KID CASTLE EDUCATIONAL CORP - Quarter Report: 2008 March (Form 10-Q)
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For
the
quarterly period ended: March 31, 2008
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission
File Number: 333-39629
KID
CASTLE EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION
(Exact
name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Florida
|
59-2549529
|
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
|
(IRS
Employer Identification No.)
|
8th
Floor, No. 98 Min Chuan Road, Hsien Tien
Taipei,
Taiwan ROC
|
|
(Address
of principal executive offices)
|
011-886-2-2218
5996
|
||
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
|
||
NONE
|
||
(Former
name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)
|
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 past 90 days. Yes x
No o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
See
the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large
accelerated filer o
|
Accelerated
filer o
|
|
Non-accelerated
filer o
|
Smaller
reporting company x
|
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
o
No x
As
of
March 31, 2008, there were 25,000,000 shares of the Registrant’s common stock
outstanding.
FORM
10-Q
KID
CASTLE EDUCATIONAL CORPORATION
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Page
|
||||
PART
I
|
FINANCIAL
INFORMATION
|
|||
Item
1. Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements
|
2
|
|||
a)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2008 (unaudited)
and
December 31, 2007
|
2
|
|||
b)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months
ended
March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 (unaudited)
|
3
|
|||
c)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(unaudited)
|
4
|
|||
d)
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months
ended
March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 (unaudited)
|
5
|
|||
e)
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
|
7
|
|||
Item
2. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
|
17
|
|||
Item
3. Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
|
23
|
|||
Item
4. Controls
and Procedures
|
24
|
|||
PART
II.
|
OTHER
INFORMATION
|
25
|
||
Item
1. Legal
Proceedings
|
25
|
|||
Item
1A Risk
Factors
|
25
|
|||
Item
2. Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
|
26
|
|||
Item
3. Defaults
upon Senior Securities
|
26
|
|||
Item
4. Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
|
26
|
|||
Item
5. Other
Information
|
26
|
|||
Item
6 Exhibits
and Reports on Form 8-K
|
26
|
|||
SIGNATURES
|
27
|
-1-
PART
I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM
1. CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Kid
Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Expressed
in US Dollars)
|
(Unaudited)
March 31,
2008
|
December 31,
2007
|
|||||
ASSETS | |||||||
Current
assets
|
|||||||
Cash
and bank balances
|
$
|
1,337,647
|
$
|
1,238,212
|
|||
Bank
fixed deposits - pledged (Note11)
|
365,928
|
363,562
|
|||||
Notes
and accounts receivable, net (Note 5)
|
2,868,465
|
2,453,868
|
|||||
Inventories,
net (Note 6)
|
1,589,084
|
2,008,739
|
|||||
Other
receivables (Note 7)
|
185,585
|
88,139
|
|||||
Prepayments
and other current assets (Note 8)
|
752,399
|
542,794
|
|||||
Pledged
notes receivable (Note 11)
|
568,698
|
557,983
|
|||||
Deferred
income tax assets
|
67,633
|
42,335
|
|||||
Total
current assets
|
7,735,439
|
7,295,632
|
|||||
Deferred
income tax assets
|
53,641
|
50,481
|
|||||
Prepayment
of long-term investments
|
26,864
|
|
|||||
Long-term
investments (Note 9)
|
58,981
|
58,625
|
|||||
Property
and equipment, net
|
2,444,109
|
2,312,065
|
|||||
Intangible
assets, net of amortization (Note 10)
|
546,962
|
572,005
|
|||||
Long-term
notes receivable
|
437,078
|
420,636
|
|||||
Pledged
notes receivable (Note 11)
|
243,999
|
183,453
|
|||||
Other
assets
|
250,319
|
268,388
|
|||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
11,797,392
|
$
|
11,161,285
|
|||
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|||||||
Current
liabilities
|
|||||||
Bank
borrowings - short-term and maturing within one
year (Note 11)
|
$
|
672,880
|
$
|
1,212,534
|
|||
Notes
and accounts payable
|
876,628
|
389,639
|
|||||
Accrued
expenses
|
1,237,270
|
985,764
|
|||||
Other
payables
|
261,102
|
573,237
|
|||||
Deposits
received
|
16,011
|
912,535
|
|||||
Receipts
in advance (Note 12)
|
2,428,820
|
2,372,403
|
|||||
Income
tax payable
|
174,499
|
124,418
|
|||||
Total
current liabilities
|
5,667,210
|
6,570,530
|
|||||
Bank
borrowings maturing after one year (Note 11)
|
1,876,788
|
1,752,776
|
|||||
Receipts
in advance (Note 12)
|
1,027,558
|
1,034,260
|
|||||
Deposits
received
|
1,660,496
|
680,694
|
|||||
Deferred
liability
|
40,409
|
38,787
|
|||||
Accrued
pension liabilities (Note 13)
|
426,382
|
401,893
|
|||||
Total
liabilities
|
10,698,843
|
10,478,940
|
-2-
Kid
Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed
Consolidated Balance Sheets - Continued
(Expressed
in US Dollars)
(Unaudited)
March 31,
2008
|
December 31,
2007
|
||||||
Commitments
and contingencies (Note 15)
|
|||||||
Minority
interest
|
198,203
|
162,343
|
|||||
Shareholders’
equity
|
|||||||
Common
stock, no par share :
|
|||||||
60,000,000
shares authorized; 25,000,000 issued and outstanding at March 31,
2008 and
December 31, 2007
|
8,592,138
|
8,592,138
|
|||||
Additional
paid-in capital
|
194,021
|
194,021
|
|||||
Legal
reserve
|
65,320
|
65,320
|
|||||
Accumulated
deficit
|
(6,449,191
|
)
|
(7,179,418
|
)
|
|||
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss
|
(1,264,597
|
)
|
(932,027
|
)
|
|||
Net
loss not recognized as pension cost
|
(237,345
|
)
|
(220,032
|
)
|
|||
Total
shareholders’ equity
|
900,346
|
520,002
|
|||||
Total
liabilities and shareholders’ equity
|
$
|
11,797,392
|
$
|
11,161,285
|
See
accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
-3-
Kid
Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(Expressed
in US Dollars)
Three months ended March 31,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
||||||
Operating
Revenue
|
|||||||
Sales
of goods
|
$
|
2,364,109
|
$
|
2,434,158
|
|||
Franchising
income
|
556,229
|
553,492
|
|||||
Other
operating revenue
|
479,186
|
253,310
|
|||||
Total
net operating revenue
|
3,399,524
|
3,240,960
|
|||||
Operating
costs
|
|||||||
Cost
of goods sold
|
(1,007,236
|
)
|
(916,655
|
)
|
|||
Cost
of franchising
|
(98,309
|
)
|
(101,142
|
)
|
|||
Other
operating costs
|
(69,957
|
)
|
(48,582
|
)
|
|||
Total
operating costs
|
(1,175,502
|
)
|
(1,066,379
|
)
|
|||
Gross
profit
|
2,224,022
|
2,174,581
|
|||||
Advertising
costs
|
(21,513
|
)
|
(18,085
|
)
|
|||
Other
operating expenses
|
(1,513,671
|
)
|
(1,282,732
|
)
|
|||
Income
from operations
|
688,838
|
873,764
|
|||||
Interest
expense, net
|
(23,101
|
)
|
(21,669
|
)
|
|||
Share
of income (loss) of investments
|
(2,069
|
)
|
11,468
|
||||
Other
non-operating income (loss), net
|
132,158
|
132,601
|
|||||
Income
before income taxes
|
795,826
|
996,164
|
|||||
Provision
for taxes
|
(36,897
|
)
|
(172,942
|
)
|
|||
Income
after income taxes
|
758,929
|
823,222
|
|||||
Minority
interest income
|
(28,702
|
)
|
(43,520
|
)
|
|||
Net
income
|
$
|
730,227
|
$
|
779,702
|
|||
Earnings
per share - basic and diluted
|
$
|
0.029
|
$
|
0.031
|
|||
Weighted-average
shares used to compute earnings per share - basic and
diluted
|
25,000,000
|
25,000,000
|
See
accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements.
-4-
Kid
Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(Expressed
in US Dollars)
Common Stock
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of
shares
|
Amount
|
Additional
paid-in
capital
|
Legal
reserve
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
|
Net loss not
recognized as
pension cost
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||||
Balance,
December 31, 2006
|
25,000,000
|
$
|
8,592,138
|
$
|
194,021
|
$
|
65,320
|
$
|
(9,056,567
|
)
|
$
|
(330,713
|
)
|
$ |
(98,952
|
)
|
$
|
(634,753
|
)
|
||||||
Net
income for 2007
|
|
|
|
|
1,877,149
|
|
|
1,877,149
|
|||||||||||||||||
Cumulative
translation adjustment
|
|
|
|
|
|
(601,314
|
)
|
|
(601,314
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||
Comprehensive
loss
|
1,275,835
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repayment
of a liability by issuance of common stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net
loss not recognized as pension cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(121,080
|
)
|
$
|
(121,080
|
)
|
|||||||||||||
Balance,
December 31, 2007
|
25,000,000
|
$
|
8,592,138
|
$
|
194,021
|
$
|
65,320
|
$
|
(7,179,418
|
)
|
$
|
(932,027
|
)
|
$
|
(220,032
|
)
|
$
|
520,002
|
|||||||
Net
income for the three months ended March 31, 2008
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
730,227
|
|
|
730,227
|
|||||||||||||||||
Cumulative
translation adjustment (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(332,570
|
)
|
|
(332,570
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||
Comprehensive
loss (Unaudited)
|
397,657
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
loss not recognized as pension cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(17,313
|
)
|
(17,313
|
)
|
||||||||||||||
Balance,
March 31, 2008 (Unaudited)
|
25,000,000
|
$
|
8,592,138
|
$
|
194,021
|
$
|
65,320
|
$
|
(6,449,191
|
)
|
$
|
(1,264,597
|
)
|
$
|
(237,345
|
)
|
$
|
900,346
|
See
accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements.
-5-
Kid
Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
(Expressed
in US Dollars)
Three months ended March 31,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
||||||
Cash
flows from operating activities
|
|||||||
Net
income
|
$
|
730,227
|
$
|
779,702
|
|||
Adjustments
to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities
|
|||||||
Depreciation
of property and equipment
|
66,622
|
49,605
|
|||||
Write-off
of goodwill
|
11,224
|
|
|||||
Amortization
of intangible assets
|
42,836
|
41,031
|
|||||
Allowance
for sales returns
|
82,723
|
85,270
|
|||||
Allowance
for doubtful debts
|
81,955
|
10,991
|
|||||
Reversal
of allowance for loss on inventory obsolescence and slow-moving
items
|
(23,684
|
)
|
(134,081
|
)
|
|||
Loss
on disposal of PP&E
|
715
|
|
|||||
Minority
interests
|
28,702
|
43,520
|
|||||
Share
of loss (gain) of investments
|
2,069
|
(11,468
|
)
|
||||
(Increase)/decrease
in:
|
|||||||
Notes
and accounts receivable
|
(531,916
|
)
|
(1,074,483
|
)
|
|||
Inventories
|
546,540
|
484,994
|
|||||
Other
receivables
|
13,829
|
143,735
|
|||||
Prepayments
and other current assets
|
(172,246
|
)
|
(52,731
|
)
|
|||
Deferred
income tax assets
|
(22,287
|
)
|
1,120
|
||||
Other
assets
|
32,970
|
255
|
|||||
Increase/(decrease)
in:
|
|||||||
Notes
and accounts payable
|
450,301
|
(148,526
|
)
|
||||
Accrued
expenses
|
198,549
|
(255,080
|
)
|
||||
Other
payables
|
(291,538
|
)
|
185,280
|
||||
Receipts
in advance
|
(147,636
|
)
|
(160,588
|
)
|
|||
Income
taxes payable
|
40,679
|
170,833
|
|||||
Deferred
liability
|
(656
|
)
|
774
|
||||
Deposits
received
|
(10,781
|
)
|
13,426
|
||||
Accrued
pension liabilities
|
661
|
3,504
|
|||||
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
1,129,858
|
177,083
|
|||||
Cash
flows from investing activities
|
|||||||
Purchase
of property and equipment
|
(64,757
|
)
|
(50,716
|
)
|
|||
Proceeds
from disposal of property and equipment
|
2,202
|
—
|
|||||
Prepayment
of long-term investments
|
(26,076
|
)
|
—
|
||||
Bank
fixed deposits-pledged
|
18,609
|
2
|
|||||
Pledged
notes receivable
|
(26,536
|
)
|
71,831
|
||||
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
(96,558
|
)
|
21,117
|
-6-
Kid
Castle Educational Corporation
Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Continued
(Unaudited)
(Expressed
in US Dollars)
Three months ended March 31,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
||||||
Cash
flows from financing activities
|
|||||||
Repayment
of bank borrowings
|
$
|
(573,968
|
)
|
$
|
(113,635
|
)
|
|
Repayment
of loan from stockholders and transactions of related
parties
|
(31,108
|
)
|
(262,343
|
)
|
|||
Net
cash used in financing activities
|
(605,076
|
)
|
(375,978
|
)
|
|||
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
428,224
|
(177,778
|
)
|
||||
Effect
of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
|
(328,789
|
)
|
(16,285
|
)
|
|||
Cash
and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
1,238,212
|
1,419,873
|
|||||
Cash
and cash equivalents at end of period
|
$
|
1,337,647
|
$
|
1,225,810
|
See
accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
-7-
Kid
Castle Educational Corporation
Notes
to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Expressed
in US Dollars)
NOTE
1 - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Kid
Castle Internet Technologies Limited (“KCIT”) was incorporated on December 17,
1999 under the provisions of the Company Law of the Republic of China (“ROC”) as
a limited liability company. KCIT is engaged in the business of children’s
education focusing on the English language. The business comprises publication,
sales and distribution of related books, magazines, audio and videotapes and
compact disc, franchising and sales of merchandises complementary to the
business. KCIT commenced operations in April 2000 when it acquired the above
business from Kid Castle Enterprises Limited which was formerly owned by Mr.
Kuo-An Wang and Mr. Yu-En Chiu. Kid Castle Enterprises Limited has ceased
operations on December 25, 2003.
On
March
9, 2001, KCIT formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Premier Holding Investment
Property Limited incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, which held the
entire common stock of Higoal Developments Limited (“Higoal”) incorporated in
the Cayman Islands on March 8, 2001. On September 10, 2001, Higoal
established a wholly owned subsidiary, Kid Castle Educational Software
Development Company Limited (“KCES”) in the People’s Republic of China (the
“PRC”). The existing operations of Higoal are principally located in Taiwan and
are being expanded in the PRC. In June 2002, after KCIT undertook a series
of
group restructurings, KCIT became the direct owner of the outstanding shares
of
Higoal. Premier Holding Investment Property Limited was then liquidated in
June
2003.
On
September 18, 2002, Higoal issued 11,880,000 shares of common stock to the
stockholders of KCIT in exchange for 100% of the outstanding common stock of
KCIT. As a result of this reorganization, KCIT became a wholly owned subsidiary
of Higoal. On October 1, 2002, Kid Castle Educational Corporation (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 Company’s outstanding capital stock. Generally accepted accounting
principles require in certain circumstances that a company whose stockholders
retain the majority voting interest in the combined business to be treated
as
the acquirer for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the acquisition
has
been accounted for as a “reverse acquisition” whereby Higoal is deemed to have
purchased the Company. However, the Company remains the legal entity and the
registrant for Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) 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 would each own 50% of Culture Media and that each party would
contribute Renminbi (“RMB”) 1 million for its ownership interest. On July 2,
2004, KCES acquired additional 40% of ownership in Culture Media from
21st
Century
Publishing House. KCES now owns 90% of Culture Media.
On
December 27, 2006, KCES established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Shanghai Kid
Castle Educational Info Constitution Company Limited (“KCEI”) in the PRC, with
registered total capital of RMB1,200,000, in order to operate schools controlled
by us in PRC. As of March 31, 2008, KCEI had total registered capital of
RMB2,000,000.
-8-
The
Company, Higoal and its subsidiaries are collectively 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 March 31, 2008 and for the three months ended
March 31, 2008 and 2007 have been prepared by the Group, without audit, pursuant
to the rules and regulations of the SEC using generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States. Certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or
omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Group believes
that
the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and the notes thereto included in the Group’s audited annual
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States 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.
Since
inception, the Group had incurred operating losses during most of its reporting
periods, although the Group has been profitable since 2007. The accumulated
deficit has improved since Messrs. Pai and Yang have assumed their respective
management roles, and as of March 31, 2008, the balance of accumulated deficit
was $6,449,191. Although we had an accumulated deficit, we have positive cash
flow from operations. Barring significant, unforeseen development in PRC, we
believe we can decrease our reliance on loans from shareholders and banks to
meet our funding requirements in the future. Despite our expectation to decrease
reliance on loans, we may again be required to seek additional financing to
meet
our funding requirements and no assurances can be given that bank loans or
loans
from shareholders will be available in the future. If we are unable to secure
sufficient financing, our liquidity position would be adversely affected, and
we
may need to seek a more expensive source of funding to finance our
operations.
NOTE
3 - SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
REVENUE
RECOGNITION
Sales
of
books, magazines, audio and video tapes, compact disc and other merchandises
are
recognized as revenue on the transfer of risks and rewards of ownership, which
generally coincides with the time when the goods are delivered to customers
and
title has passed. Provision is made for expected future sales returns and
allowances when revenue is recognized.
Franchise
fees are the annual licensing fees for franchisees to use the Group’s brand name
and consulting services. Franchising income is recognized on a straight-line
basis over the terms of the relevant franchise agreements.
ALLOWANCE
FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
An
allowance for doubtful accounts is provided based on the evaluation of
collectibility and on aging analysis of notes and accounts
receivables.
-9-
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 account 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 currently enacted tax rate. 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, the goodwill is amortized on the
straight-line basis over estimated the useful lives of 5 years.
COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS)
Comprehensive
income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a company during a
period from transactions and other events and circumstances excluding
transactions resulting from investments from owners and distributions to owners.
Comprehensive income (loss) is disclosed in the condensed consolidated
statement of stockholders’ equity.
-10-
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
three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, 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
March
2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS No. 161
gives financial statement users better information about the reporting entity's
hedges by providing for qualitative disclosures about the objectives and
strategies for using derivatives, quantitative data about the fair value of
and
gains and losses on derivative contracts, and details of credit-risk-related
contingent features in their hedged positions. SFAS No. 161 is effective for
financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008
and interim periods within those years. The Group does not expect the adoption
of SFAS No. 161 to have a material effect on the Group’s Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Other
recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging
Issues Task Force), the AICPA, and the SEC did not or are not believed by
management to have a material impact on the Group’s present or future
Consolidated Financial Statements.
In
December 2007, the FASB released SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations.” This
standard revises and enhances the guidance set forth in SFAS No. 141 by
establishing a definition for the “acquirer,” providing additional guidance on
the recognition of acquired contingencies and noncontrolling interests, and
broadening the scope of the standard to include all transactions involving
a
transfer in control, irrespective of the consideration involved in the transfer.
SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition
date occurs in a fiscal year beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Although
the standard will not have any impact on our current Consolidated Financial
Statements, application of the new guidance could be significant to the Company
in the context of future merger and acquisition activity.
In
December 2007, the FASB released SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in
Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51.” This statement
amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the
noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a
subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is
an
ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity
in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal
years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after
December 15, 2008. We do not expect the standard to have a material impact
on
our Consolidated Financial Statements.
-11-
In
February 2007, the FASB released SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." The standard is effective for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The standard provides entities
the ability, on an elective basis, to report most financial assets and financial
liabilities at fair value, with corresponding gains and losses recognized in
current earnings. We did not elect the fair value option under SFAS No. 159
as
of January 1, 2008 for any of our financial assets and liabilities that were
not
already accounted for at fair value. We will consider applying the fair value
option to future transactions as provided by the standard.
NOTE
5
- NOTES AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
March 31,
2008
|
December 31,
2007
|
||||||
(Unaudited)
|
|||||||
Notes
and accounts receivable
|
|||||||
-
Third parties
|
$
|
3,419,220
|
$
|
2,757,425
|
|||
-
Related parties
|
41,728
|
150,363
|
|||||
Total
|
3,460,948
|
2,907,788
|
|||||
Allowance
for doubtful accounts and sales returns
|
(592,483
|
)
|
(453,920
|
)
|
|||
Notes
and accounts receivable, net
|
$
|
2,868,465
|
$
|
2,453,868
|
NOTE
6 - INVENTORIES
March 31,
2008
|
December 31,
2007
|
||||||
(Unaudited)
|
|||||||
Work
in process
|
$
|
110,667
|
$
|
180,985
|
|||
Finished
goods and other merchandises
|
1,797,432
|
2,151,962
|
|||||
1,908,099
|
2,332,947
|
||||||
Less:
Allowance for obsolete inventories and decline
of market value
|
(319,015
|
)
|
(324,208
|
)
|
|||
$
|
1,589,084
|
$
|
2,008,739
|
NOTE
7
- OTHER RECEIVABLES
March 31,
2008
|
December 31,
2007
|
||||||
(Unaudited)
|
|||||||
Other
receivables - third parties:
|
|||||||
Tax
paid on behalf of landlord
|
$
|
|
$
|
|
|||
Advances
to staff
|
105,469
|
87,188
|
|||||
Grants
from Market Information Center
|
|
|
|||||
Other
receivables
|
79,085
|
633
|
|||||
Sub-total
|
184,554
|
87,821
|
|||||
Other
receivables - related parties
|
1,031
|
318
|
|||||
$
|
185,585
|
$
|
88,139
|
-12-
NOTE
8 -
PREPAYMENTS AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
March 31,
2008
|
December 31,
2007
|
||||||
(Unaudited)
|
|||||||
Prepayments
|
$
|
736,237
|
$
|
523,199
|
|||
Temporary
payments
|
3,570
|
15,598
|
|||||
Prepaid
interest
|
6,372
|
2,713
|
|||||
Others
|
6,220
|
1,284
|
|||||
$
|
752,399
|
$
|
542,794
|
NOTE
9- INTEREST IN ASSOCIATES
March 31,
2008
|
December 31,
2007
|
||||||
(Unaudited)
|
|||||||
21st
Century Kid Castle Language and Education Center (“Education
Center”) (Note (i))
|
|||||||
Investment
cost
|
$
|
106,043
|
$
|
101,787
|
|||
Share
of loss
|
(34,432
|
)
|
(39,641
|
)
|
|||
$
|
71,612
|
$
|
62,146
|
||||
Tianjin
Kid Castle Educational Investment Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin
Consulting”) (Note (ii))
|
|||||||
Investment
cost
|
$
|
98,973
|
$
|
95,000
|
|||
Share
of loss
|
(111,605
|
)
|
(98,521
|
)
|
|||
$
|
(12,631
|
)
|
$
|
(3,521
|
)
|
||
Total
|
$
|
58,981
|
$
|
58,625
|
Note:
(i) |
In
October 2003, the Group obtained the PRC government’s approval to co-found
Education Center with 21st
Century Publishing House in the PRC. In 2004, Education Center registered
the total capital as RMB 1,500,000, and 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.
|
-13-
For
the
three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the Group recognized investment
income accounted for under the equity method in Education Center of
$6,780
and
$14,339,
respectively.
(ii) |
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
three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, the Group recognized an investment
loss of $8,850 and $1,072, respectively, accounted for under the equity method,
in Tianjin Consulting.
NOTE
10
- INTANGIBLE ASSETS
March 31,
2008
|
December 31,
2007
|
||||||
(Unaudited)
|
|||||||
Gross
carrying amount
|
|||||||
Franchise
|
$
|
1,111,714
|
$
|
1,049,538
|
|||
Copyrights
|
653,509
|
616,960
|
|||||
Goodwill
|
227,354
|
218,227
|
|||||
1,992,577
|
1,884,725
|
||||||
Less:
Accumulated amortization
|
|||||||
Franchise
|
(889,371
|
)
|
(813,392
|
)
|
|||
Copyrights
|
(522,807
|
)
|
(478,144
|
)
|
|||
Write-off
goodwill
|
(33,437
|
)
|
(21,184
|
)
|
|||
(1,445,615
|
)
|
(1,312,720
|
)
|
||||
Net
|
$
|
546,962
|
$
|
572,005
|
Amortization
charged to operations was $55,498 and $41,031 for the three months ended March
31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
The
estimated aggregate amortization expenses for each of the three succeeding
fiscal years are as follows:
2009
|
$
|
205,655
|
||
2010
|
89,602
|
|||
2011
|
45,470
|
|||
2012
|
23,403
|
|||
$
|
364,130
|
NOTE
11 - BANK BORROWINGS
Notes
|
March 31,
2008
|
December 31,
2007
|
||||||||
(Unaudited)
|
||||||||||
Bank
term loans
|
(i)
|
|
$
|
635,120
|
$
|
580,553
|
||||
Short-term
unsecured bank loans
|
(ii)
|
|
476,827
|
1,027,446
|
||||||
Mid-term
secured bank loan
|
(iii)
|
|
1,437,721
|
1,357,311
|
||||||
2,549,668
|
2,965,310
|
|||||||||
Less:
Balances maturing within one year included in current
liabilities
|
||||||||||
Bank
term loans
|
ó
|
185,088
|
||||||||
Short-term
unsecured bank loans
|
476,827
|
1,027,446
|
||||||||
Mid-term
secured bank loan
|
196,053
|
—
|
||||||||
672,880
|
1,212,534
|
|||||||||
Bank
borrowings maturing after one year
|
$
|
1,876,788
|
$
|
1,752,776
|
Note:
(i) |
This
line item represents bank loans that have been secured by a pledge
of
post-dated checks amounting to $849,805 and $753,962 that we have
received
from franchisees and the Group’s bank deposits of $20,493 and $22,053 as
of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, 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, which
were
extended on October 18, 2007 and will be due on September 30, 2008.
The
weighted average interest rates were 5.86% and 5.85% per annum as of
March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
|
For
the
three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, interest expense charged to
operations in respect of bank loans was $8,257 and $1,094,
respectively.
(ii) |
In
August 2005, KCIT obtained an unsecured short-term loan to finance
the
Group’s operations in the amount of $304,553, which was collateralized
by
KCIT’s refundable deposits of $60,911 and notes receivables approximating
30% of the loan balance, and guaranteed by two directors and stockholders
of the Group. The loan bore interest at the lending bank’s basic fixed
deposit rate plus 3.29% per annum, which was extended in February
2007 and
was due in February 2008. Of the principal, $146,186 is repayable
in 12
equal monthly installments. The loan was fully repaid on November
28,
2007.
|
In
March
2005, KCIT obtained an unsecured short-term loan to finance the Group’s
operations in the amount of $304,553, which was extended on October 18, 2007.
The loan was guaranteed by two directors and stockholders of the Group. The
loan
bears interest at the Taiwan basic borrowing rate plus 1.3% per annum, and
is
repayable in 36 equal monthly installments. The loan was fully repaid when
the
last installment was due on March 19, 2008.
-14-
In
May
2007, KCES obtained a $339,287 short-term loan to finance the Group’s
operations. The loan was guaranteed by Director Min Tan Yang and KCIT, and
was
collateralized by $340,000 of KCIT deposits. It was due in April 2008. The
loan
bore interest at the PRC basic borrowing rate per annum. The loan was fully
repaid on April 10, 2008.
In
November 28, 2007, KCIT obtained a new bank loan of $1,542,401. The loan is
secured by the Group’s land and buildings and is personally guaranteed by two
directors of the Group. It bears interest at the lending bank’s basic fixed
deposit rate plus 1.45% per annum. Of the principal, $370,176 is repayable
in 24
equal monthly installments. A final balloon payment of $1,172,225 is due on
November 28, 2009. The applicable interest rate was approximately 3.6% per
annum
as of March 2008 and December 2007.
For
the
three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, interest expense charged to
operations in respect of the above unsecured short-term loans was $14,666 and
$6,079 respectively.
(iii) |
In
August 2005, KCIT obtained a bank loan in the principal amount of
$944,115
to repay its mortgage loan that was originally granted by a bank
on August
10, 2003 and to finance its operations. The loan was secured by the
Group’s land and buildings and personal guarantees provide by two
directors of the Group. The loan bore interest at the lending bank’s basic
fixed deposit rate plus 0.69% per annum for the year 2005 to 2007,
and
plus 1.69% per annum for the year 2008. On August 10, 2005, the
bank extended the term of the loan and it was repayable in 84 equal
monthly installments starting on August 10, 2012. The loan was fully
repaid on November 28, 2007.
|
In
February 2005, KCIT obtained a new bank loan of $456,830, which bore interest
at
6% per annum and was repayable in 36 equal monthly installments. The last
installment was due on February 2, 2008, was collateralized by notes
receivables in 30% approximating the loan balance, and guaranteed by two
directors of the Group. The loan was fully repaid on January 9, 2008.
In
August
2005, KCIT obtained a new bank loan of $213,187, which was repayable in 60
equal
monthly installments. The last installment was due on August 10, 2010, and
guaranteed by two directors of the Group. The loan was fully repaid on November
28, 2007.
For
the
three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, interest expense charged to
operations amounted to $17 and $10,077, respectively.
NOTE
12 - RECEIPTS IN ADVANCE
The
balance comprises:
Notes
|
March 31,
2008
|
December 31,
2007
|
||||||||
(Unaudited)
|
||||||||||
Current
liabilities:
|
||||||||||
Sales
deposits received
|
(i)
|
|
$
|
471,930
|
$
|
303,258
|
||||
Franchising
income received
|
(ii)
|
|
1,370,253
|
1,456,267
|
||||||
Subscription
fees received
|
(iii)
|
|
507,575
|
516,136
|
||||||
Others
|
79,062
|
96,742
|
||||||||
2,428,820
|
2,372,403
|
|||||||||
Long-term
liabilities:
|
||||||||||
Franchising
income received
|
(ii)
|
|
1,027,558
|
1,034,260
|
||||||
$
|
3,456,378
|
$
|
3,406,663
|
-15-
Note:
(i) The
balance represents receipts in advance from customers for goods sold to
them.
(ii) The
balance mainly represents franchising income received in advance which is
attributable to the periods after the respective period end dates.
(iii) The
balance represents
subscription fees received in advance for subscription of magazines published
by
the Group.
NOTE
13 - RETIREMENT PLANS
The
Group maintains tax-qualified defined contribution and benefit retirement plans
for its employees in accordance to the ROC Labor Standard Law. As a result,
the
Group currently maintains two different retirement plans with contribution
and
benefit calculation formulas. On July 1, 2005, the Bureau of National Health
Insurance issued new labor retirement pension regulations in Taiwan. The Group
has a new defined contribution retirement plan (the “New Plan”) covering all
regular employees of KCIT. KCIT contributes monthly an amount equal to 6% of
the
employees’ base salaries and wages to the Bureau of National Health Insurance.
The Group still maintains the benefit retirement plan (the “Old Plan”) which
commenced in September 2003, and only applies to the regular employees of
KCIT who were employed prior to June 2005. KCIT contributes monthly an amount
equal to 2% of the employees’ total salaries and wages to an independent
retirement trust fund deposited with the Central Trust of China in accordance
with the ROC Labor Standards Law in Taiwan. The retirement fund is not included
in the Group’s financial statements. Net periodic pension cost is based on
annual actuarial valuations which use the projected 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 old 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 old 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:
Three months ended March 31,
|
|||||||
2008
|
2007
|
||||||
(Unaudited)
|
|||||||
Service
cost
|
$
|
$
|
|||||
Interest
cost
|
3,228
|
3,054
|
|||||
Expected
return on assets
|
(523
|
)
|
(606
|
)
|
|||
Amortization
of unrecognized loss
|
808
|
739
|
|||||
|
|||||||
Net
periodic pension cost
|
$
|
3,513
|
$
|
3,187
|
-16-
NOTE
14
- 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
|
Corporate
|
Eliminations
|
Consolidated
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three months
ended
March 31,
2008
|
Three months
ended
March 31,
2007
|
Three months
ended
March 31,
2008
|
Three months
ended
March 31,
2007
|
Three months
ended
March 31,
2008
|
Three months
ended
March 31,
2007
|
Three months
ended
March 31,
2008
|
Three months
ended
March 31,
2007
|
Three months
ended
March 31,
2008
|
Three months
ended
March 31,
2007
|
Three months
ended
March 31,
2008
|
Three months
ended
March 31,
2007
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
External
revenue
|
$
|
1,667,695
|
$
|
2,058,567
|
$
|
1,731,829
|
$
|
1,182,393
|
$
|
3,399,524
|
$
|
3,240,960
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
3,399,524
|
$
|
3,240,960
|
|||||||||||||
Inter-segment
revenue
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
$
|
1,667,695
|
$
|
2,058,567
|
$
|
1,731,829
|
$
|
1,182,393
|
$
|
3,399,524
|
$
|
3,240,960
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
3,399,524
|
$
|
3,240,960
|
||||||||||||||
Profit
from
Operations
|
$
|
176,323
|
$
|
552,648
|
$
|
549,377
|
$
|
383,403
|
$
|
725,700
|
$
|
936,051
|
$
|
(36,862
|
)
|
$
|
(62,287
|
)
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
688,838
|
$
|
873,764
|
|||||||||||
Capital
expenditures
|
$
|
57,643
|
$
|
5,083
|
$
|
265,760
|
$
|
38,325
|
$
|
323,403
|
$
|
43,408
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
323,403
|
$
|
43,408
|
|||||||||||||
March 31,
2008
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
March 31,
2008
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
March 31,
2008
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
March 31,
2008
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
March 31,
2008
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
|
|
March 31,
2008
|
|
|
December 31,
2007
|
||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
7,770,317
|
$
|
7,495,418
|
$
|
4,459,044
|
$
|
4,063,399
|
$
|
12,229,361
|
$
|
11,558,817
|
$
|
2,950
|
$
|
2,597
|
$
|
(434,919
|
)
|
$
|
(400,129
|
)
|
$
|
11,797,392
|
$
|
11,161,285
|
NOTE
15 - COMMITMENT AND CONTINGENCIES
A.
Lease Commitment
As
of March 31, 2008, the Company’s future minimum lease payments under a
non-cancelable operating lease expiring in excess of one year are as follows:
Years
ending December 31,
|
||||
2009
|
$
|
173,317
|
||
2010
|
124,351
|
|||
2011
|
205,214
|
|||
2012
|
568,930
|
|||
Years
2013 to 2017
|
776,092
|
|||
|
||||
|
$
|
1,847,904
|
B.
Going concern
The
accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Group will
continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and
classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that
may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
This
report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section
21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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,” “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. If one or more of
these
risks or uncertainties materialize, or if 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 SEC including, but not limited to our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. We do not intend
to update these forward-looking statements.
-17-
OVERVIEW
We
are a leading provider in the PRC and Taiwan of English-language instruction
and
educational services to children for whom Chinese is the primary language.
Our
focus is on children between two and twelve years old. In 2007 we taught or
provided educational materials for approximately 1,300,000 students at over
7,430 locations through our franchise and cooperative school
operations.
We
commenced operations in 1986 as an English-language school, and since then
we
have expanded our franchise operations to provide bilingual kindergarten
instruction, computer training, and tutorial services. In September 1999, we
began offering a variety of multimedia, including educational videos, textbooks,
workbooks, and educational software, authored by us as fully functional,
stand-alone products or as supplements to our classroom-based and Internet-based
instruction.
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, commitments 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 in a similar way as sales to our direct customers. We estimate sales
returns and discounts based on historical experience and record them as
reductions to revenues.
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.
-18-
Allowance
for Obsolete Inventories and Lower of Cost or Market. We
write
down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal
to
the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value
based upon assumptions about inventory aging, future demand and market
conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected
by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
Investment
Impairments. We
hold
equity interests in companies having operations in areas within our strategic
focus. We record an investment impairment charge when we believe an investment
has experienced a decline in value that is not temporary. Future adverse changes
in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying investments could
result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the
investments that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying value,
thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.
Fixed
Assets and Depreciation. Our
fixed
assets are stated at cost. Major improvements and betterments to existing
facilities and equipment are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and
repairs that do not extend the life of the applicable asset are charged to
expense as incurred. Buildings are depreciated over a 50-year term. Fixtures
and
equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated
useful lives, which range from two-and-a-half years to ten years.
Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets. We
review
our fixed assets and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events
or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may
not
be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by
a
comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash
flows expected to be generated by the asset over its remaining useful life.
If
such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized
is
measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the
fair value of the assets. The estimate of fair value is generally based on
quoted market prices or on the best available information, including prices
for
similar assets and the results of using other valuation techniques.
As
of March 31, 2008, the balance of our amortizable intangible assets was
$546,962, including franchise-related intangible assets of $222,343 and
copyrights of $130,702. The amortizable intangible assets are amortized on
a
straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of 10 years, and the
balance of goodwill was $193,917, which is amortized on a straight-line basis
over estimated useful lives of five years. In determining the useful lives
and
recoverability of the intangibles, assumptions must be made regarding estimated
future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the assets,
which may not represent the true fair value. If these estimates or their related
assumptions change in the future, there may be significant impact on our results
of operations in the period of the change incurred.
Income
Taxes. We
account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts
of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and tax loss
carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted
tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on
deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
in
income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets
are
subject to valuation allowances based upon management’s estimates of
realizability. Actual results may differ significantly from management’s
estimate.
RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2008 compared to Three Months Ended March 31,
2007
-19-
Total
Net Operating Revenue. Total
net
operating revenue consists of sales of goods, franchising income and other
operating revenue. Total net operating revenues increased by $158,564, or 5%,
to
$3,399,524 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $3,240,960 for
the three months ended March 31, 2007. This was mainly due to the decrease
in sales of goods of $70,049, increase in franchising income of $2,737, and
increase in other operating revenues of $225,876.
Sales
of goods. The
decrease in sales of goods, from $2,434,158 for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 to $2,364,109, or 3%, for the three months ended
March 31, 2008, was mainly due to the decrease in net sales of goods from
our Taiwan operations of $319,104, or 20%, to $1,249,561 for the three months
ended March 31, 2008 from $1,568,665 for the three months ended March 31,
2007 and in the increase in our Shanghai operations of $249,626, or 29%, to
$1,115,119 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $865,493 for the
three
months ended March 31, 2007.
Franchising
income. The
0.5%
increase in franchising income, from $553,492 for the three months ended
March 31, 2007 to $556,229, for the three months ended March 31, 2008,
was mainly due to the increase in franchising income from Shanghai
operations.
Other
operating revenue. 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, fees for designing the school layout of
our
franchised schools, and the tuition from schools. Other operating revenue
increased by $225,876, or 89%, to $479,186 for the three months ended
March 31, 2008 from $253,310 for the three months ended March 31,
2007. The increase was mainly due to operate schools controlled by us in the
PRC.
Gross
Profit. Gross
profit increased by $49,441, or 2%, to $2,224,022 for the three months ended
March 31, 2008 from $2,174,581 for the three months ended March 31,
2007. The increase in Gross Profit was mainly due to the increase in franchising
income and in other operating revenue.
Total
Operating Expenses. Total
operating expenses increased by $234,367, or 18%, to $1,535,184 for the three
months ended March 31, 2008, from $1,300,817 for the three months ended
March 31, 2007. The increase in total operating expenses was mainly due to
increases in expenditures to fund daily operations in our Shanghai operations.
Other
Operating Expenses. Other
operating expenses increased by $230,939, or 18%, to $1,513,671 for the three
months ended March 31, 2008, from $1,282,732 for the three months ended
March 31, 2007.The increase in operating expenses was mainly due to
increases in expenditures to fund daily operations in our Shanghai operations.
Interest
Expenses, Net. Net
interest expenses increased by $1,432, or 7%, to $23,101 for the three months
ended March 31, 2008 from $21,669 for the three months ended March 31,
2007. The increase in net interest expenses was mainly due to the increase
of
the borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared to
the three months ended March 31, 2007. (See Note 11 to our Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.)
Other
Non-operating Income, Net.
Net
other non-operating income decreased by $443, or 0.3%, to $132,158 for the
three
months ended March 31, 2008, from $132,601 for the three months ended March
31,
2007. The decrease in net other non-operating income was mainly due to the
difference in exchange rates between the two periods.
-20-
Provision
for Taxes. Provision
for taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 were $36,897
and $172,942, respectively. These provisions for income taxes relate to income
taxes resulting from our operations in Taiwan.
LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As
of March 31, 2008, our principal sources of liquidity included cash and
bank balances of $1,337,647, which increased $99,435 from the balance of
$1,238,212 at December 31, 2007. The increase was mainly due to the
increase in our net income.
We
have
assertively expanded our business in the PRC. The Shanghai operations have
turned profitable in 2006, and the Group has turned profitable in the first
quarter of 2007. We anticipate continued expansion of the demand for learning
materials and an increase in the number of franchise schools. Furthermore,
we
foresee better utilization of capital and funds as we identify and implement
alternatives for restructuring and refinancing. In order to increase its profit
margin, the Group has operated direct-owned schools beginning since 2007. Due
to
the rapid expansion in our Shanghai operations, the Group foresees additional
need for funds in the near future to facilitate its expansion plans during
2008.
As discussed in Note 11 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,
the
majority of the Group’s existing loans are guaranteed by two directors of the
Group who have expressed their willingness to continue to support the Group
until other sources of funds have been obtained. Moreover, management believes
that, with continuous growth in the sales in the PRC, the existing directors’
support, and the new bank facilities, the Group will have sufficient funds
for
operations. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect
the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets
or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the
outcome of this uncertainty.
Net
cash provided by operating activities was $1,129,858 and $177,083 during the
three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The $952,775
difference was primarily attributed to (i) an increase in notes and accounts
receivable of $531,916 during the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared
to
an increase of notes and accounts receivable of $1,074,483 during the three
months ended March 31, 2007, and (ii) an increase of notes and accounts payable
in the amount of $450,301 during the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared
to a decrease of notes and accounts payable in the amount of $148,526 during
the
three months ended March 31, 2007.
Net
cash used in investing activities was $96,558 during the three months ended
March 31, 2008 and net cash provided by investing activities was $21,117 during
the three months ended March 31, 2007. The $117,675 difference was
primarily attributable to (i) more cash used in the purchase of property and
equipment which constituted a decrease in the amount of $64,757 during the
three
months ended March 31, 2008, compared to a decrease in the amount of
$50,716 during the three months ended March 31, 2007, (ii) cash used in pledged
notes receivable of $26,536 during the three months ended March 31, 2008,
compared to cash provided by pledged notes receivable of $71,831 during the
three months ended March 31, 2007, for a net positive difference in cash of
$98,370.
Net
cash used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31,
2008 was $605,076, as compared to $375,978 during the three months ended
March 31, 2007. The $229,098 difference was primarily attributable to
$573,968 in cash used in repayment of bank borrowings during the three months
ended March 31, 2008, compared to $113,635 used for the same purpose during
the
three months ended March 31, 2007.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
As
of March 31, 2008, we did not engage in any off-balance sheet arrangements
as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
-21-
Bank
Borrowing
One
of our financing sources is from bank borrowings. As of March 31, 2008 and
2007, the balances of bank borrowings, including current and non-current
portions, were $2,549,668 and $2,700,885, respectively.
Pension
Benefit
As
of July 1, 2005, the Group maintains two different retirement plans, according
to the ROC Labor Standard Law, a non-contributory and funded defined
contribution retirement plan (the “New Plan”) covering all regular employees of
KCIT, our subsidiary in Taiwan, and the benefit retirement plan (the “Old Plan”)
which commenced in September 2003, and only applies to the regular employees
of
KCIT who were employed prior to June 2005, as described in Note14 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 $16,735, respectively. We also make defined
contributions to a retirement benefits plan for our employees in the PRC in
accordance with local regulations. The contributions made by us for the three
months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 amounted to $13,755, and $22,085,
respectively.
New
Accounting Pronouncements
See
Note
4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Non-GAAP
Financial Measures
None.
We
are exposed to market risk, including from changes in certain foreign currency
exchange rates and interest rates. All of these market risks arise in the normal
course of business, as we do not engage in speculative trading activities.
We
have not entered into derivative or hedging transactions to manage risk in
connection with such fluctuations.
The
following analysis provides quantitative information regarding our exposure
to
foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk.
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 fiscal year 2008, we have
projected that, if interest rates were to increase by one percent, the result
would be an annual increase in our interest expense of $24,749. 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 subsidiary, KCIT is NT Dollars and the financial records are
maintained and the financial statements are prepared for these entities in
NT
Dollars. The functional currency of KCES and its consolidated
investee, Culture Media and KCEI is RMB and the financial records
are maintained and the financial statements are prepared for these entities
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 do we use such
instruments for speculative purposes. The translation from the applicable local
currency assets and liabilities to the U.S. Dollar is performed using exchange
rates in effect at the balance sheet date except for shareholders’ 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 shareholders’ equity.
-22-
ITEM
4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Conclusion
Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and
Procedures
Pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b) our management has performed an evaluation of
the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. The term disclosure
controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule Rule 13a-15(e) means
controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files
or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and
procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by
an
issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its principal
executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar
functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
Based
on
deficiencies noted by our auditors, problems discovered relating to misuse
of
company funds by a company officer, and other issues noted in our management’s
evaluation our conclusion is that as of March 31, 2008 our disclosure controls
and procedures were ineffective. We
are
taking measures to improve our disclosure controls and procedures, including
instituting a new Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system and engaging an
outside accounting firm to advise the Company with respect to setting up
internal auditing and other controls and procedures. The ERP system is expected
to complete its trial run period by the third fiscal quarter 2008 and become
fully operational thereafter. The operation of the old system is scheduled
to be
terminated by August 31, 2008.
Internal
Control Over Financial Reporting
Our
management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the rules
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the supervision
and
with the participation of our management, including our principal executive
and
financial accounting officer, we have conducted an evaluation of the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
We
recognize that the internal controls and procedures adopted by the Company
were
inadequate and gave rise to misappropriation of funds as disclosed in our
Current
Report on Form
8-K
filed with the SEC on June 23, 2006. Among
other improvements, we began implementing a comprehensive ERP system that will
improve the Company’s internal controls. The ERP system has been fully installed
and the system has been running in parallel with the old system since 2007.
Since the trial-run in January 2007 to the filing date of this current report
Form 10-Q, we have encountered various obstacles that prevented the ERP system
from independently operating on its own. The obstacles, included the proper
training and familiarization of personnel with the ERP system and detecting
enhancements that needed to be made in the ERP system and to resolve such
enhancements and issues that are identified during the course of training and
system trial-runs. As a result, Management now expects the ERP system to be
fully operational in the third fiscal quarter of 2008. The Company believes
that
full implementation of its new ERP System will prevent misappropriation of
funds
by Company employees because the ERP system will perform the following
functions:
-23-
·
|
Maintain
detailed records and produce comprehensive financial statements on
a
periodic basis allowing management to review and detect irregular
financial activities.
|
·
|
Place
different check-points on the progression of ordinary monetary activities
of the business.
|
·
|
Delineate
individual unit/departmental responsibilities and effectively separate
respective departmental transactions so as to avoid intentional
misappropriation of funds from taking place.
|
In
addition to implementing a new ERP system, the following additional
procedures have been
implemented:
|
·
|
All
departments requesting funds must obtain written approval from the
Chief
Executive Officer or the Chairman of the Board before the accounting
department may commence processing payments.
|
·
|
All
fund transfer applications must be approved by the applicable department
supervisor prior to the application may be processed. No one can
authorize
their own application. This is applicable to all staff including
staff at
the managerial level.
|
·
|
Fund
transfer applications in the PRC must additionally be approved by
the
headquarters in Taiwan.
|
·
|
All
fund transfer applications must be accompanied by supporting
documentation, such as a copy of the relevant contract copy of the
relevant invoice or stock pre-payment statement.
|
·
|
Stock
purchases require the approval of the supervisor or manager of the
relevant department, the approval of the accounts department, and
a stock
receipt and suppliers’ certification. Finally the application must be
approved by the Chairman of the Board prior to any release of funds.
|
·
|
All
pre-payments must be tracked by the fund applicant and the payments
must
be cleared within the month of payment or in accordance with the
date
stipulated in the relevant contract.
|
The
Company recognizes that the internal controls and procedures were inadequate;
it
is assertively attending to the inadequacy and believes that implementation
of
all of the foregoing procedures will significantly strengthen the Company’s
internal financial controls and procedures.
We
have
no material pending legal proceedings.
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS
In
addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully
consider the factors discussed in Part 1, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which
could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.
We
caution the reader that these risk factors may not be exhaustive. We operate
in
a continually changing business environment and new risk facts emerge from
time
to time. Management cannot predict such new risk factors, nor can we assess
the
impact, if any, of such new risk factors on our business or the extent to which
any factor, or combination of factors, may impact our business. There have
not
been any material changes during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 from the
risk
factors disclosed in the above-mentioned Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2007.
-24-
ITEM
2. UNREGISTERED
SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
None.
None.
None.
A.
|
Exhibits
|
|
31.1
|
Rule 13a-14(a)
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
|
|
31.2
|
Rule 13a-14(a)
Certification of Principal Financial Officer
|
|
32.1
|
Section 1350
Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial
Officer
|
-25-
In
accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant caused
this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Dated:
May 13, 2008
By:
|
/s/
Suang-Yi Pai
|
|
|
Name:
|
Suang-Yi
Pai
|
|
Title:
|
Chief
Financial Officer
|
-26-