by the end of 2020, reflecting significant expansion efforts[78]. Regulatory and Compliance Issues - The company has undertaken remedial steps to address material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, concluding no material weaknesses as of December 31, 2020[47]. - The company faces uncertainties regarding the ability of wholly foreign-owned enterprises to own private schools through PRC subsidiaries, which could disrupt operations if ownership structures are challenged[130]. - The PRC tax authorities may audit related party transactions, and a finding of non-compliance could materially reduce consolidated net income[136]. - The company holds its ICP license through contractual arrangements with Beijing Tarena, which are critical for its online operations[137]. - The lack of priority pledges and liens against Beijing Tarena's assets poses risks in the event of liquidation proceedings initiated by third-party creditors[138]. Economic Environment - The Chinese economy grew at a rate of 2.3% in 2020, which may impact student enrollment and spending on education services[74]. - A downturn in the global or Chinese economy could materially affect the demand for education services[74]. - Changes in China's economic, political, or social conditions could materially affect the company's business operations[146]. - The PRC government continues to exert significant control over the economy, impacting capital investments and tax regulations, which may adversely affect the company's financial condition[148]. Shareholder and Corporate Structure - The company's Class B ordinary shares represent 13% of total outstanding shares but account for 59.8% of total voting power as of February 28, 2021[201]. - The dual class share structure may limit the influence of Class A shareholders on corporate matters, potentially discouraging change of control transactions[202]. - The company has established a corporate structure that may limit shareholders' rights compared to companies incorporated in the United States[211]. Future Outlook and Strategic Plans - The company plans to continue expanding its operations geographically to address market opportunities[78]. - The company is exploring the possibility of obtaining approval to set up private schools to expand its operations[85]. - The company’s strategy includes selective investments and acquisitions, which carry risks such as integration difficulties and potential financial obligations[103]. Legal and Financial Risks - The company may incur substantial costs if Beijing Tarena or its shareholders fail to perform their obligations under contractual arrangements, potentially leading to legal actions[131]. - The company may face significant rent increases upon lease renewals, which could adversely affect profitability[98]. - The company has limited insurance coverage for its operations in China, which may expose it to substantial costs in the event of uninsured occurrences[111]. - The company incurs significant legal, accounting, and compliance costs as a public entity, which are expected to continue to increase due to regulatory requirements[220].