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China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Limited
中國楓葉教育集團有限公司*
(Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability)
(Stock code: 1317)
INTERIM RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021;
CHANGE OF COMPANY SECRETARY;
AND
CHANGE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
The board (the "Board") of directors (the "Directors") of China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Limited (the "Company", together with its subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities, the "Group") is pleased to announce the unaudited consolidated interim results of the Group for the six months ended 28 February 2021.
KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | ||||
Six months ended | ||||
28 February | 29 February | Percentage | ||
2021 | 2020 | Change | Change | |
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||
Revenue | 1,096,018 | 791,813 | +304,205 | +38.4% |
Tuition and boarding fee | 1,013,608 | 711,601 | +302,007 | +42.4% |
Others | 82,410 | 80,212 | +2,198 | +2.7% |
Gross profit | 475,692 | 351,279 | +124,413 | +35.4% |
Profit for the period | +222,241 | 263,953 | -41,712 | -15.8% |
Adjusted net profit (Note) | +314,523 | 280,493 | +34,030 | +12.1% |
Note: Adjusted net profit was derived from adjusting the profit for the period for those non-recurring items which are not indicative of the Group's operating performances. For details, please refer to the section headed "Financial Review" in this announcement.
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KEY BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS | ||
Six months ended | ||
28 February | 29 February | |
2021 | 2020 | |
Total number of students enrolled | 44,076 | 41,076 |
Total capacity | 73,900 | 64,620 |
Admission rate of MLES Global Top 100 universities | 64.9% | 60.0% |
Performance Review
The 2020/2021 school year is the first year of the Group's sixth five-year plan (from 2020/2021 to 2021/2025 school years) ("Sixth Five-YearPlan"). At the six months ended 28 February 2021, our total student enrollment was 44,076, representing an increase of 3,000 students or 7.3% as compared to the corresponding period of last year. During this school year, our global school network has increased from 109 schools as at 31 August 2020 to 116 schools as at 28 February 2021, of which 103 are located in 23 cities in mainland China, and 13 are located in Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.
Compared with other international schools in the region, Maple Leaf overseas schools have been less impacted by the epidemic for the six months ended 28 February 2021 and are expected to grow significantly after the COVID-19 epidemic. For the six months ended 28 February 2021, our overseas schools contributed 30.2% of the total revenue of the Group, and enrolled 9.3% of students. The Group will continue to invest in overseas schools, especially along the Belt and Road countries, and we expect that overseas schools will account for 40% or more of the Group's total revenue at the end of Six Five-Year Plan.
As of 28 February 2021, 1,778 Maple Leaf high school students of the class of 2021 have received over 4,124 offer letters from universities in 12 countries. Among them, 99 students received offer letters from QS top 10 universities in the world, including Imperial College London and University College London. In addition, 1,175 students, approximately 64.9% of whom, received at least one offer letter from the Maple Leaf Education Global Top 100 universities.
In order to provide Maple Leaf graduates with a wider range of further education opportunities, the Group has entered into cooperation agreements with 16 well-known domestic universities, such as the Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing Institute of Technology, etc. These universities offer programs in various disciplines in cooperation with overseas universities. We will continue to increase cooperation with Chinese domestic universities, and offer a variety of options to our high school graduates.
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In the beginning of the 2020/2021 school year, the Maple Leaf World School Program ("World School Program") was officially launched in China and we have completed the first year of high school enrollment. It is the first international program with oriental cultural characteristics in the world. World School Program cooperates with two of the world's largest educational institutions, benchmarking by UK ENIC (formerly UK NARIC), and accreditation by Cognia (formerly AdvancED). As of 28 February 2021, we have received official support letters from 105 universities in 12 countries. We are confident that World School Program will become a top international education program equivalent to the A-Level and International Baccalaureate (the "IB") programs in the future.
On 27 January 2021, the Company issued Convertible Bonds (the "Bonds") with principal amount of US$125 million to raise funds for repayment of existing borrowings, acquisitions related expenses and general corporate purposes. Based on the initial Conversion Price (subject to adjustments) of HK$2.525 per Share and assuming full conversion of the Bonds, the Bonds will be convertible into approximately 383,881,188 New Shares (subject to adjustments). Permission for the listing of, and dealing in, the Bonds became effective on 28 January 2021. Please refer to the announcements and circular of the Company dated 13 January 2021, 27 January 2021 and 28 January 2021 for further details.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The Group's Market Position
With over 26 years of experience in operating international schools in China, the Group is one of the leading international school operators in China in terms of student enrolment, offering high quality, bilingual K-12 education, combining the merits of both Western and Eastern educational philosophies. Our preschools provide an advanced Chinese and English program in a happy learning environment that ensures "whole child" development, and cultivate each child's bilingual proficiency. Our middle and elementary schools provide Chinese compulsory education with English enhancement classes and school-based curriculum, aiming to cultivate students' English ability and comprehensive literacy. Our high schools provide World School Program at the commencement of the 2020/2021 school year. Our unique programs and systems are designed to cultivate elite talents with a global perspective and proficiency in Chinese culture and wisdom.
Kingsley International School ("KIS") offers A-Level from preschool to Year 12 students in Malaysia. While Canadian International School ("CIS") offers the IB curriculum to preschool to Year 12 students across two campuses, the Tanjong Katong campus and the Lakeside campus, in Singapore. CIS is well known for its highly acclaimed bilingual English/Chinese program where students are fully immersed culturally and taught by qualified native English speakers who are also IB certified.
The Group targets mainly Chinese students from increasingly affluent middle-income families in China who aim to pursue higher education abroad and for whom our tuition fees are affordable and competitive. The Group mainly operates its schools in China under the "Maple Leaf" brand, most of which are located in second and third-tier cities in China (with the exception of Shanghai and Shenzhen being first-tier cities).
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KIS targets mainly local students and also international students primarily from Asian countries, while CIS is one of the largest for-profit premium international schools in Singapore in terms of revenue and student enrolment, and targets expatriate families employed in Singapore, especially those from China, South Korea, the US and India and international students from Asian countries.
BUSINESS REVIEW | |||||||
Student Enrolment | |||||||
At 28 | At 29 | ||||||
February | % of | February | % of | ||||
2021 | Total | 2020 | Total | ||||
High school | 7,400 | 16.8 | 7,360 | 17.9 | |||
Middle school | 10,020 | 22.7 | 9,131 | 22.2 | |||
Elementary school | 21,514 | 48.8 | 19,565 | 47.6 | |||
Preschool | 4,875 | 11.1 | 4,620 | 11.3 | |||
Foreign national school | 267 | 0.6 | 400 | 1.0 | |||
Total number of students enrolled | 44,076 | 100 | 41,076 | 100 | |||
The total number of students enrolled increased by 3,000 or 7.3% from 41,076 for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to 44,076 for the six months ended 28 February 2021, which was primarily due to the acquisition of KIS in Malaysia and CIS in Singapore, and improvement of school utilization rate in Haikou, Ji'nan and Hohhot.
We have nearly completed the construction of a pyramid-shaped student structure, which meets the needs of internal student enrollment for high schools, and will continue to develop in a balanced manner according to this structure.
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Average Tuition Fee per Student | |||
For the six months ended | |||
28 February | 29 February | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
Tuition fees (RMB'000) | 1,013,608 | 711,601 | |
Average student enrolment* | 44,840 | 41,158 | |
Annualized Average tuition fee per student# (RMB'000) | 45.2 | 34.6 | |
*
#
Average student enrolment is calculated as the average of the total number of students enrolled at the end of six months ended and the total number of students enrolled at the end of the previous school year.
Average tuition fee per student is calculated by dividing tuition fees for the six months period by average student enrolment.
The annualized average tuition fee per student increased by approximately 30.6% was primarily due to the tuition fee rate charged in CIS being much higher as compared to the average tuition fee rate charged by the Group's remaining schools.
The Group's Schools
Eight new schools were added to the Group's school network for the six months ended 28 February 2021, including an elementary school and a middle school in Horinger New Area, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region; a high school in Ji'nan, Shandong Province; an elementary school and a preschool in Dalian, Liaoning Province; a preschool in Xiangyang, Hubei Province; an elementary school in Tianjin and a preschool in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province.
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As at 28 February 2021, the Group had 116 schools located in 29 cities across countries such as China, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia, namely Dalian, Wuhan, Tianjin, Chongqing, Zhenjiang, Luoyang, Ordos, Shanghai, Pingdingshan, Jingzhou, Yiwu, Huai'an, Pinghu, Xi'an, Haikou, Weifang, Huzhou, Yancheng, Shenzhen, Xiangyang, Luzhou, Ji'nan, Hohhot, Kamloops, Richmond, Thunder Bay, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Adelaide. The following table shows a summary of the Group's schools by category as at the end of the two periods:
At 28 | At 29 | ||
February | February | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
High schools | 18 | 16 | |
Middle schools | 29 | 26 | |
Elementary schools | 33 | 27 | |
Preschools | 33 | 28 | |
Foreign national schools | 3 | 3 | |
Total | 116 | 100 | |
Capacity and Utilization of the Group's Schools | |||
Utilization rate is calculated as the number of students divided by the estimated capacity of a given school. Except for our preschools and foreign national schools, our schools are generally boarding schools in China. For our boarding schools, the capacity for students is based on the number of beds in their dormitories. For our preschools, the capacity for students is based on the number of beds used for naps in the schools. For our foreign national schools, the capacity for students is based on the number of desks in their classrooms.
At 28 | At 29 | ||
February | February | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
Total number of students enrolled | 44,076 | 41,076 | |
Total estimated capacity | 73,900 | 64,620 | |
Overall utilization | 59.6% | 63.6% | |
Total estimated capacity for students increased from 64,620 for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to 73,900 for the six months ended 28 February 2021 due to the addition of eight new schools during the six months ended 28 February 2021. The 4.0% decrease in the overall utilization rate was because the utilization rates in existing schools in Ji'nan, Weifang, Huzhou and Pinghu and newly acquired schools in Malaysia were lower than the overall utilization rate of the Group.
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The Group's Teachers
Teachers are the key to maintaining high-quality educational programs and services as well as maintaining our brand and reputation. Our certified teachers form a core group within our teaching staff, allowing us to maintain the quality of our educational services while undergoing expansion. Our Group has established a global recruitment office (the "Global Recruitment Office") to recruit high school foreign teachers and ESL foreign teachers worldwide. The establishment of the Global Recruitment Office ensures both the quality and quantity of Maple Leaf foreign teachers and satisfies the development needs of the Group's Sixth Five-Year Plan.
At 28 | At 29 | ||
February | February | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
Total number of certified teachers | 3,902 | 3,521 | |
The total number of certified teachers increased from 3,521 for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to 3,902 for the six months ended 28 February 2021 primarily because of the acquisition of CIS, which has 297 certified IB teachers. Our student-teacher ratio slightly decreased from 11.7:1 for the end of the six months ended 29 February 2020 to 11.3:1 for the six months ended 28 February 2021.
RECENT BUSINESS UPDATE
Growth in Student Enrolment as at 31 March 2021
Percentage | ||||||||
As at 31 March | Change | Change | ||||||
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Total number of students enrolled | 46,034 | 43,572 | +2,462 | +5.6% | ||||
The total number of students enrolled as at 31 March 2021 was approximately 46,034, representing an increase of 5.6% as compared to the corresponding period of last year; and there are approximately 4,197 students, representing 9.1% of total enrolment, studying at Maple Leaf schools overseas. The increase of student enrollment compared to the corresponding period last year was primarily due to the acquisition of CIS in Singapore, and improvement of school utilization rate in Haikou, Ji'nan, and Hohhot.
The financial year of the Group ends on 31 August each year, while its school year normally runs from the beginning of September each year to the middle of July in the next year and each school year is divided into two terms in China. The number of students enrolled may vary from time to time in each school year. The above student enrolment numbers as at 31 March represent unaudited internal statistics of the total number of students enrolled and shall be used for comparison purposes only.
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Development in New Schools Opening
The Group opened a preschool in Tianjin Teda campus in March 2021. An elementary school and a middle school will be opened in Tianjin Eco-city and a high school will be opened in Horinger New Area, Hohhot, in Inner Mongolia autonomous region at the beginning of the 2021/2022 school year. We expect to open schools at Hillside campus in Singapore, Brockville campus in Canada, and in Nanjing and Shenzhen in China at the beginning of the 2022/2023 school year.
University Placements
The quality of Maple Leaf education is reflected in the achievements of our students. Although affected by the pandemic globally, as of 20 April 2021, 1,778 Maple Leaf high school students of the class of 2021 have received over 5,637 offer letters from universities in 14 countries. More, 121 of our students have received offer letters from QS Top 10 universities including prestigious University College London and Imperial College London in the United Kingdom. In addition, 1,368 students, approximately 76.9% of whom, received at least one offer letter from the Maple Leaf Education Global Top 100 universities.
Maple Leaf maintains long-term relationships with a significant number of universities and colleges around the world. Various universities and colleges have a memorandum of understanding with us to facilitate the admissions process for our high school graduates. Our Group holds annual university and college recruitment fairs on our campuses and provides consulting services to assist our students in making informed decisions about the universities and colleges they choose to attend. In addition, we assist our students with respect to admissions, visas and scholarships, preparing them to study abroad. We believe that our services ensure a smooth transition for our students from our high schools to higher education.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
Our goal is to become one of the largest international school operators in the world. The Group has implemented the Sixth Five-Year Plan at the commencement of the 2020/2021 school year to map its future development.
Educational School District Development Strategy
Under the School District Development Strategy, across the Six Five-Year Plan period, the Group intends to establish (i) up to 10 school districts in the PRC with a target enrollment of 100,000 students; and
- two offshore school districts with a target enrollment of at least 10,000 students. The Group aims to build Maple Leaf World Schools in approximately 50 cities worldwide, with around 150 campuses within and outside of the PRC, and a total target enrollment of around 110,000 students. Implementation of this strategy is expected to enable the Group to become one of the largest international school operators in the world.
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Standard Implementation Strategy
Under the Standard Implementation Strategy, the Group launched the World School Program, China's first internationally accredited curriculum with self-developed intellectual property, at the commencement of the 2020/2021 school year. The Group's first batch of graduates from the World School Program will receive the Maple Leaf High School Graduation Diplomas in June 2023, endorsed by Cognia. The World School Program was developed by Maple Leaf curriculum experts and meets high academic and curriculum standard, which will prepare students well for entering into the world's top ranked universities. The World School Program has obtained the benchmarking agreement with UK ENIC (formerly UK NARIC) and accreditation of Cognia - two of the world's most recognised certification institutions - providing further assurance that Maple Leaf graduates will be able to transit to universities across the globe seamlessly.
Overseas Expansion
Overseas expansion is an important part of the Group's long-term growth strategy. The Group believes that a global presence of Maple Leaf branded schools will help the Group's student recruitment in China as Chinese parents recognize that Maple Leaf is able to offer a broader array of educational opportunities for their children. In fact, the demand for bilingual English and Chinese education is growing not only in China but also in other regions of the world, such as Southeast Asia and North America. Accordingly, the Group believes that with its unique advantages in having both English and Chinese curricula, and both ESL and CSL programs, it is precisely positioned to meet the demand for quality international K-12 education along the Belt and Road countries, where there is a demand for blending the best of Western and Eastern cultures. The Group will further expand its school network under the brand of CIS and IB in the Southeast Asian countries.
Conclusion
Pursuant to the Sixth Five-Year Plan, the Group will continue to adopt multiple expansion strategies including, but not limited to, increasing our enrollment, increasing tuition fee rate, building more asset- light schools, acquiring schools with synergies to the Group, and expanding our established schools to achieve the growth targets in both the PRC and overseas, and strive to become one of the largest international school operators in the world.
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OTHER INFORMATION
Issuance of US$125 million 2.25% Convertible Bonds due 2026
On 12 January 2021, the Company entered into the Subscription Agreement (the "Subscription Agreement") with UBS AG Hong Kong Branch (the "Manager"), under which the Manager has agreed to subscribe and pay for, or to procure subscribers to subscribe and pay for, the Convertible Bonds (the "Bonds") in an aggregate principal amount of US$125 million. The estimated net proceeds from the subscription of the Bonds, after deduction of underwriting commission and expenses, amount to approximately US$123.1 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the issuance of the Bonds for repayment of existing borrowings, acquisitions related expenses and general corporate purposes. Based on the initial Conversion Price (subject to adjustments) of HK$2.525 per Share and assuming full conversion of the Bonds, the Bonds will be convertible into approximately 383,881,188 New Shares (subject to adjustments). The New Shares are to be issued under the General Mandate. The issue of the Bonds is not subject to the specific approval of the Shareholders.
The Bonds bear interest on their outstanding principal amount from and including 27 January 2021 at the rate of 2.25% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on 27 January and 27 July in each year until the Maturity Date. Subject to the conditions as stipulated in the Subscription Agreement, each Bond shall entitle the Bondholder to convert such Bond into New Shares credited as fully paid at any time during the Conversion Period. Permission for the listing of, and dealing in, the Bonds became effective on 28 January 2021.
As at 28 February 2021, all the proceeds had been applied for the repayment of existing borrowings, acquisitions related expenses and general corporate purposes. Please refer to the announcements and circular of the Company dated 13 January 2021, 27 January 2021 and 28 January 2021 for further details.
As at 28 February 2021, no conversion related to the Bonds was exercised by the Bondholders.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
For the six months ended 28 February 2021, total revenue increased by 38.4%, from RMB791.8 million to RMB1,096.0 million; net profit decreased by 15.8%, from RMB264.0 million to RMB222.2 million and adjusted net profit increased by 12.1%, from RMB280.5 million to RMB314.5 million respectively, as compared with that of 29 February 2020.
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Revenue
For the six months ended 28 February 2021, the Group derives revenue from (i) tuition fees from the Group's high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, preschools and foreign national schools,
- the sale and lease of textbooks and other educational materials to the Group's students, and (iii) other educational services.
The total revenue of the Group increased by RMB304.2 million, or 38.4%, from RMB791.8 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB1,096.0 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021, primarily due to the increase in revenue from tuition fees by RMB302.0 million and the increase in revenue from other sources by RMB2.2 million. Amongst the total revenue of the Group for the six months ended 28 February 2021, RMB765.5 million (approximately 69.8%) is contributed by the operations in PRC with the remaining 330.6 million (approximately 30.2%) contributed by the operation overseas.
Revenue from tuition fees increased by 42.4% from RMB711.6 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB1,013.6 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021, mainly due to (i) revenue generated from newly acquired overseas schools, KIS and CIS and (ii) an increase in tuition fee rate. Revenue from others increased by 2.7% from RMB80.2 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB82.4 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021, mainly due to the addition of other educational services provided by CIS and KIS to students.
Cost of Revenue
The Group's cost of revenue primarily consists of (i) staff costs, (ii) depreciation and amortisation, and (iii) other costs. Staff costs consist of salaries and benefits paid to the Group's teachers and other teaching staff. Depreciation and amortisation relate to property and equipment, right-of-use assets, intangible assets and investment properties. Other costs include daily operating expenses of the Group's schools and facilities, including the utility costs, the cost of furniture and the cost of maintaining facilities at the Group's schools.
Cost of revenue increased by RMB179.8 million, or 40.8%, from RMB440.5 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB620.3 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021. The increase was largely due to the addition of cost of revenue from the newly acquired overseas schools, KIS and CIS.
Teaching staff costs increased by 37.4% from RMB282.6 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB388.3 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021, primarily due to an increase in the number of teachers from 3,521 as at 29 February 2020 to 3,902 as at 28 February 2021. Depreciation and amortization increased from RMB62.2 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB128.1 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021, primarily due to the additional depreciation charge for our schools in KIS and CIS during the period.
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Gross Profit
As a result of the foregoing, gross profit increased by 35.4% from RMB351.3 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB475.7 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021. Our gross margin slightly decreased from 44.4% for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to 43.4% for the six months ended 28 February 2021, primarily due to the gross profit margin in overseas schools is slightly lower than that in mainland schools.
Investment and Other Income
Investment and other income consist mainly of (i) interest income from our bank deposits, (ii) rental income from investment properties and (iii) government grants. Investment and other income increased by 61.7% from RMB28.8 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB46.6 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021. Bank interest income increased by 119.1% from RMB11.6 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB25.3 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021 primarily due to the interest income from pledged bank deposits under the NBWD arrangement.
For the six months ended 28 February 2021, government grants increased by RMB6.2 million primarily due to more COVID-19 related subsidies received from government during this period.
Other Gains and Losses
Other gains and losses consist primarily of (i) changes in fair value of Convertible Bonds, (ii) changes in fair value of financial assets measured at FVTPL, (iii) net foreign exchange gain or loss, and (iv) impairment of property, plant and equipment. Other gains and losses decreased from a gain of RMB19.1 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to a loss of RMB32.3 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021. The decrease was mainly attributable to (i) loss arising from changes in fair value of Convertible Bonds of RMB40.6 million and (ii) a decrease on gain arising from changes in fair value of financial assets measured at FVTPL by RMB18.8 million.
Marketing Expenses
Marketing expenses mainly consist of (i) commercials and expenses for producing, printing and distributing advertising and promotional materials and (ii) salaries and benefits for personnel engaged in selling and marketing activities. Marketing expenses increased by 2.1% from RMB15.5 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB15.9 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021. Marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased from 2.0% for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to 1.4% for the six months ended 28 February 2021, primarily due to a decrease in advertising and promotional expenses and student placement related expenses.
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Administrative Expenses
Administrative expenses consist primarily of (i) salaries and other benefits for general and administrative staff, (ii) depreciation of office buildings and equipment, (iii) travel expenses, (iv) employee share- based payments and (v) certain professional expenses. Administrative expenses increased by 57.2% from RMB102.9 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB161.7 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021, mainly attributed from the addition of administrative expenses by newly acquired overseas schools, KIS and CIS. Administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue increased from 13.0% for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to 14.8% for the six months ended 28 February 2021 as a result of the acquisition of KIS and CIS.
Finance Costs
For the six months ended 28 February 2021, finance costs mainly represented by interest expenses and related bank arrangement fee for secured bank borrowings. Finance costs increased from RMB8.1 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB67.2 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021 primarily due to the utilizations of bank borrowings to finance the KIS and CIS acquisitions.
Profit before Taxation
As a result of the foregoing, the Group recorded a profit before taxation of RMB245.3 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021, compared to RMB272.7 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020. Profit before taxation as a percentage of revenue of the Group was 22.4% for the six months ended 28 February 2021, compared with 34.4% for the six months ended 29 February 2020.
Taxation
Income tax expense of the Group increased from RMB8.7 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB23.0 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021, mainly due to the addition of enterprise income tax (the "EIT") expenses recognized by CIS. The effective tax rates of the Group for the six months ended 28 February 2021 and 29 February 2020 were 9.4% and 3.2% respectively. The increase in the Group's effective tax rate was primarily due to the EIT expenses recognized by CIS.
Profit for the Period
As a result of the above factors, profit for the period of the Group decreased by 15.8% from RMB264.0 million for the six months ended 29 February 2020 to RMB222.2 million for the six months ended 28 February 2021. The decrease in profit for the six months ended 28 February 2021 is mainly due to (i) loss arising from the changes in fair value of Convertible Bonds; (ii) increase in amortization of other intangible assets and depreciation of properties arising from acquisition and (iii) increase in finance costs.
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Adjusted Net Profit
Adjusted net profit was derived from adjusting the profit for the period for those non-recurring items which are not indicative of the Group's operating performances. The following table reconciles profit for the period to adjusted net profit for both periods:
Six months ended | |||
28 February | 29 February | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
Profit for the period | 222,241 | 263,953 | |
Add: | |||
Amortization of other intangible assets and depreciation of | |||
properties arising from acquisition | 45,007 | 5,500 | |
Changes in fair value of Convertible Bonds | 40,607 | - | |
Share-based payments | 6,668 | 11,040 | |
Adjusted net profit | 314,523 | 280,493 | |
Adjusted net profit for the six months ended 28 February 2021 increased by RMB34.0 million or 12.1%. Adjusted net profit margin was 28.7% for the six months ended 28 February 2021, compared with 35.4% for the six months ended 29 February 2020.
Capital Expenditures
For the six months ended 28 February 2021, the Group paid RMB141.7 million for property and equipment primarily related to the new campus in Tianjin (Eco-city), campus expansion in Wuhan and additional dormitory building in Shanghai. For the six months ended 29 February 2020, the Group paid RMB140.8 million for campus expansion in Wuhan and campus acquisition in Brockville, Canada.
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Liquidity, Financial Resources and Capital Structure
The following table sets forth a summary of the Group's cash flows for the two interim periods:
Six months ended | ||||
28 February | 29 February | |||
2021 | 2020 | |||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | |||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||
Net cash used in operating activities | (238,429) | (424,571) | ||
Net cash used in investing activities | (93,463) | (72,913) | ||
Net cash used in financing activities | (64,611) | (167,325) | ||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (396,503) | (664,809) | ||
Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 September | 1,310,907 | 2,762,328 | ||
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rate | 2,443 | (2,636) | ||
Cash and cash equivalents as at the end of the period represented by | ||||
bank balances and cash | 916,847 | 2,094,883 | ||
As at 28 February 2021, the Group's bank balances and cash amounted to RMB916.8 million, which were mainly denominated in RMB and SGD. Bank balances and cash decreased mainly because the cash were used for the acquisition of KIS and CIS. Net cash used in operating activities decreased by RMB186.1 million, which were primarily due to additional tuition fee were collected during the interim period, as tuition fee from overseas schools were collected by school terms instead of school year.
As at 28 February 2021, the Group's bank borrowings were RMB2,715.0 million which were mainly denominated in SGD, with variable interest rates with reference to Singapore Interbank Offered Rate. Of the Group's bank borrowings as at 28 February 2021, 62.2% will mature within one year and the remaining 37.8% will mature after one year. These bank borrowings were secured by the Group's bank deposits and investment properties. Out of total bank borrowings, the borrowings amounting to RMB1,379.2 million was secured by onshore cash.
The Group expects that its future capital expenditures will primarily be financed by its internal resources.
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Gearing Ratio
The gearing ratio of the Group was calculated as total borrowings divided by total equity as at the end of the relevant financial period. Gearing ratio decreased from 78.5% for the year ended 31 August 2020 to 73.8% for the six months ended 28 February 2021 primarily due to the repayment of banking borrowings during the period.
Foreign Exchange Exposure
The majority of the Group's revenue and expenditures are denominated in RMB, the functional currency of the Company, except that certain expenditures and liabilities are denominated in foreign currencies such as HKD, USD, CAD, MYR and SGD. As at 28 February 2021, certain bank balances and cash and liabilities were denominated in HKD, USD, CAD and SGD. The Group did not enter into any financial arrangement for hedging purposes as it is expected that its foreign exchange exposure will not be material.
Contingent Liabilities
On 15 November 2016, the Company received a writ of summons from Hong Kong Zhixin Financial News Agency Ltd. ("Zhixin") seeking among other things, specific performance of the consultancy agreement (the "Agreement") between the Company and Zhixin by the allotment and issue of 7,000,000 shares of the Company to Zhixin, and damages in lieu or in addition thereof ("Zhixin Case"). On 28 November 2016, the Company filed with the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region its acknowledgement of service of the writ and indicated its intention to defend the claim.
In December 2016, Zhixin took out an application for summary judgment against the Company. The hearing of the summary judgment application took place on 25 October 2017 in which Zhixin's application was dismissed. The case has now proceeded to the main trial stage.
On 29 January 2018, Zhixin filed its amended statement of claim to allege that it is entitled to 17,500,000 shares of the Company by virtue of an option provided in the Agreement. Zhixin Case is still in the process of filing pleadings by both parties.
Based on information currently available to the Company, it is not possible to estimate the financial effect of the Zhixin Case. As at 28 February 2021, the Company has not made any provision in respect of the Zhixin Case. The Company will provide an update as and when there is any material development in this matter.
The number of shares disclosed in the Zhixin Case has not considered the effect of share subdivision that became effective on 9 July 2018.
- 16 -
Pledge of Assets
As at 28 February 2021, the Group pledged a total bank deposits of RMB1,562.4 million and certain investment properties with an aggregate carrying amount of RMB335.2 million to certain licenced banks for certain banking facilities.
Material Acquisition and Disposal of Subsidiaries
Save as disclosed above, the Group had no other material acquisition and disposal of subsidiaries during the six months ended 28 February 2021.
Significant Investment Held
As at 28 February 2021, no significant investment was held by the Group.
Employee Benefits
As at 28 February 2021, the Group had 6,623 (as at 29 February 2020: 6,054) full-time employees. The Group provides external and internal training programs to its employees. The Group participates in various employee benefit plans, including provident fund, housing pension, medical, basic pension and unemployment benefit plans, occupational injury and maternity leave insurance. The Company also has a post-IPO share option scheme, a share award scheme, an employee share purchase plan and a pension plan set up for its employees and other eligible persons. Salaries and other benefits of the Groups' employees are generally reviewed on a regular basis in accordance with individual qualifications and performance, results and performance of the Group and relevant market conditions. Total employee remuneration (including directors' remuneration) for the six months ended 28 February 2021 amounted to RMB489.3 million (as at 29 February 2020: RMB366.1 million).
Pension Plan
To ensure the smooth implementation of the Sixth Five-Year Plan, the Group has devised incentive plans aimed at encouraging employees to provide their services to the Group on a long-term basis, and to share the fruits of the Group's development.
The pension plan is specifically designed for foreign teachers who work in the Group's schools operated in China. Under this pension plan, every month a sum amounting to 3% of the eligible employee's monthly salary will be paid by each foreign employee and by the Group respectively, as contribution to the employee's pension. The Group has entrusted a professional trustee to manage the funds under the pension plan. The leaving employees will receive part or all of the funds paid by the Group according to the number of years of service in the Group.
- 17 -
Use of proceeds from the issuance of Convertible Bonds
The net proceeds from the issuance of US$125 million Convertible Bonds due 2026 in January 2021, after deducting underwriting commission and related expenses, amounted to approximately US$123.1 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Convertible Bonds issuance for repayment of existing borrowings, acquisitions related expenses and general corporate purposes.
The following table illustrates the intended uses of the net proceeds from the Convertible Bonds issuance and the planned amount for each use:
US$'million | |
Net Proceeds | 123.1 |
Intended utilization of proceeds | |
Repaying existing borrowings | 119.0 |
Acquisitions related expenses and general corporate purpose | 4.1 |
Total | 123.1 |
As at 28 February 2021, the Group had utilized all the net proceeds from the Convertible Bonds issuance as set out in the table below, which is consistent with the intentions previously disclosed by the Company.
Utilization | ||||||
during the | Unutilized | |||||
Net proceeds | period ended | balance as at | ||||
from the Bonds | 28 February | 28 February | ||||
Use of proceeds | issuance | 2021 | 2021 | |||
US$'million | US$'million | US$'million | ||||
Repaying existing borrowings | 119.0 | 119.0 | - | |||
Acquisitions related expenses and general | ||||||
corporate purposes | 4.1 | 4.1 | - | |||
Total | 123.1 | 123.1 | - | |||
- 18 -
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
Six months ended | |||||
28 February | 29 February | ||||
NOTES | 2021 | 2020 | |||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||
Revenue | 3 | 1,096,018 | 791,813 | ||
Cost of revenue | (620,326) | (440,534) | |||
Gross profit | 475,692 | 351,279 | |||
Investment and other income | 4 | 46,632 | 28,834 | ||
Other gains and losses | 5 | (32,273) | 19,091 | ||
Marketing expenses | (15,867) | (15,542) | |||
Administrative expenses | (161,739) | (102,866) | |||
Finance costs | (67,155) | (8,125) | |||
Profit before taxation | 245,290 | 272,671 | |||
Taxation | 6 | (23,049) | (8,718) | ||
Profit for the period | 7 | 222,241 | 263,953 | ||
Other comprehensive expense for the period: | |||||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to | |||||
profit or loss: | |||||
Exchange differences arising on the translation | (22,481) | ||||
of foreign operations | (6,618) | ||||
Total comprehensive income for the period | 199,760 | 257,335 | |||
Profit for the period attributable to: | |||||
220,921 | |||||
Owners of the Company | 261,674 | ||||
Non-controlling interests | 1,320 | 2,279 | |||
222,241 | 263,953 | ||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to: | |||||
198,440 | |||||
Owners of the Company | 255,056 | ||||
Non-controlling interests | 1,320 | 2,279 | |||
199,760 | 257,335 | ||||
EARNINGS PER SHARE | |||||
7.44 | |||||
Basic (RMB cents) | 9 | 8.81 | |||
Diluted (RMB cents) | 9 | 7.32 | 8.81 | ||
- 19 -
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AT 28 FEBRUARY 2021 | |||||
At | At | ||||
28 February | 31 August | ||||
NOTES | 2021 | 2020 | |||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||||
(Unaudited) | (Audited) | ||||
Non-current Assets | |||||
Property, plant and equipment | 3,792,863 | 3,842,542 | |||
Right-of-use assets | 485,675 | 503,975 | |||
Investment properties | 335,186 | 348,741 | |||
Goodwill | 10 | 2,374,148 | 2,449,342 | ||
Other intangible assets | 934,121 | 1,004,663 | |||
Deposit paid for acquisition of property and equipment | 7,684 | 8,996 | |||
Books for lease | 1,212 | 1,350 | |||
Pledged bank deposits | 133,871 | 132,000 | |||
8,064,760 | 8,291,609 | ||||
Current Assets | |||||
Inventories | 12,907 | 18,487 | |||
Deposits, prepayments and other receivables | 11 | 127,222 | 174,088 | ||
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss | 17,750 | 12,905 | |||
Pledged bank deposits | 1,428,531 | 1,412,668 | |||
Restricted cash | 12 | 48,640 | 48,566 | ||
Bank balances and cash | 916,847 | 1,310,907 | |||
2,551,897 | 2,977,621 | ||||
Current Liabilities | |||||
Contract liabilities | 13 | 937,005 | 1,506,002 | ||
Lease liabilities | 29,656 | 30,641 | |||
Other payables and accrued expenses | 14 | 451,465 | 628,088 | ||
Income tax payable | 103,587 | 116,300 | |||
Borrowings | 15 | 1,689,014 | 2,303,062 | ||
3,210,727 | 4,584,093 | ||||
Net Current Liabilities | (658,830) | (1,606,472) | |||
Total Assets Less Current Liabilities | 7,405,930 | 6,685,137 | |||
- 20 -
At | At | |||
28 February | 31 August | |||
NOTES | 2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | |||
(Unaudited) | (Audited) | |||
Capital And Reserves | ||||
Share capital | 9,309 | 9,309 | ||
Reserves | 4,735,043 | 4,517,653 | ||
Equity attributable to owners of the Company | 4,744,352 | 4,526,962 | ||
Non-controlling interests | 85,711 | 96,673 | ||
Total Equity | 4,830,063 | 4,623,635 | ||
Non-Current Liabilities | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 315,800 | 333,592 | ||
Borrowings | 15 | 1,026,033 | 1,327,504 | |
Lease liabilities | 158,484 | 170,335 | ||
Consideration payable | 201,365 | 203,225 | ||
Contingent consideration | 26,488 | 26,846 | ||
Convertible bonds | 16 | 847,697 | - | |
2,575,867 | 2,061,502 | |||
7,405,930 | 6,685,137 | |||
- 21 -
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 28 FEBRUARY 2021
-
BASIS OF PREPARATION
The condensed consolidated financial statements of China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Limited (the "Company") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Group") have been prepared in accordance with the applicable disclosure requirements of Appendix 16 to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and with International Accounting Standard ("IAS") 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the board of directors (the "Directors") have given careful consideration of the future liquidity of the Group in light of the fact that as at 28 February 2021 the Group had net current liabilities of RMB658,830,000.
The Directors consider that it is appropriate to prepare the consolidated financial statements on the going concern basis taking into accounts the cash flow forecast prepared by the management of the Company and the nature of current liabilities and the Directors expect that operating activities can contribute substantial cash inflow to repay the current liabilities when due. - PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments, which are measured at fair values, as appropriate.
Other than changes in accounting policies resulting from application of new and amendments to International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs"), and application of certain accounting policies which became relevant to the Group, the accounting policies and methods of computation used in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 28 February 2021 are the same as those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2020.
Application of amendments to IFRSs
In the current interim period, the Group has applied the Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards and the following amendments to IFRSs issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, for the first time, which are mandatorily effective for the annual period beginning on or after 1 September 2020 for the preparation of the Group's condensed consolidated financial statements:
Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8 | Definition of Material | |
Amendments to IFRS | 3 | Definition of a Business |
Amendments to IFRS | 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 | Interest Rate Benchmark Reform |
In addition, the Group has early applied the Amendment to IFRS 16 "Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions".
The directors of the Company anticipate that the application of the new and amendments to IFRs and IASs in the current period has had no material impacts on the Group's condensed consolidated financial statements for the current and prior periods and/or on the disclosures set out in these condensed consolidated financial statements.
- 22 -
3. REVENUE AND SEGMENT INFORMATION
3A. Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers:
Six months ended | |||
28 February | 29 February | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||
Types of goods or services | |||
Tuition and boarding fees | 1,013,608 | 711,601 | |
Sales of textbooks | 26,789 | 30,341 | |
Summer and winter camps | - | 3,373 | |
Others | 55,621 | 46,498 | |
1,096,018 | 791,813 | ||
Geographical markets | |||
PRC | 765,453 | 784,032 | |
Overseas | 330,565 | 7,781 | |
1,096,018 | 791,813 | ||
Timing of revenue recognition | |||
Over time | 1,024,087 | 725,764 | |
A point in time | 71,931 | 66,049 | |
1,096,018 | 791,813 | ||
- 23 -
3B. Operating segments
Information reported to the Group's Chief Executive Officer, being the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance focuses on types of services provided.
Following the acquisition of Star Readers Pte. Ltd. in Singapore on 26 August 2020, the Group's international school education business in overseas starts to contribute significant portion of revenue and profits. Starting from this interim period, discrete segment information is developed and reported to the CODM. Specifically, the Group's reportable segments under IFRS 8 are as follows:
- PRC Segment
- Overseas Segment
Segment revenues and results
The following is an analysis of the Group's revenue and results by reportable segments:
PRC | Overseas | |||||
Segment | Segment | Total | ||||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||||
For the six months ended | ||||||
28 February 2021 (unaudited) | ||||||
Segment revenue | 765,453 | 330,565 | 1,096,018 | |||
Segment profit | 200,076 | 54,988 | 255,064 | |||
Unallocated items: | ||||||
Directors' and chief executives' emoluments | (7,340) | |||||
Corporate administrative expense | (2,434) | |||||
Group's profit before income tax | 245,290 | |||||
- 24 -
PRC | Overseas | |||||
Segment | Segment | Total | ||||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||||
For the six months ended | ||||||
29 February 2020 (unaudited) | ||||||
Segment revenue | 784,032 | 7,781 | 791,813 | |||
Segment profit | 291,923 | (5,964) | 285,959 | |||
Unallocated items: | ||||||
Directors' and chief executives' emoluments | (8,150) | |||||
Corporate administrative expense | (5,138) | |||||
Group's profit before income tax | 272,671 | |||||
The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as the Group's accounting policies. Segment profit represents the profit earned by each segment without allocation of corporate administrative expense and directors' and chief executives' emoluments. This is the measure reported to the CODM for the purposes of resource allocation and performance assessment.
Segment assets and liabilities
The following is an analysis of the Group's assets and liabilities by reportable segments:
At | At | ||
28 February | 31 August | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
(Unaudited) | (Audited) | ||
Segment assets | |||
PRC segment | 6,019,555 | 6,441,595 | |
Overseas segment | 4,597,102 | 4,827,635 | |
Consolidated assets | 10,616,657 | 11,269,230 | |
- 25 -
At | At | ||
28 February | 31 August | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
(Unaudited) | (Audited) | ||
Segment liabilities | |||
PRC segment | 3,682,826 | 4,401,066 | |
Overseas segment | 2,103,768 | 2,244,529 | |
Consolidated liabilities | 5,786,594 | 6,645,595 | |
For the purposes of monitoring segment performance and allocating resources between segments, all assets and liabilities are allocated to operating segments. Assets and liabilities used jointly by operating segments are allocated to the PRC segment as the amount is insignificant.
4. INVESTMENT AND OTHER INCOME
Six months ended | |||
28 February | 29 February | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||
Bank interest income | 25,328 | 11,558 | |
Government grant | 14,439 | 7,965 | |
Rental income from investment properties | 6,165 | 9,238 | |
Others | 700 | 73 | |
46,632 | 28,834 | ||
During the current interim period, the Group recognized government grants of RMB6,223,000 in respect of Covid-19-related subsidies.
- 26 -
5. | OTHER GAINS AND LOSSES | ||||
Six months ended | |||||
28 February | 29 February | ||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||
Reversal of other payables | 7,113 | 6,128 | |||
Net foreign exchange gain | 2,663 | 533 | |||
Gain arising from changes in fair value of financial assets measured | |||||
at FVTPL | 1,321 | 20,148 | |||
Loss arising from fair value changes of convertible bond | (40,607) | - | |||
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | (1,495) | (82) | |||
Loss arising from fair value changes of contingent consideration | (578) | - | |||
Impairment loss in respect of property, plant and equipment | - | (7,276) | |||
Others | (690) | (360) | |||
(32,273) | 19,091 | ||||
6. | TAXATION | ||||
Six months ended | |||||
28 February | 29 February | ||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||
The charge comprises | |||||
Current tax: | 11,907 | ||||
PRC enterprise income tax | 10,552 | ||||
Singapore enterprise income tax | 19,648 | - | |||
Deferred tax: | (8,506) | ||||
Current period | (1,834) | ||||
23,049 | 8,718 | ||||
- 27 -
7. | PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD | ||||
Six months ended | |||||
28 February | 29 February | ||||
2021 | 2020 | ||||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||
Profit for the period has been arrived at after charging (crediting): | |||||
Staff costs, including directors' remuneration | 464,852 | ||||
- salaries and other allowances | 339,470 | ||||
- retirement benefit scheme contributions | 17,828 | 15,546 | |||
- share-based payments | 6,668 | 11,040 | |||
Total staff costs | 489,348 | 366,056 | |||
Gross rental income from investment properties | (6,165) | (9,238) | |||
Less: | |||||
Direct operating expenses incurred for investment properties | 816 | ||||
(included in administrative expenses) | 817 | ||||
(5,349) | (8,421) | ||||
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 76,350 | 43,235 | |||
Loss arising from fair value changes of convertible bonds | 40,607 | - | |||
Amortization of intangible assets | 38,019 | 5,971 | |||
Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 19,846 | 16,242 | |||
Depreciation of investment properties | 2,025 | 2,068 | |||
Amortization of books for lease | 637 | 831 | |||
Loss arising from fair value changes of contingent consideration | 578 | - | |||
Covid-19-related rent concessions | (410) | - | |||
8. DIVIDENDS
No dividends were paid, declared or proposed during the interim period. The directors of the Company have determined that no dividend will be paid in respect of the interim period.
- 28 -
9. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to the owners of the Company is based on the following data:
Six months ended | ||||
28 February | 29 February | |||
2021 | 2020 | |||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | |||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||
Earnings: | ||||
Earnings for the purpose of basic earnings per share (Profit for the | 220,921 | |||
period attributable to owners of the Company) | 261,674 | |||
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares: | 1,586 | |||
Interest on convertible bonds (net of income tax) | - | |||
Earnings for the purpose of diluted earnings per share | 222,507 | 261,674 | ||
Six months ended | ||||
28 February | 29 February | |||
2021 | 2020 | |||
'000 | '000 | |||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||
Number of shares: | ||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of | 2,971,002 | |||
basic earnings per share | 2,970,384 | |||
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares | 68,246 | 5 | ||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of | 3,039,248 | |||
diluted earnings per share | 2,970,389 | |||
The number of shares adopted in the calculation of the basic earnings per share for the six months ended 28 February 2021 and 29 February 2020 has been arrived after eliminating the ungranted or unvested shares of the Company held under the Share Award Scheme.
The number of shares adopted in the calculation of the diluted earnings per share for the six months ended 28 February 2021 has been arrived after assuming the conversion of the convertible bonds.
The number of shares adopted in the calculation of the diluted earnings per share for the six months ended 28 February 2021 does not assume the exercise of the Company's share options because the exercise price of those options was higher than the average market price of shares for the six months ended 28 February 2021.
The number of shares adopted in the calculation of the diluted earnings per share for the six months ended 29 February 2020 has been arrived after assuming the exercise of the Company's outstanding share options.
- 29 -
10. GOODWILL | |||
Six months ended | |||
28 February | 29 February | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||
Cost and carrying values: | |||
At 1 September | 2,449,342 | 252,848 | |
Exchange adjustment | (75,194) | - | |
At 28 February or 29 February | 2,374,148 | 252,848 | |
11. DEPOSITS, PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
At | At | ||
28 February | 31 August | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
(Unaudited) | (Audited) | ||
Receivable from third parties | 47,132 | 39,765 | |
Short-term loan to a third party | 30,000 | 30,000 | |
Prepaid rent and other prepaid expenses | 12,424 | 11,042 | |
Deposits | 5,986 | 8,542 | |
Management fees receivables | 4,525 | 12,592 | |
Trade receivables net of allowance for credit losses | 2,720 | 5,841 | |
Interest receivables | 1,789 | 2,019 | |
Staff advances | 698 | 464 | |
Consideration adjustment receivable | - | 46,731 | |
Others | 21,948 | 17,092 | |
127,222 | 174,088 | ||
The following is an analysis of trade receivables by age, presented based on the dates the students were informed for payment.
At | At | ||
28 February | 31 August | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
Not past due | 2,312 | 3,541 | |
0 - 30 days | 268 | 1,019 | |
31 - 60 days | - | 199 | |
61 - 90 days | - | 215 | |
>90 days | 140 | 867 | |
2,720 | 5,841 | ||
- 30 -
-
RESTRICTED CASH
During the years ended 31 August 2019, the Group placed RMB48,561,000 in a bank account managed by both the Group and the seller of the acquisition target in Jiade, therefore the amount deposited is recorded as restricted cash. - CONTRACT LIABILITIES
At | At | ||
28 February | 31 August | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
(Unaudited) | (Audited) | ||
Tuition and boarding fees | 896,450 | 1,444,104 | |
Others | 40,555 | 61,898 | |
Contract liabilities | 937,005 | 1,506,002 | |
Contract liabilities of the Group were expected to be recognized as revenue within one year.
14. OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUED EXPENSES | |||
At | At | ||
28 February | 31 August | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
(Unaudited) | (Audited) | ||
Miscellaneous expenses received from students (Note) | 129,077 | 222,404 | |
Payables for purchase of property, plant and equipment | 86,955 | 153,701 | |
Other payables | 65,070 | 62,558 | |
Accrued payroll | 62,070 | 44,579 | |
Acquisition consideration payable | 61,968 | 64,015 | |
Deposits received from students | 27,515 | 38,588 | |
Accrued operating expenses | 8,387 | 4,784 | |
Payables for purchase of goods | 4,550 | 6,982 | |
Government grant | 2,824 | 5,994 | |
Accrued professional fees for the acquisition | 2,186 | 13,903 | |
Prepayment from lessee | 863 | 4,470 | |
Other tax payables | - | 6,110 | |
451,465 | 628,088 | ||
Note: The amount represents miscellaneous expenses received from students and the Group will pay out on their behalf.
- 31 -
15. BORROWINGS | ||||
At | At | |||
28 February | 31 August | |||
2021 | 2020 | |||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | |||
(Unaudited) | (Audited) | |||
Secured bank borrowings | 2,715,047 | 3,630,566 | ||
The carrying amounts of the above borrowings are repayable: | ||||
Within one year | 1,689,014 | 2,303,062 | ||
Within a period of more than one year but not exceeding two | ||||
years | 457,846 | 357,992 | ||
Within a period of more than two years but not exceeding five | ||||
years | 537,724 | 917,885 | ||
Within a period of more than five years | 30,463 | 51,627 | ||
2,715,047 | 3,630,566 | |||
Less: Amounts due within one year shown under current liabilities | (1,689,014) | (2,303,062) | ||
Amounts shown under non-current liabilities | 1,026,033 | 1,327,504 | ||
The borrowings amounting to SGD23,103,000 and SGD259,713,000 (in aggregate equivalent to RMB1,379,200,000) are secured by pledged bank deposits of RMB132,000,000 of Dalian Educational Group and RMB1,410,025,000 of Beipeng Software.
The borrowings amounting to SGD40,600,000 (equivalent to RMB197,905,000) are mortgaged over an investment property owned by Maple Leaf Education Hillside Pte. Ltd. ("Maple Hillside") of RMB316,397,000, and existing and future legal assignment of rental proceeds, rental deposits and other rights of Maple Hillside.
The borrowings amounting to SGD213,705,000 (equivalent to RMB1,042,015,000) is secured over (1) all the shares of Offshore Group (including Canadian International School Pte. Ltd. ("CIS") and Maple Leaf CIS Holdings Pte. Ltd.); (2) all the assets of the Offshore Group; (3) debt service reserve account held by CIS; (4) dividend accounts (if any); and (5) pledge over all the shares of Beipeng Software.
The borrowings amounting to MYR59,562,000 (equivalent to RMB95,927,000) is secured by pledge of debt service reserve account held by Kingsley International Sendirian Berhad (subsidiaries owned by Kingsley Edugroup Berhad ("Kingsley")) and debenture incorporating fixed and floating charge over all assets and undertakings of Kingsley.
These borrowings carry interest at fixed or variable interest rates range from 0.70% to 4.40% (31 August 2020: 0.70% to 5.58%) per annum.
- 32 -
16. CONVERTIBLE BONDS
Financial liabilities designated at FVTPL:
At 28 | At 31 | ||
February | August | ||
2021 | 2020 | ||
RMB'000 | RMB'000 | ||
(Unaudited) | (Audited) | ||
Convertible bonds (Note) | 847,697 | - | |
Analysed for reporting purposes as: | |||
Non-current liabilities | 847,697 | - | |
Note:
On 12 January 2021, the Company entered into the subscription agreement with UBS AG Hong Kong Branch (the "Manager") under which the Manager has agreed to subscribe and pay for, or to procure subscribers to subscribe and pay for, the convertible bonds due in 2026 in an aggregate principal amount of USD125,000,000 (the "Convertible Bonds").
On 27 January 2021 (the "Issue Date"), the Company completed the issuance of the Convertible Bonds. The cash proceeds related to the issuance of USD125,000,000 (equivalent to RMB808,551,000) were received by the Company on the Issue Date. The issuance cost related to the Convertible Bonds of approximately USD1,250,000 (equivalent to RMB8,138,000) was charged to the finance cost. The Convertible Bonds were recognized and measured as financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss. The fair value as of the Issue Date and 28 February 2021 were of RMB808,551,000 and RMB847,697,000, respectively. The changes in fair value related to the financial liabilities of RMB40,607,000 were charged to other gain and losses.
The Convertible Bonds bear interest on their outstanding principal amount from and including the Issue Date at the rate of 2.25 per cent per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on 27 January and 27 July in each year, commencing on 27 July 2021.
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Pursuant to the subscription agreement, each of the Convertible Bonds will, at the option of the holder, be convertible (unless previously redeemed, converted or purchased and cancelled) on or after 9 March 2021 up to the close of business (at the place where the certificate evidencing the Bonds are deposited for conversion) on the seventh day prior to 27 January 2026 (the "Maturity Date") (both days inclusive) (the "Conversion Period") into fully paid ordinary shares with a par value of USD0.0005 each of the Company at an initial conversion price of HKD2.525 per share. The conversion price is subject to adjustment in the circumstances described under certain terms and conditions of the subscription agreement. The conversion price of the Convertible Bonds as at 28 February 2021 is HKD2.525 per share.
As at 28 February 2021, no conversion related to the Convertible Bonds was exercised by the holders.
On giving notice in accordance with the respective terms and conditions of the subscription agreement, at any time after 11 February 2024 and prior to the Maturity Date, the Convertible Bonds may be redeemed at the option of the Company. The Convertible Bonds may be redeemed at the option of the Company in whole but not in part for taxation reasons as described in the subscription agreement. The Convertible Bonds may be redeemed at the option of the holder following the occurrence of a relevant event described in the subscription agreement or on 27 January 2024 as the optional put date for the holder to request the Company to redeem all or some of the Convertible Bonds upon giving notice in accordance with the subscription agreement.
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17. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
On 15 November 2016, the Company received a writ of summons from Hong Kong Zhixin Financial News Agency Ltd. ("Zhixin") seeking among other things, specific performance of the consultancy agreement between the Company and Zhixin by the allotment and issue of 7,000,000 shares of the Company to Zhixin, and damages in lieu or in addition thereof ("Zhixin Case"). On 28 November 2016, the Company filed with the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region its acknowledgement of service of the writ and indicated its intention to defend the claim.
In December 2016, Zhixin took out an application for summary judgment against the Company. The hearing of the summary judgment application took place on 25 October 2017 in which Zhixin's application was dismissed. The case now has been proceeded to the main trial stage.
On 29 January 2018, Zhixin filed its amended statement of claim to allege that it is entitled to 17,500,000 shares of the Company by virtue of an option provided in the agreement. Zhixin Case is still in the process of filing pleadings by both parties.
Based on information currently available to the Company, it is not possible to estimate the financial effect of the Zhixin Case. As at 28 February 2021, the Company had not made any provision in respect of the Zhixin Case.
The number of shares disclosed above has not considered the effect of Share Subdivision that became effective on 9 July 2018.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND OTHER INFORMATION
The Board is committed to achieving high corporate governance standards. The Board believes that high corporate governance standards are essential in providing a framework for the Group to safeguard the interests of Shareholders and to enhance corporate value and accountability.
Compliance with the Corporate Governance Code
During the six months ended 28 February 2021 and up to the date of this announcement, the Company has applied the principles as set out in the Corporate Governance Code and Corporate Governance Report (the "CG Code") contained in Appendix 14 to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Listing Rules") and has complied with all the applicable code provisions, save and except for code provision A.2.1.
Code provision A.2.1 of the CG Code stipulates that the roles of chairman and chief executive officer ("CEO") should not be performed by the same individual. Mr. Shu Liang Sherman Jen performs the dual roles of both chairman and CEO. The Board believes that by vesting the roles of both chairman and CEO in the same person, the Company derives the benefit of ensuring consistent leadership within the Group, which in turn enables more effective and efficient overall strategic planning for the Group. The Board considers that the balance of power and authority for the present arrangement will not be impaired and this structure will enable the Company to make and implement decisions promptly and effectively.
The Board will continue to review and monitor the practices of the Company for the purpose of complying with the CG Code and maintaining a high standard of corporate governance practices within the Company.
Compliance with the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors
The Company has adopted the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Issuers (the "Model Code") as set out in Appendix 10 to the Listing Rules as its own securities dealing code to regulate all dealings by Directors and relevant employees of securities in the Company and other matters covered by the Model Code.
Specific enquiry has been made of all the Directors and the relevant employees and they have confirmed that they have complied with the Model Code during the six months ended 28 February 2021.
Purchase, Sale or Redemption of the Company's Listed Securities
During the six months ended 28 February 2021, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries purchased, sold or redeemed any listed securities of the Company.
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Interim Dividend
The Board of the Company has resolved not to declare an interim dividend for the six months ended 28 February 2021.
Audit Committee
The Company has established an Audit Committee with written terms of reference in accordance with the Listing Rules and the CG Code. The primary duties of the Audit Committee are to assist the Board by providing an independent view of the effectiveness of the financial reporting process, internal control procedures and risk management system of the Group, overseeing the audit process and performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Board. The Audit Committee comprises three members, namely, Mr. Lap Tat Arthur Wong, Mr. Peter Humphrey Owen and Mr. Alan Shaver, all being independent non-executive Directors of the Company. Mr. Lap Tat Arthur Wong is the chairman of the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee has reviewed the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Group for the six months ended 28 February 2021 and has met with the independent auditors, Messrs. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu who has reviewed the interim financial statements. The Audit Committee has also discussed matters with respect to the accounting policies and practices adopted by the Company and internal control with senior management members of the Company.
Public Float
The Company has maintained the public float as required by the Listing Rules up to the date of this announcement.
Publication of the Interim Results Announcement and Interim Report
This interim results announcement is published on the websites of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Stock Exchange") at www.hkexnews.hk and the Company at www.mapleleaf.cn. The interim report of the Group for the six months ended 28 February 2021 will be dispatched to the Shareholders of the Company and be made available for review on the aforesaid websites in due course.
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Change of Company Secretary and Authorized Representative
The Board hereby announces that Ms. Wan Mun Yee, Sabine ("Ms. Wan") has tendered her resignation as the Company Secretary of the Company and ceased to act as an Authorized Representative of the Company for the purpose of Rule 3.05 of the Listing Rules with effect from 28 April 2021. Ms. Wan confirmed that she has no disagreement with the Board and there are no other matters that need to be brought to the attention of the Stock Exchange and the shareholders of the Company in relation to her resignation.
The Board is pleased to announce that Ms. Jen Shu Ling ("Ms. Jen") has been appointed as the Company Secretary of the Company and the Authorized Representative of the Company for the purpose of Rule
3.05 of the Listing Rules with effect from 28 April 2021. Ms. Jen is currently the Financial Manager of the Company in Hong Kong office and Assistant to Co-Chief Financial Officer in Head Office. Ms. Jen is a Chartered Secretary, a Chartered Governance Professional and an Associate of both The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries and The Chartered Governance Institute (formerly The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators) in the United Kingdom. Ms. Jen holds a degree of Master of Corporate Governance and a degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours in Accounting.
The Board would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere gratitude to Ms. Wan for her valuable contributions to the Company during her tenure of service and welcome Ms. Jen on her new appointment.
By order of the Board
China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Limited
Shu Liang Sherman Jen
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Hong Kong, 28 April 2021
As at the date of this announcement, the Board comprises Mr. Shu Liang Sherman Jen, Ms. Jingxia Zhang and Mr. James William Beeke as Executive Directors; and Mr. Peter Humphrey Owen, Mr. Alan Shaver and Mr. Lap Tat Arthur Wong as Independent Non-executive Directors.
- For identification purposes only
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China Maple Leaf Educational Systems Ltd. published this content on 28 April 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 28 April 2021 12:57:06 UTC.