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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2018
Registration No. 333-227063
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
FORM F-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Viomi Technology Co., Ltd
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
Cayman Islands
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
3630
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
Not Applicable
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
Wansheng Square, Rm 1302 Tower C, Xingang East Road, Haizhu District
Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220
People's Republic of China
+86 20 8930 9496
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)
CT Corporation System
111 Eighth Avenue
New York, New York 10011
(212) 590-9070
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of agent for service)
Copies to: | ||||
Z. Julie Gao, Esq . Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP c/o 42/F, Edinburgh Tower, The Landmark 15 Queen's Road Central Hong Kong +852 3740-4700 |
|
Haiping Li, Esq. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP JingAn Kerry Centre, Tower II 46th Floor 1539 Nanjing West Road Shanghai, the People's Republic of China +86 21 6193-8200 |
|
Shuang Zhao, Esq. Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP c/o 37th Floor, Hysan Place 500 Hennessy Road Causeway Bay, Hong Kong +852 2521-4122 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
as soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. o
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.
Emerging growth company ý
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ý
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
|
||||||||
Title of each class of securities
to be registered |
Amount to be
registered (2)(3) |
Proposed
maximum offering price per share (3) |
Proposed
maximum aggregate offering price (3) |
Amount of
registration fee (4) |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.00001 per share (1) |
39,330,000 | US$3.67 | US$144,210,000 | US$17,954.15 | ||||
|
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PROSPECTUS (Subject to Completion)
Issued September 11, 2018.
11,400,000 American Depositary Shares
Viomi Technology Co., Ltd
Representing 34,200,000 Class A Ordinary Shares
Viomi Technology Co., Ltd is offering 11,400,000 American depositary shares, or ADSs. This is our initial public offering and no public market currently exists for our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares. Each ADS represents three of our Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.00001 per share. It is currently estimated that the initial public offering price per ADS will be between US$9.00 and US$11.00.
We have applied for the listing of our ADSs on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "VIOT."
We are an "emerging growth company" under applicable U.S. federal securities laws and are eligible for reduced public company reporting requirements.
Upon the completion of this offering, our outstanding share capital will consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, and different voting powers will be assigned to those shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. Each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to ten votes and is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Our founder, Mr. Xiaoping Chen, certain of our employees and Xiaomi, will beneficially own all of our issued Class B ordinary shares. These Class B ordinary shares and the Class B ordinary shares beneficially owned by Mr. Xiaoping Chen will constitute approximately 56.6% and 40.3%, respectively, of our total issued and outstanding share capital immediately after the completion of this offering and 92.9% and 66.2%, respectively, of the aggregate voting power of our total issued and outstanding share capital immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option. See "Principal Shareholders."
Investing in our ADSs involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 17.
PRICE US$ PER ADS
|
Price to
Public |
Underwriting
Discounts and Commissions |
Proceeds to us
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Per ADS |
US$ | US$ | US$ | |||
Total |
US$ | US$ | US$ |
We have granted the underwriters the right to purchase up to an additional 1,710,000 ADSs to cover over-allotments at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.
Neither the United States Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities, or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs to purchasers on , 2018.
MORGAN STANLEY |
CICC | |
Needham & Company
|
, 2018.
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any related free writing prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus or in any related free writing prospectus. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy the ADSs, only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of the ADSs.
We have not taken any action to permit a public offering of the ADSs outside the United States or to permit the possession or distribution of this prospectus outside the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about and observe any restrictions relating to the offering of the ADSs and the distribution of the prospectus outside the United States.
Until , 2018 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade ADSs, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
i
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to this summary, we urge you to read the entire prospectus carefully, especially the risks of investing in our ADSs discussed under "Risk Factors," before deciding whether to invest in our ADSs. This prospectus contains information from an industry report commissioned by us and prepared by iResearch, an independent research firm, to provide information regarding our industry and our market position in China. We refer to this report as the "iResearch Report."
Our Mission
IoT @ Home: Redefining the future home.
Overview
We have developed a unique IoT @ Home platform, consisting of an ecosystem of innovative IoT-enabled smart home products, or IoT products, together with a suite of complementary consumable products and value-added businesses. This platform provides an attractive entry point into the consumer home, enabling consumers to intelligently interact with a broad portfolio of IoT products in an intuitive and human-like manner to make daily life more convenient, efficient and enjoyable, while allowing us to grow our household user base and capture various additional scenario-driven consumption events in the home environment. As of June 30, 2018, our IoT @ Home platform had over 1.2 million household users.
Powered by advanced artificial intelligence, or AI, proprietary software and data analytics systems, our IoT @ Home platform generates extensive and deep consumer behavior data and insights, enabling us to continue to enhance our products and offer additional bespoke value-added businesses over time.
Xiaomi is our strategic partner, shareholder and customer. Our strategic partnership with Xiaomi gives us access to Xiaomi's ecosystem users, market and data resources and related support. Meanwhile, our strong research and development capabilities and innovative products and services also enrich Xiaomi's suite of offerings, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship between Xiaomi and us.
Market Opportunity and Key Industry Trends
Our addressable market consists of China's broader home appliances industry, which is large and relatively mature, though still growing at a steady pace. According to the iResearch Report, China's home appliances market reached approximately RMB800.5 billion (US$121.0 billion) in terms of retail sales in 2017, having grown at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2013 to 2017, and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2017 to 2022 to reach RMB1,167.9 billion (US$176.5 billion) by 2022. Enabled by the proliferation of mobile technology and advancements in AI, IoT-enabled smart home products are rapidly gaining popularity in China. According to the iResearch Report, the market for IoT-enabled smart home products in China, a subset of the broader home appliances market, reached RMB345.6 billion (US$52.2 billion) in terms of retail sales in 2017, having grown at a CAGR of 26.5% from 2013 to 2017. Despite this recent rapid growth, significant room for growth is expected in this market. According to the iResearch Report, this market is estimated to continue its robust growth at a CAGR of 20.1% from 2017 to 2022 to reach RMB865.2 billion by 2022 in terms of retail sales, with the household penetration rate for IoT-enabled smart home products, excluding other smart products, in China increasing from 35.8% in 2017 to 59.0% by 2022.
There are powerful industry and consumer trends driving the increased adoption of IoT-enabled smart home products in China, including:
1
Our Business Model and Value Propositions
We operate a highly scalable business model based on three key pillars: (i) our IoT products; (ii) complementary consumable products and value-added businesses ecosystem; and (iii) a factory-to-consumer, or F2C, new retail sales strategy. Our solutions offer consumers the following value propositions:
We have experienced significant growth since our inception, largely driven by increasing brand recognition, new product launches, strong product sales, and increasing receptiveness towards and adoption of smart home AI and IoT technology in China. Our number of household users increased by close to 10 times from approximately 113 thousand as of March 31, 2016 to over 1.2 million as of June 30, 2018, with the number of IoT products shipped increasing by 212.3% from approximately 382 thousand units in 2016 to approximately 1.2 million units in 2017. Our net revenues increased by 179.4% from RMB312.6 million in 2016 to RMB873.2 million (US$132.0 million) in 2017. Our net revenues increased by 284.4% from RMB270.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB1,040.2 million (US$157.2 million) for the same period of 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, revenues generated from our sales to Xiaomi were RMB299.8 million, RMB739.5 million (US$111.8 million) and RMB651.5 million (US$98.5 million), primarily consisting of sales of Xiaomi-branded IoT-enabled smart water purification systems as well as other complementary products such as water purifier filters, kettles and water quality meters, representing 95.9%, 84.7% and 62.6% of our total net revenues during such periods, respectively. In recent years, we have made significant efforts to ramp-up sales of Viomi-branded products, especially IoT products, through new product development and the introduction of new product categories. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, revenues generated from sales of Viomi-branded products and others were RMB32.1 million, RMB218.3 million (US$33.0 million) and RMB475.7 million (US$71.9 million), representing 10.3%, 25.0% and 45.7% of our total net revenues during such periods, respectively. Our net income increased by 473.5% from RMB16.3 million in 2016 to RMB93.2 million (US$14.1 million) in 2017. Our net income increased by 271.5% from RMB18.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB70.3 million (US$10.6 million) for the same period of 2018.
Our Strengths
We believe the following competitive strengths contribute to our success and differ us from our competitors:
2
Our Strategies
We intend to achieve our mission and strengthen our market position through successful execution of the key elements of our growth strategies, which include:
Our Challenges
Our business and the successful execution of our strategies are subject to various challenges, risks and uncertainties, including those related to our ability to:
Corporate History and Structure
We commenced our operations in May 2014 through Foshan Yunmi Electric Appliances Technology Co., Ltd, or Foshan Viomi, a PRC domestic company, to develop, manufacture and sell IoT products including smart water purification systems.
In January 2015, we incorporated Viomi Technology Co., Ltd as our offshore holding company in order to facilitate foreign investment in our company. Subsequently, we established Viomi HK Technology Co., Limited, or Viomi HK, as our intermediate holding company, which in turn established a wholly-owned PRC subsidiary, Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., or Lequan Technology or our WFOE, in April 2015.
3
In January 2015, we formed a PRC domestic company, Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd, or Beijing Viomi, to develop and manage our big data, software and product design. In July 2015, we obtained control over Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi by entering into a series of contractual arrangements with them and their respective shareholders. In September 2018, we entered into a series of contractual arrangements in substantially the same forms with Foshan Viomi and its current shareholder to reflect reduction in its registered capital and change in shareholding structure. We collectively refer to Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi as our VIEs in this prospectus. We use contractual arrangements with VIEs due to PRC restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of internet and other related businesses in China. Although our provision of e-commerce services falls within the permitted category according to the Negative List (as defined elsewhere in this prospectus) that took effect on July 28, 2018, foreign investments in this business are still restricted by other qualifications and requirements under related regulations in China. In 2016 and 2017, we derived virtually all of our revenues from our VIEs. We rely on dividends and other distributions paid to us by our WFOE, which in turn depends on the service fees that our VIEs pay to our WFOE. Our WFOE has the sole discretion to receive from each of our VIEs an annual service fee at an amount up to 100% of the respective VIE's annual net income. In addition, our WFOE is entitled to receive certain fees for other technical services at the amount mutually agreed upon by our WFOE and the respective VIE. Our WFOE did not collect any service fees from our VIEs in the last two fiscal years, and will make discretionary determinations on the amount of fees to collect based on the performance of our VIEs and our business needs going forward. We do not have unfettered access to our WFOE and VIEs' revenues due to PRC legal restrictions on the payment of dividends by PRC companies, foreign exchange control restrictions, and the restrictions on foreign investment, among others. For more details and risks related to our variable interest entity structure, please see "Corporate History and StructureContractual Arrangements with Our VIEs and Their Shareholders" and "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Corporate Structure."
As a result of our direct ownership in our WFOE and the contractual arrangements with the VIEs, we are regarded as the primary beneficiary of our VIEs, and we treat them as our consolidated affiliated entities under U.S. GAAP. We have consolidated the financial results of our VIEs in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
4
The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our significant subsidiaries and VIEs as of the date of this prospectus:
Notes:
5
The following diagram illustrates our anticipated corporate structure, including our significant subsidiaries and VIEs, upon the completion of this offering:
Notes:
6
Implication of Being an Emerging Growth Company
As a company with less than US$1.07 billion in revenues for fiscal year 2017, we qualify as an "emerging growth company" pursuant to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended, or the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements compared to those that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in the assessment of the emerging growth company's internal control over financial reporting. The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. However, we have elected to "opt out" of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted for public companies. This decision to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act is irrevocable.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (a) the last day of the fiscal year during which we have total annual gross revenues of at least US$1.07 billion; (b) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering; (c) the date on which we have, during the preceding three-year period, issued more than US$1.0 billion in non-convertible debt; or (d) the date on which we are deemed to be a "large accelerated filer" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our ADSs that are held by non-affiliates exceeds US$700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter. Once we cease to be an emerging growth company, we will not be entitled to the exemptions provided in the JOBS Act discussed above.
Corporate Information
Our principal executive offices are located at Wansheng Square, Rm 1302 Tower C, Xingang East Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, People's Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address is +86 20 8930 9496. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at offices of Maples Corporate Services Limited at PO Box 309 Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands.
Investors should submit any inquiries to the address and telephone number of our principal executive offices. Our main website is www.viomi.com.cn . The information contained on our website is not a part of this prospectus. Our agent for service of process in the United States is CT Corporation System, located at 111 Eighth Avenue, 13 th Floor, New York, New York 10011.
Conventions that Apply to this Prospectus
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to:
7
Unless the context indicates otherwise, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option.
8
Offering price |
We currently estimate that the initial public offering price will be between US$9.00 and US$11.00 per ADS. | |
ADSs offered by us |
11,400,000 ADSs (or 13,110,000 ADSs if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full). |
|
ADSs outstanding immediately after this offering |
11,400,000 ADSs (or 13,110,000 ADSs if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) |
|
Ordinary shares outstanding immediately after this offering |
90,200,000 Class A ordinary shares and 117,600,000 Class B ordinary shares (or 95,330,000 Class A ordinary shares and 117,600,000 Class B ordinary shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full). |
|
The ADSs |
Each ADS represents three Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.00001 per share. |
|
|
The depositary will hold Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. You will have rights as provided in the deposit agreement among us, the depositary and holders and beneficial owners of ADSs from time to time. |
|
|
We do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. If, however, we declare dividends on our Class A ordinary shares, the depositary will pay you the cash dividends and other distributions it receives on our Class A ordinary shares after deducting its fees and expenses in accordance with the terms set forth in the deposit agreement. |
|
|
You may surrender your ADSs to the depositary in exchange for Class A ordinary shares. The depositary will charge you fees for any exchange. |
|
|
We may amend or terminate the deposit agreement without your consent. If you continue to hold your ADSs after an amendment to the deposit agreement, you agree to be bound by the deposit agreement as amended. |
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To better understand the terms of the ADSs, you should carefully read the "Description of American Depositary Shares" section of this prospectus. You should also read the deposit agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus. |
9
Ordinary Shares |
Immediately prior to this offering, our ordinary shares will comprise 56,000,000 Class A ordinary shares and 117,600,000 Class B ordinary shares. In respect of all matters subject to a shareholder vote, each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to ten (10) votes, voting together as one class. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any transfer of Class B ordinary shares by a holder to any person or entity other than holders of Class B ordinary shares or their affiliates, such Class B ordinary shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into the equivalent number of Class A ordinary shares. See "Description of Share Capital" for more information. |
|
Over-allotment option |
We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable within 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,710,000 additional ADSs at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. |
|
Use of proceeds |
We expect that we will receive net proceeds of approximately US$102.2 million from this offering, assuming an initial public offering price of US$10.00 per ADS, which is the midpoint of the estimated range of the initial public offering price, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
|
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We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for (i) research and development of products, services and technologies, (ii) selling and marketing initiatives, (iii) potential strategic investments and acquisitions along our product value chain, and (iv) general corporate purposes. See "Use of Proceeds" for more information. |
|
Lock-up |
We, our directors, executive officers, and all of our existing shareholders have agreed with the underwriters not to sell, transfer or dispose of any ADSs, ordinary shares or similar securities for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, we have agreed to instruct the depositary not to accept any shares for deposit for the issuance of ADSs for 180 days after the date of this prospectus (other than in connection with this offering), without prior written consent from the representatives of the underwriters. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and "Underwriting." |
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Directed ADS Program |
At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to an aggregate of 570,000 ADSs offered in this offering to some of our directors, officers, employees, business associates and related persons through a directed ADS program. |
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Listing |
We have applied to have the ADSs listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq") under the symbol "VIOT." Our ADSs and shares will not be listed on any other stock exchange or traded on any automated quotation system. |
10
Payment and settlement |
The underwriters expect to deliver the ADSs against payment therefor through the facilities of the Depositary Trust Company on , 2018. |
|
Depositary |
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas |
11
Summary Consolidated Financial and Operating Data
The following summary consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The following summary consolidated financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2017, and 2018 and as of June 30, 2018 are derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results expected for future periods. You should read this Summary Consolidated Financial and Operating Data section together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this prospectus.
12
The following table presents our summary consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.
|
For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Summary Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income Data: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues (1) |
312,574 | 873,219 | 131,964 | 270,625 | 1,040,179 | 157,196 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
(232,544 | ) | (598,036 | ) | (90,377 | ) | (190,461 | ) | (750,630 | ) | (113,438 | ) | |||||||
Gross profit |
80,030 | 275,183 | 41,587 | 80,164 | 289,549 | 43,758 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses (2) : |
|||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses (2) |
(29,926 | ) | (60,749 | ) | (9,181 | ) | (22,177 | ) | (49,047 | ) | (7,412 | ) | |||||||
Selling and marketing expenses (2) |
(20,929 | ) | (95,296 | ) | (14,401 | ) | (32,422 | ) | (146,589 | ) | (22,153 | ) | |||||||
General and administrative expenses (2) |
(14,386 | ) | (15,818 | ) | (2,390 | ) | (5,869 | ) | (14,837 | ) | (2,242 | ) | |||||||
Total operating expenses |
(65,241 | ) | (171,863 | ) | (25,972 | ) | (60,468 | ) | (210,473 | ) | (31,807 | ) | |||||||
Other (expenses) income |
(481 | ) | 2,236 | 338 | 1,866 | 148 | 22 | ||||||||||||
Income from operations |
14,308 | 105,556 | 15,953 | 21,562 | 79,224 | 11,973 | |||||||||||||
Interest (expenses) income |
(296 | ) | 2,402 | 363 | 926 | 2,659 | 402 | ||||||||||||
Income before income tax benefit (expenses) |
14,012 | 107,958 | 16,316 | 22,488 | 81,883 | 12,375 | |||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expenses) |
2,247 | (14,718 | ) | (2,224 | ) | (3,569 | ) | (11,592 | ) | (1,753 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
16,259 | 93,240 | 14,092 | 18,919 | 70,291 | 10,622 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income attributable to Viomi Technology Co., Ltd (the "Company") |
16,259 | 93,240 | 14,092 | 18,919 | 70,291 | 10,622 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company |
(3,453 | ) | 8,033 | 1,214 | 776 | 2,830 | 428 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company: |
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Net (loss) income per ordinary sharebasic |
(0.28 | ) | 0.39 | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.11 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) income per ordinary sharediluted |
(0.28 | ) | 0.31 | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.09 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net (loss) income per share: |
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Ordinary sharesbasic |
12,230,136 | 20,684,681 | 20,684,681 | 16,909,090 | 24,919,286 | 24,919,286 | |||||||||||||
Ordinary sharesdiluted |
12,230,136 | 25,579,806 | 25,579,806 | 21,557,912 | 31,434,510 | 31,434,510 |
Notes:
13
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
For the six months
ended June 30, |
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2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||
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RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
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(in thousands)
|
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General and administrative expenses |
6,863 | 3,303 | 499 | 2,244 | 986 | 149 | |||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
3,464 | 1,903 | 288 | 1,492 | 4,228 | 639 | |||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
251 | 615 | 93 | 333 | 2,560 | 387 |
The following table presents our summary consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018.
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As of December 31, | As of June 30, | ||||||||||||||
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|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
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RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||
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(in thousands)
|
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Summary Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
156,930 | 279,952 | 42,307 | 256,952 | 38,832 | |||||||||||
Amounts receivable from a related party, net |
45,021 | 249,548 | 37,713 | 333,731 | 50,435 | |||||||||||
Total current assets |
276,166 | 665,431 | 100,563 | 1,002,885 | 151,560 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets |
281,945 | 671,565 | 101,490 | 1,016,855 | 153,671 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
136,886 | 432,385 | 65,345 | 697,287 | 105,376 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
136,886 | 432,845 | 65,415 | 697,463 | 105,403 | |||||||||||
Total mezzanine equity |
423,999 | 407,928 | 61,647 | 417,556 | 63,103 | |||||||||||
Total shareholders' deficit |
(278,940 | ) | (169,208 | ) | (25,572 | ) | (98,164 | ) | (14,835 | ) | ||||||
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The following table presents our summary consolidated cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.
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For the year ended
December 31, |
For the six months ended
June 30, |
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|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Summary Consolidated Cash Flow Data: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
15,499 | 123,906 | 18,725 | 7,737 | (17,880 | ) | (2,700 | ) | |||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(1,609 | ) | (1,234 | ) | (186 | ) | (245 | ) | 25,336 | 3,828 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
12,999 | 2,671 | 404 | | (34,195 | ) | (5,168 | ) | |||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
2,913 | (2,321 | ) | (351 | ) | (947 | ) | 3,739 | 565 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
29,802 | 123,022 | 18,592 | 6,545 | (23,000 | ) | (3,475 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year/period |
127,128 | 156,930 | 23,715 | 156,930 | 279,952 | 42,307 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year/period |
156,930 | 279,952 | 42,307 | 163,475 | 256,952 | 38,832 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following table sets forth the breakdown of our net revenues by business line both as an absolute amount and as a proportion of total net revenues for the periods indicated.
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For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IoT-enabled smart home products |
273,282 | 87.4 | 712,317 | 107,648 | 81.6 | 232,687 | 86.0 | 828,212 | 125,163 | 79.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart water purification systems |
250,442 | 80.1 | 570,784 | 86,259 | 65.4 | 194,005 | 71.7 | 432,443 | 65,353 | 41.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart kitchen products |
| | 50,656 | 7,655 | 5.8 | 3,299 | 1.2 | 285,595 | 43,160 | 27.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other smart products |
22,840 | 7.3 | 90,877 | 13,734 | 10.4 | 35,383 | 13.1 | 110,174 | 16,650 | 10.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Consumable products |
19,376 | 6.2 | 87,500 | 13,223 | 10.0 | 26,944 | 10.0 | 87,610 | 13,240 | 8.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Value-added businesses (1) |
19,916 | 6.4 | 73,402 | 11,093 | 8.4 | 10,994 | 4.0 | 124,357 | 18,793 | 12.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
312,574 | 100.0 | 873,219 | 131,964 | 100.0 | 270,625 | 100.0 | 1,040,179 | 157,196 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note:
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The following table presents our gross profit and gross profit margin by business line for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.
|
For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit and gross profit margin: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IoT-enabled smart home products |
66,603 | 24.4 | 212,578 | 32,126 | 29.8 | 66,457 | 28.6 | 221,389 | 33,457 | 26.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart water purification systems |
58,594 | 23.4 | 170,996 | 25,842 | 30.0 | 55,561 | 28.6 | 143,500 | 21,686 | 33.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart kitchen products |
| | 15,669 | 2,368 | 30.9 | 595 | 18.0 | 48,633 | 7,350 | 17.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other smart products |
8,009 | 35.1 | 25,913 | 3,916 | 28.5 | 10,301 | 29.1 | 29,256 | 4,421 | 26.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Consumable products |
8,732 | 45.1 | 39,377 | 5,951 | 45.0 | 12,727 | 47.2 | 43,773 | 6.615 | 50.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Value-added businesses |
4,695 | 23.6 | 23,228 | 3,510 | 31.6 | 980 | 8.9 | 24,387 | 3,686 | 19.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
80,030 | 25.6 | 275,183 | 41,587 | 31.5 | 80,164 | 29.6 | 289,549 | 43,758 | 27.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following table presents certain of our operating data as of the dates or for the periods indicated.
|
As of December 31, |
As of
June 30, |
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|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
Selected Operating Data: |
||||||||||
Household users (1) |
348,084 | 894,078 | 1,222,336 |
|
For the year
ended December 31, |
For the
six months ended June 30, |
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|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
IoT products shipped (2) |
382,479 | 1,194,659 | 1,245,564 |
Notes:
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An investment in our ADSs involves significant risks. You should consider carefully all of the information in this prospectus, including the risks and uncertainties described below, before making an investment in our ADSs. Any of the following risks could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In any such case, the market price of our ADSs could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
We operate in highly competitive markets, and the scale and resources of some of our competitors may allow them to compete more effectively than we can, which could result in a loss of our market share and a decrease in our net revenues and profitability.
We have developed an IoT @ Home platform consisting of an ecosystem of IoT-enabled smart home products, complementary consumable products and value-added businesses. We face intense competition from other smart home solution providers, internet companies, and traditional home appliances companies. We also face regional competition from local brands in the various geographies where our products are sold. We compete in various aspects, including brand recognition, value for money, user experience, breadth of product and service offerings, product functionality and quality, sales and distribution, supply chain management, customer loyalty, and talents, among others. Intensified competition may result in pricing pressures and reduced profitability and may impede our ability to achieve sustainable growth in our revenues or cause us to lose market share. Our competitors may also engage in aggressive and negative marketing or public relations strategies which may harm our reputation and increase our marketing expenses. Any of these results could substantially harm our results of operations.
Some of our existing and potential competitors enjoy substantial competitive advantages, including: longer operating history, the capability to leverage their sales efforts and marketing expenditures across a broader portfolio of products, more established relationships with a larger number of suppliers, contract manufacturers and channel partners, access to larger and broader user bases, greater brand recognition, greater financial, research and development, marketing, distribution and other resources, more resources to make investments and acquisitions, larger intellectual property portfolios, and the ability to bundle competitive offerings with other products and services. We cannot assure you that we will compete with them successfully.
As we continue to grow, we may not be able to effectively manage our growth and the increased complexity of our business, which could negatively impact our brand and financial performance.
Since our founding in May 2014, we have experienced rapid growth. Continued growth of our business and household user base requires us to expand our product portfolio, strengthen our brand recognition, expand and enhance our sales channels, better manage our supply chain, upgrade our information systems and technologies, secure more space for our expanding workforce, and devote other resources to our business expansions, among others. As we continue to grow, managing our business will become more complicated as we develop a wider product and service mix, some of which we may have less experience in. In addition, as we increase our product and service offerings, we will need to work with a larger number of business partners and maintain and expand mutually beneficial relationships with our existing and new business partners.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to effectively manage our growth, that our current personnel, infrastructure, systems, procedures and controls or any measures to enhance them will be adequate and successful to support our expanding operations or that our strategies and new business initiatives will be executed successfully. If we are not able to manage our growth or execute our strategies effectively, our expansion may not be successful and our business and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
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We have experienced certain operating difficulties in the past in ramping up certain of our contract manufacturers' production in a timely manner to meet the increasing demand and purchase orders from our customers. As we continue to expand, we may experience similar difficulties if we are unable to manage our growth, which may adversely affect our reputation and results of operations.
We have a limited operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our future prospects.
We were established in May 2014 and launched our first product in 2015. As we only have a limited history of operating our business at its current scale, it is difficult to evaluate our future prospects, including our ability to plan for our future growth. Our limited operating experience, substantial uncertainty concerning how the IoT-enabled smart home market in China may develop, and other economic factors beyond our control, may reduce our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products and accordingly, our quarterly or annual revenues. As such, any predictions about our future revenues and expenses may not be as accurate as they would be if we had a longer operating history or operated in a more developed and predictable market.
Xiaomi is our strategic partner and our most important customer. Any deterioration of our relationship with Xiaomi could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
Xiaomi is our strategic partner and our most important customer. We sell a wide range of products to Xiaomi, including Xiaomi-branded water purification systems, water purifier filters, as well as other complementary products such as kettles and water quality meters. We may discuss with Xiaomi to expand the product categories that we collaborate with Xiaomi on, which may lead to increase of revenues from Xiaomi, but there is no assurance that such discussion and expansion of cooperation will materialize. Historically, we recorded RMB299.8 million, RMB739.5 million (US$111.8 million) and RMB651.5 million (US$98.5 million) in net revenues from sales to Xiaomi in 2016, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, which represented 95.9%, 84.7% and 62.6% of our total net revenues during such periods respectively. We recover all our production costs when we sell our products to Xiaomi, and are additionally entitled to a portion of the respective gross profit when Xiaomi sells these products to end-users. Various reasons may lead to Xiaomi's failure to sell these products, many of which are not within our control, including those related to Xiaomi but unrelated to the products we produced and risks that we could not preempt or prevent with commercially reasonable efforts.
The sales of our products to Xiaomi are governed by a business cooperation agreement, which will be automatically renewed upon the expiration of the current term in August 2019, unless objected by a party at least 30 days prior to the expiration date. We also sell our own Viomi-branded products through Xiaomi's e-commerce platform, Youpin.mi.com , directly to consumers, pursuant to a commission sales agreement with Xiaomi, which will expire on December 31, 2018 with no automatic renewal provision. We will initiate good faith negotiations with Xiaomi to renew the agreement near the end of the term. In the past, we successfully replaced a commission sales agreement with Xiaomi for sales through the predecessor of Youpin.mi.com that expired on December 31, 2017 with the current Youpin commission sales agreement. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to renew the business cooperation agreement or the commission sales agreement, or on the same or more favorable terms. In addition, both agreements are subject to early termination by Xiaomi under certain circumstances. For more details of the agreements with Xiaomi, including conditions for early termination, please see the section titled "Related Party TransactionsOur Relationship with Xiaomi." If, for any reason, we cannot maintain our cooperation relationship with Xiaomi or Xiaomi significantly reduces or ceases purchases from us, our business and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Furthermore, Xiaomi sells a broad spectrum of electronic products, including our Xiaomi-branded and our self-branded products, as well as products unrelated to us through its various sales channels. We cannot assure you that our products can always receive the same level of attention and promotion efforts from Xiaomi thus far. If Xiaomi dedicates less resources to promoting and selling our products or
18
introduces products that compete with ours, our net revenues may decrease as well. Negative publicity related to Xiaomi, including products offered by Xiaomi unrelated to us, the celebrities Xiaomi are associated with, or even the labor policies or environmental issues of any of Xiaomi's suppliers or manufacturers, may also have a material adverse effect on the sales of our products and public recognition of our brand.
Xiaomi is also a shareholder of our Company. Xiaomi is a public company listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. When exercising its rights as our shareholder, Xiaomi may take into account not only the interests of our Company and our other shareholders but also its own interests, the interests of its public shareholders and the interests of its other affiliates. The interests of our Company and our other shareholders may at times conflict with the interests of Xiaomi and its public shareholders and other affiliates. Such conflicts may result in losing business opportunities for us, including opportunities to enter into lines of business that may overlap with those pursued by Xiaomi or the companies within its ecosystem. Currently, we do not have any formal processes to address such conflicts.
Our future success depends on our ability to promote our brand and protect our reputation. Our failure to establish and promote our brand and any damage to our reputation will hinder our growth.
We utilize a number of marketing initiatives to promote our brand. For example, we have engaged a popular Chinese celebrity (Ms. Mi Yang) as our brand ambassador. We have sponsored popular TV shows in China such as Negotiator , Who's the Detective , and Come Sing With Me , to help display and demonstrate our IoT products. We also actively participate in a variety of online and offline marketing events, such as the "Singles' Day" and "Double Twelve" shopping festivals. We believe our strategy to enhance our brand recognition is crucial to our future success. We have invested, and will need to continue to dedicate, significant time, efforts and resources to advertising and market promotion initiatives. Our sales and marketing expenses were RMB146.6 million (US$22.2 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018, representing 14.1% of our net revenues, a substantial increase from the same period of 2017. We may need to devote an even greater portion of our resources to continue to strengthen our brand recognition and build our user base, which may impact our profitability. We cannot guarantee that our marketing efforts will ultimately be successful, as it is affected by numerous factors, including the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns, our ability to provide consistent, high quality products and services, consumers' satisfaction with our products, as well as supports and services we provide, among others.
In addition, any negative publicity related to our brand, products, contract manufacturers, suppliers, distribution partners, strategic partners, such as Xiaomi, third-party ecosystem partners, or celebrities we are associated with could have an adverse impact on our brand, which may negatively affect our business and results of operations.
If we fail to successfully develop and commercialize new products, services and technologies that are well received by consumers in a timely manner, our operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
Our ability to compete successfully depends in large part on our ability to continue to introduce new and innovative products, services and technologies that are well received by consumers and in a timely manner, and in turn, grow our household user base.
Our ability to roll out new and innovative products and services depends on a number of factors, including significant investments in research and development, quality control of our products and services and effective management of our supply chain. The execution of such initiatives can be complex and costly. As such, we could experience delays in completing the development and introduction of new products, services and technologies in the future. We may need to devote an even greater portion of our resources to the research and development of new or enhanced products, services and technologies, which may adversely affect our profitability. In addition, our research and development efforts may not yield the benefits we expect to achieve in a timely manner, or at all. To the extent we are unable to execute our
19
strategy of continuously introducing new and innovative products, diversifying our product portfolio and satisfying consumers' changing preferences, we may not be able to grow our household user base and our competitive position and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Our expansion into new product categories and scenarios, and substantial increases in product lines may expose us to new challenges and more risks.
We strive to continue to expand and diversify our IoT-enabled smart home product offerings to cover additional scenarios in the home environment. Expanding into new product categories and scenarios and substantially increasing our product lines involve new risks and challenges. Our potential lack of familiarity with new products and scenarios and the lack of relevant customer data relating to these products may make it more difficult for us to anticipate user demand and preferences. We may misjudge market demand, resulting in inventory buildup and possible inventory write-downs. We may not be able to effectively control our costs and expenses in rolling out these new product categories and scenarios. We may have certain quality issues and experience higher return rates on new products, receive more customer complaints and face costly product liability claims, such as injury allegedly or actually caused by our products, which would harm our brand and reputation as well as our financial performance.
Furthermore, we may need to price our new products more aggressively to penetrate new markets, and gain market share or remain competitive. It may be difficult for us to achieve profitability in the new product categories and our profit margin, if any, may be lower than we anticipate, which would adversely affect our overall profitability and results of operations.
We operate in the emerging and evolving IoT-enabled smart home products market in China, which may develop more slowly or differently than we expect. If the IoT-enabled smart home products market does not grow as we expect, or if we cannot expand our products and services to meet consumer demands, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
The IoT-enabled smart home products market in China has experienced rapid growth in recent years. However, the growth rate may decrease due to uncertainties with respect to China's macro-economy, disposable income growth, the acceptance of IoT technology and products, and pace of development of technologies and other factors. Furthermore, the IoT-enabled smart home products market is constantly evolving, and it is uncertain whether our products and services will achieve and sustain high levels of demand and market acceptance. Our ability to expand the sales of our IoT products to a broader consumer base depends on several factors, including Chinese consumers' receptiveness towards and adoption of smart home AI and IoT technology, the market awareness of our brand, the timely introduction and market acceptance of our products and services, the network effects of our products and services, our ability to attract, retain and effectively train sales and marketing personnel, the effectiveness of our marketing programs, our ability to develop effective relationships with distribution partners and expand our network of offline experience stores, the cost and functionality of our products and services and the success of our competitors. If we are unsuccessful in developing and marketing our IoT products to consumers, or if these consumers do not perceive or value the benefits of our holistic IoT @ Home approach, the market for our products and services may not continue to develop or may develop more slowly than we expect, either of which would adversely affect our profitability and growth prospects.
If our user engagement ceases to grow or declines, our business and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
User engagement is important to our business model, as we utilize the data generated through users' interaction with our products to enhance algorithms and data analytics capabilities of our software so as to deliver a better user experience. In addition, our value-added businesses ecosystem and the virtuous cycle that we anticipate it to create depend heavily on the level of user engagement with the products and services provided by us.
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Many factors may prevent users from continually engaging and habitually using our products, including:
If we are unable to adapt to technological changes and implement technological enhancements to our products and services, our ability to remain competitive could be adversely affected.
The IoT-enabled smart home products market is characterized by rapid technological changes, frequent introductions of new products and evolving industry standards. However, product development often requires significant lead-time and upfront investment. Our ability to attract new consumers and increase revenues from existing consumers will depend significantly on our ability to accurately anticipate changes in industry standards and to continue to appropriately fund development efforts to enhance our existing products and services or introduce new products and services in a timely manner to keep pace with technological developments. For example, voice- and gesture-control and facial- and image-recognition are important features of our IoT @ Home platform, and the technologies supporting them have been rapidly developing. If any of our competitors implement new technologies before us, those competitors may be able to provide products that are more effective or with more user-friendly features than ours, possibly at lower prices, which could adversely impact our sales and impact our market share. In addition, any delay or failure in our introduction of new or enhanced products and services could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are susceptible to supply shortages and interruptions, long lead times, and price fluctuations for raw materials and components, any of which could disrupt our supply chain and have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
Our product portfolio includes various product categories and product lines. Mass production of our products requires timely and adequate supply of various types of raw materials and components. All of the components and raw materials used to produce our products are sourced from third-party suppliers, and some of these components and raw materials are sourced from a limited number of suppliers or a single supplier. Therefore, we are subject to risks of shortages or discontinuation in supply, long lead times, cost
21
increases and quality control issues with our suppliers. In addition, some of our suppliers may have more established relationships with our competitors, and as a result of these relationships, such suppliers may choose to limit or terminate their relationships with us or prioritize our competitors' orders in the case of supply shortages.
In the event of a component or raw material shortage or supply interruption from suppliers, we will need to identify alternative sources of supply, which can be time-consuming, difficult to locate, and costly. We may not be able to source these components or raw materials on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, which may undermine our ability to meet our production requirements or to fill customer orders in a timely manner. This could cause delays in shipment of our products, harm our relationships with our customers, network partners and other business partners, and adversely affect our results of operations.
Moreover, the market prices for certain raw materials have been volatile. For example, we have experienced significant increases in the market prices for certain material raw materials used in manufacturing refrigerators recently, and we may not be able to recover these costs through selling price increases to our customers, which would have a negative effect on our financial results.
We rely on certain contract manufacturers to produce a substantial majority of our products. If we encounter issues with them, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We rely on certain contract manufacturers to produce a substantial majority of our products. We may experience operational difficulties with our contract manufacturers, including reductions in the availability of production capacity, failure to comply with product specifications, insufficient quality control, failure to meet production deadlines, increases in manufacturing costs and longer lead time. Our contract manufacturers may experience disruptions in their manufacturing operations due to equipment breakdowns, labor strikes or shortages, natural disasters, component or material shortages, cost increases, violation of environmental, health or safety laws and regulations, or other problems. We may be unable to pass the cost increases to our customers. We may have disputes with our contract manufacturers, which may result in litigation expenses, divert our management's attention and cause supply shortages to us. In addition, we may not be able to renew contracts with our contract manufacturers for our existing products or identify contract manufacturers who are capable of producing new products we target to launch in the future.
While we have constant access to each manufacturing facility of our contract manufacturers, and have quality control teams to continually monitor the manufacturing processes at our contract manufacturers' facilities, any failure of such partners to perform may have a material negative impact on our cost or supply of finished goods. In addition, if such failure affects our supplies to Xiaomi, our relationship with Xiaomi may be adversely affected.
Furthermore, although our agreements with our contract manufacturers contain confidential obligations, and we have adopted security protocols to ensure knowhow and technologies for manufacturing our products could not be easily leaked or plagiarized, we cannot guarantee the effectiveness of these efforts and, any leakage or plagiary of our knowhow and technologies could be detrimental to our business prospects and results of operations.
We may from time to time enter into contracts with some customers that provide certain favorable terms to such customers, which may, in certain situations, adversely affect our results of operations or profitability.
We may from time to time enter into contracts with some customers that provide certain favorable terms to such customers to expand our sales channels and increase our market penetration, which may, in certain situations, adversely affect our results of operations or profitability. For example, our contract with a leading e-commerce platform provides, among others, return or discount clearance of certain slow-moving products and potential payment of various consideration to the platform including payment for gross margin guarantee on certain products, monthly compensation for promotion and marketing
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activities, and fees for advertising through such platform. For more details on the contract, please see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCritical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates."
Our business may be adversely impacted by product defects.
Product defects can occur throughout the product development, design and manufacturing processes or as a result of our reliance on third parties for components, raw materials, and manufacturing. Any product defects or any other failure of our products or substandard product quality could harm our reputation and result in adverse publicity, lost revenues, delivery delays, product recalls, relationships with our network partners and other business partners, product liability claims, administrative penalties, harm to our brand and reputation, and significant warranty and other expenses, and could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects. While we maintain a reserve for product warranty costs based on certain estimates and our knowledge of current events and actions, our actual warranty costs may exceed our reserve, resulting in current period expenses and a need to increase our reserve for warranty costs.
Moreover, since our products combine hardware and software, any glitches in the software may intervene and disrupt our efforts to integrate our products in consumers' lifestyles. We rely on the connectivity and network effects of our products and services to attract consumers to expand their collection of our products, which we believe will reinforce a positive smart home experience. Any failure or defects that a consumer experiences in one product, however, may prevent this connectivity or network effect from being realized. As a result, we may be prevented from providing holistic IoT @ Home solutions to our customers and our business prospectus, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We are exposed to potential liabilities arising from the products we sell, and costs related to defective products could have a material adverse impact on us.
Disputes over warranties of our products can arise in the ordinary course of our business. In extreme situations, we may be exposed to various liabilities relating to potential personal injuries as a result of misuse or quality defects of the products we sell. We may experience material product liability losses, and we may be unable to defend these claims at a contained level of cost or at all. Although we have product liability insurance, we cannot assure you that our insurance coverage will be sufficient or that we will be able to obtain sufficient coverage at an acceptable cost in the future. A successful claim brought against us in excess of our available insurance coverage may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Although we historically had insignificant volumes of product replacements or product returns, the cost of product replacements or product returns in the future may be substantial, particularly given our increasing product categories and models, and we could incur substantial costs to implement modifications to fix defects in our products.
Our consumers may experience service failures or interruptions due to defects in the software, infrastructure, components or processes that compromise our products and services, or due to errors in product installation, any of which could harm our business.
Our products and services may contain undetected defects in the software, infrastructure, components or processes. Sophisticated software and applications, such as those offered by us, often contain "bugs" that can unexpectedly interfere with the software and applications' intended operations. Our internet services may from time to time experience outages, service slowdowns or errors. Defects may also occur in components or processes used in our products or for our services. There can be no assurance that we will be able to detect and fix all defects in the hardware, software and services we offer. Failure to do so could result in decreases in sales of our products and services, lost revenues, significant warranty and other
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expenses, decreases in customer confidence and loyalty, lost market share to our competitors, and harm to our reputation.
Our delivery, return and exchange policies may adversely affect our results of operations.
We have adopted shipping policies that do not necessarily pass the full cost of shipping onto our customers. We also have adopted customer-friendly return and exchange policies that make it convenient and easy for customers to change their minds within seven days after completing direct online purchases from us. We may also be required by law to adopt new or amend existing return and exchange policies from time to time. These policies improve users' shopping experience and promote customer loyalty, which in turn help us acquire and retain users. However, these policies also subject us to additional costs and expenses which we may not recoup through increased revenues. If our delivery, return and exchange policies are misused by a significant number of customers, our costs may increase significantly and our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. If we revise these policies to reduce our costs and expenses, our users may be dissatisfied, which may result in loss of existing users or failure to acquire new users at a desirable pace, which may materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Our operating results could be materially harmed if we are unable to accurately forecast consumer demand for our products or manage our inventory.
To ensure adequate supply for our products, we must forecast consumer demand for our products, including Xiaomi's demand. Our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products could be affected by many factors, including changes in consumer perception of our products or our competitors', sales promotions by us or our competitors, our sales channel inventory levels, and unanticipated changes in general market and economic conditions, among others.
We manage our inventory by constantly monitoring and tracking our current inventory levels, while keeping a small portion of reserve stock, based on our forecast customer demand. If we fail to accurately forecast customer demand, we may experience excess inventory levels or a shortage of products available for sale. For example, our inventory level could increase in the fourth quarter as we prepare for large online sales promotion events, and it would be difficult for us to forecast the sales that we may achieve in those events. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs or write-offs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices, which may cause our gross margin to suffer and could impair the strength of our brand. On the other hand, in the case we experience shortage of products, we may be unable to meet the demand for our products, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected. We have experienced inventory shortage of popular products in the past. Such arrangement may lead to loss of consumer confidence and further uncertainty with respect to our inventory level.
As market competition for products similar to ours intensifies, we expect that it will become more difficult to forecast demand. In addition, as we continue to introduce new product and services and expand our products portfolio, we may face increasing challenges managing the production plan and appropriate inventory levels for our product portfolio.
Our efforts to manage and expand our customer base and sales channels may not be successful.
We sell our products via multiple online and offline sales channels, including sales to Xiaomi and other online sales channels and through online direct sales, together with a network of Viomi offline experience stores. Historically, we heavily relied on Xiaomi's platform to distribute certain of our products. In 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, we generated a substantial portion of our net revenues from sales to Xiaomi of Xiaomi-branded smart water purification systems.
Although we have devoted significant resources to expanding and diversifying our customer base and sales channels, we can not assure you that such efforts would succeed. For example, we typically enter into
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one-year non-exclusive sales agreements with our third-party online sales partners, and we receive orders from them on a regular basis. Our current agreements with third-party online sales generally do not prohibit them from working with our competitors or from selling competing products. Our competitors may be more effective in providing incentives to our third-party online sales to favor our competitors' products and promote their sales. Pursuing, establishing and maintaining relationships with our online sales partners requires significant time and resources. We cannot assure you that we will be able to renew those agreements upon their expiry on commercially acceptable terms, or at all.
In addition, we have been adding offline experience stores and cooperating with more network partners. With the increased scale of operations, we will be required to invest additional resources in managing our network partners, and hence we may not be able to expand as fast or as successfully as we expect. In addition, our sales network management systems may not be effective.
We face risks associated with our network partners and their personnel for our network of Viomi offline experience stores.
We rely on third-party network partners to operate our network of Viomi offline experience stores. We rely on these network partners to directly interact with and serve end customers, but the interest of a network partner may not be entirely aligned with ours. We set standards of practice of our network partners and provide incentives and periodic evaluation. However, our control over the network partners may not be as effective as if we directly owned and operated these offline experience stores.
Our network partners carry out a significant amount of direct interactions with end users of our products, and their performance directly affects our brand image. However, we do not directly supervise their interactions or services provided. Although we have established and distributed service standards across our network and provide extensive ongoing training to our third-party network partners, we may not be able to successfully monitor, maintain and improve the services they provide. We may experience service disruptions, customer complaints and reduced sales, and our reputation may be materially and adversely affected if end users of our products are unsatisfied with our network partners' performance.
Our offline experience stores may not be successful due to factors beyond our control, such as underperformance of the stores or adverse market conditions. We may also have disputes with our network partners. Suspension or termination of a network partner's services in a particular area may cause interruption to or failure in our services in the corresponding area. We may not be able to promptly replace our network partners or find alternative ways to provide services in a timely, reliable and cost-effective manner, or at all. Any service disruptions associated with our network partners could result in our customer satisfaction, reputation, operations and financial performance being materially and adversely affected.
We may not be successful in monetizing our household user base.
It is an important growth strategy for us to continue to grow our user base and enrich our value-added businesses ecosystem, key components of our IoT @ Home platform, which enable us to differentiate our offerings and create additional monetization opportunities for us, including the sale of complementary products and provision of value-added services. While we have successfully grown our household user base from approximately 113 thousand as of March 31, 2016 to over 1.2 million as of June 30, 2018, there is no assurance that we will be successful in monetizing this user base through such offerings, for example, if:
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If we fail to expand or maintain the pool of our ecosystem partners, our net revenues growth may be adversely affected and the number of application scenarios of our products may not grow as quickly as we expect, or at all, which may reduce the attractiveness of our products. Any underperformance of or negative publicity about our ecosystem partners may also adversely affect our operating results.
Various of our IoT products allow users to directly purchase and order products from us and our ecosystem partners. We have been actively seeking ecosystem partners on this front to expand our offerings and potentially create additional revenues streams for us. If we fail to expand and maintain the pool of our ecosystem partners, the ecosystem that we strive to establish may not succeed, which in turn may affect the willingness of consumers to purchase our products, and in turn increase the difficulty for us to attract suitable ecosystem partners.
In addition, as we associate ourselves with these ecosystem partners in providing services, any negative publicity on them may also have adverse impact on our own reputation and results of operations. Furthermore, although products that these ecosystem partners offer are not our products, customers may still associate us with any dissatisfaction with the products and services offered by our ecosystem partners. Moreover, we may be subject to litigation or potential sanctions under PRC law if we were to negligently participate or assist in infringement activities associated with counterfeit or defective goods.
We depend on third party service providers for logistics and aftersales services.
We outsource all of our transportation and logistics services, as well as installation and after-sale services, for our products to third-party service providers. We rely on these outsourcing partners to bring our products to our customers and in some cases, install them for our customers, and provide after-sale services. While these arrangements allow us to focus on our main business, they also reduce our direct control over the logistics and aftersales services provided to our customers. Any failure of our logistics partners to perform may have a material negative impact on the timely delivery of our products and customer satisfaction. In addition, logistics in our primary locations or transit to final destinations may be disrupted for a variety of reasons including, natural and man-made disasters, information technology system failures, commercial disputes, military actions or economic, business, labor, environmental, public health, or political issues. We may also be unable to pass any increase in logistics costs to our customers. Errors that occur in product installation or product maintenance processes can compromise our products and services, adversely affect customer experience, and harm our business.
An economic downturn may adversely affect consumer discretionary spending and demand for our products and service.
Our products and services may be considered discretionary items for consumers. Factors affecting the level of consumer spending for such discretionary items include general economic conditions and other factors, such as consumer confidence in future economic conditions, consumer sentiment, the availability and cost of consumer credit, levels of unemployment, and tax rates. Unfavorable economic conditions may lead consumers to delay or reduce purchases of our products and services and consumer demand for our products and services may not grow as we expect. Our sensitivity to economic cycles and any related fluctuation in consumer demand for our products and services may have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.
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Any significant cybersecurity incident or disruption of our information technology systems or those of third-party partners could materially damage our user relationships and subject us to significant reputational, financial, legal and operational consequences.
We depend on our information technology systems, as well as those of third parties, to develop new products and services, operate our platform, host and manage our services, store data, process transactions, respond to user inquiries, and manage inventory and our supply chain. Any material disruption or slowdown of our systems or those of third parties whom we depend upon, including a disruption or slowdown caused by our failure to successfully manage significant increases in user volume, could cause outages or delays in our services, which could harm our brand and adversely affect our operating results.
We rely on cloud servers maintained by KSYUN and Alibaba Cloud Services to store our data. Problems with our cloud service providers or the telecommunications network providers with whom they contract could adversely affect the experience of our users. Our cloud service providers could decide to cease providing us with services without adequate prior notice. Any change in service levels at our cloud servers or any errors, defects, disruptions, or other performance problems with our platform could harm our brand and may damage the data of our users. If changes in technology cause our information systems, or those of third parties whom we depend upon, to become obsolete, or if our or their information systems are inadequate to handle our growth, we could lose users and our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
Due to the ever-changing cyber threat landscape, our products may be subject to potential vulnerabilities of IoT products, and our services may be subject to certain risks, including hacking or other unauthorized access to control or view systems and obtain private information.
Companies that collect and retain sensitive and confidential information are under increasing attack by cyber-criminals around the world. IoT products, being connected to the internet, are particularly vulnerable to cyberattack. While we implement security measures within our products, services, operations and systems, those measures may not prevent cybersecurity breaches, the access, capture or alteration of information by criminals, the exposure or exploitation of potential security vulnerabilities, distributed denial of service attacks, the installation of malware or ransomware, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced data or data loss that could disrupt the function of our products or services, and be detrimental to our reputation, business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Third parties, including distribution partners, ecosystem partners and our other business partners, could also be a source of security risk to us in the event of a failure of their own products, components, networks, security systems, and infrastructure. In addition, we cannot be certain that advances in criminal capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography, or other developments will not compromise or breach the technology protecting the networks that access our products and services. A significant actual or perceived (whether or not valid) theft, loss, fraudulent use or misuse of customer, employee, or other data, whether by us, our business partners, or other third parties, or as a result of employee error or negligence or otherwise, non-compliance with applicable industry standards or our contractual or other legal obligations regarding such data, or a violation of our privacy and information security policies with respect to such data, could result in costs, fines, litigation, or regulatory actions against us. Such an event could additionally result in unfavorable publicity and therefore materially and adversely affect the market's perception of the security and reliability of our services and our credibility and reputation with our customers, which may lead to customer dissatisfaction and could result in lost sales and increased customer revenues attrition.
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We collect, store, process and use a variety of user data and information, which subjects us to governmental regulations and other legal obligations related to privacy, information security, and data protection, and any security breaches, and our actual or perceived failure to comply with our legal obligations could harm our brand and business.
Exploring growth opportunities by expanding our user base is one of our key strategies. Due to the volume and sensitivity of the information and data of our users we collect and manage and the nature of our products, the security features of our website, Viomi Store mobile app, e-commerce platform, IoT @ Home platform, and information systems are critical to our success. We have adopted security policies and measures, including encryption technology, to protect our proprietary data and user information. However, our website, Viomi Store mobile app, e-commerce platform, IoT @ Home platform and information systems may be targets of attacks, such as viruses, malware or phishing attempts by cyber criminals or other wrongdoers seeking to steal our user data for financial gain or to harm our business operations or reputation. The loss, misuse or compromise of such information may result in costly investigations, remediation efforts and notification to affected users. If such content is accessed by unauthorized third parties or deleted inadvertently by us or third parties, our brand and reputation and our sales could be adversely affected. Cyber-attacks could also adversely affect our operating results, consume internal resources, and result in litigation or potential liability for us and otherwise harm our business.
In addition, according to our business cooperation agreement with Xiaomi, both Xiaomi and us can collect and use user data of all products we develop and sell to Xiaomi. Consequently, any leak or abuse of user data by Xiaomi may be perceived by consumers as a result of the compromise of our information security system. Any failure or perceived failure by us to prevent information security breaches or to comply with privacy policies or privacy-related legal obligations, or any compromise of security that results in the unauthorized release or transfer of sensitive information or other customer data, could cause our users to lose trust in us and could expose us to legal claims.
A growing number of legislative and regulatory bodies have adopted consumer notification requirements in the event of unauthorized access to or acquisition of certain types of data. Those breach notification laws continue to evolve and may be inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another, which might become a particular concern as we accelerate our international expansion. Complying with these obligations could cause us to incur substantial costs and could increase negative publicity surrounding any incident that compromises user data. Any failure to comply with applicable regulations, whether by us, our business partners, or other third parties, or as a result of employee error or negligence or otherwise, could result in regulatory enforcement actions against us, harm to our reputation and even our business partners to cease cooperation with us.
Our intellectual property and proprietary rights may not adequately protect our products, and our business may suffer if third parties infringe our intellectual property and proprietary rights.
We may not have sufficient intellectual property rights in all countries and regions where unauthorized third-party copying or use of our proprietary technology may occur and the scope of our intellectual property might be more limited in certain countries and regions. As of June 30, 2018, we had over 680 patents registered with the State Intellectual Property Office of China and over 500 pending patent applications in China. Globally, we had over 30 patents registered and over 70 pending patent applications in various overseas countries and jurisdictions as of June 30, 2018. However, our existing and future patents may not be sufficient to protect our products, services, technologies or designs and/or may not prevent others from developing competing products, services, technologies or designs. We cannot predict the validity and enforceability of our patents and other intellectual property with certainty. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights. Initiating infringement proceedings against third parties can be expensive and time-consuming, and divert management's attention from other business concerns. We may not prevail in litigation to enforce our intellectual property against unauthorized use.
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According to our business cooperation agreement with Xiaomi, Xiaomi and we have joint ownership over all technology properties (other than industrial designs) and related intellectual properties generated from the process of design, development, manufacturing and sales of Xiaomi-branded products and certain of our self-branded products we supply to Xiaomi. As of June 30, 2018, around 150 of our registered patents and around 50 pending patent applications were jointly owned by Xiaomi and us among our registered patents and pending patent registrations. We believe we have properly filed or registered those patents we jointly own with Xiaomi. Nevertheless, we may face claims from Xiaomi for joint ownership of more intellectual properties related to Xiaomi-branded products and certain of our self-branded products we supply to Xiaomi. ln addition, Xiaomi may use these intellectual properties and user data to develop and manufacture competing products on its own and although the business cooperation agreement forbids the parties to license any third party to use the jointly owned intellectual properties without prior consent of the other party, we cannot ensure the compliance of Xiaomi with such agreement.
Under a license agreement effective from June 24, 2018, we have obtained an exclusive and royalty-free right to use 11 patents owned by our founder and CEO Mr. Xiaoping Chen. If, for any reason, we are no longer able to use such patents or are charged significant fees for the use, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We may encounter claims alleging our infringment of third-party intellectual properties from time to time.
We may encounter claims from time to time relating to our use of intellectual properties of third parties, and we may not prevail in those disputes. We have adopted policies and procedures to prohibit our contract manufacturers from infringing third-party copyright or other intellectual property rights. However, we cannot ensure that they will strictly comply with our policy. In addition, any misconduct of our employees could also result in us infringing third-party intellectual property rights. Therefore liabilities and expenses may be incurred in respect of the unauthorized use of third parties' intellectual properties or defending against relevant claims. We have been involved in claims against us alleging our infringement of third-party intellectual property rights and we may be subject to further claims in the future. Any such intellectual property infringement claim could result in costly litigation and divert our management attention and resources. If we are found to have infringed intellectual property rights of third parties, we may be subject to monetary damages and may be required to cease production and sales of the relevant products. For example, in May 2018, a Chinese household electronic appliance producer brought some claims against us and certain other parties alleging that a type of our dishwashers infringed their utility model and industrial design patents, and required us to compensate their economic losses, litigation related expenses and litigation fees, and to cease selling this product. While we do not expect the outcome of this litigation to have a material adverse impact on our reputation or results of operations, other similar lawsuits that may be brought against us in the future could have a negative impact on us.
We rely on technology that we license from third parties, including artificial intelligence, that is integrated with our internally developed algorithms, software, or products.
We rely on technology that we license from third parties. For example, for our voice recognition technologies, we have incorporated speech synthesis engine and Q&A components provided by iFLYTEK. We cannot be certain that our licensors are not infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties or that our licensors have sufficient rights to the licensed intellectual property in all jurisdictions in which we may sell our products. If we are unable to continue to license those technologies on commercially reasonable terms, we will face delays in releases of new products or functions or we will be required to delete this functionality from our products until equivalent, non-infringing technology can be licensed or developed and integrated into our current products. This effort could take significant time (during which we would be unable to continue to offer our affected products or services) and expenses and may ultimately not be successful.
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Our use of open source software could negatively affect our ability to sell our products and subject us to possible litigation.
A portion of the technologies we use incorporates open source software, and we may incorporate open source software in the future. Such open source software is generally licensed by its authors or other third parties under open source licenses. These licenses may subject us to certain unfavorable conditions, including requirements that we offer our products and services that incorporate the open source software for no cost, that we make publicly available source code for modifications or derivative works we create based upon, incorporating, or using the open source software, or that we license such modifications or derivative works under the terms of the particular open source license.
Additionally, if a third-party software provider has incorporated open source software into software that we license from such provider, we could be required to disclose or provide at no cost any of our source code that incorporates or is a modification of such licensed software. If an author or any third party that distributes open source software that we use or license were to allege that we had not complied with the conditions of the applicable license, we may need to incur significant legal expenses defending against such allegations and could be subject to significant damages and enjoined from the sale of our products and services that contained the open source software. Any of the foregoing could disrupt the distribution and sale of our products and services and harm our business.
We may need additional capital, and financing may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and anticipated cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for the next 12 months. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or other future developments, including any changes in our pricing policy, marketing initiatives or investments we may decide to pursue. If these resources are insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to obtain a credit facility or sell additional equity or debt securities. The sale of additional equity securities could result in dilution of our existing shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations. It is uncertain whether financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all.
We may engage in acquisition and investment activities, which could require significant management attention, disrupt our business, dilute shareholder value, and adversely affect our operating results.
As part of our business strategy, we may acquire or make investments in other companies, products, or technologies along our product value chain to complement our business, enhance the features and functionality of our products, and accelerate the expansion of our platform and network of strategic partners. We may not be able to find suitable acquisition or investment candidates and we may not be able to complete acquisition and investment on favorable terms, if at all. If we do complete acquisition and investment as we expect, we may not ultimately strengthen our competitive position or achieve our goals; and any acquisition and investment we complete could be viewed negatively by users or investors. In addition, if we fail to successfully integrate such acquisitions, or the technologies associated with such acquisitions, into our company, the revenues and operating results of the combined company could be adversely affected. Acquisitions and investments are inherently risky and may not be successful, and they may disrupt our ongoing operations, divert management from their primary responsibilities, subject us to greater-than-expected liabilities and our expenses, and adversely impact our business, financial condition, operating results, and cash flows.
Our results of operations may be subject to seasonality.
Our operating results may vary significantly from period to period due to many factors, including seasonal factors that may have an effect on the demand for our IoT products. While seasonality has not
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been particularly prevalent in our historical results of operations due to the rapid growth of our business, we generally expect to experience higher sales in the second and fourth quarters, primarily attributable to the major shopping festivals across online e-commerce platforms such as "618," "Singles' Day" and "Double Twelve," which are highly popular among Chinese consumers. Given the impact of this seasonality, our quarterly results of operation and financial position at the end of a particular quarter may not necessarily be representative of the results we expect at year end or in other quarters of a year. Our operating results could also suffer if we do not achieve revenues consistent with our expectations for this seasonal demand because many of our expenses are based on anticipated levels of annual revenues.
Higher labor costs and increasing raw material prices may adversely affect our business and our profitability.
Labor costs in China have risen in recent years as a result of the enactment of new labor laws and social development. Given that substantially all of our contract manufacturers are currently located in China, rising labor costs in China will increase our personnel expenses. In addition, we have witnessed growing inflation rates in many areas of the world, and particularly in China, where we procure most of our raw materials, which adversely affects our costs of raw materials. We may not be able to pass on rising costs as a result of higher labor costs and increasing raw material prices to end consumers in the form of higher retail sale prices. Accordingly, our profitability may be adversely affected if labor costs and raw material prices continue to rise in the future.
Certain of our directors may have conflicts of interest.
One of our directors, Mr. De Liu, is also a director of Xiaomi. This association may give rise to potential conflicts of interest, especially with regard to our business cooperation with Xiaomi. Directors of our Company are required by law to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best of our interests and to disclose any interest that they may have in any of our projects or opportunities. In addition, we have adopted a code of ethics and an audit committee charter, both of which will become effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement to which this prospectus is a part. Our code of ethics provides that an interested director needs to refrain from participating in any discussion among senior officers of our company relating to an interested business and may not be involved in any proposed transaction with such interested business. Furthermore, our audit committee charter provides that most related party transactions must be pre-approved by the audit committee, a majority of which will consist of independent directors upon the effectiveness of the registration statement to which this prospectus is a part. Our audit committee charter, however, exempts the pre-approval requirement for related party transactions that are immaterial to us or not unusual by nature. In the event of such transactions with Xiaomi, Mr. Liu will still be entitled to vote in our board meeting, and we cannot assure you that Mr. Liu's decision will not be impacted by any potential conflict of interest arising from his relationship with Xiaomi.
In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified three material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to develop and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.
Prior to this offering, we have been a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which to address our internal control over financial reporting. In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified three material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as well as other control deficiencies. As defined in the standards established by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a "material weakness" is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
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The material weaknesses identified related to (i) our lack of sufficient resources regarding financial reporting and accounting personnel with understanding of U.S. GAAP, in particular, to address complex U.S. GAAP technical accounting issues, related disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements set forth by the SEC, (ii) lack of comprehensive U.S. GAAP accounting policies and financial reporting procedures and (iii) lack of an effective control procedure to track and estimate warranty provision relating to our products sold to ensure accuracy.
Following the identification of the material weaknesses, we have taken measures and plan to continue to take measures to remedy the material weaknesses. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsInternal Control over Financial Reporting." However, the implementation of these measures may not fully address the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, and we cannot conclude that they have been fully remedied. Our failure to correct the material weaknesses or our failure to discover and address any other control deficiencies could result in inaccuracies in our financial statements and impair our ability to comply with applicable financial reporting requirements and related regulatory filings on a timely basis. Moreover, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could significantly hinder our ability to prevent fraud.
Upon completion of this offering, we will become subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or Section 404, requires that we include a report from management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in our annual report on Form 20-F beginning with our annual report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019. In addition, once we cease to be an "emerging growth company" as such term is defined in the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our management may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective. Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, our independent registered public accounting firm, after conducting its own independent testing, may issue a report that is qualified if it is not satisfied with our internal controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us. In addition, after we become a public company, our reporting obligations may place a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources and systems for the foreseeable future. We may be unable to timely complete our evaluation testing and any required remediation.
During the course of documenting and testing our internal control procedures, in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404, we may identify other weaknesses and deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, as these standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. If we fail to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment, we could suffer material misstatements in our financial statements and fail to meet our reporting obligations, which would likely cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information. This could in turn limit our access to capital markets, harm our results of operations, and lead to a decline in the trading price of our ADSs. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose us to increased risk of fraud or misuse of corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list, regulatory investigations and civil or criminal sanctions. We may also be required to restate our financial statements for prior periods.
We have granted, and may continue to grant, options and other types of awards under our share incentive plan, which may result in increased share-based compensation expense and have dilutive impact to you.
Our shareholders and board of directors have adopted two share incentive plans. Pursuant to these two plans, a total of 30,400,000 ordinary shares underlying the awards may be issued. As of the date of this prospectus, there are 13,390,000 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding share options under these two plans at a weighted average price of $0.42 per share. Competition for highly skilled personnel is
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often intense, and we may incur significant costs or be not successful in attracting, integrating, or retaining qualified personnel to fulfil our current or future needs. We believe the granting of share-based awards is of significant importance to our ability to attract and retain key personnel and employees, and we will continue to grant share-based compensation to employees in the future. As a result, our expenses associated with share-based compensation may increase, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, the granting, vesting and exercise of the awards under these share incentive plans will have dilutive effect on your shareholding in our Company.
Our future success depends, in part, on our ability to continue to attract, motivate and retain highly skilled personnel. In particular, the growth of our ecosystem may require us to hire experienced personnel with a wide range of skills.
We have, from time to time, experienced, and we expect to continue to experience, difficulty in hiring and retaining highly skilled employees with appropriate qualifications. The loss of any key personnel, especially our founder, chairman, and chief executive officer Mr. Xiaoping Chen, could be disruptive to our operations and research and development activities, reduce our employee retention and revenues, and impair our ability to compete. In addition, if any of our senior management or key personnel joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose know-how, trade secrets, business partners and key personnel. Furthermore, perspective candidates and existing employees often consider the value of the equity awards they receive in connection with their employment. Thus, our ability to attract or retain highly skilled employees may be adversely affected by declines in the perceived value of our equity or equity awards. Furthermore, there are no assurances that the number of shares reserved for issuance under our share incentive plans will be sufficient to grant equity awards adequate to recruit new employees and to compensate existing employees.
We have limited insurance coverage, which could expose us to significant costs and business disruption.
Although we maintain property insurance, product liability insurance and public liability insurance, we cannot assure you that our insurance coverage is sufficient. In addition, we do not have business disruption insurance or insurance policies covering damages to our IT infrastructure or information technology systems. Any disruptions to our IT infrastructures or systems or other business disruption event could result in substantial cost to us and diversion of our resources.
We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics and other acts of god, which could significantly disrupt our operations.
Our business could be adversely affected by the effects of epidemics and other acts of god. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of epidemics in China and globally. Our business operations could be disrupted if one of our employees is suspected of having H1N1 flu, avian flu or another epidemic, since it could require our employees to be quarantined and/or our offices to be disinfected. In addition, our results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent that the outbreak harms the Chinese economy in general and the IoT-enabled smart home products industry in particular.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating some of our business operations in China do not comply with PRC regulations relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties, or be forced to relinquish our interest in those operations.
Due to PRC restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of internet and other related business in China, we operate our business in China through our consolidated affiliated entities, in which we have no ownership interest. Although our provision of e-commerce services falls within the permitted category
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according to the Negative List (as defined elsewhere in this prospectus) that took effect on July 28, 2018, foreign investments in this business are still restricted by other qualifications and requirements under related regulations in China. Our WFOE has entered into a series of contractual arrangements with our VIEs, and their respective shareholders, which enable us to (i) exercise effective control over our VIEs, (ii) receive substantially all of the economic benefits of our VIEs, and (iii) have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests and assets in our VIEs when and to the extent permitted by PRC law. As a result of these contractual arrangements, we have control over and are the primary beneficiary of our VIEs and hence consolidate their financial results into our consolidated financial statements under U.S. GAAP. See "Corporate History and Structure" for further details.
In the opinion of our PRC legal counsel, Han Kun Law Offices, (i) the ownership structure of our VIEs in China and our WFOE, both currently and immediately after giving effect to this offering, are not in violation of applicable PRC laws and regulations currently in effect; and (ii) the contractual arrangements between our WFOE, our VIEs and their shareholders governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable, and will not result in any violation of applicable PRC laws. However, our PRC legal counsel has also advised us that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules. Accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may take a view that is contrary to the opinion of our PRC legal counsel. It is uncertain whether any new PRC laws or regulations relating to variable interest entity structures will be adopted or if adopted, what they would provide. If we or our VIEs are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take action in dealing with such violations or failures, including:
The imposition of any of these penalties would result in a material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business. In addition, it is unclear what impact the PRC government actions would have on us and on our ability to consolidate the financial results of our VIEs in our consolidated financial statements, if the PRC government authorities were to find our legal structure and contractual arrangements to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations. If the imposition of any of these government actions causes us to lose our right to direct the activities of our VIEs or our right to receive substantially all the economic benefits and residual returns from our VIEs and we are not able to restructure our ownership structure and operations in a satisfactory manner, we would no longer be able to consolidate the financial results of our VIEs in our consolidated financial statements. Either of these results, or any other significant penalties that might be imposed on us in this event, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
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We rely on contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their respective shareholders for substantially all of our business operation, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operation control.
We have relied and expect to continue to rely on contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their shareholders to conduct our business. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us with control over our VIEs. For example, our VIEs and their shareholders could breach their contractual arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to conduct their operations in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests.
If we had direct ownership of our VIEs, we would be able to exercise our rights as a shareholder to effect changes in the board of directors of our VIEs, which in turn could implement changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management and operational level. However, under the current contractual arrangements, we rely on the performance by our VIEs and their shareholders of their obligations under the contracts to exercise control over our VIEs. However, the shareholders of our consolidated VIEs may not act in the best interests of our company or may not perform their obligations under these contracts. Such risks exist throughout the period in which we intend to operate certain portions of our business through the contractual arrangements with our VIEs. If any disputes relating to these contracts remains unresolved, we will have to enforce our rights under these contracts through the operations of PRC law and arbitration, litigation and other legal proceedings and therefore will be subject to uncertainties in the PRC legal system. See "Any failure by our VIEs or their shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material and adverse effect on our business." Therefore, our contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their shareholders may not be as effective in ensuring our control over the relevant portion of our business operations as direct ownership would be.
Any failure by our VIEs or their shareholders to perform their obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material and adverse effect on our business.
We refer to the shareholders of our VIEs as their nominee shareholders because although they remain the holders of equity interests on record in our VIEs, pursuant to the terms of the relevant shareholder voting proxy agreements, each such shareholder has irrevocably authorized any person designated by our WFOE to exercise the rights as a shareholder of the VIEs. However, if our VIEs or their shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs and expend additional resources to enforce such arrangements. We may also have to rely on legal remedies under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure will be effective under PRC law. For example, if the shareholders of our VIEs refuse to transfer their equity interest in our VIEs to us or our designee if we exercise the purchase option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, or if they otherwise act in bad faith toward us, then we may have to take legal actions to compel them to perform their contractual obligations.
All of the agreements under our contractual arrangements are governed by PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitration in China (the arbitration provisions relate to the claims arising out of the contractual relationship created by the VIE agreements, rather than claims under the United States federal securities laws and do not prevent shareholders of our Company from pursuing claims under the United States federal securities laws). Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC law and any disputes arising from these contracts would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal system in the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. See "Risks Related to Doing Business in ChinaUncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system and changes in laws and regulations in China could adversely affect us." Meanwhile, there are very few precedents and little formal guidance as to how contractual arrangements in the context of a VIE should be interpreted or enforced under PRC law. There remain significant uncertainties regarding the ultimate outcome of such arbitration should legal action become
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necessary. In addition, under PRC law, rulings by arbitrators are final, which means parties cannot appeal the arbitration results in courts, and if the losing parties fail to carry out the arbitration awards within a prescribed time limit, the prevailing parties may only enforce the arbitration awards in PRC courts through arbitration award recognition proceedings, which would require additional expenses and delay. In the event we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, or if we suffer significant delays or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert effective control over our VIEs, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected.
Contractual arrangements in relation to our VIEs may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and they may determine that we or our VIEs owe additional taxes, which could negatively affect our financial condition and the value of your investment.
Under applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. We could face material and adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the VIE contractual arrangements were not entered into on an arm's length basis in such a way as to result in an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, and adjust the income of our VIEs in the form of a transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in a reduction of expense deductions recorded by our VIEs for PRC tax purposes, which could in turn increase its tax liabilities without reducing our WFOE's tax expenses. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on our VIEs for the adjusted but unpaid taxes according to the applicable regulations. Our financial position could be materially and adversely affected if our VIEs' tax liabilities increase or if it is required to pay late payment fees and other penalties.
The shareholders of our VIEs may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Shareholders of our VIEs may have potential conflicts of interest with us. For instance, Mr. Xiaoping Chen, our founder, chairman of our board of directors, and chief executive officer, holds 60% of equity interests in both of our VIEs. The remaining 40% is held by affiliates or employees of certain of our principal shareholders, Red Better Limited and Shunwei Talent Limited. Conflicts of interests may arise between their roles in our Company or in our principal shareholders and their positions as nominal shareholders of our VIEs. These shareholders of our VIEs may breach, or cause our VIEs to breach, or refuse to renew, the existing contractual arrangements we have with them and our VIEs, which would have a material and adverse effect on our ability to effectively control our VIEs and receive economic benefits from them. For example, the shareholders may be able to cause our agreements with our VIEs to be performed in a manner adverse to us by, among other things, failing to remit payments due under the contractual arrangements to us on a timely basis. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise the shareholder will act in the best interests of our company or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor.
Currently, we do not have any arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these shareholders and our company, except that we could exercise our purchase option under the exclusive option agreements with these shareholders to request them to transfer all of their equity interests in the VIE to a PRC entity or individual designated by us, to the extent permitted by PRC law. Two nominee shareholders of our VIEs, namely Mr. Xiaoping Chen and Mr. De Liu, are also our directors. We rely on them to abide by the laws of the Cayman Islands, which provide that directors owe a fiduciary duty to the company that requires them to act in good faith and in what they believe to be the best interests of the company and not to use their position for personal gains. If we cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between us and the shareholders of our VIEs, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.
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The shareholders of our VIEs may be involved in personal disputes with third parties or other incidents that may have an adverse effect on their respective equity interests in our VIEs and the validity or enforceability of our contractual arrangements with our VIEs and their shareholders. For example, in the event that any of the shareholders of our VIEs divorces his or her spouse, the spouse may claim that the equity interest of our VIEs held by such shareholder is part of their community property and should be divided between such shareholder and his or her spouse. If such claim is supported by the court, the relevant equity interest may be obtained by the shareholder's spouse or any third party who is not subject to obligations under our contractual arrangements, which could result in a loss of our effective control over the VIEs. Similarly, if any of the equity interests of our VIEs is inherited by a third party on whom the current contractual arrangements are not binding, we could lose our control over the VIEs or have to maintain such control by incurring unpredictable costs, which could cause significant disruption to our business and operations and harm our financial condition and results of operations.
Although under our current contractual arrangements, the spouse of Mr. Chen has executed spousal consent letters, under which she agrees that she will not take any actions or raise any claims to interfere with the performance by her spouse of the obligations under these contractual arrangements, including claiming community property ownership on the equity interest, and renounce any and all right and interest related to the equity interest that she may be entitled to under applicable laws. We cannot assure you that these undertakings and arrangements will be complied with or effectively enforced. In the event that any of them is breached or becomes unenforceable and leads to legal proceedings, it could disrupt our business, distract our management's attention and subject us to substantial uncertainties as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.
We may rely on dividends paid by our PRC subsidiary to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiary to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business and to pay dividends to holders of the ADSs and our ordinary shares.
We are a holding company, and we may rely on dividends to be paid by our wholly-owned PRC subsidiary for our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to the holders of the ADSs and our ordinary shares and service any debt we may incur. If our wholly owned PRC subsidiary incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us.
Under PRC laws and regulations, wholly foreign-owned enterprises in the PRC, such as our WFOE, may pay dividends only out of its accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, after making up previous years' accumulated losses, if any, to fund certain statutory reserve funds, until the aggregate amount of such a fund reaches 50% of its registered capital. At the discretion of the board of directors of the wholly foreign-owned enterprise, it may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to staff welfare and bonus funds. These reserve funds and staff welfare and bonus funds are not distributable as cash dividends. Any limitation on the ability of our wholly-owned PRC subsidiary to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
We may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by our VIEs that are material to the operation of certain portion of our business if the VIEs go bankrupt or becomes subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.
Our VIEs and their subsidiaries hold substantially all of our assets, some of which are material to the operation of our business. If our VIEs go bankrupt and all or part of their assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Under the contractual arrangements, our VIEs may not, in any manner, sell, transfer, mortgage or dispose of any of
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their material assets outside the ordinary course of operation or equity interests in the business operation without our prior consent. If our VIEs undergo voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceedings, independent third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If the chops of our PRC subsidiary and our VIEs are not kept safely, are stolen or are used by unauthorized persons or for unauthorized purposes, the corporate governance of these entities could be severely and adversely compromised.
In China, a company chop or seal serves as the legal representation of the company towards third parties even when unaccompanied by a signature. Each legally registered company in China is required to maintain a company chop, which must be registered with the local Public Security Bureau. In addition to this mandatory company chop, companies may have several other chops which can be used for specific purposes. The chops of our PRC subsidiary and VIEs are generally held securely by personnel designated or approved by us in accordance with our internal control procedures. To the extent those chops are not kept safely, are stolen or are used by unauthorized persons or for unauthorized purposes, the corporate governance of these entities could be severely and adversely compromised and those corporate entities may be bound to abide by the terms of any documents so chopped, even if they were chopped by an individual who lacked the requisite power and authority to do so. In addition, if the chops are misused by unauthorized persons, we could experience disruption to our normal business operations. We may have to take corporate or legal action, which could involve significant time and resources to resolve while distracting management from our operations.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system and changes in laws and regulations in China could adversely affect us.
We conduct our business primarily through our PRC subsidiary and consolidated VIEs in China. Our operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations. Our PRC subsidiary is subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China. The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike the common law system, prior court decisions under the civil law system may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. In addition, any new or changes in PRC laws and regulations related to foreign investment in China could affect the business environment and our ability to operate our business in China. For example, the MOFCOM published a discussion draft of the proposed Foreign Investment Law on January 19, 2015, aiming to, upon its enactment, replace the trio of existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. The draft Foreign Investment Law embodies an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic investments. Substantial uncertainties exist with respect to its enactment timetable, interpretation and implementation. The draft Foreign Investment Law may materially impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations in many aspects. Among other things, the draft Foreign Investment Law purports to introduce the principle of "actual control" in determining whether a company is considered a foreign invested enterprise, or an FIE. The draft Foreign Investment Law specifically provides that entities established in China but "controlled" by foreign investors will be treated as FIEs, whereas an entity organized in a foreign jurisdiction but cleared by the MOFCOM as "controlled" by PRC entities and/or citizens, would nonetheless be treated as a PRC domestic entity.
The VIE structure has been adopted by many PRC-based companies, including us, to conduct business in the industries that are currently subject to foreign investment restrictions in China. Under the draft Foreign Investment Law, a VIE that is controlled via contractual arrangements would also be
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deemed as an FIE, if it is ultimately "controlled" by foreign investors. If the business operation of such VIE falls within the industry catalogue of special management measures, or the Negative List, amended by the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission in the future, the existing VIE structure may be scrutinized and subject to foreign investment restrictions and approval from the MOFCOM and other supervising authorities such as the MIIT.
However, there are significant uncertainties as to how the control status of our consolidated VIEs would be determined under the enacted version of the Foreign Investment Law. In addition, it is uncertain whether any of the businesses that we currently operate or plan to operate in the future through our consolidated VIEs would be on the Negative List and therefore be subject to any foreign investment restrictions or prohibitions.
In addition, our corporate governance practice may be materially impacted and our compliance costs could increase if we were not considered as ultimately controlled by PRC domestic investors under the Foreign Investment Law, if enacted as currently proposed. For instance, the draft Foreign Investment Law as proposed purports to impose stringent ad hoc and periodic information reporting requirements on foreign investors and the applicable FIEs.
From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. Any administrative and court proceedings in China may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory provisions and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. These uncertainties may impede our ability to enforce the contracts we have entered into and could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all and may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of any of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such unpredictability towards our contractual, property and procedural rights could adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.
Changes in China's economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.
Substantially all of our assets and operations are located in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in China generally. The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets, and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China's economic growth through allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies.
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy, and the rate of growth has been slowing since 2012. Any adverse changes in economic conditions in China, in the policies of the Chinese government or in the laws and regulations in China could have a material adverse effect on the
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overall economic growth of China. Such developments could adversely affect our business and operating results, lead to reduction in demand for our services and adversely affect our competitive position. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese government has implemented certain measures, including interest rate adjustment, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China, which may adversely affect our business and operating results.
We may be adversely affected by the complexity, uncertainties and changes in PRC regulation of internet-related businesses and companies, and any lack of requisite approvals, licenses or permits applicable to our business may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The PRC government extensively regulates the internet industry, including foreign ownership of, and the licensing and permit requirements pertaining to, companies in the internet industry. These internet-related laws and regulations are relatively new and evolving, and their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainties. As a result, in certain circumstances it may be difficult to determine what actions or omissions may be deemed to be in violation of applicable laws and regulations.
The evolving PRC regulatory system for the internet industry may lead to the establishment of new regulatory agencies. For example, in May 2011, the State Council announced the establishment of a new department, Cyberspace Administration of China (with the involvement of the State Council Information Office, the MIIT, and the Ministry of Public Security). The primary role of this agency is to facilitate the policy-making and legislative development in this field, to direct and coordinate with the relevant departments in connection with online content administration and to deal with cross-ministry regulatory matters in relation to the internet industry.
The interpretation and application of existing PRC laws, regulations and policies and possible new laws, regulations or policies relating to the internet industry have created substantial uncertainties regarding the legality of existing and future foreign investments in, and the businesses and activities of, internet businesses in China, including our business. We cannot assure you that we have obtained all the permits or licenses required for conducting our business in China or will be able to maintain our existing licenses or obtain new ones. If the PRC government considers that we were operating without the proper approvals, licenses or permits or promulgates new laws and regulations that require additional approvals or licenses or imposes additional restrictions on the operation of any part of our business, it has the power, among other things, to levy fines, confiscate our income, revoke our business licenses, and require us to discontinue our relevant business or impose restrictions on the affected portion of our business. Any of these actions by the PRC government may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing actions in China against us or our management based on foreign laws.
We are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, we conduct substantially all of our operations in China and substantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, all our senior executive officers reside within China for a significant portion of the time and all are PRC nationals. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process upon us or those persons inside mainland China. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in U.S. courts judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors, none of whom currently reside in the United States and whose assets are located outside the United States. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman
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Islands or the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state.
The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other forms of reciprocity with the United States that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, the PRC courts will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of PRC laws or national sovereignty, security or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States.
If we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders or ADS holders.
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with a "de facto management body" within the PRC is considered a "resident enterprise" and will be subject to the enterprise income tax on its global income at the rate of 25%. The implementation rules define the term "de facto management body" as the body that exercises full and substantial control over and overall and substantial management of the business, productions, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In 2009, the State Administration of Taxation, or SAT, issued a circular, known as SAT Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the "de facto management body" of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Although this circular only applies to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the criteria set forth in the circular may reflect the SAT's general position on how the "de facto management body" test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of all offshore enterprises. According to SAT Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having its "de facto management body" in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its global income only if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the primary location where senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for the day-to-day operational management is in the PRC; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprise's financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprise's primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and board and shareholder resolutions, are located or maintained in the PRC; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC.
We believe that we are not a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. See "RegulationsRegulation on TaxPRC enterprise income tax." However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term "de facto management body." If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we may be required to withhold a 10% withholding tax, unless a reduced rate is available under an applicable tax treaty, from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-resident enterprises, including the holders of our ADSs. In addition, non-resident enterprise shareholders (including our ADS holders) may be subject to PRC tax on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares, if such income is treated as sourced from within the PRC. Furthermore, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividends payable to our non-PRC individual shareholders (including our ADS holders) and any gain realized on the transfer of ADSs or ordinary shares by such shareholders may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 20% unless a reduced rate is available under an applicable tax treaty. It is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of our
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company would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in the ADSs or ordinary shares.
We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.
On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued a Public Notice Regarding Certain Corporate Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer of Properties by Non-Tax Resident Enterprises, or SAT Public Notice 7. SAT Public Notice 7 has introduced a new tax regime that is significantly different from the previous one under former SAT Circular 698 (which was repealed by the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Matters Concerning Withholding of Income Tax of Non-resident Enterprises at Source by SAT). SAT Public Notice 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to not only Indirect Transfers set forth under former SAT Circular 698 but also transactions involving transfer of other taxable assets through offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. In addition, SAT Public Notice 7 provides clearer criteria than former SAT Circular 698 for assessment of reasonable commercial purposes and has introduced safe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity of a same listed foreign enterprise by a non-resident enterprise through a public securities market. SAT Public Notice 7 also brings challenges to both foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of taxable assets. Where a non-resident enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is an Indirect Transfer, the non-resident enterprise, being the transferor, or the transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such Indirect Transfer to the relevant tax authority. Using a "substance over form" principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject to penalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes. However, according to the aforesaid safe harbor rule, the PRC tax would not be applicable to the transfer by any non-resident enterprise of ADSs of the Company acquired and sold on public securities markets.
On October 17, 2017, SAT issued a Public Notice of SAT on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Non-resident Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or SAT Public Notice 37, which, among others, repealed the Circular 698 on December 1, 2017. SAT Public Notice 37 further details and clarifies the tax withholding methods in respect of income of non-resident enterprises under Circular 698. And certain rules stipulated in SAT Public Notice 7 are replaced by SAT Public Notice 37. Where the non-resident enterprise fails to declare the tax payable pursuant to Article 39 of the Enterprise Income Tax Law, the tax authority may order it to pay the tax due within required time limits, and the non-resident enterprise shall declare and pay the tax payable within such time limits specified by the tax authority; however, if the non-resident enterprise voluntarily declares and pays the tax payable before the tax authority orders it to do so within required time limits, it shall be deemed that such enterprise has paid the tax in time.
We face uncertainties as to the reporting and other implications of certain past and future transactions where PRC taxable assets are involved, such as offshore restructuring, sale of the shares in our offshore subsidiaries and investments. Our company may be subject to filing obligations or taxed if our company is transferor in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding obligations if our company is transferee in such transactions, under SAT Public Notice 7 and SAT Public Notice 37. For transfer of shares in our company by investors who are non-PRC resident enterprises, our PRC subsidiary may be requested to assist in the filing under SAT Public Notice 7 and SAT Public Notice 37. As a result, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Public Notice 7 and SAT Public Notice 37 or to request the
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relevant transferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that our company should not be taxed under these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
If our preferential tax treatments are revoked, become unavailable or if the calculation of our tax liability is successfully challenged by the PRC tax authorities, we may be required to pay tax, interest and penalties in excess of our tax provisions, and our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
The PRC government has provided various tax incentives to our VIE entityFoshan Viomi in China. These incentives include reduced enterprise income tax rates. For example, under the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, the statutory enterprise income tax rate is 25%. However, enterprises which obtained a new software enterprise certification were entitled to an exemption of enterprise income tax for the first two years and a 50% reduction of enterprise income tax for the subsequent three years, commencing from the first profit-making year. In addition, the income tax of an enterprise that has been determined to be a high and new technology enterprise can be reduced to a preferential rate of 15%. Foshan Viomi has obtained High and New Technology Enterprise status since November 31, 2016 and is thus eligible to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15% for the periods presented, to the extent it has taxable income under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law. Any increase in the enterprise income tax rate applicable to our PRC subsidiary or VIE in China, or any discontinuation or retroactive or future reduction of any of the preferential tax treatments currently enjoyed by our PRC subsidiary or VIE in China, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, in the ordinary course of our business, we are subject to complex income tax and other tax regulations and significant judgment is required in the determination of a provision for income taxes. Although we believe our tax provisions are reasonable, if the PRC tax authorities successfully challenge our position and we are required to pay tax, interest and penalties in excess of our tax provisions, our financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
Certain PRC regulations may make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions.
Among other things, the Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agencies in 2006 and amended by Ministry of Commerce in 2009, established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex. Such regulation requires, among other things, that the MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor acquires control of a PRC domestic enterprise or a foreign company with substantial PRC operations, if certain thresholds under the Provisions on Thresholds for Prior Notification of Concentrations of Undertakings, issued by the State Council in 2008, were triggered. Moreover, the Anti-Monopoly Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC which became effective in 2008 requires that transactions which are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified turnover thresholds must be cleared by the MOFCOM before they can be completed. In addition, PRC national security review rules which became effective in September 2011 require acquisitions by foreign investors of PRC companies engaged in military related or certain other industries that are crucial to national security be subject to security review before consummation of any such acquisition. We may pursue potential strategic acquisitions that are complementary to our business and operations. Complying with the requirements of these regulations to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval or clearance from the MOFCOM, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand our business or maintain our market share.
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The approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission may be required in connection with this offering, and, if required, we cannot predict whether we will be able to obtain such approval.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Companies by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by the Ministry of Commerce requires an overseas special purpose vehicle formed for listing purposes through acquisitions of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC companies or individuals to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle's securities on an overseas stock exchange. However, the application of the M&A Rules remains unclear. Currently, there is no consensus among leading PRC law firms regarding the scope and applicability of the CSRC approval requirement.
Our PRC legal counsel has advised us based on their understanding of the current PRC laws, rules and regulations that the CSRC's approval may not be required for the listing and trading of our ADSs on Nasdaq in the context of this offering, given that: (i) our PRC subsidiary was incorporated as wholly foreign-owned enterprises by means of direct investment rather than by merger or acquisition of equity interest or assets of a PRC domestic company owned by PRC companies or individuals as defined under the M&A Rules that are our beneficial owners; and (ii) no provision in the M&A Rules clearly classifies contractual arrangements as a type of transaction subject to the M&A Rules.
However, our PRC legal counsel has further advised us that there remains some uncertainty as to how the M&A Rules will be interpreted or implemented in the context of an overseas offering and its opinions summarized above are subject to any new laws, rules and regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations in any form relating to the M&A Rules. We cannot assure you that relevant PRC government agencies, including the CSRC, would reach the same conclusion as we do. If it is determined that CSRC approval is required for this offering, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies for failure to seek CSRC approval for this offering. These sanctions may include fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limitations on our operating privileges in the PRC, delays in or restrictions on the repatriation of the proceeds from this offering into the PRC, restrictions on or prohibition of the payments or remittance of dividends by our China subsidiary, or other actions that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies may also take actions requiring us, or making it advisable for us, to halt this offering before the settlement and delivery of the ADSs that we are offering. Consequently, if you engage in market trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to the settlement and delivery of the ADSs we are offering, you would be doing so at the risk that the settlement and delivery may not occur.
PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident beneficial owners or our PRC subsidiary to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiary, limit our PRC subsidiary' ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect us.
In July 2014, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents' Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, to replace the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Residents' Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 75, which ceased to be effective upon the promulgation of SAFE Circular 37. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents (including PRC individuals and PRC corporate entities as well as foreign individuals that are deemed as PRC residents for foreign exchange administration purpose) to register with SAFE or its local branches in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment activities. SAFE Circular 37 is applicable to our shareholders who are PRC residents and may be applicable to any offshore acquisitions that we make in the future.
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Under SAFE Circular 37, PRC residents who make, or have prior to the implementation of SAFE Circular 37 made, direct or indirect investments in offshore special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, will be required to register such investments with SAFE or its local branches. In addition, any PRC resident who is a direct or indirect shareholder of an SPV, is required to update its filed registration with the local branch of SAFE with respect to that SPV, to reflect any material change. Moreover, any subsidiary of such SPV in China is required to urge the PRC resident shareholders to update their registration with the local branch of SAFE. If any PRC shareholder of such SPV fails to make the required registration or to update the previously filed registration, the subsidiary of such SPV in China may be prohibited from distributing its profits or the proceeds from any capital reduction, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, and the SPV may also be prohibited from making additional capital contributions into its subsidiary in China. On February 13, 2015, SAFE promulgated a Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Foreign Exchange Administration Policy on Direct Investment, or SAFE Notice 13, which became effective on June 1, 2015. Under SAFE Notice 13, applications for foreign exchange registration of inbound foreign direct investments and outbound overseas direct investments, including those required under SAFE Circular 37, will be filed with qualified banks instead of SAFE. The qualified banks will directly examine the applications and accept registrations under the supervision of SAFE.
We have requested PRC residents who we know hold direct or indirect interest in our company to make the necessary applications, filings and registrations as required under SAFE Circular 37. However, we may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC residents holding direct or indirect interest in our company, and we cannot provide any assurance that all these PRC residents will comply with SAFE Circular No. 37 or the subsequent implementation rules to complete the applicable registrations. The failure or inability of our PRC resident shareholders to comply with the registration procedures set forth in these regulations may subject us to fines and legal sanctions, restrict our cross-border investment activities, limit the ability of our wholly foreign-owned subsidiary in China to distribute dividends and the proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may also be prohibited from injecting additional capital into the subsidiary. Moreover, failure to comply with the various foreign exchange registration requirements described above could result in liability under PRC law for circumventing applicable foreign exchange restrictions. As a result, our business operations and our ability to distribute profits to you could be materially and adversely affected.
Furthermore, as these foreign exchange regulations are still relatively new and their interpretation and implementation has been constantly evolving, it is unclear how these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implemented by the relevant government authorities. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent review and approval process with respect to our foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you that we or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filings and registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy and could adversely affect our business and prospects.
Any failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock incentive plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.
In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly Listed Company, replacing earlier rules promulgated in 2007. Pursuant to these rules, PRC citizens and non-PRC citizens who reside in China for a continuous period of not less than one year who participate in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent, which could be the PRC subsidiary of such overseas-listed company, and complete certain other procedures. In addition, an overseas-entrusted institution must be
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retained to handle matters in connection with the exercise or sale of stock options and the purchase or sale of shares and interests. We and our executive officers and other employees who are PRC citizens or who reside in the PRC for a continuous period of not less than one year and who have been granted options will be subject to these regulations when our company becomes an overseas-listed company upon the completion of this offering. Failure to complete SAFE registrations may subject them to fines of up to RMB300,000 for entities and up to RMB50,000 for individuals, and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiary and limit our PRC subsidiary' ability to distribute dividends to us. We also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional incentive plans for our directors, executive officers and employees under PRC law. See "RegulationsRegulation on Employee Share Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly Listed Company."
Failure to make adequate contributions to various government-sponsored employee benefits plans as required by PRC regulations may subject us to penalties.
Companies operating in China are required to participate in various government-sponsored employee benefit plans, including certain social insurance, housing funds and other welfare-oriented payment obligations, and contribute to the plans in amounts equal to certain percentages of salaries, including bonuses and allowances, of employees up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time at locations where our employees are based. The requirements of employee benefit plans have not been implemented consistently by the local governments in China given the different levels of economic development in different locations. We did not pay, or were not able to pay, certain social insurance or housing fund contributions for all of our employees and the amount we paid was lower than the requirements of relevant PRC regulations. If we are determined by local authorities to fail to make adequate contributions to any employee benefits as required by relevant PRC regulations, we may face late fees or fines in relation to the underpaid employee benefits. In addition, our provision for these liabilities may not be adequate, particularly in light of the recent tightening regulations. As a result, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We face certain risks relating to the real properties that we lease.
We lease real properties from third parties primarily for our office use in China, and none of our eight lease agreements for these properties has been registered with the PRC governmental authorities as required by PRC law. Although the failure to do so does not in itself invalidate the leases, we may be ordered by the PRC government authorities to rectify such noncompliance and, if such noncompliance were not rectified within a given period of time, we may be subject to fines imposed by PRC government authorities ranging from RMB1,000 and RMB10,000 for each lease agreement that has not been registered with the relevant PRC governmental authorities.
The ownership certificates or other similar proof of three of our leased properties have not been provided to us by the relevant lessors. Therefore, we cannot assure you that such lessors are entitled to lease the relevant real properties to us. If the lessors are not entitled to lease the real properties to us and the owners of such real properties decline to ratify the lease agreements between us and the respective lessors, we may not be able to enforce our rights to lease such properties under the respective lease agreements against the owners. As of the date of this prospectus, we are not aware of any claim or challenge brought by any third parties concerning the use of our leased properties without obtaining proper ownership proof. If our lease agreements are claimed as null and void by third parties who are the real owners of such leased real properties, we could be required to vacate the properties, in the event of which we could only initiate the claim against the lessors under relevant lease agreements for indemnities for their breach of the relevant leasing agreements. We cannot assure you that suitable alternative locations are readily available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, and if we are unable to relocate our officers in a timely manner, our operations may be interrupted.
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PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
We are an offshore holding company conducting our operations in China through our PRC subsidiary and VIEs. We may make loans to our PRC subsidiary and VIEs subject to the approval or registration from governmental authorities and limitation of amount, or we may make additional capital contributions to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiary in China. Any loans to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiary in China, which are treated as foreign-invested enterprises under PRC law, are subject to foreign exchange loan registrations. In addition, a foreign-invested enterprise, or FIE, shall use its capital pursuant to the principle of authenticity and self-use within its business scope. The capital of an FIE shall not be used for the following purposes: (i) directly or indirectly used for payment beyond the business scope of the enterprises or the payment prohibited by relevant laws and regulations; (ii) directly or indirectly used for investment in securities or investments other than banks' principal-secured products unless otherwise provided by relevant laws and regulations; (iii) the granting of loans to non-affiliated enterprises, except where it is expressly permitted in the business license; and (iv) paying the expenses related to the purchase of real estate that is not for self-use (except for the foreign-invested real estate enterprises).
In light of the various requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies, we cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans by us to our PRC subsidiary or VIEs or with respect to future capital contributions by us to our PRC subsidiary. If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds from this offering and to capitalize or otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions in China and by China's foreign exchange policies. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar, and the Renminbi appreciated more than 20% against the U.S. dollar over the following three years. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar remained within a narrow band. Since June 2010, the Renminbi has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. Since October 1, 2016, Renminbi has joined the International Monetary Fund's basket of currencies that make up the Special Drawing Right (SDR) along with the U.S. dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen and the British pound. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Renminbi has depreciated significantly in the backdrop of a surging U.S. dollar and persistent capital outflows of China. With the development of the foreign exchange market and progress towards interest rate liberalization and Renminbi internationalization, the PRC government may in the future announce further changes to the exchange rate system, and we cannot assure you that the Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the future. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future.
Significant revaluation of the Renminbi may have a material and adverse effect on your investment. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars we receive from this offering into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares or
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ADSs or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us.
Very limited hedging options are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency.
Governmental control of currency conversion may limit our ability to utilize our cash balance effectively and affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive substantially all of our net revenues in Renminbi. Under our current corporate structure, our Cayman Islands holding company primarily relies on dividend payments from our PRC subsidiary to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval of SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements. Specifically, under the existing exchange restrictions, without prior approval of SAFE, cash generated from the operations of our PRC subsidiary in China may be used to pay dividends to our company. However, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, we need to obtain SAFE approval to use cash generated from the operations of our PRC subsidiary and VIE to pay off their respective debt in a currency other than Renminbi owed to entities outside China, or to make other capital expenditure payments outside China in a currency other than Renminbi. The PRC government may at its discretion restrict access to foreign currencies for current account transactions in the future. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders, including holders of our ADSs.
Proceedings instituted by the SEC against Chinese affiliates of the "big four" accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.
Starting in 2011 the Chinese affiliates of the "big four" accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, were affected by a conflict between U.S. and Chinese law. Specifically, for certain U.S.-listed companies operating and audited in mainland China, the SEC and the PCAOB sought to obtain from the Chinese firms access to their audit work papers and related documents. The firms were, however, advised and directed that under Chinese law, they could not respond directly to the U.S. regulators on those requests, and that requests by foreign regulators for access to such papers in China had to be channeled through the CSRC.
In late 2012, this impasse led the SEC to commence administrative proceedings under Rule 102(e) of its Rules of Practice and also under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 against the Chinese accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm. A first instance trial of the proceedings in July 2013 in the SEC's internal administrative court resulted in an adverse judgment against the firms. The administrative law judge proposed penalties on the firms including a temporary suspension of their right to practice before the SEC, although that proposed penalty did not take effect pending review by the Commissioners of the SEC. On February 6, 2015, before a review by the Commissioner had taken place, the firms reached a settlement with the SEC. Under the settlement, the SEC accepts that future requests
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by the SEC for the production of documents will normally be made to the CSRC. The firms will receive matching Section 106 requests, and are required to abide by a detailed set of procedures with respect to such requests, which in substance require them to facilitate production via the CSRC. If they fail to meet specified criteria, the SEC retains authority to impose a variety of additional remedial measures on the firms depending on the nature of the failure. Remedies for any future noncompliance could include, as appropriate, an automatic six-month bar on a single firm's performance of certain audit work, commencement of a new proceeding against a firm, or in extreme cases the resumption of the current proceeding against all four firms. If additional remedial measures are imposed on the Chinese affiliates of the "big four" accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, in administrative proceedings brought by the SEC alleging the firms' failure to meet specific criteria set by the SEC with respect to requests for the production of documents, we could be unable to timely file future financial statements in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.
In the event that the SEC restarts the administrative proceedings, depending upon the final outcome, listed companies in the United States with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operations in the PRC, which could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, including possible delisting. Moreover, any negative news about any such future proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainty regarding China-based, U.S.-listed companies and the market price of our common stock may be adversely affected.
If our independent registered public accounting firm was denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before the SEC and we were unable to timely find another registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our financial statements could be determined not to be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such a determination could ultimately lead to the delisting of our ADSs from Nasdaq or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of our ADSs in the United States.
The audit report included in this prospectus is prepared by an auditor who is not inspected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and, as such, you are deprived of the benefits of such inspection.
Our independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit reports included in our prospectus filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as auditors of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or the PCAOB, is required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess its compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards. Because our auditors are located in the Peoples' Republic of China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities, our auditors are not currently inspected by the PCAOB. On May 24, 2013, PCAOB announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Enforcement Cooperation with the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, and the Ministry of Finance which establishes a cooperative framework between the parties for the production and exchange of audit documents relevant to investigations in the United States and China. PCAOB continues to be in discussions with the CSRC and the Ministry of Finance to permit joint inspections in the PRC of audit firms that are registered with the PCAOB and audit Chinese companies that trade on U.S. exchanges.
Inspections of other firms that the PCAOB has conducted outside China have identified deficiencies in those firms' audit procedures and quality control procedures, which may be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. This lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditor's audits and its quality control procedures. As a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB inspections.
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The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our auditor's audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to PCAOB inspections. Investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information and procedures and the quality of our financial statements.
Risks Related to the ADSs and this Offering
An active trading market for our shares or the ADSs may not develop and the trading price for the ADSs may fluctuate significantly.
We have applied to list our ADSs on the Nasdaq. We have no current intention to seek a listing for our ordinary shares on any stock exchange. Prior to the completion of this offering, there has been no public market for our ADSs or our ordinary shares, and we cannot assure you that a liquid public market for our ADSs will develop. If an active public market for our ADSs does not develop following the completion of this offering, the market price and liquidity of our ADSs may be materially and adversely affected. The initial public offering price for our ADSs will be determined by negotiation between us and the underwriters based upon several factors, and we can provide no assurance that the trading price of our ADSs after this offering will not decline below the initial public offering price. As a result, investors in our securities may experience a significant decrease in the value of their ADSs.
The trading price of the ADSs is likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.
The trading price of our ADSs is likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of broad market and industry factors, including the performance and fluctuation of the market prices of other companies with business operations located mainly in China that have listed their securities in the United States. In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for our ADSs may be highly volatile for factors specific to our own operations, including the following:
Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the trading volume and price of the ADSs.
In the past, shareholders of public companies have often brought securities class action suits against those companies following periods of instability in the market price of their securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management's attention and other
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resources from our business and operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit, which could harm our results of operations. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our dual-class share structure with different voting rights will limit your ability to influence corporate matters (and in certain situations, give certain holders of Class B ordinary shares control over the outcome of matters put to a vote of shareholders) and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.
Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, we will create a dual-class share structure such that our ordinary shares shall consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. One of our key strengths is our visionary and professional management team led by the founder and CEO Mr. Xiaoping Chen and supported by our strategic partner Xiaomi. The dual-class share structure ensures that the vision of the management team and the proven strategies can be consistently implemented, especially during the phase of our rapid growth. Furthermore, the dual-class structure enables us to better focus on long-term strategies by serving as effective defense against corporate actions which might not be in our long-term interest. In respect of matters requiring the votes of shareholders, holders of Class A ordinary shares will be entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B ordinary shares will be entitled to ten votes per share based on our dual-class share structure. We will sell Class A ordinary shares represented by our ADSs in this offering. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof, while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Holders of Class B ordinary shares are required to convert their shares to Class A ordinary shares upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of any Class B ordinary share (excluding, in the case of Mr. Xiaoping Chen, transfers to his affiliates). Conversion of Class B ordinary shares to Class A ordinary shares will increase the voting power of holders of Class A ordinary shares and ADSs, while at the same time increasing the relative voting power of individual Class B ordinary shareholders who retain their shares.
As a result of the dual-class share structure and the concentration of ownership, Mr. Xiaoping Chen, certain of our employees and Xiaomi will beneficially own all of our issued Class B ordinary shares, and they will have considerable influence (and in certain situations, complete control) over matters such as decisions regarding mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, election of directors and other significant corporate actions. Such holders may take actions that are not in the best interest of us or our other shareholders. Due to the disproportionate voting powers associated with our two classes of ordinary shares, we anticipate that the holders of our Class B ordinary shares and our founder, Mr. Xiaoping Chen, will beneficially own 92.9% and 66.2%, respectively, of the aggregate voting power of our Company immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option to purchase additional ADSs. Assuming that the Class B shareholders hold Class B ordinary shares only, the Class B shareholders must keep 9.1% of the outstanding shares to continue to control the outcome of matters submitted to shareholders for approval through ordinary resolutions. Immediately upon completion of this offering, we are authorized to issue 32,400,000 additional Class B ordinary shares pursuant to our post-IPO memorandum and articles of association. If all 32,400,000 additional Class B ordinary shares were to be issued, the voting power of holders of Class A ordinary shares and ADSs would be reduced to 5.7% from 7.1%, assuming no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option to purchase additional ADSs. The concentration of ownership may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our Company, which could have the effect of depriving our other shareholders of the opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and may reduce the price of our ADSs. This concentrated control will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions that holders of Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may view as beneficial.
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The dual-class structure of our ordinary shares may adversely affect the trading market for our ADSs.
S&P Dow Jones and FTSE Russell have recently announced changes to their eligibility criteria for inclusion of shares of public companies on certain indices, including the S&P 500, to exclude companies with multiple classes of shares and companies whose public shareholders hold no more than 5% of total voting power from being added to such indices. In addition, several shareholder advisory firms have announced their opposition to the use of multiple class structures. As a result, the dual class structure of our ordinary shares may prevent the inclusion of our ADSs representing Class A ordinary shares in such indices and may cause shareholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary about our corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to cause us to change our capital structure. Any such exclusion from indices could result in a less active trading market for our ADSs. Any actions or publications by shareholder advisory firms critical of our corporate governance practices or capital structure could also adversely affect the value of our ADSs.
We are an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act and may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements.
We are an "emerging growth company," as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from requirements applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, most significantly, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for so long as we remain an emerging growth company. As a result, if we elect not to comply with such auditor attestation requirements, our investors may not have access to certain information they may deem important.
The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. However, we have elected to "opt out" of this provision and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted for public companies. This decision to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act is irrevocable.
If securities or industry analysts cease to publish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding the ADSs, the market price for the ADSs and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for the ADSs will be influenced by research or reports that industry or securities analysts publish about our business. If one or more analysts who cover us downgrade the ADSs, the market price for the ADSs would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the market price or trading volume for the ADSs to decline.
The sale or availability for sale, or perceived sale or availability for sale, of substantial amounts of our ADSs could adversely affect their market price.
Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs in the public market after the completion of this offering, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our ADSs and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future. The ADSs sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, and shares held by our existing shareholders may also be sold in the public market in the future subject to the restrictions in Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act and the applicable lock-up agreements. There will be 11,400,000 ADSs (equivalent to 34,200,000 Class A ordinary shares) outstanding immediately after this offering, or 13,110,000 ADSs (equivalent to 39,330,000 Class A ordinary shares) if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full. In connection with this offering, we, our directors and executive officers and our existing shareholders have agreed not to sell any ordinary shares or ADSs
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for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without the prior written consent of the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, we have agreed to instruct the depositary not to accept any shares for deposit for the issuance of ADSs for 180 days after the date of this prospectus (other than in connection with this offering), without prior written consent from the representatives of the underwriters. However, the underwriters may release these securities from these restrictions at any time, subject to applicable regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. We cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of securities held by our significant shareholders or any other shareholder or the availability of these securities for future sale will have on the market price of our ADSs. See "Underwriting" and "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" for a more detailed description of the restrictions on selling our securities after this offering.
Our memorandum and articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could have a material adverse effect on the rights of holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs.
We will adopt amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that will become effective immediately prior to this offering. Our new memorandum and articles of association contain provisions to limit the ability of others to acquire control of our Company or cause us to engage in change-of-control transactions. These provisions could have the effect of depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transaction. Our proposed dual-class voting structure gives disproportionate voting power to the holders of our Class A and Class B ordinary shares. Our board of directors has the authority, without further action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix their designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights associated with our ordinary shares, in the form of ADS or otherwise. Preferred shares could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue preferred shares, the price of our ADSs may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our ordinary shares and ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.
We have not determined a specific use for a portion of the net proceeds from this offering, and we may use these proceeds in ways with which you may not agree, and such use may not produce income or increase our ADS price.
We have not determined a specific use for a portion of the net proceeds of this offering, and our management will have considerable discretion in deciding how to apply these proceeds. You will not have the opportunity to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately before you make your investment decision. You must rely on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the net proceeds of this offering. We cannot assure you that the net proceeds will be used in a manner that would improve our results of operations or increase our ADS price, nor that these net proceeds will be placed only in investments that generate income or appreciate in value.
The voting rights of holders of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement, and you may not be able to exercise your right to vote the underlying your Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs.
Holders of ADSs do not have the same rights as our registered shareholders. As a holder of our ADSs, you will not have any direct right to attend general meetings of our shareholders or to cast any votes at such meetings. You will only be able to exercise the voting rights which are carried by the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs indirectly by giving voting instructions to the depositary in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Upon receipt of your voting instructions, the depositary will try, as far as is practicable, to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs in accordance with your instructions. If we ask for your instructions, then upon receipt of your
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voting instructions, the depositary will try to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares in accordance with these instructions. If we do not instruct the depositary to ask for your instructions, the depositary may still vote in accordance with instructions you give, but it is not required to do so. You will not be able to directly exercise your right to vote with respect to the underlying Class A ordinary shares unless you withdraw the shares, and become the registered holder of such shares prior to the record date for the general meeting. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient advance notice of the meeting to withdraw the Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs and become the registered holder of such shares to allow you to attend the general meeting and to vote directly with respect to any specific matter or resolution to be considered and voted upon at the general meeting. In addition, under our post-offering memorandum and articles of association that will become effective immediately prior to this offering, for the purposes of determining those shareholders who are entitled to attend and vote at any general meeting, our directors may close our register of members and/or fix in advance a record date for such meeting, and such closure of our register of members or the setting of such a record date may prevent you from withdrawing the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs and becoming the registered holder of such shares prior to the record date, so that you would not be able to attend the general meeting or to vote directly. If we ask for your instructions, the depositary will notify you of the upcoming vote and will arrange to deliver our voting materials to you. We have agreed to give the depositary at least 30 days' prior notice of shareholder meetings. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for their manner of carrying out your voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise your right to direct how the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs are voted and you may have no legal remedy if the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs are not voted as you requested. In addition, in your capacity as an ADS holder, you will not be able to call a shareholders' meeting.
Because we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future after this offering, you must rely on price appreciation of the ADSs for return on your investment.
We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings after this offering to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in our ADSs as a source for any future dividend income.
Pursuant to our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend either out of profits or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as it falls due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our ADSs. There is no guarantee that our ADSs will appreciate in value after this offering or even maintain the price at which you purchased the ADSs. You may not realize a return on your investment in our ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in our ADSs.
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You may not receive dividends or other distributions on our ordinary shares and you may not receive any value for them, if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to you.
The depositary of the ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on ordinary shares or other deposited securities underlying the ADSs, after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act of 1933 but that are not properly registered or distributed under an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary may also determine that it is not feasible to distribute certain property through the mail. Additionally, the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may determine not to distribute such property. We have no obligation to register under U.S. securities laws any ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or other securities received through such distributions. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs. This means that you may not receive distributions we make on our ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you. These restrictions may cause a material decline in the value of the ADSs.
You may experience dilution of your holdings due to the inability to participate in rights offerings.
We may, from time to time, distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire securities. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not distribute rights to holders of ADSs unless the distribution and sale of rights and the securities to which these rights relate are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act with respect to all holders of ADSs, or are registered under the provisions of the Securities Act. The depositary may, but is not required to, attempt to sell these undistributed rights to third parties, and may allow the rights to lapse. We may be unable to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, and we are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to these rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to have a registration statement declared effective. Accordingly, holders of ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution of their holdings as a result.
You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems it expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close its books from time to time for a number of reasons, including in connection with corporate events such as a rights offering, during which time the depositary needs to maintain an exact number of ADS holders on its books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on weekends and public holidays. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of our ADSs generally when our share register or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary thinks it is advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
We will incur increased costs as a result of being a public company, particularly after we cease to qualify as an "emerging growth company."
Upon completion of this offering, we will become a public company and expect to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and Nasdaq, impose various requirements on the corporate governance practices of public companies. As a company with less than US$1.07 billion in revenues for our last fiscal year, we qualify as
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an "emerging growth company" pursuant to the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Section 404, in the assessment of the emerging growth company's internal control over financial reporting and permission to delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies.
We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. After we are no longer an "emerging growth company," we expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the other rules and regulations of the SEC. For example, as a result of becoming a public company, we will need to increase the number of independent directors and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. We also expect that operating as a public company will make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. In addition, we will incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. It may also be more difficult for us to find qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these rules and regulations, and we cannot predict or estimate with any degree of certainty the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.
In the past, shareholders of a public company often brought securities class action suits against the company following periods of instability in the market price of that company's securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management's attention and other resources from our business and operations, which could harm our results of operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are incorporated under Cayman Islands law.
We are an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties owed to us by our directors under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties owed to us by our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.
Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our memorandum and articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not
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obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for our shareholders to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for them to motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.
As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of our board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States. For a discussion of significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders, see "Description of Share CapitalDifferences in Corporate Law."
Your rights to pursue claims against the depositary as a holder of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement.
The deposit agreement governing the ADSs representing our ordinary shares provides that, subject to the depositary's right to require a claim to be submitted to arbitration, the federal or state courts in the City of New York have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine claims arising under the deposit agreement and in that regard, to the fullest extent permitted by law, ADS holders waive the right to a jury trial of any claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to our shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement, including any claim under the U.S. federal securities laws.
If we or the depositary opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable based on the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with the applicable U.S. state and federal law. To our knowledge, the enforceability of a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver in connection with claims arising under the U.S. federal securities laws has not been finally adjudicated by the United States Supreme Court. However, we believe that a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision is generally enforceable, including under the laws of the State of New York, which govern the deposit agreement. In determining whether to enforce a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision, courts will generally consider whether a party knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waived the right to a jury trial. We believe that this is the case with respect to the deposit agreement and the ADSs. It is advisable that you consult legal counsel regarding the jury waiver provision before investing in the ADSs.
If you or any other holders or beneficial owners of ADSs bring a claim against us or the depositary in connection with matters arising under the deposit agreement or the ADSs, including claims under U.S. federal securities laws, you or such other holder or beneficial owner may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to such claims, which may have the effect of limiting and discouraging lawsuits against us and/or the depositary. If a lawsuit is brought against us and/or the depositary under the deposit agreement, it may be heard only by a judge or justice of the applicable trial court, which would be conducted according to different civil procedures and may result in different outcomes than a trial by jury would have had, including results that could be less favorable to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.
Nevertheless, if this jury trial waiver provision is not enforced, to the extent a court action proceeds, it would proceed under the terms of the deposit agreement with a jury trial. No condition, stipulation or provision of the deposit agreement or ADSs serves as a waiver by any holder or beneficial owner of ADSs or by us or the depositary of compliance with any substantive provision of the U.S. federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
In addition, the depositary may, in its sole discretion, require that any dispute or difference arising from the relationship created by the deposit agreement be referred to and finally settled by an arbitration conducted under the terms described in the deposit agreement, although the arbitration provisions do not preclude you from pursuing claims under U.S. federal securities laws in federal courts.
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Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.
We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. Substantially all of our current operations are conducted in China. In addition, all of our current directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. Substantially all of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. For more information regarding the relevant laws of the Cayman Islands and China, see "Enforceability of Civil Liabilities."
As an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ significantly from the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards; these practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards.
As a Cayman Islands company listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, we are subject to the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. However, Nasdaq rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from the Nasdaq corporate governance listing standards. Currently, we do not plan to rely on home country practice with respect to our corporate governance after we complete this offering. However, if we choose to follow home country practice in the future, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they would otherwise enjoy under the Nasdaq governance listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.
There can be no assurance that we will not be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders of our ADSs or ordinary shares.
A non-U.S. corporation will be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of "passive" income; or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such year is attributable to assets that produce passive income or are held for the production of passive income. Based on our current and expected income and assets (taking into account the expected cash proceeds and our anticipated market capitalization following this offering), we do not presently expect to be a PFIC for the current taxable year or the foreseeable future. However, no assurance can be given in this regard because the determination of whether we are or will become a PFIC is a fact-intensive inquiry made on an annual basis that depends, in part, upon the composition of our income and assets. Fluctuations in the market price of our ADSs may cause us to become a PFIC for the current or subsequent taxable years because the value of our assets for the purpose of the asset test may be determined by reference to the market price of our ADSs. The composition of our income and assets may also be affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets and the cash raised in this offering.
If we were to be or become a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder (as defined in "TaxationUnited States Federal Income Tax Considerations") holds our ADSs or ordinary shares, certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could apply to such U.S. Holder. See "TaxationUnited States Federal Income Tax ConsiderationsPassive foreign investment company considerations."
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and views of future events. The forward looking statements are contained principally in the sections entitled "Prospectus Summary," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business." Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those listed under "Risk Factors," may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
You can identify some of these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to:
These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that our expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, our expectations may later be found to be incorrect. Our actual results could be materially different from our expectations. Important risks and factors that could cause our actual results to be materially different from our expectations are generally set forth in "Prospectus SummaryOur Challenges," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Business," "Regulations" and other sections in this prospectus. You should read thoroughly this prospectus and the documents that we refer to with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from and worse than what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
This prospectus contains certain data and information that we obtained from various government and private publications. Statistical data in these publications also include projections based on a number of assumptions. The IoT-enabled smart home products market and the application of big data technology in China may not grow at the rate projected by market data, or at all. Failure to grow at the projected rate may have a material and adverse effect on our business and the market price of our ADSs. In addition, the rapidly evolving nature of IoT products and AI technology results in significant uncertainties for any projections or estimates relating to the growth prospects or future condition of our market. Furthermore, if any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data are later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this prospectus. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this prospectus and the documents that we refer to in this prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.
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We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately US$102.2 million, or approximately US$118.1 million if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. These estimates are based upon an assumed initial public offering price of US$10.00 per ADS, which is the midpoint of the price range shown on the front page of this prospectus. A US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of US$10.00 per ADS would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by US$10.6 million, assuming the number of ADSs offered by us, as set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses payable by us.
The primary purposes of this offering are to create a public market for our shares for the benefit of all shareholders, retain talented employees by providing them with equity incentives, and obtain additional capital to fund our growth strategy. We plan to use the net proceeds of this offering as follows:
The foregoing represents our current intentions based upon our present plans and business conditions to use and allocate the net proceeds of this offering. Our management, however, will have significant flexibility and discretion to apply the net proceeds of this offering. If an unforeseen event occurs or business conditions change, we may use the proceeds of this offering differently than as described in this prospectus. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to the ADSs and this OfferingWe have not determined a specific use for a portion of the net proceeds from this offering, and we may use these proceeds in ways with which you may not agree, and such use may not produce income or increase our ADS price."
Pending any use described above, we plan to invest the net proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing, debt instruments or demand deposits.
In using the proceeds of this offering, we are permitted under PRC laws and regulations as an offshore holding company to provide funding to our PRC subsidiary only through loans or capital contributions and to our VIEs only through loans, subject to satisfaction of applicable government registration and approval requirements. Currently, there is no statutory limit to the amount of funding that we can provide to our PRC subsidiary through capital contribution, and we can provide loans to our PRC subsidiary, VIEs and their subsidiaries as long as the loan amount does not exceed the statutory limit, which is currently twice the amount of the relevant entities' respective net assets, calculated in accordance with accounting standards in China. As of June 30, 2018, the maximum amount of loan of our PRC subsidiary, Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi was approximately RMB170,000 (US$25,691), RMB328.1 million (US$49.6 million) and RMB34,000 (US$5,138), respectively. It would generally take us approximately thirty days to obtain approvals or complete registration necessary to provide funds to our PRC subsidiary, VIEs and their subsidiaries through capital contributions or loans, subject to the specific timeline implemented by local authorities. Furthermore, we expect the IPO proceeds to be used in China in the form of RMB and, therefore, our PRC subsidiary, VIEs and their subsidiaries will need to convert any capital contributions or loans from U.S. dollars to RMB. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain these government registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if at all. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Doing Business in ChinaPRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business."
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Our board of directors has discretion on whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our board of directors. In either case, all dividends are subject to certain restrictions under Cayman Islands law, namely that our company may only pay dividends out of profits or share premium, and provided always that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in our company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if we decide to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant.
We do not have any present plan to pay any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future after this offering. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.
We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. We may rely on dividends from our subsidiaries in China for our cash requirements, including any payment of dividends to our shareholders. PRC regulations may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiary to pay dividends to us. See "RegulationsRegulation on Dividend Distributions."
If we pay any dividends on our Class A ordinary shares, we will pay those dividends which are payable in respect of the Class A ordinary shares underlying our ADSs to the depositary, as the registered holder of such Class A ordinary shares, and the depositary then will pay such amounts to our ADS holders in proportion to Class A ordinary shares underlying the ADSs held by such ADS holders, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. See "Description of American Depositary Shares." Cash dividends on our Class A ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.
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The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 30, 2018:
You should read this table together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the information under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Note:
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The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only. Our additional paid-in capital, total shareholders' (deficit) equity and total capitalization following the completion of this offering are subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.
A US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of US$10.00 per ADS, which is the midpoint of the estimated range of the initial public offering price shown on the front cover of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) each of additional paid-in capital, total shareholders' (deficit) equity, and total capitalization by US$10.6 million.
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If you invest in our ADSs, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per ADS and our net tangible book value per ADS after this offering. Dilution results from the fact that the initial public offering price per ordinary share is substantially in excess of the book value per ordinary share attributable to the existing shareholders for our presently outstanding ordinary shares.
Our net tangible book value as of June 30, 2018 was approximately US$48.3 million, or US$3.55 per class A ordinary share and US$10.65 per ADS. Net tangible book value represents the amount of our total consolidated tangible assets, less the amount of our total consolidated liabilities. Dilution is determined by subtracting net tangible book value per ordinary share, after giving effect to the additional proceeds we will receive from this offering, from the assumed initial public offering price of US$3.33 per ordinary share, which is the midpoint of the estimated initial public offering price range set forth on the front cover of this prospectus adjusted to reflect the ADS-to-ordinary share ratio, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Because the Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the same dividend and other rights, except for voting and conversion rights, the dilution is presented based on all issued and outstanding ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares.
Without taking into account any other changes in net tangible book value after June 30, 2018, other than to give effect to our sale of the ADSs offered in this offering at the assumed initial public offering price of US$10.00 per ADS, which is the midpoint of the estimated initial public offering price range, after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2018 would have been US$151.2 million, or US$0.73 per ordinary share and US$2.19 per ADS. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of US$0.45 per ordinary share and US$1.35 per ADS to the existing shareholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of US$2.60 per ordinary share and US$7.81 per ADS to investors purchasing ADSs in this offering. The following table illustrates such dilution:
|
Per
ordinary share |
Per ADS | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Assumed initial public offering price |
US$ | 3.33 | US$ | 10.00 | |||
Net tangible book value as of June 30, 2018 |
US$ | 3.55 | US$ | 10.65 | |||
Pro forma net tangible book value after giving effect to the assumption that (i) 18,181,818 series A preferred shares and 33,818,182 redeemable convertible class B ordinary shares have been converted into Class A ordinary shares, (ii) 16,145,454 existing class A ordinary shares have been converted into Class B ordinary shares, and (iii) 101,454,546 redeemable convertible class B ordinary shares have been converted to Class B ordinary shares |
US$ | 0.29 | US$ | 0.87 | |||
Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value after giving effect to the aforesaid assumptions considered in pro forma net tangible book value, 4,000,000 existing class A ordinary shares have been issued to Viomi Limited in August 2018, and this offering |
US$ | 0.73 | US$ | 2.19 | |||
Amount of dilution in net tangible book value to new investors in this offering |
US$ | 2.60 | US$ | 7.81 |
A US$1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of US$10.00 per ADS would increase (decrease) our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value after giving effect to this offering by US$10.6 million, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per ordinary share and per ADS after giving effect to this offering by US$0.05 per ordinary share and US$0.15 per ADS and the dilution in pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per ordinary share and per ADS to new investors in this offering by US$0.29 per ordinary share and US$0.85 per ADS, assuming no change to the number
64
of ADSs offered by us as set forth on the front cover of this prospectus, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The following table summarizes, on a pro forma as adjusted basis as of June 30, 2018, the differences between existing shareholders and the new investors with respect to the number of ordinary shares (in the form of ADSs or shares) purchased from us, the total consideration paid and the average price per ordinary share and per ADS paid before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The total number of ordinary shares does not include ordinary shares underlying the ADSs issuable upon the exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters.
The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only. Our net tangible book value following the completion of this offering is subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price of our ADSs and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.
The discussion and tables above assume no exercise of any outstanding share options outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. As of the date of this prospectus, there are 13,390,000 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding share options at a weighted average exercise price of US$0.42 per share, and there are in total up to 17,010,000 additional ordinary shares available for future issuance upon the exercise of yet to-be-issued share options under our 2015 and 2018 Share Incentive Plans. To the extent that any of these options are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors. Our net tangible book value following the completion of this offering is subject to adjustment based on the actual initial public offering price of our ADSs and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.
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Our reporting currency is the Renminbi because our business is mainly conducted in China and substantially all of our net revenues are denominated in Renminbi. The conversion of Renminbi into U.S. dollars in this prospectus is based on the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 Statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in this prospectus were made at a rate of RMB6.6171 to US$1.00, the exchange rate in effect as of June 29, 2018. We make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all. The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currency and through restrictions on foreign trade. On September 7, 2018, the exchange rate was RMB6.8419 to US$1.00.
The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar for the periods indicated. These rates are provided solely for your convenience and are not necessarily the exchange rates that we used in this prospectus or will use in the preparation of our periodic reports or any other information to be provided to you.
|
Exchange Rate | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Period
|
Period
End |
Average (1) | Low | High | |||||||||
|
(RMB per US$1.00)
|
||||||||||||
2013 |
6.0537 | 6.1412 | 6.2438 | 6.0537 | |||||||||
2014 |
6.2046 | 6.1704 | 6.2591 | 6.0402 | |||||||||
2015 |
6.4778 | 6.2869 | 6.4896 | 6.1870 | |||||||||
2016 |
6.9430 | 6.6549 | 6.9580 | 6.4480 | |||||||||
2017 |
6.5063 | 6.7350 | 6.9575 | 6.4773 | |||||||||
2018 |
|||||||||||||
April |
6.3325 | 6.2967 | 6.3340 | 6.2655 | |||||||||
May |
6.4096 | 6.3701 | 6.4175 | 6.3325 | |||||||||
June |
6.6171 | 6.4651 | 6.6235 | 6.3850 | |||||||||
July |
6.8038 | 6.7164 | 6.8102 | 6.6123 | |||||||||
August |
6.8300 | 6.8453 | 6.9330 | 6.8018 | |||||||||
September (through September 7) |
6.8419 | 6.8360 | 6.8427 | 6.8270 |
Source: Federal Reserve Statistical Release
Note:
66
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands to take advantage of certain benefits associated with being a Cayman Islands exempted company, such as:
However, certain disadvantages accompany incorporation in the Cayman Islands. These disadvantages include but are not limited to:
Our constituent documents do not contain provisions requiring that disputes, including those arising under the securities laws of the United States, between us, our officers, directors and shareholders, be arbitrated.
Substantially all of our operations are conducted in China, and substantially all of our assets are located in China. A majority of our directors and executive officers are nationals or residents of jurisdictions other than the United States and most of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for a shareholder to effect service of process within the United States upon these individuals, or to bring an action against us or these individuals in the United States, or to enforce against us or them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States.
We have appointed CT Corporation System, located at 111 Eighth Avenue, 13 th Floor, New York, New York 10011, as our agent upon whom process may be served in any action brought against us under the securities laws of the United States.
We have been informed by Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands legal counsel, that the United States and the Cayman Islands do not have a treaty providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts in civil and commercial matters and that a final judgment for the payment of money rendered by any federal or state court in the United States based on civil liability, whether or not predicated solely upon the U.S. federal securities laws, would not be automatically enforceable in the Cayman Islands. We have also been advised by Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP that a judgment obtained in any federal or state court in the United States will be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any re-examination of the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment (i) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (iii) is final, (iv) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, and (v) was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands.
There is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands would (i) recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil
67
liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States, or (ii) entertain original actions brought in the Cayman Islands against us or our directors or officers that are predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. Such uncertainty relates to whether a judgment obtained from the United States courts under the civil liability provisions of the securities laws will be determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands as penal or punitive in nature. If such a determination is made, the courts of the Cayman Islands will not recognize or enforce the judgment against a Cayman Islands company or its directors and officers. Because the courts of the Cayman Islands have yet to rule on whether such judgments are penal or punitive in nature, it is uncertain whether they would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands.
Han Kun Law Offices, our counsel as to PRC law, has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of China would:
Han Kun Law Offices has further advised us that the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based either on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other form of reciprocity with the United States or the Cayman Islands that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, courts in the PRC will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles of PRC law or national sovereignty, security or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States or in the Cayman Islands. Under the PRC Civil Procedures Law, foreign shareholders may originate actions based on PRC law against a company in China for disputes if they can establish sufficient nexus to the PRC for a PRC court to have jurisdiction, and meet other procedural requirements, including, among others, the plaintiff must have a direct interest in the case, and there must be a specific defendant, a concrete claim, a factual basis and a cause for the suit.
It will be, however, difficult for U.S. shareholders to originate actions against us in the PRC in accordance with PRC laws because we are incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and it will be difficult for U.S. shareholders, by virtue only of holding our ADSs or ordinary shares, to establish a connection to the PRC for a PRC court to have jurisdiction as required under the PRC Civil Procedures Law.
68
CORPORATE HISTORY AND STRUCTURE
We commenced our operation in May 2014 through Foshan Yunmi Electric Appliances Technology Co., Ltd, or Foshan Viomi, a PRC domestic company, to develop, manufacture and sell IoT products, including smart water purification systems. Foshan Viomi was established by Mr. Xiaoping Chen and Tianjin Jinxing Investment Co., Ltd., or Tianjin Jinxing, a subsidiary of Xiaomi. Certain equity interests in Foshan Viomi under Mr. Chen's name were held by Mr. Chen on behalf of our management.
In January 2015, we incorporated Viomi Technology Co., Ltd as our offshore holding company in order to facilitate foreign investment in our company. Subsequently, we established Viomi HK Technology Co., Limited, or Viomi HK, as our intermediate holding company, which in turn established a wholly-owned PRC subsidiary, Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., or Lequan Technology or our WFOE, in April 2015.
In January 2015, we formed a PRC domestic company, Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd, or Beijing Viomi, to develop and manage our big data, software and product design. In July 2015, we issued class A ordinary shares of Viomi Technology Co., Ltd. in exchange for the equity interests in Foshan Viomi held by Mr. Chen on behalf of the management, class B ordinary shares in exchange for the equity interests in Foshan Viomi owned by Mr. Chen, and class B ordinary shares to Red Better Limited and Shunwei Talent Limited in exchange for the equity interests in Foshan Viomi held by Tianjin Jinxing. Concurrently, we obtained control over Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi by entering into a series of contractual arrangements with them and their respective shareholders. In September 2018, Foshan Viomi reduced its registered capital and changed its shareholders from Mr. Xiaoping Chen and Tianjin Jinxing Investment Company, an affiliate of our principal shareholder, Red Better Limited, to Mr. Xiaoping Chen alone. Concurrently, we entered into a series of contractual arrangements in substantially the same forms with Foshan Viomi and Mr. Xiaoping Chen. We collectively refer to Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi as our VIEs in this prospectus. We use contractual arrangements with VIEs due to PRC restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of internet and other related businesses in China. Although our provision of e-commerce services falls within the permitted category according to the Negative List (as defined elsewhere in this prospectus) that took effect on July 28, 2018, foreign investments in this business are still restricted by other qualifications and requirements under related regulations in China. In 2016 and 2017, we derived virtually all of our revenues from our VIEs. We rely on dividends and other distributions paid to us by our WFOE, which in turn depends on the service fees that our VIEs pay to our WFOE. Our WFOE has the sole discretion to receive from each of our VIEs an annual service fee at an amount up to 100% of the respective VIE's annual net income. In addition, our WFOE is entitled to receive certain fees for other technical services at the amount mutually agreed upon by our WFOE and the respective VIE. Our WFOE did not collect any service fees from our VIEs in the last two fiscal years, and will make discretionary determinations on the amount of fees to collect based on the performance of our VIEs and our business needs going forward. We do not have unfettered access to our WFOE's and VIEs' revenues due to PRC legal restrictions on the payment of dividends by PRC companies, foreign exchange control restrictions, and the restrictions on foreign investment, among others. For more details and risks related to our variable interest entity structure, please see "Corporate History and StructureContractual Arrangements with Our VIEs and Their Shareholders" and "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Corporate Structure." In addition, we issued series A redeemable convertible preferred shares to a group of investors for cash or in the form of conversion of the outstanding bridge loans previously provided by the same investors.
As a result of our direct ownership in our WFOE and the contractual arrangements with the VIEs, we are regarded as the primary beneficiary of our VIEs, and we treat them as our consolidated affiliated entities under U.S. GAAP. We have consolidated the financial results of our VIEs in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
69
The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our significant subsidiaries and VIEs as of the date of this prospectus:
Notes:
70
The following diagram illustrates our anticipated corporate structure, including our significant subsidiaries and VIEs, upon the completion of this offering:
Notes:
71
Contractual Arrangements with Our VIEs and Their Shareholders
Agreements that provide us with effective control over our VIEs
Shareholder Voting Proxy Agreement. Pursuant to the Shareholder Voting Proxy Agreement, dated September 5, 2018, by and among our company, our WFOE and the shareholder of Foshan Viomi. The shareholder of Foshan Viomi has irrevocably authorized any person designated by our WFOE to act as his attorney-in-fact to exercise all of his rights as a shareholder of Foshan Viomi, including, but not limited to, the right to convene and attend shareholders' meetings, vote on any resolution that requires a shareholder vote, such as the appointment and election of directors, and other senior management personnel who shall be appointed or removed by the shareholders as well as the sale or transfer of all or part of the equity interests owned by such shareholder. Such shareholder voting proxy agreements will remain effective, unless otherwise terminated in advance pursuant to agreement in writing from all parties.
On July 21, 2015, our WFOE, Beijing Viomi and each of the shareholders of Beijing Viomi entered into a Shareholder Voting Proxy Agreement, which contain terms substantially similar to the Shareholder Voting Proxy Agreement executed by the shareholders of Foshan Viomi described above.
Equity Pledge Agreements. Pursuant to the Equity Pledge Agreement, dated September 5, 2018, among our WFOE, Foshan Viomi and the shareholder of Foshan Viomi, the shareholder of Foshan Viomi has pledged 100% equity interests in Foshan Viomi to our WFOE to guarantee the performance by the shareholder of his obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Shareholder Voting Proxy Agreement and the Equity Pledge Agreement, as well as the performance by Foshan Viomi of its obligations under the Exclusive Option Agreement, the Shareholder Voting Proxy Agreement, the Exclusive Consultation and Service Agreement and the Equity Pledge Agreement. In the event of a breach by Foshan Viomi or any shareholder of contractual obligations under the Equity Pledge Agreement, our WFOE, as pledgee, will have the right to dispose of the pledged equity interests in Foshan Viomi and will have priority in receiving the proceeds from such disposal. The shareholder of Foshan Viomi also undertakes that, without the prior written consent of our WFOE, the shareholder will not dispose of, create or allow any encumbrance on the pledged equity interests. Foshan Viomi undertakes that, without the prior written consent of our WFOE, they will not assist or allow any encumbrance to be created on the pledged equity interests.
On July 21, 2015, our WFOE, Beijing Viomi and each of the shareholders of Beijing Viomi entered into an Equity Pledge Agreement, which contains terms substantially similar to the Equity Pledge Agreement described above.
We have completed the registration of the equity pledge with the competent office of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce in accordance with the PRC Property Rights Law.
Agreements that allow us to receive economic benefits from our VIEs
Exclusive Consultation and Service Agreements. Pursuant to the Exclusive Consultation Service Agreement, dated July 21, 2015, between our WFOE and Foshan Viomi, our WFOE has the exclusive right to provide Foshan Viomi with the software technology development, technology consulting and technical services required by Foshan Viomi' business. Without our WFOE's prior written consent, Foshan Viomi may not accept any same or similar services subject to this agreement from any third party. Foshan Viomi agrees to pay our WFOE an annual service fee at an amount that is equal to 100% of its annual net income or the amount which is adjusted in accordance with our WFOE's sole discretion for the relevant
72
year as well as the mutually agreed amount for certain other technical services, both of which should be paid within three months after the end of the relevant calendar year. Our WFOE has the exclusive ownership of all the intellectual property rights created as a result of the performance of the Exclusive Consultation and Service Agreement, to the extent permitted by applicable PRC laws. To guarantee Foshan Viomi's performance of its obligations thereunder, the shareholder has pledged his equity interests in Foshan Viomi to our WFOE pursuant to the Equity Pledge Agreement. The Exclusive Consultation and Service Agreement will remain effective for an indefinite term, unless otherwise terminated pursuant to mutual agreement in writing or applicable PRC laws.
On July 21, 2015, our WFOE, Beijing Viomi and each of the shareholders of Beijing Viomi entered into an Exclusive Consultation and Service Agreement, which contains terms substantially similar to the Exclusive Consultation and Service Agreement described above.
Agreements that provide us with the option to purchase the equity interests in and assets of our VIEs
Exclusive Option Agreements. Pursuant to the Exclusive Option Agreement, dated September 5, 2018, among our WFOE, Foshan Viomi and the shareholder of Foshan Viomi, the shareholder of Foshan Viomi has irrevocably granted our WFOE an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the shareholder's equity interests in Foshan Viomi, and Foshan Viomi has irrevocably granted our WFOE an exclusive option to purchase all or part of its assets. Our WFOE or its designated person may exercise such options to purchase equity at their respective paid-in registered capital in Foshan Viomi, or the lowest price permitted under applicable PRC laws, whichever lower. Our WFOE or its designated person may exercise such options to purchase assets at the lowest price permitted under applicable PRC laws. The shareholder of Foshan Viomi undertakes that, without our WFOE's prior written consent, the shareholder will not, among other things, (i) transfer or otherwise dispose of the shareholder's equity interests in Foshan Viomi, (ii) create any pledge or encumbrance on the shareholder's equity interests in Foshan Viomi, (iii) change Foshan Viomi's registered capital, (iv) merge Foshan Viomi with any other entity, (v) dispose of Foshan Viomi's material assets (except in the ordinary course of business), or (vi) amend Foshan Viomi's articles of association. In addition, Foshan Viomi undertakes that, without our WFOE's prior written consent, it will not, among other things, create any pledge or encumbrance on any of its assets, or transfer or otherwise dispose of its material assets (except in the ordinary course of business). The Exclusive Option Agreement will remain effective until the entire equity interests in and all the assets of Foshan Viomi have been transferred to our WFOE or its designated person.
On July 21, 2015, our WFOE, Beijing Viomi and each of the shareholders of Beijing Viomi entered into an Exclusive Option Agreement, which contains terms substantially similar to the Exclusive Option Agreement described above.
In the opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC legal counsel:
However, our PRC legal counsel has also advised us that there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules. Accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may take a view that is contrary to the opinion of our PRC legal counsel. It is uncertain whether any new PRC laws or regulations relating to variable interest entity structures will be adopted or if adopted, what they would provide. If we or our VIE are found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or
73
approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take action in dealing with such violations or failures. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Corporate StructureIf the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating some of our business operations in China do not comply with PRC regulations relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties, or be forced to relinquish our interest in those operations" and "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Doing Business in ChinaUncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system and changes in laws and regulations in China could adversely affect us."
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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The following selected consolidated financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018 and as of June 30, 2018 are derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future periods. You should read this Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data section together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The following table presents our selected consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.
|
For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for share and per share data)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Selected Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income Data: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues (1) |
312,574 | 873,219 | 131,964 | 270,625 | 1,040,179 | 157,196 | |||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
(232,544 | ) | (598,036 | ) | (90,377 | ) | (190,461 | ) | (750,630 | ) | (113,438 | ) | |||||||
Gross profit |
80,030 | 275,183 | 41,587 | 80,164 | 289,549 | 43,758 | |||||||||||||
Operating expenses (2) : |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Research and development expenses (2) |
(29,926 | ) | (60,749 | ) | (9,181 | ) | (22,177 | ) | (49,047 | ) | (7,412 | ) | |||||||
Selling and marketing expenses (2) |
(20,929 | ) | (95,296 | ) | (14,401 | ) | (32,422 | ) | (146,589 | ) | (22,153 | ) | |||||||
General and administrative expenses (2) |
(14,386 | ) | (15,818 | ) | (2,390 | ) | (5,869 | ) | (14,837 | ) | (2,242 | ) | |||||||
Total operating expenses |
(65,241 | ) | (171,863 | ) | (25,972 | ) | (60,468 | ) | (210,473 | ) | (31,807 | ) | |||||||
Other (expenses) income |
(481 | ) | 2,236 | 338 | 1,866 | 148 | 22 | ||||||||||||
Income from operations |
14,308 | 105,556 | 15,953 | 21,562 | 79,224 | 11,973 | |||||||||||||
Interest (expenses) income |
(296 | ) | 2,402 | 363 | 926 | 2,659 | 402 | ||||||||||||
Income before income tax benefit (expenses) |
14,012 | 107,958 | 16,316 | 22,488 | 81,883 | 12,375 | |||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expenses) |
2,247 | (14,718 | ) | (2,224 | ) | (3,569 | ) | (11,592 | ) | (1,753 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
16,259 | 93,240 | 14,092 | 18,919 | 70,291 | 10,622 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income attributable to the Company |
16,259 | 93,240 | 14,092 | 18,919 | 70,291 | 10,622 | |||||||||||||
Net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company |
(3,453 | ) | 8,033 | 1,214 | 776 | 2,830 | 428 | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss) income per ordinary sharebasic |
(0.28 | ) | 0.39 | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.11 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) income per ordinary sharediluted |
(0.28 | ) | 0.31 | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.09 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net (loss) income per share: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary sharesbasic |
12,230,136 | 20,684,681 | 20,684,681 | 16,909,090 | 24,919,286 | 24,919,286 | |||||||||||||
Ordinary sharesdiluted |
12,230,136 | 25,579,806 | 25,579,806 | 21,557,912 | 31,434,510 | 31,434,510 |
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Notes:
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
For the six months
ended June 30, |
|||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
6,863 | 3,303 | 499 | 2,244 | 986 | 149 | |||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
3,464 | 1,903 | 288 | 1,492 | 4,228 | 639 | |||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
251 | 615 | 93 | 333 | 2,560 | 387 | |||||||||||||
Total |
10,578 | 5,821 | 880 | 4,069 | 7,774 | 1,175 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following table presents our selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018.
|
As of December 31, | As of June 30, | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
|||||||||||||||
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
||||||||||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
156,930 | 279,952 | 42,307 | 256,952 | 38,832 | |||||||||||
Amounts receivable from a related party, net |
45,021 | 249,548 | 37,713 | 333,731 | 50,435 | |||||||||||
Total current assets |
276,166 | 665,431 | 100,563 | 1,002,885 | 151,560 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets |
281,945 | 671,565 | 101,490 | 1,016,855 | 153,671 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
136,886 | 432,385 | 65,345 | 697,287 | 105,376 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
136,886 | 432,845 | 65,415 | 697,463 | 105,403 | |||||||||||
Total mezzanine equity |
423,999 | 407,928 | 61,647 | 417,556 | 63,103 | |||||||||||
Total shareholders' deficit |
(278,940 | ) | (169,208 | ) | (25,572 | ) | (98,164 | ) | (14,835 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
76
The following table presents our selected consolidated cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.
|
For the year ended
December 31, |
For the six months
ended June 30, |
|||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||
Selected Consolidated Cash Flow Data: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
15,499 | 123,906 | 18,725 | 7,737 | (17,880 | ) | (2,700 | ) | |||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(1,609 | ) | (1,234 | ) | (186 | ) | (245 | ) | 25,336 | 3,828 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
12,999 | 2,671 | 404 | | (34,195 | ) | (5,168 | ) | |||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
2,913 | (2,321 | ) | (351 | ) | (947 | ) | 3,739 | 565 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
29,802 | 123,022 | 18,592 | 6,545 | (23,000 | ) | (3,475 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year/period |
127,128 | 156,930 | 23,715 | 156,930 | 279,952 | 42,307 | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year/period |
156,930 | 279,952 | 42,307 | 163,475 | 256,952 | 38,832 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following table sets forth the breakdown of our net revenues by business line both as an absolute amount and as a proportion of total net revenues for the periods indicated.
|
For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IoT-enabled smart home products |
273,282 | 87.4 | 712,317 | 107,648 | 81.6 | 232,687 | 86.0 | 828,212 | 125,163 | 79.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart water purification systems |
250,442 | 80.1 | 570,784 | 86,259 | 65.4 | 194,005 | 71.7 | 432,443 | 65,353 | 41.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart kitchen products |
| | 50,656 | 7,655 | 5.8 | 3,299 | 1.2 | 285,595 | 43,160 | 27.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other smart products |
22,840 | 7.3 | 90,877 | 13,734 | 10.4 | 35,383 | 13.1 | 110,174 | 16,650 | 10.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Consumable products |
19,376 | 6.2 | 87,500 | 13,223 | 10.0 | 26,944 | 10.0 | 87,610 | 13,240 | 8.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Value-added businesses (1) |
19,916 | 6.4 | 73,402 | 11,093 | 8.4 | 10,994 | 4.0 | 124,357 | 18,793 | 12.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
312,574 | 100.0 | 873,219 | 131,964 | 100.0 | 270,625 | 100.0 | 1,040,179 | 157,196 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note:
77
The following table presents our gross profit and gross profit margin by business line for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.
|
For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands except percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit and gross profit margin: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IoT-enabled smart home products |
66,603 | 24.4 | 212,578 | 32,126 | 29.8 | 66,457 | 28.6 | 221,389 | 33,457 | 26.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart water purification systems |
58,594 | 23.4 | 170,996 | 25,842 | 30.0 | 55,561 | 28.6 | 143,500 | 21,686 | 33.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart kitchen products |
| | 15,669 | 2,368 | 30.9 | 595 | 18.0 | 48,633 | 7,350 | 17.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other smart products |
8,009 | 35.1 | 25,913 | 3,916 | 28.5 | 10,301 | 29.1 | 29,256 | 4,421 | 26.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Consumable products |
8,732 | 45.1 | 39,377 | 5,951 | 45.0 | 12,727 | 47.2 | 43,773 | 6.615 | 50.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Value-added businesses |
4,695 | 23.6 | 23,228 | 3,510 | 31.6 | 980 | 8.9 | 24,387 | 3,686 | 19.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
80,030 | 25.6 | 275,183 | 41,587 | 31.5 | 80,164 | 29.6 | 289,549 | 43,758 | 27.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The following table presents certain of our operating data as of the dates or for the periods indicated.
|
As of December 31, |
As of
June 30, |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
Selected Operating Data: |
||||||||||
Household users (1) |
348,084 | 894,078 | 1,222,336 |
|
For the Year
Ended December 31, |
For the
Six Months Ended June 30, |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||
IoT products shipped (2) |
382,479 | 1,194,659 | 1,245,564 |
Notes:
78
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our actual results may differ materially from those we currently anticipate as a result of many factors, including those we describe under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus. See "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."
Overview
We have developed a unique IoT @ Home platform consisting of an ecosystem of innovative IoT products, together with a suite of complementary consumable products and value-added businesses. This platform provides an attractive entry point into the consumer home, enabling users to intelligently interact with a broad portfolio of IoT products in an intuitive and human-like manner to make daily life more convenient, efficient and enjoyable, while allowing us to grow our household user base and capture various scenario-driven consumption events in the home environment. As of June 30, 2018, our IoT @ Home platform had over 1.2 million household users.
We are a strategic partner of Xiaomi. Our strategic partnership with Xiaomi gives us access to Xiaomi's ecosystem users, market and data resources and related support. Meanwhile, our strong research and development capabilities and innovative products and services also enrich Xiaomi's suite of offerings, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship between Xiaomi and us.
We generate revenues mainly from sales of our IoT products and consumable products and from our value-added businesses.
We have grown rapidly since our inception. Our net revenues were RMB873.2 million (US$132.0 million) in 2017, representing an increase of 179.4% from RMB312.6 million in 2016. Our net revenues increased by 284.4% from RMB270.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB1,040.2 million (US$157.2 million) for the same period of 2018. Our net income increased by 473.5% from RMB16.3 million in 2016 to RMB93.2 million (US$14.1 million) in 2017. Our net income increased by 271.5% from RMB18.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB70.3 million (US$10.6 million) for the same period of 2018.
Key Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Key factors affecting our results of operations include the following:
Consumption upgrade and greater adoption of IoT-enabled smart home technology in China
Our business and operating results are affected by general factors influencing China's broader consumer products and home appliances industries, including overall macroeconomic growth and increase in disposable income, overall consumption upgrade trends as well as public knowledge, acceptance and adoption of new and innovative technology such as IoT-enabled smart home technology.
In line with sustained economic growth and increases in disposable income in recent years, China has seen a clear consumption upgrade trend and expectations for higher living standards. Chinese consumers now have greater purchasing power and an increasing preference for high quality and aspirational products with innovative features and functionalities, according to the iResearch Report. In addition, Chinese consumers, particularly the young, modern, "new middle class" population, who are our key target demographic, are becoming increasingly receptive to next-generation products that incorporate AI and IoT technologies to create a modern living experience. New technologies such as voice- and motion-activated controls have also gained increasing prominence as these technologies become more mainstream and consumers become more educated about their applications. These macroeconomic and industry trends
79
have played and will continue to play a significant role in driving demand for our products and our results of operations. Unfavorable changes in any of these general industry conditions could negatively affect demand for our products and materially adversely affect our results of operations.
Increasing brand recognition and expanding user base
The uniqueness and effectiveness of our products and related benefits, together with our strategic partnership with Xiaomi, have enabled us to enjoy strong word-of-mouth and extensive media coverage, which have provided us with strong momentum in increasing our brand recognition and the expansion of our user base, which have been key contributors to the growth of our business. Our number of household users increased by close to 10 times from approximately 113 thousand as of March 31, 2016 to over 1.2 million as of June 30, 2018. As we continue to gain scale and invest in our brand, we expect our brand to gain even greater recognition among consumers, which will facilitate increasing demand for our products as well as further growth in our user base, creating additional monetization opportunities and in turn, driving further growth in our results of operations.
New product launches
Our introduction and sales of new products that are well received by consumers, both self-branded and Xiaomi-branded, is an important contributor to our sustainable growth. We successfully introduced 17 and 18 new product lines in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and in 2018, we have introduced additional new products such as our 21Face smart refrigerator and the Viomi dishwasher and will be launching new products such as our Eyebot smart range hood, VioV smart speaker, and smart mirror, which we expect to drive continued strong growth in our results of operations.
As we continue to grow our business and introduce additional new products, both self-branded and Xiaomi-branded, to improve connectivity and synergies across our IoT @ Home platform and further promote the IoT @ Home lifestyle experience, we expect to deliver additional growth through repeat customer purchases, bundled sales, as well as additional monetization of our consumable products and value-added businesses.
Expansion and performance of our network of experience stores
At the heart of our factory-to-consumer, or F2C, new retail sales strategy is a network of approximately 700 Viomi offline experience stores across China, the majority of which were stand-alone stores, as of June 30, 2018. Please see "BusinessOmnichannel F2C New Retail PlatformOffline" for more details. The rollout of these stores over the past several years has been an important positive driver on our results of operations by strengthening our brand awareness, increasing our overall market presence and supporting the attractive pricing of our products by eliminating unnecessary layers of middlemen as part of our F2C sales model.
Going forward and working together with our network partners, we intend to continue to roll out additional experience stores across the country and continue to invest in in-store training and enhance our in-store experience to drive the continued growth in our revenues and results of operations. We do not expect the expansion of our Viomi offline experience store network to have a material impact on our overall margins.
Product and business mix
We generate a significant portion of our revenues through the sales of our IoT products and we are continuing to introduce new products to the market. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, sales of our IoT products accounted for 87.4%, 81.6% and 79.6% of our net revenues, respectively. Different product categories may have different attributable gross margins due to various factors, including our pricing strategy, target customer demographics as well as raw material
80
and production costs, among others. We may price certain flagship products, such as our smart refrigerators, at competitive prices to facilitate initial household user acquisition and entry in the family home, which may negatively affect our gross margins in the near term.
In addition, the proportionate contributions of our various business lines to our net revenues may change over time as we continue to grow our business and increase the number of our household users. As such, our combined gross margin may be affected both by any change in revenues attributable to, and any change in the gross margin of, each business line.
Investment in R&D, marketing and brand promotion
Our success is significantly dependent on our ability to continually bring to market products and services that are popular among consumers, particularly relative to those offered by our competitors. Accordingly, we dedicate significant resources towards research and development. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, research and development expenses were RMB29.9 million, RMB60.7 million (US$9.2 million) and RMB49.0 million (US$7.4 million), accounting for 9.6%, 7.0% and 4.7% of our net revenues, respectively. Going forward, we will further invest in our research and development efforts as we continue to introduce new and innovative products to create a unique and holistic IoT @ Home lifestyle experience for the benefit of consumers.
Similarly, attracting new users and growing the number of our household users by continuing to strengthen our brand awareness as well as educating consumers about the benefits of our IoT @ Home platform and the IoT @ Home lifestyle experience are our key growth strategies. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, our selling and marketing expenses were RMB20.9 million, RMB95.3 million (US$14.4 million) and RMB146.6 million (US$22.2 million), accounting for 6.7%, 10.9% and 14.1% of our revenues, respectively. Going forward, we intend to continue investing significant resources in our marketing, advertising and brand promotion efforts.
Relationship with Xiaomi
Historically, we derived a substantial majority of our revenues from our sales to Xiaomi, our strategic partner, shareholder and related party. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, revenues generated from our sales to Xiaomi represented 95.9% and 84.7% of our net revenues, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, revenues generated from our sales to Xiaomi represented 89.9% and 62.6% of our net revenues, respectively. Xiaomi is an important customer of ours, and our strategic partnership with Xiaomi gives us access to Xiaomi's ecosystem users, market and data resources and related support. Therefore, while we expect the proportion of our revenues generated from our sales to Xiaomi to gradually decrease going forward, maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with Xiaomi will continue to be important to our operations and future growth.
Seasonality
While seasonality has not been particularly prevalent in our historical results of operations due to the rapid growth of our business, we generally expect to experience higher sales in the second and fourth quarters, primarily attributable to the major shopping festivals across e-commerce platforms such as "618," "Singles' Day" and "Double Twelve." Given the impact of this seasonality, timely and effective forecasting and product supply and introductions for the peak seasons are critical to our operations.
Key Components of Our Results of Operations
Net revenues
We derive our revenues from three key business lines, (i) IoT-enabled smart home products, (ii) consumable products, and (iii) value-added businesses. Our IoT-enabled smart home products include
81
our flagship smart water purification systems, smart kitchen products and other smart products. Consumable products include products complementary to our IoT products, such as water filters. Our value-added businesses include the sales of other related household products such as water quality meters, water filter pitchers, and stainless steel insulated water bottles, among others, as well as rendering of various services.
The following table sets forth the breakdown of our net revenues by business lines both as an absolute amount and as a proportion of net revenues for the periods indicated.
|
For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IoT-enabled smart home products |
273,282 | 87.4 | 712,317 | 107,648 | 81.6 | 232,687 | 86.0 | 828,212 | 125,163 | 79.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart water purification systems |
250,442 | 80.1 | 570,784 | 86,259 | 65.4 | 194,005 | 71.7 | 432,443 | 65,353 | 41.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart kitchen products |
| | 50,656 | 7,655 | 5.8 | 3,299 | 1.2 | 285,595 | 43,160 | 27.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other smart products |
22,840 | 7.3 | 90,877 | 13,734 | 10.4 | 35,383 | 13.1 | 110,174 | 16,650 | 10.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Consumable products |
19,376 | 6.2 | 87,500 | 13,223 | 10.0 | 26,944 | 10.0 | 87,610 | 13,240 | 8.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Value-added businesses (1) |
19,916 | 6.4 | 73,402 | 11,093 | 8.4 | 10,994 | 4.0 | 124,357 | 18,793 | 12.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
312,574 | 100.0 | 873,219 | 131,964 | 100.0 | 270,625 | 100.0 | 1,040,179 | 157,196 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note:
The following table sets forth the breakdown of our net revenues by brand and sales channel in both absolute amount and as a proportion of our net revenues, for the periods presented.
|
For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Xiaomi-branded products |
280,501 | 89.7 | 654,950 | 98,978 | 75.0 | 221,739 | 82.0 | 564,501 | 85,310 | 54.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Viomi-branded products and others |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
to Xiaomi (1) |
19,326 | 6.2 | 84,514 | 12,772 | 9.7 | 21,430 | 7.9 | 87,037 | 13,153 | 8.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
via our own and other sales channels (2) |
12,747 | 4.1 | 133,755 | 20,214 | 15.3 | 27,456 | 10.1 | 388,641 | 58,733 | 37.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
312,574 | 100.0 | 873,219 | 131,964 | 100.0 | 270,625 | 100.0 | 1,040,179 | 157,196 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes:
Smart water purification systems
Our smart water purification systems were the first product category we launched and sales of them have contributed a large portion of our historical revenues. While we expect the sales of smart water purification systems to continue to grow in absolute terms, as we continue to roll out new IoT products in
82
other categories over time and generate additional revenues from our consumable products and value-added businesses, we expect our sources of revenues to continue to diversify both in terms of product as well as business mix. As a result, we expect the proportion of revenues attributable to the sales of smart water purification systems to decrease.
Smart kitchen products
With the goal of providing a truly holistic IoT @ Home lifestyle experience, we have continued to diversify and expand our product offerings, including our range of smart kitchen products. Smart kitchen products refer to our range of IoT products that cater to the kitchen scenario in the home environment, including refrigerators, oven steamers, dishwashers, range hoods and gas stoves. As the sales of these product categories continue to ramp up and we continue to introduce additional new products, we expect the proportion of revenues attributable to the sales of smart kitchen products to increase.
Other smart products
In addition to our smart water purification systems and smart kitchen products, we also offer a diverse array of other IoT products as part of our IoT @ Home platform. In the historical periods, we derived revenues under this product line from sales of our smart water kettles. In 2018, we began to introduce a portfolio of other smart appliances, including washing machines, water heaters, among others. As the sales of these categories continue to ramp up and we continue to introduce additional new products, we expect the percentage of net revenues attributable to the sales of other smart products to increase.
Consumable products
We also generate revenues through sales of a range of consumable products complementary to our IoT products, such as water purifier filters. Sales of these consumables generate additional, recurring and ongoing revenues streams across the life cycle of the IoT products with minimal customer acquisition costs. The growth of our consumable products business will depend on the size of our IoT products' household user base.
Value-added businesses
Revenues from the value-added businesses include revenues from the sales of other related household products such as water quality meters, water filter pitchers, and stainless steel insulated water bottles, among others, as well as service fees from rendering various services. Historically, revenues from the value-added businesses have predominantly comprised of related household product sales. As we ramp up our value-added businesses together with our ecosystem partners, we expect to generate additional revenues from, for example, service fees related to e-commerce transactions conducted through integrated platforms embedded within our IoT products.
Brands
In terms of brand, we historically derived a large portion of our revenues from Xiaomi-branded products, in particular, Xiaomi-branded smart water purification systems. We sell Xiaomi-branded products directly to Xiaomi, who then sells these products through its retail channels to consumers. In recent years, we have made significant efforts to ramp-up sales of Viomi-branded products through new product development and the introduction of new product categories. We sell Viomi-branded products via a number of sales channels, including Xiaomi channels, our omnichannel retail network, as well as third-party online platforms.
83
Cost of revenues
Our cost of revenues primarily consists of material costs, estimated warranty costs, manufacturing and fulfillment costs, salaries and benefits for staff engaged in production activities and related expenses that are directly attributable to the production of products. We procure a variety of raw materials and components from third-party suppliers, and outsource our manufacturing and order fulfillment activities to third parties. Our product costs fluctuate with the costs of raw materials and underlying product components as well as the prices we are able to negotiate with our contract manufacturers and raw material and component suppliers.
The following table sets forth our cost of revenues, in absolute amount and as a proportion of our total net revenues, for the periods presented.
|
For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
232,544 | 74.4 | 598,036 | 90,377 | 68.5 | 190,461 | 70.4 | 750,630 | 113,438 | 72.2 |
Gross profit and gross profit margin
Our gross profit margin is affected by changes in our product and business mix as well as our cost of revenues. Please see "Key Factors Affecting our Results of OperationsProduct and business mix" for more details. The table below sets forth our gross profit in absolute amount and gross profit margins of products and services by category for the periods indicated.
|
For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit and gross profit margin: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
IoT-enabled smart home products |
66,603 | 24.4 | 212,578 | 32,126 | 29.8 | 66,457 | 28.6 | 221,389 | 33,457 | 26.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart water purification systems |
58,594 | 23.4 | 170,996 | 25,842 | 30.0 | 55,561 | 28.6 | 143,500 | 21,686 | 33.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart kitchen products |
| | 15,669 | 2,368 | 30.9 | 595 | 18.0 | 48,633 | 7,350 | 17.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other smart products |
8,009 | 35.1 | 25,913 | 3,916 | 28.5 | 10,301 | 29.1 | 29,256 | 4,421 | 26.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Consumable products |
8,732 | 45.1 | 39,377 | 5,951 | 45.0 | 12,727 | 47.2 | 43,773 | 6.615 | 50.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Value-added businesses |
4,695 | 23.6 | 23,228 | 3,510 | 31.6 | 980 | 8.9 | 24,387 | 3,686 | 19.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
80,030 | 25.6 | 275,183 | 41,587 | 31.5 | 80,164 | 29.6 | 289,549 | 43,758 | 27.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses can be classified into three categories: general and administrative, research and development, and selling and marketing. The following table sets forth the components of our
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operating expenses, both in absolute amount and as a proportion of our net revenues, for the periods presented.
|
For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
14,386 | 4.6 | 15,818 | 2,390 | 1.8 | 5,869 | 2.2 | 14,837 | 2,242 | 1.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development |
29,926 | 9.6 | 60,749 | 9,181 | 7.0 | 22,177 | 8.2 | 49,047 | 7,412 | 4.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing |
20,929 | 6.7 | 95,296 | 14,401 | 10.9 | 32,422 | 12.0 | 146,589 | 22,153 | 14.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
65,241 | 20.9 | 171,863 | 25,972 | 19.7 | 60,468 | 22.4 | 210,473 | 31,807 | 20.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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General and administrative. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of professional service fees in anticipation of this offering as well as salaries, welfare, and share-based compensation expenses for management and administrative personnel. Within the total general and administrative expenses incurred in 2016, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, RMB6.9 million, RMB3.3 million (US$0.5 million) and RMB0.99 million (US$0.15 million) were share-based compensation expenses, respectively, which were mainly due to the options we granted to certain of our employees.
Research and development. Our research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits and share-based compensation expenses for research and development personnel, materials, general expenses and depreciation expenses associated with research and development activities. We expect our research and development expenses to increase in absolute amount as we expand our team of technology and product development professionals and continue to invest in our technology infrastructure to enhance our big data analytics and smart home solutions.
Selling and marketing. Our selling and marketing expenses primarily consist of (i) advertising and market promotion expenses, (ii) shipping expenses and (iii) salaries and welfare for sales and marketing personnel. We bear the advertising and marketing expenses for our Viomi-branded products. We do not bear such expenses for Xiaomi-branded products. We have invested heavily in selling and marketing initiatives in recent periods to promote the Viomi brand and new product launches, and to attract more household users to our IoT @ Home platform, as reflected in the increase in our selling and marketing expenses in absolute amount and as a percentage of our net revenues. While we expect our selling and marketing expenses will continue to increase in absolute amount going forward as we continue to strengthen our brand recognition and expand our user base, we expect selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of our net revenues to gradually moderate and stabilize as the Viomi brand, our respective products and the benefits of our IoT @ Home platform become more widely known and adopted by consumers.
Other income
Other income primarily consists of government grants received from local government authorities to encourage our technology development and innovation. These amounts are paid in the discretion of the relevant governmental authorities, and there is no assurance that we will receive such grants in future periods.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated income for the periods presented, both in absolute amount and as a proportion of our net revenues for the periods presented. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
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|
For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
(in thousands, except for percentages)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues (1) |
312,574 | 100.0 | 873,219 | 131,964 | 100.0 | 270,625 | 100.0 | 1,040,179 | 157,196 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
(232,544 | ) | (74.4 | ) | (598,036 | ) | (90,377 | ) | (68.5 | ) | (190,461 | ) | (70.4 | ) | (750,630 | ) | (113,438 | ) | (72.2 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit |
80,030 | 25.6 | 275,183 | 41,587 | 31.5 | 80,164 | 29.6 | 289,549 | 43,758 | 27.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses (2) : |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses (2) |
(29,926 | ) | (9.6 | ) | (60,749 | ) | (9,181 | ) | (7.0 | ) | (22,177 | ) | (8.2 | ) | (49,047 | ) | (7,412 | ) | (4.7 | ) | |||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses (2) |
(20,929 | ) | (6.7 | ) | (95,296 | ) | (14,401 | ) | (10.9 | ) | (32,422 | ) | (12.0 | ) | (146,589 | ) | (22,153 | ) | (14.1 | ) | |||||||||||
General and administrative expenses (2) |
(14,386 | ) | (4.6 | ) | (15,818 | ) | (2,390 | ) | (1.8 | ) | (5,869 | ) | (2.2 | ) | (14,837 | ) | (2,242 | ) | (1.4 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses |
(65,241 | ) | (20.9 | ) | (171,863 | ) | (25,972 | ) | (19.7 | ) | (60,468 | ) | (22.3 | ) | (210,473 | ) | (31,807 | ) | (20.2 | ) | |||||||||||
Other (expenses) income |
(481 | ) | (0.2 | ) | 2,236 | 338 | 0.3 | 1,866 | 0.7 | 148 | 22 | 0.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from operations |
14,308 | 4.6 | 105,556 | 15,953 | 12.1 | 21,562 | 8.0 | 79,224 | 11,973 | 7.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest (expenses) income |
(296 | ) | (0.1 | ) | 2,402 | 363 | 0.3 | 926 | 0.3 | 2,659 | 402 | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income before income tax benefit (expenses) |
14,012 | 4.5 | 107,958 | 16,316 | 12.4 | 22,488 | 8.3 | 81,883 | 12,375 | 7.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expenses) |
2,247 | 0.7 | (14,718 | ) | (2,224 | ) | (1.7 | ) | (3,569 | ) | (1.3 | ) | (11,592 | ) | (1,753 | ) | (1.1 | ) | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
16,259 | 5.2 | 93,240 | 14,092 | 10.7 | 18,919 | 7.0 | 70,291 | 10,622 | 6.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note:
|
For the Year ended
December 31, |
For the six months ended
June 30, |
|||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
|
(in thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
6,863 | 3,303 | 499 | 2,244 | 986 | 149 | |||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
3,464 | 1,903 | 288 | 1,492 | 4,228 | 639 | |||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
251 | 615 | 93 | 333 | 2,560 | 387 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
10,578 | 5,821 | 880 | 4,069 | 7,774 | 1,175 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Net revenues
Our net revenues increased by 284.4% from RMB270.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB1,040.2 million (US$157.2 million) for the same period of 2018, driven by significant increases in demand across all our product categories, in particular our IoT products. We continued to experience robust growth in smart water purification systems, and saw rapid growth in our smart kitchen products category, which was successfully introduced in 2017 and for which we have since continued to roll out additional new product lines. Our growth has also been supported by the continued expansion and diversification of our distribution channels, including the opening of additional Viomi offline experience stores, as well as increased cooperation with and sales to a leading e-commerce platform.
Sales of smart water purification systems continued to be the major contributor to our revenues. While sales of this product category still experienced robust growth of 122.9% from RMB194.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB432.4 million (US$65.4 million) for the same period of 2018,
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its sales as a proportion of our total net revenues decreased from 71.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to 41.6% for the same period of 2018, mainly as a result of the successful launch and roll-out of our smart kitchen products, together with increasing revenues from our other smart products, consumable products and other products in our value-added businesses, which all contributed to the continued diversification of our net revenues in terms of product, business as well as brand mix.
Cost of revenues
Our cost of revenues increased by 294.1% from RMB190.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB750.6 million (US$113.4 million) for the same period of 2018, in line with the growth of our net revenues.
Gross profit
Our gross profit increased by 261.2% from RMB80.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB289.5 million (US$ 43.8 million) for the same period of 2018. Our gross margin decreased from 29.6% to 27.8% for the same periods, primarily due to the shifts in our business and product mix.
We have made concerted efforts to diversify our revenue streams and product mix. Different product categories may have different gross margins due to various factors, including our pricing strategy, target customer demographics as well as raw material and production costs, among others. From time to time, we may strategically introduce and price certain flagship products, such as our smart refrigerators in our smart kitchen products category, at competitive prices to facilitate initial customer acquisition and entry in the family home, which may negatively affect our gross margins in the near term. In addition, the proportionate contributions of our various business lines, which tend to have different gross margins, to our net revenues may change over time as we continue to grow our business and increase our number of household users. As such, our combined gross margin may be affected both by any change in revenues attributable to, and any change in the gross margin of, each business line. Please see "Key Factors Affecting our Results of OperationsProduct and business mix" for more details.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses increased by 248.1% from RMB60.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB210.5 million (US$31.8 million) for the same period of 2018, primarily due to the rapid growth of our business and the expansion of our user base.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by 152.8% from RMB5.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB14.8 million (US$2.2 million) for the same period of 2018. This increase was primarily due to an increase of RMB5.7 million (US$0.9 million) in professional service fees in relation to the preparation of this offering as well as an increase of RMB1.2 million (US$0.2 million) in employment benefits, which was in turn due to headcount growth.
Research and development. Research and development expenses increased by 121.2% from RMB22.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB49.0 million (US$7.4 million) for the same period of 2018, primarily due to a RMB14.0 million (US$2.1 million) increase in personnel-related costs, a RMB8.0 million (US$1.2 million) increase in expenses associated with development of new products, and a RMB2.7 million (US$0.4 million) increase in share-based compensation.
Selling and marketing. Selling and marketing expenses increased by 352.1% from RMB32.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB146.6 million (US$22.2 million) for the same period of 2018. This increase was primarily due to a RMB52.6 million (US$8.0 million) increase in logistics expenses and a RMB29.9 million (US$4.5 million) increase in advertising, marketing and brand promotion expenses. The increase in logistics expenses was primarily due to the growth of our business, primarily the increased sales of our Viomi-branded products. The increase in advertising, marketing and brand
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promotion costs was due to our increased marketing activities to strengthen our brand recognition and expand our user base.
Income tax expenses
Our income tax expenses increased from RMB3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB11.6 million (US$1.8 million) for the same period in 2018, in line with the growth of income.
Net income
As a result of the foregoing, we recorded a net income of RMB70.3 million (US$10.6 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018, which represented an increase of 271.5% as compared to a net income of RMB18.9 million for the same period of 2017.
Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016
Net revenues
Our net revenues increased by 179.4% from RMB312.6 million in 2016 to RMB873.2 million (US$132.0 million) in 2017, primarily due to a significant increase in demand for our IoT products, including our smart water purification systems, as well as our consumable products and value-added businesses, together with the successful introduction of our smart kitchen products in 2017 which increased the number of product categories we offer, and expanded distribution channels, including the rollout of additional Viomi offline experience stores.
Sales of smart water purification systems continued to be the major contributor to our revenues, representing 80.1% and 65.4% of our net revenues in 2016 and 2017, respectively, and recorded strong year-over-year revenues growth of 127.9% in 2017. However, the launch of our line of smart kitchen products in 2017, together with increasing revenues from our consumable products and value-added businesses as a result of the growth in our number of household users all contributed to the diversification of our revenues in terms of product, business, as well as brand mix.
Cost of revenues
Our cost of revenues increased by 157.2% from RMB232.5 million in 2016 to RMB598.0 million (US$90.4 million) in 2017, largely as a result of our sales growth.
Gross profit
Our gross profit increased by 243.8% from RMB80.0 million in 2016 to RMB275.2 million (US$41.6 million) in 2017, largely as a result of our sales growth.
Our gross margin improved from 25.6% to 31.5% for the same periods, which was primarily due to greater economies of scale and improved operating efficiency, as well as increasing contribution from consumable products, which tend to have higher gross margins.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses increased by 163.4% from RMB65.2 million in 2016 to RMB171.9 million (US$26.0 million) in 2017, primarily due to the rapid growth of our business and the expansion of our user base.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by 10.0% from RMB14.4 million in 2016 to RMB15.8 million (US$2.4 million) in 2017. This increase was primarily due to a RMB2.1 million (US$0.3 million) increase in employment benefits and training expenses and a RMB2.0 million (US$0.3 million) increase in renovation costs, which were in turn due to the growth of our headcount and business.
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Research and development. Research and development expenses increased by 103.0% from RMB29.9 million in 2016 to RMB60.7 million (US$9.2 million) in 2017, primarily due to a RMB15.4 million (US$2.4 million) increase in personnel-related costs and new product launch related expenses.
Selling and marketing. Selling and marketing expenses increased by 355.3% from RMB20.9 million in 2016 to RMB95.3 million (US$14.4 million) in 2017. This increase was primarily due to a RMB31.6 million (US$4.8 million) increase in advertising, marketing and brand promotion costs and a RMB17.4 million (US$2.6 million) increase in logistics expenses. The increase in advertising, marketing and brand promotion costs was due to our increased marketing activities to strengthen our brand recognition and expand our user base. The increase in logistics expenses costs was primarily due to the growth of our business.
Income tax benefits (expenses)
We had an income tax benefits of RMB2.2 million in 2016, and income tax expenses of RMB14.7 million (US$2.2 million) in 2017. The tax benefit in 2016 was due to the change in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2015, we provided full valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets because at that time we determined that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would not be utilized in the near future. However, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, our VIE Foshan Viomi reported a profit, and a majority of the net operating loss of Foshan Viomi has been utilized in 2016. Therefore, the valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets of Foshan Viomi was released in 2016, which resulted in the income tax benefit.
Net income
As a result of the foregoing, we recorded a net income of RMB93.2 million (US$14.1 million) in 2017, which increased substantially as compared to a net income of RMB16.3 million in 2016.
Selected Quarterly Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our unaudited consolidated quarterly results of operations for each of the ten quarters from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018. You should read the following table in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. We have prepared this unaudited condensed consolidated quarterly financial data on the same basis as we have prepared our audited consolidated financial statements. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial data include all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, that our management
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considered necessary for a fair statement of our financial position and results of operation for the quarters presented.
|
For the three months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
March 31,
2016 |
June 30,
2016 |
September 30,
2016 |
December 31,
2016 |
March 31,
2017 |
June 30,
2017 |
September 30,
2017 |
December 31,
2017 |
March 31,
2018 |
June 30,
2018 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
(Unaudited)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(In RMB thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues (1) |
54,472 | 76,480 | 62,414 | 119,208 | 133,919 | 136,706 | 208,667 | 393,927 | 330,849 | 709,330 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues: |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase from a related party |
(517 | ) | (671 | ) | (117 | ) | (16 | ) | | (8 | ) | (251 | ) | (1,037 | ) | (1,285 | ) | (4,105 | ) | ||||||||||||
Purchase from third parties |
(46,335 | ) | (52,807 | ) | (45,652 | ) | (86,429 | ) | (95,390 | ) | (95,063 | ) | (141,213 | ) | (265,074 | ) | (231,744 | ) | (513,496 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total cost of revenues |
(46,852 | ) | (53,478 | ) | (45,769 | ) | (86,445 | ) | (95,390 | ) | (95,071 | ) | (141,464 | ) | (266,111 | ) | (233,029 | ) | (517,601 | ) | |||||||||||
Gross profit |
7,620 | 23,002 | 16,645 | 32,763 | 38,529 | 41,635 | 67,203 | 127,816 | 97,820 | 191,729 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses (2) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
(4,125 | ) | (8,722 | ) | (8,008 | ) | (9,071 | ) | (7,553 | ) | (14,624 | ) | (12,808 | ) | (25,764 | ) | (20,985 | ) | (28,062 | ) | |||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
(95 | ) | (5,189 | ) | (4,081 | ) | (11,564 | ) | (18,005 | ) | (14,417 | ) | (20,786 | ) | (42,088 | ) | (39,853 | ) | (106,736 | ) | |||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
(3,191 | ) | (4,255 | ) | (3,268 | ) | (3,672 | ) | (2,852 | ) | (3,017 | ) | (2,862 | ) | (7,087 | ) | (4,652 | ) | (10,185 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses |
(7,411 | ) | (18,166 | ) | (15,357 | ) | (24,307 | ) | (28,410 | ) | (32,058 | ) | (36,456 | ) | (74,939 | ) | (65,490 | ) | (144,983 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other (expenses) income |
(121 | ) | (500 | ) | 137 | 3 | 550 | 1,316 | 249 | 121 | 156 | (8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from operations |
88 | 4,336 | 1,425 | 8,459 | 10,669 | 10,893 | 30,996 | 52,998 | 32,486 | 46,738 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest (expenses) income |
(182 | ) | (144 | ) | (62 | ) | 92 | 322 | 604 | 765 | 711 | 1,490 | 1,169 | ||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Loss) income before income tax benefit (expenses) |
(94 | ) | 4,192 | 1,363 | 8,551 | 10,991 | 11,497 | 31,761 | 53,709 | 33,976 | 47,907 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income tax benefit (expenses) |
| 7,704 | (1,064 | ) | (4,393 | ) | (1,868 | ) | (1,701 | ) | (4,439 | ) | (6,710 | ) | (4,552 | ) | (7,040 | ) | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income |
(94 | ) | 11,896 | 299 | 4,158 | 9,123 | 9,796 | 27,322 | 46,999 | 29,424 | 40,867 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes:
|
For the three months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
March 31,
2016 |
June 30,
2016 |
September 30,
2016 |
December 31,
2016 |
March 31,
2017 |
June 30,
2017 |
September 30,
2017 |
December 31,
2017 |
March 31,
2018 |
June 30,
2018 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
(Unaudited)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(In RMB thousands)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
2,171 | 2,135 | 1,478 | 1,079 | 1,178 | 1,066 | 637 | 422 | 494 | 492 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
881 | 864 | 1,475 | 244 | 928 | 564 | 356 | 55 | 1,066 | 3,162 | |||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
| | 165 | 86 | 92 | 241 | 251 | 31 | 623 | 1,937 |
Quarterly trends
Our overall results of operations fluctuate from quarter to quarter as a result of a variety of factors, including seasonable factors and the launch of new products, among others.
We generally experience higher sales volume and revenues in the second and fourth quarter of each year primarily due to the promotional events of popular e-commerce platforms in China. Our net revenues are also affected by our product strategy, particularly our product launch timeline, as well as the expansion of our sales channels. Our net revenues tend to increase as we continue to introduce new products and product categories to the market, as well as when we continue to diversify and strengthen our sales channels, including the rollout of our Viomi offline experience stores. We have invested heavily in selling
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and marketing expenses in recent periods to promote our Viomi brand and new product launches and to attract more household users to our IoT @ Home platform. While we expect selling and marketing expenses to continue to increase, we expect these expenses to gradually moderate and stabilize. Therefore, our performance in prior quarterly or annual periods may not be indicative of our future results of operations.
Taxation
Cayman Islands
We are an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands currently have no income, corporation or capital gains tax and no estate duty, inheritance tax or gift tax. The Cayman Islands does not impose a withholding tax on payments of dividends to shareholders.
Hong Kong
Our subsidiary incorporated in Hong Kong is subject to Hong Kong profit tax. From the year of assessment 2018/2019 onwards, profits tax is imposed on corporations at the rate of 8.25% on assessable profits up to HK$2,000,000; 16.5% on any part of assessable profits over HK$2,000,000 and on unincorporated businesses at 7.5% on assessable profits up to HK$2,000,000; and 15% on any part of assessable profits over HK$2,000,000. No Hong Kong profit tax has been levied as we did not have an assessable profit that was earned in or derived from the Hong Kong subsidiary during the periods presented. Hong Kong does not impose a withholding tax on dividends.
China
Generally, our PRC subsidiary, variable interest entities and their subsidiaries, which are considered PRC resident enterprises under PRC tax law, are subject to enterprise income tax on their worldwide taxable income as determined under PRC tax laws and accounting standards at a rate of 25%. However, according to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, the income tax of an enterprise that has been determined to be a high and new technology enterprise can be reduced to a preferential rate of 15%. One of our VIEs, Foshan Viomi, has obtained High and New Technology Enterprise Certificate and is thus eligible to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15%, to the extent it has taxable income under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law.
Dividends paid by our wholly foreign-owned subsidiary in China to our intermediary holding company in Hong Kong will be subject to a withholding tax rate of 10%, unless the relevant Hong Kong entity satisfies all the requirements under the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income with respect to Taxes on Income and Capital and receives approval from the relevant tax authority. If our Hong Kong subsidiary satisfies all the requirements under the tax arrangement and receives approval from the relevant tax authority, then the dividends paid to the Hong Kong subsidiary would be subject to withholding tax at the standard rate of 5%. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Doing Business in ChinaWe may rely on dividends paid by our PRC subsidiary to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiary to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business and to pay dividends to holders of the ADSs and our ordinary shares."
If our holding company in the Cayman Islands or any of our subsidiaries outside of China were deemed to be a "resident enterprise" under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, it would be subject to enterprise income tax on its worldwide income at a rate of 25%. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Doing Business in ChinaIf we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders or ADS holders."
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For the foreseeable future, we intend to use all the undistributed earnings of our variable interest entities and their subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC for our business operations and do not plan to have our PRC subsidiary distribute any dividend. Therefore, no withholding tax is expected to be incurred in the foreseeable future.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flows and working capital
To date, we have financed our operations primarily through cash generated by operating activities and historical equity financing activities. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of RMB156.9 million, RMB280.0 million (US$42.3 million) and RMB257.0 million (US$38.8 million), respectively. Our cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash on hand, demand deposits and highly liquid investments placed with banks. We believe that our cash and cash equivalents and our anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our current and anticipated needs for general corporate purposes for at least the next 12 months.
Although we consolidate the results of our VIEs, we only have access to cash balances or future earnings of our VIEs through our contractual arrangements with them. See "Corporate History and Structure." For restrictions and limitations on liquidity and capital resources as a result of our corporate structure, see "Holding Company Structure."
Substantially all of our net revenues have been, and we expect they are likely to continue to be, in the form of Renminbi. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments, and trade- and service-related foreign exchange transactions can be made in foreign currencies without prior SAFE approval as long as certain routine procedural requirements are fulfilled. Therefore, our PRC subsidiary is allowed to pay dividends in foreign currencies to us without prior SAFE approval by following certain routine procedural requirements. However, current PRC regulations permit our PRC subsidiary to pay dividends to us only out of its accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Our PRC subsidiary is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits after making up previous years' accumulated losses each year, if any, to fund certain reserve funds until the total amount set aside reaches 50% of its registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. Historically, our PRC subsidiary has not paid dividends to us, and it will not be able to pay dividends until it generates accumulated profits. Furthermore, capital account transactions, which include foreign direct investment and loans, must be approved by and/or registered with SAFE, its local branches and certain local banks.
The restricted net assets of our PRC subsidiary and VIEs amounted to RMB12.5 million, RMB18.8 million (US$2.8 million) and RMB18.8 million (US$2.8 million) as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively. The unrestricted portion, or amounts otherwise available for transfer in the form of dividends, loans or advances amounted to RMB34.1 million, RMB121.3 million (US$18.3 million) and RMB201.1 million (US$30.4 million) as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively.
As a Cayman Islands exempted company and offshore holding company, we are permitted under PRC laws and regulations to provide funding to our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China only through loans or capital contributions, subject to the approval of government authorities and limits on the amount of capital contributions and loans. In addition, our wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries in China may provide Renminbi funding to their respective subsidiaries through capital contributions and entrusted loans, and to our consolidated variable interest entities only through entrusted loans. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Corporate StructurePRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using the proceeds of this offering to make loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary, which
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could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business" and "Use of Proceeds."
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods presented:
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For the year ended December 31, |
For the six months ended
June 30, |
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2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||
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RMB | RMB | US$ | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
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(in thousands)
|
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Summary Consolidated Cash Flow Data: |
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Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
15,499 | 123,906 | 18,725 | 7,737 | (17,880 | ) | (2,700 | ) | |||||||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(1,609 | ) | (1,234 | ) | (186 | ) | (245 | ) | 25,336 | 3,828 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
12,999 | 2,671 | 404 | | (34,195 | ) | (5,168 | ) | |||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
2,913 | (2,321 | ) | (351 | ) | (947 | ) | 3,739 | 565 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
29,802 | 123,022 | 18,592 | 6,545 | (23,000 | ) | (3,475 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year/period |
127,128 | 156,930 | 23,715 | 156,930 | 279,952 | 42,307 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year/period |
156,930 | 279,952 | 42,307 | 163,475 | 256,952 | 38,832 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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Operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities was RMB17.9 million (US$2.7 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The difference between net cash used in operating activities and our net income of RMB70.3 million (US$10.6 million) was primarily due to the effect of changes in working capital of RMB94.3 million (US$14.3 million), which in turn was attributable to a RMB209.3 million (US$31.6 million) increase in accounts and notes receivables, a RMB115.7 million (US$17.5 million) increase in inventories and a RMB47.6 million (US$7.2 million) increase in advances to suppliers, partially offset by a RMB206.4 (US$31.2 million) million increase in accounts payables. The increase in accounts and notes receivable, inventories, advances to suppliers and accounts payables were all due to the rapid growth of our business.
The major cause of our negative cash flow in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was due to the significant increase in sales to and respective accounts and notes receivable from a certain leading e-commerce platform. Sales to this customer generally experience a seasonal high towards the end of the second quarter as a result of popular online promotional events around that time. As a result, the significant increase in sales to this customer led to a significant increase of RMB122.8 million (US$18.6 million) in our accounts and notes receivable from this customer as of June 30, 2018.
Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB123.9 million (US$18.7 million) in 2017. The difference between net cash provided by operating activities and our net income of RMB93.2 million (US$14.1 million) was mainly due to RMB5.8 million (US$0.9 million) in share-based compensation, as well as the effect of changes in working capital of RMB23.9 million (US$3.6 million). The changes in working capital were mainly due to a RMB218.6 million (US$33.0 million) increase in accounts payable, a RMB43.1 million (US$6.5 million) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities, and a RMB19.3 million (US$2.9 million) increase in advances from customers, partially offset by a
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RMB204.5 million (US$30.9 million) increase in accounts receivable from a related party, a RMB26.6 million (US$4.0 million) increase in inventories and a RMB25.8 million (US$3.9 million) increase in other receivables from related parties. The increases in accounts payable, advances from customers, and inventories were due to the rapid growth of our business. The accounts receivable from a related party represent sales receivable of smart water purifiers and accessories to Xiaomi, the increase of which reflected the growth of our sales to Xiaomi.
Net cash provided by operating activities was RMB15.5 million in 2016. The difference between net cash provided by operating activities and our net income of RMB16.3 million was mainly due to the effect of changes in working capital of RMB12.0 million, partially offset by RMB10.6 million in share-based compensation. The changes in working capital were mainly due to a RMB33.1 million increase in accounts receivable from a related party, and a RMB7.4 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets, partially offset by a RMB12.1 million increase in accounts payable and a RMB11.2 million increase in accrued expense and other liabilities. The increase in accounts payable was due to the growth of our business. The accounts receivable from a related party represent sales receivable of water purifiers and accessories to Xiaomi, the increase of which reflected the growth of our sales to Xiaomi.
Investing activities
We received RMB25.3 million (US$3.8 million) from investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018, as a result of RMB31.4 million (US$4.7 million) received from collection of loan repayment by Xiaomi, partially offset by RMB6.1 million (US$0.9 million) used for the purchase of equipment. Net cash used in investing activities was RMB1.2 million (US$0.2 million) and RMB1.6 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, all for the purchase of equipment.
Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities was RMB34.2 million (US$5.2 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2018, mainly a result of loan repayment to Xiaomi of RMB31.9 million (US$4.8 million).
Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB2.7 million (US$0.4 million) in 2017 that the Company received from Red Better with the understanding that RMB2.5 million will be repaid to TianJin Jinxing in the PRC.
Net cash provided by financing activities was RMB13.0 million in 2016, which was attributable to proceeds from our issuance of series A preferred shares to investors.
Working capital turnover
Inventory
Our inventory consists of finished products and raw materials. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018, our inventory was RMB24.2 million, RMB50.7 million (US$7.7 million) and RMB166.3 million (US$25.1 million), respectively. The increase reflected the growth in our sales. Our inventory turnover days was 23 days and 26 days for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. Inventory turnover days for a given period are equal to average of the balances of inventories, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, at the beginning and the end of the period divided by cost of revenues during the period and multiplied by the number of days during the period.
Accounts and notes receivable
Our accounts and notes receivable represent primarily accounts receivable from Xiaomi as well as accounts and notes receivable from third parties. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018, our accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, were RMB45.0 million, RMB253.9 million (US$38.4 million) and RMB463.2 million (US$70.0 million), respectively. Our total
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accounts and notes receivable as of June 30, 2018 included RMB249.5 million (US$37.7 million) from Xiaomi and RMB122.8 million (US$18.6 million) from an e-commerce platform. The increase reflected a significant growth in our business and revenues. Our accounts and notes receivable turnover days was 68 days and 63 days for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. Accounts and notes receivable turnover days for a given period are equal to average of the balances of accounts and notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, at the beginning and the end of the period divided by net revenues during the period and multiplied by the number of days during the period.
Accounts payable
Our accounts payable represent primarily accounts payable to contract manufacturers. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and June 30, 2018, our accounts payable were RMB73.0 million, RMB291.6 million (US$44.1 million) and RMB498.1 million (US$75.3 million), respectively. The increase reflected the growth of our sales. Our accounts payable turnover days was 112 days and 95 days for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. Accounts payable turnover days for a given period are equal to average of the balances of accounts payable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, at the beginning and the end of the period divided by cost of revenues during the period and multiplied by the number of days during the period.
Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2018.
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For the year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
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Total | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
2021
and after |
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(in RMB thousands)
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Operating lease commitments (1) |
8,325 | 1,294 | 2,413 | 1,981 | 2,637 |
Note:
We entered into an agreement with a third party in May 2018, pursuant to which we and the third party agreed to set up a company primarily engaged in manufacturing of certain of our existing products. Under the agreement, our committed investment amount as of June 30, 2018 was RMB6.0 million. Other than those shown above, we did not have any significant capital and other commitments, long-term obligations or guarantees as of June 30, 2018.
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments and Arrangements
We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. In addition, we have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholder's equity or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or product development services with us.
Holding Company Structure
Viomi Technology Co., Ltd is a holding company with no material operations of its own. We conduct our operations primarily through our VIEs and their subsidiaries in China. As a result, Viomi Technology Co., Ltd's ability to pay dividends depends upon dividends paid by our PRC and Hong Kong
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subsidiaries, our VIEs and their subsidiaries in China. If our existing subsidiaries or controlled entities or any newly formed ones incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends to us. In addition, our wholly foreign-owned subsidiary in China is permitted to pay dividends to us only out of its retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC law, each of our subsidiary, our VIEs and their subsidiaries in China is required to set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund certain statutory reserve funds until such reserve funds reach 50% of its registered capital. In addition, our wholly foreign-owned subsidiary in China may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to enterprise expansion funds and staff bonus and welfare funds at its discretion, and each of our variable interest entities and their subsidiaries may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to a discretionary surplus fund at its discretion. The statutory reserve funds and the discretionary funds are not distributable as cash dividends. Remittance of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned company out of China is subject to examination by the banks designated by the SAFE. Our PRC subsidiary has not paid dividends and will not be able to pay dividends until it generates accumulated profits and sets aside statutory reserve funds as required by PRC law.
Inflation
Since our inception, inflation in China has not materially affected our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the year-over-year percent changes in the consumer price index for December 2016 and December 2017 were increases of 2.1% and 1.8%, respectively. Although we have not been materially affected by inflation, we may be affected if China experiences higher rates of inflation in the future.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Foreign Exchange Risk
Substantially all of our net revenues and expenses are denominated in Renminbi. Our exposure to foreign exchange risk primarily relates to cash and cash equivalents denominated in U.S. dollars. We do not believe that we currently have any significant direct foreign exchange risk and have not used any derivative financial instruments to hedge exposure to such risk. Although our exposure to foreign exchange risks should be limited in general, the value of your investment in our ADSs will be affected by the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Renminbi because the value of our business is effectively denominated in Renminbi, while our ADSs will be traded in U.S. dollars.
The conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, is based on rates set by the People's Bank of China. The PRC government allowed the Renminbi to appreciate by more than 20% against the U.S. dollar between July 2005 and July 2008. Between July 2008 and June 2010, this appreciation halted and the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar remained within a narrow band. Since June 2010, Renminbi has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at certain times significantly and unpredictably. With the development of the foreign exchange market progressing towards interest rate liberalization and Renminbi internationalization and economic uncertainties in both China and the world, the PRC government may in the future announce further changes to the exchange rate system and we cannot assure you that the Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the future. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future.
To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi for our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the Renminbi amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs or for other business purposes,
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appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amounts available to us.
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds of approximately US$102.2 million from this offering after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us, based on the initial offering price of US$10.00 per ADS. Assuming that we convert the full amount of the net proceeds from this offering into Renminbi, a 10% appreciation (depreciation) of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi, based on the exchange rate of RMB6.6171 for US$1.00 as of June 29, 2018 would result in an increase (decrease) of RMB67.6 million in our net proceeds from this offering.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. We have not been exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates, and we have not used any derivative financial instruments to manage our interest risk exposure.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Prior to this offering, we have been a private company with limited accounting personnel and other resources with which we address our internal control over financial reporting. In connection with the audits of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the review of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2018, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified three material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. As defined in the standards established by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, a "material weakness" is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The material weaknesses identified related to (i) our lack of sufficient resources regarding financial reporting and accounting personnel with understanding of U.S. GAAP, in particular, to address complex U.S. GAAP technical accounting issues, related disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements set forth by the SEC, (ii) lack of comprehensive U.S. GAAP accounting policies and financial reporting procedures and (iii) lack of an effective control procedure to track and estimate warranty provision relating to our products sold to ensure accuracy. To remedy identified material weaknesses, we have implemented, and plan to continue to implement, several measures, including:
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However, we cannot assure you that we will remediate our material weaknesses in a timely manner. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Business and IndustryIn connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified three material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. If we fail to develop and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud."
As a company with less than US$1.07 billion in revenues for fiscal year of 2017, we qualify as an "emerging growth company" pursuant to the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in the assessment of the emerging growth company's internal control over financial reporting.
Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates
An accounting policy is considered critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time such estimate is made, and if different accounting estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the consolidated financial statements.
We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical experiences and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from our expectations as a result of changes in our estimates. Some of our accounting policies require a higher degree of judgment than others in their application and require us to make significant accounting estimates.
The following descriptions of critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and other disclosures included in this prospectus. When reviewing our financial statements, you should consider (i) our selection of critical accounting policies, (ii) the judgments and other uncertainties affecting the application of such policies and (iii) the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions.
Revenue recognition
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" ("ASU 2014-09") and subsequently, the FASB issued several amendments which amend certain aspects of the guidance in ASC 2014-09 (ASU No. 2014-09 and the related amendments are collectively referred to as "ASC 606"). According to ASC 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised good or service is transferred to the customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. We will enter into contracts that can include various combinations of products and services, which are generally capable of being distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns, and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. We adopted ASC 606 for all periods presented.
Our revenue is primary derived from (i) sales of IoT-enabled smart home products including the flagship smart water purification systems, smart kitchen products, and other smart products, (ii) sales of consumable products complementary to our IoT-enabled smart home products, such as water purifier
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filters, (iii) sales of other related household products such as water quality meters, water filter pitchers, stainless steel insulated water bottles, among others, as well as rendering of various services.
We conduct our business through various contractual arrangements, including:
Cooperation with Xiaomi
For the periods presented, we generated a majority of our revenues from sales of certain types of Xiaomi-branded water purifiers and related products.
The sales arrangement includes two installment payments. The first installment is priced to recover the costs incurred by us in developing, producing and shipping the products to this customer and is due from the customer to us upon acceptance by the customer after delivery. We are also entitled to receive a potential second installment payment calculated as 50 percent of the future gross profits from sales made by this customer. Accordingly, we determine the sales price as the fixed first installment payment plus the variable second installment payment to the extent that it is probable that revenue reversal will not occur when settling with the customer subsequently. We estimate the variable consideration using the expected value method. In assessing the variable second installment payment, we take into consideration the historical experience with that customer, that customer's sales price of the same or similar products as at the report date as well as the recent market trend.
Revenue from Xiaomi is recognized upon acceptance by this customer after delivery, which is considered at the time the control of the products is transferred to Xiaomi. Revenue from Xiaomi does not meet the criteria to be recognized over time since (i) even if the products use "Xiaomi" brand, it does not require significant rework to make them suitable to be sold to other customers, (ii) under the cooperation agreement, we do not have the right of payment for the work performed to date.
Sales through our own and other sales channels
We recognize revenue for each of the distinct performance obligations identified in accordance with the applicable revenue recognition method relevant for that obligation. Revenue relating to the sales of products is recognized upon acceptance by the customer after delivery, and revenue relating to the installation services is recognized when the service is rendered.
Certain products including Viomi-branded water purifiers require installation before being ready for use. For such products sold through our online stores, other online platforms, and Viomi offline experience stores operated by our network partners, the end customers have the right without expiry date, to ask us to provide installation service. No separate installation service fee is charged to end customers. The installation service is considered being distinct and accounted for as a separate performance obligation in addition to the sales of products after considering that the products and installation services are not inputs into a combined item the end customer has contracted to receive and we can fulfill our promise to transfer
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each of the products or services separately and do not provide any significant integration, modification, or customization services. However, customers do not always exercise their rights to ask us to provide installation services as the installation of Viomi-branded water purifiers is not complicated and could be done by end customers themselves. Therefore, we expect to be entitled to a breakage amount in the contract liabilities related to installation services. We estimate the breakage portion based on historical customers' requests for provision of installation services after the customers' acceptance of products and recognize estimated breakage as revenue in proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by end customers. The assessment of estimated breakage would be updated on a quarterly basis. Changes in estimated breakage should be accounted for by adjusting contract liabilities to reflect the remaining rights expected to be exercised.
Judgment is required to determine standalone selling price for each distinct performance obligation and we then allocate the arrangement consideration to the separate accounting of each distinct performance obligation based on its relevant standalone selling price. The standalone selling price of the products is determined based on adjusted market assessment approach by estimating the price the customer is willing to pay for the product without installation service. For the standalone selling price of the installation services, We determine it by referring to actual costs charged by the third-party vendors which are engaged by us for provision of installation services, plus an estimated profit margin of 5% based on consideration of both company specific and relevant market factors.
Sales returns and sales incentives (except for those being discussed in "Contract with a leading e-commerce platform")
Except for product quality issues, we do not allow sales returns from Xiaomi or sales through our offline sales channels. Pursuant to consumer protection law, our customers have an unconditional right to return the products purchased through online platforms within 7 days. We base our estimates of sales returns on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customers, the type of transactions and the specifics of each arrangement.
We may provide sales incentives in the forms of discounts or cash to customers through online platforms in a bundle transaction and revenue is recognized on a net basis after such sales incentives are allocated based on the relevant standalone selling prices for respective products. In addition, we may also provide sales rebates to certain third-party distribution partners based on purchase volume, which are accounted for as variable consideration. We estimate these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to our network partners considering the contracted rebate rates and estimated sales volume based on historical experience, and reduce revenues recognized.
Warranty
We offer product warranty pursuant to standard product quality required by consumer protection law. The warranty period is calculated starting from the date when products are sold to the end customers. We have the obligation, at the customer's sole discretion, to either repair or replace the defective product. The customers cannot separately purchase the warranty and the warranty doesn't provide the customer with additional service other than assurance that the product will function as expected. Therefore, these warranties are accounted for in accordance with ASC 460 Guarantees. At the time revenue is recognized, an estimate of warranty expenses is recorded. The reserves established are regularly monitored based upon historical experience and any actual claims charged against the reserve. Warranty reserves are recorded as cost of revenues.
Contract with a leading e-commerce platform
In 2018, we entered into a cooperation contract with a leading e-commerce platform. Pursuant to the contract, the e-commerce platform purchases Viomi-branded products from us and resells the products to
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end customers through its platform. Upon the acceptance of our products, the e-commerce platform has legal title and physical possession of the products and it would bear the inventory risk of loss due to physical damage before the products are transferred and accepted by the end customers. The e-commerce platform is then responsible for delivering the specified products to end customers and has ability to direct the use of the products and obtain the remaining benefits from the products by reselling the products. The e-commerce platform also has flexibility in determining the retail sales price within a relatively broad price range set by us for substantial majority of the products purchased. Based on these indicators, we determined the e-commerce platform (as opposed to the end customers) as our customer according to ASC 606-10-55-39, and we recognize revenues equal to the sales price to this e-commerce platform when control of the inventory is transferred.
As stipulated in the contract, slow-moving goods are those unsold products after they are in possession by the e-commerce platform for more than 30 days or 60 days, depending on the category of product. For those goods that are slow-moving after they are controlled by the e-commerce platform for more than 60 days, we shall coordinate with the e-commerce platform to sell the slow-moving products to end customers through promotions within 30 days, and we shall bear all losses caused by such discounted sales, otherwise, the e-commerce platform can return such slow-moving products to us. For those goods that are slow-moving after they are controlled by the e-commerce platform for more than 30 days, the e-commerce platform can return such slow-moving products to us. Based on our history of cooperation with the e-commerce platform and the pattern in which the e-commerce platform has dealt with slow-moving goods, we estimate that slow-moving goods will be returned to us instead of being sold through discounted sales by the e-commerce platform. Under ASC 606, a right of return is not a separate performance obligation, but it affects the estimated transaction price for transferred goods. Revenues are only recognized for those products that are not expected to be returned. The estimate of expected returns should be calculated in the same way as other variable consideration. Based on historical information and other relevant evidence such as expected sales and inventory level of the e-commerce platform we assess the minimum level of sales, for which it is probable there will be no significant reversal of cumulative revenues, and recognizes those sales as revenues. We would update our estimate of expected returns at each period end. The expected return asset is presented and assessed for impairment separately from the refund liability. We would assess the expected return asset for impairment, and adjust the value of the asset if it becomes impaired.
Further, we might pay, or are expected to pay, a few types of consideration to this e-commerce platform, mainly including gross margin guarantee and advertising and promotion fees, in the form of cash or directly reducing amounts owed to us by this e-commerce platform. We evaluate each type of incentives or fees to be paid in accordance with ASC 606. Considering the fact that we neither receive any service from the e-commerce platform nor can elect to engage another vendor to provide similar advertising services on a standalone basis that is distinct from the contract we have with this e-commerce platform, we reduce the transaction price for the sale of products by the amount of various types of consideration payable to this e-commerce platform.
Fair value of ordinary shares
In determining the grant date fair value of our ordinary shares for purposes of recording share-based compensation expenses in connection with restricted shares owned by our founder, restricted shared owned by our founder on behalf of certain management and share options under the 2015 Share Incentive Plan, as well as the re-measurement date fair value for restricted shares owned by the founder which have been classified as liability awards, we, with the assistance of AVISTA Valuation Advisory Limited, evaluated the use of three generally accepted valuation approaches: market, cost and income approaches to estimate the enterprise value of our company and income approach (discounted cash flow, or DCF method) was relied on for value determination with market approach (guideline companies method, or GCM) taken as reference.
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DCF method of the income approach involves applying appropriate weighted average cost of capital, or WACC, to discount the future cash flows forecast, based on our best estimates as of the valuation date, to present value. The WACC was determined based on a consideration of the factors including risk-free rate, comparative industry risk, equity risk premium, company size and non-systematic risk factors.
GCM under the market approach was adopted as reference of the equity valuation for our company. GCM employs trading multiples method of selected public comparable companies including trailing and leading enterprise value/revenues multiples.
In deriving the equity value of each class of shares, we applied the Option Pricing Method. The Option Pricing Method treats different classes of shares as call options on the total equity value, with exercise prices based on the liquidation preference or redemption amount of the relevant classes of shares. Under this method, the ordinary share has value only if the fund available for distribution to shareholders exceeds the value of liquidation preference or redemption amounts at the time of a liquidity event, assuming the enterprise has funds available to pay for liquidation preference or redemption. Given the nature of the different classes of shares, the modeling of different classes of capital as call options on company's enterprise value is analyzed and the values of different classes of shares were derived accordingly.
We also applied a discount for lack of marketability, or DLOM, which was quantified by the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Under this option-pricing method, which assumed that the put option is struck at the average price of the stock before the privately held shares can be sold, the cost of the put option was considered as a basis to determine the DLOM.
The determination of the equity value requires complex and subjective judgments to be made regarding prospects of the industry and the products at the valuation date, our projected financial and operating results, our unique business risks and the liquidity of our shares.
We have therefore estimated, with assistance from AVISTA Valuation Advisory Limited, the fair value of our ordinary shares at certain dates for the periods presented to determine the fair value of our ordinary shares as of the grant date of share-based compensation awards related to restricted shares owned by our founder on behalf of certain management and share options under the 2015 Share Incentive Plan as one of the inputs into determining the fair value of the awards as of the grant date.
The following table sets forth the fair values of our ordinary shares estimated from July 1, 2016 to the date of this prospectus:
Date of valuation
|
Fair Value Per Share
(US$) |
Discount of Lack of
Marketability (DLOM) |
Discount Rate | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
July 1 and 2, 2016 |
0.51 | 30 | % | 18.3 | % | |||||
January 1, 2017 |
0.76 | 30 | % | 17.2 | % | |||||
April 1, 2017 |
0.81 | 30 | % | 17.0 | % | |||||
July 1, 2017 |
1.21 | 20 | % | 15.6 | % | |||||
December 24, 2017 |
1.59 | 20 | % | 15.5 | % | |||||
December 31, 2017 |
1.60 | 20 | % | 15.5 | % | |||||
January 2, 2018 |
1.61 | 20 | % | 15.5 | % | |||||
March 21, 2018 |
3.17 | 10 | % | 14.8 | % | |||||
March 31, 2018 |
3.19 | 10 | % | 14.8 | % | |||||
April 1, 2018 |
3.15 | 10 | % | 14.8 | % | |||||
August 23, 2018 |
3.30 | 10 | % | 14.3 | % |
The increase in the fair value of our ordinary shares from US$0.51 per share as of July 1, 2016 to US$1.60 per share as of December 31, 2017 was primarily attributable to continuous organic growth of our business and more certainty over the timing of our initial public offering.
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The determined fair value of our ordinary shares increased from US$1.60 per share as of December 31, 2017 to US$3.30 per share as of August 23, 2018. We believe the increase in the fair value of our ordinary shares was primarily attributable to the following factors:
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expenses arise from share based awards, mainly including restricted shares held by our management and share options for the purchase of ordinary shares. We account for share-based awards granted to our management in accordance with ASC 718 Stock Compensation.
Before the reorganization, pursuant to certain equity interest investment entered into by and between the founder and Xiaomi dated as of June 6, 2014, the restricted shares held by our management were subject to a repurchase feature under which Xiaomi shall purchase the interest held by our management at the original investment amount if our management voluntarily terminate their employment with Foshan Viomi. The restricted shares should be classified as equity classified awards as the underlying shares of the awards are ordinary shares of Foshan Viomi and the awards do not contain any of the characteristics of liability awards described in ASC718. The restricted shares are accounted for as share-based compensation based on the grant date fair value over the vesting period.
After the reorganization completed in July 2015, the repurchase feature remains, however, it became our Company's right, and not the obligation, to repurchase. With respect to the remaining unvested interest granted to the founder on behalf of certain key management founders, the underlying shares changed from ordinary shares of Foshan Viomi to Class A Ordinary Shares of the Company. These shares remain to be equity classified awards as they do not contain any characteristics of a liability award and were continually accounted for as share-based compensation based on the grant date fair value over the remaining vesting period. With respect to the remaining unvested interest granted to the Founder, the underlying shares changed from ordinary shares of Foshan Viomi to redeemable class B ordinary shares of the Company, which are redeemable convertible shares. These awards have been reclassified as liability classified awards as the underlying class B ordinary shares are redeemable at a fixed price plus 6% interest per year at the option of the holder if there is no qualified IPO after a certain period of time. According to ASC718, such awards effectively consist of: (1) a liability component representing the company's obligation to pay the redemption price if the holder chooses to redeem, and (2) an equity component representing the fair value of the upside potential of the class B ordinary shares, measured using an option pricing model. At the time of the modification, the Company compared the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification, and the total fair value of the liability component and the equity component immediately after the modification. The incremental compensation amount is recognized over the remaining vesting period. The amount related to the liability component is recorded as a liability measured at the redemption price, subsequently accreted at 6% per year to reflect the increase in redemption price over time according to the terms of the class B ordinary shares, until the award is settled. The liability award is considered settled only upon redemption or IPO, when the class B ordinary shares are converted to class A ordinary shares at which time, the redemption feature would expire.
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For share options for the purchase of ordinary shares granted to our employees determined to be equity classified awards, the related share-based compensation expenses are recognized in our consolidated financial statements based on the grant date fair values which are calculated using the binomial option pricing model. The determination of the fair value is affected by the share price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, including the expected share price volatility, actual and projected employee share option exercise behavior, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends. The fair value of our ordinary shares is assessed using the income approach/discounted cash flow method, with a discount for lack of marketability, given that the shares underlying the awards were not publicly traded at the time of grant. Share-based compensation expenses are recorded net of estimated forfeitures using graded-vesting method during the service period requirement, such that expenses are recorded only for those share-based awards that are expected to ultimately vest.
Share options
On September 17, 2015, our board of directors approved the establishment of 2015 Share Incentive Plan, the purpose of which is to provide an incentive for employees contributing to us. The 2015 Share Incentive Plan is valid and effective for 10 years from the grant date. The maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to all awards (including incentive share options) under 2015 Share Incentive Plan is 12,727,272 shares.
In 2016 and 2017, we granted 1,860,000 and 2,700,000 share options to our employees pursuant to the 2015 Share Incentive Plan.
In June 2018, our board of directors and shareholders approved the 2018 Share Incentive Plan, pursuant to which the maximum aggregate number of shares issuable was initially 17,672,728. No share options were granted under the 2018 Share Incentive Plan for the six months ended June 30, 2018.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, we granted 1,060,000 and 3,980,000 share options to our employees pursuant to the 2015 Share Incentive Plan.
We calculated the estimated fair value of the options on the respective grant dates using the binomial option pricing model with assistance from AVISTA Valuation Advisory Limited. Assumptions used to determine the fair value of share options granted during 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018 are summarized in the following table:
|
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | ||||
Risk-free interest rate |
2.86% | 3.06% - 3.89% | 3.06% ~ 3.29% | 3.75% ~ 3.92% | ||||
Expected volatility |
50.14% - 50.15% | 47.02% - 49.44% | 48.36% ~ 49.44% | 46.39% ~ 46.99% | ||||
Expected life of option (years) |
10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | ||||
Expected dividend yield |
| | | | ||||
Fair value per ordinary share |
US$0.51 | US$0.76 - US$1.59 | US$0.76 ~ 0.81 | US$1.61 ~ 3.17 |
Risk-free interest rate. Risk-free interest rate was estimated based on the yield to maturity of China Government Bond with a maturity period close to the contractual term of the options.
Expected life of option (years). Expected life of option (years) represents the expected years to vest the options.
Volatility. The volatility of the underlying ordinary shares during the life of the options was estimated based on the historical stock price volatility of comparable listed companies over a period comparable to the contractual term of the options.
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Dividend yield. The dividend yield was estimated by us based on its expected dividend policy over the contractual term of the options.
Redeemable convertible preferred shares
Pursuant to a shares purchase agreement, we issued certain class B ordinary shares to Mr. Chen and Xiaomi during the reorganization, and we also issued a total of 18,181,818 shares of series A preferred shares.
We classified the series A preferred shares and class B ordinary shares as mezzanine equity in the consolidated balance sheets because they were redeemable at the holders' option any time after a certain date and were contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of certain liquidation events outside of our control. The series A preferred shares and class B ordinary shares are recorded initially at fair value, net of issuance costs.
Prior to the reorganization, the 40% initial equity interests of Foshan Viomi held by the founder for himself has liquidation preference, and the 40% initial equity interests of Foshan Viomi held by Tianjin Jinxing has liquidation preference and also becomes redeemable in the event of a breach of contract by Foshan Viomi.
Upon completion of the reorganization, both Mr. Chen and Tianjin Jinxing's equity interests in Foshan Viomi were exchanged into 67,636,364 class B ordinary shares of us, respectively. After the reorganization, the most significant change in the provision is the addition of redemption clause which allows the holders of the class B ordinary shares to redeem the class B ordinary shares if there is no IPO after the fifth anniversary of the completion of the series A preferred share financing. This transaction was considered as an extinguishment of the previous equity interests and therefore, the class B ordinary shares are measured at their fair value on the extinguishment date.
We recognize changes in the redemption value ratable over the redemption period. Increases in the carrying amount of the redeemable preferred shares are recorded by charges against retained earnings, or in the absence of retained earnings, by charges as reduction of additional paid-in capital until additional paid-in capital is reduced to zero. Once additional paid-in capital is reduced to zero, the redemption value measurement adjustment is recognized as an increase in accumulated deficit.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)"("ASU 2016-02"), which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months on the balance sheet. Under the new guidance, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. The ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted on a modified retrospective basis. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13), "Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses", which introduces new guidance for credit losses on instruments within its scope. The new guidance introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including, but not limited to, trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and net investments in leases. The new guidance also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires the entities to determine whether all or a portion of the unrealized loss on an available-for-sale debt security is a credit loss. The standard also indicates that entities may not use the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a factor in concluding whether a credit loss exists. The ASU 2016-13 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.
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The information presented in this section have been derived from an industry report commissioned by us and prepared by iResearch, an independent research firm, regarding our industry and our market position in China. We refer to this report as the " iResearch Report. "
Overview of IoT Consumption Scenarios
The IoT is an interconnected network of devices, or "things," that can communicate with one another through the internet. IoT consumer products are the next-generation consumer products that are connected through the internet and equipped with advanced features of receiving, processing, analyzing and transmitting data using a mobile app or other network devices.
Consumer-related applications of the IoT span across a variety of scenarios, including the home, office, automobile and on-the-go wearable devices, among others.
The IoT-enabled smart home scenario
Consumption scenarios in people's daily lives can be broadly categorized into time spent at home, at work, outdoors and travelling. Consumers tend to spend the most time at home in a day, making it the most convenient and natural consumption scenario, or the consumer's "primary space." People spend an average of 8 to 12 hours at home each day, which makes it a large and attractive scenario for monetization. Accordingly, gaining entry into the family home, for example through IoT-enabled smart home products, and being able to capture the various consumption scenarios that arise in the home environment provides huge monetization potential.
The diagram below illustrates different scenarios in a person's daily life.
Source: iResearch Report
Overview of IoT-enabled smart home products
IoT-enabled smart home products can be divided into four categories: smart white goods, smart brown goods, smart small appliances and other smart products:
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Of the Company's key IoT-enabled smart home product lines, smart water purifiers and smart kettles can be classified as smart small appliances. Smart kitchen products and other smart products (excluding smart kettles) can be classified as smart white goods. These IoT products are an integral part of an IoT-enabled smart home platform and our IoT @ Home platform.
Demand for IoT-enabled smart home products in China is growing rapidly. According to the iResearch Report, the market for IoT-enabled smart home products in China, a subset of the broader home appliances market, reached RMB345.6 billion (US$52.2 billion) in terms of retail sales in 2017, having grown at a CAGR of 26.5% from 2013. Please see "BusinessThe Market Opportunity" for more details. Key players in the IoT-enabled smart home products market in China include Viomi, Midea, Haier and Gree, among others.
The following charts set forth a breakdown by product category of China's IoT-enabled smart home products market, in terms of units shipped as well as retail sales value in 2017.
|
|
Source: iResearch Report
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Development Stages of the IoT-enabled Smart Home Industry
The evolution of home appliances and IoT-enabled smart home products can be broadly divided into three developmental stages. The diagram below summarizes the key characteristics of the past, present and future development stages of home appliances and IoT-enabled smart home products:
Source: iResearch Report
Past: traditional appliances
Historically, traditional appliances performed a singular function, and were not intelligent or connected. Nevertheless, household appliances and electronics have generally been regarded as essential daily use items in the home environment given their importance to everyday lives.
Present: isolated smart home products
The past few years have seen a rapid increase in the use of connected home appliances that allow consumers to control and operate them remotely through mobile apps. For instance, an IoT water heater can be switched to the appropriate settings when consumers are on their way home from work, so they can enjoy warm water as soon as they walk in the door, but without having to keep water hot when there is no one there that needs it. While these home devices are connected to the internet, they are generally isolated from one another, requiring the consumer to download a number of different mobile apps to operate them. Instead of interacting with one unified ecosystem of interconnected home appliances through an integrated platform, the user must separately interact with each device, leading to growing demand for a more efficient solution.
Future: IoT-enabled smart home platform
The next stage of development is a seamless interconnected ecosystem of IoT-enabled smart home products. Within this ecosystem, home appliances can communicate with one another to optimize the user experience. A household's water purifier, for instance, will be able to identify water hardness level and send this information to the washing machine so that settings can be automatically adjusted accordingly. In addition, consumers will be able to access and control devices through multiple interfaces, at anywhere and anytime.
Advances in AI-powered voice-, facial- and gesture-recognition technologies will enable the IoT products companies to develop more human and intuitive user interfaces, enabling consumers to interact with appliances in an increasingly human-like manner. By transforming how consumers interact with their home appliances, AI and IoT-driven technologies could trigger shifts in consumer and consumption behavior that could create huge market opportunities.
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As IoT-enabled smart home products become interconnected and more human-like, such an ecosystem can become the primary channel for communication within the home environment, which can facilitate scenario-based consumption scenarios. An IoT-enabled smart home platform can enable consumers to make purchase decisions as soon as the need arises from within the comfort of their own homes, for example, through integrated e-commerce platforms embedded within the respective IoT products. Predictive features can also anticipate when certain household supplies are running low and allow consumers to make the necessary purchases directly, eliminating the need to step out of the house or access other e-commerce marketplaces on their computer or mobile phones. Going forward, IoT-enabled smart home platforms have the potential to become the most convenient way to satisfy consumption needs in the home environment.
Comparison of US and China's IoT-enabled Smart Home Markets
The IoT-enabled smart home products market in the United States is built around an open IoT operating system that is provided by internet and technology giants through their smart speaker technology or smart home kits. Smart home products players make their devices compatible with these operating systems and are generally focused on developing IoT-enabled smart home products in specific verticals.
In contrast, the IoT-enabled smart home market in China is more vertically and horizontally integrated. There are several key factors that make China's IoT-enabled smart home unique and attractive:
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Our Mission
IoT @ Home: Redefining the future home.
Overview
We have developed a unique IoT @ Home platform, consisting of an ecosystem of innovative IoT products, together with a suite of complementary consumable products and value-added businesses. This platform provides an attractive entry point into the consumer home, enabling consumers to intelligently interact with a broad portfolio of IoT products in an intuitive and human-like manner to make daily life more convenient, efficient and enjoyable, while allowing us to grow our household user base and capture various additional scenario-driven consumption events in the home environment. As of June 30, 2018, our IoT @ Home platform had over 1.2 million household users.
Powered by advanced AI, proprietary software and data analytics systems, our IoT @ Home platform generates extensive and deep consumer behavior data and insights, enabling us to continue to enhance our products and offer additional bespoke value-added businesses over time.
Xiaomi is our strategic partner, shareholder and customer. Our strategic partnership with Xiaomi gives us access to Xiaomi's ecosystem users, market and data resources and related support. Meanwhile, our strong research and development capabilities and innovative products and services also enrich Xiaomi's suite of offerings, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship between Xiaomi and us.
Our Business Model
We operate a highly scalable business model based on three key pillars: 1) our IoT-enabled smart home products; 2) complementary consumable products and value-added businesses ecosystem; and 3) a factory-to-consumer, or F2C, new retail sales strategy.
IoT-enabled smart home products
We generate a significant portion of our revenues through sales of our IoT products. Aimed at China's young, modern, "new middle-class" consumers, our portfolio of innovative AI-powered, IoT products, which are equipped with cloud-based internet connectivity, advanced software and interface features, form the core of our IoT @ Home platform. From our inception up to June 30, 2018, we had successfully brought to market an extensive range of over 40 IoT product lines, including our flagship line of smart water purification systems, smart kitchen products and other smart products. These products engage users across a wide spectrum of essential daily activities and create new consumption scenarios for the home environment. We strive to offer our core products at attractive price points to facilitate initial household user acquisition and entry into the family home. We think of customers' initial purchases of our products as the start of our relationship with them rather than the end, as that first purchase drives broad home-wide adoption of our products and long-term customer loyalty. The inherent connected nature, synergies, and network effects within our IoT @ Home platform are demonstrated by the fact that the percentage of our household users possessing at least two of our IoT products increased from 3.5% as of March 31, 2016 to 12.5% as of June 30, 2018.
Consumable products and value-added businesses ecosystem
In addition to our IoT products, we offer a suite of complementary consumable products and value-added businesses. Consumable products, such as water purifier filters, are complementary, and often essential, to our IoT products, allowing us to generate additional, recurring and ongoing revenue streams for us beyond the initial sales of the IoT products with minimal customer acquisition costs. Our value-added businesses consist of sales of other products such as water quality meters and water filter pitchers,
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provision of installation services, and services related to our e-commerce platform embedded within various of our IoT products.
We believe home is the most important and natural consumption environment. Hence, in addition to facilitating sales of our IoT products, our IoT @ Home platform, together with our vibrant partner ecosystem, is also set up to capture scenario-driven consumption events in the home environment, enabling users to purchase products and services as and when the need arises within the comfort of their home. For example, users can easily and directly purchase products, including our consumable products as well as other fast-moving consumer goods, supplied by us or our ecosystem partners, through platforms and interfaces integrated and embedded within various of our IoT products. This unique aspect of our business model allows us to capture users' consumption events and purchasing behavior across the entire life cycle of our core products and differentiates us from hardware-focused peers.
F2C new retail
At the heart of our omnichannel F2C new retail experience is our network of approximately 700 Viomi offline experience stores across China, the majority of which were stand-alone stores, as of June 30, 2018. These stores, operated by our third-party network partners, enable consumers to physically test our IoT @ Home lifestyle experience firsthand. After experiencing our products in this home lifestyle environment, consumers can then purchase the products they like by either directly placing orders with the store or scanning the QR code, after which the selected products will be delivered to them directly. We also sell our products directly to customers through our online platforms as well as through other platforms at prices consistent with the network of Viomi offline experience stores, subject to occasional sales promotions offered through different sales channels.
Our efficient omnichannel F2C new retail strategy enhances our brand awareness and cuts out unnecessary layers of middlemen, preserving profitability for us, supports attractive pricing of our products, and also promotes bundled product sales.
The Market Opportunity
The addressable market
Our addressable market consists of China's broader home appliances industry, which is large and relatively mature, though still growing at a steady pace. According to the iResearch Report, China's home appliances market reached approximately RMB800.5 billion (US$121.0 billion) in terms of retail sales in 2017, having grown at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2013 to 2017, and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2017 to 2022 to reach RMB1,167.9 billion (US$176.5 billion) by 2022. In particular, the white goods market, our current key focus market, reached approximately RMB457.0 billion (US$69.1 billion) in terms of retail sales in 2017, having grown at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2013 to 2017, and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% from 2017 to 2022, the fastest projected growth among all home appliances categories, to reach RMB781.4 billion (US$118.1 billion) by 2022.
The iResearch Report identifies key growth drivers for China's overall home appliances market and white goods market as growth in disposable income and overall consumption upgrade trends as well as replacement demand. In 2008 and 2009, the Chinese government implemented several stimulus projects, including "home appliances for rural areas," "appliance trade-in rebates," and "energy saving rebates." These initiatives drove strong home appliances sales from 2009 to 2011. Given that the useful life for home appliances, in particular for white goods, is approximately 10 to 12 years, there is expected to be substantial replacement demand for these products from 2018 to 2023.
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The following chart sets forth the size of China's home appliances market in terms of retail sales, broken down by major product categories.
Market Size of Home Appliances in China (2013-2022E)
(RMB Bn)
Source: iResearch Report
The following chart breaks down the size and addressable market of some of the key home appliances categories in China in terms of retail sales in 2017.
Market Size of Key Home Appliances Categories in China (2017)
(RMB Bn)
Source iResearch Report
The Internet-of-Things
The IoT is the interconnected network of devices, or "things," that can communicate with one another seamlessly through the internet. Enabled by the proliferation of mobile technology and advancements in AI, IoT-enabled smart home products are rapidly gaining popularity in China. IoT-enabled smart home products refer to next-generation home appliances and consumer electronics that are powered by AI and the internet and equipped with advanced features for receiving, processing, analyzing and transmitting data. These products can provide consumers with various benefits in the home environment, including increased convenience and improved quality of life.
Demand for IoT-enabled smart home products is growing rapidly. According to the iResearch Report, the market for IoT-enabled smart home products in China, a subset of the broader home appliances
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market, reached RMB345.6 billion (US$52.2 billion) in terms of retail sales in 2017, having grown at a CAGR of 26.5% from 2013. Despite this recent rapid growth, there is still expected to be significant room for growth in the market. According to the iResearch Report, the market is estimated to continue its robust growth at a CAGR of 20.1% to reach RMB865.2 billion by 2022 in terms of retail sales. Penetration of IoT-enabled smart home products, excluding others, is expected to increase from approximately 35.8% in 2017 to 59.0% by 2022. Penetration of IoT-enabled white goods products is expected to increase from approximately 24.0% in 2017 to 55.8% by 2022.
The following chart and table set forth the size of China's IoT-enabled smart home products market in terms of retail sales and the penetration rates within the broader home appliances market, respectively.
Market Size of IoT-enabled Smart Home Products in China (2013-2022E)
(RMB Bn)
Penetration Rate of IoT-enabled Smart Home Products in China (2013-2022E)
%
|
2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018E | 2019E | 2020E | 2021E | 2022E | |||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brown Goods |
72.9 | 75.6 | 77.4 | 87.6 | 88.7 | 91.3 | 93.9 | 96.1 | 98.0 | 99.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Small Appliances |
4.3 | 7.0 | 9.4 | 14.2 | 17.9 | 22.6 | 25.8 | 28.6 | 31.2 | 33.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
White Goods |
3.2 | 4.6 | 8.2 | 14.7 | 24.0 | 34.9 | 42.3 | 49.6 | 53.9 | 55.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
18.7 | 20.9 | 24.8 | 30.9 | 35.8 | 43.1 | 48.4 | 53.7 | 57.2 | 59.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Source: iResearch Report
Of the Company's key IoT-enabled smart home product lines, smart water purifiers and smart kettles can be classified as smart small appliances. Smart kitchen products and other smart products (excluding smart kettles) can be classified as smart white goods.
Key industry trends
According to the iResearch Report, there are powerful industry and consumer trends driving the increased adoption of IoT-enabled smart home products in China, including:
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What consumers are looking for
Consumers are always looking for ways to improve their productivity and quality of life and to complete tasks more effectively and efficiently in a more affordable manner. Driven by powerful industry trends as well as shifts in consumption and usage preferences, according to the iResearch Report, modern consumers are looking for the following key characteristics in the next generation of IoT-enabled smart home products and smart home solutions:
Limitations of existing and legacy products
Existing and legacy products, including traditional home appliances and first generation smart home products, generally have several aspects that limit their effectiveness and attractiveness:
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Our Value Proposition
We believe that China's RMB800+ billion home appliances market is ripe for disruption, providing huge upside potential for our business. Our IoT @ Home platform aims to redefine, transform and greatly enhance user experience in the home environment through the solutions we provide. Our solutions offer consumers the following value propositions:
Some common examples of how users can engage with our IoT @ Home platform and the related benefits include:
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Our Track Record
We have experienced significant growth since our inception, largely driven by increasing brand recognition, new product launches, strong product sales, and increasing receptiveness towards and adoption of smart home AI and IoT technology in China. Our number of household users increased by close to 10 times from approximately 113 thousand as of March 31, 2016 to over 1.2 million as of June 30, 2018, with the number of IoT products shipped increasing by 212.3% from approximately 382 thousand units in 2016 to approximately 1.2 million units in 2017. Our net revenues increased by 179.4% from RMB312.6 million in 2016 to RMB873.2 million (US$132.0 million) in 2017. Our net revenues increased by 284.4% from RMB270.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB1,040.2 million (US$157.2 million) for the same period of 2018. Our net income increased by 473.5% from RMB16.3 million in 2016 to RMB93.2 million (US$14.1 million) in 2017. Our net income increased by 271.5% from RMB18.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to RMB70.3 million (US$10.6 million) for the same period of 2018.
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe the following competitive strengths contribute to our success and differentiate us from our competitors:
Multi-interfaced, connected and synergistic IoT @ Home platform
Our unique IoT @ Home platform consists of an ecosystem of innovative AI-powered, IoT products, together with a suite of complementary consumable products and value-added businesses, providing an attractive entry point into the consumer home. This platform provides consumers with multiple points of interaction across a number of devices, removing the limitations of relying on a single point of control. The connectivity among our various products means that they can interact with each other and share information to go beyond their singular functions, further enhancing the user experience and creating powerful network effects and promoting bundled purchases, which drives higher revenue and wallet share per customer. The integrated and embedded value-added e-commerce platform within our IoT products further facilitates scenario-driven consumption events and creates additional monetization opportunities, including purchases of consumable products such as replaceable filters as well as other household fast-moving consumer goods. This adds further synergies across the entire ecosystem and generates additional, recurring and ongoing revenues streams for us beyond the initial sales of our IoT products, with minimal customer acquisition costs. Our value-added businesses also include sales of other related products such as water quality meters and water filter pitchers, promoting regular impulse purchase by consumers.
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The appeal to consumers of the inherent connected nature, synergies and network effects within our IoT @ Home platform is demonstrated by the fact that the percentage of our household users possessing at least two of our IoT products increased from 3.5% as of March 31, 2016 to 12.5% as of June 30, 2018.
Aspirational brand with a rapidly growing user base
Viomi has been built as an aspirational, "next generation" brand with attractive value propositions that aims to bring the full suite of AI capabilities and IoT experience to the home environment. Our strategic partnership with Xiaomi also allows us to effectively access and leverage Xiaomi's established, entrenched and growing user base.
Despite our relatively short operating history, the success of our unique IoT @ Home platform and the positive consumer experience it delivers have allowed us to rapidly develop a large and growing user base. Our number of household users increased by close to 10 times from approximately 113 thousand as of March 31, 2016 to over 1.2 million as of June 30, 2018, with the number of IoT products shipped increasing by 212.3% from approximately 382 thousand units in 2016 to approximately 1.2 million units in 2017. As a testament to the rapid penetration of our brand, during the 618 Shopping Festival in 2018, our iLive smart refrigerator ranked first among refrigerator models and we ranked among the top ten refrigerator brands in terms of online sales, according to All View Cloud, a retail data research firm in China.
Unique and highly scalable business model
Our business model allows us to enjoy a high customer lifetime value. We see a consumer's point of purchase and the entry of our products into their home as the start of our relationship rather than the end. Consumers who have made their first hardware purchase are incentivized to make additional purchases to benefit from the synergies and connectivity among our IoT products. More users on our platform then generate more data for our software analytics, enhance our software and algorithms, and lead to better user experiences, which in turn attracts more users to our platforma powerful virtuous cycle. In addition, leveraging these customer relationships, we are also able to generate additional, recurring and ongoing revenues streams from sales of consumable products, together with various value-added businesses across the life cycle of the IoT products with minimal customer acquisition costs.
Further, our omnichannel F2C new retail model cuts out inefficient layers of middle-men and caters to the buying behavior of the modern consumer, providing access to consumers in a cost-effective manner and also facilitating the rapid expansion of our coverage network.
Powerful data analytics capabilities
We have developed advanced proprietary software and data analytics capabilities to derive actionable insights from the large amounts of data we collect from our IoT products. We believe that the home is the most important and natural consumption environment. Our IoT products also generate vast quantities of user data in this environment with significant monetization potential.
We have built a large database of usage and behavior data through our IoT products and value-added businesses. By analyzing this data, we are able to gain deep customer insights, enhance our software, make our products smarter, provide bespoke marketing and promotional initiatives, and discover additional customer acquisition opportunities. Our products are powered by cloud-based software that can be updated based on what we learn from data and other customer feedback, making our products smarter over time. We also leverage predictive customer analytics to understand what and when consumers want to buy based on past behavior, and we can remind our users of their purchasing needs, which facilitate the use and monetization of our consumable products and value-added businesses.
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Proven research and development capabilities with commitment to innovation
Our R&D team comprised 124 hardware engineers and 104 software engineers and designers as of June 30, 2018, which in aggregate represented 43.3% of our total number of employees. We have developed or adopted several key technology innovations that have enabled the development of our IoT @ Home platform, including AI-based voice-, facial- and gesture-recognition technology, connectivity and control technology, and hardware technologies including sophisticated sensor technology. From our inception to June 30, 2018, we had successfully brought to market an extensive range of over 40 IoT products lines, including our flagship line of smart water purification systems, smart kitchen products and other smart home products, with a strong product pipeline of upcoming product launches.
As a testament to our innovation capabilities, as of June 30, 2018, we had over 680 patents registered with the State Intellectual Property Office of China and over 500 pending patent applications in China. Globally, we had over 30 patents registered and over 70 pending patent applications in various overseas countries and jurisdictions, as of June 30, 2018.
Visionary and professional management team
Our visionary and professional management team is led by our founder and CEO Mr. Xiaoping Chen and supported by our strategic partner Xiaomi.
Mr. Xiaoping Chen founded our Company with a vision of revolutionizing the home lifestyle experience with AI technologies and IoT platforms. He is a former senior executive at Midea and has over 20 years of experience in China's home appliances industry with deep understanding and knowhow across all core functions, ranging from product development to operations and from supply chain management to sales and marketing as well as finance. Our entrepreneurial spirit, hardware expertise and experience, together with Xiaomi's internet DNA, have been important factors that have contributed to our success, and we believe set us apart from traditional home appliances brands and consumer internet companies.
Our Strategies
We intend to achieve our mission, grow our household user base and strengthen our market position through successful execution of the key elements of our growth strategy, which include:
Continue to introduce new and innovative products
Our success is built upon our ability to grow our household user base by delivering a broad portfolio of innovative IoT products at attractive price points, which form the foundation of our IoT @ Home platform. Going forward, we intend to explore additional application scenarios for our products across the home environment, and we will continue to introduce new and innovative devices as we relentlessly pursue our goal of creating a unique and holistic IoT @ Home lifestyle experience for the benefit of consumers, and additional monetization opportunities for us. In 2018, we successfully introduced new IoT products such as our 21Face smart refrigerator and the Viomi dishwasher, and we will be launching new products such as our Eyebot smart range hood, VioV smart speaker, and smart mirror, among others.
As we continue to grow our business and introduce additional new products to improve connectivity and synergies across our IoT @ Home platform and further promote the IoT @ Home lifestyle experience, we expect to deliver further growth through repeat customer purchases and bundled sales, as well as additional monetization of our consumable products and value-added businesses. Going forward, we intend to promote an open and compatible system through partnerships with other smart home products and technologies.
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Enhance our technology, software and data insights
The advanced proprietary software and data analytics systems that drive our IoT @ Home platform are essential parts of our value proposition, and we will continue to invest significant resources to continue to enhance our technology, software and data insights. We plan to further develop our AI technology, potentially together with partners, to enable increasingly human-like interaction between users and our IoT products through voice-, facial- and gesture-recognition. In addition, we will consistently upgrade and improve our software capabilities and introduce innovative new features to enhance the user experience.
As the household user base continues to grow, our data collection and analytics capabilities will continue to strengthen, which will enable us to introduce products, services and functionalities that best address each household's profile and preferences, and provide optimal solutions for users' scenario-driven consumption needs within the home environment.
Strengthen our brand recognition and expand our user base
The Viomi brand has been designed to communicate innovation, functionality, quality and value. The uniqueness and effectiveness of our products and related benefits, together with our strategic partnership with Xiaomi, have enabled us to enjoy strong word-of-mouth and extensive media coverage, which has provided us with strong momentum when launching new products and expanding our market presence. We will continue to invest in increasing the awareness of our Viomi brand as well as in educating consumers about the benefits of our overall IoT @ Home platform through a unique and informative in-store retail experience, together with progressive and bespoke marketing initiatives as well as various traditional and social media campaigns.
Enrich our value-added businesses ecosystem
We will continue to invest in the seamless integration of our value-added businesses ecosystem into our IoT @ Home platform to enhance user experience and capture a larger share of scenario-based consumption needs in the home environment. We intend to leverage our advanced proprietary software and data analytics capabilities to improve the user experience through smarter and more customized services. We will continue to expand our service offerings by bringing in more readily accessible ecosystem partners including online grocers, daily-life service platforms, fast-food chains, and third-party e-commerce platforms. Having a robust value-added businesses ecosystem is a key component of our IoT @ Home platform, and it will enable us to differentiate our offerings, continue to grow our household user base and create additional monetization opportunities.
Expand and enhance our sales channels
Our omnichannel F2C new retail sales strategy is an important pillar of our business model. We are committed to providing our customers a convenient, efficient and enjoyable shopping experience across our omnichannel network. We plan to expand our sales channels and customer service points, as well as the network of Viomi offline experiences stores, together with our network partners across China. We will continue to invest in in-store training and enhance our in-store experience, which will enable customers to test first-hand the IoT @ Home lifestyle experience we offer, and see the connectivity and synergistic benefits of our IoT @ Home platform.
Xiaomi will continue to serve as an important partner for us. We will continue to strengthen our mutually beneficial relationship with Xiaomi to sell products through their large and entrenched user base and sales network.
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Invest along our product value chain
We may selectively pursue strategic investments or acquisitions that complement our business, represent a strategic fit and are consistent with our overall growth strategy. These investments could include acquisitions along our product value chain, including suitable upstream companies that manufacture critical components of our products. These types of acquisitions could expand our technologies and know-how, which would allow us to add new features and functionalities to our IoT @ Home platform and accelerate our pace of innovation. They may also provide us with greater control over our supply chain in terms of ensuring the continuity of supply for critical components, optimal quality control, on-time delivery and fulfillment, and help us achieve potential cost savings.
Our IoT @ Home platform
Our unique IoT @ Home platform consists of an ecosystem of innovative IoT products together with a suite of complementary consumable products and value-added businesses.
Powered by our advanced software, innovative AI technology and powerful data analytics capabilities, our IoT @ Home platform generates extensive and deep consumer behavior data and insights, which enable us to continue enhancing our products and offering additional bespoke value-added businesses over time. As of June 30, 2018, our IoT @ Home platform had over 1.2 million household users.
We generate a significant portion of our net revenues through sales of our IoT products, which form the core of our IoT @ Home platform. From our inception up to June 30, 2018, we had successfully brought to market an extensive range of over 40 IoT product lines, that engage users across a wide spectrum of essential daily usage activities. We also sell a range of consumable products complementary, and often essential, to our IoT products, such as water filters for our water purifiers and air filters for our refrigerators, which provide us with additional, recurring and ongoing revenues streams across the life cycle of the IoT product. In addition, we have various value-added businesses, including sales of related household products as well as offering various installation services and e-commerce services through a platform embedded within various of our IoT products.
The table below sets forth the revenue contribution of our key business lines:
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For the year ended December 31, | For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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2016 | 2017 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
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(in thousands, except for percentages)
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Net revenues: |
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IoT-enabled smart home products |
273,282 | 87.4 | 712,317 | 107,648 | 81.6 | 232,687 | 86.0 | 828,212 | 125,163 | 79.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart water purification systems |
250,442 | 80.1 | 570,784 | 86,259 | 65.4 | 194,005 | 71.7 | 432,443 | 65,353 | 41.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Smart kitchen products |
| | 50,656 | 7,655 | 5.8 | 3,299 | 1.2 | 285,595 | 43,160 | 27.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other smart products |
22,840 | 7.3 | 90,877 | 13,734 | 10.4 | 35,383 | 13.1 | 110,174 | 16,650 | 10.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Consumable products |
19,376 | 6.2 | 87,500 | 13,223 | 10.0 | 26,944 | 10.0 | 87,610 | 13,240 | 8.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Value-added businesses (1) |
19,916 | 6.4 | 73,402 | 11,093 | 8.4 | 10,994 | 4.0 | 124,357 | 18,793 | 12.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Total |
312,574 | 100.0 | 873,219 | 131,964 | 100.0 | 270,625 | 100.0 | 1,040,179 | 157,196 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Note:
Our IoT products
The IoT products we offer can be divided into smart water purification systems, smart kitchen products and other smart products.
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Smart water purification systems
We offer comprehensive water purification solutions, including home-wide water purification and hot water distribution, sharing and exchange of water quality data, and seamless integration and interaction with other water-consuming smart home products, such as water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers. The core of our water purification solutions is our self-branded and Xiaomi-branded smart water purifiers, which are complemented by our easy-to-install replaceable water filter consumable products. Some of our key smart water purification system product lines include:
V1 Super Water Purifier. Our V1 water purifier features reverse osmosis (RO) technology, which applies pressure through a RO membrane to separate purified water from tap water. It employs a four-step RO filtration process, and is equipped with a high flow RO filter and an optimized water purification path that improves filtration efficiency. V1 went on sale in June 2016.
With its built-in precision sensors, V1 can monitor in real time the water purification process, and the parameters of the water including water quality, pressure, temperature, and volume. V1 then analyzes this information using AI technology and automatically adjusts various aspects of its operation, such as the waste water ratio, intelligent pulse cleaning, and system water pressure to maintain ideal working conditions.
V1 is equipped with a dynamic water pressure sensor that monitors the pressure against the surface of the water filter so that V1 can intelligently adjust the water pressure using pulse-width modulation technology, which can extend the life of the system. This innovative intelligent pulse cleaning function increases the purification effectiveness and extends the life span of the water filter. Users can also remotely monitor the water quality and purchase replacement filters with one click through our mobile app.
X series Instant Boiling Water Purifiers. Our X series water purifiers combine instant boiling and water purification. In addition to cutting-edge water purification technologies and functions featured on our water purifier product line, our premium X series water purifiers are also hot water dispensers with instant heating and precision temperature control functions. These products can control water temperatures with great precision. The X series water purifiers went on sale in December 2016.
Mi Water Purifier. Mi Water Purifier is our smart water purifier designed and manufactured for Xiaomi. It features a high flow RO filter and real-time total dissolved solid (TDS) water quality monitoring. Its RO filter is designed to accommodate multiple water channels instead of one, increasing filtration area and efficiency. The Mi Water Purifier is equipped with a special booster pump that sustains a high-flux flow. Through the mobile app connected to the Mi Water Purifier, users can monitor the TDS value and water quality status in real time. The mobile app calculates filter lifespan precisely by analyzing the water quality and frequency of use, and alerts users when filters need to be replaced. The Mi Water Purifier includes an independent automatic detection module that checks on each of its 23 core components for easy troubleshooting. The Mi Water Purifier also features a compact design and easy installation. Mi Water Purifier went on sale in July 2015.
Our smart water purifier product line also includes Mee, C1, and S1 water purifiers and hot water dispensers.
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Smart kitchen products
Our smart kitchen line of IoT products make our users' everyday activities within the kitchen more convenient and enjoyable. Our smart kitchen products include IoT-enabled smart refrigerators, oven steamers, dishwashers, range hoods and gas stoves. Some of our key smart kitchen products lines include:
21Face Smart Refrigerator. Our 21Face smart refrigerator helps users manage their home and life with food management, connected living, and information and entertainment capabilitiesall controlled through voice recognition, hands-free AI technology from anywhere in the kitchen. 21Face also serves as the control center for users' homes. It can give commands to other IoT products such as our hot water dispenser and washing machine. 21Face is also a full infotainment center. It can speak out recipes for the user's reference, stream the security camera feed so the user can recognize a visitor without leaving the kitchen, and enable the user to take calls from the kitchen. With respect to entertainment, users can stream the latest TV shows and listen to their favorite songs while cooking. 21Face is fitted with 4 microphones and speakers, guaranteeing smooth voice communication even with typical kitchen background noise. We began selling 21Face in June 2018.
21Face is seamlessly embedded with an interface through which users can access our value-added businesses, such as purchasing various household fast-moving consumer goods, including fresh produce, as well as ordering food delivery. In addition to 21Face, we also offer our iLive smart refrigerator with voice control and face recognition that offers users the IoT @ Home lifestyle experience at a more attractive price.
Connected Oven Steamer. Our smart two-in-one steamer machine can scan the QR code on a food package that is embedded with a recipe and cook the food automatically according to the recipe. Users can purchase food with the QR code from our ecosystem partners through 21Face or the Viomi Store app. Users can also design their own individualized recipes, share them with friends, or download popular user-created recipes. We began selling our connected oven steamer in June 2018.
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Hurri Series Smart Range Hood. Hurri is our smart side-suction range hood. Equipped with a powerful suction fan, blades made from special steel, and a 172 mm exhaust vent, it offers a maximum exhaust volume of almost 19 cubic meters per minute. Its 110° convertible automatically-deployed capture panel further limits the smoke to the capture area. It can act in tandom with the stove, adjusting suction power based on the flame level. When users turn the stove on, Hurri automatically turns on. Users do not need to adjust the suction power, as Hurri automatically adjusts based on the flame level. Users can control the smart hood remotely using an mobile app. An up-scale version, Hurri With Voice Control range hoods, adds more features. The maximum exhaust volume is increased to 21 cubic meters per minute. Equipped with our VioBrain system with voice recognition function, the voice control version Hurri can take voice commands from users, such as turning on and off and adjusting the suction power, freeing up the user to fully enjoy cooking. We also offer the Free Series smart range hood, which is our European style smart range hood. We began selling our Hurri Series and Free Series range hoods in June 2017.
Power Series Gas Stoves. Our Power series smart gas stoves are equipped with special nozzles that develop a very powerful flame suitable for Chinese-style stir fry cooking. Using our mobile app, users can monitor the status of the stove while away from home. The battery usage display ensures that users can replace the battery before experiencing ignition failures. We began selling the Power series in July 2017.
Viomi Dishwasher. Our Viomi dishwasher employs 3D water jet technology and two-layer high-pressure water jet arms, giving it deep cleaning capability. Its PTC hot air drying system dries the dishes quickly and kills 99.99% of bacteria. If it is not used for two consecutive days, our smart dishwasher will remind the user to remove the bacteria by using the hot air system. We began selling our dishwasher in October 2017.
Other smart products
In addition to our smart water purification system and our smart kitchen lineup, we also offer a diverse array of IoT products that complements our IoT @ Home platform and addresses users' needs across different home scenarios. Some of our key other smart products lines include:
W9X Voice Control Washing Machine. When using our smart washing machine, users no longer need to navigate through a bewildering washing cycle selection menu. Instead, they can simply use short sentence voice commands like "wash this bedsheet for me" or "pick a mode." The high-capacity detergent compartment can store up to one-month's usage, and precisely dispense detergent and softener based on an analysis of the load, fabric, and water quality. Our W9X washing machine is seamlessly embedded with an interface through which users can access our value-added businesses. When the detergent or the softener level is low, the washing machine will remind users to replenish and can directly place orders after the users confirm through the embedded interface. The washing machine can be remotely controlled via
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the Viomi app or other Viomi smart home devices, and will notify users when the washing cycle is finished. We also offer a washer-dryer unit. We began selling our W9X washing machine in April 2018.
Smart Water Heater (16L Voice Control Version). Traditional water heaters do not perform consistently all year round because they are not tailored to water temperatures and the weather conditions of different seasons. Thanks to our AI technology and the duo control mode (water and gas two-way adjustment), our on-demand water heater can intelligently select and maintain the water temperature that is the most suitable for the season, while allowing the user to set the temperature with precision of ±1°C. Our water heater is fitted with bypass channel technology to avoid sudden temperature fluctuations when the user turns the faucet on and off. In the voice control version, the smart water heater can be controlled via natural language commands. It can also be controlled by our other IoT products such as the 21Face and the VioV. In the app that is compatible with the water heater, the user can set up different profiles for family members so that each has a preferred setting. We began selling our smart water heater in August 2018.
Products in development
We continue to focus on new, innovative product development to address evolving user preferences and to further expand our offerings of IoT-enabled smart home products across all our product lines. Below are some products that we are expect to roll out in the near future.
Eyebot. Eyebot is our AI-enabled range hood that can track and recognize the volume and movement of the smoke. When users are cooking Chinese cuisines, the volume and moving patterns of the smoke vary significantly. Eyebot uses its high-definition camera with a 210° wide-angle lense. The camera captures the image of smoke and transmits the image to the processing unit. The image is then recognized and analyzed in real time using our AI technology, which can distill information regarding the smoke's volume and movement, and intelligently distinguish that information from the user's movement. Based on its analysis of the volume and movement of the smoke, the processing unit adjusts the operation of the suction fan. In addition, the hood's capture panel can be lowered to reduce its distance from the smoke, achieving maximum capture. Using a powerful suction fan, Eyebot can achieve a maximum exhaust volume of 23 cubic meters per minute. Eyebot's other features include the camera's night vision function, active noise cancellation, voice control, and reminder to turn off the stove when not active. We expect to begin selling Eyebot in October 2018.
VioV. VioV is our smart speaker with touch screen; it can control all of our other smart home products and monitor the status of the tasks they are running. For example, it can set our smart hot water dispenser to the user's desired temperature, which it identifies through facial recognition. VioV can tell the smart robot vacuum to start cleaning at the proper time, as well as notify users when the washing machine finishes its cycle.
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VioV is also capable of voice interaction, gesture control, music playback, making to-do lists, setting alarms, playing audiobooks, and providing weather, traffic and other real-time informationall hands-free. It is distinguished from other smart speakers by its touchscreen, which visually displays VioV's responses to demands as well as various content and information. It can also display prompts regarding news headlines, suggested commands, and other information. Users can ask it to play a song of a particular artist or genre and stream over Wi-Fi. We expect VioV to keep getting smarter and to have new features as we continuously upgrade the system and collect more data on users' individual preferences. We expect to begin selling VioV in October 2018.
Smart air system. We are developing a smart air system that will consist of our air ventilator and purifier, our aromatherapy humidifier, and air sensors. We expect to begin selling these products in 2019.
Air ventilator and purifier. Our two-in-one air ventilator and purifier offers the following features in a sleek form: ventilation, air purification, supplementary heating, and sterilization. It can achieve a high clean air delivery rate, resulting in a more efficient air purification process and cleaning. Through our mobile app, the air ventilator and purifier allows the users to monitor in real time the air quality at home and start and shut down the system. If connected with an air conditioner and other smart appliances, the air ventilator and purifier can control the environment of the home. The machine operates quietly so that the users get the air quality they want without unwanted noise. We expect to begin selling this product in 2019.
Consumable products
We offer a range of consumable products complementary, and often essential, to our IoT products, which provide us with additional, recurring and ongoing revenue streams across the life cycle of our IoT products. Consumers can purchase such products either through our sales channels or through the e-commerce platform embedded within various of our IoT products. They feature easy installation mechanisms so that consumers can effortlessly install the products themselves.
Water filters. We offer replacement water filters compatible with both our self-branded and Xiaomi-branded smart water purifiers. Our water filters play a major role in the innovative design, high performance, and economic efficiency of our water purifiers. Our filters feature authentication verification through QR codes.
Water pitcher filter. Our water pitcher filter features seven-layer filtration that can effectively remove small particles, limescale, chlorine, lead, copper, and cadmium. Both the filter shell and the filtering materials can kill bacteria. The pitchers use a 360° water channel design that optimizes the use of the filtering materials.
Plant-based air filter. Our refrigerators are equipped with plant-based air filters that kill bacteria and freshen the air in the refrigerators' compartments. Traditional refrigerators are also equipped with air filters, but they are typically buried in the air channel and cannot be easily replaced. Our air filters are easily replaceable, guaranteeing constant freshness of the air.
Value-added businesses
Another key component of our IoT @ Home platform is our suite of value-added businesses.
Services
We believe home is the most important and natural consumption environment. Together with our vibrant partner ecosystem, we offer value-added services that can capture various scenario-driven consumption events in the home environment, such as enabling users to purchase products as and when the need arises within the comfort of their home. We achieve this through e-commerce platforms and
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interfaces embedded within and integrated with various of our IoT products. We work closely with our ecosystem partners to deliver these services to our users.
A consumption scenario is a combination of specific location, timing and user that leads to a user's ultimate decision to make a purchase. A user's willingness to purchase and the considerations related to the purchase vary depending on the scenario. When there is a household need in a specific scenario, our products can address that need the moment it arises. Moreover, because our products can collect a vast amount of household behavior data, analyze that data utilizing AI technology and deep learning, and create accurate household profiles, the consumption need can be addressed before the user realizes that it exists. After the need is identified, the user can interact with our IoT products operating in that exact scenario and place the order for the product or service.
For example, when the laundry detergent is running low, our washing machine can remind the user or automatically place the order for refill. Similarly, our water purifier can detect when the water filter needs to be replaced and alert the user or automatically order replacements.
We also offer certain installation services for our products.
Other products
We also offer a variety of other household products to supplement our IoT products and promote regular impulse purchases by consumers. These products include water quality meters, aromatherapy humidifiers, water filter pitchers, and stainless steel insulated water bottles.
Software, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics Systems
We rely on our advanced software, innovative AI technology and powerful data analytics capability to develop, operate, and continuously enhance our IoT @ Home platform.
Advanced software
We have developed advanced software to achieve interconnectivity among our IoT products and to support and expand their functionalities. Our software is equipped with public API (application programming interface) through which other parties' software and products can be connected to and integrated with ours.
All of our IoT products that are equipped with interactive screens run the Android operating system, which can operate software applications with advanced and diverse functions and serve as the platform on which all of our IoT products connect. The rest of our products have embedded systems that operate both locally and on the cloud. Our Viomi Store mobile app allows customers to quickly and efficiently discover, review, select and purchase our products. In addition, the Viomi Store serves as the control app for our products, and enables our users to manage, monitor and interact with our IoT products. Using our cloud-based software system, our products receive automatic updates, often on an overnight basis, to incorporate new functionalities and grow smarter over time based on our data analysis.
Artificial Intelligence
We intend to leverage ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence by incorporating them into our products and services. Our AI technology team develops and refines our proprietary, artificial intelligence-based algorithms, and leverages third-party AI components to build a more effective system. For example, for our voice recognition technologies, we have independently developed the natural language processing and semantic recognition functions (including the e-commerce component), while utilizing speech synthesis engine and Q&A components provided by iFLYTEK, an industry leader in voice recognition technologies.
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Voice, facial, gesture, and image recognition and control
Our artificial intelligence technology enables certain of our products to utilize voice-, facial-, gesture-, and image-recognition to offer natural-language user interfaces. These capabilities allow users to communicate with and give commands to these IoT products through common speech or gestures, mimicking natural interactions among human beings. In addition to the added convenience in user interface, the user can communicate with our products in new and advanced ways. For example, when voice control is not ideal because the background noise is too strong or, on the contrary, when everyone is asleep, the user can use gestures to wake up certain of our products and give commands.
Our products' facial-recognition capabilities replace password-based security measures, achieving convenient, natural, and smooth user interaction while safeguarding the security and integrity of user-connected smart homes. The image recognition function incorporated in some of our products helps those products to better carry out their specific tasks in an unprecedented way. For example, Eyebot, our under-development smart range hood, identifies the volume and moving patterns of the smoke using image recognition, processes the information collected, and adjusts the operation of the fans accordingly to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
We have developed VioBrain, an AI-based back-end system that operates on all of our IoT products that use AI functions. VioBrain carries out the voice-, facial-, gesture-, and image-recognition functions on our IoT products. It intelligently employs the analysis results from our data analytics platform and pushes the most relevant and actionable information to the user. For example, it can remind the user to replace a filter based on the water quality data uploaded by our smart water purifiers. It also enables the refrigerator to remind the user to replenish food based on the user's consumption behavior and by identifying the food in storage. VioBrain forms a virtuous cycle between user interaction, big data analytics and AI-driven features. As more of our users interact with smart home products, the more data points we gather, enabling further refinement of algorithms and functionalities.
Water quality analysis
Our smart water purifiers can monitor in real time the water purification process and parameters of water, including water quality, pressure, temperature, and volume. This information is then analyzed using our AI algorithms and the water purifier automatically adjusts various aspects of its operation, such as the waste water ratio, intelligent pulse cleaning, and system water pressure to maintain ideal working conditions.
Data analytics
Through users' interaction with many of our products, advanced sensors embedded in our products can capture, accumulate and upload large quantities of user and household usage data. Our users' behavior and sequential data is stored strictly in compliance with stringent data privacy standards and data security requirements.
Our dedicated big data analysis team has developed our own data analytics platform. We use this platform to extract intelligence from large amounts of data. Analyzing this data enhances our understanding of user behavior, and we are thus able to further develop our IoT @ Home platform to better serve our customers. By providing better solutions, we believe we will attract more household users over time. More household users on our platform can then generate more data for our software analytics, enhance our software and algorithms, and lead to a better user experience, which in turn can attract more household users to our platform, a powerful virtuous cycle. For example, we are able to draw a complete map of China's water quality levels by region and improve our water purifier's performance through this insight. We can also generate dynamic predictions of the remaining service life of the filters based on this insight.
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We consider the protection of the personal privacy of each of our users to be of paramount importance. We collect only anonymous data and only with users' consent, and all sensitive data is encrypted. We use such data only for the improvement of our products and services. Furthermore, our employees' access to our internal information management system is limited to verified IP address and we restrict the scope of such access based on the duty of the employee. Our data is stored securely in both KSYUN and Alibaba Cloud.
Omnichannel F2C New Retail Platform
Our Omnichannel F2C new retail platform consists of an efficient network of online retail channels and Viomi offline experience stores. This platform supports us in offering consistent pricing and a flattened distribution channel. We provide a seamless, consistent shopping experience that makes purchasing our products easy, inviting and hassle-free.
Online
We sell our products online primarily through online direct sales and to third-party online platforms, such as JD.com and Suning.
We sell our products directly to consumers through our official website, our Viomi Store mobile app, and our flagship stores on TMall.com and JD.com, as well as through Youpin.mi.com. Through our official website, potential customers can learn about our customer service and after-sale service programs. Our official website provides a detailed description and illustration of the innovative features and technologies of our full product line-up. Our official website also includes a QR code linked to our WeChat Viomi store, which has a logical layout that makes the purchasing experience more convenient. Our official website can also connect potential customers to their nearest offline stores for them to actually experience our IoT products in a home-like setting. Our Viomi Store mobile app allows customers to quickly and efficiently discover, review, select and purchase our products.
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Below is a screenshot of our Viomi Store mobile app.
We also sell our products to third-party online platforms, including major e-commerce players such as JD.com and Suning. We believe that the sales of our products to these leading e-commerce platforms enables us to take advantage of their established customer base and brand recognition, and helps us to reach a wide group of customers in a variety of markets.
Offline
As an integral part of our F2C new retail strategy, we have established a large network of Viomi offline experience stores operated by our third-party network partners. We provide consistent training to educate the salespersons of our network of offline experience stores as we believe that the sales of our products can be enhanced by knowledgeable salespersons who can convey the value of hardware and software integration and demonstrate the benefits of our IoT @ Home platform. Also, we believe that having direct interaction with our targeted customers is an effective way to demonstrate the advantages of our products over those of our competitors, and that providing a high-quality sales and after-sales customer support is critical to attracting new users and retaining existing ones.
Together with our network partners, we had established a network of approximately 700 Viomi offline experience stores, the majority of which were stand-alone stores, as of June 30, 2018.
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Below are pictures of a Viomi offline experience store.
Scenario-driven presentation and bundled sales
We display our products so that consumers are able to test first-hand our IoT @ Home platform and the IoT @ Home lifestyle experience. Customers can then place orders for products they wish to purchase either directly at those stores or by scanning the QR code, after which the selected products are delivered to them directly.
In addition, since customers in these Viomi offline experience stores can experience the full range of our products and see how they interact with each other, we believe they are more likely to engage in bundled purchases, which drive higher revenue and wallet share per customer while reducing customer acquisition costs.
Asset-light model and flattened distribution channel
Through our agreements with our regional network partners, we authorize them to open and operate Viomi offline experience stores within a designated area, either by directly operating those stores or through franchise operating arrangements. We have the technology infrastructure to manage our regional network partners. We control the qualification of new regional network partners, provide extensive ongoing training to them, and periodically review their performance.
Such an asset-light model is cost-efficient, and we believe the network of Viomi offline experience stores is well-suited to China's fragmented and localized customer needs. With our flattened distribution layers, we are able to support attractive pricing of our products. Utilizing this highly scalable model, we can leverage the resources of our regional network partners to achieve rapid expansion and deep penetration of our network without significant capital outlays.
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Below is an illustration of our F2C sales model and flattened distribution structure.
Retail channel control
We conduct our offline sales mostly through the network of Viomi offline experience stores, giving us control of the presentation of our brand. This strategy allows us to present our brand in a consistent manner, including marketing, pricing and product presentation. It also enables us to reduce logistical complexities and costs as we are not subject to timing, delivery and quantity requirements set by third-party retailers, allowing our employees to instead concentrate on product development and customer service.
Research and Development
We are passionate about developing new and innovative products and services.
Scenario-driven approach
Instead of focusing on bringing a new product to market, we start our product development process by identifying a scenario built upon a number of our IoT products that together can address the user's specific scenario-based needs. Based on this information, we identify the respective products necessary to cater to such a scenario.
Team composition
As of June 30, 2018, our total research and development staff consisted of approximately 228 employees across multiple R&D centers and product groups teams, representing 43.3% of our total number of employees. We incurred RMB29.9 million, RMB60.7 million (US$9.2 million) and RMB49.0 million (US$7.4 million) in research and development expenses in 2016, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.
Our research and development team includes global and cross-industry experts in technical product hardware development, software, AI, including industry experts who previously worked at Dyson, Siemens, and Bosch.
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Hardware
Our hardware engineering team supports our product design and the design of key system components. Our industrial design team works closely with product managers and development engineers throughout the entire production cycle.
Our product development cycle consists of five phases: conceptualization, product design, technical design, tooling and pilot production, and commercial production. After a product is launched, we continuously improve our products, refine our design and uncover defects by monitoring user feedback. This feedback is both manually reviewed and automatically aggregated and analyzed, and through it we draw key insights for product improvement.
We opened a hardware innovation center in 2017, which is headed by an industry expert who previously worked with market leaders for innovation.
Software
Our software engineering team, consisting of about 104 software engineers as of June 30, 2018, is responsible for developing our company-wide software platform to support the integration of our products and applications, the transmission, storage and processing of user data, the implementation of user-product interaction, the internal management of manufacturing and distribution, as well as our AI algorithms. We rely on our software to connect our IoT products and our cloud-based system. The key elements of our software engineering philosophy include security, reliability and extensibility.
Artificial Intelligence
In 2016, we opened our specialized AI lab that focuses on applying AI technology to our IoT @ Home platform. These applications include voice and gesture recognition and control, facial, image, and movement recognition, and algorithms based on big data and deep learning. We develop certain core components of our AI technologies and incorporate third-parties' solutions with respect to other components to build an effective system.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property rights are fundamental to our business, and we devote significant time and resources to their development and protection. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality agreements, to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We generally do not rely on third-party licenses of intellectual property for use in our business.
As of June 30, 2018, we had 686 patents registered with the State Intellectual Property Office of China, among which: (1) 69 registered patents will expire in 2024; (2) 63 registered patents will expire in 2025; (3) 307 registered patents will expire in 2026; (4) 216 registered patents will expire in 2027; (5) 5 registered patents will expire in 2028; (6) 13 registered patents will expire in 2034; (7) 9 registered patents will expire in 2035; and (8) 4 registered patents will expire in 2036.
Globally, as of June 30, 2018, we had 32 patents registered and over 70 pending patent applications in various overseas countries and jurisdictions, including the United States, Europe, India, Korea and certain Southeast Asia countries, among which: (1) 3 registered patents will expire in 2026; (2) 8 registered patents will expire in 2027; (3) 9 registered patents will expire in 2031; (4) 3 registered patents will expire in 2032; (5) 8 registered patents will expire in 2036; and (6) 1 registered patents will expire in 2037.
As of June 30, 2018, we had registered over 100 trademarks in China.
In addition to the protections described above, we generally control access to and use of our proprietary and other confidential information through the use of internal and external controls, such as
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use of confidentiality agreements with our employees and outside consultants, and our employees seconded at our contract manufacturers.
Relationship with Xiaomi
Xiaomi is our strategic partner and shareholder. Our strategic partnership with Xiaomi gives us access to Xiaomi's ecosystem users, market and data resources and related support. Meanwhile, our strong research and development capabilities and innovative products and services also enrich Xiaomi's suite of offerings, resulting in a mutually-beneficial relationship between Xiaomi and us.
Our cooperation with and sales to Xiaomi extends to a wide arrange of products, which currently include Xiaomi-branded water purification systems, water purifier filters, as well as other complimentary products such as kettles and water quality meters. Sales of these products are governed by a business cooperation agreement, pursuant to which Xiaomi is responsible for the distribution and sales of these products through its networks and sales channels. Please see the description under "Related Party TransactionsOur Relationship with Xiaomi" for a summary of the material terms of this business cooperation agreement. We recover our manufacturers and logistics cost when we deliver Xiaomi-branded products. In addition, we will also share a portion of net profits when Xiaomi is successful in selling such products to end users.
We also sell our own Viomi-branded products through Xiaomi's e-commerce platform, Youpin.mi.com, directly to consumers. We are charged with service fees proportionate to the sales amount of our products excluding refunds, or as otherwise agreed for certain products. Please see the description under "Related Party TransactionsOur Relationship with Xiaomi" for a summary of the material terms of the commission sales agreement.
In 2016 and 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, we generated a majority of our net revenues from sales to Xiaomi of Xiaomi-branded smart water purifiers and affiliated products. For a detailed discussion of our risks associated with the cooperation with Xiaomi, see "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Business and IndustryXiaomi is our strategic partner and our most important customer. Any deterioration of our relationship with Xiaomi could have a material adverse effect on our operating results."
Sales and Marketing
Our sales team
Our sales team consists of a marketing team and a branding team. Our sales team works directly with customers across our platforms including our Viomi store mobile app, our official website, our WeChat Viomi store, and our third-party online platforms. Our sales team also works closely with third-party online platforms.
Our marketing team positions and prices our products and produces promotional materials such as informative videos and brochures. They manage the relationships with our extensive network of third-party partners, design the Viomi offline experience stores, and provide training and support to ensure the proper presentation of the functionalities of our IoT @ Home platform in our offline expansion efforts.
Our branding team operates our participation in offline events such as the Appliance & Electronics World Expo and our product launches. They manage our public relation activities and direct our advertising and branding efforts.
Marketing
Our marketing is focused on building our brand reputation, increasing market awareness of our IoT @ Home platform, driving customer demand and developing a strong sales pipeline, as well as
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collaborating with our third-party partners across our sales channels. Examples of our marketing initiatives include:
Branding and endorsements
Since our inception we have been emphasizing the value of customer feedback and direct communications with our users. In order to reach a wider customer base, we engage popular celebrities as brand ambassadors for our products and sponsor popular variety shows in China. For example, we hired Ms. Mi Yang, a successful actress with significant following, as our brand ambassador in 2017 to promote our water purifier. On April 11, 2017, we launched our "Viomi 11-18 Brand Day" campaign under which we offer sales and promotions during an 8-day period of each month. In 2018, we also started to sponsor the TV series Negotiator , and the reality show Who's the Detective , and the music show Come Sing With Me , all broadcast on the leading entertainment channel Hunan TV. In Who's the Detective , our connective smart home devices are deeply integrated into the plot of the show, often advancing the development of the story as an AI detective.
Events marketing
We organize and participate in various official offline events to promote our brand and the idea of a connected smart home. Our "Viomi 11-18 Brand Day" campaign includes not only online promotions, but also offline marketing efforts in the Viomi offline experience stores across the nation. We participated in exhibitions and forums such as the Appliance & Electronics World Expo 2018 and the 2018 "Belt and Road" Finance and Investment Forum. We successfully participated in shopping festivals across e-commerce platforms such as "618," "Singles' Day" and "Double Twelve," which are highly popular among Chinese consumers.
Social media
Our Viomi fans form WeChat groups where they can learn about our upcoming products, share thoughts and experiences, discover new functionalities, and make recommendations for improvements for our products and service. Our representatives regularly participate in the group discussions to respond to users' queries and to better understand users' fast-changing needs. We also maintain various official social media accounts to actively engage with users by answering their questions and concerns. As of June 30, 2018, we had a total of about 0.8 million followers on our WeChat and Viomi Store App.
Customer service
User experience is a key focus for our business. We strive to provide personalized support for our users, including support from live customer service representatives. If customers who shop through our online channels have any inquiries or complaints about our products or the ordering process, they can contact customer service representatives through real-time online chat or through our toll-free customer service phone number. To better serve our customers who may prefer offline interaction, our Viomi Store app also automatically shows the nearest Viomi offline experience store based on the location of the user.
After-sale service
The goal of our after-sale service is to create the best user experience for our customers. Our customers may return all products purchased from our official Viomi online store and other online platforms within seven days from receipt. Our customers may also have their products replaced for specific types of defects or quality issues as required under the relevant laws and regulations.
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Delivery, installation, and maintenance
We ship, install, and maintain our products purchased online through third-party service providers. We have developed relationships with third-party logistics service providers to expand the geographic coverage of our shipping capabilities. We generally are able to have our products installed at the home of the customer within 10 days after online order placement.
Manufacturing and Fulfillment
Procurement and manufacturing
We outsource the substantial majority of the manufacturing of our products to our contract manufacturers, while assembling certain key components and high-end products, such as the UV module in our water purifiers, the instant heating modules, and V series water purifiers, in our own manufacturing facility.
Our outsourcing arrangements include confidentiality agreements, supply agreements, and quality control agreements. For products we sell to Xiaomi, Xiaomi provides us with production forecasts on a rolling basis, which serve as the primary indicator for our component procurement efforts. For our self-branded products, we procure completed components based on our internal sales and production plan for the next three months at the beginning of each month on a rolling basis.
We believe that outsourcing the manufacturing of our products provides us with greater scale and flexibility at lower costs than solely relying on our own manufacturing facility. We outsource the manufacturing of our products to a number of contract manufacturers, who produce our products using design specifications and standards that we have established. We also help our contract manufacturers to design the equipment and tooling used in the production and help train their workers. We evaluate on an ongoing basis our current contract manufacturers and component suppliers, including whether or not to utilize new or alternative contract manufacturers or component suppliers.
We procure certain key raw materials and components from domestic and overseas suppliers, and then consign them to our contract manufacturers. Our suppliers generally also provide direct order fulfillment services with logistics that include delivery of parts and assembly to either our own facility for inspection or our contract manufacturers directly.
Inventory management
Our inventory primarily consists of finished products and raw materials. We manage our inventory with measures appropriate to the use and nature of the inventory. Our manufacturing plans are designed and implemented to accommodate our sales and maintain reasonable inventory levels. We receive aggregated and geographically-enabled inventory data feeds from our centralized distribution network, which facilitates product shipment from warehouses that are closer to the delivery destination. Through close coordination with our customers and contract manufacturers and frequent purchases of components from suppliers, we are able to carry low levels of raw materials and in-process inventories, minimizing inventory risk.
Product quality assurance
We are committed to maintaining the highest level of quality in our products. We developed the quality assurance management software that monitors the manufacturing and quality assurance process used across our own manufacturing facility as well as our contract manufacturers. We have designed and implemented a quality management system that provides the framework for continuing improvement of our products and processes. For our new product lines, we conduct thorough examinations of product samples and each of their components at the product verification testing stage to make sure they satisfy all of our technical requirements. For our existing product lines, we also have a quality assurance team that
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establishes, communicates and monitors quality standards by product category. In addition, we have quality assurance personnel seconded to the facilities of our contract manufacturers to ensure that they fully adhere to our quality standards in the production process.
We have constant access to each manufacturing facility of our contract manufacturers, and our quality control team continuously monitors the quality of incoming components, materials and finished products, as well as the manufacturing processes at our contract manufacturers' facilities. We also require our partners to maintain quality control over their logistics, production and quality inspection procedures based on ISO9001 quality standards.
IT Infrastructure
Our network infrastructure is designed to satisfy the requirements of our operations, to support the growth of our business and to ensure the reliability of our operations as well as the security of information on our platform. We continuously develop our platform to offer users an effortless and seamless experience across all of our products and services, while at the same time enhancing the reliability and scalability of our platform.
We have contracted with KSYUN and Alibaba Cloud Services to utilize their infrastructure, such as computing services, storage, server and bandwidth. We have a working data redundancy model with comprehensive backups of both cloud services. This redundancy supports the reliability of our network and the stable operation of our business.
Competition
We compete with other companies in all aspects of our business, particularly companies that are in the household appliances and smart home markets. The household appliances and smart home markets have a large number of participants, including traditional appliances and consumer electronics companies as well as AI and consumer internet companies that are moving into the hardware space.
We believe the principal competitive factors impacting the market for our products include: brand recognition, value for money, user experience, breadth of product and service offerings, product functionality and quality, sales and distribution as well as supply chain management. We believe we can compete favorably on the basis of these factors. Viomi has been developed as an aspirational, "next generation" brand with attractive value propositions that aims to bring the full suite of AI capabilities and IoT experience to the home environment, while continuing to leverage Xiaomi's brand recognition for Xiaomi-branded products. We plan to continue to leverage our strong research and development capabilities and introduce new and innovative products with advanced functionalities to market. In addition, we have developed strong and diversified sales channels via our omnichannel F2C new retail sales strategy and are making investments to strengthen our supply chain management resources. However, the industry in which we compete is evolving rapidly and is becoming increasingly competitive. For additional information, see "Risk FactorsRisks Related to our Business and IndustryWe operate in highly competitive markets, and the scale and resources of some of our competitors may allow them to compete more effectively than we can, which could result in a loss of our market share and a decrease in our net revenues and profitability."
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Employees
We had 527 employees as of June 30, 2018. The following table sets forth the numbers of our employees categorized by function as of June 30, 2018:
|
As of
June 30, 2018 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
Function: |
||||
Research and development |
228 | |||
Operational management |
20 | |||
Sales and marketing |
257 | |||
General administration |
22 | |||
| | | | |
Total |
527 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
We invest significant resources in the recruitment and training of our employees in support of our fast-growing business operations. We have a variety of training programs.
As required by laws and regulations in China, we participate in various employee social security plans that are organized by municipal and provincial governments, including housing, pension, medical insurance, childbirth insurance, work-related injury insurance, employment injury insurance, maternity insurance and unemployment insurance. We are required under PRC law to make contributions to employee benefit plans at specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of our employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time.
We enter into standard confidentiality and employment agreements with our key employees. The agreements with our key personnel typically include standard non-compete covenants that prohibit the employee from competing with us, directly or indirectly, during his or her employment and for two years after the termination of his or her employment, provided that we pay compensation equal to a certain proportion of his or her pre-departure salary on a monthly basis during the restriction period.
We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees, and we have not experienced any material labor disputes.
Properties and Facilities
Our headquarters are located in Guangzhou, China, where we rent the office building with an aggregate floor area of approximately 1,080 square meters. Our research and development facilities and our management and operations facilities are located at our headquarters. Our manufacturing facility and office space located in Shengda Industry Park in Foshan, Guangdong Province, has an aggregate floor area of approximately 8,025 square meters.
We currently lease and occupy approximately 1,301 square meters of office space in Guangzhou, approximately 84 square meters of office space in Beijing and approximately 95 square meters of office space in Hangzhou. These leases vary in duration from one to six years.
Insurance
We maintain various insurance policies to safeguard against risks and unexpected events. We have purchased product liability insurance for our products, including water purifiers, gas stoves, range hoods and refrigerators, sold in the domestic market as well as those exported to the overseas market. We maintain public liability insurance for any personal injury or property loss of any third party occurred in our operating address of Foshan Viomi.
In line with general market practice, we do not maintain any business interruption insurance, which is not typical in our industry or mandatory under Chinese laws. We do not maintain key-man life insurance or
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insurance policies covering damages to our IT infrastructure or information technology systems. We also do not maintain insurance policies against risks relating to the Contractual Arrangements.
Legal Proceedings
We are currently not a party to any material legal or administrative proceedings. We may from time to time be subject to various legal or administrative claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. For instance, please refer to "Risk FactorsRisk Related to Our Business and IndustryWe may encounter claims alleging our infringement of third-party intellectual properties from time to time" for information of certain such litigation. Litigation or any other legal or administrative proceeding, regardless of the outcome, is likely to result in substantial cost and diversion of our resources, including our management's time and attention.
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The majority of our business is located in PRC, and laws and regulations in PRC are most relevant to our business. This section sets forth a summary of the most significant rules and regulations that affect our business activities in China.
Regulation on Value-Added Telecommunication Services
The Telecommunications Regulations of the PRC, promulgated by the State Council in 2000 and last amended in February 2016, provide a regulatory framework for telecommunications services providers in PRC. These regulations require telecommunications services providers to obtain operating licenses prior to the commencement of their operations. The telecommunications services are categorized into basic telecommunications services and value-added telecommunications services. According to the Catalog of Telecommunications Business, attached to the Telecommunications Regulations and last amended by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in December 2015, transaction processing services provided via fixed network, mobile network and Internet fall within value-added telecommunications services.
The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services, promulgated by the State Council in 2000 and amended in January 2011, set out guidelines on the provision of internet information services. This rule classified internet information services into commercial internet information services and non-commercial internet information services, and a commercial operator of transaction processing services must obtain an operating permit for value-added telecommunications services of internet information for the provision of online data processing and transaction processing services (the EDI License) from the appropriate telecommunications administration authorities. The Administrative Measures for Telecommunications Businesses Operating Licensing, promulgated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or the MIIT, in July 2017 and effective on September 1, 2017, provides that a commercial operator of value-added telecommunications services must first obtain a telecommunication operating license, from the MIIT or its provincial level counterparts. The Value-added Telecommunications Operating License is classified as the Cross-regional Value-added Telecommunications Operating License and the Value-added Telecommunications Operating License within a province, autonomous region and municipality directly under the central government. In addition, in the first quarter of every year while the operator is holding the license, it must report information such as business performance of the telecommunications business in the previous year, the actual progress in network buildup, business development, turnover of staff, institutional restructuring and service quality to the issuing authorities.
Pursuant to the Provisions on the Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecom Enterprises, promulgated by the State Council in 2001 and amended in 2016, the primary foreign investor of a foreign-invested telecom enterprise operating value-added telecom services shall have a good track record of, and operation experience in, operating value-added telecom services. In addition, the establishment of a foreign-invested telecom enterprise operating value-added telecom services requires approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
To comply with these regulations, we have adopted the VIE structure and obtained an EDI license through Foshan Viomi, one of our VIEs, which allows us to provide value-added telecommunications services through our value-added e-commerce platform.
Regulation on Catalogue relating to Foreign Investment
Investment activities in the PRC by foreign investors are subject to the Catalogue for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industry, or the Catalogue, which was promulgated and is amended from time to time by the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission. Pursuant to the latest Catalogue, amended and issued on June 28, 2018, and effective on July 28, 2018, or the 2018
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Catalogue, industries listed therein are divided into two categories: encouraged industries and the industries within the catalogue of special management measures, or the Negative List. The Negative List is further divided into two sub-categories: restricted industries and prohibited industries. Any industry not falling into any of the encouraged, restricted or prohibited categories is classified as a permitted industry for foreign investment. Establishment of wholly foreign-owned enterprises is generally allowed in industries outside of the Negative List. For the restricted industries within the Negative List, some are limited to equity or contractual joint ventures, while in some cases Chinese partners are required to hold the majority interests in such joint ventures. In addition, restricted category projects are subject to government approvals and certain special requirements. Foreign investors are not allowed to invest in industries in the prohibited category. Industries not listed in the Negative List are generally open to foreign investment unless specifically restricted by other PRC regulations.
In October 2016, the Ministry of Commerce issued the Interim Measures for Record-filing Administration of the Establishment and Change of Foreign-invested Enterprises, and revised in July 2017. Pursuant to FIE Record-filing Interim Measures, the establishment and change of FIE are subject to record-filing procedures, instead of prior approval requirements, provided that the establishment or change does not involve special entry administration measures. If the establishment or change of FIE matters involves the special entry administration measures, the approval of the Ministry of Commerce or its local counterparts is still required. Pursuant to the Announcement [2016] No. 22 of the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce dated October 8, 2016, the special entry administration measures for foreign investment apply to restricted and prohibited categories specified in the Catalogue, and the encouraged categories are subject to certain requirements relating to equity ownership and senior management under the special entry administration measures.
Currently, our business related to the development and application of IoT technology falls within the encouraged category while our provision of e-commerce services falls within the permitted category.
Regulation on Product Quality and Consumer Protection
The PRC Product Quality Law applies to all production and sale activities in China. Pursuant to this law, products offered for sale must satisfy the relevant quality and safety standards. Enterprises may not produce or sell counterfeit products in any fashion. Any producer or seller producing or selling products that do not conform to the national standards or trade standards for ensuring human health and the personal or property safety shall be ordered to stop production or sale of the products; the products illegally produced or sold shall be confiscated; a fine no less than the equivalent of, but not more than three times, the value of the products illegally produced or sold (including those already sold and those not yet sold, hereinafter the same) shall be imposed concurrently; if there are illegal proceeds, such proceeds shall be confiscated concurrently; if the circumstances are serious, the business license shall be revoked. If the case constitutes a crime, criminal liability shall be investigated. Where a defective product causes physical injury to a person or damage to another person's property, the victim may claim compensation from the manufacturer or from the seller of the product. If the seller pays compensation and it is the manufacturer that should bear the liability, the seller has a right of recourse against the manufacturer. Similarly, if the manufacturer pays compensation and it is the seller that should bear the liability, the manufacturer has a right of recourse against the seller.
The PRC Consumer Protection Law, as amended in October 2013 and effective in March 2014, sets out the obligations of business operators and the rights and interests of the consumers. Pursuant to this law, business operators must guarantee that the commodities they sell satisfy the requirements for personal or property safety, provide consumers with authentic information about the commodities and guarantee the quality, function, usage and term of validity of the commodities. Where business operators use internet, television, telephone, mail or other means to sell their commodities, consumers have the right to return such commodities, except the following commodities within seven days from the date when the consumers receive the commodities without giving any reason:
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Where business operators use internet, television, telephone, mail or other means to provide goods or services, or provide securities, insurance, banking or other financial services, they shall provide consumers with information in regard to themselves and the goods or services provided such as business address, contact information, quantity and quality, price or fees, term and method of performance, safety precautions, risk warnings, after-sale services, and civil liabilities. Consumers whose legitimate rights and interests are infringed while purchasing goods or receiving services via an online trading platform shall have the right to claim compensation from the vendor of the goods or the provider of the services. Failure to comply with the Consumer Protection Law may subject business operators to civil liabilities such as refunding purchase prices, exchanging commodities, repairing, remanufacturing, ceasing damages, compensation, and restoring reputation, and even subject the business operators or the responsible individuals to criminal penalties if business operators commit crimes by infringing the legitimate rights and interests of consumers. If the goods or services a business operator provide have caused personal injuries to consumers or other victims, the business operator shall compensate for the medical expenses, nursing expenses, transportation expenses and other reasonable fees for treatment and rehabilitation as well as the reduced income for loss of working time.
Under the Tort Law of the PRC, which became effective on July 1, 2010, producers shall bear tortious liability for damage caused to others by their defective products. If damages to other persons are caused by defective products due to the fault of a third party, such as the parties providing transportation or warehousing, the producers and the sellers of the products have the right to recover their respective losses from such third parties. If defective products are identified after they have been put into circulation, the producers or the sellers shall take remedial measures such as issuance of a warning, recall of products, etc. in a timely manner. The producers or the sellers shall be liable under tort if they fail to take remedial measures in a timely manner or have not made efforts to take remedial measures, thus causing damages. If the products are produced or sold with known defects, causing deaths or severe adverse health issues, the infringed party has the right to claim punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
We are subject to the above laws and regulations as an online retailer of IoT products and believe that we are currently in compliance with these regulations in all material aspects.
Regulation on Intellectual Property Rights
The PRC has adopted comprehensive legislation governing intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and domain names.
Patents
Pursuant to the PRC Patent Law, most recently amended on December 27, 2008, and its implementation rules, most recently amended on January 9, 2010, patents in China fall into three categories: invention, utility model and design. An invention patent is granted to a new technical solution proposed in respect of a product or method or an improvement of a product or method. A utility model is granted to a new technical solution that is practicable for application and proposed in respect of the shape, structure or a combination of both of a product. A design patent is granted to the new design of a certain product in shape, pattern or a combination of both, and in color, shape and pattern combinations aesthetically suitable for industrial application. Under the PRC Patent Law, the term of patent protection starts from the date of application. Patents relating to invention are effective for twenty years, and utility
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models and designs are effective for ten years from the date of application. The PRC Patent Law adopts the principle of "first-to-file" system, which provides that where more than one person files a patent application for the same invention, a patent will be granted to the person who files the application first.
Existing patents can become narrowed, invalid or unenforceable due to a variety of grounds, including lack of novelty, creativity, and deficiencies in patent application. In China, a patent must have novelty, creativity and practical applicability. Under the PRC Patent Law, novelty means that before a patent application is filed, no identical invention or utility model has been publicly disclosed in any publication in China or overseas or has been publicly used or made known to the public by any other means, whether in or outside of China, nor has any other person filed with the patent authority an application that describes an identical invention or utility model and is recorded in patent application documents or patent documents published after the filing date. Creativity means that, compared with existing technology, an invention has prominent substantial features and represents notable progress, and a utility model has substantial features and represents any progress. Practical applicability means an invention or utility model can be manufactured or used and may produce positive results. Patents in China are filed with the State Intellectual Property Office, or SIPO. Where, pursuant to the receipt of an application for a patent of an invention, the patent administrative department under the State Council, upon preliminary examination, finds the application conforms to the requirements of the Law, it shall publish the application promptly within 18 full months from the filing date. Upon the request of the applicant, the patent administrative department under the State Council may publish the application earlier.
Article 20 of the PRC Patent Law provides that, for an invention or utility model completed in China, any applicant (not just Chinese companies and individuals), before filing a patent application outside of China, must first submit it to the SIPO for a confidential examination. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the denial of any Chinese patent for the relevant invention. This added requirement of confidential examination by the SIPO has raised concerns by foreign companies who conduct research and development activities in China or outsource research and development activities to service providers in China.
Patent enforcement
Unauthorized use of patents without consent from owners of patents, forgery of the patents belonging to other persons or engagement in other patent infringement acts will subject the infringers to infringement liability. Serious offences such as forgery of patents may be subject to criminal penalties.
When a dispute arises out of infringement of the patent owner's patent right, Chinese law requires that the parties first attempt to settle the dispute through mutual consultation. However, if the dispute cannot be settled through mutual consultation, the patent owner, or an interested party who believes the patent is being infringed, may either file a civil legal suit or file an administrative complaint with the relevant patent administration authority. In the event the patent administrative department, when handling the matter, believes there is an infringement, it may order the infringing party to cease the infringement with immediate effect. If the infringing party is not satisfied with the ruling, it may, within 15 days from the date of receiving the notification of the order, initiate legal proceedings in the people's court in accordance with the Law of the People's Republic of China on Administrative Proceedings. If the infringing party neither takes legal action at the expiration of the time limit nor ceases the infringement, the patent administrative department may request the people's court for a compulsory execution of the aforementioned order. A Chinese court may issue a preliminary injunction upon the patent owner's or an interested party's request before instituting any legal proceedings or during the proceedings. Damages for infringement are calculated as the loss suffered by the patent holder arising from the infringement, and if the loss suffered by the patent holder arising from the infringement cannot be determined, the damages for infringement shall be calculated as the benefit gained by the infringer from the infringement. If it is difficult to ascertain damages in this manner, damages may be determined by using a reasonable multiple of the license fee under a contractual license. Statutory damages may be awarded in the circumstances
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where the damages cannot be determined by the above-mentioned calculation standards. The damage calculation methods shall be applied in the aforementioned order. Generally, the patent owner has the burden of proving that the patent is being infringed. However, if the owner of an invention patent for manufacturing process of a new product alleges infringement of its patent, the alleged infringer has the burden of proof.
As of June 30, 2018, we had over 680 patents granted and over 500 patents applications pending in China, over 30 patents granted and over 70 patents pending outside China.
Trademark law
The PRC Trademark Law and its implementation rules protect registered trademarks. The PRC Trademark Office of State Administration of Industry and Commerce is responsible for the registration and administration of trademarks throughout the PRC. The Trademark Law has adopted a "first-to-file" principle with respect to trademark registration.
In addition, pursuant to the PRC Trademark Law, counterfeit or unauthorized production of the label of another person's registered trademark, or sale of any label that is counterfeited or produced without authorization will be deemed as an infringement to the exclusive right to use a registered trademark. The infringing party will be ordered to stop the infringement immediately, a fine may be imposed and the counterfeit goods will be confiscated. The infringing party may also be held liable for the right holder's damages, which will be equal to the gains obtained by the infringing party or the losses suffered by the right holder as a result of the infringement, including reasonable expenses incurred by the right holder for stopping the infringement. If the gains or losses are difficult to determine, the court may render a judgment awarding damages of no more than RMB3 million.
As of June 30, 2018, we had registered over 100 trademarks in China.
Software copyright law
The Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China (Revised in 2010), or the Copyright Law, provides that Chinese citizens, legal persons, or other organizations shall, whether published or not, enjoy copyright in their works, which include, among others, works of literature, art, natural science, social science, engineering technology and computer software. The purpose of the Copyright Law aims to encourage the creation and dissemination of works that are beneficial for the construction of socialist spiritual civilization and material civilization and promote the development and prosperity of Chinese culture.
In order to further implement the Computer Software Protection Regulations promulgated by the State Council in 2001, and amended subsequently, the State Copyright Bureau issued the Computer Software Copyright Registration Procedures in 2002, which apply to software copyright registration, license contract registration and transfer contract registration.
As of June 30, 2018, we had registered 14 pieces of software copyright in China.
Regulation on domain name
Internet domain name registration and related matters are primarily regulated by CNNIC Implementing Rules of Domain Name issued by China Internet Network Information Center ("CNNIC"), the domain name registrar of mainland China, which became effective on May 29, 2012, the Administrative Measures for Internet Domain Names, issued by MIIT in August 2017 and effective as of November 1, 2017, and the Measures on Domain Name Disputes Resolution issued by CNNIC, which became effective on September 1, 2014. Domain name registrations are handled through domain name service agencies established under the relevant regulations, and the applicants become domain name holders upon successful registration.
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As of June 30, 2018, we had registered 10 domain names.
Regulation on Manufacture and Sale of Home Appliances
Pursuant to the Administrative Regulations for Compulsory Product Certification, promulgated by the General Administration of Qualification Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, or the AQSIQ, in 2009, products specified by the applicable government authorities shall not be delivered, sold, imported or used in other business activities until they are certified (or referred to as the Compulsory Product Certification) and labeled with China Compulsory Certification mark. For products that are subject to Compulsory Product Certification, the state implements unified product catalogue, or the 3C Catalogue, unified compulsory requirements, standards and compliance assessment procedures in technical specification, unified certification marks and unified charging standards. Pursuant to the First Batch Compulsory Product Certification Product Catalogue or the First Batch 3C Product Catalogue, by the AQSIQ and the Certification and Accreditation Administration, or the CNCA on December 3, 2001, household and similar electrical appliances, including the refrigerator, water heater, range hood, washing machine and water purifier, are required to obtain the Compulsory Product Certification in order to be delivered, sold, imported or used.
In addition, according to the Surveillance and Administrative Measures of Drinking Water Hygiene jointly promulgated by the Ministry of Health (currently, the National Health and Family Planning Commission, or NHFPC) of the PRC, and the Ministry of Construction of the PRC in 1997, and most recently amended by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and the National Health and Family Planning Commission in April 2016, any entities or individuals engaging in the production of the products relating to hygiene and safety of drinking water shall apply to health administration authorities for hygiene licenses.
According to the Classification Catalogue for Products Related to Drinking Water, promulgated by the Ministry of Health (currently, the National Health and Family Planning Commission, or NHFPC) and effective on September 20, 2007, and most recently amended on September 22, 2011, entities or individuals are required to obtain hygiene license from NHFPC before producing or importing any products relating to drinking water.
In July 2011, the Ministry of Health (currently, the National Health and Family Planning Commission, or NHFPC) promulgated the Notice on Adjustment of Hygiene Administrative License for Domestic Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier and Domestic Nano Filter Water Purifier, which delegates health administrative departments at the provincial level the authority to regulate domestic reverse osmosis water purifiers and domestic nano filter water purifiers. Hereafter, MOH and National Health and Family Planning Commission of the PRC promulgated Regulations on Administrative License for Hygienic Safety Products involving Drinking Water at the Provincial Level, delegating the authority of examination and approval of products related to hygiene and safety of drinking water, except for those made of new materials, technology and chemicals, to the health and family planning department at the provincial level.
Energy Label Management Rules, jointly promulgated by the NDRC and AQSIQ in 2004 and most recently amended in February 2016, provide that the products listed in the Catalogue of the People's Republic of China on the Products Affixed with Energy Efficiency Labels shall be marked with the energy-efficient labels. Manufacturers and importers of energy-using products included in such catalogue shall file a record of energy efficient labels and the relevant information with the AQSIQ and the China National Institute of Standardisation authorised by the NDRC.
According to the PRC Administration Rules of Industrial Product Production Licenses Regulations, promulgated in 2005 by the State Council and effective on September 1, 2005, no entity may produce any products in the Catalogue for Industrial Products Implementing Products Licensing System without obtaining an industrial product production license, and no entity or individual may produce, sell or use
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products in the such catalogue for which the relevant industrial product production license has not been obtained.
To comply with these laws and regulations, we have obtained the certificates, licenses and labels necessary for our current products. Further, we have verified the qualifications of our manufacturing contractors for the production of the relevant products before their engagement by requiring them to provide effective licenses, such as the industrial product production license.
Regulation on Mobile Internet
Pursuant to the Provisions on the Administration of Mobile Internet Applications Information Services, or the provisions on Administration of Application, promulgated by the Cyberspace Administration of China in June 2016 and effective on August 1, 2016, application information service providers shall obtain the relevant qualifications prescribed by laws and regulations, strictly implement their information security management responsibilities and carry out the duties including to establish and complete user information security protection mechanism, to establish and complete information content inspection and management mechanisms, to protect users' right to know and right to choose in the process of usage, and to record users' daily information and preserve it for 60 days. Application store services providers shall, within 30 days of the business going online and starting operations, conduct filing procedures with the local cybersecurity and information department. Furthermore, internet application store service providers and internet application information service providers shall sign service agreements to determinate both sides' rights and obligations.
As the operator of Viomi Store mobile app, we are subject to the above laws and regulations as an application information services provider and believe that we are currently in compliance with these regulations in all material aspects.
Regulation on Information Security
The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress promulgated the Cyber Security Law of the PRC, or the Cyber Security Law, which became effective on June 1, 2017, to protect cyberspace security and order. Pursuant to the Cyber Security Law, any individual or organization using the network must comply with the constitution and the applicable laws, follow the public order and respect social moralities, and must not endanger cyber security, or engage in activities by making use of the network that endanger the national security, honor and interests; incite subversion of state power; overthrow the socialist system; incite secession, undermining national unity, terrorism and extremism promotion, ethnic hatred and discrimination; spread violence and disseminate pornographic information, fabricating and spreading false information that disturbs economic and social order; or infringe on the fame, privacy, intellectual property and other legitimate rights and interests of others. The Cyber Security Law sets forth various security protection obligations for network operators, which are defined as "owners and administrators of networks and network service providers," including, among others, complying with a series of requirements of tiered cyber protection systems; verifying users' real identity; localizing the personal information and important data gathered and produced by key information infrastructure operators during operations within the PRC; and providing assistance and support to government authorities where necessary for protecting national security and investigating crimes.
To comply with these laws and regulations, we have adopted security policies and measures to protect our cyber system and user information.
Regulation on Internet Privacy
Pursuant to the Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet Applications Information Services, effective on August 1, 2016, owners or operators of mobile applications that provide information services are required to be responsible for information security management; establish and improve the protective
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mechanism for user information; observe the principles of legality, rightfulness and necessity; and expressly state the purpose, method and scope of, and obtain user consent to, the collection and use of users' personal information. In addition, the Cyber Security Law also requires network operators to strictly keep confidential users' personal information that they have collected and to establish and improve user information protective mechanism. On May 8, 2017, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate released the Interpretations of the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Handling of Criminal Cases Involving Infringement of Citizens' Personal Information, which clarifies several concepts regarding the crime of "infringement of citizens' personal information" stipulated by Article 253A of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, including "citizen's personal information," "provision" and "unlawful acquisition." Also, it specifies the standards for determining "serious circumstances" and "particularly serious circumstances" of this crime.
To comply with these laws and regulations, we have required our users to consent to our collecting and using their personal information, and established information security systems to protect users' privacy.
Regulation on Employment
The Labor Law of the PRC, effective in 1995 and most recently amended on August 27, 2009, the PRC Employment Contract Law, effective on January 1, 2008, and most recently amended on December 28, 2012, and the Implementing Regulations of the Employment Contract Law, effective on September 18, 2008, provide requirements concerning employment contracts between an employer and its employees, namely, employers must execute written labor contracts with full-time employees and regulate employee/employer rights and obligations. If an employer fails to enter into a written employment contract with an employee within one year from the date on which the employment relationship is established, the employer must rectify the situation by entering into a written employment contract with the employee and pay the employee twice the employee's salary for the period from the day following the lapse of one month from the date of establishment of the employment relationship to the day prior to the execution of the written employment contract. The Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules also require compensation to be paid upon certain terminations, which significantly affects the cost of reducing workforce for employers. In addition, if an employer intends to enforce a non-compete provision in an employment contract or non-competition agreement with an employee, it has to compensate the employee on a monthly basis during the term of the restriction period after the termination or expiry of the labor contract. Employers in most cases are also required to provide severance payment to their employees after their employment relationships are terminated.
Enterprises in China are required by PRC laws and regulations to participate in certain employee benefit plans, including social insurance funds, namely, a pension plan, a medical insurance plan, an unemployment insurance plan, a work-related injury insurance plan and a maternity insurance plan, and a housing provident fund, and contribute to the plans or funds in amounts equal to certain percentages of salaries, including bonuses and allowances, of the employees as specified by the local government from time to time at locations where they operate their businesses or where they are located. According to the Social Insurance Law, effective on July 1, 2011, an employer that fails to make social insurance contributions may be ordered to pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline and be subject to a late fee. If the employer still fails to rectify the failure to make social insurance contributions within the stipulated deadline, it may be subject to a fine ranging from one to three times the amount overdue. In addition, social insurance contributions payable by an employee shall be paid on his or her behalf by the employer through transfer from wage deduction, and the employer shall notify each employee of details of social insurance contributions to his or her account on a monthly basis. According to the Regulations on Management of Housing Fund, effective on April 3, 1999, and most recently amended on March 24, 2002, when employing new staff or workers, the units shall undertake housing fund payment and deposit registration at the housing fund management center within 30 days from the date of the employment, and
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the housing fund to be paid and deposited by an individual staff member or worker shall be withheld from his salary by the unit for which he serves. An enterprise that fails to make housing fund contributions may be ordered to rectify the noncompliance and pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline; otherwise, an application may be made to a local court for compulsory enforcement.
Regulation on Tax
PRC enterprise income tax
Pursuant to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT, which was promulgated in 2007 and took effect on January 1, 2008, and most recently amended on February 24, 2017, and the Implementing Regulations of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Enterprise income Tax, effective on January 1, 2008, enterprises and other organizations receiving income are the taxpayers of enterprise income tax and shall pay enterprise income tax in accordance with the provisions of such laws and regulations. EIT imposes a uniform enterprise income tax rate of 25% on all PRC resident enterprises, including foreign-invested enterprises, unless they qualify for certain exceptions. The enterprise income tax is calculated based on the PRC resident enterprise's global income as determined under PRC tax laws and accounting standards. If a non-resident enterprise sets up an organization or establishment in the PRC, it will be subject to enterprise income tax for the income derived from such organization or establishment in the PRC and for the income derived from outside the PRC but with an actual connection with such organization or establishment in the PRC.
According to EIT Law, the EIT tax rate of a high and new technology enterprise is 15%. Pursuant to the Administrative Rules for the Certification of High and New Technology Enterprises, effected on January 1, 2008, and amended on January 29, 2016, specifying the criteria and procedures for the certification of High and New Technology Enterprises, and the certificate of a high and new technology enterprise, is valid for three years.
Pursuant to Circular of the State Administration of Taxation on Printing and Distributing the Implementing Measures for Special Tax Adjustments (for Trial Implementation), effective on January 1, 2008, enterprises shall adopt a reasonable transfer pricing method when conducting transactions with their affiliates. Tax authorities have the power to assess whether related transactions conform to the principle of equity and make adjustments accordingly. Therefore, the invested enterprise should faithfully report relevant information of its related transactions. Pursuant to the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issuing the Administrative Measures for Special Tax Adjustment and Investigation and Mutual Consultation Procedures, effective on May 1, 2017, an enterprise may adjust and pay taxes at its own discretion when it receives a special tax adjustment risk warning or identifies its own special tax adjustment risks, and the tax authorities may also carry out special tax investigation and adjustment in accordance with the relevant provisions in regard to enterprises that adjust and pay taxes at their own discretion.
PRC value added tax
In January 2012, the State Council officially launched a pilot value-added tax reform program, or the Pilot Program, applicable to businesses in selected industries. Businesses in the Pilot Program would pay value added tax, or VAT, instead of business tax. The Pilot Program initially applied only to transportation industries and "modern service industries" in Shanghai and would be expanded to eight trial regions (including Beijing and Guangdong province) and nationwide if conditions permit. According to official announcements made by competent authorities in Beijing and Guangdong province, Beijing launched the same Pilot Program on September 1, 2012, and Guangdong province launched it on November 1, 2012.
In March 2016, the MOF and the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, jointly issued the Circular on the Pilot Program for Overall Implementation of the Collection of Value Added Tax Instead of Business Tax, or Circular 36, which took effect on May 1, 2016. Pursuant to the Circular 36, all of the
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companies operating in construction, real estate, finance, life service or other sectors which were required to pay business tax are required to pay VAT, in lieu of business tax. The VAT rate is 6%, except for rate of 11% for real estate sale, land use right transferring and providing service of transportation, postal sector, basic telecommunications, construction and real estate lease; rate of 17% for providing lease service of tangible property; and rate of zero for specific cross-bond activities. At the State Council executive meeting on March 28, 2018, China's State Council has announced the VAT rate on manufacturing is to be cut by one percent to 16% which took effect on May 1, 2018. On April 4, 2018, the Ministry of Finance and the SAT promulgated the Notice on Adjusting Value-added Tax Rates, which reduced the tax rates for sale, import and export of goods, as well as the deduction rate for taxpayer's purchaser of agricultural products.
According to the Circular of the State Administration of Taxation on Printing and Distributing the Administrative Measures for Tax Refund (Exemption) for Exported Goods (for Trial Implementation), effective on May 1, 2005, unless otherwise provided by law, for the goods as exported via an export agency, the exporter may, after the export declaration and the conclusion of financial settlement for sales, file a report to competent State Taxation Bureau for the approval of refund or exemption of VAT or consumption tax on the strength or the relevant certificates.
PRC dividend withholding tax
Pursuant to an Arrangement Between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income, and other applicable PRC laws, if a Hong Kong resident enterprise is determined by the competent PRC tax authority to have satisfied the relevant conditions and requirements under such Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement and other applicable laws, the 10% withholding tax on the dividends the Hong Kong resident enterprise receives from a PRC resident enterprise may be reduced to 5%. However, based on the Circular on Certain Issues with Respect to the Enforcement of Dividend Provisions in Tax Treaties issued in 2009 by the state administration of taxation, if the relevant PRC tax authorities determine, in their discretion, that a company benefits from such reduced income tax rate due to a structure or arrangement that is primarily tax-driven, such PRC tax authorities may adjust the preferential tax treatment; and based on the Announcement on Certain Issues with Respect to the "Beneficial Owner" in Tax Treaties, issued on February 3, 2018, and effective on April 1, 2018, the business activities conducted by the applicant do not constitute substantive business activities is one of the factors which are not conductive to the determination of an applicant's status as a "beneficial owner", and thus are not entitled to the above-mentioned reduced income tax rate of 5% under the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement.
Regulation on Foreign Exchange
The principal regulations governing foreign currency exchange in China are the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, most recently amended on August 5, 2008. Under the Foreign Exchange Administration Regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions and trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. However, approval from or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of foreign currency-denominated loans.
On August 29, 2008, SAFE issued the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142, regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign currency-registered capital into RMB by restricting how the converted RMB may be used. SAFE Circular 142 provides that the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable government authority and may not be used for equity investments within China. SAFE also
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strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the RMB capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of foreign-invested enterprises. The use of such RMB capital may not be changed without SAFE's approval, and such RMB capital may not in any case be used to repay RMB loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used. On March 30, 2015, SAFE issued SAFE Circular 19, which took effective and replaced SAFE Circular 142 on June 1, 2015. Although SAFE Circular 19 allows for the use of RMB converted from the foreign currency-denominated capital for equity investments in China, the restrictions continue to apply as to foreign-invested enterprises' use of the converted RMB for purposes beyond the business scope, for entrusted loans (unless permitted by the business scope) or for inter-company RMB loans. SAFE promulgated the Circular of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming and Standardizing the Foreign Exchange Settlement Management Policy of Capital Account, or Circular 16, effective on June 9, 2016, which reiterates some of the rules set forth in Circular 19, but changes the prohibition against using RMB capital converted from foreign currency-denominated registered capital of a foreign-invested company to issue RMB entrusted loans to a prohibition against using such capital to issue loans to non-affiliated enterprises. Violations of SAFE Circular 19 or Circular 16 could result in administrative penalties.
On November 19, 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment, which substantially amends and simplifies the current foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts (e.g., pre-establishment expenses accounts, foreign exchange capital accounts and guarantee accounts), the reinvestment of lawful incomes derived by foreign investors in China (e.g. profit, proceeds of equity transfer, capital reduction, liquidation and early repatriation of investment) and purchase and remittance of foreign exchange as a result of capital reduction, liquidation, early repatriation or share transfer in a foreign-invested enterprise no longer require SAFE approval, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible before. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration, and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in China based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.
On February 13, 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Simplifying and Improving the Policies Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Direct Investment, or SAFE Circular 13, which took effect on June 1, 2015. SAFE Circular 13 delegates the authority to enforce the foreign exchange registration in connection with the inbound and outbound direct investment under relevant SAFE rules to certain banks and therefore further simplifies the foreign exchange registration procedures for inbound and outbound direct investment.
Regulation on Foreign Exchange Registration of Offshore Investment by PRC Residents
On July 4, 2014, SAFE issued the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents' Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, and its implementation guidelines, which abolished and superseded the Circular on Several Issues concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Residents to Engage in Financing and in Return Investments via Overseas Special Purpose Companies, SAFE Circular 75. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 37 and its implementation guidelines, PRC residents (including PRC institutions and individuals) must register with local branches of SAFE in connection with their direct or indirect offshore investment in an overseas special purpose vehicle, or SPV, directly established or indirectly controlled by PRC residents for the purposes of offshore investment and financing with their legally owned assets or interests in domestic enterprises, or their legally owned offshore assets or interests. Such PRC residents are also required to amend their registrations with SAFE when there is a
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change to the basic information of the SPV, such as changes of a PRC resident individual shareholder, the name or operating period of the SPV, or when there is a significant change to the SPV, such as changes of the PRC individual resident's increase or decrease of its capital contribution in the SPV, or any share transfer or exchange, merger or division of the SPV. Failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in the Circular 37 may result in restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant onshore company, including the payment of dividends and other distributions to its offshore parent or affiliate, the capital inflow from the offshore entities and settlement of foreign exchange capital, and may also subject relevant onshore company or PRC residents to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations.
Mr. Xiaoping Chen has completed his initial registrations with the local branch of SAFE and all the PRC resident shareholders shall register or amend their existing registrations with the local branch of SAFE in connection with the equity interest of our company held by them directly or indirectly through the recently adopted trust arrangements, please see the description under "Principal Shareholders" for a summary of the trust arrangements.
Regulation on Employee Share Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly Listed Company
On December 25, 2006, the People's Bank of China promulgated the Administrative Measures for Individual Foreign Exchange. On February 15, 2012, SAFE issued the Notices on Issues concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Publicly Listed Companies, or the Stock Option Rules, which replaced the Application Procedures of Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Ownership Plans or Stock Option Plans of Overseas Publicly Listed Companies issued by SAFE on March 28, 2007. Pursuant to the Stock Option Rules, PRC residents who are granted shares or stock options by companies listed on overseas stock exchanges according to the stock incentive plans are required to register with SAFE or its local branches, and PRC residents participating in the stock incentive plans of overseas listed companies shall retain a qualified PRC agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas publicly listed company or another qualified institution selected by such PRC subsidiary, to conduct SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the stock incentive plans on behalf of these participants. Such participants must also retain an overseas entrusted institution to handle matters in connection with their exercise of stock options, purchase and sale of corresponding stocks or interests, and fund transfer. In addition, the PRC agents are required to amend SAFE registration with respect to the stock incentive plan if there is any material change to the stock incentive plan, the PRC agents or the overseas entrusted institution, or other material changes. The PRC agents shall, on behalf of the PRC residents who have the right to exercise the employee share options, apply to SAFE or its local branches for an annual quota for the payment of foreign currencies in connection with the PRC residents' exercise of the employee share options. The foreign exchange proceeds received by the PRC residents from the sale of shares under the stock incentive plans granted and dividends distributed by the overseas listed companies must be remitted into the bank accounts in the PRC opened by the PRC agents before distribution to such PRC residents. In addition, the PRC agents shall file each quarter the form for record-filing of information of the Domestic Individuals Participating in the Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Listed Companies with SAFE or its local branches.
Our PRC citizen employees who have been granted share options or restricted shares, or PRC grantees, are subject to the Stock Option Rules. If we or our PRC grantees fail to comply with the Individual Foreign Exchange Rule and the Stock Option Rules, we and/or our PRC grantees may be subject to fines and other legal sanctions. We may also face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional share incentive plans for our directors and employees under PRC law. In addition, the State Administration for Taxation has issued certain circulars concerning employee share awards. Under these circulars, our employees working in the PRC who exercise share options or hold the vested restricted shares will be subject to PRC individual income tax. Our PRC subsidiary and VIEs have
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obligations to file documents related to employee share options or restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of those employees who exercise their share options or hold the vested restricted shares. If our employees fail to pay or we fail to withhold their income taxes according to relevant laws and regulations, we may face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC government authorities.
Regulation on Dividend Distributions
The principal regulations governing distribution of dividends paid by wholly foreign-owned enterprises include:
Under these laws and regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise in China is required to set aside at least 10.0% of its after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to its general reserves until the accumulative amount of such reserves reach 50.0% of its registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. The foreign-invested enterprise has the discretion to allocate a portion of its after-tax profits to staff welfare and bonus funds. A PRC company is not permitted to distribute any profits until any losses from prior fiscal years have been offset. Profits retained from prior fiscal years may be distributed together with distributable profits from the current fiscal year.
Regulation on Overseas Listings
On August 8, 2006, six PRC governmental and regulatory agencies, including MOFCOM and CSRC, promulgated the Rules on Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, a new regulation with respect to the mergers and acquisitions of domestic enterprises by foreign investors that became effective on September 8, 2006, and revised on June 22, 2009. Foreign investors should comply with the M&A Rules when they purchase equity interests of a domestic company or subscribe the increased capital of a domestic company, and thus changing the nature of the domestic company into a foreign-invested enterprise; or when the foreign investors establish a foreign-invested enterprise in mainland China, purchase the assets of a domestic company and operate the asset; or when the foreign investors purchase the asset of a domestic company, establish a foreign-invested enterprise by injecting such assets and operate the assets. The M&A Rules, among other things, purport to require that an offshore special vehicle, or a special purpose vehicle, formed for listing purposes and controlled directly or indirectly by mainland Chinese companies or individuals, shall obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle's securities on an overseas stock exchange.
However, our PRC legal counsel has further advised us uncertainties still exist as to how the M&A Rules will be interpreted and implemented, and its opinions summarized above are subject to any new laws, rules and regulations or detailed implementations and interpretations in any form relating to the M&A Rules. If CSRC or another PRC regulatory agency subsequently determines that prior CSRC approval was required for our initial public offering, we may face regulatory actions or other sanctions from CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies.
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Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this prospectus.
Directors and Executive Officers
|
Age | Position/Title | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Xiaoping Chen |
43 | Founder, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer | |||
De Liu |
45 | Director | |||
Luo Zou |
36 | Director and Vice President | |||
Jinling Zhang |
47 | Independent Director appointee* | |||
Weijiang Wu |
41 | Independent Director appointee* | |||
Shun Jiang |
34 | Chief Financial Officer |
Mr. Xiaoping Chen is our founder, and has served as the chairman of our board of directors and chief executive officer since our inception. Mr. Chen founded our company in May 2014. Prior to that, he served multiple positions in Midea Group Co., Ltd from 1999 to 2014, including vice president of development department and he was in charge of the research & development center from 2013 to 2014. Mr. Chen received his MBA degree from Sun Yat-sen University, and his dual bachelor's degrees in engineering and finance from Huazhong University of Science & Technology in 1998.
Mr. De Liu has served as our director since June 2018. Mr. Liu is a co-founder and the senior vice president (ecosystem) of Xiaomi where he is responsible for Xiaomi's IoT and lifestyle products business. Mr. Liu is a leading figure in industrial design in China and has received numerous industrial design awards together with his team, including 5 Red Dot Design Awards (Germany), 18 iF Design Awards (Germany) and 10 Red Star Design Awards (Mainland, China). Mr. Liu also holds various positions, including the vice-chairman of China Industrial Design Association and a member of National Manufacturing Strategy Advisory Committee. Mr. Liu has received many honors in the business world as well. To name a few, he was awarded "Zhongguancun Top Talent" in 2015 and "Beijing Top Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leading Talent" in 2016. Mr. Liu received his bachelor's degree in industrial design and master's degree in mechanical design and theory from Beijing Institute of Technology in 1996 and 2001, respectively, and his master's degree in industrial design from the Art Center College of Design in 2010.
Ms. Luo Zou has served as our director since July 2015. Ms. Zou joined our company in May 2014 as vice president, and has been in charge of human resources and administration. Prior to joining our Company, Ms. Zou served as manager of human resources in Guangdong Midea Consumer Electric Appliances Co., Ltd from 2005 to 2014. Ms. Zou received her bachelor's degree in marketing from Hunan Institute of Engineering in 2005.
Ms. Jinling Zhang will serve as our independent director starting from the SEC's declaration of effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1, of which this prospectus is a part. Ms. Zhang has served as the chief financial officer of Baidu Capital since 2018. Prior to her current role at Baidu Capital, Ms. Zhang served as the chief financial officer of Baidu Group in 2017, the vice president of finance and investment of Xiaomi from 2013 to 2016, as the financial controller of Cisco Networks Asia Pacific in Japan and Greater China from 2010 to 2013, and as the financial and operational controller of global operations in Seagate Technology from 2006 to 2010. Ms. Zhang received her bachelor's degree in accounting from Capital University of Economics and Business in 1994, and her MBA from William E. Simon Business School of the University of Rochester in 2001. Ms. Zhang is a Chinese Certified Public Accountant, a Chinese Certified Tax Adviser and an American Certified Public Accountant.
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Mr. Weijiang Wu will serve as our independent director starting from the SEC's declaration of effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1, of which this prospectus is a part. Mr. Wu has been the vice president of Zhejiang Youpon Integrated Ceiling Co., Ltd., a Shenzhen Stock Exchange listed company, since March 2010, and served several senior roles in charge of marketing and strategies from 2005 to 2009. Prior to his roles in Zhejiang Youpon Tegrated Ceiling Co., Ltd., Mr. Wu served as assistant to marketing manager in Guangdong Opple Lighting Co., Ltd. From 2003 to 2004, and the chief of the franchising department in Guangdong Vatti Group from 2001 to 2002. Mr. Wu received his bachelor's degree in engineering from Huazhong University of Science & Technology in 1998.
Mr. Shun Jiang started to serve as our chief financial officer in August 2018 and is responsible for our finance, strategy and investments functions. Prior to joining us in August 2018, Mr. Jiang served as an executive director in Morgan Stanley's investment banking division and worked there from July 2015 to August 2018. Prior to Morgan Stanley, Mr. Jiang served as a vice president at Deutsche Bank's corporate finance division and worked there from April 2010 to June 2015. Prior to Deutsche Bank, Mr. Jiang served as an associate at HSBC Group and worked there from October 2007 to April 2010. Mr. Jiang received his dual bachelor of commerce and bachelor of laws degrees from The University of Melbourne in 2007.
Board of Directors
Our board of directors will consist of five directors upon the SEC's declaration of effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1 of which this prospectus is a part. A director is not required to hold any shares in our company by way of qualification. A director may vote with respect to any contract, proposed contract or arrangement in which he is materially interested provided (a) such director, if his interest in such contract or arrangement is material, has declared the nature of his interest at the earliest meeting of the board at which it is practicable for him to do so, either specifically or by way of a general notice, (b) such director has not been disqualified by the chairman of the relevant board meeting, and (c) if such contract or arrangement is a transaction with a related party, such transaction has been approved by the audit committee in accordance with the Nasdaq rules. The directors may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money, mortgage its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, and issue debentures or other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security for any obligation of the company or of any third party. None of our non-executive directors has a service contract with us that provides for benefits upon termination of service.
Committees of the Board of Directors
We will establish three committees under the board of directors immediately upon the effectiveness of our registration statement on Form F-1, of which this prospectus is a part: an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee. We will adopt a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee's members and functions are described below.
Audit Committee. Our audit committee will consist of Mr. Xiaoping Chen, Ms Jinling Zhang and Mr. Weijiang Wu. Ms. Jinling Zhang will be the chairman of our audit committee. We have determined that Mr. Weijiang Wu and Ms. Jinling Zhang satisfy the "independence" requirements of Rule5605(c)(2) of the Listing Rules of the Nasdaq and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We have determined that Ms. Jinling Zhang qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert." The audit committee will oversee our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee will be responsible for, among other things:
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Compensation Committee. Our compensation committee will consist of Mr. Xiaoping Chen, Ms. Jinling Zhang and Mr. Weijiang Wu. Ms. Jinling Zhang will be the chairman of our compensation committee. We have determined that Ms. Jinling Zhang and Mr. Weijiang Wu satisfy the "independence" requirements of Rule5605(c)(2) of the Listing Rules of the Nasdaq. The compensation committee will assist the board in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which his compensation is deliberated. The compensation committee will be responsible for, among other things:
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Our nominating and corporate governance committee will consist of Mr. Xiaoping Chen, Ms. Jinling Zhang and Mr. Weijiang Wu. Mr. Xiaoping Chen will be the chairman of our nominating and corporate governance committee. Ms. Jinling Zhang and Mr. Weijiang Wu satisfy the "independence" requirements of Rule5605(c)(2) of the Listing Rules of the Nasdaq. The nominating and corporate governance committee will assist the board of directors in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee will be responsible for, among other things:
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Duties of Directors
Under Cayman Islands law, our directors owe fiduciary duties to our company, including a duty of loyalty, a duty to act honestly, and a duty to act in what they consider in good faith to be in our best interests. Our directors must also exercise their powers only for a proper purpose. Our directors also owe to our company a duty to act with skill and care. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his knowledge and experience. However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time. Our company has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached. In certain limited exceptional circumstances, a shareholder may have the right to seek damages in our name if a duty owed by our directors is breached.
Our board of directors has all the powers necessary for managing, and for directing and supervising, our business affairs. The functions and powers of our board of directors include, among others:
Terms of Directors and Officers
Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. Our directors are not subject to a term of office and hold office until such time as they are removed from office by ordinary resolution of the shareholders or by the board. A director will be removed from office automatically if, among other things, the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; (ii) dies, or is found by our company to be or becomes of unsound mind; (iii) resigns his office by notice in writing to the company, (iv) without special leave of absence from our board, is absent from three consecutive board meetings and our board of directors resolve that his office be vacated; (v) is prohibited by law from being a director; or (vi) is removed from office pursuant to any other provision of our post-listing amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, effective upon the completion of this offering.
Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers. Under these agreements, each of our executive officers is employed for a specified time period. We may terminate employment for cause, at any time, for certain acts of the executive officer, such as conviction or plea of guilty to a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, dishonest acts to our detriment, misconduct or continued failure to perform agreed duties, or willful misconduct or gross negligence in performing the duties. We may also terminate an executive officer's employment without cause upon 60-day advance written notice. In such case of termination by us, we will provide severance payments to the executive officer as may be agreed between us and the executive officer. The executive officer may resign at any time with a 60-day advance written notice.
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Each executive officer has agreed to hold, both during and after the termination or expiry of his or her employment agreement, in strict confidence and not to use, except as required in the performance of his or her duties in connection with the employment or pursuant to applicable law, any of our confidential information or trade secrets, any confidential information or trade secrets of our clients or prospective clients, or the confidential or proprietary information of any third party received by us and for which we have confidential obligations. The executive officers have also agreed to disclose in confidence to us all inventions, designs and trade secrets which they conceive, develop or reduce to practice during the executive officer's employment with us and to assign all right, title and interest in them to us, and assist us in obtaining and enforcing patents, copyrights and other legal rights for these inventions, designs and trade secrets.
In addition, each executive officer has agreed to be bound by non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions during the term of his or her employment and typically for one years following the termination of employment. Specifically, each executive officer has agreed not to (i) approach our suppliers, clients, customers or contacts or other persons or entities introduced to the executive officer in his or her capacity as a representative of us for the purpose of doing similar business with such persons or entities that will harm our business relationships with these persons or entities; (ii) assume employment with or provide services to any of our competitors, or engage, whether as principal, partner, licensor or otherwise, any of our competitors, without our express consent; (iii) seek directly or indirectly, to solicit the services of any of our employees who is known to be employed or engaged by us; or (iv) otherwise interfere with our business or accounts.
We have also entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. Under these agreements, we agree to indemnify our directors and executive officers against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by such persons in connection with claims made by reason of their being a director or officer of our company.
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
In 2017, we paid an aggregate of approximately RMB0.4 million in cash to our executive officers, and we did not pay any compensation to our non-executive directors. We have not set aside or accrued any amount to provide pension, retirement or other similar benefits to our directors and executive officers. Our PRC subsidiary and VIEs are required by law to make contributions equal to certain percentages of each employee's salary for his or her pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance and other statutory benefits and a housing provident fund.
2015 Share Incentive Plan
In September 2015, our shareholders and board of directors adopted the 2015 Share Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the 2015 Plan in this prospectus, to attract and retain the best available personnel, provide additional incentives to employees, directors and consultants and promote the success of our business. The maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares that may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2015 Plan is 12,727,272 shares. As of the date of this prospectus, awards to purchase 12,720,000 ordinary shares have been granted and are outstanding under the 2015 Plan, excluding awards that were forfeited or cancelled after the relevant grant dates.
The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2015 Plan.
Types of Awards. The 2015 Plan permits the awards of options and restricted shares.
Plan Administration. The board of directors or one or more committees designated by the board of directors or another committee, within its delegated authority, acts as the plan administrator. The plan administrator will determine the participants who are to receive awards, the type or types of awards to be granted, the number of awards to be granted, and the terms and conditions of each award grant. The plan
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administrator can amend outstanding awards and interpret the terms of the 2015 Plan and any award agreement.
Award Agreement. Awards granted under the 2015 Plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions for each grant. The award agreements evidencing options shall contain the terms established by the Administrator for that Award, as well as any other terms, provisions, or restrictions that the administrator may impose on the option or any ordinary shares subject to the option.
Exercise of Awards. The exercise price of an award will be determined by the plan administrator, which will be specified in applicable award agreement. Each option shall expire not more than 10 years after its date of grant.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to our officers, employees, consultants, and all members of the board of directors.
Vesting Schedule. In general, the plan administrator determines the vesting schedule, which is set forth in the relevant award agreement.
Transfer Restrictions. Awards may not be transferred in any manner by the recipient other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except as otherwise provided by the plan administrator.
Termination. The plan shall terminate in September 2025, provided that our board of directors may terminate the plan at any time and for any reason.
2018 Share Incentive Plan
In June 2018, our shareholders and board of directors adopted the 2018 Share Incentive Plan, which we refer to as the 2018 Plan in this prospectus, to attract and retain the best available personnel, provide additional incentives to employees, directors and consultants and promote the success of our business. The maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards is 17,672,728, plus an annual increase on the first day of each of the fiscal years of the Company after the completion of this offering during the term of this Plan commencing, by (i) an amount equal to 1.0% of the total number of the then outstanding shares or (ii) such fewer number of Shares as may be determined by the Board. As of the date of this prospectus, awards to purchase 670,000 ordinary shares have been granted and are outstanding under the 2018 Plan, excluding awards that were forfeited or cancelled.
The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2018 Plan.
Types of Awards. The Plan permits the awards of options, restricted shares and restricted share units.
Plan Administration. The board of directors or a committee designated by the board of directors or another committee, within its delegated authority, acts as the plan administrator. The plan administrator will determine the participants who are to receive awards, the type or types of awards to be granted, the number of awards to be granted, and the terms and conditions of each award grant. The plan administrator can amend outstanding awards and interpret the terms of the 2018 Plan and any award agreement.
Award Agreement. Awards granted under the 2018 Plan are evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions for each grant. The award agreements evidencing awards shall contain the terms established by the Administrator for that Award, as well as any other terms, provisions, or restrictions that the administrator may impose on the option or any ordinary shares subject to the option.
Exercise of Options. The exercise price per share subject to an option will be determined by the committee, which will be specified in applicable award agreement.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to our employees, consultants, and directors, as determined by the committee.
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Vesting Schedule. In general, the plan administrator determines the vesting schedule, which is set forth in the relevant award agreement.
Transfer Restrictions. Awards may not be transferred in any manner by the recipient other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except as otherwise provided by the plan administrator.
Termination and Amendment of the 2018 Plan. The 2018 Plan has a term of ten years, provided that our board of directors may terminate or amend the plan at any time and for any reason. However, no such action may adversely affect in any material way any awards previously granted unless agreed by the recipient.
The following table summarizes, as of the date of this prospectus, the awards granted under the 2015 Plan and 2018 Plan to our directors and executive officers, excluding awards that were forfeited or cancelled after the relevant grant dates.
Name
|
Ordinary Share
Underlying Options |
Exercise Price
(US$/Share) |
Date of Grant |
Date of
Expiration |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shun Jiang |
* | 0.55 | August 23, 2018 | August 22, 2028 |
Note:
As of the date of this prospectus, other employees as a group held outstanding options to purchase 12,390,000 ordinary shares of our company, at a weighted average exercise price of US$0.41 per share.
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Except as specifically noted, the following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our shares as of the date of this prospectus by:
The calculations in the table below are based on 173,600,000 ordinary shares outstanding on an as-converted basis as of the date of this prospectus, and 90,200,000 Class A ordinary shares and 117,600,000 Class B ordinary shares outstanding immediately after the completion of this offering.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including through the exercise of any option, warrant or other right or the conversion of any other security. These shares, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person.
|
Ordinary
Shares Beneficially Owned Prior to This Offering |
Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned
Immediately After This Offering |
|||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Number | % |
Class A
Ordinary Shares |
Class B
Ordinary Shares |
% of total ordinary
shares on an as- converted basis |
% of aggregate
voting power** |
|||||||||||||
Directors and Executive Officers*: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Xiaoping Chen (1) |
88,281,818 | 50.7 | % | 4,500,000 | 83,781,818 | 42.5 | % | 66.5 | % | ||||||||||
Luo Zou (2) |
5,072,727 | 2.9 | % | | 5,072,727 | 2.4 | % | 4.0 | % | ||||||||||
De Liu |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
Jinling Zhang |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
Weijiang Wu |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
Shun Jiang |
| | | | | | |||||||||||||
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group |
88,281,818 | 50.7 | % | 4,500,000 | 83,781,818 | 42.5 | % | 66.5 | % | ||||||||||
Principal Shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
Viomi Limited (3) |
71,636,364 | 41.3 | % | 4,000,000 | 67,636,364 | 34.5 | % | 53.7 | % | ||||||||||
Shunwei Talent Limited (4) |
35,636,364 | 20.5 | % | 35,636,364 | | 17.1 | % | 2.8 | % | ||||||||||
Red Better Limited (5) |
33,818,182 | 19.5 | % | | 33,818,182 | 16.3 | % | 26.7 | % | ||||||||||
SCC Venture V Holdco I, Ltd. (6) |
10,909,091 | 6.3 | % | 10,909,091 | | 5.2 | % | 0.9 | % |
Notes:
Viomi Limited is wholly owned by a trust established for the benefit of Mr. Xiaoping Chen and his family. Each of Smriti Lucky Limited, Internet Home Limited and TMF Trust (HK) Limited is wholly owned by a trust established for the benefit of certain employees and their families. Mr. Xiaoping Chen is a joint or sole member of the trusts' investment committee or advisory committee, and has the power to direct the disposition and voting of the shares held by these trusts. The registered address of Viomi Limited is NovaSage Incorporation (BVI) Limited of NovaSage Chambers, P.O. Box 4389, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The registered address of Smriti Lucky Limited and Internet Home Limited are OMC Chambers Wickhams Cay 1, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The registered address of TMF Trust (HK) Limited is 31/F, Tower Two, Times Sqaure, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. The abovementioned certain employees granted an irrevocable voting proxy for all their existing class A ordinary shares to Mr. Xiaoping Chen.
All the redeemable convertible class B ordinary shares held by Viomi Limited and all the existing class A ordinary shares held by Smriti Lucky Limited, Internet Home Limited, TMF Trust (HK) Limited and the abovementioned certain employees will be automatically converted to Class B ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis immediately prior to this offering. All the existing class A ordinary shares held by Viomi Limited will be automatically converted into Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis immediately prior to this offering.
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As of the date of this prospectus, none of our ordinary shares or preferred shares are held by record holder in the United States.
We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.
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Contractual Arrangements with Our VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders
See "Corporate History and Structure."
Shareholders Agreement and Investor Rights Agreement
See "Description of Share CapitalHistory of Securities Issuances."
Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
See "ManagementEmployment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements."
Share Incentive Plans
See "Management2015 Share Incentive Plan" And "Management2018 Share Incentive Plan."
Private Placements
See "Description of Share CapitalHistory of Securities Issuances."
Our Relationship with Xiaomi
Xiaomi is our strategic partner and shareholder.
We leverage Xiaomi's ecosystem users, market and data resources and related support to fuel our development. Our sales to Xiaomi, including Xiaomi-branded water purification systems, water purifier filters, as well as other complimentary products such as kettles and water quality meters, is governed by a business cooperation agreement, pursuant to which Xiaomi is responsible for the distribution and sales of such products through their network and sales channels. We also sell products through Xiaomi's online e-commerce channel Youpin.mi.com, and are charged of commissions pursuant to a commission sales agreement.
In 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, we recorded RMB739.5 million (US$111.8 million) and RMB651.5 million (US$98.5 million) in revenues from Xiaomi and its affiliates primarily for the sales of Xiaomi-branded products, respectively.
Business cooperation agreement
The current business corporation agreement entered into in 2017 with Xiaomi governs all our sales to Xiaomi. It will expire in August 2019, and will automatically extend for successive one-year periods unless objected by a party at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. This agreement can be terminated earlier by Xiaomi, among other reasons, if (i) we breach the material obligation underlying this agreement and purchase order, (ii) except as prohibited by applicable bankruptcy laws, we declare bankruptcy, or if we are unable to repay due loans, or perform contracts, or if our assets are transferred to or taken by other creditors, (iii) the products fail to meet Xiaomi's requirements, and Xiaomi determines that there is no value to remedy or the products still fail the requirement after three times' remedies, (iv) we fail to deliver the products on time without reasonable cause and Xiaomi's prior written consent, and (v) we fail to store the data to clouds designated by Xiaomi, cause disputes of violating users' personal information, or disclose user data to any third party without Xiaomi's consent.
Our cooperation with and sales to Xiaomi covers a wide range of products, which currently include Xiaomi-branded water purification systems, water purifier filters, as well as other complementary products such as kettles and water quality meters. Under the business cooperation agreement, (i) these products are exclusively designed for and can only be sold to Xiaomi, (ii) Xiaomi shall purchase these products at a
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price that covers all of our costs of raw materials, outsourcing manufacture, models, logistics and paid intellectual property licensing fees, in connection with the manufacture and delivery of these products, and (iii) Xiaomi and we shall share gross profits, derived from sales of these products, the retail prices of which were set by Xiaomi and us together.
Regarding the intellectual property, Xiaomi by itself owns all industrial designs generated from the process of design, development, manufacturing and sales of the products we sell to Xiaomi. Xiaomi and we have joint ownership over all other technology properties and related intellectual properties generated from the process of design, development, manufacturing and sales of these products.
Regarding user data, we and Xiaomi shall jointly own the user data of all products we sell to Xiaomi. We can share or license user data to third parties only after we obtain Xiaomi's prior written consent. After the user data of Xiaomi-branded products reaches certain volume threshold, Xiaomi will also need to obtain our consent before making it available for use by any third party.
Youpin commission sales agreement
We have entered into a commission sales agreement with Xiaomi for the sale of certain of our self-branded products. The commission sales agreement will expire on December 31, 2018 with no automatic renewal provision. Furthermore, this agreement may be terminated by Xiaomi with 30 days' written notice. This agreement can also be terminated earlier by Xiaomi at any time, among other reasons, if (i) our products or products information provided by us violate laws and regulations; (ii) the products will or may cause material operation risks of Xiaomi (iii) our products have or may have apparent risks of damaging users' interests; or (iv) we breach the material obligation underlying this agreement. In the past, we successfully replaced a commission sales agreement with Xiaomi for sales through the predecessor of Youpin.mi.com that expired on December 31, 2017 with the current Youpin commission sales agreement.
Under the commission sales agreement, we shall pay a service fee, 8% of the sales price excluding refunds to customers for product returns or as otherwise agreed by the parties with respect to specific product lines, as well as a deposit to Xiaomi. The retail prices of our products on Youpin's platform shall be no higher than the sales price from any other e-commerce merchants or our official offline sales channel, including in the event of sales or promotion. If the prices of our products on Youpin platform are higher than any other sales channels, Xiaomi has the right to delist our products or terminate our cooperation with its full discretion. The deposit collected or service fee will also be forfeited in such event. Xiaomi may also delist our products in following events: (i) the sales amount of our product has been lower than the projection for a consecutive season; (ii) Xiaomi receives over ten complaints based on after-sale or customer services quality issues; (iii) we cause losses to users or Xiaomi due to material faults in quality, logistics, after-sale or other reasons, or involved in misleading propaganda; (iv) the prices of our products are higher than other channels and we fail to adjust promptly upon Xiaomi's notice; or (v) the reputation of our products fail to meet the agreed standard.
We shall use and arrange logistics services by ourselves with the warehousing and logistics services designated by Xiaomi, and record relevant shipment information into Youpin's platform within 24 hours upon shipment.
Regarding the intellectual property, we are not allowed to use any intellectual properties of Xiaomi without its written consent. However, we may display the QR code of "Youpin" on our products according to Xiaomi's requirements. We may be obligated to pay Xiaomi damages of no less than RMB100,000 upon any breach in the usage of "Youpin" and its related trademarks and logos.
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Transaction with Xiaomi
For the six months ended June 30, 2018, we recorded RMB651.5 million (US$98.5 million) in revenues from Xiaomi primarily for the sales of Xiaomi branded products. As of June 30, 2018, the amount due from Xiaomi was RMB344.7 million (US$52.1 million).
In 2017, we recorded RMB739.5 million (US$111.8 million) in revenues from Xiaomi primarily for the sales of Xiaomi-branded products. As of December 31, 2017, the amount due from Xiaomi was RMB273.7 million (US$41.4 million), which was all collected in the first quarter of 2018.
In 2016, we recorded RMB299.8 million in revenues from Xiaomi primarily for the sales of Xiaomi-branded products. As of December 31, 2016, the amount due from Xiaomi was RMB45.5 million, which was all collected in the first quarter of 2017.
We provided an interest-bearing loan of US$5.0 million to Xiaomi in 2016, which was repaid in March 2018. We also recorded RMB0.3 million, RMB0.5 million and RMB0.1 million in interest income from this loan in 2016, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. We borrowed an interest-bearing loan of RMB31.9 million from Xiaomi, which was also repaid in March 2018. We also incurred RMB1.8 million, RMB1.8 million and RMB0.4 million of interest expense for this loan in 2016, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.
We purchased RMB1.3 million, RMB1.7 million (US$0.3 million) and RMB8.4 million (US$1.3 million) of products from Xiaomi in 2016, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. We also paid RMB0.2 million, RMB3.3 million (US$0.5 million) and RMB2.8 million (US$0.4 million) in commission fees to Xiaomi in 2016, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, which was incurred by selling our own self-branded products on Youpin.mi.com.
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We are a Cayman Islands company and our affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law (2018 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, which we refer to as the Companies Law below, and the common law of the Cayman Islands.
As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized share capital is US$50,000 divided into 5,000,000,000 shares, comprising of (i) 3,465,454,540 class A ordinary shares with a par value of US$0.00001 each, of which 20,145,454 shares are issued and outstanding, (ii) 1,352,727,280 class B ordinary shares with a par value US$0.00001 each, of which 135,272,728 shares are issued and outstanding, and (iii) 181,818,180 series A preferred shares with a par value of US$0.00001 each, of which 18,181,818 shares are issued and outstanding. All of our issued and outstanding shares are fully paid.
Our authorized share capital immediately prior to this offering will be US$50,000 divided into 5,000,000,000 shares comprising of (i) 4,800,000,000 Class A ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each, (ii) 150,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each and (iii) 50,000,000 shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each of such class or classes (however designated) as the board of directors may determine in accordance with our post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. Immediately prior to this offering, 16,145,454 issued and outstanding class A ordinary shares beneficially owned by several of our employees, 33,818,182 issued and outstanding redeemable convertible class B ordinary shares held by Red Better Limited, and 67,636,364 issued and outstanding redeemable convertible class B ordinary shares held by Viomi Limited will be automatically converted by way of re-designation and re-classification into Class B ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis, and the rest of the outstanding class A ordinary shares, the rest of the outstanding class B ordinary shares, and all outstanding series A preferred shares will be automatically converted by way of re-designation and re-classification into Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis.
Our Post-Offering Memorandum and Articles of Association
We plan to adopt a second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, herein after referred to as our post-offering memorandum and articles of association which will become effective and replace our current amended and restated memorandum and articles of association in its entirety immediately prior to this offering. The following are summaries of material provisions of the post-offering memorandum and articles of association and of the Companies Law, insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares.
Objects of Our Company. Under our post-offering memorandum and articles of association, the objects of our company are unrestricted and we have the full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by the Cayman Islands law.
Ordinary Shares. Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares will have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. Our ordinary shares are issued in registered form and are issued when registered in our register of shareholders. We may not issue shares to bearer. Our shareholders who are nonresidents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and vote their shares.
Conversion. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of Class B ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any person other than holders of Class B ordinary shares or their affiliates, such Class B ordinary shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into the same number of Class A ordinary shares.
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Dividends. The holders of our ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors. Our post-offering memorandum and articles of association provide that dividends may be declared and paid out of our profits, realized or unrealized, or from any reserve set aside from profits which our board of directors determine is no longer needed. Dividends may also be declared and paid out of share premium account or any other fund or account which can be authorized for this purpose in accordance with the Companies Law. Under the laws of the Cayman Islands, our company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in our company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business.
Voting Rights. In respect of all matters subject to a shareholders' vote, each holder of Class A ordinary shares is entitled to one vote per share and each holder of Class B ordinary shares is entitled to ten votes per share on all matters subject to vote at our general meetings. Our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, except as may otherwise be required by law. Voting at any shareholders' meeting is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by the chairman of such meeting or any shareholder present in person or by proxy.
General Meetings of Shareholders. As a Cayman Islands exempted company, we are not obliged by the Companies Law to call shareholders' annual general meetings. Our post-offering memorandum and articles of association provide that we may (but are not obliged to) in each year hold a general meeting as our annual general meeting in which case we shall specify the meeting as such in the notices calling it, and the annual general meeting shall be held at such time and place as may be determined by our directors.
Shareholders' general meetings may be convened by the chairman of our board of directors or a majority of our board of directors. Advance notice of at least ten calendar days is required for the convening of our annual general shareholders' meeting (if any) and any other general meeting of our shareholders. A quorum required for any general meeting of shareholders consists of one or more shareholders present in person or by proxy, representing not less than one-third of all votes attaching to all of our shares in issue and entitled to vote.
The Companies Law provides shareholders with only limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right to put any proposal before a general meeting. However, these rights may be provided in a company's articles of association. Our post-offering memorandum and articles of association provide that upon the requisition of shareholders representing in aggregate not less than one-third of the votes attaching to the outstanding shares of our company entitled to vote at general meetings, our board will convene an extraordinary general meeting and put the resolutions so requisitioned to a vote at such meeting. However, our post-offering memorandum and articles of association do not provide our shareholders with any right to put any proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings not called by such shareholders.
Transfer of Ordinary shares. Subject to the restrictions set out in our post-offering memorandum and articles of association as set out below, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her ordinary shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board of directors.
Our board of directors may, in its absolute discretion, decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully paid up or on which we have a lien. Our board of directors may also decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless:
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If our directors refuse to register a transfer they shall, within three months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.
The registration of transfers may, after compliance with any notice required of Nasdaq, be suspended and the register closed at such times and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine, provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not be suspended nor the register closed for more than 30 days in any year as our board may determine.
Liquidation. On the winding up of our company, if the assets available for distribution amongst our shareholders shall be more than sufficient to repay the whole of the share capital at the commencement of the winding up, the surplus shall be distributed amongst our shareholders in proportion to the par value of the shares held by them at the commencement of the winding up, subject to a deduction from those shares in respect of which there are monies due, of all monies payable to our company for unpaid calls or otherwise. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders in proportion to the par value of the shares held by them.
Calls on Shares and Forfeiture of Shares. Our board of directors may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 calendar days prior to the specified time of payment. The shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid are subject to forfeiture.
Redemption, Repurchase and Surrender of Shares. We may issue shares on terms that such shares are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders of these shares, on such terms and in such manner as may be determined, before the issue of such shares, by our board of directors or by shareholders by special resolutions. Our Company may also repurchase any of our shares on such terms and in such manner as have been approved by our board of directors or by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. Under the Companies Law, the redemption or repurchase of any share may be paid out of our Company's profits or out of the proceeds of a new issue of shares made for the purpose of such redemption or repurchase, or out of capital (including share premium account and capital redemption reserve) if our company can, immediately following such payment, pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, under the Companies Law, no such share may be redeemed or repurchased (a) unless it is fully paid up, (b) if such redemption or repurchase would result in there being no shares outstanding or (c) if the company has commenced liquidation. In addition, our company may accept the surrender of any fully paid share for no consideration.
Variation of Rights of Shares. If at any time, our share capital is divided into different classes or series of shares, the rights attached to any class or series of shares (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class or series), whether or not our company is being wound-up, may be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of two-thirds of the issued shares of that class or series or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of the class or series. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issued with preferred or other rights shall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creation or issue of further shares ranking pari passu with such existing class of shares.
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Issuance of Additional Shares. Our post-offering memorandum of association authorizes our board of directors to issue additional ordinary shares from time to time as our board of directors shall determine, to the extent of available authorized but unissued shares.
Our post-offering memorandum of association also authorizes our board of directors to establish from time to time one or more series of preference shares and to determine, with respect to any series of preference shares, the terms and rights of that series, including:
Our board of directors may issue preference shares without action by our shareholders to the extent authorized but unissued. Issuance of these shares may dilute the voting power of holders of ordinary shares.
Inspection of Books and Records. Holders of our ordinary shares will have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our list of shareholders or our corporate records. However, we will provide our shareholders with annual audited financial statements. See "Where You Can Find Additional Information."
Anti-Takeover Provisions. Some provisions of our post-offering memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including provisions that:
However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our post-offering memorandum and articles of association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company.
Exempted Company. We are an exempted company with limited liability under the Companies Law. The Companies Law distinguishes between ordinary resident companies and exempted companies. Any company that is registered in the Cayman Islands but conducts business mainly outside of the Cayman Islands may apply to be registered as an exempted company. The requirements for an exempted company are essentially the same as for an ordinary company except that an exempted company:
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"Limited liability" means that the liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on the shares of the company (except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstances in which a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil).
Differences in Corporate Law
The Companies Law is derived, to a large extent, from the older Companies Acts of England but does not follow recent English statutory enactments and accordingly there are significant differences between the Companies Law and the current Companies Act of England. In addition, the Companies Law differs from laws applicable to U.S. corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of certain significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Law applicable to us and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders.
Mergers and Similar Arrangements. The Companies Law permits mergers and consolidations between Cayman Islands companies and between Cayman Islands companies and non-Cayman Islands companies. For these purposes, (i) "merger" means the merging of two or more constituent companies and the vesting of their undertaking, property and liabilities in one of such companies as the surviving company, and (ii) a "consolidation" means the combination of two or more constituent companies into a consolidated company and the vesting of the undertaking, property and liabilities of such companies to the consolidated company. In order to effect such a merger or consolidation, the directors of each constituent company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation, which must then be authorized by (a) a special resolution of the shareholders of each constituent company, and (b) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company's articles of association. The written plan of merger or consolidation must be filed with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands together with a declaration as to the solvency of the consolidated or surviving company, a list of the assets and liabilities of each constituent company and an undertaking that a copy of the certificate of merger or consolidation will be given to the members and creditors of each constituent company and that notification of the merger or consolidation will be published in the Cayman Islands Gazette. Court approval is not required for a merger or consolidation which is effected in compliance with these statutory procedures.
A merger between a Cayman parent company and its Cayman subsidiary or subsidiaries does not require authorization by a resolution of shareholders of that Cayman subsidiary if a copy of the plan of merger is given to every member of that Cayman subsidiary to be merged unless that member agrees otherwise. For this purpose a company is a "parent" of a subsidiary if it holds issued shares that together represent at least ninety percent (90%) of the votes at a general meeting of the subsidiary.
The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest over a constituent company is required unless this requirement is waived by a court in the Cayman Islands.
Save in certain limited circumstances, a shareholder of a Cayman constituent company who dissents from the merger or consolidation is entitled to payment of the fair value of his shares (which, if not agreed between the parties, will be determined by the Cayman Islands court) upon dissenting to the merger or consolidation, provided the dissenting shareholder complies strictly with the procedures set out in the Companies Law. The exercise of dissenter rights will preclude the exercise by the dissenting shareholder of any other rights to which he or she might otherwise be entitled by virtue of holding shares, save for the right to seek relief on the grounds that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.
Separate from the statutory provisions relating to mergers and consolidations, the Companies Law also contains statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation of companies by way of schemes of arrangement, provided that the arrangement is approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders and creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made, and who must in addition
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represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings, convened for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it determines that:
The Companies Law also contains a statutory power of compulsory acquisition which may facilitate the "squeeze out" of dissentient minority shareholder upon a tender offer. When a tender offer is made and accepted by holders of 90.0% of the shares affected within four months, the offeror may, within a two-month period commencing on the expiration of such four month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such shares to the offeror on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikely to succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.
If an arrangement and reconstruction is thus approved, or if a tender offer is made and accepted, a dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of Delaware corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares.
Shareholders' Suits. In principle, we will normally be the proper plaintiff to sue for a wrong done to us as a company, and as a general rule a derivative action may not be brought by a minority shareholder. However, based on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority in the Cayman Islands, the Cayman Islands court can be expected to follow and apply the common law principles (namely the rule in Foss v. Harbottle and the exceptions thereto) which permit a minority shareholder to commence a class action against or derivative actions in the name of the company to challenge:
Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability. Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company's memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our post-offering memorandum and articles of association provide that that we shall indemnify our officers and directors against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by such directors or officer, other than by reason of such person's dishonesty, willful default or fraud, in or about the conduct of our company's business or affairs (including as a result of any mistake of judgment) or in the execution or
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discharge of his duties, powers, authorities or discretions, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by such director or officer in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning our company or its affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere. This standard of conduct is generally the same as permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law for a Delaware corporation.
In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers that provide such persons with additional indemnification beyond that provided in our post-offering memorandum and articles of association.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us under the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Directors' Fiduciary Duties. Under Delaware corporate law, a director of a Delaware corporation has a fiduciary duty to the corporation and its shareholders. This duty has two components: the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires that a director act in good faith, with the care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Under this duty, a director must inform himself of, and disclose to shareholders, all material information reasonably available regarding a significant transaction. The duty of loyalty requires that a director acts in a manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. He must not use his corporate position for personal gain or advantage. This duty prohibits self-dealing by a director and mandates that the best interest of the corporation and its shareholders take precedence over any interest possessed by a director, officer or controlling shareholder and not shared by the shareholders generally. In general, actions of a director are presumed to have been made on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action taken was in the best interests of the corporation. However, this presumption may be rebutted by evidence of a breach of one of the fiduciary duties. Should such evidence be presented concerning a transaction by a director, the director must prove the procedural fairness of the transaction, and that the transaction was of fair value to the corporation.
As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a director of a Cayman Islands company is in the position of a fiduciary with respect to the company and therefore it is considered that he owes the following duties to the companya duty to act bona fide in the best interests of the company, a duty not to make a profit based on his position as director (unless the company permits him to do so), a duty not to put himself in a position where the interests of the company conflict with his personal interest or his duty to a third party, and a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended. A director of a Cayman Islands company owes to the company a duty to act with skill and care. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his knowledge and experience. However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands.
Shareholder Action by Written Consent. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may eliminate the right of shareholders to act by written consent by amendment to its certificate of incorporation. Cayman Islands law and our post-offering memorandum and articles of association provide that our shareholders may approve corporate matters by way of a unanimous written resolution signed by or on behalf of each shareholder who would have been entitled to vote on such matter at a general meeting without a meeting being held.
Shareholder Proposals. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a shareholder has the right to put any proposal before the annual meeting of shareholders, provided it complies with the notice provisions in the governing documents. A special meeting may be called by the board of directors or any
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other person authorized to do so in the governing documents, but shareholders may be precluded from calling special meetings.
The Companies Law provides shareholders with only limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right to put any proposal before a general meeting. However, these rights may be provided in a company's articles of association. Our post-offering memorandum and articles of association allow our shareholders holding in aggregate not less than one-third of all votes attaching to the outstanding shares of our company entitled to vote at general meetings to requisition an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders, in which case our board is obliged to convene an extraordinary general meeting and to put the resolutions so requisitioned to a vote at such meeting. Other than this right to requisition a shareholders' meeting, our post-offering memorandum and articles of association do not provide our shareholders with any other right to put proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings. As an exempted Cayman Islands company, we are not obliged by law to call shareholders' annual general meetings.
Cumulative Voting. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation's certificate of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders on a board of directors since it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single director, which increases the shareholder's voting power with respect to electing such director. There are no prohibitions in relation to cumulative voting under the laws of the Cayman Islands but our post-offering memorandum and articles of association do not provide for cumulative voting. As a result, our shareholders are not afforded any less protections or rights on this issue than shareholders of a Delaware corporation.
Removal of Directors. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a director of a corporation with a classified board may be removed only for cause with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under our post-offering memorandum and articles of association, directors may be removed with or without cause, by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders.
Transactions with Interested Shareholders. The Delaware General Corporation Law contains a business combination statute applicable to Delaware corporations whereby, unless the corporation has specifically elected not to be governed by such statute by amendment to its certificate of incorporation, it is prohibited from engaging in certain business combinations with an "interested shareholder" for three years following the date that such person becomes an interested shareholder. An interested shareholder generally is a person or a group who or which owns or owned 15% or more of the target's outstanding voting share within the past three years. This has the effect of limiting the ability of a potential acquirer to make a two-tiered bid for the target in which all shareholders would not be treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date on which such shareholder becomes an interested shareholder, the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an interested shareholder. This encourages any potential acquirer of a Delaware corporation to negotiate the terms of any acquisition transaction with the target's board of directors.
Cayman Islands law has no comparable statute. As a result, we cannot avail ourselves of the types of protections afforded by the Delaware business combination statute. However, although Cayman Islands law does not regulate transactions between a company and its significant shareholders, it does provide that such transactions must be entered into bona fide in the best interests of the company and not with the effect of constituting a fraud on the minority shareholders.
Dissolution; Winding up. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolution must be approved by shareholders holding 100% of
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the total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directors may it be approved by a simple majority of the corporation's outstanding shares. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board.
Under Cayman Islands law, a company may be wound up by either an order of the courts of the Cayman Islands or, if the company is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, by an ordinary resolution of its members. The court has authority to order winding up in a number of specified circumstances including where it is, in the opinion of the court, just and equitable to do so. Under the Companies Law and our post-offering memorandum and articles of association, our company may be dissolved, liquidated or wound up by a special resolution of our shareholders.
Variation of Rights of Shares. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may vary the rights of a class of shares with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under Cayman Islands law and our post-offering memorandum and articles of association, if our share capital is divided into more than one class of shares, we may vary the rights attached to any class with the unanimous written consent of the holders of a majority of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.
Amendment of Governing Documents. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation's governing documents may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under the Companies Law and our post-offering memorandum and articles of association, our memorandum and articles of association may only be amended by a special resolution of our shareholders.
Rights of Non-resident or Foreign Shareholders. There are no limitations imposed by our post-offering memorandum and articles of association on the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our shares. In addition, there are no provisions in our post-offering memorandum and articles of association governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
History of Securities Issuances
The following is a summary of our securities issuances in the past three years.
Share Split
In order to increase our Company's authorized number of shares while keeping the outstanding shares unchanged, we first effected a 10-for-1 share split in August 2018 whereby each of our then authorised and outstanding ordinary shares, par value of $0.0001 each, was divided into ten ordinary shares, par value US$0.00001 each, and each of our then authorised and outstanding preferred shares, par value of $0.0001 each, was divided into ten preferred shares of the same series, par value US$0.00001 each. Immediately following the share split, all shareholders then surrendered 90% of their after-share-split outstanding shares back to our company for cancellation. As the number of outstanding shares remained unchanged, the share split does not have an impact to the basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for the historical periods presented in this prospectus.
Ordinary shares
In July 2015, we issued a total of 33,818,182 class A ordinary shares to Viomi Limited, and a total of 135,272,728 class B ordinary shares to Viomi Limited, Red Better Limited and Shunwei Talent Limited in exchange of their equity interests in Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi.
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In August 2018, we issued 4,000,000 class A ordinary shares Mr. Xiaoping Chen's wholly-owned entity Viomi Limited to award his contribution to our company's rapid development.
Preferred shares
On July 21, 2015, we issued an aggregate of 18,181,818 series A preferred shares to SCC Venture V Holdco I, Ltd., Shunwei Ecosystem Fund, L.P., Shunwei Talent Limited, Morningside China TMT Special Opportunity Fund, L.P., and Morningside China TMT Fund III Co-Investment, L.P. for an aggregate consideration of US$20.0 million.
Option grants
We have granted options to purchase our ordinary shares to certain of our directors, executive officers and employees.
As of the date of this prospectus, the aggregate number of our ordinary shares underlying our outstanding options is 13,390,000. See "Management2015 Share Incentive Plan" and "Management2018 Share Incentive Plan."
Shareholders agreement and registration rights
We entered into a shareholders agreement on July 21, 2015 with our shareholders, which consist of holders of ordinary shares and preferred shares. The shareholders agreement provides for certain special rights, including right of first refusal, co-sale rights, preemptive rights and contains provisions governing the board of directors and other corporate governance matters. Those corporate governance provisions, as well as special rights, except the registration rights, will automatically terminate upon the completion of a qualified initial public offering.
Registration rights granted to shareholders
We have granted certain registration rights to our shareholders under the shareholders agreement. Set forth below is a description of the registration rights.
Demand Registration Rights. At any time after the earlier of (i) July 21, 2021 or (ii) one year following the closing of an initial public offering, holders of at least 25% of the redeemable convertible class B ordinary shares and preferred shares (or ordinary shares issued on the conversion of redeemable convertible class B ordinary shares and preferred shares) then outstanding has the right to demand that we file a registration statement covering at least 20% (or any lesser percentage if the anticipated gross proceeds to us from such proposed offering would exceed US$5.0 million) of the registrable securities. We have the right to defer filing of a registration statement for a period of not more than 90 days (except for a registration statement on Form F-3, which shall be 60 days) after the receipt of the request of the initiating holders if we furnish to the holders requesting registration a certificate signed by our president or chief executive officer stating that in the good faith judgment of our board of directors, it would be materially detrimental to us and our shareholders for such registration statement to be filed at such time. However, we cannot exercise the deferral right more than once in any 12-month period. We are obligated to effect no more than two demand registrations, other than demand registration to be effected pursuant to registration statement on Form F-3, for which an unlimited number of demand registrations shall be permitted.
Piggyback Registration Rights. If we propose to file a registration statement for a public offering of our securities, we must offer our shareholders an opportunity to include in the registration all or any part of the registrable securities held by such holders. If the managing underwriters of any underwritten offering determine in good faith that marketing factors require a limitation of the number of shares to be underwritten, the managing underwriters may exclude shares from the registration and the underwriting,
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and the number of shares that may be included in the registration and underwriting shall be allocated first, to us, second to each of the holders requesting inclusion of their registrable securities on a pro rata basis, and third to holders of other securities of us.
Form F-3 Registration Rights. Our shareholders may request us in writing to file an unlimited number of registration statements on Form F-3 so long as such registration offerings are in excess of US$500,000. We shall effect the registration of the securities on Form F-3 as soon as practicable, except in certain circumstances.
Expenses of Registration. We will bear all registration expenses, other than selling expenses, underwriting discounts and commissions, and fees for special counsel of the holders participating in such registration, incurred in connection with any demand, piggyback or Form F-3 registration.
Termination of Registration Rights. Our shareholders' registration rights will terminate on the earlier of (i) the date that is the fifth anniversary of the closing of an initial public offering, (ii) upon our termination, liquidation, dissolution, and liquidation event and (iii) with respect to any shareholder, when the registrable securities proposed to be sold by such shareholder may then be sold without registration in any 90-day period pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
American Depositary Shares
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as depositary, will register and deliver the ADSs. Each ADS will represent ownership of three Class A ordinary shares, deposited with Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, as custodian for the depositary. Each ADS will also represent ownership of any other securities, cash or other property which may be held by the depositary. The depositary's corporate trust office at which the ADSs will be administered is located at 60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, USA. The principal executive office of the depositary is located at 60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, USA.
The Direct Registration System, or DRS, is a system administered by The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, pursuant to which the depositary may register the ownership of uncertificated ADSs, which ownership shall be evidenced by periodic statements issued by the depositary to the ADS holders entitled thereto.
We will not treat ADS holders as our shareholders and accordingly, you, as an ADS holder, will not have shareholder rights. Cayman Islands law governs shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of the Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. As a holder of ADSs, you will have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary and you, as an ADS holder, and the beneficial owners of ADSs sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. The laws of the State of New York govern the deposit agreement and the ADSs. See " Jurisdiction and Arbitration ."
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the deposit agreement. For more complete information, you should read the entire deposit agreement and the form of American Depositary Receipt. For directions on how to obtain copies of those documents, see " Where You Can Find Additional Information ."
Holding the ADSs
How will you hold your ADSs?
You may hold ADSs either (1) directly (a) by having an American Depositary Receipt, or ADR, which is a certificate evidencing a specific number of ADSs, registered in your name, or (b) by holding ADSs in DRS, or (2) indirectly through your broker or other financial institution. If you hold ADSs directly, you are an ADS holder. This description assumes you hold your ADSs directly. ADSs will be issued through DRS, unless you specifically request certificated ADRs. If you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of ADS holders described in this section. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.
Dividends and Other Distributions
How will you receive dividends and other distributions on the shares?
The depositary has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities, after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of Class A ordinary shares your ADSs represent as of the record date (which will be as close as practicable to the record date for our Class A ordinary shares) set by the depositary with respect to the ADSs.
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judgment that such conversions or transfers are not practical or lawful or if any government approval or license is needed and cannot be obtained at a reasonable cost within a reasonable period or otherwise sought, the deposit agreement allows the depositary to distribute the foreign currency only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. It will hold or cause the custodian to hold the foreign currency it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid and such funds will be held for the respective accounts of the ADS holders. It will not invest the foreign currency and it will not be liable for any interest for the respective accounts of the ADS holders.
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If the depositary makes rights available to you, it will establish procedures to distribute such rights and enable you to exercise the rights upon your payment of applicable fees, charges and expenses incurred by the depositary and taxes and/or other governmental charges. The Depositary shall not be obliged to make available to you a method to exercise such rights to subscribe for Class A ordinary shares (rather than ADSs).
U.S. securities laws may restrict transfers and cancellation of the ADSs represented by shares purchased upon exercise of rights. For example, you may not be able to trade these ADSs freely in the United States. In this case, the depositary may deliver restricted depositary shares that have the same terms as the ADSs described in this section except for changes needed to put the necessary restrictions in place.
There can be no assurance that you will be given the opportunity to exercise rights on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Class A ordinary shares or be able to exercise such rights.
The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADS holders. We have no obligation to register ADSs, shares, rights or other securities under the Securities Act. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, shares, rights or anything else to ADS holders. This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our shares or any value for them if we and/or the depositary determines that it is illegal or not practicable for us or the depositary to make them available to you.
Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation
How are ADSs issued?
The depositary will deliver ADSs if you or your broker deposit Class A ordinary shares or evidence of rights to receive Class A ordinary shares with the custodian. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will register the appropriate number of ADSs in the names you request and will deliver the ADSs to or upon the order of the person or persons entitled thereto.
Except for Class A ordinary shares deposited by us in connection with this offering, no shares will be accepted for deposit during a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus. The 180 day lock-up period is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances as described in the section entitled "Shares Eligible for Future SalesLock-up Agreements."
How do ADS holders cancel an American Depositary Share?
You may turn in your ADSs at the depositary's corporate trust office or by providing appropriate instructions to your broker. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will deliver the Class A ordinary shares and any other deposited securities underlying the ADSs to you or a person you designate at the office of the
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custodian. Or, at your request, risk and expense, the depositary will deliver the deposited securities at its corporate trust office, to the extent permitted by law.
How do ADS holders interchange between Certificated ADSs and Uncertificated ADSs?
You may surrender your ADR to the depositary for the purpose of exchanging your ADR for uncertificated ADSs. The depositary will cancel that ADR and will send you a statement confirming that you are the owner of uncertificated ADSs. Alternatively, upon receipt by the depositary of a proper instruction from a holder of uncertificated ADSs requesting the exchange of uncertificated ADSs for certificated ADSs, the depositary will execute and deliver to you an ADR evidencing those ADSs.
Voting Rights
How do you vote?
You may instruct the depositary to vote the Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities underlying your ADSs at any meeting at which you are entitled to vote pursuant to any applicable law, the provisions of our memorandum and articles of association, and the provisions of or governing the deposited securities. Otherwise, you could exercise your right to vote directly if you withdraw the Class A ordinary shares. However, you may not know about the meeting sufficiently enough in advance to withdraw the Class A ordinary shares.
If we ask for your instructions and upon timely notice from us by regular, ordinary mail delivery, or by electronic transmission, as described in the deposit agreement, the depositary will notify you of the upcoming meeting at which you are entitled to vote pursuant to any applicable law, the provisions of our memorandum and articles of association, and the provisions of or governing the deposited securities, and arrange to deliver our voting materials to you. The materials will include or reproduce (a) such notice of meeting or solicitation of consents or proxies; (b) a statement that the ADS holders at the close of business on the ADS record date will be entitled, subject to any applicable law, the provisions of our memorandum and articles of association, and the provisions of or governing the deposited securities, to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities represented by such holder's ADSs; and (c) a brief statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given or deemed given in accordance with the second to last sentence of this paragraph if no instruction is received, to the depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us. Voting instructions may be given only in respect of a number of ADSs representing an integral number of Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities. For instructions to be valid, the depositary must receive them in writing on or before the date specified. The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject to applicable law and the provisions of our memorandum and articles of association, to vote or to have its agents vote the Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities (in person or by proxy) as you instruct. The depositary will only vote or attempt to vote as you instruct. If we timely requested the depositary to solicit your instructions but no instructions are received by the depositary from an owner with respect to any of the deposited securities represented by the ADSs of that owner on or before the date established by the depositary for such purpose, the depositary shall deem that owner to have instructed the depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us with respect to such deposited securities, and the depositary shall give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote such deposited securities. However, no such instruction shall be deemed given and no such discretionary proxy shall be given with respect to any matter if we inform the depositary we do not wish such proxy given, substantial opposition exists or the matter materially and adversely affects the rights of holders of the Class A ordinary shares.
We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote the Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. In addition, there can be no assurance that ADS holders and beneficial owners generally, or any holder or beneficial owner in
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particular, will be given the opportunity to vote or cause the custodian to vote on the same terms and conditions as the holders of our Class A ordinary shares.
The depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may have no recourse if the Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs are not voted as you requested.
In order to give you a reasonable opportunity to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of voting rights relating to deposited securities, if we request the depositary to act, we will give the depositary notice of any such meeting and details concerning the matters to be voted at least 30 business days in advance of the meeting date.
Compliance with Regulations
Information Requests
Each ADS holder and beneficial owner shall (a) provide such information as we or the depositary may request pursuant to law, including, without limitation, relevant Cayman Islands law, any applicable law of the United States of America, our memorandum and articles of association, any resolutions of our Board of Directors adopted pursuant to such memorandum and articles of association, the requirements of any markets or exchanges upon which the Class A ordinary shares, ADSs or ADRs are listed or traded, or to any requirements of any electronic book-entry system by which the ADSs or ADRs may be transferred, regarding the capacity in which they own or owned ADRs, the identity of any other persons then or previously interested in such ADRs and the nature of such interest, and any other applicable matters, and (b) be bound by and subject to applicable provisions of the laws of Cayman Islands, our memorandum and articles of association, and the requirements of any markets or exchanges upon which the ADSs, ADRs or Class A ordinary shares are listed or traded, or pursuant to any requirements of any electronic book-entry system by which the ADSs, ADRs or Class A ordinary shares may be transferred, to the same extent as if such ADS holder or beneficial owner held Class A ordinary shares directly, in each case irrespective of whether or not they are ADS holders or beneficial owners at the time such request is made.
Disclosure of Interests
Each ADS holder and beneficial owner shall comply with our requests pursuant to Cayman Islands law, the rules and requirements of the Nasdaq and any other stock exchange on which the Class A ordinary shares are, or will be, registered, traded or listed or our memorandum and articles of association, which requests are made to provide information, inter alia, as to the capacity in which such ADS holder or beneficial owner owns ADS and regarding the identity of any other person interested in such ADS and the nature of such interest and various other matters, whether or not they are ADS holders or beneficial owners at the time of such requests.
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Fees and Expenses
As an ADS holder, you will be required to pay the following service fees to the depositary bank and certain taxes and governmental charges (in addition to any applicable fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges payable on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs):
Service
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Fees
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To any person to which ADSs are issued or to any person to which a distribution is made in respect of ADS distributions pursuant to stock dividends or other free distributions of stock, bonus distributions, stock splits or other distributions (except where converted to cash) |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS issued | |
Cancellation of ADSs, including the case of termination of the deposit agreement |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS cancelled |
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Distribution of cash dividends |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held |
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Distribution of cash entitlements (other than cash dividends) and/or cash proceeds from the sale of rights, securities and other entitlements |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held |
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Distribution of ADSs pursuant to exercise of rights. |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held |
|
Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held |
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Depositary services |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held on the applicable record date(s) established by the depositary bank |
As an ADS holder, you will also be responsible to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank and certain taxes and governmental charges (in addition to any applicable fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges payable on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs) such as:
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The depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancellation of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary bank by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) receiving the newly issued ADSs from the depositary bank and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to the depositary bank for cancellation. The brokers in turn charge these fees to their clients. Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and the depositary services fee are charged by the depositary bank to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date.
The depositary fees payable for cash distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. In the case of distributions other than cash (i.e., share dividends, rights), the depositary bank charges the applicable fee to the ADS record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or uncertificated in direct registration), the depositary bank sends invoices to the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts (via DTC), the depositary bank generally collects its fees through the systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients' ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their clients' accounts the amount of the fees paid to the depositary banks.
In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary bank may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse the requested service until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder.
The depositary may make payments to us or reimburse us for certain costs and expenses, by making available a portion of the ADS fees collected in respect of the ADR program or otherwise, upon such terms and conditions as we and the depositary bank agree from time to time.
Payment of Taxes
You will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable, or which become payable, on your ADSs or on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs. The depositary may refuse to register or transfer your ADSs or allow you to withdraw the deposited securities represented by your ADSs until such taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you or sell deposited securities represented by your ADSs to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to you any net proceeds, or send to you any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes. You agree to indemnify us, the depositary, the custodian and each of our and their respective agents, directors, employees and affiliates for, and hold each of them harmless from, any claims with respect to taxes (including applicable interest and penalties thereon) arising from any refund of taxes, reduced rate of withholding at source or other tax benefit obtained for you. Your obligations under this paragraph shall survive any transfer of ADRs, any surrender of ADRs and withdrawal of deposited securities or the termination of the deposit agreement.
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Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers
If we:
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Then:
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Change the nominal or par value of our Class A ordinary shares | The cash, shares or other securities received by the depositary will become deposited securities. | |
Reclassify, split up or consolidate any of the deposited securities |
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Each ADS will automatically represent its equal share of the new deposited securities. |
Distribute securities on the Class A ordinary shares that are not distributed to you, or Recapitalize, reorganize, merge, liquidate, sell all or substantially all of our assets, or take any similar action |
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The depositary may distribute some or all of the cash, shares or other securities it received. It may also deliver new ADSs or ask you to surrender your outstanding ADRs in exchange for new ADRs identifying the new deposited securities. |
Amendment and Termination
How may the deposit agreement be amended?
We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the form of ADR without your consent for any reason. If an amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or expenses of the depositary for registration fees, facsimile costs, delivery charges or similar items, including expenses incurred in connection with foreign exchange control regulations and other charges specifically payable by ADS holders under the deposit agreement, or materially prejudices a substantial existing right of ADS holders, it will not become effective for outstanding ADSs until 30 days after the depositary notifies ADS holders of the amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are considered, by continuing to hold your ADSs, to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the ADRs and the deposit agreement as amended . If any new laws are adopted which would require the deposit agreement to be amended in order to comply therewith, we and the depositary may amend the deposit agreement in accordance with such laws and such amendment may become effective before notice thereof is given to ADS holders.
How may the deposit agreement be terminated?
The depositary will terminate the deposit agreement if we ask it to do so, in which case the depositary will give notice to you at least 90 days prior to termination. The depositary may also terminate the deposit agreement if the depositary has told us that it would like to resign, or if we have removed the depositary, and in either case we have not appointed a new depositary within 90 days. In either such case, the depositary must notify you at least 30 days before termination.
After termination, the depositary and its agents will do the following under the deposit agreement but nothing else: collect distributions on the deposited securities, sell rights and other property and deliver Class A ordinary shares and other deposited securities upon cancellation of ADSs after payment of any fees, charges, taxes or other governmental charges. Six months or more after the date of termination, the depositary may sell any remaining deposited securities by public or private sale. After that, the depositary will hold the money it received on the sale, as well as any other cash it is holding under the deposit agreement, for the pro rata benefit of the ADS holders that have not surrendered their ADSs. It will not invest the money and has no liability for interest. After such sale, the depositary's only obligations will be to account for the money and other cash. After termination, we shall be discharged from all obligations under the deposit agreement except for our obligations to the depositary thereunder.
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Books of Depositary
The depositary will maintain ADS holder records at its depositary office. You may inspect such records at such office during regular business hours but solely for the purpose of communicating with other holders in the interest of business matters relating to the Company, the ADRs and the deposit agreement.
The depositary will maintain facilities in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York to record and process the issuance, cancellation, combination, split-up and transfer of ADRs.
These facilities may be closed at any time or from time to time when such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the depositary in connection with the performance of its duties under the deposit agreement or at our reasonable written request.
Limitations on Obligations and Liability
Limits on our Obligations and the Obligations of the Depositary and the Custodian; Limits on Liability to Holders of ADSs
The deposit agreement expressly limits our obligations and the obligations of the depositary and the custodian. It also limits our liability and the liability of the depositary. The depositary and the custodian:
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representatives) of ADSs, or any person believed in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information; and
The depositary and any of its agents also disclaim any liability (i) for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, the manner in which any vote is cast or the effect of any vote or failure to determine that any distribution or action may be lawful or reasonably practicable or for allowing any rights to lapse in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement, (ii) the failure or timeliness of any notice from us, the content of any information submitted to it by us for distribution to you or for any inaccuracy of any translation thereof, (iii) any investment risk associated with the acquisition of an interest in the deposited securities, the validity or worth of the deposited securities, the credit-worthiness of any third party, (iv) for any tax consequences that may result from ownership of ADSs, Class A ordinary shares or deposited securities, or (v) for any acts or omissions made by a successor depositary whether in connection with a previous act or omission of the depositary or in connection with any matter arising wholly after the removal or resignation of the depositary, provided that in connection with the issue out of which such potential liability arises the depositary performed its obligations without gross negligence or willful misconduct while it acted as depositary.
Jurisdiction and Arbitration
The laws of the State of New York govern the deposit agreement and the ADSs and we have agreed with the depositary that the federal or state courts in the City of New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any dispute arising from or in connection with the deposit agreement and that the depositary will have the right to refer any claim or dispute arising from the relationship created by the deposit agreement to arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration provisions of the deposit agreement do not preclude you from pursuing claims arising under the United States federal securities laws.
In addition, the deposit agreement provides that each party to the deposit agreement (including each holder, beneficial owner and holder of interests in the ADRs) irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in any lawsuit or proceeding against the depositary or our company related to our shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement. If we or the depositary opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable based on the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with the applicable U.S. state and federal law.
Requirements for Depositary Actions
Before the depositary will issue, deliver or register a transfer of an ADS, split-up, subdivide or combine ADSs, make a distribution on an ADS, or permit withdrawal of Class A ordinary shares, the depositary may require:
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regulations and procedures as the depositary may establish, from time to time, consistent with the deposit agreement and applicable laws, including presentation of transfer documents.
The depositary may refuse to issue and deliver ADSs or register transfers of ADSs generally when the register of the depositary or our transfer books are closed or at any time if the depositary or we determine that it is necessary or advisable to do so.
Your Right to Receive the Shares Underlying Your ADSs
You have the right to cancel your ADSs and withdraw the underlying Class A ordinary shares at any time except:
The depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under the deposit agreement any Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act, unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Class A ordinary shares.
This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.
Direct Registration System
In the deposit agreement, all parties to the deposit agreement acknowledge that the DRS and Profile Modification System, or Profile, will apply to uncertificated ADSs upon acceptance thereof to DRS by DTC. DRS is the system administered by DTC pursuant to which the depositary may register the ownership of uncertificated ADSs, which ownership shall be evidenced by periodic statements issued by the depositary to the ADS holders entitled thereto. Profile is a required feature of DRS which allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of an ADS holder, to direct the depositary to register a transfer of those ADSs to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those ADSs to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the depositary of prior authorization from the ADS holder to register such transfer.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Upon completion of this offering, we will have 11,400,000 ADSs outstanding, representing approximately 16.5% of our outstanding ordinary shares, assuming the underwriters do not exercise their over-allotment option to purchase additional ADSs. All of the ADSs sold in this offering will be freely transferable by persons other than by our "affiliates" without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act. Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our ADSs. Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our ordinary shares or the ADSs. We have applied to list the ADSs on the Nasdaq, but we cannot assure you that a regular trading market will develop in the ADSs. We do not expect that a trading market will develop for our ordinary shares not represented by the ADSs.
Lock-up Agreements
We have agreed, for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, not to offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale, lend or otherwise dispose of, except in this offering, any of our ordinary shares or ADSs or securities that are substantially similar to our ordinary shares or ADSs, including but not limited to any options or warrants to purchase our ordinary shares, ADSs or any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, our ordinary shares, ADSs or any such substantially similar securities (other than pursuant to employee stock option plans existing on, or upon the conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities outstanding as of the date of the underwriting agreement and subject to certain other exceptions) without the prior written consent of the representatives of the underwriters.
Furthermore, each of our directors, executive officers and existing shareholders has also entered into a similar lock-up agreement for a period of 180 days from the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions, with respect to our ordinary shares, ADSs and securities that are substantially similar to our ordinary shares or ADSs. These parties collectively own all of our outstanding ordinary shares, without giving effect to this offering.
In addition, through a letter agreement, we will instruct Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as depositary, not to accept any deposit of any ordinary shares or issue any ADSs for 180 days after the date of this prospectus unless we consent to such deposit or issuance, and we have agreed not to provide consent without the prior written consent of the representatives on behalf of the underwriters. The foregoing does not affect the right of ADS holders to cancel their ADSs and withdraw the underlying ordinary shares.
The restrictions described in the preceding paragraphs will be automatically extended under certain circumstances. See "Underwriting."
Other than this offering, we are not aware of any plans by any significant shareholders to dispose of significant numbers of our ADSs or ordinary shares. However, one or more existing shareholders or owners of securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for our ADSs or ordinary shares may dispose of significant numbers of our ADSs or ordinary shares in the future. We cannot predict what effect, if any, future sales of our ADSs or ordinary shares, or the availability of ADSs or ordinary shares for future sale, will have on the trading price of our ADSs from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs or ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the trading price of our ADSs.
Rule 144
All of our ordinary shares that will be outstanding upon the completion of this offering, other than those ordinary shares sold in this offering, are "restricted securities" as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may be sold publicly in the United States only if they are subject to an
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effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirement such as those provided by Rule 144 and Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act. In general, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who at the time of a sale is not, and has not been during the three months preceding the sale, an affiliate of ours and has beneficially owned our restricted securities for at least six months will be entitled to sell the restricted securities without registration under the Securities Act, subject only to the availability of current public information about us, and will be entitled to sell restricted securities beneficially owned for at least one year without restriction. Persons who are our affiliates and have beneficially owned our restricted securities for at least six months may sell a number of restricted securities within any three-month period that does not exceed the greater of the following:
Sales by our affiliates under Rule 144 are also subject to certain requirements relating to manner of sale, notice and the availability of current public information about us.
Rule 701
In general, under Rule 701 of the Securities Act as currently in effect, each of our employees, consultants or advisors who purchases our ordinary shares from us in connection with a compensatory stock plan or other written agreement executed prior to the completion of this offering is eligible to resell those ordinary shares in reliance on Rule 144, but without compliance with some of the restrictions, including the holding period, contained in Rule 144. However, the Rule 701 shares would remain subject to lock-up arrangements and would only become eligible for sale when the lock-up period expires.
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The following summary of the material Cayman Islands, PRC and U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares is based upon laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date of this registration statement, all of which are subject to change. This summary does not deal with all possible tax consequences relating to an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares, such as the tax consequences under U.S. state and local tax laws or under the tax laws of jurisdictions other than the Cayman Islands, the People's Republic of China and the United States.
Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or, after execution, brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
Payments of dividends and capital in respect of our ordinary shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of our ordinary shares, nor will gains derived from the disposal of our ordinary shares or ADSs be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax.
No stamp duty is payable in respect of the issue of our ordinary shares or on an instrument of transfer in respect of our ordinary shares.
People's Republic of China Taxation
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with a "de facto management body" within the PRC is considered a resident enterprise and will be subject to the enterprise income tax at the rate of 25% on its global income. The implementation rules define the term "de facto management body" as the body that exercises full and substantial control over and overall and substantial management of the business, productions, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In April 2009, the State Administration of Taxation issued a circular, known as Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the "de facto management body" of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Although this circular only applies to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the criteria set forth in the circular may reflect the State Administration of Taxation's general position on how the "de facto management body" test should be applied in determining the tax resident status of all offshore enterprises. According to Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be regarded as a PRC tax resident by virtue of having its "de facto management body" in China only if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the primary location where senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for the day-to-day operational management is in the PRC; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprise's financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approval by organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprise's primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, and board and shareholder resolutions, are located or maintained in the PRC; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board members or senior executives habitually reside in the PRC.
We believe that Viomi Technology Co., Ltd is not a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. Viomi Technology Co., Ltd is not controlled by a PRC enterprise or PRC enterprise group and we do not believe that Viomi Technology Co., Ltd meets all of the conditions above. Viomi Technology Co., Ltd is a
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company incorporated outside the PRC. As a holding company, its key assets are its ownership interests in its subsidiaries, and its key assets are located, and its records (including the resolutions of its board of directors and the resolutions of its shareholders) are maintained, outside the PRC. For the same reasons, we believe our other entities outside of China are not PRC resident enterprises either. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term "de facto management body." There can be no assurance that the PRC government will ultimately take a view that is consistent with us.
If the PRC tax authorities determine that Viomi Technology Co., Ltd is a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we may be required to withhold a 10% withholding tax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are non-resident enterprises, including the holders of our ADSs. In addition, non-resident enterprise shareholders (including our ADS holders) may be subject to a 10% PRC tax on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares, if such income is treated as sourced from within the PRC. It is unclear whether our non-PRC individual shareholders (including our ADS holders) would be subject to any PRC tax on dividends or gains obtained by such non-PRC individual shareholders in the event we are determined to be a PRC resident enterprise. If any PRC tax were to apply to such dividends or gains, it would generally apply at a rate of 20% unless a reduced rate is available under an applicable tax treaty. It is also unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of Viomi Technology Co., Ltd would be able to claim the benefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that Viomi Technology Co., Ltd is treated as a PRC resident enterprise.
Provided that our Cayman Islands holding company, Viomi Technology Co., Ltd, is not deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise, holders of our ADSs and ordinary shares who are not PRC residents will not be subject to PRC income tax on dividends distributed by us or gains realized from the sale or other disposition of our shares or ADSs. However, under SAT Public Notice 7 and SAT Public Notice 37, where a non-resident enterprise conducts an "indirect transfer" by transferring taxable assets, including, in particular, equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise, indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, the non-resident enterprise, being the transferor, or the transferee or the PRC entity which directly owned such taxable assets may report to the relevant tax authority such indirect transfer. Using a "substance over form" principle, the PRC tax authority may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if it lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, and the transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at a rate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. We and our non-PRC resident investors may be at risk of being required to file a return and being taxed under SAT Public Notice 7 and SAT Public Notice 37, and we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with SAT Public Notice 7 and SAT Public Notice 37, or to establish that we should not be taxed under these circulars. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to Doing Business in ChinaWe face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies."
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion is a summary of U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the ownership and disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares by a U.S. Holder (as defined below) that acquires our ADSs in this offering and holds our ADSs or ordinary shares as "capital assets" (generally, property held for investment) under the U.S. Internal Revenues Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. This discussion is based upon existing U.S. federal tax law, which is subject to differing interpretations or change, possibly with retroactive effect. No ruling has been sought from the Internal Revenues Service, or the IRS, with respect to any U.S. federal income tax consequences described below, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position. This discussion, moreover, does not
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address the U.S. federal estate, gift, and alternative minimum tax considerations, the 3.8% Medicare tax on certain net investment income, or any state, local and non-U.S. tax considerations, relating to the ownership or disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares (other than the discussion below relating to certain withholding rules and the U.S.-PRC income tax treaty (the "Treaty")). The following summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to particular investors in light of their individual circumstances or to persons in special tax situations such as:
all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those discussed below.
Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the application of U.S. federal taxation to its particular circumstances, and the state, local, non-U.S. and other tax considerations of the ownership and disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares.
General
For purposes of this discussion, a "U.S. Holder" is a beneficial owner of our ADSs or ordinary shares that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
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If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of our ADSs or ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding our ADSs or ordinary shares and their partners are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder of ADSs will generally be treated as the beneficial owner of the underlying shares represented by the ADSs. The remainder of this discussion assumes that a U.S. Holder of our ADSs will be treated in this manner. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of ordinary shares for ADSs will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.
Passive foreign investment company considerations
A non-U.S. corporation, such as our company, will be classified as a PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, if either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of "passive" income or (ii) 50% or more of the value of its assets (determined on the basis of a quarterly average) during such year is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income (the "asset test"). For this purpose, cash and assets readily convertible into cash are categorized as passive assets and the company's goodwill and other unbooked intangibles are taken into account. Passive income generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. We will be treated as owning a proportionate share of the assets and earning a proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, more than 25% (by value) of the stock.
Although the law in this regard is not entirely clear, we treat each of our consolidated VIEs as being owned by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes because we control its management decisions and are entitled to substantially all of the economic benefits associated with it. As a result, we consolidate its results of operations in our consolidated U.S. GAAP financial statements. If it were determined, however, that we are not the owner of the consolidated VIEs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may be treated as a PFIC for the current taxable year and any subsequent taxable year.
Assuming that we are the owner of the VIEs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and based upon our current and projected income and assets, including the proceeds from this offering, and projections as to the value of our assets, we do not expect to be a PFIC for the current taxable year or the foreseeable future. However, no assurance can be given in this regard because the determination of whether we will be or become a PFIC is a factual determination made annually that will depend, in part, upon the composition of our income and assets. Fluctuations in the market price of our ADSs may cause us to be classified as a PFIC for the current or future taxable years because the value of our assets for purposes of the asset test, including the value of our goodwill and unbooked intangibles, may be determined by reference to the market price of our ADSs from time to time (which may be volatile). If our market capitalization subsequently declines, we may be or become classified as a PFIC for the current taxable year or future taxable years. Furthermore, the composition of our income and assets may also be affected by how, and how quickly, we use our liquid assets and the cash raised in this offering. Under circumstances in which our net revenues from activities that produce passive income significantly increases relative to our net revenues from activities that produce non-passive income, or in which we determine not to deploy significant amounts of cash for active purposes, our risk of becoming classified as a PFIC may substantially increase.
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If we are classified as a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or ordinary shares, the PFIC rules discussed below under "Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules" generally will apply to such U.S. Holder for such taxable year, and unless the U.S. Holder makes certain elections, will apply in future years even if we cease to be a PFIC.
The discussion below under "Dividends" and "Sale or Other Disposition" is written on the basis that we will not be or become classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The U.S. federal income tax rules that apply generally if we are treated as a PFIC are discussed below under "Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules."
Dividends
Any cash distributions paid on our ADSs or ordinary shares (including the amount of any PRC tax withheld) out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, will generally be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as dividend income on the day actually or constructively received by the U.S. Holder, in the case of ordinary shares, or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs. Because we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of U.S. federal income tax principles, any distribution we pay will generally be treated as a "dividend" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividends received on our ADSs or ordinary shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations in respect of dividends received from U.S. corporations.
Individuals and other non-corporate U.S. Holders will be subject to tax on any such dividends at the lower capital gain tax rate applicable to "qualified dividend income," provided that certain conditions are satisfied, including that (1) our ADSs or ordinary shares on which the dividends are paid are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, or, in the event that we are deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC tax law, we are eligible for the benefit of the Treaty, (2) we are neither a PFIC nor treated as such with respect to a U.S. Holder (as discussed below) for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid and the preceding taxable year, and (3) certain holding period requirements are met. We intend to list the ADSs on the Nasdaq. Provided the listing is approved, we believe that the ADSs will be readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States and that we will be a qualified foreign corporation with respect to dividends paid on the ADSs. There can be no assurance that our ADSs will continue to be considered readily tradable on an established securities market in later years. Since we do not expect that our ordinary shares will be listed on established securities markets, we do not believe that dividends that we pay on our ordinary shares that are not backed by ADSs currently meet the conditions required for the reduced tax rate. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the lower rate for dividends paid with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares.
In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law (see "TaxationPeople's Republic of China Taxation"), we may be eligible for the benefits of the Treaty. If we are eligible for such benefits, dividends we pay on our ordinary shares, regardless of whether such shares are represented by the ADSs, and regardless of whether our ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, would be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation described in the preceding paragraph.
For U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, dividends paid on our ADSs or ordinary shares generally will be treated as income from foreign sources and generally will constitute passive category income. If PRC withholding taxes apply to dividends paid to a U.S. Holder with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares, such U.S. Holder may be able to obtain a reduced rate of PRC withholding taxes under the Treaty if certain requirements are met. In addition, subject to certain conditions and limitations, PRC withholding taxes on dividends that are non-refundable under the Treaty may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit against a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability. A U.S. Holder who does not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for foreign tax withheld may instead claim a deduction for U.S. federal income tax
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purposes, in respect of such withholding, but only for a year in which such holder elects to do so for all creditable foreign income taxes. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex, and U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
Sale or other disposition
A U.S. Holder will generally recognize gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and the holder's adjusted tax basis in such ADSs or ordinary shares. The gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss. Individuals and other non-corporate U.S. Holders who have held the ADSs or ordinary shares for more than one year will generally be eligible for reduced tax rates. The deductibility of a capital loss may be subject to limitations. Any such gain or loss that the U.S. Holder recognizes will generally be treated as U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes, which will generally limit the availability of foreign tax credits. However, in the event we are deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be eligible for the benefits of the Treaty. In such event, if PRC tax were to be imposed on any gain from the disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares, a U.S. Holder that is eligible for the benefits of the Treaty may elect to treat such gain as PRC source income. If a U.S. Holder is not eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty or fails to make the election to treat any gain as foreign source, then such U.S. Holder may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any PRC tax imposed on the disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against U.S. federal income tax due on other income derived from foreign sources in the same income category (generally, the passive category). U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the creditability of any PRC tax.
Passive Foreign Investment Company rules
If we are classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or ordinary shares, and unless the U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election (as described below), the U.S. Holder will generally be subject to special tax rules on (i) any excess distribution that we make to the U.S. Holder (which generally means any distribution paid during a taxable year to a U.S. Holder that is greater than 125% of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder's holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition including, under certain circumstances, a pledge, of ADSs or ordinary shares. Under the PFIC rules:
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or ordinary shares and any of our subsidiaries, our VIEs or any of the subsidiaries of our VIEs is also a PFIC, such U.S. Holder would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC for purposes of the application of these rules. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries, our VIEs or any of the subsidiaries of our VIEs.
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As an alternative to the foregoing rules, a U.S. Holder of "marketable stock" (as defined below) in a PFIC may make a mark-to-market election with respect to such stock. If a U.S. Holder makes this election with respect to our ADSs, the holder will generally (i) include as ordinary income for each taxable year that we are a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the ADSs held at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such ADSs and (ii) deduct as an ordinary loss the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of the ADSs over the fair market value of such ADSs held at the end of the taxable year, but such deduction will only be allowed to the extent of the amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. The U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the ADSs would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss resulting from the mark-to-market election. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election in respect of our ADSs and we cease to be classified as a PFIC, such U.S. Holder will not be required to take into account the gain or loss described above during any period that we are not classified as a PFIC. If a U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election, any gain such U.S. Holder recognizes upon the sale or other disposition of our ADSs in a year when we are a PFIC will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but such loss will only be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election.
The mark-to-market election is available only for "marketable stock," which is stock that is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter ("regularly traded") on a qualified exchange or other market, as defined in applicable United States Treasury regulations (although a lower threshold applies for the quarter in which the initial public offering occurs). Our ADSs, but not our ordinary shares, will be treated as marketable stock upon their listing on the Nasdaq. We anticipate that our ADSs should qualify as being regularly traded, but no assurances may be given in this regard.
Because a mark-to-market election cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that we may own, a U.S. Holder may continue to be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to such U.S. Holder's indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
We do not intend to provide information necessary for U.S. Holders to make qualified electing fund elections which, if available, would result in tax treatment different from (and generally less adverse than) the general tax treatment for PFICs described above.
If a U.S. Holder owns our ADSs or ordinary shares during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, the holder must generally file an annual IRS Form 8621. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of our ADSs or ordinary shares if we are or become a PFIC.
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We and the underwriters named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the ADSs being offered. Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase the number of ADSs indicated in the following table. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited are acting as joint bookrunners of this offering and as the representatives of the underwriters.
Underwriters
|
Number of ADSs | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC |
||||
China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited |
||||
Needham & Company, LLC |
||||
| | | | |
Total |
11,400,000 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
The underwriters are offering the ADSs subject to their acceptance of the ADSs from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the ADSs offered by this prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated, severally and not jointly, to take and pay for all of the ADSs offered by this prospectus if any such ADSs are taken, other than the ADSs covered by the underwriters' option to purchase additional ADSs described below. The underwriting agreement also provides that if an underwriter defaults, the purchase commitments of non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the offering may be terminated.
The underwriters initially propose to offer part of the ADSs directly to the public at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus and part of the ADSs to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of US$ per ADS from the initial public offering price. After the initial offering of the ADSs, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the underwriters.
Certain of the underwriters are expected to make offers and sales both inside and outside the United States through their respective selling agents. Any offers or sales in the United States will be conducted by broker-dealers registered with the SEC. China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited is not a broker-dealer registered with the SEC. Therefore, to the extent China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited intends to make any offers or sales of ADSs in the United States, it will do so only through one or more SEC-registered broker-dealer affiliates in compliance with the applicable securities laws and regulations.
The address of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is 1585 Broadway, New York, New York 10036. The address of China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited is 29th Floor, One International Finance Center, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong.
Option to Purchase Additional ADSs
We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,710,000 additional ADSs from us at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriters discounts and commissions. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter will become severally obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase additional ADSs approximately proportionate to each underwriter's initial amount reflected in the table above.
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Commissions and Expenses
Total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters represent % of the total amount of the offering. The following table shows the per ADS total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters by us and proceeds before expenses to us. Such amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional ADSs.
|
|
Total | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Per ADS | No Exercise | Full Exercise | |||||||
Public offering price |
US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||
Underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid by us |
US$ | US$ | US$ | |||||||
Proceeds, before expenses, to us |
US$ | US$ | US$ |
We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for expenses in connection with the qualification of the ADSs and shares offered in this offering under state securities laws up to US$5,000 and expenses relating to the clearance of this offering with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority up to US$25,000.
The estimated offering expenses payable by us, exclusive of the underwriting discounts and commissions, are approximately US$3.8 million, which includes legal, accounting, and printing costs and various other fees associated with the registration of our ordinary shares and ADSs.
Lock-Up Agreements
We, our directors and executive officers, and our existing shareholders have agreed with the underwriters to certain lock-up restrictions in respect of our ordinary shares, ADSs or securities that are substantially similar to our ordinary shares or ADSs during the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain exceptions. Immediately before the completion of this offering, all of our outstanding ordinary shares will be subject to the lock-up agreements or other restrictions on transfer. In addition, we have agreed to instruct the depositary not to accept any shares for deposit for the issuance of ADSs for 180 days after the date of this prospectus (other than in connection with this offering), without prior written consent from the representatives of the underwriters. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
The representatives, in their sole discretion, may release our ordinary shares and ADSs and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time.
Nasdaq Listing
We are applying to list our ADSs on the Nasdaq under the symbol "VIOT."
Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell ADSs in the open market. These transactions may include short sales in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of ADSs than they are required to purchase in the offering. "Covered" short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional ADSs in the offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional ADSs or purchasing ADSs in the open market. In determining the source of ADSs to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of ADSs available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional ADSs pursuant to the option granted to them. "Naked" short sales are any sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by
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purchasing ADSs in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the ADSs in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for, or purchases of, ADSs made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.
The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased ADSs sold by, or for the account of, such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.
Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the ADSs, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the ADSs. As a result, the price of the ADSs may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they are required to be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, and they may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected on the Nasdaq, the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Electronic Distribution
A prospectus in electronic format will be made available on the websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters or one or more securities dealers. One or more of the underwriters may distribute prospectuses electronically. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of ADSs for sale to their online brokerage account holders. ADSs to be sold pursuant to an Internet distribution will be allocated on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, ADSs may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell ADSs to online brokerage account holders.
Directed ADS Program
At our request, the underwriters have reserved up to 5% of the ADSs being offered by this prospectus (assuming exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional ADSs) for sale at the initial public offering price to certain of our directors, executive officers, employees, business associates and members of their families. The directed ADS program will be administered by Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. We do not know if these individuals will choose to purchase all or any portion of these reserved ADSs, but any purchases they do make will reduce the number of ADSs that are available to the general public. Any reserved ADSs that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other ADSs offered by this prospectus.
Discretionary Sales
The underwriters do not intend sales to discretionary accounts to exceed 5% of the total number of ADSs offered by them.
Indemnification
We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Relationships
The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include the sales and trading of securities, commercial and investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making,
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financing, brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services. Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates may in the future perform a variety of such activities and services for us and for persons or entities with relationships with us for which they received or will receive customary fees, commissions and expenses.
In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates, directors, officers and employees may at any time purchase, sell or hold a broad array of investments, and actively trade securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investment and trading activities may involve or relate to the assets, securities and/or instruments of us (directly, as collateral securing other obligations or otherwise) and/or persons and entities with relationships with us. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such assets, securities or instruments. In addition, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they should acquire, long and short positions in such assets, securities and instruments.
Pricing of the Offering
Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our ordinary shares or ADSs. The initial public offering price was determined by negotiations between us and the representatives of the underwriters. Among the factors considered in determining the initial public offering price of the ADSs, in addition to prevailing market conditions, were our historical performance, estimates of our business potential and earnings prospects, an assessment of our management and the consideration of the above factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses.
Selling Restrictions
No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the United States) that would permit a public offering of the ADSs, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus or any other material relating to us or the ADSs in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the ADSs may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and neither this prospectus nor any other material or advertisements in connection with the ADSs may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any applicable laws, rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.
Australia. This prospectus:
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The ADSs may not be directly or indirectly offered for subscription or purchased or sold, and no invitations to subscribe for or buy the ADSs may be issued, and no draft or definitive offering memorandum, advertisement or other offering material relating to any ADSs may be distributed in Australia, except where disclosure to investors is not required under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act or is otherwise in compliance with all applicable Australian laws and regulations. By submitting an application for the ADSs, you represent and warrant to us that you are an Exempt Investor.
As any offer of ADSs under this prospectus will be made without disclosure in Australia under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act, the offer of those securities for resale in Australia within 12 months may, under section 707 of the Corporations Act, require disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D.2 if none of the exemptions in section 708 applies to that resale. By applying for the ADSs you undertake to us that you will not, for a period of 12 months from the date of issue of the ADSs, offer, transfer, assign or otherwise alienate those securities to investors in Australia except in circumstances where disclosure to investors is not required under Chapter 6D.2 of the Corporations Act or where a compliant disclosure document is prepared and lodged with ASIC.
Bermuda. The ADSs may be offered or sold in Bermuda only in compliance with the provisions of the Investment Business Act of 2003 of Bermuda which regulates the sale of securities in Bermuda. Additionally, non-Bermudian persons (including companies) may not carry on or engage in any trade or business in Bermuda unless such persons are permitted to do so under applicable Bermuda legislation
British Virgin Islands. The ADSs are not being, and may not be offered to the public or to any person in the British Virgin Islands for purchase or subscription by us or on our behalf. The ADSs may be offered to companies incorporated under the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 (British Virgin Islands) (each a BVI Company), but only where the offer will be made to, and received by, the relevant BVI Company entirely outside of the British Virgin Islands.
This prospectus has not been, and will not be, registered with the Financial Services Commission of the British Virgin Islands. No registered prospectus has been or will be prepared in respect of the ADSs for the purposes of the Securities and Investment Business Act, 2010, or SIBA or the Public Issuers Code of the British Virgin Islands.
The ADSs may be offered to persons located in the British Virgin Islands who are "qualified investors" for the purposes of SIBA. Qualified investors include (i) certain entities which are regulated by the Financial Services Commission in the British Virgin Islands, including banks, insurance companies, licensees under SIBA and public, professional and private mutual funds; (ii) a company, any securities of which are listed on a recognised exchange; and (iii) persons defined as "professional investors" under SIBA, which is any person (a) whose ordinary business involves, whether for that person's own account or the account of others, the acquisition or disposal of property of the same kind as the property, or a substantial part of our property; or (b) who has signed a declaration that he, whether individually or jointly with his spouse, has a net worth in excess of US$1,000,000 and that he consents to being treated as a professional investor.
Canada
Resale restrictions
The distribution of the ADSs in Canada is being made only in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia on a private placement basis exempt from the requirement that we prepare and file a prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each province where trades of the ADSs are made. Any resale of the ADSs in Canada must be made under applicable securities laws which may vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made under available statutory exemptions or under a discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authority. Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the securities.
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Representations of canadian purchasers
By purchasing ADSs in Canada and accepting delivery of a purchase confirmation, a purchaser is representing to us and the dealer from whom the purchase confirmation is received that:
Conflicts of interest
Canadian purchasers are hereby notified that the underwriters are relying on the exemption set out in section 3A.3 or 3A.4, if applicable, of National Instrument 33-105Underwriting Conflicts from having to provide certain conflict of interest disclosure in this prospectus.
Statutory rights of action
Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if the offering memorandum (including any amendment thereto) such as this prospectus contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory. The purchaser of these securities in Canada should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.
Enforcement of legal rights
All of our directors and officers as well as the experts named herein may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of process within Canada upon us or those persons. All or a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of those persons may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against us or those persons in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian courts against us or those persons outside of Canada.
Taxation and eligibility for investment
Canadian purchasers of ADSs should consult their own legal and tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of an investment in the ADSs in their particular circumstances and about the eligibility of the ADSs for investment by the purchaser under relevant Canadian legislation.
Cayman Islands. This prospectus does not constitute a public offer of the ADSs or ordinary shares, whether by way of sale or subscription, in the Cayman Islands. ADSs or ordinary shares have not been offered or sold, and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the Cayman Islands.
Dubai International Financial Centre ("DIFC"). This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Markets Rules 2012 of the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA"). This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Markets Rules 2012 of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this
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prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for this prospectus. The securities to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered should conduct their own due diligence on the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.
In relation to its use in the DIFC, this prospectus is strictly private and confidential and is being distributed to a limited number of investors and must not be provided to any person other than the original recipient, and may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose. The interests in the securities may not be offered or sold directly or indirectly to the public in the DIFC.
European Economic Area.
Prohibition of sales to EEA Retail Investors
The ADSs are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC (as amended, the "Insurance Mediation Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, the "Prospectus Directive"). Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.
Information to distributors
Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("MiFID II"); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017 /593 supplementing MiFID II; and (c) local implementing measures (together, the "MiFID II Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, ADSs have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that such ADSs are: (i) compatible with an end target market of retail investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by MiFID II (the "Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, Distributors should note that: the price of the ADSs may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the ADSs offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the ADSs is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Offer. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, the joint bookrunners will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the ADSs.
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Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the ADSs and determining appropriate distribution channels.
Hong Kong. The ADSs may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), (ii) to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules promulgated thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the ADSs may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to ADSs which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules promulgated thereunder.
Japan. ADSs will not be offered or sold directly or indirectly in Japan or to, or for the benefit of any Japanese person or to others, for re-offering or re-sale directly or indirectly in Japan or to any Japanese person, except in each case pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan and any other applicable laws, rules and regulations of Japan. For purposes of this paragraph, "Japanese person" means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.
Korea. The ADSs have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Investments Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea and the decrees and regulations thereunder (the "FSCMA"), and the ADSs have been and will be offered in Korea as a private placement under the FSCMA. None of the ADSs may be offered, sold or delivered directly or indirectly, or offered or sold to any person for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Korea or to any resident of Korea except pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations of Korea, including the FSCMA and the Foreign Exchange Transaction Law of Korea and the decrees and regulations thereunder (the "FETL"). Furthermore, the purchaser of the ADSs shall comply with all applicable regulatory requirements (including but not limited to requirements under the FETL) in connection with the purchase of the ADSs. By the purchase of the ADSs, the relevant holder thereof will be deemed to represent and warrant that if it is in Korea or is a resident of Korea, it purchased the ADSs pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations of Korea.
Kuwait. Unless all necessary approvals from the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry required by Law No. 31/1990 "Regulating the Negotiation of Securities and Establishment of Investment Funds," its Executive Regulations and the various Ministerial Orders issued pursuant thereto or in connection therewith, have been given in relation to the marketing and sale of the ADSs, these may not be marketed, offered for sale, nor sold in the State of Kuwait. Neither this prospectus (including any related document), nor any of the information contained therein is intended to lead to the conclusion of any contract of whatsoever nature within Kuwait.
Malaysia. No prospectus or other offering material or document in connection with the offer and sale of the ADSs has been or will be registered with the Securities Commission of Malaysia ("Commission") for the Commission's approval pursuant to the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the ADSs may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the ADSs be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Malaysia other than (i) a closed end fund approved by the Commission; (ii) a holder of a Capital Markets Services Licence; (iii) a person who acquires the ADSs, as principal, if the offer is on terms that the ADSs may only be acquired at a consideration of not less than RM250,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) for each transaction; (iv) an individual whose total net personal
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assets or total net joint assets with his or her spouse exceeds RM3 million (or its equivalent in foreign currencies), excluding the value of the primary residence of the individual; (v) an individual who has a gross annual income exceeding RM300,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) per annum in the preceding twelve months; (vi) an individual who, jointly with his or her spouse, has a gross annual income of RM400,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies), per annum in the preceding twelve months; (vii) a corporation with total net assets exceeding RM10 million (or its equivalent in a foreign currencies) based on the last audited accounts; (viii) a partnership with total net assets exceeding RM10 million (or its equivalent in foreign currencies); (ix) a bank licensee or insurance licensee as defined in the Labuan Financial Services and Securities Act 2010; (x) an Islamic bank licensee or takaful licensee as defined in the Labuan Financial Services and Securities Act 2010; and (xi) any other person as may be specified by the Commission; provided that, in the each of the preceding categories (i) to (xi), the distribution of the ADSs is made by a holder of a Capital Markets Services Licence who carries on the business of dealing in securities. The distribution in Malaysia of this prospectus is subject to Malaysian laws. This prospectus does not constitute and may not be used for the purpose of public offering or an issue, offer for subscription or purchase, invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities requiring the registration of a prospectus with the Commission under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007.
People's Republic of China. This prospectus may not be circulated or distributed in the PRC and the ADSs may not be offered or sold, and will not be offered or sold directly or indirectly to any resident of the PRC or for the benefit of, legal or natural persons of the PRC except pursuant to applicable laws and regulations of the PRC. Further, no legal or natural persons of the PRC may directly or indirectly purchase any of the ADSs or any beneficial interest therein without obtaining all prior PRC's governmental approvals that are required, whether statutorily or otherwise. Persons who come into possession of this prospectus are required by the issuer and its representatives to observe these restrictions. For the purpose of this paragraph, PRC does not include Taiwan and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
Qatar. In the State of Qatar, the offer contained herein is made on an exclusive basis to the specifically intended recipient thereof, upon that person's request and initiative, for personal use only and shall in no way be construed as a general offer for the sale of securities to the public or an attempt to do business as a bank, an investment company or otherwise in the State of Qatar. This prospectus and the underlying securities have not been approved or licensed by the Qatar Central Bank or the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority or any other regulator in the State of Qatar. The information contained in this prospectus shall only be shared with any third parties in Qatar on a need to know basis for the purpose of evaluating the contained offer. Any distribution of this prospectus by the recipient to third parties in Qatar beyond the terms hereof is not permitted and shall be at the liability of such recipient.
Saudi Arabia. This prospectus may not be distributed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia except to such persons as are permitted under the Offers of Securities Regulations issued by the Capital Market Authority. The Capital Market Authority does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of this prospectus, and expressly disclaims any liability whatsoever for any loss arising from, or incurred in reliance upon, any part of this prospectus. Prospective purchasers of the securities offered hereby should conduct their own due diligence on the accuracy of the information relating to the securities. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial adviser.
Singapore. This prospectus or any other offering material relating to our ADSs has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore, or the SFA. Accordingly, (a) our ADSs have not been, and will not be, offered or sold or made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase of such ADSs in Singapore, and (b) this prospectus or any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of our ADSs have not been and will not be circulated or distributed, whether directly or indirectly, to the public or any member of the public in Singapore other than (i) to an
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institutional investor as specified in Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275 of the SFA) and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
South Africa. Due to restrictions under the securities laws of South Africa, the ADSs are not offered, and the offer shall not be transferred, sold, renounced or delivered, in South Africa or to a person with an address in South Africa, unless one or other of the following exemptions applies:
No "offer to the public" (as such term is defined in the South African Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008 (as amended or re-enacted) (the "South African Companies Act")) in South Africa is being made in connection with the issue of the ADSs. Accordingly, this document does not, nor is it intended to, constitute a "registered prospectus" (as that term is defined in the South African Companies Act) prepared and registered under the South African Companies Act and has not been approved by, and/or filed with, the South African Companies and Intellectual Property Commission or any other regulatory authority in South Africa. Any issue or offering of the ADSs in South Africa constitutes an offer of the ADSs in South Africa for subscription or sale in South Africa only to persons who fall within the exemption from "offers to the public" set out in section 96(1)(a) of the South African Companies Act. Accordingly, this document must not be acted on or relied on by persons in South Africa who do not fall within section 96(1)(a) of the South African Companies Act (such persons being referred to as "SA Relevant Persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available in South Africa only to SA Relevant Persons and will be engaged in South Africa only with SA relevant persons.
Switzerland. The ADSs will not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This prospectus has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this prospectus nor any other offering or marketing material relating to our company or the ADSs have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this prospectus will not be filed with, and the offer of the ADSs will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, and the offer of the ADSs has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (the "CISA"). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of the ADSs.
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Taiwan. The ADSs have not been and will not be registered with the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan pursuant to relevant securities laws and regulations and may not be sold, issued or offered within Taiwan through a public offering or in circumstances which constitutes an offer within the meaning of the Securities and Exchange Act of Taiwan that requires a registration or approval of the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan. No person or entity in Taiwan has been authorised to offer, sell, give advice regarding or otherwise intermediate the offering and sale of the ADSs in Taiwan.
United Arab Emirates. The ADSs have not been offered or sold, and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the United Arab Emirates, except: (1) in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates; and (2) through persons or corporate entities authorized and licensed to provide investment advice and/or engage in brokerage activity and/or trade in respect of foreign securities in the United Arab Emirates. The information contained in this prospectus does not constitute a public offer of securities in the United Arab Emirates in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1984 (as amended)) or otherwise and is not intended to be a public offer and is addressed only to persons who are sophisticated investors.
United Kingdom. This prospectus is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (1) persons who are outside the United Kingdom; (2) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order"); or (3) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons falling within (1)-(3) together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The ADSs are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire the ADSs will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this prospectus or any of its contents.
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EXPENSES RELATED TO THIS OFFERING
Set forth below is an itemization of the total expenses, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, that we expect to incur in connection with this offering. With the exception of the SEC registration fee, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, filing fee, and the Nasdaq market entry and listing fee, all amounts are estimates.
SEC Registration Fee |
US$ | 17,954 | ||
FINRA Filing Fee |
22,132 | |||
Nasdaq Market Entry and Listing Fee |
143,750 | |||
Printing and Engraving Expenses |
260,000 | |||
Legal Fees and Expenses |
1,800,000 | |||
Accounting Fees and Expenses |
1,100,000 | |||
Miscellaneous |
500,000 | |||
| | | | |
Total |
US$ | 3,843,836 | ||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
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We are being represented by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP with respect to certain legal matters as to United States federal securities and New York State law. The underwriters are being represented by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP with respect to certain legal matters as to United States federal securities and New York State law. The validity of the ordinary shares represented by the ADSs offered in this offering will be passed upon for us by Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP. Certain legal matters as to PRC law will be passed upon for us by Han Kun Law Offices and for the underwriters by Zhong Lun Law Firm. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP may rely upon Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP with respect to matters governed by Cayman Islands law and Han Kun Law Offices with respect to matters governed by PRC law. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP may rely upon Zhong Lun Law Firm with respect to matters governed by PRC law.
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The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2017 included in this prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The registered business address of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP is 6/F DBS Bank Tower, 1318, Lu Jia Zui Ring Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement, including relevant exhibits, with the SEC on Form F-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the underlying ordinary shares represented by the ADSs to be sold in this offering. We have also filed a related registration statement on Form F-6 with the SEC to register the ADSs. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement on Form F-1, does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement. You should read our registration statements and their exhibits and schedules for further information with respect to us and our ADSs.
Immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form F-1 of which this prospectus forms a part, we will become subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we will be required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC. All information filed with the SEC can be obtained over the internet at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC.
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VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Viomi Technology Co., Ltd
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Viomi Technology Co., Ltd and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income, of changes in shareholders' deficit and of cash flows for the years then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/
PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP
Guangzhou, the People's Republic of China
June 26, 2018, except for the effects of the share split discussed in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is August 28, 2018
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2018.
F-2
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
|
|
As of December 31, | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note | 2016 | 2017 | 2017 | ||||||||
|
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
(Note2(e))
|
||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
4 | 156,930 | 279,952 | 42,307 | ||||||||
Accounts receivable from third parties (net of allowance of nil and nil as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
| 4,348 | 657 | |||||||||
Accounts receivable from a related party (net of allowance of nil and nil as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
15 | 45,021 | 249,548 | 37,713 | ||||||||
Other receivables from related parties (net of allowance of nil and nil as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
15 | 35,481 | 57,608 | 8,706 | ||||||||
Inventories |
5 | 24,196 | 50,692 | 7,661 | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
6 | 14,538 | 23,283 | 3,519 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current assets |
276,166 | 665,431 | 100,563 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
7 | 3,532 | 3,086 | 466 | ||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
10 | 2,247 | 3,048 | 461 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-current assets |
5,779 | 6,134 | 927 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets |
281,945 | 671,565 | 101,490 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders' (deficit) equity |
||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||||||
Accounts payable (including accounts payable of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB73,029 and RMB291,643 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
73,029 | 291,643 | 44,074 | |||||||||
Advances from customers (including advances from customers of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB7,703 and RMB27,015 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
7,703 | 27,015 | 4,083 | |||||||||
Amounts due to related parties (including amounts due to related parties of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB32,274 and RMB35,953 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
15 | 32,274 | 35,953 | 5,433 | ||||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (including accrued expenses and other liabilities of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of RMB18,158 and RMB60,953 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
8 | 19,330 | 61,424 | 9,284 | ||||||||
Share-based compensation liabilities (including share-based compensation liabilities of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of nil and nil as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
13 | 4,550 | 4,738 | 716 | ||||||||
Income tax payables (including income tax payables of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of nil and RMB11,612 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
| 11,612 | 1,755 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
136,886 | 432,385 | 65,345 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (including accrued expenses and other liabilities of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Group of nil and RMB460 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
8 | | 460 | 70 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total non-current liabilities |
| 460 | 70 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
136,886 | 432,845 | 65,415 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies |
17 |
F-3
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
|
|
As of December 31, | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note | 2016 | 2017 | 2017 | ||||||||
|
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
(Note2(e))
|
||||||||
Mezzanine equity |
||||||||||||
Class B redeemable convertible ordinary shares ("Class B Ordinary Shares") (US$0.00001 par value; 1,352,727,280 shares authorized and 135,272,728 shares issued as of December 31, 2016 and 2017; 84,545,455 shares outstanding , and liquidation value of RMB9,306 as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017) |
12, 13 | 272,720 | 256,883 | 38,821 | ||||||||
Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares ("Series A Preferred Shares") (US$0.00001 par value; 181,818,180 shares authorized, and 18,181,818 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2017; liquidation value of RMB183,453 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
12 | 151,279 | 151,045 | 22,826 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total mezzanine equity |
423,999 | 407,928 | 61,647 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' deficit |
||||||||||||
Class A ordinary shares (US$0.00001 par value; 3,465,454,540 shares authorized and 33,818,182 shares issued as of December 31, 2016 and 2017; 16,909,090 and 25,363,636 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
11, 13 | 1 | 2 | | ||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
6,040 | 9,679 | 1,463 | |||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(247,875 | ) | (160,885 | ) | (24,314 | ) | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(37,106 | ) | (18,004 | ) | (2,721 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' deficit |
(278,940 | ) | (169,208 | ) | (25,572 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders' (deficit) equity |
281,945 | 671,565 | 101,490 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
|
|
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note | 2016 | 2017 | 2017 | ||||||||
|
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
(Note 2(e))
|
||||||||
Net revenues: |
||||||||||||
A related party |
15 | 299,827 | 739,464 | 111,750 | ||||||||
Third parties |
12,747 | 133,755 | 20,214 | |||||||||
Total net revenues |
9 | 312,574 | 873,219 | 131,964 | ||||||||
Cost of revenues: |
||||||||||||
Purchase from a related party |
(1,321 | ) | (1,296 | ) | (196 | ) | ||||||
Purchase from third parties |
(231,223 | ) | (596,740 | ) | (90,181 | ) | ||||||
Total cost of revenues |
9 | (232,544 | ) | (598,036 | ) | (90,377 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit |
80,030 | 275,183 | 41,587 | |||||||||
Operating expenses (1) : |
||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
(29,926 | ) | (60,749 | ) | (9,181 | ) | ||||||
Selling and marketing expenses (including RMB166 and RMB3,327 with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
(20,929 | ) | (95,296 | ) | (14,401 | ) | ||||||
General and administrative expenses |
(14,386 | ) | (15,818 | ) | (2,390 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses |
(65,241 | ) | (171,863 | ) | (25,972 | ) | ||||||
Other (expenses) income |
(481 | ) | 2,236 | 338 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from operations |
14,308 | 105,556 | 15,953 | |||||||||
Interest (expenses) income (including net interest expense of RMB1,489 and RMB1,271 with related parties for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
(296 | ) | 2,402 | 363 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income before income tax benefit (expenses) |
14,012 | 107,958 | 16,316 | |||||||||
Income tax benefit (expenses) |
10 | 2,247 | (14,718 | ) | (2,224 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
16,259 | 93,240 | 14,092 | |||||||||
Net income attributable to Viomi Technology Co., Ltd (the "Company") |
16,259 | 93,240 | 14,092 | |||||||||
Accretion of Series A Preferred Shares |
12 | (8,221 | ) | (8,834 | ) | (1,335 | ) | |||||
Cumulative dividend on Series A Preferred Shares |
12 | (10,628 | ) | (10,803 | ) | (1,633 | ) | |||||
Cumulative dividend on Class B Ordinary Shares |
12 | (863 | ) | (877 | ) | (133 | ) | |||||
Undistributed earnings allocated to Series A Preferred Shares |
12 | | (7,061 | ) | (1,067 | ) | ||||||
Undistributed earnings allocated to Class B Ordinary Shares |
12 | | (52,533 | ) | (7,939 | ) | ||||||
Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested Class A ordinary shares |
12 | | (5,099 | ) | (771 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company |
(3,453 | ) | 8,033 | 1,214 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
16,259 | 93,240 | 14,092 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax |
||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
(23,080 | ) | 19,102 | 2,887 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive (loss) income |
(6,821 | ) | 112,342 | 16,979 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company: |
||||||||||||
Net (loss) income per ordinary share-basic |
14 | (0.28 | ) | 0.39 | 0.06 | |||||||
Net (loss) income per ordinary share-diluted |
14 | (0.28 | ) | 0.31 | 0.05 | |||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net (loss) income per share |
||||||||||||
Ordinary sharesbasic |
14 | 12,230,136 | 20,684,681 | 20,684,681 | ||||||||
Ordinary sharesdiluted |
14 | 12,230,136 | 25,579,806 | 25,579,806 |
|
|
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note | 2016 | 2017 | 2017 | ||||||||
|
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
(Note2(e))
|
||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
13 | 6,863 | 3,303 | 499 | ||||||||
Research and development expenses |
13 | 3,464 | 1,903 | 288 | ||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
13 | 251 | 615 | 93 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
|
Class A Ordinary
Shares |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Additional
Paid-in Capital |
Accumulated
Deficit |
Total
Shareholders' Deficit |
||||||||||||||||
|
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2016 |
8,454,544 | | 3,272 | (264,134 | ) | (14,026 | ) | (274,888 | ) | ||||||||||
Vesting of Restricted Class A ordinary shares |
8,454,546 | 1 | 677 | | | 678 | |||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 16,259 | | 16,259 | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation related to Restricted Shares |
| | 6,144 | | | 6,144 | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation related to 2015 Share Incentive Plan |
| | 4,168 | | | 4,168 | |||||||||||||
Accretion of Series A Preferred Shares |
| | (8,221 | ) | | | (8,221 | ) | |||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
| | | | (23,080 | ) | (23,080 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2016 |
16,909,090 | 1 | 6,040 | (247,875 | ) | (37,106 | ) | (278,940 | ) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of January 1, 2017 |
16,909,090 | 1 | 6,040 | (247,875 | ) | (37,106 | ) | (278,940 | ) | ||||||||||
Vesting of Restricted Class A ordinary shares |
8,454,546 | 1 | 688 | | | 689 | |||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 93,240 | | 93,240 | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation related to Restricted Shares |
| | 2,718 | | | 2,718 | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation related to 2015 Share Incentive Plan |
| | 2,817 | | | 2,817 | |||||||||||||
Statutory reserve |
| | 6,250 | (6,250 | ) | | | ||||||||||||
Accretion of Series A Preferred Shares |
| | (8,834 | ) | | | (8,834 | ) | |||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
| | | | 19,102 | 19,102 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2017 |
25,363,636 | 2 | 9,679 | (160,885 | ) | (18,004 | ) | (169,208 | ) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
|
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | |||||||
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||
|
|
|
(Note 2(e))
|
|||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
||||||||||
Net income |
16,259 | 93,240 | 14,092 | |||||||
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1,222 | 1,680 | 254 | |||||||
Inventory write-down |
1,658 | 81 | 12 | |||||||
Share-based compensation |
10,578 | 5,821 | 880 | |||||||
Deferred income tax benefit |
(2,247 | ) | (801 | ) | (121 | ) | ||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities |
||||||||||
Accounts receivable from third parties |
| (4,348 | ) | (657 | ) | |||||
Accounts receivable from a related party |
(33,084 | ) | (204,527 | ) | (30,909 | ) | ||||
Inventories |
(3,267 | ) | (26,577 | ) | (4,016 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(7,408 | ) | (8,745 | ) | (1,322 | ) | ||||
Other receivables from related parties |
847 | (25,771 | ) | (3,895 | ) | |||||
Amounts due to related parties |
(66 | ) | 1,179 | 178 | ||||||
Accounts payable |
12,111 | 218,614 | 33,038 | |||||||
Advances from customers |
7,702 | 19,312 | 2,918 | |||||||
Income tax payables |
| 11,612 | 1,755 | |||||||
Accrued expense and other liabilities |
11,194 | 43,136 | 6,518 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash provided by Operating Activities |
15,499 | 123,906 | 18,725 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
||||||||||
Purchase of equipment |
(1,609 | ) | (1,234 | ) | (186 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash used in Investing Activities |
(1,609 | ) | (1,234 | ) | (186 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
||||||||||
Proceeds received from issuance of Series A Preferred Shares |
12,999 | | | |||||||
Cash received from a shareholder |
| 2,671 | 404 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash provided by Financing Activities |
12,999 | 2,671 | 404 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
2,913 | (2,321 | ) | (351 | ) | |||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
29,802 | 123,022 | 18,592 | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year |
127,128 | 156,930 | 23,715 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year |
156,930 | 279,952 | 42,307 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
||||||||||
Cash paid for income tax |
| 3,907 | 590 | |||||||
Cash paid for interest expense |
1,790 | 1,785 | 270 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
Viomi Technology Co., Ltd (the "Company") is a holding company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands in January 2015. The Company, through its consolidated subsidiaries and variable interest entities ("VIEs") (collectively referred to as the "Group") is primarily engaged in the operation of developing and selling Internet-of-things-enabled ("IoT-enabled") smart home products in the People's Republic of China ("the PRC").
(a) History and Reorganization
The Group commenced its operations in May 2014 through Foshan Yunmi Electric Appliances Technology Co., Ltd. ("Foshan Viomi"), a PRC company established by Mr. Chen Xiaoping ("Mr. Chen" or the "Founder"), and Tianjin Jinxing Investment Co., Ltd. ("Tianjin Jinxing"), a subsidiary of Xiaomi Corporation ("Xiaomi"), who is an investor of the Company. Mr. Chen and Tianjin Jinxing invested RMB7,500 and RMB5,000 to establish Foshan Viomi and held 60% and 40% initial equity interests, respectively. Included in the RMB7,500 invested by Mr. Chen, RMB2,500 was invested by certain key management founders and held by Mr. Chen on their behalf (The key management founders, together with Mr. Chen are referred to "the Founders"). The Group has undertaken its reorganization ("Reorganization") as detailed below.
In January 2015, the Company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands, Viomi HK Technology Co., Limited ("Viomi HK") was incorporated in Hong Kong as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd. ("Beijing Viomi") was set up as a domestic company. In May 2015, Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd ("Lequan") was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Viomi HK in the PRC.
In July 2015, the Company issued 33,818,182 class A ordinary shares to exchange the interest of RMB2,500 in Foshan Viomi held by Mr. Chen on behalf of key management founders, 67,636,364 Class B Ordinary Shares to exchange the interest of RMB5,000 in Foshan Viomi owned by Mr. Chen, and 67,636,364 Class B Ordinary Shares to Red Better Limited ("Red Better"), a subsidiary of Xiaomi, and Shunwei Talent Limited ("Shunwei"), to exchange the interest of RMB5,000 held by Tianjin Jinxing. Concurrently, the Company obtained control over Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi through Lequan by entering into a series of contractual arrangements with Foshan Viomi, Beijing Viomi and their shareholders as detailed in note 1(b). As a result, Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi became the consolidated VIEs of the Group. The Reorganization lacks substance and should be treated as a non-substantive merger with no change in the basis of assets and liabilities of Foshan Viomi.
In addition, the Company issued 18,181,818 Series A Preferred Shares at the issue price of US$1.1 per share to a group of investors for considerations of US$20,000, including conversion of the outstanding bridge loans of US$5,250, which was provided by the same investors during January 2015 to July 2015. The remaining consideration was fully received in cash.
F-8
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)
As of December 31, 2017, details of the Company's subsidiaries and VIEs were as follows:
|
Place of
incorporation |
Date of
incorporation |
Percentage
of beneficial ownership |
Principal activities | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Subsidiaries : |
||||||||
Viomi HK |
Hong Kong | January 30, 2015 | 100% | Investment holding | ||||
Lequan |
PRC | May 15, 2015 | 100% | Investment holding | ||||
VIEs: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Foshan Viomi |
PRC | May 6, 2014 | 100% | Home appliance development and sales | ||||
Beijing Viomi |
PRC | January 12, 2015 | 100% | No substantial business | ||||
Subsidiaries of Foshan Viomi: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Foshan Xiaoxian Electrical Technology Co., Ltd. ("Xiaoxian") |
PRC | October 12, 2016 | VIE's subsidiary | No substantial business | ||||
Foshan Discovery Electrical Technology Co., Ltd.("Discovery") |
PRC | March 10, 2017 | VIE's subsidiary | No substantial business |
(b) VIE Arrangements between the VIEs and the Company's PRC subsidiary
The Company, through Lequan, entered into the following contractual arrangements with Foshan Viomi, Beijing Viomi and their shareholders that enable the Company through its PRC subsidiary to (1) have power to direct the activities that most significantly affects the economic performance of the VIEs, through the exercise of the shareholders' rights under the shareholder voting proxy agreement as the shareholders' meetings of the VIEs appoint the board of directors of the VIEs, and (2) receive the economic benefits of the VIEs that could be significant to the VIEs through the exclusive consultation and service agreement. Accordingly, Lequan is considered the primary beneficiary of the VIEs and has consolidated the VIEs' financial results of operations, assets and liabilities in the Company's consolidated financial statements. In making the conclusion that Lequan is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs, the Company believes Lequan's rights under the terms of the option agreement provide it with a substantive kick-out right. As advised by the Company's PRC legal counsel, the Company believes the terms of the option agreement are valid, binding and enforceable under PRC laws and regulations currently in effect. The Company also believes that the consideration which is the minimum amount permitted by the applicable PRC law to exercise the option does not represent a financial barrier or disincentive for Lequan to currently exercise its rights under the exclusive option agreement.
A simple majority vote of Lequan's board of directors is required to pass a resolution to exercise Lequan's rights under the option agreement, for which Mr. Chen's, the CEO of the Company, consent is not required. Lequan's rights under the option agreement give Lequan the power to control the shareholders of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi. In addition, Lequan's rights under the shareholder voting proxy agreement also reinforce Lequan's abilities to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs' economic performance. The Company also believes that this ability to exercise control ensures that the VIEs will continue to execute consultation and service agreements and also ensures that consultation and service agreements will be executed and renewed indefinitely unless a written agreement is signed by all parties to terminate it or a mandatory termination is requested by PRC laws or regulations. Lequan has the rights to receive substantially all of the economic benefits from the VIEs.
F-9
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)
Exclusive consultation and service agreement. In July 2015, Lequan entered into exclusive consultation and service agreements with Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi respectively to enable Lequan to receive substantially all of the economic benefits of the VIEs. Under the exclusive consultation and service agreements, Lequan has the exclusive right to provide or designate any entity affiliated with it to provide VIEs the technical and business support services, including information technology support, hardware management and updates, software development, maintenance and updates and other operating services. The exclusive consultation and service agreement could be indefinitely effective unless a written agreement is signed by all parties to terminate it or a mandatory termination is requested by PRC laws or regulations. The exclusive consultation and service agreement was effective in July 2015. The consultation and service agreement will remain effective until all equity interests and assets in Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi are sold to Lequan or the party designated by Lequan. Under this arrangement, Lequan has the sole discretion to receive an annual service fee at an amount up to 100% of the annual net income of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi. In addition, Lequan is entitled to receive certain other technical service fees at the amount mutually agreed upon by Lequan and the respective VIE.
Equity pledge agreement. Pursuant to the equity pledge agreements in July 2015 among Foshan Viomi, Beijing Viomi, all of their shareholders and Lequan, all shareholders of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi agreed to pledge their equity interests in Foshan Viomi or Beijing Viomi to Lequan to secure the performance of the VIEs' obligations under the existing exclusive option agreement, shareholder voting proxy agreement, exclusive consulting and service agreement and also the equity pledge agreement. The Pledge will remain binding until Foshan Viomi, Beijing Viomi and their shareholders discharge all their obligations under the contractual agreements.
Exclusive option agreement. Pursuant to the exclusive option agreements entered into in July 2015 among Lequan, Foshan Viomi, Beijing Viomi and their shareholders, the shareholders of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi are obligated to sell their equity interest to Lequan. Lequan has the exclusive and irrevocable right to purchase, or cause the shareholders of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi to sell to the party designated by Lequan, in Lequan's sole discretion, all of the shareholders' equity interests or any assets in Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi when and to the extent that applicable PRC law permits Lequan to own such equity interests and assets in Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi. The price to be paid by Lequan or any party designated by Lequan will be the minimum amount of consideration permitted by applicable PRC law at the time when such transaction occurs. All of the shareholders promised and agreed that they will refund the consideration once received to Lequan or any party designated by Lequan within 10 working days. Also, the shareholders of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi should try their best to help Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi develop well and are prohibited from transferring, pledging, intentionally terminating significant contracts or otherwise disposing of any significant assets in Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi without the Lequan's prior written consent. The exclusive option agreement will remain effective until all equity interests and assets in Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi are sold to Lequan or the party designated by Lequan.
Shareholder voting proxy agreement. On July 21, 2015, all of the shareholders of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi have executed a shareholder voting proxy agreement with Lequan, Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi, whereby all of the shareholders irrevocably appoint and constitute the person designated by
F-10
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)
Lequan as their attorney-in-fact to exercise on their behalf any and all rights that the shareholders have in respect of their equity interests in Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi. The shareholder voting proxy agreement will be indefinitely effective unless all parties decide to terminate it by written agreement.
Management therefore concluded that the Company, through its PRC subsidiary and the above contractual arrangements, has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs' economic performance, bears the risks of and enjoys the rewards normally associated with ownership of the VIEs, and therefore the Company is the ultimate primary beneficiary of these VIEs. Consequently, the financial results of the VIEs were included in the Group's consolidated financial statements.
Risks in relation to VIE structure
The Company believes that the contractual arrangements between Lequan and its VIEs and their respective shareholders are in compliance with PRC laws and regulations and are legally enforceable. However, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit Lequan's ability to enforce the contractual arrangements. If the legal structure and contractual arrangements were found to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations, the PRC government could:
The Company's ability to conduct its business may be negatively affected if the PRC government were to carry out any of the aforementioned actions. As a result, the Company may not be able to consolidate its VIEs in its consolidated financial statements as it may lose the ability to exert effective control over the VIEs and their respective shareholders and it may lose the ability to receive economic benefits from the VIEs. The Company, however, does not believe such actions would result in the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, its PRC subsidiary or VIEs.
Mr. Chen is the largest shareholder of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi, and Mr. Chen is also the largest beneficiary owner of the Company. The interests of Mr. Chen as the largest beneficiary owner of the VIEs may differ from the interests of the Company as a whole, since Mr. Chen is only one of the beneficiary shareholders of the Company. The Company cannot assert that when conflicts of interest arise, Mr. Chen will act in the best interests of the Company or that conflicts of interests will be resolved in the
F-11
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)
Company's favor. Currently, the Company does not have existing arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest Mr. Chen may encounter in his capacity as a beneficial owner and director of the VIEs, on the one hand, and as a beneficial owner and director of the Company, on the other hand. The Company relies on Mr. Chen, as a director and executive officer of the Company, to fulfill his fiduciary duties and abide by laws of the PRC and Cayman Islands and act in the best interest of the Company. If the Company cannot resolve any conflicts of interest or disputes between the Company and Mr. Chen, the Company would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result in disruption of its business, and there is substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.
In addition, the other current shareholder of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi is also a beneficial owner of the Company and therefore have no current interest in seeking to act contrary to the contractual arrangements. However, to further protect the investors' interest from any risk that the shareholders of the Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi may act contrary to the contractual arrangements, the Company, through Lequan, entered into a shareholder voting proxy agreement with all of the shareholders of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi in July 2015. Through the shareholder voting proxy agreement, all shareholders of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi have entrusted the person designated by Lequan as its proxy to exercise their rights as the shareholders of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi with respect to an aggregate of 100% of the equity interests in Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi.
In January 2015, the Ministry of Commerce ("MOFCOM"), released for public comment a proposed PRC law, the Draft Foreign Investment Enterprises ("FIE") Law, that appears to include VIEs within the scope of entities that could be considered to be FIEs, that would be subject to restrictions under existing PRC law on foreign investment in certain categories of industry. Specifically, the Draft FIE Law introduces the concept of "actual control" for determining whether an entity is considered to be an FIE. In addition to control through direct or indirect ownership or equity, the Draft FIE Law includes control through contractual arrangements within the definition of "actual control". If the Draft FIE Law is passed by the People's Congress of the PRC and goes into effect in its current form, these provisions regarding control through contractual arrangements could be construed to include the Group's contractual arrangements with its VIEs, and as a result, the Group's VIEs could become explicitly subject to the current restrictions on foreign investment in certain categories of industry. The Draft FIE Law includes provisions that would exempt from the definition of FIEs where the ultimate controlling shareholders are either entities organized under PRC law or individuals who are PRC citizens. The Draft FIE Law is silent as to what type of enforcement action might be taken against existing VIE, that operates in restricted or prohibited industries and is not controlled by entities organized under PRC law or individuals who are PRC citizens. If the restrictions and prohibitions on FIEs included in the Draft FIE Law are enacted and enforced in their current form, the Group's ability to use the contractual arrangements with its VIEs and the Group's ability to conduct business through the VIEs could be severely limited.
The following table sets forth the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the VIEs and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, which were included in the Group's consolidated balance sheets and
F-12
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)
consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income. Transactions between the VIEs and its subsidiaries are eliminated in the financial information presented below:
|
As of December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
88,333 | 210,280 | |||||
Accounts receivable from third parties (net of allowance of nil and nil as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
| 4,348 | |||||
Accounts receivable from a related party (net of allowance of nil and nil as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
45,021 | 249,548 | |||||
Other receivables from related parties (net of allowance of nil and nil as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
475 | 24,160 | |||||
Inventories |
24,196 | 50,692 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
14,424 | 22,986 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total current assets |
172,449 | 562,014 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net |
3,532 | 3,086 | |||||
Deferred tax assets |
2,247 | 3,048 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total non-current assets |
5,779 | 6,134 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total assets |
178,228 | 568,148 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Accounts payable |
73,029 | 291,643 | |||||
Advances from customers |
7,703 | 27,015 | |||||
Amounts due to related parties |
32,274 | 35,953 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
18,158 | 60,953 | |||||
Income tax payables |
| 11,612 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
131,164 | 427,176 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
| 460 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total non-current liabilities |
| 460 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
131,164 | 427,636 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Revenue |
312,523 | 873,083 | |||||
Net income |
16,295 | 92,159 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities |
13,146 | 123,182 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(1,609 | ) | (1,234 | ) | |||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
12,999 | |
F-13
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") to reflect the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Group. Significant accounting policies followed by the Group in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are summarized below.
(b) Consolidation
The Group's consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries and VIEs for which the Company or its subsidiary is the primary beneficiary. All transactions and balances among the Company, its subsidiaries and VIEs have been eliminated upon consolidation.
A subsidiary is an entity in which the Company, directly or indirectly, controls more than one half of the voting powers; or has the power to appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board of directors; or to cast a majority of votes at the meeting of directors; or has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the investee under a statute or agreement among the shareholders or equity holders.
A VIE is an entity in which the Company, or its subsidiary, through contractual agreements, bears the risks of, and enjoys the rewards normally associated with ownership of the entity, and therefore the Company or its subsidiary is the primary beneficiary of the entity. In determining whether the Company or its subsidiaries are the primary beneficiary, the Company considered whether it has the power to direct activities that are significant to the VIE's economic performance, and also the Company's obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Lequan and ultimately the Company hold all the variable interests of the VIE and has been determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE.
(c) Use of estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Group's consolidated financial statements include inventory valuation, product warranties, share-based compensation, fair value of preferred shares, and the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets and income tax. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements.
(d) Foreign currency translation
The Group uses Renminbi ("RMB") as its reporting currency. The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiary incorporated in Hong Kong is United States dollar ("US$"), while the functional currency of the Group's entities in the PRC is RMB, which is their respective local currency. In the consolidated financial statements, the financial information of the Company and its subsidiary in Hong Kong, which use US$ as their functional currency, have been translated into RMB. Assets and liabilities
F-14
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
are translated at the exchange rates on the balance sheet date, equity amounts are translated at historical exchange rates, and revenues, expenses, and incomes are translated using the average exchange rate for the period. Translation adjustments arising from these are reported as foreign currency translation adjustments and are shown as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income in the statement of comprehensive (loss) income.
(e) Convenience Translation
Translations of balances in the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income and consolidated statements of cash flows from RMB into US$ as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 are solely for the convenience of the reader and were calculated at the noon buying rate of US$1.00 = RMB6.6171 on June 29, 2018 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into US$ at that rate on December 31, 2017, or at any other rate.
(f) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash includes currency on hand and deposits held by financial institutions that can be added to or withdrawn without limitation. Cash equivalents represent short-term and highly liquid investments placed with banks, and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, which have both of the following characteristics:
(g) Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at the historical carrying amount net of allowance for doubtful accounts. The Group uses specific identification in providing for bad debts when facts and circumstances indicate that collection is doubtful and a loss is probable and estimable. If the financial conditions of its customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowance may be required.
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts which reflects its best estimate of amounts that potentially will not be collected. The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts on an individual basis taking into consideration various factors including but not limited to historical collection experience and credit-worthiness of the debtors as well as the age of the individual receivables balance. Additionally, the Company makes specific bad debt provisions based on any specific knowledge the Company has acquired that might indicate that an account is uncollectible. The facts and circumstances of each account may require the Company to use substantial judgment in assessing its collectability.
F-15
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
(h) Inventories
The Group procures certain key raw materials and components from suppliers and send the materials to contract manufacturers for manufacture. The Group receives the finished goods from the contract manufacturers. Therefore, inventories of the Group consist of raw materials and finished goods. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value on a weighted average basis. Inventory costs include expenses that are directly or indirectly incurred in the purchase, and production of manufactured product for sale. Expenses include the cost of materials, consignment manufacturing cost and other direct costs. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. The Group assesses the valuation of inventory and periodically writes down the value for estimated excess and obsolete inventory based upon the product life-cycle. Write downs are recorded in cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income.
(i) Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment, if any. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives and residual value. Residual rate is determined based on the economic value of the property and equipment at the end of the estimated useful lives as a percentage of the original cost.
|
Estimated useful lives | Residual rate | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Computers and equipment |
3 years | 5 | % | ||||
Vehicle |
4 years | 5 | % |
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The gain or loss on the disposal of property and equipment is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the relevant assets and is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income.
(j) Leases
Leases where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the lessor are accounted for as operating leases. Rental expense is recognized from the date of initial possession of the leased property on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rental expenses incurred by the Group were RMB0.4 million and RMB1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
The Group has no capital leases for any of the periods presented.
(k) Mezzanine equity
Mezzanine equity represents the Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares issued by the Company. The Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares are redeemable at the holders' option any time after a certain date and were contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of certain liquidation events outside of the Company's control. Therefore, the Group classifies the Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares as mezzanine equity (Note 12).
F-16
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
In accordance with ASC 480-10, the mezzanine equity was initially measured based on its fair value at date of issue. Since the Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares will be redeemable at the holder's option 5 years from issuance if the Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares are not converted, either voluntarily or automatically upon a qualified initial public offering ("Qualified IPO"). The Company accretes changes in the redemption value over the period from the date of issuance to the earliest redemption date of the instrument using the interest method.
Moreover, according to ASC-480-10-S99-2, where fair value at date of issue is less than the mandatory redemption amount, the carrying amount shall be increased by periodic accretions, using the interest method, so that the carrying amount will equal the mandatory redemption amount at the mandatory redemption date. Increase in carrying amount shall be recorded as charges against retained earnings or, in the absence of retained earnings, by charges against additional paid-in capital. As such, the accretion to the carrying amount of preferred share is recognized at minimum rate per annum of issuance price and plus the dividend declared.
(l) Revenue recognition
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)" ("ASU 2014-09") and subsequently, the FASB issued several amendments which amends certain aspects of the guidance in ASC 2014-09 (ASU No. 2014-09 and the related amendments are collectively referred to as "ASC 606"). According to ASC 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised good or service is transferred to the customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Group expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Group will enter into contracts that can include various combinations of products and services, which are generally capable of being distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of allowances for returns and any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities. The Group adopted ASC 606 for all periods presented.
The Group's revenue is primary derived from (i) IoT-enabled smart home products including the flagship smart water purification systems, smart kitchen products, and other smart products, (ii) consumable products complementary to the Group's IoT smart home products, such as water purifier filters, (iii) others including the sales of other related household products such as water quality meters, water filter pitchers, stainless steel insulated water bottles, among others as well as service fees from rendering of installation services. Refer to Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for disaggregation of the Group's revenue by type of product and service for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
The Group conducts its business through various contractual arrangements, including:
F-17
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
then responsible for commercial distributions and terminal sales of the products supplied by the Group.
The following table disaggregates the Group's revenue by type of contract for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017:
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Contract with Xiaomi |
299,827 | 739,464 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Xiaomi-branded products |
280,501 | 654,950 | |||||
Viomi-branded products |
19,326 | 84,514 | |||||
Contracts related to sales through the Group's own and other sales channels |
12,747 | 133,755 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
312,574 | 873,219 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
In
2016 and 2017, the Group generated a majority of its revenues from sales of exclusively designed and manufactured Xiaomi-branded water purifiers and affiliated products to Xiaomi
Telecommunication Technology.
The arrangement includes two installment payments. The first installment is priced to recover the costs incurred by the Group in developing, producing and shipping the products to this customer and is due from the customer to the Group upon acceptance by the customer after delivery. The Group is also entitled to receive a potential second installment payment calculated as 50 percent of the future gross
F-18
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
profits
from commercial sales made by this customer. Accordingly, the Group determines the sales price as the fixed first installment payment plus the variable second installment payment to the extent
that it is probable that revenue reversal will not occur when settling with the customer subsequently. The Group estimates the variable consideration using the expected value method. In assessing the
variable second installment payment, the Group takes into consideration of the historical experience with that customer, that customer's sales price of the same or similar products as at the report
date as well as the recent market trend. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, net revenues earned from second installment payment arrangement were RMB45,726 and RMB110,984,
respectively.
Revenue from Xiaomi Telecommunication Technology is recognized upon acceptance by this customer after delivery, which is considered at the time the control of the products is transferred to Xiaomi Telecommunication Technology. Revenue from Xiaomi Telecommunication Technology does not meet the criteria to be recognized over time since 1) even if the products use "Xiaomi" brand, it does not require significant rework to make them suitable to be sold to other customers, 2) under the cooperation agreement, the Group does not have the right of payment for the work performed to date.
The Group recognizes revenue for each of the distinct performance obligations identified in accordance with the applicable revenue recognition method relevant for that obligation. Revenue relating to the sales of products is recognized upon acceptance by customer after delivery, and revenue relating to the installation service is recognized when the service is rendered. Certain products including Viomi-branded water purifiers require installation before being ready for use. For such products sold through the online store of the Group, online platforms, and offline experience stores operated by the Group's third-party network distributors, the end customers have the right without expiry date, not the obligation, to ask the Group to provide installation service. No separate installation service fee is charged to end customers. The installation service is considered being distinct and accounted for as a separate performance obligation in addition to the sales of products after considering that the products and installation services are not inputs into a combined item the end customer has contracted to receive and the Group can fulfill its promise to transfer each of the products or services separately and does not provide any significant integration, modification, or customization services. However, customers do not always exercise their rights to ask the Group to provide installation services as the installation of Viomi-branded water purifiers is not complicated and could be done by end customers themselves. Therefore, the Group expects to be entitled to a breakage amount in the contract liabilities related to installation services. The Group estimates the breakage portion based on historical customers' requests for provision of installation services after the customers' acceptance of products and recognizes estimated breakage as revenue in proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by end customers. The assessment of estimated breakage would be updated on a quarterly basis. Changes in estimated breakage should be accounted for by adjusting contract liabilities to reflect the remaining rights expected to be exercised. Judgment is required to determine standalone selling price for each distinct performance obligation and the Group then allocates the arrangement consideration to the separate accounting of each distinct performance obligation based on their relative standalone selling price. The standalone selling price of the products, it's determined based on adjusted market assessment approach by estimating the price the customer is willing to pay for the product without
F-19
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
installation service. For the standalone selling price of the installation services, The Group determines it by referring to actual costs charged by the third-party vendors which are engaged by the Group for provision of installation services, plus an estimated profit margin of 5% based on consideration of both company specific and relevant market factors.
The Group recognizes revenue for each of the distinct performance obligations identified in accordance with the applicable revenue recognition method relevant for that obligation. Revenue relating to the sales of products is recognized upon acceptance by customer after delivery, and revenue relating to the installation service is recognized when the service is rendered.
Except for quality problem of the products, the Group does not allow any other reasons for sales return to Xiaomi Telecommunication Technology or sales through offline sales channels. While pursuant to consumer protection law, the Group's end customer have an unconditional right to return the products purchased through online platforms within 7 days. The Group bases its estimates of sales return on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customers, the type of transactions and the specifics of each arrangement. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, the amount of sales return was insignificant. The Group may provide sales incentives in the forms of discounts or cash to end customers through online platforms in a bundle transaction and revenue, recognized on a net basis after such sales incentives, are allocated based on the relative standalone selling prices for respective products. Besides, the Group may also provide sales rebates to certain third-party network distributors based on purchase volume, which are accounted for as variable consideration. The Group estimates these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to the third-party network distributors considering the contracted rebate rates and estimated sales volume based on historical experience, and reduce revenues recognized. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, the amount of sales rebate was insignificant.
The Group offers product warranty pursuant to standard product quality required by consumer protection law. The warranty period is calculated starting from the date when products are sold to the end customers. The Group has the obligation, at the customer's sole discretion, to either repair or replace the defective product. The customers cannot separately purchase the warranty and the warranty doesn't provide the customer with additional service other than assurance that the product will function as expected. Therefore, these warranties are accounted for in accordance with ASC 460 Guarantees. At the time revenue is recognized, an estimate of warranty expenses is recorded. The reserves established are regularly monitored based upon historical experience and any actual claims charged against the reserve. Warranty reserves are recorded as cost of revenues.
Value added taxes ("VAT") on sales is calculated at 17% on revenue from products. The Group reports revenue net of VAT. Subsidiaries and VIEs that are VAT general tax payers are allowed to offset qualified VAT paid against their output VAT liabilities.
F-20
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Only several customers are entitled to a credit term. As the expected length of time between when the Group transfers the promised products to several customers and when they pay for those products is short and there is no difference between the amount of promised consideration and the cash selling price of the promised products, therefore, the Group concludes that the contracts with several customers generally do not include a significant financing component. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Group's best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. The Group determines the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence. There was no activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years presented as several customers are of a good credit reputation and always make the payment timely upon their acceptance of products.
The opening balance of accounts receivable from several customers as of January 1, 2016 was RMB11,937. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, accounts receivable from several customers were RMB45,021 and RMB253,896, respectively.
Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue related to end customers' remaining rights expected to be exercised for asking for the Group's provision of installation services for certain products, where there is still an obligation to be provided by the Group, which will be recognized as revenue when all of the revenue recognition criteria are met.
The opening balance of deferred revenue as of January 1, 2016 was nil. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, deferred revenue were RMB29 and RMB146, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group recognized revenue of installation services amounted to RMB57 and RMB716, respectively. The Group expects to recognize approximately RMB146 of the unearned amount for the Group's remaining performance obligations related to installation services in 2018.
During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group does not have any arrangement where the performance obligations have already been satisfied in the past period, but the corresponding revenue is only recognized in a later period.
(m) Cost of revenues
Cost of revenues consists primarily of material costs, warranty, consignment manufacturing cost, salaries and benefits for staff engaged in production activities and related expenses that are directly attributable to the production of products.
(n) Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits as well as share-based compensation for research and development personnel, materials, general expenses and depreciation expenses associated with research and development activities.
F-21
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
(o) Selling and marketing expenses
Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of (i) advertising and market promotion expenses, (ii) shipping expenses and (iii) salaries and welfare for sales and marketing personnel. The advertising and market promotion expenses amounted to RMB8,065 and RMB39,638 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The shipping expenses amounted to RMB2,633 and RMB20,044 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
(p) General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of (i) share-based compensation for management and administrative personnel, and (ii) salaries and welfare for general and administrative personnel.
(q) Government subsidies
Government subsidies represent government grants received from local government authorities to encourage the Group's technology and innovation. The Group records such government subsidies as other income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income when it has fulfilled all of its obligation related to the subsidy. The Group recorded RMB140 and RMB1,278 of subsidy income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
(r) Employee benefits
PRC Contribution Plan
Full time employees of the Group in the PRC participate in a government mandated defined contribution plan, pursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to the employees. Chinese labor regulations require that the PRC subsidiary and VIEs of the Group make contributions to the government for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees' salaries, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government. The Group has no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions made. The total amounts of such employee benefit expenses, which were expensed as incurred, were approximately RMB3,199 and RMB8,016 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
(s) Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expenses arise from share based awards, mainly including Restricted Shares held by the Founder or held by the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders and share options for the purchase of ordinary shares. The Company accounts for share-based awards granted to the Founder and employees in accordance with ASC 718 Stock Compensation.
Before the Reorganization, the Restricted Shares held by the Founders were subject to a repurchase feature under which Xiaomi shall purchase the interest held by Founders at the original investment amount if the Founders voluntarily terminate their employment with Foshan Viomi. The Restricted Shares were classified as equity classified awards as the underlying shares of the awards are ordinary shares of
F-22
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Foshan Viomi and the awards do not contain any of the characteristics of liability awards described in ASC718. The Restricted Shares are accounted for as share-based compensation based on the grant date fair value over the vesting period.
After the Reorganization completed in July 2015, the repurchase feature remains, however, it became the Company's right, and not the obligation to repurchase. With respect to the remaining unvested interest granted to the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders, the underlying shares changed from ordinary shares of Foshan Viomi to Class A Ordinary Shares of the Company. These shares remain to be equity classified awards as they do not contain any characteristics of a liability award and were continually accounted for as share-based compensation based on the grant date fair value over the remaining vesting period. With respect to the remaining unvested interest granted to the Founder, the underlying shares changed from ordinary shares of Foshan Viomi to redeemable Class B Ordinary Shares of the Company, which are redeemable convertible shares. These awards have been reclassified as liability classified awards as the underlying Class B Ordinary Shares are redeemable at a fixed price plus 6% interest per year at the option of the holder if there is no qualified IPO after a certain period of time. According to ASC718, such awards effectively consist of: (1) a liability component representing the Company's obligation to pay the redemption price if the holder chooses to redeem, and (2) an equity component representing the fair value of the upside potential of the Class B Ordinary Shares, measured using an option pricing model. At the time of the modification, the Company compared the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification, and the total fair value of the liability component and the equity component immediately after the modification. The incremental compensation amount is recognized over the remaining vesting period. The amount related to the liability component is recorded as a liability measured at the redemption price, subsequently accreted at 6% per year to reflect the increase in redemption price over time according to the terms of the Class B Ordinary Shares, until the award is settled. The liability award is considered settled only upon redemption or IPO, when the Class B Ordinary Shares are converted to Class A ordinary shares at which time, the redemption feature would expire.
For share options for the purchase of ordinary shares granted to employees determined to be equity classified awards, the related share-based compensation expenses are recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on their grant date fair values which are calculated using the binomial option pricing model. The determination of the fair value is affected by the share price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, including the expected share price volatility, actual and projected employee share option exercise behavior, risk-free interest rates and expected dividends. The fair value of the ordinary shares is assessed using the income approach/discounted cash flow method, with a discount for lack of marketability, given that the shares underlying the awards were not publicly traded at the time of grant. Share-based compensation expenses are recorded net of estimated forfeitures using graded-vesting method during the service period requirement, such that expenses are recorded only for those share-based awards that are expected to ultimately vest.
(t) Income taxes
Current income taxes are provided on the basis of net income for financial reporting purposes, adjusted for income and expense items which are not assessable or deductible for income tax purposes, in accordance with the regulations of the relevant tax jurisdictions. Deferred income taxes are accounted for
F-23
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
using an asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The tax base of an asset or liability is the amount attributed to that asset or liability for tax purpose. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in statement of comprehensive (loss) income in the period of change. A valuation allowance is provided to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets if it is considered more likely than not that some portion of, or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Uncertain tax positions
The guidance on accounting for uncertainties in income taxes prescribes a more likely than not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Guidance was also provided on the recognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, accounting for income taxes in interim periods, and income tax disclosures. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Group's uncertain tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. The Group recognizes interests and penalties, if any, under accrued expenses and other current liabilities on its balance sheet and under other expenses in its statement of comprehensive (loss) income. The Group did not recognize any interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group did not have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions.
(u) Comprehensive (loss) income
Comprehensive (loss) income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax. Other comprehensive (loss) income refers to revenue, expenses, and gains and losses that are recorded as an element of stockholders' equity but are excluded from net income. The Group's other comprehensive (loss) income consists of foreign currency translation adjustments from its subsidiaries not using the RMB as their functional currency. Comprehensive (loss) income is reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income.
(v) Statutory reserves
The Company's subsidiaries and VIEs established in the PRC are required to make appropriations to certain non-distributable reserve funds.
In accordance with the laws applicable to the Foreign Investment Enterprises established in the PRC, the Company's subsidiaries registered as wholly-owned foreign enterprise have to make appropriations from their annual after-tax profits (as determined under generally accepted accounting principles in the PRC("PRC GAAP")) to reserve funds including general reserve fund, enterprise expansion fund and staff bonus and welfare fund. The appropriation to the general reserve fund must be at least 10% of the annual after-tax profits calculated in accordance with PRC GAAP. Appropriation is not required if the general
F-24
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
reserve fund has reached 50% of the registered capital of the company. Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff bonus and welfare fund are made at the respective company's discretion.
In addition, in accordance with the PRC Company Laws, the Group's VIEs registered as Chinese domestic company must make appropriations from its annual after-tax profits as determined under the PRC GAAP to non-distributable reserve funds including statutory surplus fund and discretionary surplus fund. The appropriation to the statutory surplus fund must be 10% of the annual after-tax profits as determined under PRC GAAP. Appropriation is not required if the statutory surplus fund has reached 50% of the registered capital of the company. Appropriation to the discretionary surplus fund is made at the discretion of the Company.
The use of the general reserve fund, enterprise expansion fund, statutory surplus fund and discretionary surplus fund are restricted to offsetting of losses or increasing of the registered capital of the respective company. The staff bonus and welfare fund is a liability in nature and is restricted to fund payments of special bonus to employees and for the collective welfare of all employees. None of these reserves are allowed to be transferred to the Company in terms of cash dividends, loans or advances, nor can they be distributed except under liquidation.
The Group's VIE, Foshan Viomi, made appropriation to these statutory reserve funds of RMB6,250 for the year ended December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, Foshan Viomi's profit appropriation made to the reserve fund reached the maximum required amount of 50% of its registered capital.
(w) (Loss) Income per share
Basic (loss) income per share is computed by dividing net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders, considering the accretion of redemption feature and cumulative dividend related to the Company's redeemable convertible preferred shares and Class B Ordinary Shares, and undistributed earnings allocated to redeemable convertible preferred shares, Class B Ordinary Shares and unvested Class A ordinary shares as unvested Class A ordinary shares are also entitled to participating dividends, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net income is allocated between ordinary shares and other participating securities based on their participating rights. Net losses are not allocated to other participating securities if based on their contractual terms they are not obligated to share the losses.
Diluted (loss) income per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) income attributable to ordinary shareholders, as adjusted for the effect of dilutive ordinary equivalent shares, if any, by the weighted average number of ordinary and dilutive ordinary equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Ordinary equivalent shares consist of ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of the redeemable convertible preferred and Class B Ordinary shares, using the if-converted method, and shares issuable upon the exercise of share options using the treasury stock method. Ordinary equivalent shares are not included in the denominator of the diluted (loss) income per share calculation when inclusion of such share would be anti-dilutive.
F-25
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
(x) Related parties
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Parties are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or significant influence, such as a family member or relative, shareholder, or a related corporation.
(y) Segment reporting
Based on the criteria established by ASC 280 "Segment Reporting", the Group's chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chairman of the Board of Directors/CEO, who reviews consolidated results of the Group when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance. The Group has internal reporting of revenue, cost and expenses by nature as a whole. Hence, the Group has only one operating segment. The Company is domiciled in the Cayman Islands while the Group mainly operates its businesses in the PRC and earns substantially all of the revenues from external customers attributed to the PRC.
(z) Newly issued accounting pronouncements
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial InstrumentsOverall (Subtopic 825-10)Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities". ASU 2016-01 changes how entities measure certain equity investments and present changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option that are attributable to their own credit. The guidance also changes certain disclosure requirements and other aspects of current U.S. GAAP. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Group does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-01 to have a significant impact on consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)"("ASU 2016-02"), which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months on the balance sheet. Under the new guidance, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. The ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted on a modified retrospective basis. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13), "Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses", which introduces new guidance for credit losses on instruments within its scope. The new guidance introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including, but not limited to, trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and net investments in leases. The new guidance also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires the entities to determine whether all or a portion of the unrealized loss on an available-for-sale debt security is a credit loss. The standard also indicates that entities may not use the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a factor in concluding whether a credit loss exists. The ASU 2016-13 is effective for public companies for fiscal years
F-26
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force)" ("ASU 2016-15"), which amends the guidance in ASC 230 on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Group does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-15 to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)" ("ASU 2016-18"), which amends ASC 230 to add or clarify guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Group does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-18 to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01 (ASU 2017-01), "Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business", which clarifies the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The standard introduces a screen for determining when assets acquired are not a business and clarifies that a business must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that contribute to an output to be considered a business. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Group does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-01 to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, "CompensationStock Compensation (Topic 718)" that provides additional guidance around which changes to a share-based payment award requires an entity to apply modification accounting. Specifically, an entity is to account for the effects of a modification, unless all of the following are satisfied: (1) the fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if such an alternative measurement method is used) of the modified award is the same as the fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value, if such an alternative measurement method is used) of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; (2) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; and (3) the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or as a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. For public entities, the update is effective beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Group does not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-09 to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements and associated disclosures.
F-27
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
(aa) Revision to previously issued financial statements
The diluted net income per ordinary share for the year ended December 31, 2017 is being revised to exclude the effect of the unvested Class A ordinary shares owned by the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders as they were anti-dilutive. As a result, the weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing diluted net income per share was revised from 26,545,150 to 25,579,806 and the diluted net income per share was revised from RMB0.30 to RMB0.31, which was not material to the previously issued financial statements.
3. CONCENTRATION AND RISKS
(a) Foreign exchange risk
The revenues and expenses of the Group's entities in the PRC are generally denominated in RMB and their assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. Remittances of foreign currencies into the PRC or remittances of RMB out of the PRC as well as exchange between RMB and foreign currencies require approval by foreign exchange administrative authorities and certain supporting documentation. The State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People's Bank of China, controls the conversion of RMB into other currencies.
(b) Credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially expose the Group to credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, amounts due from related parties. The Group places its cash and cash equivalents with financial institutions with high credit ratings and quality.
The Group conducts credit evaluations of third-party customers and related parties, and generally does not require collateral or other security from its third-party customers and related parties. The Group establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts primarily based upon the age of the receivables and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific third-party customers and related parties.
(c) Credit risk
Accounts receivable from third parties concentration of credit risk as below:
|
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||||||||
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
|
|||||||||
Company A |
| | 2,778 | 64 | % | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-28
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
3. CONCENTRATION AND RISKS (Continued)
Other receivables from related parties concentration of credit risk as below:
|
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||||||||
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
|
|||||||||
Xiaomi H.K. Limited ("Xiaomi H.K.") |
35,006 | 99 | % | 33,448 | 58 | % | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(d) Revenue concentration risk
|
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||||||||
|
RMB |
|
RMB |
|
|||||||||
Xiaomi Telecommunication Technology |
299,827 | 96 | % | 739,464 | 85 | % | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The revenue generated from Xiaomi included sale of both Xiaomi-branded and Viomi-branded products. Revenue from sale of Viomi-branded products amounted to RMB19,326 and RMB84,514 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand and demand deposits placed with banks. Cash and cash equivalents balance as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 primarily consist of the following currencies:
|
As of December 31,
2016 |
As of December 31,
2017 |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amount |
RMB
equivalent |
Amount |
RMB
equivalent |
|||||||||
RMB |
88,373 | 88,373 | 206,951 | 206,951 | |||||||||
US$ |
9,883 | 68,557 | 11,163 | 73,001 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
156,930 | 279,952 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
5. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following:
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Raw materials |
21,369 | 36,736 | |||||
Finished goods |
2,827 | 13,956 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Inventories |
24,196 | 50,692 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-29
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
5. INVENTORIES (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group recorded write-down of RMB1,658 and RMB81 for obsolete inventories, respectively.
6. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Advances to suppliers |
9,728 | 14,428 | |||||
Other current assets |
4,153 | 5,525 | |||||
Other receivables |
565 | 3,054 | |||||
Rental deposits |
92 | 276 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
14,538 | 23,283 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following:
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Computers and equipment |
4,581 | 5,815 | |||||
Vehicle |
508 | 508 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
5,089 | 6,323 | |||||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
(1,557 | ) | (3,237 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net |
3,532 | 3,086 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The Group had recorded depreciation expense of RMB1,222 and RMB1,680 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. No impairment was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
F-30
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
8. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
|
As of
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Accrued payroll and welfare |
5,636 | 16,304 | |||||
Product warranty |
2,483 | 13,909 | |||||
Other current liabilities |
4,363 | 5,871 | |||||
Other tax payable |
3,755 | 15,359 | |||||
Freight payable |
1,981 | 9,799 | |||||
Deposits received related to unvested shares |
1,083 | 496 | |||||
Deferred revenue |
29 | 146 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
19,330 | 61,884 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Less: non-current portion |
| (460 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities-current portion |
19,330 | 61,424 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Product warranty activities were as follows:
|
Product
Warranty |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
RMB | |||
Balance at December 31, 2015 |
789 | |||
Provided during the year |
3,558 | |||
Utilized during the year |
(1,864 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2016 |
2,483 | |||
| | | | |
Provided during the year |
17,806 | |||
Utilized during the year |
(6,380 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2017 |
13,909 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
F-31
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
9. REVENUES
|
Year ended December 31, 2016 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Revenues |
Cost of
revenues |
Gross profit | |||||||
|
RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||
Sales of product |
||||||||||
IoT-enabled smart home products |
273,282 | 206,679 | 66,603 | |||||||
Smart water purification systems |
250,442 | 191,848 | 58,594 | |||||||
Other smart products |
22,840 | 14,831 | 8,009 | |||||||
Consumable products |
19,376 | 10,644 | 8,732 | |||||||
Other products |
19,859 | 15,166 | 4,693 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total of sales of products |
312,517 | 232,489 | 80,028 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Rendering of services |
||||||||||
Installation services |
57 | 55 | 2 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
312,574 | 232,544 | 80,030 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
Year ended December 31, 2017 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Revenues |
Cost of
revenues |
Gross profit | |||||||
|
RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||
Sales of product |
||||||||||
IoT-enabled smart home products |
712,317 | 499,739 | 212,578 | |||||||
Smart water purification systems |
570,784 | 399,788 | 170,996 | |||||||
Smart kitchen products |
50,656 | 34,987 | 15,669 | |||||||
Other smart products |
90,877 | 64,964 | 25,913 | |||||||
Consumable products |
87,500 | 48,123 | 39,377 | |||||||
Other products |
72,686 | 49,489 | 23,197 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total of sales of products |
872,503 | 597,351 | 275,152 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Rendering of services |
||||||||||
Installation services |
716 | 685 | 31 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
873,219 | 598,036 | 275,183 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
10. INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSES
Cayman Islands
Under the current tax laws of Cayman Islands, the Company and its subsidiaries are not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Besides, upon payment of dividends by the Company to its shareholders, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be imposed.
F-32
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
10. INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSES (Continued)
Hong Kong
Under the current Hong Kong Inland Revenue Ordinance, the subsidiary of the Group in Hong Kong are subject to 16.5% Hong Kong profit tax on its taxable income generated from operations in Hong Kong. Additionally, payments of dividends by the subsidiary incorporated in Hong Kong to the Company are not subject to any Hong Kong withholding tax.
PRC
In accordance with the Enterprise Income Tax Law ("EIT Law"), Foreign Investment Enterprises ("FIEs") and domestic companies are subject to Enterprise Income Tax ("EIT") at a uniform rate of 25%. The subsidiaries and VIEs of the Group and Predecessor Operations in the PRC are subject to a uniform income tax rate of 25% for years presented. Certified High and New Technology Enterprises ("HNTE") are entitled to a favorable statutory tax rate of 15%. According to a policy promulgated by the State Tax Bureau of the PRC and effective from 2008 onwards, enterprises engaged in research and development activities are entitled to claim 150% of the research and development expenses so incurred in a year as tax deductible expenses in determining its tax assessable profits for that year ("Super Deduction").
Withholding tax on undistributed dividends
Under the CIT Law and its implementation rules, the profits of a foreign-invested enterprise arising in 2008 and thereafter that are distributed to its immediate holding company outside the PRC are subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10%. A lower withholding tax rate will be applied if there is a beneficial tax treaty between the PRC and the jurisdiction of the foreign holding company. A holding company in Hong Kong, for example, will be eligible, with approval of the PRC local tax authority, to be subject to a 5% withholding tax rate under the Arrangement Between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital if such holding company is considered to be a non-PRC resident enterprise and holds at least 25% of the equity interests in the PRC foreign-invested enterprise distributing the dividends. However, if the Hong Kong holding company is not considered to be the beneficial owner of such dividends under applicable PRC tax regulations, such dividend will remain subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10%. The Company does not intend to have any of its subsidiaries located in PRC distribute any undistributed profits of such subsidiaries in the foreseeable future, but rather expects that such profits will be reinvested by such subsidiaries for their PRC operations. Accordingly, no withholding tax was recorded as of December 31, 2016 and 2017.
F-33
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
10. INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSES (Continued)
Composition of income tax expense
The current and deferred components of income taxes appearing in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Current tax expenses |
| 15,519 | |||||
Deferred tax benefit |
(2,247 | ) | (801 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Income tax (benefit) expenses |
(2,247 | ) | 14,718 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Reconciliation between the income tax (benefit) expenses computed by applying the PRC enterprise tax rate to income before income taxes and actual provision were as follows:
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Income from operations in the PRC |
13,546 | 106,868 | |||||
Income from oversea entities |
466 | 1,090 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Income before income tax |
14,012 | 107,958 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Tax expense at PRC enterprise income tax rate of 25% |
3,503 | 26,990 | |||||
Income tax on tax holiday (1) |
(1,414 | ) | (10,989 | ) | |||
Tax effect of permanence differences (2) |
(1,187 | ) | (2,640 | ) | |||
Effect of income tax rate change (3) |
3,179 | | |||||
Change in valuation allowance (4) |
(7,756 | ) | 760 | ||||
Effect of share-based compensation |
1,587 | 873 | |||||
Effect of income tax in jurisdictions other than the PRC |
(159 | ) | (276 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Income tax (benefit) expenses |
(2,247 | ) | 14,718 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-34
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
10. INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSES (Continued)
loss of Foshan Viomi has been utilized in 2016. Therefore, valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets of Foshan Viomi have been released in 2016.
The per share effect of the tax holidays are as follows:
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Net income per share effectbasic |
0.12 | 0.53 | |||||
Net income per share effectdiluted |
0.12 | 0.41 |
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities
The significant components of the Group's deferred tax assets were as follows:
Movement of valuation allowance
Uncertain tax positions
The Group evaluates the level of authority for each uncertain tax position (including the potential application of interest and penalties) based on the technical merits, and measures the unrecognized
F-35
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
10. INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSES (Continued)
benefits associated with the tax positions. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group did not have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions.
11. ORDINARY SHARES
The Company's original Memorandum and Articles of Association authorizes the Company to issue 346,545,454 class A ordinary shares with a par value of US$0.0001 per share. After a share split effective on August 23, 2018, the Company's amended Memorandum and Articles of Association authorizes the Company to issue 3,465,454,540 class A ordinary shares with a par value of US$0.00001 per share. As of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, the Company had 16,909,090 and 25,363,636 class A ordinary shares outstanding, respectively. Each ordinary share is entitled to one vote. The holders of ordinary shares are also entitled to receive dividends whenever funds are legally available and when declared by the Board of Directors, subject to prior rights of holders of all other classes of shares outstanding.
12. REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED AND CLASS B ORDINARY SHARES
As described in note1 (a), pursuant to a shares purchase agreement, the Company issued certain Class B Ordinary Shares to Mr. Chen, Red Better and Shunwei during the Reorganization, and the Company also issued totaling 18,181,818 shares (with par value of US$0.0001) of Series A Preferred Shares (the "Series A Preferred Shares") for US$1.1000 per share with total consideration of US$20,000, including conversion of the outstanding bridge loans of US$5,250.
The significant terms of the Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares issued by the Company are as follows:
Conversion rights
Optional Conversion
Each holder of Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares shall have the right, at such holder's sole discretion, to convert all or any portion of the Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares into Class A Ordinary Shares at any time. The conversion rate for Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares shall be determined by dividing applicable Share Issue Price by the conversion price then in effect at the date of the conversion. The initial conversion price will be the applicable Share Issue Price (i.e., a 1-to-1 initial conversion ratio), and thereafter shall be subject to adjustment and readjustment from time to time as hereinafter provided, being no less than par value. Adjustments of conversion ratios include the following:
F-36
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
12. REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED AND CLASS B ORDINARY SHARES (Continued)
Automatic Conversion
Each Series A Preferred Share and Class B Ordinary Share shall automatically be converted into class A ordinary shares, at the then applicable preferred share conversion price upon the closing of a Qualified IPO;
Voting rights
Each Series A Preferred Share and Class B Ordinary Share shall carry a number of votes equal to the number of class A ordinary shares then issuable upon its conversion into class A ordinary shares at the record date for determination of the shareholders entitled to vote on such matters, or, if no such record date is established, at the date such vote is taken or any written consent of shareholders is solicited. To the extent that applicable law, Memorandum and Articles of the Company require the Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares to vote separately as a class with respect to any matters, the Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares shall vote separately as a class with respect to such matters. Otherwise, the holders of Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares and class A ordinary shares shall vote together as a single class.
Redemption rights
Redemption Condition for Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares:
The Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares are redeemable at any time after the earlier of:
Redemption Price for Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares
The redemption price of each Series A Preferred Share and Class B Ordinary Share shall be the sum of the Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares issuance price, respectively: Plus 6% compound interest return per annum on the issuance price; plus all declared but unpaid dividends per Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares.
If the Company does not have sufficient cash or funds legally available to redeem any of the redeemable shares required to be redeemed, the Company and the Founder shall use their best effort to cause the remaining redeemable shares to be purchased, including without limitation, to seek, facilitate
F-37
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
12. REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED AND CLASS B ORDINARY SHARES (Continued)
and procure third parties to acquire the remaining redeemable shares on terms and conditions acceptable to the relevant redemption holders.
Dividends rights
Holders of outstanding Series A Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive dividends, out of any assets legally available therefor, prior and in preference to any declaration or payment of any dividend (whether in cash, in property or in shares of the capital of the Company) on the ordinary shares or any other class or series of shares of the Company, at the rate of eight percent (8%) of the preferred share issue price per share (as adjusted for any subdivisions, consolidations, bonus issues, reclassifications and the like) per annum on each Series A Preferred Shares, payable in U.S. dollars and annually when, as and if declared by the Board. Such distributions shall be cumulative. Holders of the Series A Preferred Shares shall also be entitled to receive any non-cash dividends declared by the Board on an as-converted basis.
After payment of the dividends distributed to the holders of Series A Preferred Shares, any additional dividends or distributions shall be distributed to the holders of Class B Ordinary Shares, prior and in preference to any declaration or payment of any dividend (whether in cash, in property or in shares of the capital of the Company) on the class A ordinary shares or any other class or series of shares of the Company, at the rate of eight percent (8%) of the deemed Class B Ordinary Share issue price per share (as adjusted for any subdivisions, consolidations, bonus issues, reclassifications and the like) per annum on each Class B Ordinary Share, payable in U.S. dollars and annually when, as and if declared by the Board. Such distributions shall be cumulative. Holders of the Class B Ordinary Shares shall also be entitled to receive any non-cash dividends declared by the Board on an as-converted basis.
Liquidation rights
Liquidation Preferences
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, either voluntary or involuntary, all assets and funds of the Company legally available for distribution among holders of the outstanding Shares (on an as-converted to basis) in the following order and manner:
F-38
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
12. REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED AND CLASS B ORDINARY SHARES (Continued)
per Class B Ordinary Share equal to (a) one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the deemed Class B Share issue price, plus (b) all declared but unpaid dividends thereon (collectively, the "Class B Share Preference Amount", collectively with the Preferred Share Preference Amount, the "Preference Amount"). After the full Preferred Share Preference Amount has been paid, if the remaining assets are insufficient to permit payment of the Class B Share Preference Amount in full to all holders of Class B Ordinary Shares, then the remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed ratably to the holders of the Class B Ordinary Shares in proportion to the full Class B Share Preference Amount.
Liquidation Event
The following events shall be deemed as a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company (each, a "Liquidation Event"):
Accounting of Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares
The Company classified the Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares as mezzanine equity in the consolidated balance sheets because they were redeemable at the holders' option any time after a certain date and were contingently redeemable upon the occurrence of certain liquidation events outside of the Company's control. The Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares are recorded initially at fair value, net of issuance costs.
Prior to the Reorganization, the 40% initial equity interests of Foshan Viomi held by the Founder for himself has liquidation preference, and the 40% initial equity interests of Foshan Viomi held by Tianjin Jinxing has liquidation preference and also becomes redeemable in the event of a breach of contract by Foshan Viomi.
Upon completion of the Reorganization, both the Founder and Tianjin Jinxing's equity interests in Foshan Viomi are exchanged into 67,636,364 Class B Ordinary Shares of the Company, respectively. After the Reorganization, the most significant change in the provision is the addition of redemption clause which allows the holders of the Class B Ordinary Shares to redeem the Class B Ordinary Shares if there are no Qualified IPO after the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date. This transaction was considered as an extinguishment of the previous equity interests and therefore, the Class B Ordinary Shares are measured at its fair value on the extinguishment date.
The Group recognizes changes in the redemption value ratable over the redemption period. Increases in the carrying amount of the redeemable preferred shares are recorded by charges against retained earnings, or in the absence of retained earnings, by charges as reduction of additional paid-in capital until additional paid-in capital is reduced to zero. Once additional paid-in capital is reduced to zero, the redemption value measurement adjustment is recognized as an increase in accumulated deficit.
F-39
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
12. REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED AND CLASS B ORDINARY SHARES (Continued)
The change in the balance of Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares included in mezzanine equity for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 are as follows:
|
Series A
Preferred Shares |
Class B Ordinary
Shares held by the Founder (1)(2) |
Class B Ordinary
Shares-owned by Red Better and Shunwei (1) |
Total | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2016 |
133,573 | 51,057 | 204,230 | 388,860 | |||||||||
Accretion of preferred shares |
8,221 | | | 8,221 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange |
9,485 | 3,488 | 13,945 | 26,918 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2016 |
151,279 | 54,545 | 218,175 | 423,999 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accretion of preferred shares |
8,834 | | | 8,834 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange |
(9,068 | ) | (3,169 | ) | (12,668 | ) | (24,905 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2017 |
151,045 | 51,376 | 205,507 | 407,928 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
13. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Compensation expense recognized for share-based awards was as follows:
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Share-based compensation expenses |
|||||||
Restricted shares owned by the Founderequity component (a) |
6,051 | 2,670 | |||||
Restricted shares owned by the Founderliability component (a) |
266 | 286 | |||||
Restricted shares owned by the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders (a) |
93 | 48 | |||||
Share options (b) |
4,168 | 2,817 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total share-based compensation expenses |
10,578 | 5,821 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
(a) Restricted Shares
As described in note 1 (a), the Founder and Xiaomi, made a capital contribution of RMB7,500 and RMB5,000, respectively, in exchange for 60% and 40% equity interests in Foshan Viomi, respectively. Out of the RMB7,500 invested by the Founder, RMB2,500 was invested by certain key management founders and held by the Founder on their behalf. For the equity interests held by the Founder for himself, these were ordinary shares in nature but with substantive liquidation preference, while for the equity interests
F-40
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
13. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
held by the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders, these were the most subordinated class of equity of Foshan Viomi and did not carry any preference rights.
According to the agreement among the shareholders entered into in June 2014, the interest held by the Founders shall be subject to a repurchase feature under which Xiaomi shall purchase the interest held by the Founders at the original investment amount if the Founders voluntarily terminates their employment with Foshan Viomi. The repurchase feature shall lapse at a rate of 25% each year, consequently, the interests held by the Founders are accounted for as equity-classified share-based compensation with a vesting period of 4 years.
As discussed in note 2(s), after the Reorganization, the unvested awards held by the Founder on his own behalf consisted of a share-based compensation liability measured based on the redemption value and a share option component representing the value of upside potential of the Class B Ordinary Shares which is accounted for as an equity grant, while the unvested awards held by the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders continue to be equity-classified. As the share-based compensation expenses related to the equity component of the restricted shares owned by the Founder and the restricted shares held by the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders are recognized using graded vesting method, the expenses recognized in 2016 is higher than that of 2017.
A summary of the Restricted Shares activity for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 is presented below:
|
Number of shares | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Restricted Shares
held by the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders |
Restricted Shares
held by the Founder on his own behalf |
Total | |||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2016 |
25,363,638 | 50,727,273 | 76,090,911 | |||||||
Vested |
(8,454,546 | ) | (16,909,091 | ) | (25,363,637 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2016 |
16,909,092 | 33,818,182 | 50,727,274 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Vested |
(8,454,546 | ) | (16,909,091 | ) | (25,363,637 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 |
8,454,546 | 16,909,091 | 25,363,637 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-41
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
13. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
The table below shows the details of the movement of liability-classified awards with respect to unsettled 50,727,273 restricted shares granted to the Founder for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017:
|
Liability-classified
Awards (RMB) |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Restricted Shares
held by the Founder on his own behalf |
|||
Balance as at January 1, 2016 |
4,181 | |||
Share-based compensation expenses |
266 | |||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
103 | |||
| | | | |
Balance as at December 31, 2016 |
4,550 | |||
| | | | |
Share-based compensation expenses |
286 | |||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
(98 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 |
4,738 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
(b) Share options
On September 17, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the establishment of 2015 Share Incentive Plan, the purpose of which is to provide an incentive for employees contributing to the Group. The 2015 Share Incentive Plan shall be valid and effective for 10 years from the grant date. The maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to all awards (including incentive share options) under 2015 Share Incentive Plan shall be 12,727,272 shares.
For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Company granted 1,860,000 and 2,700,000 share options to employees pursuant to the 2015 Share Incentive Plan.
With respect to the share options granted, 50% of the options will be vested after 24 months of the grant date and the remaining 50% will be vested in two equal installments over the following 24 months.
The Group calculated the estimated fair value of the options on the respective grant dates using the binomial option pricing model with assistance from independent valuation firms. Assumptions used to determine the fair value of share options granted during 2016 and 2017 are summarized in the following table:
|
2016 | 2017 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Risk-free interest rate |
2.86% | 3.06% - 3.89% | ||
Expected volatility |
50.14% - 50.15% | 47.02% - 49.44% | ||
Expected life of option (years) |
10 | 10 | ||
Expected dividend yield |
| | ||
Fair value per ordinary share |
US$0.51 | US$0.76 - US$1.59 |
F-42
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
13. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
(1) Risk-free interest rate
Risk-free interest rate was estimated based on the yield to maturity of China Government Bond with a maturity period close to the contractual term of the options.
(2) Expected life of option (years)
Expected life of option (years) represents the expected years to vest the options.
(3) Volatility
The volatility of the underlying ordinary shares during the life of the options was estimated based on the historical stock price volatility of comparable listed companies over a period comparable to the contractual term of the options.
(4) Dividend yield
The dividend yield was estimated by the Group based on its expected dividend policy over the contractual term of the options.
(5) Fair value per ordinary share
In determining the grant date fair value of the Company's ordinary shares for purposes of recording share-based compensation expenses in connection with Restricted Shares owned by the Founder, Restricted Shares owned by the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders, and share options under the 2015 Share Incentive Plan, the Company, with the assistance of an independent valuation firm, evaluated the use of three generally accepted valuation approaches: market, cost and income approaches to estimate the enterprise value of the Company and income approach (discounted cash flow, or DCF method) was relied on for value determination with market approach (guideline companies method, or GCM) taken as reference.
DCF method of the income approach involves applying appropriate weighted average cost of capital ("WACC"), to discount the future cash flows forecast, based on the Company's best estimates as of the valuation date, to present value. The WACC was determined based on a consideration of the factors including risk-free rate, comparative industry risk, equity risk premium, company size and non-systematic risk factors.
GCM under the market approach was adopted as reference of the equity valuation for the company. GCM employs trading multiples method of selected public comparable companies including trailing and leading enterprise value/revenue multiples.
In deriving the equity value of each class of shares, the Company applied the option pricing method. The option pricing method treats different classes of shares as call options on the total equity value, with exercise prices based on the liquidation preference or redemption amount of the certain classes of shares. Under this method, the ordinary share has value only if the fund available for distribution to shareholders exceeds the value of liquidation preference or redemption amounts at the time of a liquidity event,
F-43
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
13. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
assuming the enterprise has funds available to make liquidation preference or redemption. Given the nature of the different classes of shares, the modeling of different classes of capital as call options on company's enterprise value was analyzed and the values of different classes of shares were derived accordingly.
The Company also applied a discount for lack of marketability ("DLOM"), which was quantified by the black-Scholes option pricing model. Under this option-pricing method, which assumed that the put option is struck at the average price of the stock before the privately held shares can be sold, the cost of the put option was considered as a basis to determine the DLOM.
A summary of the stock option activity under the 2015 Plan for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 is included in the table below.
|
Options granted
Share Number |
Weighted average
exercise price (US$) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Outstanding at January 1, 2016 |
4,740,000 | 0.06 | |||||
Granted |
1,860,000 | 0.24 | |||||
Forfeited |
(980,000 | ) | 0.04 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2016 |
5,620,000 | 0.12 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Granted |
2,700,000 | 0.52 | |||||
Forfeited |
(780,000 | ) | 0.27 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 |
7,540,000 | 0.25 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The following table summarizes information regarding the share options granted as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017:
|
As of December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Options
Number |
Weighted-average
exercise price per option |
Weighted-average
remaining exercise contractual life (years) |
Aggregate
intrinsic value |
|||||||||
|
|
US$ |
|
US$ | |||||||||
Options |
|||||||||||||
Outstanding |
5,620,000 | 0.12 | 9.22 | 1,854 | |||||||||
Exercisable |
915,000 | 0.02 | 8.83 | 366 | |||||||||
Expected to vest |
4,187,450 | 0.14 | 9.29 | 1,324 |
|
As of December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Options
Number |
Weighted-average
exercise price per option |
Weighted-average
remaining exercise contractual life (years) |
Aggregate
intrinsic value |
|||||||||
|
|
US$ |
|
US$ | |||||||||
Options |
|||||||||||||
Outstanding |
7,540,000 | 0.25 | 8.65 | 3,697 | |||||||||
Exercisable |
2,612,500 | 0.06 | 7.99 | 987 | |||||||||
Expected to vest |
4,385,475 | 0.35 | 9.00 | 2,695 |
F-44
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
13. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 was RMB2.50 (US$0.38) and RMB6.01 (US$0.90) per option, respectively.
No options were exercised for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
As the share-based compensation expenses related to the share options are recognized using graded vesting method, the expense recognized in 2016 is higher than that of 2017. As of December 31, 2017, there was RMB15,123 of unrecognized compensation expenses related to the options.
14. NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE
Basic net (loss) income per share is the amount of net (loss) income available to each share of ordinary shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net (loss) income per share is the amount of net (loss) income available to each share of ordinary shares outstanding during the reporting period adjusted to include the effect of potentially dilutive ordinary shares.
For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, the Group has determined that its convertible redeemable Class B Ordinary Shares, convertible redeemable Series A Preferred Shares and unvested Class A ordinary shares are participating securities as they participate in undistributed earnings on an as-if-converted basis. The holders of the Class B Ordinary Shares, Series A Preferred Shares and unvested Class A ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends on a pro rata basis, as if their shares had been converted into ordinary shares. Accordingly, the Group uses the two-class method of computing net (loss) income per share, for ordinary shares and preferred shares according to the participation rights in undistributed earnings.
F-45
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
14. NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE (Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, the following shares outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) income per ordinary share, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive for the periods prescribed.
|
Year ended December 31, | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
Shares issuable upon exercise of share options |
3,370,739 | | |||||
Shares issuable upon conversion of Restricted Shared owned by the Founder |
67,636,364 | 67,636,364 | |||||
Shares issuable upon conversion of Class B Ordinary Shares owned by Red Better and Shunwei |
67,636,364 | 67,636,364 | |||||
Shares issuable upon conversion of Series A Preferred shares |
18,181,818 | 18,181,818 | |||||
Shares issuable upon exercise of unvested Restricted Shares owned by the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders |
21,520,813 | 13,079,391 |
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Name
|
Relationship with the Group | |
---|---|---|
Mr. Chen |
Founder | |
Xiaomi Inc. |
Controlled by Xiaomi | |
Xiaomi H.K. |
Controlled by Xiaomi | |
Xiaomi Telecommunication Technology |
Controlled by Xiaomi | |
Tianjin Jinxing |
Controlled by Xiaomi | |
Beijing Xiaomi Software Co., Ltd ("Xiaomi Software") |
Controlled by Xiaomi |
The Group's relationship with Xiaomi
Xiaomi is the Group's strategic partner and shareholder.
The Group's sales to Xiaomi is governed by a business cooperation agreement, pursuant to which Xiaomi is responsible for the distribution and sales of such products through their network and sales channels.
The Group also sells products through Xiaomi's online e-commerce channel Youpin.mi.com, and is charged of commissions pursuant to a commission sales agreement.
Transaction with Xiaomi
Business cooperation agreement
The current business corporation agreement entered into in 2017 with Xiaomi governs all the Group's sales to Xiaomi. It will expire in August 2019, and will automatically extend for successive one-year period unless objected by a party at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current term.
Under the business cooperation agreement, (i) products sold to Xiaomi are exclusively designed for and can only be sold to Xiaomi, (ii) Xiaomi shall purchase these products at a price that covers all of the
F-46
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
Group's costs of raw materials, outsourcing manufacture, models, logistics and paid intellectual property licensing fees, in connection with the manufacture and delivery of these products, and (iii) Xiaomi and the Group shall share gross profits, derived from sales of these products, the retail prices of which were set by Xiaomi and the Group together.
Youpin commission sales agreement
The Group has entered into a commission sales agreement with Xiaomi for the sale of certain of the Group's own branded products. The commission sales agreement will expire on December 31, 2018 with no automatic renewal provision. Furthermore, this agreement may be terminated by Xiaomi with 30 days' written notice.
Under the commission sales agreement, the Group shall pay a service fee, 8% of the sales price excluding customers' refunds or as otherwise agreed by the parties with respect to specific product lines, as well as a deposit to Xiaomi. The retail prices of the Group's products on Youpin's platform shall be no higher than the sales price from any other e-commerce merchants or the Group's official offline sales channel, including in the event of sales or promotion.
F-47
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Xiaomi Telecommunication Technology (a) |
299,827 | 739,464 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Xiaomi Inc. (c) |
166 | 3,327 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Xiaomi Software (d) |
1,761 | 1,761 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-48
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
|
Year ended
December 31, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | |||||
|
RMB | RMB | |||||
Xiaomi H.K. (b) |
272 | 490 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
16. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value reflects the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Group considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the assets or liabilities.
The Group applies a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. This guidance specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques, which is based on whether the inputs into the valuation technique are observable or unobservable. The hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1Valuation techniques in which all significant inputs are unadjusted quoted prices from active markets for assets or liabilities that are identical to the assets or liabilities being measured.
Level 2Valuation techniques in which significant inputs include quoted prices from active markets for assets or liabilities that are similar to the assets or liabilities being measured and/or quoted prices for assets or liabilities that are identical or similar to the assets or liabilities being measured from markets that are not active. Also, model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets are Level 2 valuation techniques.
F-49
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
16. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)
Level 3Valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Unobservable inputs are valuation technique inputs that reflect the Group's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
The fair value guidance describes three main approaches to measure the fair value of assets and liabilities: (1) market approach; (2) income approach and (3) cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated from market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be required to replace an asset.
When available, the Group uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of an asset or liability. If quoted market prices are not available, the Group will measure fair value using valuation techniques that use, when possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters, such as interest rates and currency rates.
17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a) Lease commitments
The Group leases its offices under non-cancelable operating lease agreements. The Group recognizes rental expense under such arrangements on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
As of December 31, 2017, future minimum commitments under non-cancelable agreements were as follows:
2018 |
2,448 | |||
2019 |
2,237 | |||
2020 |
1,869 | |||
2021 and after |
2,637 | |||
| | | | |
|
9,191 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
(b) Capital and other commitment
The Group did not have significant capital and other commitments as of December 31, 2017.
(c) Legal proceedings
From time to time, the Group is subject to legal proceedings, investigations and claims incidental to the conduct of its business. As of December 31, 2017, the Group was not involved in any legal or administrative proceedings that may have a material adverse impact on the Group's business, balance sheets or results of operations and cash flows.
F-50
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
(1) Transfer and Surrender of Ordinary Shares
In June 2018, the Board of Directors and the shareholders approved a transfer and surrender of shares plan, pursuant to which, Mr. Chen, who holds 33,818,182 Class A ordinary shares on behalf of certain key management founders through Viomi Limited, transferred 16,145,454 Class A ordinary shares to key management founders and surrendered the remaining 17,672,728 Class A ordinary shares to the Company. Concurrently, the Board of Directors and shareholders of the Company approved the 2018 Share Incentive Plan, pursuant to which the maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued was initially 17,672,728.
(2) Issuance of New Share Options
Until April 2018, the Company granted 3,980,000 share options to its employees, under the 2015 Share Incentive Plan, with an exercise price of US$0.55. These share options are subject to a vesting period of 4 to 5 years.
(3) Under a license agreement being effective from June 24, 2018, the Group have obtained an exclusive and royalty-free right to use 11 patents owned by the Founder and CEO.
(4) Share Split
On August 23, 2018, the Company effected a share split whereby each of the Company's then authorised and outstanding ordinary shares and preferred shares, par value of $0.0001 each, was divided into ten ordinary shares and preferred shares of the same series, par value US$0.00001 each, respectively. All shareholders then surrendered 90% of their after-share-split outstanding shares back to the Company for cancellation. After the share split and the surrender of shares for cancellation, the number of the Company's outstanding ordinary and preferred shares remained unchanged. As the number of outstanding shares remained unchanged, the share split does not have an impact to the basic and diluted net (loss) income per share for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017. The par value per ordinary share has been retroactively revised as if it had been adjusted in proportion to the share split.
19. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA INCOME PER SHARE
Pursuant to the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Company's Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares will be automatically converted into Class A ordinary shares upon the closing of a Qualified IPO. In addition, the vesting of Restricted Shares granted to the Founder will accelerate upon the closing of a Qualified IPO.
The following table sets forth the computation of unaudited pro forma basic and diluted net income per share for the year ended December 31, 2017 after giving effect to the assumption that all Class A and Class B Ordinary Shares granted to the Founders have been vested and all Series A Preferred Shares and
F-51
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
19. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA INCOME PER SHARE (Continued)
Class B Ordinary Shares have been converted into ordinary shares as if the conversion occurred as of the beginning of the period or the original date of issuance, if later:
F-52
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
20. RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
Relevant PRC laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the Group's entities incorporated in the PRC only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, the Company's entities in the PRC are required to annually appropriate 10% of their net after-tax income to the statutory general reserve fund prior to payment of any dividends, unless such reserve funds have reached 50% of their respective registered capital. As a result of these and other restrictions under PRC laws and regulations, the Company's entities incorporated in the PRC are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the Company either in the form of dividends, loans or advances, which restricted portion as calculated under U.S. GAAP amounted to RMB12,500 and RMB18,750 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017. There are no differences between U.S. GAAP and PRC accounting standards in connection with the reported net assets of the legally owned subsidiaries in the PRC and the VIE. Even though the Company currently does not require any such dividends, loans or advances from the PRC entities for working capital and other funding purposes, the Company may in the future require additional cash resources from them due to changes in business conditions, to fund future acquisitions and development, or merely to declare and pay dividends or distributions to its shareholders. Except for the above, there is no other restriction on use of proceeds generated by the Group's subsidiaries and VIE to satisfy any obligations of the Company.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company performed a test on the restricted net assets of subsidiaries and VIE in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Rule 4-08 (e) (3), "General Notes to Financial Statements" and concluded that the restricted net assets exceeded 25% of the consolidated net assets of the Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the condensed financial information of the Company are required to be presented.
F-53
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
21. ADDITION INFORMATIONCONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
|
As of December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | |||||||
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||
|
|
|
(Note2(e))
|
|||||||
Assets |
||||||||||
Current assets |
|
|
|
|||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
33,046 | 34,012 | 5,140 | |||||||
Amounts due from related parties |
106,509 | 101,191 | 15,292 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total current assets |
139,555 | 135,203 | 20,432 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Investments in subsidiaries and VIEs |
11,137 | 108,751 | 16,435 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total assets |
150,692 | 243,954 | 36,867 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities |
||||||||||
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
1,083 | 496 | 76 | |||||||
Share-based compensation liabilities |
4,550 | 4,738 | 716 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
5,633 | 5,234 | 792 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
5,633 | 5,234 | 792 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Mezzanine equity |
||||||||||
Class B redeemable convertible ordinary shares ("Class B Ordinary Shares") (US$0.00001 par value; 1,352,727,280 shares authorized and 135,272,728 shares issued as of December 31, 2016 and 2017; 84,545,455 shares outstanding , and liquidation value of RMB9,306 as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017) |
272,720 | 256,883 | 38,821 | |||||||
Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares ("Series A Preferred Shares") (US$0.00001 par value; 181,818,180 shares authorized, and 18,181,818 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2017; liquidation value of RMB183,453 as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
151,279 | 151,045 | 22,826 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total mezzanine equity |
423,999 | 407,928 | 61,647 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' deficit |
||||||||||
Class A ordinary shares (US$0.00001 par value; 3,465,454,540 shares authorized and 33,818,182 shares issued as of December 31, 2016 and 2017; 16,909,090 and 25,363,636 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively) |
1 | 2 | | |||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
6,040 | 9,679 | 1,463 | |||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(247,875 | ) | (160,885 | ) | (24,314 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(37,106 | ) | (18,004 | ) | (2,721 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total shareholders' deficit |
(278,940 | ) | (169,208 | ) | (25,572 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders' deficit |
150,692 | 243,954 | 36,867 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-54
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
21. ADDITION INFORMATIONCONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY (Continued)
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
|
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | |||||||
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||
|
|
|
(Note2(e))
|
|||||||
Share of income of subsidiaries and VIEs |
15,533 | 92,124 | 13,922 | |||||||
Interest income |
726 | 1,116 | 170 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
16,259 | 93,240 | 14,092 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive (loss) income: |
||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of nil tax |
(23,080 | ) | 19,102 | 2,887 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive (loss) income |
(6,821 | ) | 112,342 | 16,979 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-55
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
21. ADDITION INFORMATIONCONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY (Continued)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
|
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2016 | 2017 | 2017 | |||||||
|
RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||
|
|
|
(Note2(e))
|
|||||||
Net Cash provided by Operating Activities |
72 | 221 | 33 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Borrowing provided to Viomi HK |
(31,690 | ) | | | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash used in Investing Activities |
(31,690 | ) | | | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Cash received from a shareholder |
| 2,671 | 404 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net Cash provided by Financing Activities |
| 2,671 | 404 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
1,333 | (1,926 | ) | (291 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalent |
(30,285 | ) | 966 | 146 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year |
63,331 | 33,046 | 4,994 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year |
33,046 | 34,012 | 5,140 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-56
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 AND 2017
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
21. ADDITION INFORMATIONCONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT COMPANY (Continued)
NOTES OF THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
(1) BASIS FOR PREPARATION
The condensed financial information of the Company has been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out in the Group's consolidated financial statements except that the Company has used the equity method to account for investments in its subsidiaries.
(2) INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES
The Company and its subsidiaries were included in the consolidated financial statements where the inter-company transactions and balances were eliminated upon consolidation. For the purpose of the Company's stand-alone financial statements, its investments in subsidiaries were reported using the equity method of accounting. The Company's share of income from its subsidiaries were reported as equity in earnings of subsidiaries in the accompanying parent company financial statements.
F-57
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND JUNE 30, 2018
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
F-58
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND JUNE 30, 2018
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
|
|
As of
December 31, |
As of June 30, |
Pro forma As of
June 30, (Note 17) |
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||||||
|
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
US$
|
RMB
|
US$
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
(Note 2(b))
|
|
(Note 2(b))
|
||||||||||||
Mezzanine equity |
||||||||||||||||||
Class B redeemable convertible ordinary shares ("Class B Ordinary Shares") (US$0.00001 par value; 1,352,727,280 shares authorized and 135,272,728 shares issued as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018;84,545,455 shares outstanding , and liquidation value of RMB9,306 as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018; and none (unaudited) outstanding on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 2018) |
11,12 | 256,883 | 260,123 | 39,311 | | | ||||||||||||
Series A redeemable convertible preferred shares ("Series A Preferred Shares") (US$0.00001 par value; 181,818,180 shares authorized and 18,181,818 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018; liquidation value of RMB183,453 as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively; and none (unaudited) outstanding on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 2018) |
11 | 151,045 | 157,433 | 23,792 | | | ||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total mezzanine equity |
407,928 | 417,556 | 63,103 | | | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholders' (deficit) equity |
||||||||||||||||||
Class A ordinary shares (US$0.00001 par value; 3,465,454,540 shares authorized as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively; 33,818,182 and 16,145,454 shares issued as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively; 25,363,636 and 13,609,090 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively; and none (unaudited) outstanding on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 2018) |
10,12 | 2 | 1 | | | | ||||||||||||
Post-IPO Class A Ordinary Shares (US$0.00001 par value; 4,800,000,000 shares authorized; nil and nil shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively; and 52,000,000 (unaudited) outstanding on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 2018) |
| | | 3 | | |||||||||||||
Post-IPO Class B Ordinary Shares (US$0.00001 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; nil and nil shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively; and 117,600,000 (unaudited) outstanding on a pro forma basis as of June 30, 2018) |
| | | 7 | 1 | |||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
9,679 | 13,453 | 2,033 | 436,297 | 65,936 | |||||||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(160,885 | ) | (90,594 | ) | (13,691 | ) | (90,594 | ) | (13,691 | ) | ||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(18,004 | ) | (21,024 | ) | (3,177 | ) | (21,024 | ) | (3,177 | ) | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total shareholders' (deficit) equity |
(169,208 | ) | (98,164 | ) | (14,835 | ) | 324,689 | 49,069 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders' (deficit) equity |
671,565 | 1,016,855 | 153,671 | 1,016,855 | 153,671 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-59
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017 AND 2018
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||
|
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
US$
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
(Note 2(b))
|
||||||||
Net revenues: |
||||||||||||
A related party |
14 | 243,169 | 651,538 | 98,463 | ||||||||
Third parties |
27,456 | 388,641 | 58,733 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total net revenues |
8 | 270,625 | 1,040,179 | 157,196 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of revenues: |
||||||||||||
Purchase from a related party |
(8 | ) | (5,390 | ) | (815 | ) | ||||||
Purchase from third parties |
(190,453 | ) | (745,240 | ) | (112,623 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total cost of revenues |
8 | (190,461 | ) | (750,630 | ) | (113,438 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross profit |
80,164 | 289,549 | 43,758 | |||||||||
Operating expenses (1) |
||||||||||||
Research and development expenses |
(22,177 | ) | (49,047 | ) | (7,412 | ) | ||||||
Selling and marketing expenses (including RMB422 and RMB2,770 with related parties for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively) |
(32,422 | ) | (146,589 | ) | (22,153 | ) | ||||||
General and administrative expenses |
(5,869 | ) | (14,837 | ) | (2,242 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses |
(60,468 | ) | (210,473 | ) | (31,807 | ) | ||||||
Other income |
1,866 | 148 | 22 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income from operations |
21,562 | 79,224 | 11,973 | |||||||||
Interest income (including net interest expense of RMB633 and RMB333 with related parties for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively) |
926 | 2,659 | 402 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income before income tax expenses |
22,488 | 81,883 | 12,375 | |||||||||
Income tax expenses |
9 | (3,569 | ) | (11,592 | ) | (1,753 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
18,919 | 70,291 | 10,622 | |||||||||
Net income attributable to Viomi Technology Co., Ltd (the "Company") |
18,919 | 70,291 | 10,622 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accretion of Series A Preferred Shares |
11 | (4,392 | ) | (4,318 | ) | (652 | ) | |||||
Cumulative dividend on Series A Preferred Shares |
(5,496 | ) | (5,097 | ) | (770 | ) | ||||||
Cumulative dividend on Class B Ordinary Shares |
(446 | ) | (414 | ) | (62 | ) | ||||||
Undistributed earnings allocated to Series A Preferred Shares |
(833 | ) | (6,482 | ) | (980 | ) | ||||||
Undistributed earnings allocated to Class B Ordinary Shares |
(6,201 | ) | (48,224 | ) | (7,288 | ) | ||||||
Undistributed earnings allocated to unvested Class A ordinary shares |
(775 | ) | (2,926 | ) | (442 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company |
776 | 2,830 | 428 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income |
18,919 | 70,291 | 10,622 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |
||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
7,321 | (3,020 | ) | (456 | ) | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income |
26,240 | 67,271 | 10,166 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company: |
||||||||||||
Net income per ordinary share-basic |
13 | 0.05 | 0.11 | 0.02 | ||||||||
Net income per ordinary share-diluted |
13 | 0.04 | 0.09 | 0.01 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating net income per share |
||||||||||||
Ordinary sharebasic |
13 | 16,909,090 | 24,919,286 | 24,919,286 | ||||||||
Ordinary sharediluted |
13 | 21,557,912 | 31,434,510 | 31,434,510 |
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Note | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | ||||||||
|
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
US$
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
(Note 2(b))
|
||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
12 | 2,244 | 986 | 149 | ||||||||
Research and development expenses |
12 | 1,492 | 4,228 | 639 | ||||||||
Selling and marketing expenses |
12 | 333 | 2,560 | 387 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-60
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S DEFICIT
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017 AND 2018
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
|
Class A Ordinary
Shares |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Loss |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Additional
Paid-in Capital |
Accumulated
Deficit |
Total
Shareholders' Deficit |
||||||||||||||||
|
Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||
|
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2017 |
16,909,090 | 1 | 6,040 | (247,875 | ) | (37,106 | ) | (278,940 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 18,919 | | 18,919 | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation related to Restricted Shares |
| | 1,905 | | | 1,905 | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation related to 2015 Share Incentive Plan |
| | 2,021 | | | 2,021 | |||||||||||||
Accretion of Series A Preferred Shares |
| | (4,392 | ) | | | (4,392 | ) | |||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
| | | | 7,321 | 7,321 | |||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of June 30, 2017 |
16,909,090 | 1 | 5,574 | (228,956 | ) | (29,785 | ) | (253,166 | ) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of January 1, 2018 |
25,363,636 | 2 | 9,679 | (160,885 | ) | (18,004 | ) | (169,208 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 70,291 | | 70,291 | |||||||||||||
Surrender and cancellation of Class A ordinary shares (Note 10) |
(11,754,546 | ) | (1 | ) | 458 | | | 457 | |||||||||||
Share-based compensation related to Restricted Shares |
| | 714 | | | 714 | |||||||||||||
Share-based compensation related to 2015 Share Incentive Plan |
| | 6,920 | | | 6,920 | |||||||||||||
Accretion of Series A Preferred Shares |
| | (4,318 | ) | | | (4,318 | ) | |||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
| | | | (3,020 | ) | (3,020 | ) | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of June 30, 2018 |
13,609,090 | 1 | 13,453 | (90,594 | ) | (21,024 | ) | (98,164 | ) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-61
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017 AND 2018
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
|
For the six months ended June 30, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | 2018 | |||||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
US$
|
|||||||
|
|
|
(Note 2(b))
|
|||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||||
Net income |
18,919 | 70,291 | 10,622 | |||||||
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
794 | 1,110 | 168 | |||||||
Inventory write-down |
17 | 98 | 15 | |||||||
Share-based compensation |
4,069 | 7,774 | 1,175 | |||||||
Deferred income tax benefits |
(201 | ) | (2,841 | ) | (429 | ) | ||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||
Accounts and notes receivable from third parties |
(727 | ) | (125,114 | ) | (18,908 | ) | ||||
Accounts receivable from a related party |
(34,778 | ) | (84,183 | ) | (12,722 | ) | ||||
Inventories |
(9,408 | ) | (115,682 | ) | (17,482 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
(5,379 | ) | (82,227 | ) | (12,426 | ) | ||||
Other receivables from related parties |
(3,837 | ) | 13,982 | 2,113 | ||||||
Amount due to related parties |
408 | 1,464 | 221 | |||||||
Accounts payable |
(4,849 | ) | 206,448 | 31,199 | ||||||
Advances from customers |
23,148 | 26,726 | 4,039 | |||||||
Income tax payables |
3,327 | (2,565 | ) | (388 | ) | |||||
Accrued expense and other liabilities |
16,234 | 66,839 | 10,103 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
7,737 | (17,880 | ) | (2,700 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||||
Cash received from loan repayment from a related party |
| 31,441 | 4,751 | |||||||
Purchase of equipment |
(245 | ) | (6,105 | ) | (923 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(245 | ) | 25,336 | 3,828 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||||
Repayment of debt to a related party |
| (31,900 | ) | (4,821 | ) | |||||
Cash received from a shareholder |
| 2,705 | 409 | |||||||
Cash paid to a related party |
| (5,000 | ) | (756 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net cash used in financing activities |
| (34,195 | ) | (5,168 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
(947 | ) | 3,739 | 565 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
6,545 | (23,000 | ) | (3,475 | ) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period |
156,930 | 279,952 | 42,307 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period |
163,475 | 256,952 | 38,832 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information: |
||||||||||
Cash paid for income tax |
| 16,998 | 2,569 | |||||||
Cash paid for interest expense |
450 | 768 | 116 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
F-62
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES
Viomi Technology Co., Ltd (the "Company") is a holding company incorporated under the Laws of the Cayman Islands in January 2015. The Company, through its consolidated subsidiaries and variable interest entities ("VIEs") (collectively referred to as the "Group") is primarily engaged in the operation of developing and selling Internet-of-things-enabled ("IoT-enabled") smart home products in the People's Republic of China ("the PRC").
(a) Organization
As of June 30, 2018, details of the Company's subsidiaries and VIEs were as follows:
|
Place of
incorporation |
Date of
incorporation |
Percentage of
beneficial ownership |
Principal activities | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Subsidiaries : |
||||||||
Viomi HK |
Hong Kong | January 30, 2015 | 100% | Investment holding | ||||
Lequan |
PRC | May 15, 2015 | 100% | Investment holding | ||||
VIEs: |
||||||||
Foshan Viomi |
PRC | May 6, 2014 | 100% |
Home appliance
development and sales |
||||
Beijing Viomi |
PRC | January 12, 2015 | 100% | No substantial business | ||||
Subsidiaries of Foshan Viomi: |
|
|
|
|
||||
Xiaoxian |
PRC | October 12, 2016 | VIE's subsidiary | No substantial business | ||||
Discovery |
PRC | March 10, 2017 | VIE's subsidiary | No substantial business |
(b) VIE Arrangements between the VIEs and the Company's PRC subsidiary
The following table sets forth the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the VIEs and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, which were included in the Group's interim condensed consolidated
F-63
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
1. ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (Continued)
balance sheets and consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Transactions between the VIEs and its subsidiaries are eliminated in the financial information presented below:
|
As of
December 31, |
As of
June 30, |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
210,280 | 152,844 | |||||
Accounts and notes receivable from third parties (net of allowance of nil and nil as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively) |
4,348 | 129,462 | |||||
Accounts receivable from a related party (net of allowance of nil and nil as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively) |
249,548 | 333,731 | |||||
Other receivable from related parties (net of allowance of nil and nil as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, respectively) |
24,160 | 10,954 | |||||
Inventories |
50,692 | 166,276 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
22,986 | 101,655 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total current assets |
562,014 | 894,922 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
| 4,701 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
3,086 | 3,380 | |||||
Deferred tax assets |
3,048 | 5,889 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total non-current assets |
6,134 | 13,970 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total assets |
568,148 | 908,892 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Accounts payable |
291,643 | 498,091 | |||||
Advances from customers |
27,015 | 53,741 | |||||
Amount due to related parties |
35,953 | 3,017 | |||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
60,953 | 124,244 | |||||
Income tax payables |
11,612 | 9,047 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
427,176 | 688,140 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
460 | 176 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total non-current liabilities |
460 | 176 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
427,636 | 688,316 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
|
For the
six months ended June 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Revenue |
270,543 | 1,040,179 | |||||
Net income |
18,411 | 70,820 | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
8,053 |
(14,431 |
) |
||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(245 | ) | (6,105 | ) | |||
Net cash used in financing activities |
| (36,900 | ) |
F-64
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Basis of presentation and use of estimates
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement of results for the periods presented, have been included. The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year or any other interim period.
The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the recorded amounts reported therein. A change in facts or circumstances surrounding the estimate could result in a change to estimates and impact future operating results.
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures have been prepared with the presumption that users of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017. The condensed consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2017 have been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
(b) Convenience translation
Translations of amounts from RMB into US$ for the convenience of the reader were calculated at the noon buying rate of US$1.00 = RMB6.6171 on June 29, 2018 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted into US$ at such rate.
(c) Revenue recognition
The accounting policies of revenue recognition for all revenue streams disclosed in the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 remained unchanged. In 2018, the Group entered into a business cooperation with one e-commerce platform and the revenue recognition policy is as follows.
Contract with one e-commerce platform
In 2018, the Group entered into a cooperation contract with one leading e-commerce platform. Pursuant to the contract, the e-commerce platform purchases Viomi-branded products from the Group and resells the products to the end customers through its platform. Upon the acceptance of the products,
F-65
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
the e-commerce platform has legal title and physical possession of the products and it would bear the inventory risk of loss due to physical damage before the products are transferred and accepted by end customer. The e-commerce platform is then responsible for delivering the specified products to end customers and has ability to direct the use of the products and obtain the remaining benefits from the products by reselling the products. The e-commerce platform also has flexibility in determining the retail sales price within relatively broad price range set by the Group for substantial majority of the products purchased. Based on these indicators, the Group determined the e-commerce platform (as opposed to the end customer) as its customer according to ASC 606-10-55-39, and the Group recognizes revenue equal to the sales price to this e-commerce platform when control of the inventory is transferred.
As stipulated in the contract, slow-moving goods are those unsold products after they are controlled by the e-commerce platform for more than 30 days or 60 days, depending on the different categories of products. For those goods that are slow-moving after they are controlled by the e-commerce platform for more than 60 days, the Group shall coordinate with the e-commerce platform to sell the slowing-moving products to end customers through promotions within 30 days, and the Group shall bear all losses caused by such discounted sales, otherwise, the e-commerce platform can return such slow-moving products to the Group. For those goods that are slow-moving after they are controlled by the e-commerce platform for more than 30 days, the e-commerce platform can return such slow-moving products to the Group. Based on the Group's history of cooperation with the e-commerce platform and the pattern that the e-commerce platform dealt with slow-moving goods, the Group estimates that slow-moving goods will be returned to the Group instead of sold through discounted sales by the e-commerce platform. Under ASC 606, a right of return is not a separate performance obligation, but it affects the estimated transaction price for transferred goods. Revenue is only recognized for those products that are not expected to be returned. The estimate of expected returns should be calculated in the same way as other variable consideration. Based on historical information and other relevant evidence, such as expected sales and inventory level of the e-commerce platform, the Group assesses the minimum level of sales, for which it is probable there will be no significant reversal of cumulative revenue, and recognizes those sales as revenue. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Group recognizes total revenue of RMB108,463 from sales of products to this e-commerce platform when control of the products are transferred, which is net off expected sales returns. Correspondingly, pursuant to ASC 606-10-55-23, the Group recognizes an expected return asset of RMB16,200 and a refund liability of RMB22,670. The Group would update its estimate of expected returns at each period end. The expected return asset is presented and assessed for impairment separately from the refund liability. The Group would assess the expected return asset for impairment, and adjust the value of the asset if it becomes impaired.
Further, the Group might pay, or is expected to pay, a few various types of consideration to this e-commerce platform, mainly including gross margin guarantee advertising and promotion fees, in the form of cash, or directly reducing amounts owed to the Group by this e-commerce platform. The Group evaluates each type of incentives or fees to be paid in accordance with ASC 606. Considering the fact that the Group either does not receive any service from the e-commerce platform or cannot elect to engage another vendor to provide similar advertising services on a standalone basis that is distinct from the contract the Company has with this e-commerce platform, the Group reduces the transaction price for the sale of products by the amount of various types of consideration payable to this e-commerce platform. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the amount of various types of consideration was less than 5% of the sales to the e-commerce platform.
F-66
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
1) Revenue disaggregation by type of contract
The following table disaggregates the Group's revenue by type of contract for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018:
|
For the
six months ended June 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Contract with Xiaomi |
243,169 | 651,538 | |||||
Xiaomi-branded products |
221,739 | 564,501 | |||||
Viomi-branded products |
21,430 | 87,037 | |||||
Contracts related to sales through the Group's own and other sales channels |
27,456 | 388,641 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
|
270,625 | 1,040,179 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
2) Contract balances
Only several customers are entitled to a credit term. As the expected length of time between when the Group transfers the promised products to several customers and when they pay for those products is short and there is no difference between the amount of promised consideration and the cash selling price of the promised products, therefore, the Group concludes that the contracts with several customers generally do not include a significant financing component. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the Group's best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. The Group determines the allowance based on known troubled accounts, historical experience, and other currently available evidence. There was no activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the periods presented as several customers are of a good credit reputation and always make the payment timely upon their acceptance of products.
The opening balance of accounts receivable from several customers as of January 1, 2017 was RMB45,021. As of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, accounts receivable from several customers were RMB253,896 and RMB463,193, respectively. Out of the accounts receivable as of June 30, 2018, RMB112,567 was due from the e-commerce platform discussed in section "Contract with one third-party e-commerce platform" above.
Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue related to end customers' remaining rights expected to be exercised for asking for the Group's provision of installation services for certain products, where there is still an obligation to be provided by the Group, which will be recognized as revenue when all of the revenue recognition criteria are met.
F-67
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
The opening balance of deferred revenue as of January 1, 2017 was RMB29. As of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, deferred revenue were RMB146 and RMB229, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, the Group recognized revenue of installation services amounted to RMB138 and RMB1,661, respectively. The Group expects to recognize approximately RMB229 of the unearned amount for the Group's remaining performance obligations related to installation services before June 30, 2019.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, the Group does not have any arrangement where the performance obligations have already been satisfied in the past period, but the corresponding revenue is only recognized in a later period.
(d) Newly issued accounting pronouncements
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)"("ASU 2016-02"), which requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases with lease terms of more than 12 months on the balance sheet. Under the new guidance, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. The ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted on a modified retrospective basis. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13), "Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses", which introduces new guidance for credit losses on instruments within its scope. The new guidance introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including, but not limited to, trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and net investments in leases. The new guidance also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires the entities to determine whether all or a portion of the unrealized loss on an available-for-sale debt security is a credit loss. The standard also indicates that entities may not use the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a factor in concluding whether a credit loss exists. The ASU 2016-13 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.
F-68
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
3. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand and demand deposits placed with banks. Cash and cash equivalents balance as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018 primarily consist of the following currencies:
|
As of December 31,
2017 |
As of June 30, 2018 | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amount |
RMB
equivalent |
Amount |
RMB
equivalent |
|||||||||
RMB |
206,951 | 206,951 | 141,709 | 141,709 | |||||||||
US$ |
11,163 | 73,001 | 17,458 | 115,243 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
279,952 | 256,952 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
4. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following:
|
As of
December 31, |
As of
June 30, |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Raw materials |
36,736 | 65,147 | |||||
Finished goods |
13,956 | 101,129 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Inventories |
50,692 | 166,276 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, the Group recorded write-down of RMB17 and RMB98 for obsolete inventories, respectively.
5. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER ASSETS
|
As of
December 31, |
As of
June 30, |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Advances to suppliers |
14,428 | 62,012 | |||||
Other current assets |
5,525 | 21,326 | |||||
Expected return assets (Note 2c) |
| 16,200 | |||||
Other receivables |
3,054 | 5,803 | |||||
Prepayment for equipment |
| 4,701 | |||||
Rental deposits |
276 | 169 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
23,283 | 110,211 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Less: non-current portion |
| (4,701 | ) | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets-current portion |
23,283 | 105,510 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-69
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following:
|
As of
December 31, |
As of
June 30, |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Computers and equipment |
5,815 | 7,219 | |||||
Vehicle |
508 | 508 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
6,323 | 7,727 | |||||
Less: accumulated depreciation |
(3,237 | ) | (4,347 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net |
3,086 | 3,380 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The Group had recorded depreciation expense of RMB794 and RMB1,110 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively. No impairment was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018.
7. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
|
As of
December 31, |
As of
June 30, |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Accrued payroll and welfare |
16,304 | 23,572 | |||||
Refund liabilities (Note 2c) |
| 22,670 | |||||
Product warranty |
13,909 | 14,775 | |||||
Other current liabilities |
5,871 | 20,793 | |||||
Other tax payable |
15,359 | 12,813 | |||||
Freight payable |
9,799 | 33,418 | |||||
Deposits received related to unvested shares |
496 | 188 | |||||
Deferred revenue |
146 | 229 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total |
61,884 | 128,458 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Less: non-current portion |
(460 | ) | (176 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities-current portion |
61,424 | 128,282 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-70
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
7. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES (Continued)
Product warranty activities were as follows:
|
Product
Warranty |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
RMB
|
|||
Balance at December 31, 2016 |
2,483 | |||
Provided during the period |
7,486 | |||
Utilized during the period |
(2,920 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Balance at June 30, 2017 |
7,049 | |||
| | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2017 |
13,909 | |||
Provided during the period |
8,042 | |||
Utilized during the period |
(7,176 | ) | ||
| | | | |
Balance at June 30, 2018 |
14,775 | |||
| | | | |
8. REVENUE
|
For the six months ended
June 30, 2017 |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Revenues |
Cost of
revenues |
Gross
profit |
|||||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||||
Sales of product |
||||||||||
IoT-enabled smart home products |
232,687 | 166,230 | 66,457 | |||||||
Smart water purification systems |
194,005 | 138,444 | 55,561 | |||||||
Smart kitchen products |
3,299 | 2,704 | 595 | |||||||
Other smart products |
35,383 | 25,082 | 10,301 | |||||||
Consumable products |
26,944 | 14,217 | 12,727 | |||||||
Other products |
10,856 | 9,883 | 973 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total of sales of products |
270,487 | 190,330 | 80,157 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Rendering of services |
||||||||||
Installation services |
138 | 131 | 7 | |||||||
Total |
270,625 | 190,461 | 80,164 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-71
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
8. REVENUE (Continued)
|
For the six months ended
June 30, 2018 |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Revenues |
Cost of
revenues |
Gross
profit |
|||||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||||
Sales of product |
||||||||||
IoT-enabled smart home products |
828,212 | 606,823 | 221,389 | |||||||
Smart water purification systems |
432,443 | 288,943 | 143,500 | |||||||
Smart kitchen products |
285,595 | 236,962 | 48,633 | |||||||
Other smart products |
110,174 | 80,918 | 29,256 | |||||||
Consumable products |
87,610 | 43,837 | 43,773 | |||||||
Other products |
122,696 | 98,388 | 24,308 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total of sales of products |
1,038,518 | 749,048 | 289,470 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Rendering of services |
||||||||||
Installation services |
1,661 | 1,582 | 79 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
1,040,179 | 750,630 | 289,549 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
9. INCOME TAX EXPENSES
Composition of income tax expense
The current and deferred components of income taxes appearing in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:
F-72
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
9. INCOME TAX EXPENSES (Continued)
Reconciliation between the income tax expenses computed by applying the PRC enterprise tax rate to income before income taxes and actual provision were as follows:
|
For the six months
ended June 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Income from operations in the PRC |
21,973 | 82,184 | |||||
Income (loss) from oversea entities |
515 | (301 | ) | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Income before income tax |
22,488 | 81,883 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Tax expense at PRC enterprise income tax rate of 25% |
5,622 | 20,471 | |||||
Income tax on tax holiday (1) |
(2,424 | ) | (8,360 | ) | |||
Tax effect of permanent differences (2) |
(679 | ) | (2,113 | ) | |||
Change in valuation allowance |
574 | 351 | |||||
Effect of share-based compensation |
610 | 1,166 | |||||
Effect of income tax in jurisdictions other than the PRC |
(134 | ) | 77 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Income tax expenses |
3,569 | 11,592 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
The per share effect of the tax holidays are as follows:
|
For the
six months ended June 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Net income per share effectbasic |
0.14 | 0.34 | |||||
Net income per share effectdiluted |
0.11 | 0.27 |
F-73
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
9. INCOME TAX EXPENSES (Continued)
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities
The significant components of the Group's deferred tax assets were as follows:
|
As of
December 31, |
As of
June 30, |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Inventory write downs |
541 | 456 | |||||
Accrued expenses and others |
2,485 | 5,399 | |||||
Deferred income |
22 | 34 | |||||
Net operating loss carry forwards |
952 | 1,303 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total deferred tax assets |
4,000 | 7,192 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Less: valuation allowance |
(952 | ) | (1,303 | ) | |||
| | | | | | | |
Deferred tax assets, net |
3,048 | 5,889 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Movement of valuation allowance
|
For the
six months ended June 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Balance at beginning of the period |
192 | 952 | |||||
Provided |
574 | 351 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Balance at end of the period |
766 | 1,303 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Uncertain tax positions
The Group evaluates the level of authority for each uncertain tax position (including the potential application of interest and penalties) based on the technical merits, and measures the unrecognized benefits associated with the tax positions. As of June 30, 2018, the Group did not have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions.
10. ORDINARY SHARES
The Company's original Memorandum and Articles of Association authorizes the Company to issue 346,545,454 class A ordinary shares with a par value of US$0.0001 per share. After a share split effective on August 23, 2018, the Company's amended Memorandum and Articles of Association authorizes the Company to issue 3,465,454,540 class A ordinary shares with a par value of US$0.00001 per share. As of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018, the Company had 25,363,636 and 13,609,090 class A ordinary shares outstanding, respectively. Each ordinary share is entitled to one vote. The holders of ordinary shares are also entitled to receive dividends whenever funds are legally available and when declared by the Board of Directors, subject to prior rights of holders of all other classes of shares outstanding.
F-74
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
10. ORDINARY SHARES (Continued)
In June 2018, the Board of Directors and the shareholders approved a transfer and surrender of shares plan, pursuant to which, Mr. Chen, who holds 33,818,182 Class A ordinary shares on behalf of certain key management founders through Viomi Limited, transferred 16,145,454 Class A ordinary shares to key management founders and surrendered the remaining 17,672,728 Class A ordinary shares to the Company. Out of the 17,672,728 Class A ordinary shares surrendered, 11,754,546 shares were unrestricted ordinary shares.
11. REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED AND CLASS B ORDINARY SHARES
The change in the balance of Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares included in mezzanine equity for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018 are as follows:
|
Series A
Preferred Shares |
Class B
Ordinary Shares held by the Founder (1)(2) |
Class B Ordinary
Shares-owned by Red Better and Shunwei (1) |
Total | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2017 |
151,279 | 54,545 | 218,175 | 423,999 | |||||||||
Accretion of preferred shares |
4,392 | | | 4,392 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange |
(3,607 | ) | (1,280 | ) | (5,114 | ) | (10,001 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of June 30, 2017 |
152,064 | 53,265 | 213,061 | 418,390 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Series A
Preferred Shares |
Class B
Ordinary Shares held by the Founder (1)(2) |
Class B Ordinary
Shares-owned by Red Better and Shunwei (1) |
Total | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||
Balance as of January 1, 2018 |
151,045 | 51,376 | 205,507 | 407,928 | |||||||||
Accretion of preferred shares |
4,318 | | | 4,318 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange |
2,070 | 649 | 2,591 | 5,310 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as of June 30, 2018 |
157,433 | 52,025 | 208,098 | 417,556 | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
F-75
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
12. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Compensation expense recognized for share-based awards was as follows:
(a) Restricted Shares
A summary of the Restricted Shares activity for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018 is presented below:
|
Number of shares | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Restricted Shares held
by the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders |
Restricted
Shares held by the Founder on his own behalf |
Total | |||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2017 |
16,909,092 | 33,818,182 | 50,727,274 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at January 1, 2018 |
8,454,546 | 16,909,091 | 25,363,637 | |||||||
Surrender and cancellation (1) |
(5,918,182 | ) | | (5,918,182 | ) | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at June 30, 2018 |
2,536,364 | 16,909,091 | 19,445,455 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
F-76
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
12. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
The table below shows the details of the movement of liability-classified awards with respect to unsettled 50,727,273 restricted shares granted to the Founder for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018:
|
Liability-classified
Awards (RMB) |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
Restricted Shares held
by the Founder on his own behalf |
|||
Balance as at January 1, 2017 |
4,550 | |||
Share-based compensation expenses |
143 | |||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
242 | |||
| | | | |
Balance as at June 30, 2017 |
4,935 | |||
| | | | |
Balance as at January 1, 2018 |
4,738 | |||
Share-based compensation expenses |
140 | |||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
231 | |||
| | | | |
Balance as at June 30, 2018 |
5,109 | |||
| | | | |
(b) Share options
On September 17, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the establishment of 2015 Share Incentive Plan, the purpose of which is to provide an incentive for employees contributing to the Group. The 2015 Share Incentive Plan shall be valid and effective for 10 years from the grant date. The maximum number of shares that may be issued pursuant to all awards (including incentive share options) under 2015 Share Incentive Plan shall be 12,727,272 shares.
In June 2018, the Board of Directors and shareholders of the Company approved the 2018 Share Incentive Plan, pursuant to which the maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued was initially 17,672,728. No shares options has been granted under 2018 Share Incentive Plan for the six months ended June 30, 2018.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company granted 1,060,000 share options to employees pursuant to the 2015 Share Incentive Plan. With respect to the share options granted, 50% of the options will be vested after 24 months of the grant date and the remaining 50% will be vested in two equal installments over the following 24 months.
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company granted 3,980,000 share options to employees pursuant to the 2015 Share Incentive Plan. Among which, with respect to the 3,350,000 share options granted, 40% of the options will be vested after 24 months of the grant date and the remaining 60% will be vested in three equal installments over the following 36 months. With respect to 630,000 share options granted, 50% of the options will be vested after 24 months of the grant date and the remaining 50% will be vested in two equal installments over the following 24 months.
F-77
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
12. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
The Group calculated the estimated fair value of the options on the respective grant dates using the binomial option pricing model with assistance from independent valuation firms. Assumptions used to determine the fair value of share options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018 are summarized in the following table:
|
For the six months ended June 30, | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | ||
Risk-free interest rate |
3.06% ~ 3.29% | 3.75% ~ 3.92% | ||
Expected volatility |
48.36% ~ 49.44% | 46.39% ~ 46.99% | ||
Expected life of option (years) |
10 | 10 | ||
Expected dividend yield |
| | ||
Fair value per ordinary share |
US$0.76 ~ 0.81 | US$1.61 ~ 3.17 |
A summary of the stock option activity under the 2015 Plan for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018 is included in the table below.
|
Options granted
Share Number |
Weighted average
exercise price (US$) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Outstanding at January 1, 2017 |
5,620,000 | 0.12 | |||||
Granted |
1,060,000 | 0.48 | |||||
Forfeited |
(250,000 | ) | 0.20 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Outstanding at June 30, 2017 |
6,430,000 | 0.18 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Outstanding at January 1, 2018 |
7,540,000 | 0.25 | |||||
Granted |
3,980,000 | 0.55 | |||||
Forfeited |
(280,000 | ) | 0.50 | ||||
| | | | | | | |
Outstanding at June 30, 2018 |
11,240,000 | 0.35 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
The following table summarizes information regarding the share options granted as of December 31, 2017 and June 30, 2018:
|
As of December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Options Number |
Weighted-average
exercise price per option |
Weighted-average
remaining exercise contractual life (years) |
Aggregate
intrinsic value |
|||||||||
|
|
US$
|
|
US$
|
|||||||||
Options |
|||||||||||||
Outstanding |
7,540,000 | 0.25 | 8.65 | 3,697 | |||||||||
Exercisable |
2,612,500 | 0.06 | 7.99 | 987 | |||||||||
Expected to vest |
4,385,475 | 0.35 | 9.00 | 2,695 |
F-78
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
12. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
|
As of June 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Options Number |
Weighted-average
exercise price per option |
Weighted-average
remaining exercise contractual life (years) |
Aggregate
intrinsic value |
|||||||||
|
|
US$
|
|
US$
|
|||||||||
Options |
|||||||||||||
Outstanding |
11,240,000 | 0.35 | 8.88 | 13,460 | |||||||||
Exercisable |
3,355,000 | 0.10 | 7.54 | 1,489 | |||||||||
Expected to vest |
7,017,650 | 0.46 | 9.39 | 10,920 |
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018 was RMB3.52 (US$0.53) and RMB16.75 (US$2.53) per option, respectively.
No options were exercised for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the six months ended June 30, 2018.
As of June 30, 2018, there was RMB42,063 of unrecognized compensation expenses related to the options.
13. NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic net income per share is the amount of net income available to each share of ordinary shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income per share is the amount of net income available to each share of ordinary shares outstanding during the reporting period adjusted to include the effect of potentially dilutive ordinary shares.
For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, the Group has determined that its convertible redeemable Class B Ordinary Shares, convertible redeemable Series A Preferred Shares and unvested Class A ordinary shares are participating securities as they participate in undistributed earnings on an as-if-converted basis. The holders of the Class B Ordinary Shares, Series A Preferred Shares and unvested Class A ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends on a pro rata basis, as if their shares had been converted into ordinary shares. Accordingly, the Group uses the two-class method of computing net
F-79
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
13. NET INCOME PER SHARE (Continued)
income per share, for ordinary shares and preferred shares according to the participation rights in undistributed earnings.
For the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2018, the following shares outstanding were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per ordinary share, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive for the periods prescribed.
|
For the six months
ended June 30, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
Shares issuable upon conversion of Restricted Shared owned the Founder |
67,636,364 | 67,636,364 | |||||
Shares issuable upon conversion of Class B Ordinary Shares owned by Red Better and Shunwei |
67,636,364 | 67,636,364 | |||||
Shares issuable upon conversion of Series A Preferred Shares |
18,181,818 | 18,181,818 | |||||
Shares issuable upon exercise of unvested Restricted Shares owned by the Founder on behalf of certain key management founders |
16,909,091 | 8,192,968 |
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Name
|
Relationship with the Group | |
---|---|---|
Mr. Chen | Founder | |
Xiaomi Inc. | Controlled by Xiaomi | |
Xiaomi H.K. | Controlled by Xiaomi | |
Xiaomi Telecommunication Technology | Controlled by Xiaomi | |
Tianjin Jinxing | Controlled by Xiaomi | |
Xiaomi Software | Controlled by Xiaomi |
F-80
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
The Group's relationship with Xiaomi
Xiaomi is the Group's strategic partner and shareholder.
The Group's sales to Xiaomi is governed by a business cooperation agreement, pursuant to which Xiaomi is responsible for the distribution and sales of such products through their network and sales channels.
The Group also sells products through Xiaomi's online e-commerce channel Youpin.mi.com, and is charged of commissions pursuant to a commission sales agreement.
Transaction with Xiaomi
Business cooperation agreement
The current business corporation agreement entered into in 2017 with Xiaomi governs all the Group's sales to Xiaomi. It will expire in August 2019, and will automatically extend for successive one-year period unless objected by a party at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current term.
Under the business cooperation agreement, (i) products sold to Xiaomi are exclusively designed for and can only be sold to Xiaomi, (ii) Xiaomi shall purchase these products at a price that covers all of the Group's costs of raw materials, outsourcing manufacture, models, logistics and paid intellectual property licensing fees, in connection with the manufacture and delivery of these products, and (iii) Xiaomi and the Group shall share gross profits, derived from sales of these products, the retail prices of which were set by Xiaomi and the Group together.
Youpin commission sales agreement
The Group has entered into a commission sales agreement with Xiaomi for the sale of certain of the Group's own branded products. The commission sales agreement will expire on December 31, 2018 with no automatic renewal provision. Furthermore, this agreement may be terminated by Xiaomi with 30 days' written notice.
Under the commission sales agreement, the Group shall pay a service fee, 8% of the sales price excluding customers' refunds or as otherwise agreed by the parties with respect to specific product lines, as well as a deposit to Xiaomi. The retail prices of the Group's products on Youpin's platform shall be no higher than the sales price from any other e-commerce merchants or the Group's official offline sales channel, including in the event of sales or promotion.
F-81
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
(1) Amount due from/to related parties:
(2) Purchase from a related party:
|
For the six
months ended, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Xiaomi Telecommunication Technology (a) |
41 | 8,385 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
(3) Revenue from a related party:
|
For the six months
ended, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Xiaomi Telecommunication Technology (a) |
243,169 | 651,538 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
(4) Commission expense
|
For the six
months ended, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Xiaomi Inc. (c) |
422 | 2,770 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
F-82
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
(5) Interest Expenses
(6) Interest Income
|
For the six
months ended, |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2017 | 2018 | |||||
|
RMB
|
RMB
|
|||||
Xiaomi H.K. (b) |
247 | 107 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
(a) Lease commitments
The Group leases its offices under non-cancelable operating lease agreements. The Group recognizes rental expense under such arrangements on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
F-83
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
As of June 30, 2018, future minimum commitments under non-cancelable agreements were as follows:
|
Office
rental |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|
|
RMB
|
|||
Remainder of 2018 |
1,294 | |||
2019 |
2,413 | |||
2020 |
1,981 | |||
2021 and after |
2,637 | |||
| | | | |
|
8,325 | |||
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
(b) Capital and other commitment
The Group entered into an agreement with a third party on May 28, 2018. Pursuant to which the Group and the third party agreed to set up a company primarily engaged in manufacturing of the Group's certain existing products. Under the agreement, the Group's committed investment amount as of June 30, 2018 was RMB6,000.
(c) Legal proceedings
From time to time, the Group is involved in claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. Based on currently available information, management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of these unresolved matters, individually and in the aggregate, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Group's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and the Group's view of these matters may change in the future. If an unfavorable outcome were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the Group's financial position and results of operations for the periods in which the unfavorable outcome occurs.
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
(1) Issuance of New Share Options and Ordinary Shares
In August 2018, the Company granted 2,150,000 share options to employees pursuant to the 2015 Share Incentive Plan and 2018 Share Incentive Plan. With respect to the share options granted, 40% of the options will be vested after 24 months of the grant date and the remaining 60% will be vested in three equal installments over the following 36 months. Out of the 2,150,000 share options granted, 1,100,000 share options has an exercise price of US$0.55 and the grant date fair value was estimated to be approximately US$2.83 per option. The remaining 1,050,000 share options has an exercise price of US$1.1 and the grant date fair value was estimated to be approximately US$2.46 per option.
On August 23, 2018, the Company issued 4,000,000 class A ordinary shares at par value to Mr. Chen's wholly-owned entity Viomi Limited to award his contribution to the Company's development. Such shares were immediately vested. The issuance of such shares is accounted for as a share-based compensation to Mr. Chen. The issuance date fair value was estimated to be approximately US$3.30 per share.
F-84
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)
(2) Share Split
On August 23, 2018, the Company effected a share split whereby each of the Company's then authorised and outstanding ordinary shares and preferred shares, par value of $0.0001 each, was divided into ten ordinary shares and preferred shares of the same series, par value US$0.00001 each, respectively. All shareholders then surrendered 90% of their after-share-split outstanding shares back to the Company for cancellation. After the share split and the surrender of shares for cancellation, the number of the Company's outstanding ordinary and preferred shares remained unchanged. As the number of outstanding shares remained unchanged, the share split does not have an impact to the basic and diluted net income per share for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2017. The par value per ordinary share has been retroactively revised as if it had been adjusted in proportion to the share split.
(3) Adoption of Dual Class Structure Immediately Prior to the Completion of the Initial Public Offering
According to the written resolutions of all the shareholders of the Company on August 23, 2018, immediately prior to the completion of the initial public offering of the Company, the Company's authorized share capital will be US$50,000 divided into 5,000,000,000 shares comprising of the (i) 4,800,000,000 Class A ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each ("Post-IPO Class A Ordinary Shares"), (ii) 150,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each ("Post-IPO Class B Ordinary Shares") and (iii) 50,000,000 shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each of such class or classes (however designated) as the board of directors may determine in accordance with post-offering amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. In respect of all matters subject to a shareholder vote, each Post-IPO Class A Ordinary Share is entitled to one vote, and each Post-IPO Class B Ordinary Share is entitled to ten (10) votes, voting together as one class. Each Post-IPO Class B Ordinary Share is convertible into one Post-IPO Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Post-IPO Class A Ordinary Shares are not convertible into Post-IPO Class B Ordinary Shares under any circumstances. Upon any transfer of Post-IPO Class B Ordinary Shares by a holder to any person or entity other than holders of Post-IPO Class B Ordinary Shares or their affiliates, such Post-IPO Class B Ordinary Shares shall be automatically and immediately converted into the equivalent number of Post-IPO Class A Ordinary Shares.
Immediately prior to the completion of the initial public offering of the Company, 16,145,454 issued class A ordinary shares held by certain key management founders, 33,818,182 issued class B Ordinary Shares held by Red Better, and 67,636,364 issued class B Ordinary Shares held by Mr. Chen's wholly-owned entity Viomi Limited will be automatically converted by way of re-designation and re-classification into Post-IPO Class B Ordinary Shares on a one-for-one basis, and the rest of the outstanding class A ordinary shares, the rest of the outstanding class B Ordinary Shares, and all outstanding Series A Preferred Shares will be automatically converted by way of re-designation and re-classification into Post-IPO Class A Ordinary Shares on a one-for-one basis.
(4) In September 2018, Foshan Viomi reduced its registered capital and changed its shareholders from Mr. Chen and Tianjin Jinxing to Mr. Chen alone. Concurrently, the Company entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Foshan Viomi and Mr. Chen in substantially the same form as the contractual arrangements entered into in July 2015.
F-85
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
17. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET AND INCOME PER SHARE
Pursuant to the Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Company's Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares will be automatically converted into Class A ordinary shares upon the closing of a Qualified IPO. In addition, the vesting of Restricted Shares granted to the Founder will accelerate upon the closing of a Qualified IPO.
The unaudited pro forma balance sheet as of June 30, 2018 presents an adjusted financial position as if all Class A and Class B Ordinary Shares granted to the Founders have been vested and all Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares have been converted into ordinary shares as if the conversion occurred on the balance sheet date. Accordingly, the carrying value of the preferred shares and relevant liabilities were reclassified from preferred shares and liabilities to ordinary shares and additional paid in capital for such pro forma presentation.
The following table sets forth the computation of unaudited pro forma basic and diluted net income per share for the six months ended June 30, 2018 after giving effect to the assumption that all Class A and Class B Ordinary Shares granted to the Founders have been vested and all Series A Preferred Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares have been converted into ordinary shares as if the conversion occurred as of the beginning of the period or the original date of issuance, if later:
F-86
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Amounts in thousands except for number of shares and per share data)
17. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET AND INCOME PER SHARE (Continued)
F-87
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company's articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime.
The post-offering memorandum and articles of association that we expect to adopt and to become effective immediately prior to the completion of this offering provide that we shall indemnify our directors and officers (each an indemnified person) against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by such indemnified person, other than by reason of such person's own dishonesty, willful default or fraud, in or about the conduct of our company's business or affairs (including as a result of any mistake of judgment) or in the execution or discharge of his duties, powers, authorities or discretions, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by such indemnified person in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning our company or its affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.
Pursuant to the indemnification agreements, the form of which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 to this registration statement, we agree to indemnify our directors and executive officers against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by such persons in connection with claims made by reason of their being such a director or officer.
The underwriting agreement, the form of which will be filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this registration statement, will also provide indemnification for us and our officers and directors for certain liabilities.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
ITEM 7. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
During the past three years, we have issued the following securities. We believe that each of the following issuances was exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Regulation D under the Securities Act or pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act regarding transactions not
II-1
involving a public offering or in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act regarding sales by an issuer in offshore transactions. No underwriters were involved in these issuances of securities.
Securities/Purchaser
|
Date of Issuance | Number of Securities | Consideration | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ordinary shares |
|||||||||
Viomi Limited |
July 21, 2015 | 33,818,182 class A ordinary shares and 67,636,364 class B ordinary shares | Contribution of Foshan Viomi and Beijing Viomi | ||||||
Red Better Limited |
33,818,182 class B ordinary shares | ||||||||
Shunwei Talent Limited |
33,818,182 class B ordinary shares | ||||||||
Viomi Limited |
August 23, 2018 | 4,000,000 class A ordinary shares | Past service to us | ||||||
Series A preferred shares |
|
|
|
||||||
SCC Venture V Holdco I, Ltd. |
July 21, 2015 | 10,909,091 | US$12.0 million | ||||||
Shunwei Ecosystem Fund, L.P. |
July 21, 2015 | 3,181,818 | US$3.5 million | ||||||
Morningside China TMT Special Opportunity Fund, L.P. |
July 21, 2015 | 2,070,707 | US$2.3 million | ||||||
Morningside China TMT Fund III Co-Investment, L.P. |
July 21, 2015 | 202,020 | US$0.2 million | ||||||
Shunwei Talent Limited |
July 21, 2015 | 1,818,182 | US$20.0 million | ||||||
Options |
|
|
|
||||||
Certain directors, officers and employees |
from October 10, 2015 to August 23, 2018 | Options to purchase 15,430,000 ordinary shares |
Past and future
services to us |
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
See Exhibit Index beginning on page II-4 of this registration statement.
The agreements included as exhibits to this registration statement contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement. These representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and (i) were not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate; (ii) may have been qualified in such agreement by disclosure that was made to the other party in connection with the negotiation of the applicable agreement; (iii) may apply contract standards of "materiality" that are different from "materiality" under the applicable securities laws; and (iv) were made only as of the date of the applicable agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the agreement.
We acknowledge that, notwithstanding the inclusion of the foregoing cautionary statements, we are responsible for considering whether additional specific disclosure of material information regarding material contractual provisions is required to make the statements in this registration statement not misleading.
Schedules have been omitted because the information required to be set forth therein is not applicable or is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the Notes thereto.
II-2
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described in Item 6, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) For the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
(4) For the purpose of determining any liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
II-3
II-4
II-5
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-1 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Guangzhou, China, on September 11, 2018.
Viomi Technology Co., Ltd | ||||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ XIAOPING CHEN |
||
Name: | Xiaoping Chen | |||||
Title: | Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer |
II-6
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ XIAOPING CHEN
Xiaoping Chen |
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | September 11, 2018 | ||||
* De Liu |
|
Director |
|
September 11, 2018 |
||
* Luo Zou |
|
Director |
|
September 11, 2018 |
||
/s/ SHUN JIANG Shun Jiang |
|
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
|
September 11, 2018 |
||
*By: |
|
/s/ XIAOPING CHEN Name: Xiaoping Chen Attorney-in-fact |
|
|
|
|
II-7
SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES
Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of Viomi Technology Co., Ltd has signed this registration statement or amendment thereto in New York on September 11, 2018.
Authorized U.S. Representative | ||||||
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ JUDITH ARGAO |
||
Name: | Judith Argao | |||||
Title: | Vice President and Assistant Secretary |
II-8
Exhibit 4.2
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTO Number Shares Incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands Share capital is US$50,000 divided into 5,000,000,000 shares comprising of (i) 4,800,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each, (ii) 150,000,000 Class B Ordinary Shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each, and (iii) 50,000,000 shares of a par value of US$0.00001 each of such class or classes. THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT is the registered holder of Shares in the above-named Company subject to the Memorandum and Articles of Association thereof. EXECUTED on behalf of the said Company on the day of by: DIRECTOR CIGOES 740 All Riahts Reserved LITHO. IN U.S.A.
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
by and among
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
as Issuer,
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS
as Depositary,
AND
THE HOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS
OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES EVIDENCED BY
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ISSUED HEREUNDER
Dated as of [ · ], 2018
Confidential
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
DEPOSIT AGREEMENT , dated as of [ · ], 2018, by and among (i) Viomi Technology Co., Ltd, a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, with its principal executive office at Wansheng Square, Rm 1302 Tower C, Xingang East Round, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, Peoples Republic of China and its registered office at NovaSage Incorporations (Cayman) Limited, Floor 4, Willow House, Cricket Square, P.O. Box 2582, Grand Cayman KY 1-1103, Cayman Islands (together with its successors, the Company ), (ii) Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank A.G., acting in its capacity as depositary, with its principal office at 60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, United States of America (the Depositary , which term shall include any successor depositary hereunder) and (iii) all Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares evidenced by American Depositary Receipts issued hereunder (all such capitalized terms as hereinafter defined).
W I T N E S S E T H T H A T:
WHEREAS , the Company desires to establish an ADR facility with the Depositary to provide for the deposit of the Shares and the creation of American Depositary Shares representing the Shares so deposited;
WHEREAS , the Depositary is willing to act as the depositary for such ADR facility upon the terms set forth in this Deposit Agreement;
WHEREAS , the American Depositary Receipts evidencing the American Depositary Shares issued pursuant to the terms of this Deposit Agreement are to be substantially in the form of Exhibit A and Exhibit B annexed hereto, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided in this Deposit Agreement;
WHEREAS , the American Depositary Shares to be issued pursuant to the terms of this Deposit Agreement are accepted for trading on NASDAQ; and
WHEREAS , the Board of Directors of the Company (or an authorized committee thereof) has duly approved the establishment of an ADR facility upon the terms set forth in this Deposit Agreement, the execution and delivery of this Deposit Agreement on behalf of the Company, and the actions of the Company and the transactions contemplated herein.
NOW, THEREFORE , for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS
All capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, herein shall have the meanings set forth below, unless otherwise clearly indicated:
SECTION 1.1 Affiliate shall have the meaning assigned to such term by the Commission under Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act.
SECTION 1.2 Agent shall mean such entity or entities as the Depositary may appoint under Section 7.8 hereof, including the Custodian or any successor or addition thereto.
SECTION 1.3 American Depositary Share(s) and ADS(s) shall mean the securities represented by the rights and interests in the Deposited Securities granted to the Holders and Beneficial Owners pursuant to this Deposit Agreement and evidenced by the American Depositary Receipts issued hereunder. Each American Depositary Share shall represent the right to receive [ · ] Share[s], until there shall occur a distribution upon Deposited Securities referred to in Section 4.2 hereof or a change in Deposited Securities referred to in Section 4.9 hereof with respect to which additional American Depositary Receipts are not executed and delivered and thereafter each American Depositary Share shall represent the Shares or Deposited Securities specified in such Sections.
SECTION 1.4 Article shall refer to an article of the American Depositary Receipts as set forth in the Form of Face of Receipt and Form of Reverse of Receipt in Exhibit A and Exhibit B annexed hereto.
SECTION 1.5 Articles of Association shall mean the articles of association of the Company, as amended from time to time.
SECTION 1.6 ADS Record Date shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 4.7 hereof.
SECTION 1.7 Beneficial Owner shall mean as to any ADS, any person or entity having a beneficial interest in such ADS. A Beneficial Owner need not be the Holder of the ADR evidencing such ADSs. A Beneficial Owner may exercise any rights or receive any benefits hereunder solely through the Holder of the ADR(s) evidencing the ADSs in which such Beneficial Owner has an interest.
SECTION 1.8 Business Day shall mean each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not (a) a day on which banking institutions in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close and (b) a day on which the market(s) in which ADSs are traded are closed.
SECTION 1.9 Commission shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States or any successor governmental agency in the United States.
SECTION 1.10 Company shall mean Viomi Technology Co., Ltd, a company incorporated and existing under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and its successors.
SECTION 1.11 Corporate Trust Office when used with respect to the Depositary, shall mean the corporate trust office of the Depositary at which at any particular time its depositary receipts business shall be administered, which, at the date of this Deposit Agreement, is located at 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, U.S.A.
SECTION 1.12 Custodian shall mean, as of the date hereof, Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, having its principal office at 57/F International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R., Peoples Republic of China, as the custodian for the purposes of this Deposit Agreement, and any other firm or corporation which may hereinafter be appointed by the Depositary pursuant to the terms of Section 5.5 hereof as a successor or an additional custodian or custodians hereunder, as the context shall require. The term Custodian shall mean all custodians, collectively.
SECTION 1.13 Deliver , Deliverable and Delivery shall mean, when used in respect of American Depositary Shares, Receipts, Deposited Securities and Shares, the physical delivery of the certificate representing such security, or the electronic delivery of such security by means of book-entry transfer, as appropriate, including, without limitation, through DRS/Profile. With respect to DRS/Profile ADRs, the terms execute , issue , register , surrender , transfer or cancel refer to applicable entries or movements to or within DRS/Profile.
SECTION 1.14 Deposit Agreement shall mean this Deposit Agreement and all exhibits annexed hereto, as the same may from time to time be amended and supplemented in accordance with the terms hereof.
SECTION 1.15 Depositary shall mean Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG, in its capacity as depositary under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, and any successor depositary hereunder.
SECTION 1.16 Deposited Securities as of any time shall mean Shares at such time deposited or deemed to be deposited under this Deposit Agreement and any and all other securities, property and cash received or deemed to be received by the Depositary or the Custodian in respect thereof and held hereunder, subject, in the case of cash, to the provisions of Section 4.6.
SECTION 1.17 Dollars and $ shall mean the lawful currency of the United States.
SECTION 1.18 DRS/Profile shall mean the system for the uncertificated registration of ownership of securities pursuant to which ownership of ADSs is maintained on the books of the Depositary without the issuance of a physical certificate and transfer instructions may be given to allow for the automated transfer of ownership between the books of DTC and the Depositary. Ownership of ADSs held in DRS/Profile is evidenced by periodic statements issued by the Depositary to the Holders entitled thereto.
SECTION 1.19 DTC shall mean The Depository Trust Company, the central book-entry clearinghouse and settlement system for securities traded in the United States, and any successor thereto.
SECTION 1.20 DTC Participants shall mean participants within DTC.
SECTION 1.21 Exchange Act shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as from time to time amended.
SECTION 1.22 Foreign Currency shall mean any currency other than Dollars.
SECTION 1.23 Foreign Registrar shall mean the entity, if any, that carries out the duties of registrar for the Shares or any successor as registrar for the Shares and any other appointed agent of the Company for the transfer and registration of Shares or, if no such agent is so appointed and acting, the Company.
SECTION 1.24 Holder shall mean the person in whose name a Receipt is registered on the books of the Depositary (or the Registrar, if any) maintained for such purpose. A Holder may or may not be a Beneficial Owner. A Holder shall be deemed to have all requisite authority to act on behalf of those Beneficial Owners of the ADRs registered in such Holders name.
SECTION 1.25 Indemnified Person and Indemnifying Person shall have the respective meanings set forth in Section 5.8 hereof.
SECTION 1.26 Losses shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.8 hereof.
SECTION 1.27 Memorandum shall mean the memorandum of association of the Company.
SECTION 1.28 Opinion of Counsel shall mean a written opinion from legal counsel to the Company who is acceptable to the Depositary.
SECTION 1.29 Receipt(s); American Depositary Receipt(s); and ADR(s) shall mean the certificate(s) or statement(s) issued by the Depositary evidencing the American Depositary Shares issued under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, as such Receipts may be amended from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement. References to Receipts shall include physical certificated Receipts as well as ADSs issued through any book-entry system, including, without limitation, DRS/Profile, unless the context otherwise requires.
SECTION 1.30 Registrar shall mean the Depositary or any bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, which shall be appointed by the Depositary to register ownership of Receipts and transfer of Receipts as herein provided, and shall include any co-registrar appointed by the Depositary for such purposes. Registrars (other than the Depositary) may be removed and substitutes appointed by the Depositary.
SECTION 1.34 Restricted Securities shall mean Shares which (i) have been acquired directly or indirectly from the Company or any of its Affiliates in a transaction or chain of transactions not involving any public offering and subject to resale limitations under the Securities Act or the rules issued thereunder, or (ii) are held by an officer or director (or persons performing similar functions) or other Affiliate of the Company or (iii) are subject to other restrictions on sale or deposit under the laws of the United States or the Cayman Islands, under a shareholders agreement, shareholders lock-up agreement or the Articles of Association or under the regulations of an applicable securities exchange unless, in each case, such Shares are being sold to persons other than an Affiliate of the Company in a transaction (x) covered by an effective resale registration statement or (y) exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (as hereafter defined) and the Shares are not, when held by such person, Restricted Securities.
SECTION 1.36 Securities Act shall mean the United States Securities Act of 1933, as from time to time amended.
SECTION 1.37 Shares shall mean Class A ordinary shares in registered form of the Company, par value $0.00001 each, heretofore or hereafter validly issued and outstanding and fully paid. References to Shares shall include evidence of rights to receive Shares, whether or not stated in the particular instance; provided, however, that in no event shall Shares include evidence of rights to receive Shares with respect to which the full purchase price has not been paid or Shares as to which pre-emptive rights have theretofore not been validly waived or exercised; provided further, however, that, if there shall occur any change in par value, split-up, consolidation, reclassification, exchange, conversion or any other event described in Section 4.9 hereof in respect of the Shares, the term Shares shall thereafter, to the extent permitted by law, represent the successor securities resulting from such change in par value, split-up, consolidation, reclassification, exchange, conversion or event.
SECTION 1.38 United States or U.S. shall mean the United States of America.
ARTICLE II.
APPOINTMENT OF DEPOSITARY; FORM OF RECEIPT; DEPOSIT OF SHARES; EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF RECEIPTS
SECTION 2.1 Appointment of Depositary . The Company hereby appoints the Depositary as exclusive depositary for the Deposited Securities and hereby authorizes and directs the Depositary to act in accordance with the terms set forth in this Deposit Agreement. Each Holder and each Beneficial Owner, upon acceptance of any ADSs (or any interest therein) issued in accordance with the terms of this Deposit Agreement, shall be deemed for all purposes to (a) be a party to and bound by the terms of this Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s) and (b) appoint the Depositary its attorney-in-fact, with full power to delegate, to act on its behalf and to take any and all actions contemplated in this Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s), to adopt any and all procedures necessary to comply with applicable law and to take such action as the Depositary in its sole discretion may deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s) (the taking of such actions to be the conclusive determinant of the necessity and appropriateness thereof).
SECTION 2.2 Form and Transferability of Receipts .
(a) Form . Receipts in certificated form shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A and Exhibit B annexed to this Deposit Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided. Receipts may be issued in denominations of any number of American Depositary Shares. No Receipt in certificated form shall be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless such Receipt shall have been dated and signed by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary. The Depositary shall maintain books on which each Receipt so executed and Delivered, in the case of Receipts in certificated form, and each Receipt issued through any book-entry system, including, without limitation, DRS/Profile, in either case as hereinafter provided, and the transfer of each such Receipt shall be registered. Receipts in certificated form bearing the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary who was at any time a proper signatory of the Depositary shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding the fact that such signatory has ceased to hold such office prior to the execution and Delivery of such Receipts by the Registrar or did not hold such office on the date of issuance of such Receipts.
Notwithstanding anything in this Deposit Agreement or in the form of Receipt to the contrary, to the extent available by the Depositary, ADSs shall be evidenced by Receipts issued through any book-entry system, including, without limitation, DRS/Profile, unless certificated Receipts are specifically requested by the Holder. Holders and Beneficial Owners shall be bound by the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and of the form of Receipt, regardless of whether their Receipts are in certificated form or are issued through any book-entry system, including, without limitation, DRS/Profile.
(b) Legends . In addition to the foregoing, the Receipts may, and upon the written request of the Company shall, be endorsed with, or have incorporated in the text thereof, such legends or recitals or modifications not inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement as may be (i) necessary to enable the Depositary and the Company to perform their respective obligations hereunder, (ii) required to comply with any applicable laws or regulations, or with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange or market upon which ADSs may be traded, listed or quoted, or to conform with any usage with respect thereto, (iii) necessary to indicate any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular ADRs or ADSs are subject by reason of the date of issuance of the Deposited Securities or otherwise or (iv) required by any book-entry system in which the ADSs are held. Holders and Beneficial Owners shall be deemed, for all purposes, to have notice of, and to be bound by, the terms and conditions of the legends set forth, in the case of Holders, on the ADR registered in the name of the applicable Holders or, in the case of Beneficial Owners, on the ADR representing the ADSs owned by such Beneficial Owners.
(c) Title . Subject to the limitations contained herein and in the form of Receipt, title to a Receipt (and to the ADSs evidenced thereby), when properly endorsed (in the case of certificated Receipts) or upon delivery to the Depositary of proper instruments of transfer, shall be transferable by delivery with the same effect as in the case of a negotiable instrument under the laws of the State of New York; provided, however, that the Depositary, notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, may treat the Holder thereof as the absolute owner thereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to distribution of dividends or other distributions or to any notice provided for in this Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes and neither the Depositary nor the Company will have any obligation or be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement to any holder of a Receipt, unless such holder is the Holder thereof.
SECTION 2.3 Deposits .
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law, Shares or evidence of rights to receive Shares may be deposited by any person (including the Depositary in its individual capacity but subject, however, in the case of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, to Section 5.7 hereof) at any time beginning on the 181 st day after the date of the prospectus contained in the registration statement on Form F-1 under which the ADSs are first sold or on such earlier date as the Company (with the approval of the underwriters referred to in the said prospectus) may specify in writing to the Depositary, whether or not the transfer books of the Company or the Foreign Registrar, if any, are closed, by Delivery of the Shares to the Custodian. Except for Shares deposited by the Company in connection with the initial sale of ADSs under the registration statement on Form F-1, no deposit of Shares shall be accepted under this Deposit Agreement prior to such date. Every deposit of Shares shall be accompanied by the following: (A)(i) in the case of Shares represented by certificates issued in registered form, appropriate instruments of transfer or endorsement, in a form satisfactory to the Custodian, (ii) in the case of Shares represented by certificates issued in bearer form, such Shares or the certificates representing such Shares and (iii) in the case of Shares Delivered by book-entry transfer, confirmation of such book-entry transfer to the Custodian or that irrevocable instructions have been given to cause such Shares to be so transferred, (B) such certifications and payments (including, without limitation, the Depositarys fees and related charges) and evidence of such payments (including, without limitation, stamping or otherwise marking such Shares by way of receipt) as may be required by the Depositary or the Custodian in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, (C) if the Depositary so requires, a written order directing the Depositary to execute and Deliver to, or upon the written order of, the person or persons stated in such order a Receipt or Receipts for the number of American Depositary Shares representing the Shares so deposited, (D) evidence satisfactory to the Depositary (which may include an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary provided at the cost of the person seeking to deposit Shares) that all conditions to such deposit have been met and all necessary approvals have been granted by, and there has been compliance with the rules and regulations of, any applicable governmental agency and (E) if the Depositary so requires, (i) an agreement, assignment or instrument satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian which provides for the prompt transfer by any person in whose name the Shares are or have been recorded to the Custodian of any distribution, or right to subscribe for additional Shares or to receive other property in respect of any such deposited Shares or, in lieu thereof, such indemnity or other agreement as shall be satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian and (ii) if the Shares are registered in the name of the person on whose behalf they are presented for deposit, a proxy or proxies entitling the Custodian to exercise voting rights in respect of the Shares for any and all purposes until the Shares so deposited are registered in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or any nominee. No Share shall be accepted for deposit unless accompanied by confirmation or such additional evidence, if any is required by the Depositary, that is reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary or the Custodian that all conditions to such deposit have been satisfied by the person depositing such Shares under the laws and regulations of the Cayman Islands and any necessary approval has been granted by any governmental body in the Cayman Islands, if any, which is then performing the function of the regulator of currency exchange. The Depositary may issue Receipts against evidence of rights to receive Shares from the Company, any agent of the Company or any custodian, registrar, transfer agent, clearing agency or other entity involved in ownership or transaction records in respect of the Shares. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under this Deposit Agreement any Shares or other Deposited Securities required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act, unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Shares or other Deposited Securities, or any Shares or other Deposited Securities the deposit of which would violate any provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Depositary shall use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with reasonable written instructions of the Company that the Depositary shall not accept for deposit hereunder any Shares specifically identified in such instructions at such times and under such circumstances as may reasonably be specified in such instructions in order to facilitate the Companys compliance with the securities laws in the United States and other jurisdictions, provided that the Company shall indemnify the Depositary and the Custodian for any claims and losses arising from not accepting the deposit of any Shares identified in the Companys instructions.
(b) As soon as practicable after receipt of any permitted deposit hereunder and compliance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, the Custodian shall present the Shares so deposited, together with the appropriate instrument or instruments of transfer or endorsement, duly stamped, to the Foreign Registrar for transfer and registration of the Shares (as soon as transfer and registration can be accomplished and at the expense of the person for whom the deposit is made) in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or a nominee of either. Deposited Securities shall be held by the Depositary or by a Custodian for the account and to the order of the Depositary or a nominee, in each case for the account of the Holders and Beneficial Owners, at such place or places as the Depositary or the Custodian shall determine.
(c) In the event any Shares are deposited which entitle the holders thereof to receive a per-share distribution or other entitlement in an amount different from the Shares then on deposit, the Depositary is authorized to take any and all actions as may be necessary (including, without limitation, making the necessary notations on Receipts) to give effect to the issuance of such ADSs and to ensure that such ADSs are not fungible with other ADSs issued hereunder until such time as the entitlement of the Shares represented by such non-fungible ADSs equals that of the Shares represented by ADSs prior to such deposit. The Company agrees to give timely written notice to the Depositary if any Shares issued or to be issued contain rights different from those of any other Shares theretofore issued and shall assist the Depositary with the establishment of procedures enabling the identification of such non-fungible Shares upon Delivery to the Custodian.
SECTION 2.4 Execution and Delivery of Receipts . After the deposit of any Shares pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, the Custodian shall notify the Depositary of such deposit and the person or persons to whom or upon whose written order a Receipt or Receipts are Deliverable in respect thereof and the number of American Depositary Shares to be evidenced thereby. Such notification shall be made by letter, first class airmail postage prepaid, or, at the request, risk and expense of the person making the deposit, by cable, telex, SWIFT, facsimile or electronic transmission. After receiving such notice from the Custodian, the Depositary, subject to this Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, the payment of the fees, expenses, taxes and/or other charges owing hereunder), shall issue the ADSs representing the Shares so deposited to or upon the order of the person or persons named in the notice delivered to the Depositary and shall execute and Deliver a Receipt registered in the name or names requested by such person or persons evidencing in the aggregate the number of American Depositary Shares to which such person or persons are entitled.
SECTION 2.5 Transfer of Receipts; Combination and Split-up of Receipts .
(a) Transfer . The Depositary, or, if a Registrar (other than the Depositary) for the Receipts shall have been appointed, the Registrar, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, shall register transfers of Receipts on its books, upon surrender at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary of a Receipt by the Holder thereof in person or by duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed in the case of a certificated Receipt or accompanied by, or in the case of Receipts issued through any book-entry system, including, without limitation, DRS/Profile, receipt by the Depositary of, proper instruments of transfer (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard industry practice) and duly stamped as may be required by the laws of the State of New York, of the United States, of the Cayman Islands and of any other applicable jurisdiction. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, including payment of the applicable fees and charges of the Depositary set forth in Section 5.9 hereof and Article (9) of the Receipt, the Depositary shall execute a new Receipt or Receipts and Deliver the same to or upon the order of the person entitled thereto evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as those evidenced by the Receipts surrendered.
(b) Combination and Split Up . The Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement shall, upon surrender of a Receipt or Receipts for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of such Receipt or Receipts and upon payment to the Depositary of the applicable fees and charges set forth in Section 5.9 hereof and Article (9) of the Receipt, execute and Deliver a new Receipt or Receipts for any authorized number of American Depositary Shares requested, evidencing the same aggregate number of American Depositary Shares as the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.
(c) Co-Transfer Agents . The Depositary may appoint one or more co-transfer agents for the purpose of effecting transfers, combinations and split-ups of Receipts at designated transfer offices on behalf of the Depositary. In carrying out its functions, a co-transfer agent may require evidence of authority and compliance with applicable laws and other requirements by Holders or persons entitled to such Receipts and will be entitled to protection and indemnity, in each case to the same extent as the Depositary. Such co-transfer agents may be removed and substitutes appointed by the Depositary. Each co-transfer agent appointed under this Section 2.5 (other than the Depositary) shall give notice in writing to the Depositary accepting such appointment and agreeing to be bound by the applicable terms of this Deposit Agreement.
(d) Substitution of Receipts . At the request of a Holder, the Depositary shall, for the purpose of substituting a certificated Receipt with a Receipt issued through any book-entry system, including, without limitation, DRS/Profile, or vice versa, execute and Deliver a certificated Receipt or deliver a statement, as the case may be, for any authorized number of ADSs requested, evidencing the same aggregate number of ADSs as those evidenced by the relevant Receipt.
SECTION 2.6 Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Deposited Securities . Upon surrender, at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, of American Depositary Shares for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented thereby, and upon payment of (i) the fees and charges of the Depositary for the making of withdrawals of Deposited Securities and cancellation of Receipts (as set forth in Section 5.9 hereof and Article (9) of the Receipt) and (ii) all fees, taxes and/or governmental charges payable in connection with such surrender and withdrawal, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Section 7.10 hereof and any other provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities and other applicable laws, the Holder of such American Depositary Shares shall be entitled to Delivery, to him or upon his order, of the Deposited Securities at the time represented by the American Depositary Shares so surrendered. American Depositary Shares may be surrendered for the purpose of withdrawing Deposited Securities by Delivery of a Receipt evidencing such American Depositary Shares (if held in certificated form) or by book-entry Delivery of such American Depositary Shares to the Depositary.
A Receipt surrendered for such purposes shall, if so required by the Depositary, be properly endorsed in blank or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank, and if the Depositary so requires, the Holder thereof shall execute and deliver to the Depositary a written order directing the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be Delivered to or upon the written order of a person or persons designated in such order. Thereupon, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to Deliver (without unreasonable delay) at the designated office of the Custodian or through a book-entry delivery of the Shares (in either case, subject to Sections 2.7, 3.1, 3.2, 5.9, hereof and to the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and to the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities and applicable laws, now or hereafter in effect) to or upon the written order of the person or persons designated in the order delivered to the Depositary as provided above, the Deposited Securities represented by such American Depositary Shares, together with any certificate or other proper documents of or relating to title of the Deposited Securities as may be legally required, as the case may be, to or for the account of such person.
The Depositary may refuse to accept for surrender American Depositary Shares only in the circumstances described in Article (4) of the Receipt. Subject thereto, in the case of surrender of a Receipt evidencing a number of American Depositary Shares representing other than a whole number of Shares, the Depositary shall cause ownership of the appropriate whole number of Shares to be Delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall, at the discretion of the Depositary, either (i) issue and Deliver to the person surrendering such Receipt a new Receipt evidencing American Depositary Shares representing any remaining fractional Share, or (ii) sell or cause to be sold the fractional Shares represented by the Receipt surrendered and remit the proceeds of such sale (net of (a) applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary and (b) taxes and/or governmental charges) to the person surrendering the Receipt.
At the request, risk and expense of any Holder so surrendering a Receipt, and for the account of such Holder, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward (to the extent permitted by law) any cash or other property (other than securities) held in respect of, and any certificate or certificates and other proper documents of or relating to title to, the Deposited Securities represented by such Receipt to the Depositary for delivery at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, and for further Delivery to such Holder. Such direction shall be given by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of such Holder, by cable, telex or facsimile transmission. Upon receipt by the Depositary of such direction, the Depositary may make delivery to such person or persons entitled thereto at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary of any dividends or cash distributions with respect to the Deposited Securities represented by such American Depositary Shares, or of any proceeds of sale of any dividends, distributions or rights, which may at the time be held by the Depositary.
SECTION 2.7 Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, etc. of Receipts; Suspension of Delivery, Transfer, etc. .
(a) Additional Requirements . As a condition precedent to the execution and Delivery, registration, registration of transfer, split-up, subdivision, combination or surrender of any Receipt, the Delivery of any distribution thereon (whether in cash or shares) or withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary or the Custodian may require (i) payment from the depositor of Shares or presenter of the Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees and charges of the Depositary as provided in Section 5.9 hereof and Article (9) of the Receipt hereto, (ii) the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature or any other matter contemplated by Section 3.1 hereof and (iii) compliance with (A) any laws or governmental regulations relating to the execution and Delivery of Receipts or American Depositary Shares or to the withdrawal or Delivery of Deposited Securities and (B) such reasonable regulations and procedures as the Depositary may establish consistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law.
(b) Additional Limitations . The issuance of ADSs against deposits of Shares generally or against deposits of particular Shares may be suspended, or the issuance of ADSs against the deposit of particular Shares may be withheld, or the registration of transfer of Receipts in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfers of Receipts generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Depositary are closed or if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Company, in good faith, at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law, any government or governmental body or commission or any securities exchange on which the Receipts or Shares are listed, or under any provision of this Deposit Agreement or provisions of, or governing, the Deposited Securities, or any meeting of shareholders of the Company or for any other reason, subject, in all cases, to Section 7.10 hereof.
(c) The Depositary shall not issue ADSs prior to the receipt of Shares or deliver Shares prior to the receipt and cancellation of ADSs.
SECTION 2.8 Lost Receipts, etc. To the extent the Depositary has issued Receipts in physical certificated form, in case any Receipt shall be mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen, unless the Depositary has notice that such ADR has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, subject to Section 5.9 hereof, the Depositary shall execute and Deliver a new Receipt (which, in the discretion of the Depositary may be issued through any book-entry system, including, without limitation, DRS/Profile, unless specifically requested otherwise) in exchange and substitution for such mutilated Receipt upon cancellation thereof, or in lieu of and in substitution for such destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt. Before the Depositary shall execute and Deliver a new Receipt in substitution for a destroyed, lost or stolen Receipt, the Holder thereof shall have (a) filed with the Depositary (i) a request for such execution and Delivery before the Depositary has notice that the Receipt has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser and (ii) a sufficient indemnity bond in form and amount acceptable to the Depositary and (b) satisfied any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Depositary.
SECTION 2.9 Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts; Maintenance of Records . All Receipts surrendered to the Depositary shall be cancelled by the Depositary. The Depositary is authorized to destroy Receipts so cancelled in accordance with its customary practices. Cancelled Receipts shall not be entitled to any benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
SECTION 2.10 Maintenance of Records . The Depositary agrees to maintain records of all Receipts surrendered and Deposited Securities withdrawn under Section 2.6, substitute Receipts Delivered under Section 2.8 and cancelled or destroyed Receipts under Section 2.9, in keeping with the procedures ordinarily followed by stock transfer agents located in the United States.
ARTICLE III.
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS
AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF RECEIPTS
SECTION 3.1 Proofs, Certificates and Other Information . Any person presenting Shares for deposit shall provide, any Holder and any Beneficial Owner may be required to provide, and every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees, from time to time to provide to the Depositary or the Custodian such proof of citizenship or residence, taxpayer status, payment of all applicable taxes or other governmental charges, exchange control approval, legal or beneficial ownership of ADSs and Deposited Securities, compliance with applicable laws and the terms of this Deposit Agreement and the provisions of, or governing, the Deposited Securities or other information, to execute such certifications and to make such representations and warranties and to provide such other information and documentation as the Depositary may deem necessary or proper or as the Company may reasonably require by written request to the Depositary consistent with its obligations hereunder. The Depositary and the Registrar, as applicable, may withhold the execution or Delivery or registration of transfer of any Receipt or the distribution or sale of any dividend or other distribution of rights or of the proceeds thereof, or to the extent not limited by the terms of Section 7.10 hereof, the Delivery of any Deposited Securities, until such proof or other information is filed or such certifications are executed, or such representations and warranties are made, or such other documentation or information provided, in each case to the Depositarys and the Companys satisfaction. The Depositary shall from time to time on the written request of the Company advise the Company of the availability of any such proofs, certificates or other information and shall, at the Companys sole expense, provide or otherwise make available copies thereof to the Company upon written request therefor by the Company, unless such disclosure is prohibited by law. Each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to provide, any information requested by the Company or the Depositary pursuant to this Section 3.1. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to (i) obtain any information for the Company if not provided by the Holders or Beneficial Owners or (ii) verify or vouch for the accuracy of the information so provided by the Holders or Beneficial Owners.
Every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian, the Agents and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and Affiliates against, and to hold each of them harmless from, any Losses which any of them may incur or which may be made against any of them as a result of or in connection with any inaccuracy in or omission from any such proof, certificate, representation, warranty, information or document furnished by or on behalf of such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner or as a result of any such failure to furnish any of the foregoing.
The obligations of Holders and Beneficial Owners under Section 3.1 shall survive any transfer of Receipts, any surrender of Receipts or withdrawal of Deposited Securities or the termination of the Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 3.2 Liability for Taxes and Other Charges . If any present or future tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by the Depositary or the Custodian with respect to any ADR or any Deposited Securities or American Depositary Shares, such tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Holders and Beneficial Owners to the Depositary and such Holders and Beneficial Owners shall be deemed liable therefor. The Company, the Custodian and/or the Depositary may withhold or deduct from any distributions made in respect of Deposited Securities and may sell for the account of a Holder and/or Beneficial Owner any or all of the Deposited Securities and apply such distributions and sale proceeds in payment of such taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and charges, with the Holder and the Beneficial Owner remaining fully liable for any deficiency. In addition to any other remedies available to it, the Depositary and the Custodian may refuse the deposit of Shares, and the Depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, to Deliver ADRs, to register the transfer, split-up or combination of ADRs and (subject to Section 7.10 hereof) the withdrawal of Deposited Securities, until payment in full of such tax, charge, penalty or interest is received. The liability of Holders and Beneficial Owners under this Section 3.2 shall survive any transfer of Receipts, any surrender of Receipts and withdrawal of Deposited Securities or the termination of this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 3.3 Representations and Warranties on Deposit of Shares . Each person depositing Shares under this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that (i) such Shares and the certificates therefor are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and were legally obtained by such person, (ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such Shares have been validly waived or exercised, (iii) the person making such deposit is duly authorized so to do, (iv) the Shares presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim and are not, and the American Depositary Shares issuable upon such deposit will not be, Restricted Securities, (v) the Shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements and (vi) the Shares are not subject to any lock-up agreement with the Company or other party, or the Shares are subject to a lock-up agreement but such lock-up agreement has terminated or the lock-up restrictions imposed thereunder have expired. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit and withdrawal of Shares, the issuance and cancellation of American Depositary Shares in respect thereof and the transfer of such American Depositary Shares . If any such representations or warranties are false in any way, the Company and the Depositary shall be authorized, at the cost and expense of the person depositing Shares, to take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences thereof.
SECTION 3.4 Compliance with Information Requests . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement, the Articles of Association and applicable law, each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to (a) provide such information as the Company or the Depositary may request pursuant to law (including, without limitation, relevant Cayman Islands law, any applicable law of the United States, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, any resolutions of the Companys Board of Directors adopted pursuant to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the requirements of any markets or exchanges upon which the Shares, ADSs or Receipts are listed or traded, or to any requirements of any electronic book-entry system by which the ADSs or Receipts may be transferred), (b) be bound by and subject to applicable provisions of the laws of the Cayman Islands, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the requirements of any markets or exchanges upon which the ADSs, Receipts or Shares are listed or traded, or pursuant to any requirements of any electronic book-entry system by which the ADSs, Receipts or Shares may be transferred, to the same extent as if such Holder and Beneficial Owner held Shares directly, in each case irrespective of whether or not they are Holders or Beneficial Owners at the time such request is made and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (c) comply with all applicable provisions of Cayman Islands law, the rules and requirements of any stock exchange on which the Shares are, or will be registered, traded or listed and the Articles of Association regarding any such Holder or Beneficial Owners interest in Shares (including the aggregate of ADSs and Shares held by each such Holder or Beneficial Owner) and/or the disclosure of interests therein, whether or not the same may be enforceable against such Holder or Beneficial Owner. The Depositary agrees to use its reasonable efforts to forward upon the request of the Company, and at the Companys expense, any such request from the Company to the Holders and to forward to the Company any such responses to such requests received by the Depositary.
ARTICLE IV.
THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES
SECTION 4.1 Cash Distributions . Whenever the Depositary receives confirmation from the Custodian of receipt of any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, or receives proceeds from the sale of any Shares, rights, securities or other entitlements under the terms hereof, the Depositary will, if at the time of receipt thereof any amounts received in a Foreign Currency can in the judgment of the Depositary (pursuant to Section 4.6 hereof) be converted on a practicable basis into Dollars transferable to the United States, promptly convert or cause to be converted such cash dividend, distribution or proceeds into Dollars (on the terms described in Section 4.6 hereof) and will distribute promptly the amount thus received (net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary and (b) taxes and/or governmental charges) to the Holders of record as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by such Holders respectively as of the ADS Record Date. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Holder a fraction of one cent. Any such fractional amounts shall be rounded down to the nearest whole cent and so distributed to Holders entitled thereto. Holders and Beneficial Owners understand that in converting Foreign Currency, amounts received on conversion are calculated at a rate which exceeds the number of decimal places used by the Depositary to report distribution rates. The excess amount may be retained by the Depositary as an additional cost of conversion, irrespective of any other fees and expenses payable or owing hereunder and shall not be subject to escheatment. If the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities an amount on account of taxes, duties or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to Holders of the ADSs representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. Such withheld amounts shall be forwarded by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary to the relevant governmental authority. Evidence of payment thereof by the Company shall be forwarded by the Company to the Depositary upon request. The Depositary shall forward to the Company or its agent such information from its records as the Company may reasonably request to enable the Company or its agent to file with governmental agencies such reports as are necessary to obtain benefits under the applicable tax treaties for the Holders and Beneficial Owners of Receipts.
SECTION 4.2 Distribution in Shares . If any distribution upon any Deposited Securities consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Shares, the Company shall cause such Shares to be deposited with the Custodian and registered, as the case may be, in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or any of their nominees. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit from the Custodian, the Depositary shall establish the ADS Record Date upon the terms described in Section 4.7 hereof and shall, subject to Section 5.9 hereof, either (i) distribute to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADSs held as of the ADS Record Date, additional ADSs, which represent in the aggregate the number of Shares received as such dividend, or free distribution, subject to the other terms of this Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes and/or governmental charges), or (ii) if additional ADSs are not so distributed, each ADS issued and outstanding after the ADS Record Date shall, to the extent permissible by law, thenceforth also represent rights and interests in the additional Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented thereby (net of (a) the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (b) taxes and/or governmental charges). In lieu of Delivering fractional ADSs, the Depositary shall sell the number of Shares represented by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the proceeds upon the terms described in Section 4.1 hereof. The Depositary may withhold any such distribution of Receipts if it has not received satisfactory assurances from the Company (including an Opinion of Counsel furnished at the expense of the Company) that such distribution does not require registration under the Securities Act or is exempt from registration under the provisions of the Securities Act. To the extent such distribution may be withheld, the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such distribution in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable, and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale (after deduction of applicable taxes and/or governmental charges and fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary) to Holders entitled thereto upon the terms described in Section 4.1 hereof.
SECTION 4.3 Elective Distributions in Cash or Shares . Whenever the Company intends to distribute a dividend payable at the election of the holders of Shares in cash or in additional Shares, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Depositary at least 30 days prior to the proposed distribution stating whether or not it wishes such elective distribution to be made available to Holders of ADSs. Upon receipt of notice indicating that the Company wishes such elective distribution to be made available to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall consult with the Company to determine, and the Company shall assist the Depositary in its determination, whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such elective distribution available to the Holders of ADSs. The Depositary shall make such elective distribution available to Holders only if (i) the Company shall have timely requested that the elective distribution is available to Holders of ADRs, (ii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7 hereof (including, without limitation, any legal opinions of counsel in any applicable jurisdiction that the Depositary in its reasonable discretion may request, at the expense of the Company) and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable. If the above conditions are not satisfied, the Depositary shall, to the extent permitted by law, distribute to the Holders, on the basis of the same determination as is made in the local market in respect of the Shares for which no election is made, either cash upon the terms described in Section 4.1 hereof or additional ADSs representing such additional Shares upon the terms described in Section 4.2 hereof. If the above conditions are satisfied, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date (on the terms described in Section 4.7 hereof) and establish procedures to enable Holders to elect the receipt of the proposed dividend in cash or in additional ADSs. The Company shall assist the Depositary in establishing such procedures to the extent necessary. Subject to Section 5.9 hereof, if a Holder elects to receive the proposed dividend in cash, the dividend shall be distributed upon the terms described in Section 4.1 hereof or in ADSs, the dividend shall be distributed upon the terms described in Section 4.2 hereof. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to make available to Holders a method to receive the elective dividend in Shares (rather than ADSs). There can be no assurance that Holders generally, or any Holder in particular, will be given the opportunity to receive elective distributions on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Shares.
SECTION 4.4 Distribution of Rights to Purchase Shares .
(a) Distribution to ADS Holders . Whenever the Company intends to distribute to the holders of the Deposited Securities rights to subscribe for additional Shares, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Depositary at least 60 days prior to the proposed distribution stating whether or not it wishes such rights to be made available to Holders of ADSs. Upon timely receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes such rights to be made available to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall consult with the Company to determine, and the Company shall determine, whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such rights available to the Holders. The Depositary shall make such rights available to Holders only if (i) the Company shall have timely requested that such rights be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7 hereof and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution of rights is lawful and reasonably practicable. In the event any of the conditions set forth above are not satisfied, the Depositary shall proceed with the sale of the rights as contemplated in Section 4.4(b) below or, if timing or market conditions may not permit, do nothing thereby allowing such rights to lapse. In the event all conditions set forth above are satisfied, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date (upon the terms described in Section 4.7 hereof) and establish procedures to distribute such rights (by means of warrants or otherwise) and to enable the Holders to exercise the rights (upon payment of applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and taxes and/or other governmental charges). Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to make available to the Holders a method to exercise such rights to subscribe for Shares (rather than ADSs).
(b) Sale of Rights . If (i) the Company does not timely request the Depositary to make the rights available to Holders or requests that the rights not be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary fails to receive satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7 hereof or determines it is not lawful or reasonably practicable to make the rights available to Holders or (iii) any rights made available are not exercised and appear to be about to lapse, the Depositary shall determine whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to sell such rights, and if it so determines that it is lawful and reasonably practicable, endeavour to sell such rights in a riskless principal capacity or otherwise, at such place and upon such terms (including public or private sale) as it may deem proper. The Company shall assist the Depositary to the extent necessary to determine such legality and practicability. The Depositary shall, upon such sale, convert and distribute proceeds of such sale (net of applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary and taxes and/or governmental charges) upon the terms set forth in Section 4.1 hereof.
(c) Lapse of Rights . If the Depositary is unable to make any rights available to Holders upon the terms described in Section 4.4(a) hereof or to arrange for the sale of the rights upon the terms described in Section 4.4(b) hereof, the Depositary shall allow such rights to lapse.
The Depositary shall not be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or practicable to make such rights available to Holders in general or any Holders in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale or exercise or (iii) the content of any materials forwarded to the Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the rights distribution.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.4, if registration (under the Securities Act or any other applicable law) of the rights or the securities to which any rights relate may be required in order for the Company to offer such rights or such securities to Holders and to sell the securities represented by such rights, the Depositary will not distribute such rights to the Holders (i) unless and until a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such offering is in effect or (ii) unless the Company furnishes at its expense the Depositary with opinion(s) of counsel for the Company in the United States and counsel to the Company in any other applicable country in which rights would be distributed, in each case satisfactory to the Depositary, to the effect that the offering and sale of such securities to Holders and Beneficial Owners are exempt from, or do not require registration under, the provisions of the Securities Act or any other applicable laws. In the event that the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian shall be required to withhold and does withhold from any distribution of property (including rights) an amount on account of taxes and/or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to the Holders shall be reduced accordingly. In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes and/or charges.
There can be no assurance that Holders generally, or any Holder in particular, will be given the opportunity to exercise rights on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Shares or be able to exercise such rights. Nothing herein shall obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any rights or Shares or other securities to be acquired upon the exercise of such rights or otherwise to register or qualify the offer or sale of such rights or securities under the applicable law of any other jurisdiction for any purpose.
SECTION 4.5 Distributions Other Than Cash, Shares or Rights to Purchase Shares .
(a) Whenever the Company intends to distribute to the holders of Deposited Securities property other than cash, Shares or rights to purchase additional Shares, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Depositary at least 30 days prior to the proposed distribution and shall indicate whether or not it wishes such distribution to be made to Holders of ADSs. Upon receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes such distribution be made to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall determine whether such distribution to Holders is lawful and practicable. The Depositary shall not make such distribution unless (i) the Company shall have timely requested the Depositary to make such distribution to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7 hereof and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable.
(b) Upon receipt of satisfactory documentation and the request of the Company to distribute property to Holders of ADSs and after making the requisite determinations set forth in (a) above, the Depositary may distribute the property so received to the Holders of record as of the ADS Record Date, in proportion to the number of ADSs held by such Holders respectively and in such manner as the Depositary may deem practicable for accomplishing such distribution (i) upon receipt of payment or net of the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and (ii) net of any taxes and/or other governmental charges. The Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of the property so distributed and deposited, in such amounts and in such manner (including public or private sale) as the Depositary may deem practicable or necessary to satisfy any taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges applicable to the distribution.
(c) If (i) the Company does not request the Depositary to make such distribution to Holders or requests the Depositary not to make such distribution to Holders, (ii) the Depositary does not receive satisfactory documentation within the terms of Section 5.7 hereof or (iii) the Depositary determines that all or a portion of such distribution is not reasonably practicable or feasible, the Depositary shall endeavor to sell or cause such property to be sold in a public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper and shall distribute the net proceeds, if any, of such sale received by the Depositary (net of applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary and taxes and/or governmental charges) to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date upon the terms of Section 4.1 hereof. If the Depositary is unable to sell such property, the Depositary may dispose of such property in any way it deems reasonably practicable under the circumstances for nominal or no consideration and Holders and Beneficial Owners shall have no rights thereto or arising therefrom.
SECTION 4.6 Conversion of Foreign Currency . Whenever the Depositary or the Custodian shall receive Foreign Currency, by way of dividends or other distributions or the net proceeds from the sale of securities, property or rights, and in the judgment of the Depositary such Foreign Currency can at such time be converted on a practicable basis (by sale or in any other manner that it may determine in accordance with applicable law) into Dollars transferable to the United States and distributable to the Holders entitled thereto, the Depositary shall convert or cause to be converted, by sale or in any other manner that it may determine, such Foreign Currency into Dollars, and shall distribute such Dollars (net of any fees, expenses, taxes and/or other governmental charges incurred in the process of such conversion) in accordance with the terms of the applicable sections of this Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary shall have distributed warrants or other instruments that entitle the holders thereof to such Dollars, the Depositary shall distribute such Dollars to the holders of such warrants and/or instruments upon surrender thereof for cancellation, in either case without liability for interest thereon. Such distribution may be made upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among Holders on account of exchange restrictions, the date of delivery of any Receipt or otherwise.
In converting Foreign Currency, amounts received on conversion may be calculated at a rate which exceeds the number of decimal places used by the Depositary to report distribution rates (which in any case will not be less than two decimal places). Any excess amount may be retained by the Depositary as an additional cost of conversion, irrespective of any other fees and expenses payable or owing hereunder and shall not be subject to escheatment.
If such conversion or distribution can be effected only with the approval or license of any government or agency thereof, the Depositary may file such application for approval or license, if any, as it may deem necessary, practicable and at nominal cost and expense. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to file or cause to be filed, or to seek effectiveness of any such application or license.
If at any time the Depositary shall determine that in its judgment the conversion of any Foreign Currency and the transfer and distribution of proceeds of such conversion received by the Depositary is not practical or lawful, or if any approval or license of any governmental authority or agency thereof that is required for such conversion, transfer and distribution is denied, or not obtainable at a reasonable cost, within a reasonable period or otherwise sought, the Depositary shall, in its sole discretion but subject to applicable laws and regulations, either (i) distribute the Foreign Currency (or an appropriate document evidencing the right to receive such Foreign Currency) received by the Depositary to the Holders entitled to receive such Foreign Currency or (ii) hold such Foreign Currency uninvested and without liability for interest thereon for the respective accounts of the Holders entitled to receive the same.
Holders and Beneficial Owners are directed to refer to Section 7.9 hereof for certain disclosure related to conversion of Foreign Currency.
SECTION 4.7 Fixing of Record Date . Whenever necessary in connection with any distribution (whether in cash, Shares, rights, or other distribution), or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each American Depositary Share, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of or solicitation of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient, the Depositary shall fix a record date (the ADS Record Date), as close as practicable to the record date fixed by the Company with respect to the Shares (if applicable), for the determination of the Holders who shall be entitled to receive such distribution, to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, to give or withhold such consent, to receive such notice or solicitation or to otherwise take action or to exercise the rights of Holders with respect to such changed number of Shares represented by each American Depositary Share or for any other reason. Subject to applicable law and the provisions of Sections 4.1 through 4.6 hereof and to the other terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement, only the Holders of record at the close of business in New York on such ADS Record Date shall be entitled to receive such distribution, to give such voting instructions, to receive such notice or solicitation, or otherwise take action.
SECTION 4.8 Voting of Deposited Securities . Subject to the next sentence, as soon as practicable after receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of Deposited Securities are entitled to vote, or of solicitation of consents or proxies from holders of Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall fix the ADS Record Date in respect of such meeting or such solicitation of consents or proxies. The Depositary shall, if requested by the Company in writing in a timely manner (the Depositary having no obligation to take any further action if the request shall not have been received by the Depositary at least 30 Business Days prior to the date of such vote or meeting) and at the Companys expense, and provided no U.S. legal prohibitions exist, mail by regular, ordinary mail delivery (or by electronic mail or as otherwise may be agreed between the Company and the Depositary in writing from time to time) or otherwise distribute as soon as practicable after receipt thereof to Holders as of the ADS Record Date: (a) such notice of meeting or solicitation of consent or proxy; (b) a statement that the Holders at the close of business on the ADS Record Date will be entitled, subject to any applicable law, the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, the Companys Memorandum and Articles of Association and the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities (which provisions, if any, shall be summarized in pertinent part by the Company), to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the Deposited Securities represented by such Holders American Depositary Shares; and (c) a brief statement as to the manner in which such voting instructions may be given to the Depositary, or in which instructions may be deemed to have been given in accordance with this Section 4.8, including an express indication that instructions may be given (or be deemed to have been given in accordance with the immediately following paragraph of this section if no instruction is received) to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person or persons designated by the Company. Voting instructions may be given only in respect of a number of American Depositary Shares representing an integral number of Deposited Securities. Upon the timely receipt of voting instructions of a Holder on the ADS Record Date in the manner specified by the Depositary, the Depositary shall endeavor, insofar as practicable and permitted under applicable law, the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, the Companys Memorandum and Articles of Association and the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities, to vote or cause the Custodian to vote the Deposited Securities (in person or by proxy) represented by American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt in accordance with such voting instructions.
In the event that (i) the Depositary timely receives voting instructions from a Holder which fail to specify the manner in which the Depositary is to vote the Deposited Securities represented by such Holders ADSs or (ii) no timely instructions are received by the Depositary from a Holder with respect to any of the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs held by such Holder on the ADS Record Date, the Depositary shall (unless otherwise specified in the notice distributed to Holders) deem such Holder to have instructed the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company with respect to such Deposited Securities and the Depositary shall give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company to vote such Deposited Securities, provided, however, that no such instruction shall be deemed to have been given and no such discretionary proxy shall be given with respect to any matter as to which the Company informs the Depositary (and the Company agrees to provide such information as promptly as practicable in writing, if applicable) that (x) the Company does not wish to give such proxy, (y) the Company is aware or should reasonably be aware that substantial opposition exists from Holders against the outcome for which the person designated by the Company would otherwise vote or (z) the outcome for which the person designated by the Company would otherwise vote would materially and adversely affect the rights of holders of Deposited Securities, provided, further, that the Company will have no liability to any Holder or Beneficial Owner resulting from such notification.
In the event that voting on any resolution or matter is conducted on a show of hands basis in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Depositary will refrain from voting and the voting instructions (or the deemed voting instructions, as set out above) received by the Depositary from Holders shall lapse. The Depositary will have no obligation to demand voting on a poll basis with respect to any resolution and shall have no liability to any Holder or Beneficial Owner for not having demanded voting on a poll basis.
Neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall, under any circumstances exercise any discretion as to voting, and neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall vote, attempt to exercise the right to vote, or in any way make use of for purposes of establishing a quorum or otherwise, the Deposited Securities represented by ADSs except pursuant to and in accordance with such written instructions from Holders, including the deemed instruction to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company. Deposited Securities represented by ADSs for which (i) no timely voting instructions are received by the Depositary from the Holder, or (ii) timely voting instructions are received by the Depositary from the Holder but such voting instructions fail to specify the manner in which the Depositary is to vote the Deposited Securities represented by such Holders ADSs, shall be voted in the manner provided in this Section 4.8. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, and subject to applicable law, regulation and the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Depositary shall, if so requested in writing by the Company, represent all Deposited Securities (whether or not voting instructions have been received in respect of such Deposited Securities from Holders as of the ADS Record Date) for the purpose of establishing quorum at a meeting of shareholders.
There can be no assurance that Holders or Beneficial Owners generally or any Holder or Beneficial Owner in particular will receive the notice described above with sufficient time to enable the Holder to return voting instructions to the Depositary in a timely manner.
Notwithstanding the above, save for applicable provisions of the law of the Cayman Islands, and in accordance with the terms of Section 5.3 hereof, the Depositary shall not be liable for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities or the manner in which such vote is cast or the effect of such vote.
SECTION 4.9 Changes Affecting Deposited Securities . Upon any change in par value, split-up, subdivision, cancellation, consolidation or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, amalgamation, merger or consolidation or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it is otherwise a party, any securities which shall be received by the Depositary or the Custodian in exchange for, or in conversion of or replacement or otherwise in respect of, such Deposited Securities shall, to the extent permitted by law, be treated as new Deposited Securities under this Deposit Agreement and the Receipts shall, subject to the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and applicable law, evidence American Depositary Shares representing the right to receive such additional securities. Alternatively, the Depositary may, with the Companys approval, and shall, if the Company shall so request, subject to the terms of this Deposit Agreement and receipt of an Opinion of Counsel furnished at the Companys expense satisfactory to the Depositary (stating that such distributions are not in violation of any applicable laws or regulations), execute and deliver additional Receipts, as in the case of a stock dividend on the Shares, or call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts. In either case, as well as in the event of newly deposited Shares, necessary modifications to the form of Receipt contained in Exhibit A and Exhibit B hereto, specifically describing such new Deposited Securities and/or corporate change, shall also be made. The Company agrees that it will, jointly with the Depositary, amend the Registration Statement on Form F-6 as filed with the Commission to permit the issuance of such new form of Receipt. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any security so received may not be lawfully distributed to some or all Holders, the Depositary may, with the Companys approval, and shall, if the Company requests, subject to receipt of an Opinion of Counsel (furnished at the Companys expense) satisfactory to the Depositary that such action is not in violation of any applicable laws or regulations, sell such securities at public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper and may allocate the net proceeds of such sales (net of fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary and taxes and/or governmental charges) for the account of the Holders otherwise entitled to such securities upon an averaged or other practicable basis without regard to any distinctions among such Holders and distribute the net proceeds so allocated to the extent practicable as in the case of a distribution received in cash pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof. The Depositary shall not be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make such securities available to Holders in general or to any Holder in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale or (iii) any liability to the purchaser of such securities.
SECTION 4.10 Available Information . The Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to foreign private issuers (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act) and accordingly files certain information with the Commission. These reports and documents can be inspected and copied at the Commissions website at www.sec.gov or at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549, U.S.A.
SECTION 4.11 Reports . The Depositary shall make available during normal business hours on any Business Day for inspection by Holders at its Corporate Trust Office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting materials, received from the Company which are both received by the Depositary, the Custodian, or the nominee of either of them as the holder of the Deposited Securities and made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company. The Company agrees to provide to the Depositary, at the Companys expense, all such documents that it provides to the Custodian. Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Company and the Depositary, the Depositary shall, at the expense of the Company and in accordance with Section 5.6 hereof, also mail to Holders by regular, ordinary mail delivery or by electronic transmission (if agreed by the Company and the Depositary) copies of notices and reports when furnished by the Company pursuant to Section 5.6 hereof.
SECTION 4.12 List of Holders . Promptly upon written request by the Company, the Depositary shall, at the expense of the Company, furnish to it a list, as of a recent date, of the names, addresses and holdings of American Depositary Shares by all persons in whose names Receipts are registered on the books of the Depositary.
SECTION 4.13 Taxation; Withholding . The Depositary will, and will instruct the Custodian to, forward to the Company or its agents such information from its records as the Company may request to enable the Company or its agents to file necessary tax reports with governmental authorities or agencies. The Depositary, the Custodian or the Company and its agents may, but shall not be obligated to, file such reports as are necessary to reduce or eliminate applicable taxes on dividends and on other distributions in respect of Deposited Securities under applicable tax treaties or laws for the Holders and Beneficial Owners. Holders and Beneficial Owners of American Depositary Shares may be required from time to time, and in a timely manner, to provide and/or file such proof of taxpayer status, residence and beneficial ownership (as applicable), to execute such certificates and to make such representations and warranties, or to provide any other information or documents, as the Depositary or the Custodian may deem necessary or proper to fulfill the Depositarys or the Custodians obligations under applicable law. The Holders and Beneficial Owners shall indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian, the Agents and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and Affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any claims by any governmental authority with respect to taxes, additions to tax, penalties or interest arising out of any refund of taxes, reduced rate of withholding at source or other tax benefit obtained by the Beneficial Owner or Holder or out of or in connection with any inaccuracy in or omission from any such proof, certificate, representation, warranty, information or document furnished by or on behalf of such Holder or Beneficial Owner. The obligations of Holders and Beneficial Owners under this Section 4.13 shall survive any transfer of Receipts, any surrender of Receipts and withdrawal of Deposited Securities or the termination of this Deposit Agreement.
The Company shall remit to the appropriate governmental authority or agency any amounts required to be withheld by the Company and owing to such governmental authority or agency. Upon any such withholding, the Company shall remit to the Depositary information, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary, about such taxes and/or governmental charges withheld or paid, and, if so requested, the tax receipt (or other proof of payment to the applicable governmental authority) therefor. The Depositary shall, to the extent required by U.S. law, report to Holders (i) any taxes withheld by it; (ii) any taxes withheld by the Custodian, subject to information being provided to the Depositary by the Custodian and (iii) any taxes withheld by the Company, subject to information being provided to the Depositary by the Company. The Depositary and the Custodian shall not be required to provide the Holders with any evidence of the remittance by the Company (or its agents) of any taxes withheld, or of the payment of taxes by the Company, except to the extent the evidence is provided by the Company to the Depositary. None of the Depositary, the Custodian or the Company shall be liable for the failure by any Holder or Beneficial Owner to obtain the benefits of credits on the basis of non-U.S. tax paid against such Holders or Beneficial Owners income tax liability.
In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charge which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary shall withhold the amount required to be withheld and may by public or private sale dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay such taxes and/or charges and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale after deduction of such taxes and/or charges to the Holders entitled thereto in proportion to the number of American Depositary Shares held by them respectively.
The Depositary is under no obligation to provide the Holders and Beneficial Owners with any information about the tax status of the Company. The Depositary shall not incur any liability for any tax consequences that may be incurred by Holders and Beneficial Owners on account of their ownership of the American Depositary Shares, including without limitation, tax consequences resulting from the Company (or any of its subsidiaries) being treated as a Passive Foreign Investment Company (as defined in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the regulations issued thereunder) or otherwise.
ARTICLE V.
THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIAN AND THE COMPANY
SECTION 5.1 Maintenance of Office and Transfer Books by the Registrar . Until termination of this Deposit Agreement in accordance with its terms, the Depositary or if a Registrar for the Receipts shall have been appointed, the Registrar shall maintain in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York, an office and facilities for the execution and delivery, registration, registration of transfers, combination and split-up of Receipts, the surrender of Receipts and the Delivery and withdrawal of Deposited Securities in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement.
The Depositary or the Registrar as applicable, shall keep books for the registration of Receipts and transfers of Receipts which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Company and by the Holders of such Receipts, provided that such inspection shall not be, to the Depositarys or the Registrars knowledge, for the purpose of communicating with Holders of such Receipts in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or other than a matter related to this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts.
The Depositary or the Registrar, as applicable, may close the transfer books with respect to the Receipts, at any time and from time to time, when deemed necessary or advisable by it in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder, or at the reasonable written request of the Company.
If any Receipts or the American Depositary Shares evidenced thereby are listed on one or more stock exchanges or automated quotation systems in the United States, the Depositary shall act as Registrar or appoint a Registrar or one or more co-registrars for registration of Receipts and transfers, combinations and split-ups, and to countersign such Receipts in accordance with any requirements of such exchanges or systems. Such Registrar or co-registrars may be removed and a substitute or substitutes appointed by the Depositary.
If any Receipts or the American Depositary Shares evidenced thereby are listed on one or more securities exchanges, markets or automated quotation systems, (i) the Depositary shall be entitled to, and shall, take or refrain from taking such action(s) as it may deem necessary or appropriate to comply with the requirements of such securities exchange(s), market(s) or automated quotation system(s) applicable to it, notwithstanding any other provision of this Deposit Agreement; and (ii) upon the reasonable request of the Depositary, the Company shall provide the Depositary such information and assistance as may be reasonably necessary for the Depositary to comply with such requirements, to the extent that the Company may lawfully do so.
Each Registrar and co-registrar appointed under this Section 5.1 shall give notice in writing to the Depositary accepting such appointment and agreeing to be bound by the applicable terms of the Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 5.2 Exoneration . None of the Depositary, the Custodian or the Company shall be obligated to do or perform any act which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement or shall incur any liability to Holders, Beneficial Owners or any third parties (i) if the Depositary, the Custodian or the Company or their respective controlling persons or agents (including without limitation, the Agents) shall be prevented or forbidden from, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of this Deposit Agreement, by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States or any state thereof, the Cayman Islands or any other country, or of any other governmental authority or regulatory authority or stock exchange, or on account of the possible criminal or civil penalties or restraint, or by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Memorandum and Articles of Association or any provision of or governing any Deposited Securities, or by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond its control (including, without limitation, nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, work stoppage, strikes, civil unrest, revolutions, rebellions, explosions and computer failure), (ii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in this Deposit Agreement or in the Memorandum and Articles of Association or provisions of or governing Deposited Securities, (iii) for any action or inaction of the Depositary, the Custodian or the Company or their respective controlling persons or agents (including without limitation, the Agents) in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder, any Beneficial Owner or authorized representative thereof, or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information, (iv) for the inability by a Holder or Beneficial Owner to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of this Deposit Agreement, made available to Holders of American Depositary Shares or (v) for any special, consequential, indirect or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of this Deposit Agreement or otherwise.
The Depositary, its controlling persons, its agents (including without limitation, the Agents), the Custodian and the Company, its controlling persons and its agents may rely and shall be protected in acting upon any written notice, request, opinion or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act is intended by any provision of this Deposit Agreement.
SECTION 5.3 Standard of Care . The Company and the Depositary and their respective directors, officers, Affiliates, employees and agents (including without limitation, the Agents) assume no obligation and shall not be subject to any liability under this Deposit Agreement or any Receipts to any Holder(s) or Beneficial Owner(s) or other persons, except in accordance with Section 5.8 hereof, provided, that the Company and the Depositary and their respective directors, officers, Affiliates, employees and agents (including without limitation, the Agents) agree to perform their respective obligations specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement or the applicable ADRs without gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Without limitation of the foregoing, neither the Depositary, nor the Company, nor any of their respective controlling persons, directors, officers, affiliates, employees or agents (including without limitation, the Agents), shall be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding in respect of any Deposited Securities or in respect of the Receipts, which in its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expenses (including fees and disbursements of counsel) and liabilities be furnished as often as may be required (and no Custodian shall be under any obligation whatsoever with respect to such proceedings, the responsibility of the Custodian being solely to the Depositary).
The Depositary and its directors, officers, affiliates, employees and agents (including without limitation, the Agents) shall not be liable for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which any vote is cast or the effects of any vote. The Depositary shall not incur any liability for any failure to determine that any distribution or action may be lawful or reasonably practicable, for the content of any information submitted to it by the Company for distribution to the Holders or for any inaccuracy of any translation thereof, for any investment risk associated with acquiring an interest in the Deposited Securities, for the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities or for any tax consequences that may result from the ownership of ADSs, Shares or Deposited Securities, for the credit-worthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to lapse upon the terms of this Deposit Agreement or for the failure or timeliness of any notice from the Company, or for any action or non action by it in reliance upon the opinion, advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information. The Depositary and its agents (including without limitation, the Agents) shall not be liable for any acts or omissions made by a successor depositary whether in connection with a previous act or omission of the Depositary or in connection with any matter arising wholly after the removal or resignation of the Depositary, provided that in connection with the issue out of which such potential liability arises the Depositary performed its obligations without gross negligence or willful misconduct while it acted as Depositary.
SECTION 5.4 Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary . The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary hereunder by written notice of resignation delivered to the Company, such resignation to be effective on the earlier of (i) the 90th day after delivery thereof to the Company (whereupon the Depositary shall, in the event no successor depositary has been appointed by the Company, be entitled to take the actions contemplated in Section 6.2 hereof) and (ii) the appointment by the Company of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided, save that, any amounts, fees, costs or expenses owed to the Depositary hereunder or in accordance with any other agreements otherwise agreed in writing between the Company and the Depositary from time to time shall be paid to the Depositary prior to such resignation.
The Company shall use reasonable efforts to appoint such successor depositary, and give notice to the Depositary of such appointment, not more than 90 days after delivery by the Depositary of written notice of resignation as provided in this Section 5.4. In the event that notice of the appointment of a successor depositary is not provided by the Company in accordance with the preceding sentence, the Depositary shall be entitled to take the actions contemplated in Section 6.2 hereof.
The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by written notice of such removal, which removal shall be effective on the later of (i) the 90th day after delivery thereof to the Depositary (whereupon the Depositary shall be entitled to take the actions contemplated in Section 6.2 hereof if a successor depositary has not been appointed), and (ii) the appointment by the Company of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided, save that, any amounts, fees, costs or expenses owed to the Depositary hereunder or in accordance with any other agreements otherwise agreed in writing between the Company and the Depositary from time to time shall be paid to the Depositary prior to such removal.
In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or be removed, the Company shall use its best efforts to appoint a successor depositary, which shall be a bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York. Every successor depositary shall be required by the Company to execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor depositary, without any further act or deed (except as required by applicable law), shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor. The predecessor depositary, upon payment of all sums due to it and on the written request of the Company, shall (i) execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder (other than as contemplated in Sections 5.8 and 5.9 hereof), (ii) duly assign, transfer and deliver all right, title and interest to the Deposited Securities to such successor, and (iii) deliver to such successor a list of the Holders of all outstanding Receipts and such other information relating to Receipts and Holders thereof as the successor may reasonably request. Any such successor depositary shall promptly mail notice of its appointment to such Holders.
Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged or consolidated shall be the successor of the Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may assign or otherwise transfer all or any of its rights and benefits under this Deposit Agreement (including any cause of action arising in connection with it) to Deutsche Bank AG or any branch thereof or any entity which is a direct or indirect subsidiary or other affiliate of Deutsche Bank AG.
SECTION 5.5 The Custodian . The Custodian or its successors in acting hereunder shall be subject at all times and in all respects to the direction of the Depositary for the Deposited Securities for which the Custodian acts as custodian and shall be responsible solely to it. If any Custodian resigns or is discharged from its duties hereunder with respect to any Deposited Securities and no other Custodian has previously been appointed hereunder, the Depositary shall promptly appoint a substitute custodian. The Depositary shall require such resigning or discharged Custodian to deliver the Deposited Securities held by it, together with all such records maintained by it as Custodian with respect to such Deposited Securities as the Depositary may request, to the Custodian designated by the Depositary. Whenever the Depositary determines, in its discretion, that it is appropriate to do so, it may appoint an additional entity to act as Custodian with respect to any Deposited Securities, or discharge the Custodian with respect to any Deposited Securities and appoint a substitute custodian, which shall thereafter be Custodian hereunder with respect to the Deposited Securities. After any such change, the Depositary shall give notice thereof in writing to all Holders.
Upon the appointment of any successor depositary, any Custodian then acting hereunder shall, unless otherwise instructed by the Depositary, continue to be the Custodian of the Deposited Securities without any further act or writing and shall be subject to the direction of the successor depositary. The successor depositary so appointed shall, nevertheless, on the written request of any Custodian, execute and deliver to such Custodian all such instruments as may be proper to give to such Custodian full and complete power and authority to act on the direction of such successor depositary.
SECTION 5.6 Notices and Reports . On or before the first date on which the Company gives notice, by publication or otherwise, of any meeting of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or of any adjourned meeting of such holders, or of the taking of any action by such holders other than at a meeting, or of the taking of any action in respect of any cash or other distributions or the offering of any rights in respect of Deposited Securities, the Company shall transmit to the Depositary and the Custodian a copy of the notice thereof in English but otherwise in the form given or to be given to holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities. The Company shall also furnish to the Custodian and the Depositary a summary, in English, of any applicable provisions or proposed provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association that may be relevant or pertain to such notice of meeting or be the subject of a vote thereat.
The Company will also transmit to the Depositary (a) English language versions of the other notices, reports and communications which are made generally available by the Company to holders of its Shares or other Deposited Securities and (b) English language versions of the Companys annual and other reports prepared in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Commission. The Depositary shall arrange, at the request of the Company and at the Companys expense, for the mailing of copies thereof to all Holders, or by any other means as agreed between the Company and the Depositary (at the Companys expense) or make such notices, reports and other communications available for inspection by all Holders, provided, that, the Depositary shall have received evidence sufficiently satisfactory to it, including in the form of an Opinion of Counsel regarding U.S. law or of any other applicable jurisdiction, furnished at the expense of the Company, as the Depositary reasonably requests, that the distribution of such notices, reports and any such other communications to Holders from time to time is valid and does not or will not infringe any local, U.S. or other applicable jurisdiction regulatory restrictions or requirements if so distributed and made available to Holders. The Company will timely provide the Depositary with the quantity of such notices, reports, and communications, as requested by the Depositary from time to time, in order for the Depositary to effect such mailings. The Company has delivered to the Depositary and the Custodian a copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association along with the provisions of or governing the Shares and any other Deposited Securities issued by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, in connection with the Shares, in each case, to the extent not in English, along with a certified English translation thereof, and promptly upon any amendment thereto or change therein, the Company shall deliver to the Depositary and the Custodian a copy of such amendment thereto or change therein, to the extent not in English, along with a certified English translation thereof. The Depositary may rely upon such copy for all purposes of this Deposit Agreement.
The Depositary will make available, at the expense of the Company, a copy of any such notices, reports or communications issued by the Company and delivered to the Depositary for inspection by the Holders of the Receipts evidencing the American Depositary Shares representing such Shares governed by such provisions at the Depositarys Corporate Trust Office, at the office of the Custodian and at any other designated transfer office.
SECTION 5.7 Issuance of Additional Shares, ADSs etc. The Company agrees that in the event it or any of its Affiliates proposes (i) an issuance, sale or distribution of additional Shares, (ii) an offering of rights to subscribe for Shares or other Deposited Securities, (iii) an issuance of securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares, (iv) an issuance of rights to subscribe for securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares, (v) an elective dividend of cash or Shares, (vi) a redemption of Deposited Securities, (vii) a meeting of holders of Deposited Securities, or solicitation of consents or proxies, relating to any reclassification of securities, merger, subdivision, amalgamation or consolidation or transfer of assets, (viii) any reclassification, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, amalgamation, consolidation or sale of assets which affects the Deposited Securities or (ix) a distribution of property other than cash, Shares or rights to purchase additional Shares it will obtain U.S. legal advice and take all steps necessary to ensure that the application of the proposed transaction to Holders and Beneficial Owners does not violate the registration provisions of the Securities Act, or any other applicable laws (including, without limitation, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Exchange Act or the securities laws of the states of the United States). In support of the foregoing, the Company will furnish to the Depositary at its request, at the Companys expense, (a) a written opinion of U.S. counsel (satisfactory to the Depositary) stating whether or not application of such transaction to Holders and Beneficial Owners (1) requires a registration statement under the Securities Act to be in effect or (2) is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and/or (3) dealing with such other issues requested by the Depositary; (b) a written opinion of Cayman Islands counsel (satisfactory to the Depositary) stating that (1) making the transaction available to Holders and Beneficial Owners does not violate the laws or regulations of the Cayman Islands and (2) all requisite regulatory consents and approvals have been obtained in the Cayman Islands; and (c) as the Depositary may request, a written Opinion of Counsel in any other jurisdiction in which Holders or Beneficial Owners reside to the effect that making the transaction available to such Holders or Beneficial Owners does not violate the laws or regulations of such jurisdiction. If the filing of a registration statement is required, the Depositary shall not have any obligation to proceed with the transaction unless it shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to it that such registration statement has been declared effective and that such distribution is in accordance with all applicable laws or regulations. If, being advised by counsel, the Company determines that a transaction is required to be registered under the Securities Act, the Company will either (i) register such transaction to the extent necessary, (ii) alter the terms of the transaction to avoid the registration requirements of the Securities Act or (iii) direct the Depositary to take specific measures, in each case as contemplated in this Deposit Agreement, to prevent such transaction from violating the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
The Company agrees with the Depositary that neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates will at any time (i) deposit any Shares or other Deposited Securities, either upon original issuance or upon a sale of Shares or other Deposited Securities previously issued and reacquired by the Company or by any such Affiliate, or (ii) issue additional Shares, rights to subscribe for such Shares, securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares or rights to subscribe for such securities, unless such transaction and the securities issuable in such transaction are exempt from registration under the Securities Act or have been registered under the Securities Act (and such registration statement has been declared effective).
Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Deposit Agreement, nothing in this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed to obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any proposed transaction.
SECTION 5.8 Indemnification . The Company agrees to indemnify the Depositary, any Custodian and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents (including without limitation, the Agents) and Affiliates against, and hold each of them harmless from, any losses, liabilities, taxes, costs, claims, judgments, proceedings, actions, demands and any charges or expenses of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, reasonable fees and expenses of counsel together with, in each case, value added tax and any similar tax charged or otherwise imposed in respect thereof) (collectively referred to as Losses ) which the Depositary or any agent (including without limitation, the Agents) thereof may incur or which may be made against it as a result of or in connection with its appointment or the exercise of its powers and duties under this Agreement or that may arise (a) out of or in connection with any offer, issuance, sale, resale, transfer, deposit or withdrawal of Receipts, American Depositary Shares, the Shares, or other Deposited Securities, as the case may be, (b) out of or in connection with any offering documents in respect thereof or (c) out of or in connection with acts performed or omitted, including, but not limited to, any delivery by the Depositary on behalf of the Company of information regarding the Company in connection with this Deposit Agreement, the Receipts, the American Depositary Shares, the Shares, or any Deposited Securities, in any such case (i) by the Depositary, the Custodian or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents (including without limitation, the Agents) and Affiliates, except to the extent any such Losses arise out of the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of any of them, or (ii) by the Company or any of its directors, officers, employees, agents and Affiliates.
The Depositary agrees to indemnify the Company and hold it harmless from any Losses which may arise out of acts performed or omitted to be performed by the Depositary arising out of its gross negligence or wilful misconduct. Notwithstanding the above, in no event shall the Depositary or any of its directors, officers, employees, agents (including without limitation, the Agents) and/or Affiliates be liable for any special, consequential, indirect or punitive damages to the Company, Holders, Beneficial Owners or any other person.
Any person seeking indemnification hereunder (an Indemnified Person ) shall notify the person from whom it is seeking indemnification (the Indemnifying Person ) of the commencement of any indemnifiable action or claim promptly after such Indemnified Person becomes aware of such commencement (provided that the failure to make such notification shall not affect such Indemnified Persons rights to indemnification except to the extent the Indemnifying Person is materially prejudiced by such failure) and shall consult in good faith with the Indemnifying Person as to the conduct of the defense of such action or claim that may give rise to an indemnity hereunder, which defense shall be reasonable under the circumstances. No Indemnified Person shall compromise or settle any action or claim that may give rise to an indemnity hereunder without the consent of the Indemnifying Person, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
The obligations set forth in this Section shall survive the termination of this Deposit Agreement and the succession or substitution of any party hereto.
SECTION 5.9 Fees and Charges of Depositary . The Company, the Holders, the Beneficial Owners, and persons depositing Shares or surrendering ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of Deposited Securities shall be required to pay to the Depositary the Depositarys fees and related charges identified as payable by them respectively as provided for under Article (9) of the Receipt. All fees and charges so payable may, at any time and from time to time, be changed by agreement between the Depositary and the Company, but, in the case of fees and charges payable by Holders and Beneficial Owners, only in the manner contemplated in Section 6.1 hereof. The Depositary shall provide, without charge, a copy of its latest fee schedule to anyone upon request.
The Depositary and the Company may reach separate agreement in relation to the payment of any additional remuneration to the Depositary in respect of any exceptional duties which the Depositary finds necessary or desirable and agreed by both parties in the performance of its obligations hereunder and in respect of the actual costs and expenses of the Depositary in respect of any notices required to be given to the Holders in accordance with Article (20) of the Receipt.
In connection with any payment by the Company to the Depositary:
(i) all fees, taxes, duties, charges, costs and expenses which are payable by the Company shall be paid or be procured to be paid by the Company (and any such amounts which are paid by the Depositary shall be reimbursed to the Depositary by the Company upon demand therefor); and
(ii) such payment shall be subject to all necessary applicable exchange control and other consents and approvals having been obtained. The Company undertakes to use its reasonable endeavours to obtain all necessary approvals that are required to be obtained by it in this connection.
The Company agrees to promptly pay to the Depositary such other fees, charges and expenses and to reimburse the Depositary for such out-of-pocket expenses as the Depositary and the Company may agree to in writing from time to time. Responsibility for payment of such charges may at any time and from time to time be changed by agreement between the Company and the Depositary.
All payments by the Company to the Depositary under this Clause 5.9 shall be paid without set-off or counterclaim, and free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for or on account of, any present or future taxes, levies, imports, duties, fees, assessments or other charges of whatever nature, imposed by the Cayman Islands or by any department, agency or other political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, and all interest, penalties or similar liabilities with respect thereto.
The right of the Depositary to receive payment of fees, charges and expenses as provided above shall survive the termination of this Deposit Agreement. As to any Depositary, upon the resignation or removal of such Depositary as described in Section 5.4 hereof, such right shall extend for those fees, charges and expenses incurred prior to the effectiveness of such resignation or removal.
SECTION 5.10 Restricted Securities Owners/Ownership Restrictions . From time to time or upon request of the Depositary, the Company shall provide to the Depositary a list setting forth, to the actual knowledge of the Company, those persons or entities who beneficially own Restricted Securities and the Company shall update such list on a regular basis. The Depositary may rely on such list or update but shall not be liable for any action or omission made in reliance thereon. The Company agrees to advise in writing each of the persons or entities who, to the knowledge of the Company, holds Restricted Securities that such Restricted Securities are ineligible for deposit hereunder and, to the extent practicable, shall require each of such persons to represent in writing that such person will not deposit Restricted Securities hereunder. Holders and Beneficial Owners shall comply with any limitations on ownership of Shares under the Memorandum and Articles of Association or applicable Cayman Islands law as if they held the number of Shares their ADSs represent. The Company shall, in accordance with Article (24) of the Receipt, inform Holders and Beneficial Owners and the Depositary of any other limitations on ownership of Shares that the Holders and Beneficial Owners may be subject to by reason of the number of ADSs held under the Articles of Association or applicable Cayman Islands law, as such restrictions may be in force from time to time.
The Company may, in its sole discretion, but subject to applicable law, instruct the Depositary to take action with respect to the ownership interest of any Holder or Beneficial Owner pursuant to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, including but not limited to, the removal or limitation of voting rights or the mandatory sale or disposition on behalf of a Holder or Beneficial Owner of the Shares represented by the ADRs held by such Holder or Beneficial Owner in excess of such limitations, if and to the extent such disposition is permitted by applicable law and the Memorandum and Articles of Association; provided that any such measures are practicable and legal and can be undertaken without undue burden or expense, and provided further the Depositarys agreement to the foregoing is conditional upon it being advised of any applicable changes in the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Depositary shall have no liability for any actions taken in accordance with such instructions.
ARTICLE VI.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
SECTION 6.1 Amendment/Supplement . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 6.1 and applicable law, the Receipts outstanding at any time, the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and the form of Receipt attached hereto and to be issued under the terms hereof may at any time and from time to time be amended or supplemented by written agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable and not materially prejudicial to the Holders without the consent of the Holders or Beneficial Owners. Any amendment or supplement which shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than charges in connection with foreign exchange control regulations, and taxes and/or other governmental charges, delivery and other such expenses payable by Holders or Beneficial Owners), or which shall otherwise materially prejudice any substantial existing right of Holders or Beneficial Owners, shall not, however, become effective as to outstanding Receipts until 30 days after notice of such amendment or supplement shall have been given to the Holders of outstanding Receipts. Notice of any amendment to the Deposit Agreement or form of Receipts shall not need to describe in detail the specific amendments effectuated thereby, and failure to describe the specific amendments in any such notice shall not render such notice invalid, provided, however, that, in each such case, the notice given to the Holders identifies a means for Holders and Beneficial Owners to retrieve or receive the text of such amendment (i.e., upon retrieval from the Commissions, the Depositarys or the Companys website or upon request from the Depositary).The parties hereto agree that any amendments or supplements which (i) are reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and the Depositary) in order for (a) the American Depositary Shares to be registered on Form F-6 under the Securities Act or (b) the American Depositary Shares or the Shares to be traded solely in electronic book-entry form and (ii) do not in either such case impose or increase any fees or charges to be borne by Holders, shall be deemed not to materially prejudice any substantial rights of Holders or Beneficial Owners. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner at the time any amendment or supplement so becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such American Depositary Share or Shares, to consent and agree to such amendment or supplement and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement as amended and supplemented thereby. In no event shall any amendment or supplement impair the right of the Holder to surrender such Receipt and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body should adopt new laws, rules or regulations which would require amendment or supplement of the Deposit Agreement to ensure compliance therewith, the Company and the Depositary may amend or supplement the Deposit Agreement and the Receipt at any time in accordance with such changed laws, rules or regulations. Such amendment or supplement to the Deposit Agreement in such circumstances may become effective before a notice of such amendment or supplement is given to Holders or within any other period of time as required for compliance with such laws, rules or regulations.
SECTION 6.2 Termination . The Depositary shall, at any time at the written direction of the Company, terminate this Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the Holders of all Receipts then outstanding at least 90 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination, provided that, the Depositary shall be reimbursed for any amounts, fees, costs or expenses owed to it in accordance with the terms of this Deposit Agreement and in accordance with any other agreements as otherwise agreed in writing between the Company and the Depositary from time to time, prior to such termination shall take effect. If 90 days shall have expired after (i) the Depositary shall have delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign, or (ii) the Company shall have delivered to the Depositary a written notice of the removal of the Depositary, and in either case a successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided in Section 5.4 hereof, the Depositary may terminate this Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the Holders of all Receipts then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date fixed for such termination. On and after the date of termination of this Deposit Agreement, each Holder will, upon surrender of such Receipt at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, upon the payment of the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of Receipts referred to in Section 2.6 hereof and subject to the conditions and restrictions therein set forth, and upon payment of any applicable taxes and/or governmental charges, be entitled to Delivery, to him or upon his order, of the amount of Deposited Securities represented by such Receipt. If any Receipts shall remain outstanding after the date of termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Registrar thereafter shall discontinue the registration of transfers of Receipts, and the Depositary shall suspend the distribution of dividends to the Holders thereof, and shall not give any further notices or perform any further acts under this Deposit Agreement, except that the Depositary shall continue to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities, shall sell rights or other property as provided in this Deposit Agreement, and shall continue to Deliver Deposited Securities, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in Section 2.6 hereof, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property, in exchange for Receipts surrendered to the Depositary (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case, the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes and/or governmental charges or assessments). At any time after the expiration of six months from the date of termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held hereunder and may thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it hereunder, in an unsegregated account, without liability for interest for the pro rata benefit of the Holders of Receipts whose Receipts have not theretofore been surrendered. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement with respect to the Receipts and the Shares, Deposited Securities and American Depositary Shares, except to account for such net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case, the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes and/or governmental charges or assessments). Upon the termination of this Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary hereunder. The obligations under the terms of the Deposit Agreement and Receipts of Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs outstanding as of the effective date of any termination shall survive such effective date of termination and shall be discharged only when the applicable ADSs are presented by their Holders to the Depositary for cancellation under the terms of the Deposit Agreement and the Holders have each satisfied any and all of their obligations hereunder (including, but not limited to, any payment and/or reimbursement obligations which relate to prior to the effective date of termination but which payment and/or reimbursement is claimed after such effective date of termination).
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Deposit Agreement or any ADR, in connection with the termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may, independently and without the need for any action by the Company, make available to Holders of ADSs a means to withdraw the Deposited Securities represented by their ADSs and to direct the deposit of such Deposited Securities into an unsponsored American depositary shares program established by the Depositary, upon such terms and conditions as the Depositary may deem reasonably appropriate, subject however, in each case, to satisfaction of the applicable registration requirements by the unsponsored American depositary shares program under the Securities Act, and to receipt by the Depositary of payment of the applicable fees and charges of, and reimbursement of the applicable expenses incurred by, the Depositary.
ARTICLE VII.
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 7.1 Counterparts . This Deposit Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Copies of this Deposit Agreement shall be maintained with the Depositary and shall be open to inspection by any Holder during business hours.
SECTION 7.2 No Third-Party Beneficiaries . This Deposit Agreement is for the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto (and their successors) and shall not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim whatsoever to any other person, except to the extent specifically set forth in this Deposit Agreement. Nothing in this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed to give rise to a partnership or joint venture among the parties hereto nor establish a fiduciary or similar relationship among the parties. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that (i) the Depositary and its Affiliates may at any time have multiple banking relationships with the Company and its Affiliates, (ii) the Depositary and its Affiliates may be engaged at any time in transactions in which parties adverse to the Company or the Holders or Beneficial Owners may have interests and (iii) nothing contained in this Agreement shall (a) preclude the Depositary or any of its Affiliates from engaging in such transactions or establishing or maintaining such relationships, or (b) obligate the Depositary or any of its Affiliates to disclose such transactions or relationships or to account for any profit made or payment received in such transactions or relationships.
SECTION 7.3 Severability . In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipts should be or become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or therein shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.
SECTION 7.4 Holders and Beneficial Owners as Parties; Binding Effect . The Holders and Beneficial Owners from time to time of American Depositary Shares shall be parties to the Deposit Agreement and shall be bound by all of the terms and conditions hereof and of any Receipt by acceptance hereof or any beneficial interest therein.
SECTION 7.5 Notices . Any and all notices to be given to the Company shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by first-class mail, air courier or cable, telex, facsimile transmission or electronic transmission, confirmed by letter, addressed to Viomi Technology Co., Ltd, Wansheng Square Rm 1302 Tower C, Xingang East Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510220, Peoples Republic of China, Attention: Chief Executive Officer or to any other address which the Company may specify in writing to the Depositary or at which it may be effectively given such notice in accordance with applicable law.
Any and all notices to be given to the Depositary shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by first-class mail, air courier or cable, telex, facsimile transmission or by electronic transmission (if agreed by the Company and the Depositary), at the Companys expense, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the Company and the Depositary, confirmed by letter, addressed to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, USA, Attention: ADR Department, telephone: +1 212 250-9100, facsimile: + 1 212 797 0327 or to any other address which the Depositary may specify in writing to the Company.
Any and all notices to be given to any Holder shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally delivered or sent by first-class mail or cable, telex, facsimile transmission or by electronic transmission (if agreed by the Company and the Depositary), at the Companys expense, unless otherwise agreed in writing between the Company and the Depositary, addressed to such Holder at the address of such Holder as it appears on the transfer books for Receipts of the Depositary, or, if such Holder shall have filed with the Depositary a written request that notices intended for such Holder be mailed to some other address, at the address specified in such request. Notice to Holders shall be deemed to be notice to Beneficial Owners for all purposes of this Deposit Agreement.
Delivery of a notice sent by mail, air courier or cable, telex, facsimile or electronic transmission shall be deemed to be effective at the time when a duly addressed letter containing the same (or a confirmation thereof in the case of a cable, telex, facsimile or electronic transmission) is deposited, postage prepaid, in a post-office letter box or delivered to an air courier service. The Depositary or the Company may, however, act upon any cable, telex, facsimile or electronic transmission received by it from the other or from any Holder, notwithstanding that such cable, telex, facsimile or electronic transmission shall not subsequently be confirmed by letter as aforesaid, as the case may be.
SECTION 7.6 Governing Law and Jurisdiction . This Deposit Agreement and the Receipts shall be interpreted in accordance with, and all rights hereunder and thereunder and provisions hereof and thereof shall be governed by, the laws of the State of New York without reference to the principles of choice of law thereof. Subject to the Depositarys rights under the third paragraph of this Section 7.6, the Company and the Depositary agree that the federal or state courts in the City of New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any suit, action or proceeding and to settle any dispute between them that may arise out of or in connection with this Deposit Agreement and, for such purposes, each irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts. Notwithstanding the above, the parties hereto agree that any judgment and/or order from any such New York court can be enforced in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Company hereby irrevocably designates, appoints and empowers C T Corporation System, (the Process Agent ), now at 111 Eighth Avenue, 13 th Floor, New York NY 10011, United States, as its authorized agent to receive and accept for and on its behalf, and on behalf of its properties, assets and revenues, service by mail of any and all legal process, summons, notices and documents that may be served in any suit, action or proceeding brought against the Company in any federal or state court as described in the preceding sentence or in the next paragraph of this Section 7.6. If for any reason the Process Agent shall cease to be available to act as such, the Company agrees to designate a new agent in the City of New York on the terms and for the purposes of this Section 7.6 reasonably satisfactory to the Depositary. The Company further hereby irrevocably consents and agrees to the service of any and all legal process, summons, notices and documents in any suit, action or proceeding against the Company, by service by mail of a copy thereof upon the Process Agent (whether or not the appointment of such Process Agent shall for any reason prove to be ineffective or such Process Agent shall fail to accept or acknowledge such service), with a copy mailed to the Company by registered or certified air mail, postage prepaid, to its address provided in Section 7.5 hereof. The Company agrees that the failure of the Process Agent to give any notice of such service to it shall not impair or affect in any way the validity of such service or any judgment rendered in any action or proceeding based thereon.
The Company irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any actions, suits or proceedings brought in any court as provided in this Section 7.6, and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
The Company, the Depositary and by holding an American Depositary Share (or interest therein) Holders and Beneficial Owners each agree that, notwithstanding the foregoing, with regard to any claim or dispute or difference of whatever nature between or involving the parties hereto arising directly or indirectly from the relationship created by this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary, in its sole discretion, shall be entitled to refer such dispute or difference for final settlement by arbitration ( Arbitration ) in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the Rules ) then in force. The arbitration shall be conducted by three arbitrators, one nominated by the Depositary, one nominated by the Company, and one nominated by the two party-appointed arbitrators within 30 calendar days of the confirmation of the nomination of the second arbitrator. If any arbitrator has not been nominated within the time limits specified herein and in the Rules, then such arbitrator shall be appointed by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with the Rules. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be enforced in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The seat and place of any reference to arbitration shall be New York City, New York, and the procedural law of such arbitration shall be New York law. The language to be used in the arbitration shall be English. The fees of the arbitrator and other costs incurred by the parties in connection with such Arbitration shall be paid by the party or parties that is (are) unsuccessful in such Arbitration. For the avoidance of doubt this paragraph does not preclude Holders and Beneficial Owners from pursuing claims under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act in federal courts.
Holders and Beneficial Owners understand, and holding an American Depositary Share or an interest therein, such Holders and Beneficial Owners each irrevocably agree that any legal suit, action or proceeding against or involving the Company or the Depositary, arising out of or based upon the Deposit Agreement, American Depositary Shares, Receipts or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or by virtue of ownership thereof, may only be instituted in a state or federal court in New York, New York, and by holding an American Depositary Share or an interest therein each irrevocably waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding, and irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. Holders and Beneficial Owners agree that the provisions of this paragraph shall survive such Holders and Beneficial Owners ownership of American Depositary Shares or interests therein.
EACH PARTY TO THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT (INCLUDING, FOR AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, EACH HOLDER AND BENEFICIAL OWNER AND/OR HOLDER OF INTERESTS IN ANY ADRs) HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE DEPOSITARY AND/OR THE COMPANY DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SHARES OR OTHER DEPOSITED SECURITIES, THE ADSs OR THE ADRs, THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN, OR THE BREACH HEREOF OR THEREOF (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, COMMON LAW OR ANY OTHER THEORY).
The provisions of this Section 7.6 shall survive any termination of this Deposit Agreement, in whole or in part.
SECTION 7.7 Assignment . Subject to the provisions and exceptions set forth in Section 5.4 hereof, this Deposit Agreement may not be assigned by either the Company or the Depositary.
SECTION 7.8 Agents . The Depositary shall be entitled, in its sole but reasonable discretion, to appoint one or more agents (the Agents ) of which it shall have control for the purpose, inter alia , of making distributions to the Holders or otherwise carrying out its obligations under this Agreement.
SECTION 7.9 Affiliates etc . The Depositary reserves the right to utilize and retain a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary to direct, manage and/or execute any public and/or private sale of Shares, rights, securities, property or other entitlements hereunder and to engage in the conversion of Foreign Currency hereunder. It is anticipated that such division and/or Affiliate(s) will charge the Depositary a fee and/or commission in connection with each such transaction, and seek reimbursement of its costs and expenses related thereto. Such fees/commissions, costs and expenses, shall be deducted from amounts distributed hereunder and shall not be deemed to be fees of the Depositary under Article (9) of the Receipt or otherwise. Persons are advised that in converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars the Depositary may utilize Deutsche Bank AG or its affiliates (collectively, DBAG ) to effect such conversion by seeking to enter into a foreign exchange ( FX ) transaction with DBAG. When converting currency, the Depositary is not acting as a fiduciary for the holders or beneficial owners of depositary receipts or any other person. Moreover, in executing FX transactions, DBAG will be acting in a principal capacity, and not as agent, fiduciary or broker, and may hold positions for its own account that are the same, similar, different or opposite to the positions of its customers, including the Depositary. When the Depositary seeks to execute an FX transaction to accomplish such conversion, customers should be aware that DBAG is a global dealer in FX for a full range of FX products and, as a result, the rate obtained in connection with any requested foreign currency conversion may be impacted by DBAG executing FX transactions for its own account or with another customer. In addition, in order to source liquidity for any FX transaction relating to any foreign currency conversion, DBAG may internally share economic terms relating to the relevant FX transaction with persons acting in a sales or trading capacity for DBAG or one of its agents. DBAG may charge fees and/or commissions to the Depositary or add a mark-up in connection with such conversions, which are reflected in the rate at which the foreign currency will be converted into U.S. dollars. The Depositary, its Affiliates and their agents, on their own behalf, may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its Affiliates and in ADSs.
SECTION 7.10 Exclusivity . The Company agrees not to appoint any other depositary for the issuance or administration of depositary receipts evidencing any class of stock of the Company so long as Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas is acting as Depositary hereunder.
SECTION 7.11 Compliance with U.S. Securities Laws . Notwithstanding anything in this Deposit Agreement to the contrary, the withdrawal or Delivery of Deposited Securities will not be suspended by the Company or the Depositary except as would be permitted by Instruction I.A.(1) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 Registration Statement, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act.
SECTION 7.12 Titles . All references in this Deposit Agreement to exhibits, Articles, sections, subsections, and other subdivisions refer to the exhibits, Articles, sections, subsections and other subdivisions of this Deposit Agreement unless expressly provided otherwise. The words this Deposit Agreement , herein , hereof , hereby , hereunder , and words of similar import refer to the Deposit Agreement as a whole as in effect between the Company, the Depositary and the Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs and not to any particular subdivision unless expressly so limited. Pronouns in masculine, feminine and neuter gender shall be construed to include any other gender, and words in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa unless the context otherwise requires. Titles to sections of this Deposit Agreement are included for convenience only and shall be disregarded in construing the language contained in this Deposit Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Viomi Technology Co., Ltd and DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS have duly executed this Deposit Agreement as of the day and year first above set forth and all Holders and Beneficial Owners shall become parties hereto upon acceptance by them of American Depositary Shares evidenced by Receipts issued in accordance with the terms hereof.
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EXHIBIT A
CUSIP
ISIN
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American Depositary Shares (Each
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[FORM OF FACE OF RECEIPT]
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
for
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
representing
DEPOSITED CLASS A ORDINARY SHARES
of
VIOMI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
(Incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands)
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as depositary (herein called the Depositary ), hereby certifies that is the owner of American Depositary Shares (hereinafter ADS ), representing deposited Class A ordinary shares, each of Par Value of U.S. $0.00001 including evidence of rights to receive such Class A ordinary shares (the Shares ) of Viomi Technology Co., Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the Company ). As of the date of the Deposit Agreement (hereinafter referred to), each ADS represents [ · ] Shares deposited under the Deposit Agreement with the Custodian which at the date of execution of the Deposit Agreement is Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch (the Custodian ). The ratio of Depositary Shares to shares of stock is subject to subsequent amendment as provided in Article IV of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositarys Corporate Trust Office is located at 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, U.S.A.
(1) The Deposit Agreement . This American Depositary Receipt is one of an issue of American Depositary Receipts ( Receipts ), all issued or to be issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Deposit Agreement, dated as of [ · ], 2018 (as amended from time to time, the Deposit Agreement ), by and among the Company, the Depositary, and all Holders and Beneficial Owners from time to time of Receipts issued thereunder, each of whom by accepting a Receipt agrees to become a party thereto and becomes bound by all the terms and conditions thereof. The Deposit Agreement sets forth the rights and obligations of Holders and Beneficial Owners of Receipts and the rights and duties of the Depositary in respect of the Shares deposited thereunder and any and all other securities, property and cash from time to time, received in respect of such Shares and held thereunder (such Shares, other securities, property and cash are herein called Deposited Securities ). Copies of the Deposit Agreement are on file at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary and the Custodian.
Each owner and each Beneficial Owner, upon acceptance of any ADSs (or any interest therein) issued in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, shall be deemed for all purposes to (a) be a party to and bound by the terms of the Deposit Agreement and applicable ADR(s), and (b) appoint the Depositary its attorney-in-fact, with full power to delegate, to act on its behalf and to take any and all actions contemplated in the Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s), to adopt any and all procedures necessary to comply with applicable law and to take such action as the Depositary in its sole discretion may deem necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Deposit Agreement and the applicable ADR(s) (the taking of such actions to be the conclusive determinant of the necessity and appropriateness thereof).
The statements made on the face and reverse of this Receipt are summaries of certain provisions of the Deposit Agreement and the Memorandum and Articles of Association (as in effect on the date of the Deposit Agreement) and are qualified by and subject to the detailed provisions of the Deposit Agreement, to which reference is hereby made. All capitalized terms used herein which are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Deposit Agreement. To the extent there is any inconsistency between the terms of this Receipt and the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the terms of the Deposit Agreement shall prevail. Prospective and actual Holders and Beneficial Owners are encouraged to read the terms of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary makes no representation or warranty as to the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities. The Depositary has made arrangements for the acceptance of the American Depositary Shares into DTC. Each Beneficial Owner of American Depositary Shares held through DTC must rely on the procedures of DTC and the DTC Participants to exercise and be entitled to any rights attributable to such American Depositary Shares. The Receipt evidencing the American Depositary Shares held through DTC will be registered in the name of a nominee of DTC. So long as the American Depositary Shares are held through DTC or unless otherwise required by law, ownership of beneficial interests in the Receipt registered in the name of DTC (or its nominee) will be shown on, and transfers of such ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by (i) DTC (or its nominee), or (ii) DTC Participants (or their nominees).
(2) Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Deposited Securities . Upon surrender, at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, of ADSs evidenced by this Receipt for the purpose of withdrawal of the Deposited Securities represented thereby, and upon payment of (i) the fees and charges of the Depositary for the making of withdrawals of Deposited Securities and cancellation of Receipts (as set forth in Section 5.9 of the Deposit Agreement and Article (9) hereof) and (ii) all fees, taxes and/or governmental charges payable in connection with such surrender and withdrawal, and, subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Section 7.10 of the Deposit Agreement, Article (22) hereof and the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities and other applicable laws, the Holder of the American Depositary Shares evidenced hereby is entitled to Delivery, to him or upon his order, of the Deposited Securities represented by the ADS so surrendered. ADS may be surrendered for the purpose of withdrawing Deposited Securities by Delivery of a Receipt evidencing such ADS (if held in registered form) or by book-entry delivery of such ADS to the Depositary.
A Receipt surrendered for such purposes shall, if so required by the Depositary, be properly endorsed in blank or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer in blank, and if the Depositary so requires, the Holder thereof shall execute and deliver to the Depositary a written order directing the Depositary to cause the Deposited Securities being withdrawn to be Delivered to or upon the written order of a person or persons designated in such order. Thereupon, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to Deliver (without unreasonable delay) at the designated office of the Custodian or through a book-entry delivery of the Shares (in either case subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, to the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and to the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities and applicable laws, now or hereafter in effect), to or upon the written order of the person or persons designated in the order delivered to the Depositary as provided above, the Deposited Securities represented by such ADSs, together with any certificate or other proper documents of or relating to title for the Deposited Securities or evidence of the electronic transfer thereof (if available) as the case may be to or for the account of such person. Subject to Article (4) hereof, in the case of surrender of a Receipt evidencing a number of ADSs representing other than a whole number of Shares, the Depositary shall cause ownership of the appropriate whole number of Shares to be Delivered in accordance with the terms hereof, and shall, at the discretion of the Depositary, either (i) issue and Deliver to the person surrendering such Receipt a new Receipt evidencing American Depositary Shares representing any remaining fractional Share, or (ii) sell or cause to be sold the fractional Shares represented by the Receipt so surrendered and remit the proceeds thereof (net of (a) applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary and (b) taxes and/or governmental charges) to the person surrendering the Receipt. At the request, risk and expense of any Holder so surrendering a Receipt, and for the account of such Holder, the Depositary shall direct the Custodian to forward (to the extent permitted by law) any cash or other property (other than securities) held in respect of, and any certificate or certificates and other proper documents of or relating to title to, the Deposited Securities represented by such Receipt to the Depositary for Delivery at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, and for further Delivery to such Holder. Such direction shall be given by letter or, at the request, risk and expense of such Holder, by cable, telex or facsimile transmission. Upon receipt of such direction by the Depositary, the Depositary may make delivery to such person or persons entitled thereto at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary of any dividends or cash distributions with respect to the Deposited Securities represented by such Receipt, or of any proceeds of sale of any dividends, distributions or rights, which may at the time be held by the Depositary.
(3) Transfers, Split-Ups and Combinations of Receipts . Subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, the Registrar shall register transfers of Receipts on its books, upon surrender at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary of a Receipt by the Holder thereof in person or by duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed in the case of a certificated Receipt or accompanied by, or in the case of Receipts issued through any book-entry system, including, without limitation, DRS/Profile, receipt by the Depositary of proper instruments of transfer (including signature guarantees in accordance with standard industry practice) and duly stamped as may be required by laws of the State of New York, of the United States, of the Cayman Islands and of any other applicable jurisdiction. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, including payment of the applicable fees and expenses incurred by, and charges of, the Depositary, the Depositary shall execute and Deliver a new Receipt(s) (and if necessary, cause the Registrar to countersign such Receipt(s)) and deliver same to or upon the order of the person entitled to such Receipts evidencing the same aggregate number of ADSs as those evidenced by the Receipts surrendered. Upon surrender of a Receipt or Receipts for the purpose of effecting a split-up or combination of such Receipt or Receipts upon payment of the applicable fees and charges of the Depositary, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall execute and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts for any authorized number of ADSs requested, evidencing the same aggregate number of ADSs as the Receipt or Receipts surrendered.
(4) Pre-Conditions to Registration, Transfer, Etc . As a condition precedent to the execution and Delivery, registration, registration of transfer, split-up, subdivision, combination or surrender of any Receipt, the delivery of any distribution thereon (whether in cash or shares) or withdrawal of any Deposited Securities, the Depositary or the Custodian may require (i) payment from the depositor of Shares or presenter of the Receipt of a sum sufficient to reimburse it for any tax or other governmental charge and any stock transfer or registration fee with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge and fee with respect to Shares being deposited or withdrawn) and payment of any applicable fees and charges of the Depositary as provided in the Deposit Agreement and in this Receipt, (ii) the production of proof satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature or any other matter and (iii) compliance with (A) any laws or governmental regulations relating to the execution and Delivery of Receipts and ADSs or to the withdrawal of Deposited Securities and (B) such reasonable regulations of the Depositary or the Company consistent with the Deposit Agreement and applicable law.
The issuance of ADSs against deposits of Shares generally or against deposits of particular Shares may be suspended, or the issuance of ADSs against the deposit of particular Shares may be withheld, or the registration of transfer of Receipts in particular instances may be refused, or the registration of transfer of Receipts generally may be suspended, during any period when the transfer books of the Depositary are closed or if any such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary or the Company, in good faith, at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law, any government or governmental body or commission or any securities exchange upon which the Receipts or Share are listed, or under any provision of the Deposit Agreement or provisions of, or governing, the Deposited Securities or any meeting of shareholders of the Company or for any other reason, subject in all cases to Article (22) hereof.
The Depositary shall not issue ADSs prior to the receipt of Shares or deliver Shares prior to the receipt and cancellation of ADSs.
(5) Compliance With Information Requests . Notwithstanding any other provision of the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt, each Holder and Beneficial Owner of the ADSs represented hereby agrees to comply with requests from the Company pursuant to the laws of the Cayman Islands, the rules and requirements of NASDAQ and any other stock exchange on which the Shares are, or will be registered, traded or listed, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, which are made to provide information as to the capacity in which such Holder or Beneficial Owner owns ADSs and regarding the identity of any other person interested in such ADSs and the nature of such interest and various other matters whether or not they are Holders and/or Beneficial Owner at the time of such request. The Depositary agrees to use reasonable efforts to forward any such requests to the Holders and to forward to the Company any such responses to such requests received by the Depositary.
(6) Liability of Holder for Taxes, Duties and Other Charges . If any tax or other governmental charge shall become payable by the Depositary or the Custodian with respect to any Receipt or any Deposited Securities or ADSs, such tax or other governmental charge shall be payable by the Holders and Beneficial Owners to the Depositary. The Company, the Custodian and/or the Depositary may withhold or deduct from any distributions made in respect of Deposited Securities and may sell for the account of the Holder and/or Beneficial Owner any or all of the Deposited Securities and apply such distributions and sale proceeds in payment of such taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or charges, with the Holder and the Beneficial Owner hereof remaining fully liable for any deficiency. The Custodian may refuse the deposit of Shares, and the Depositary may refuse to issue ADSs, to deliver Receipts, register the transfer, split-up or combination of ADRs and (subject to Article (22) hereof) the withdrawal of Deposited Securities, until payment in full of such tax, charge, penalty or interest is received.
The liability of Holders and Beneficial Owners under the Deposit Agreement shall survive any transfer of Receipts, any surrender of Receipts and withdrawal of Deposited Securities or the termination of the Deposit Agreement.
Holders understand that in converting Foreign Currency, amounts received on conversion are calculated at a rate which may exceed the number of decimal places used by the Depositary to report distribution rates (which in any case will not be less than two decimal places). Any excess amount may be retained by the Depositary as an additional cost of conversion, irrespective of any other fees and expenses payable or owing hereunder and shall not be subject to escheatment.
(7) Representations and Warranties of Depositors . Each person depositing Shares under the Deposit Agreement shall be deemed thereby to represent and warrant that (i) such Shares (and the certificates therefor) are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid, non-assessable and were legally obtained by such person, (ii) all preemptive (and similar) rights, if any, with respect to such Shares, have been validly waived or exercised, (iii) the person making such deposit is duly authorized so to do, (iv) the Shares presented for deposit are free and clear of any lien, encumbrance, security interest, charge, mortgage or adverse claim, and are not, and the ADSs issuable upon such deposit will not be, Restricted Securities, (v) the Shares presented for deposit have not been stripped of any rights or entitlements and (vi) the Shares are not subject to any lock-up agreement with the Company or other party, or the Shares are subject to a lock-up agreement but such lock-up agreement has terminated or the lock-up restrictions imposed thereunder have expired or been validly waived. Such representations and warranties shall survive the deposit and withdrawal of Shares and the issuance, cancellation and transfer of ADSs. If any such representations or warranties are false in any way, the Company and Depositary shall be authorized, at the cost and expense of the person depositing Shares, to take any and all actions necessary to correct the consequences thereof.
(8) Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information . Any person presenting Shares for deposit shall provide, any Holder and any Beneficial Owner may be required to provide, subject as provided below and every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees, subject as provided below, from time to time to provide to the Depositary such proof of citizenship or residence, taxpayer status, payment of all applicable taxes and/or other governmental charges, exchange control approval, legal or beneficial ownership of ADSs and Deposited Securities, compliance with applicable laws and the terms of the Deposit Agreement and the provisions of, or governing, the Deposited Securities or other information as the Depositary deems necessary or proper or as the Company may reasonably require by written request to the Depositary consistent with its obligations under the Deposit Agreement. Pursuant to the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary and the Registrar, as applicable, may withhold the execution or Delivery or registration of transfer of any Receipt or the distribution or sale of any dividend or other distribution of rights or of the proceeds thereof, or to the extent not limited by the terms of Article (22) hereof or the terms of the Deposit Agreement, the Delivery of any Deposited Securities until such proof or other information is filed or such certifications are executed, or such representations and warranties are made, or such other documentation or information provided, in each case to the Depositarys and the Companys satisfaction. The Depositary shall from time to time on the written request of the Company advise the Company of the availability of any such proofs, certificates or other information and shall, at the Companys sole expense, provide or otherwise make available copies thereof to the Company upon written request therefor by the Company, unless such disclosure is prohibited by law. Each Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to provide any information requested by the Company or the Depositary pursuant to this paragraph. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to (i) obtain any information for the Company if not provided by the Holders or Beneficial Owners or (ii) verify or vouch for the accuracy of the information so provided by the Holders or Beneficial Owners.
Every Holder and Beneficial Owner agrees to indemnify the Depositary, the Company, the Custodian, the Agents and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and Affiliates against, and to hold each of them harmless from, any Losses which any of them may incur or which may be made against any of them as a result of or in connection with any inaccuracy in or omission from any such proof, certificate, representation, warranty, information or document furnished by or on behalf of such Holder and/or Beneficial Owner or as a result of any such failure to furnish any of the foregoing.
The obligations of Holders and Beneficial Owners under the Deposit Agreement shall survive any transfer of Receipts, any surrender of Receipts and withdrawal of Deposited Securities or the termination of this Deposit Agreement.
(9) Charges of Depositary . The Depositary reserves the right to charge the following fees for the services performed under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, provided, however, that no fees shall be payable upon distribution of cash dividends so long as the charging of such fee is prohibited by the exchange, if any, upon which the ADSs are listed:
(i) to any person to whom ADSs are issued or to any person to whom a distribution is made in respect of ADS distributions pursuant to stock dividends or other free distributions of stock, bonus distributions, stock splits or other distributions (except where converted to cash), a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or fraction thereof) so issued under the terms of the Deposit Agreement to be determined by the Depositary;
(ii) to any person surrendering ADSs for withdrawal of Deposited Securities or whose ADSs are cancelled or reduced for any other reason including, inter alia , cash distributions made pursuant to a cancellation or withdrawal, a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs reduced, cancelled or surrendered (as the case may be);
(iii) to any holder of ADSs (including, without limitation, Holders), a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs held for the distribution of cash dividends;
(iv) to any holder of ADSs (including, without limitation, Holders), a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs held for the distribution of cash entitlements (other than cash dividends) and/or cash proceeds, including proceeds from the sale of rights, securities and other entitlements;
(v) to any holder of ADSs (including, without limitation, Holders), a fee not in excess of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs (or portion thereof) issued upon the exercise of rights; and
(vi) for the operation and maintenance costs in administering the ADSs an annual fee of U.S. $5.00 per 100 ADSs, such fee to be assessed against Holders of record as of the date or dates set by the Depositary as it sees fit and collected at the sole discretion of the Depositary by billing such Holders for such fee or by deducting such fee from one or more cash dividends or other cash distributions.
In addition, Holders, Beneficial Owners, any person depositing Shares for deposit and any person surrendering ADSs for cancellation and withdrawal of Deposited Securities will be required to pay the following charges:
(i) taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) and other governmental charges;
(ii) such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of Shares or other Deposited Securities with the Foreign Registrar and applicable to transfers of Shares or other Deposited Securities to or from the name of the Custodian, the Depositary or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals, respectively;
(iii) such cable, telex, facsimile and electronic transmission and delivery expenses as are expressly provided in the Deposit Agreement to be at the expense of the depositor depositing or person withdrawing Shares or Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs;
(iv) the expenses and charges incurred by the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary in the conversion of Foreign Currency;
(v) such fees and expenses as are incurred by the Depositary in connection with compliance with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to Shares, Deposited Securities, ADSs and ADRs;
(vi) the fees and expenses incurred by the Depositary in connection with the delivery of Deposited Securities, including any fees of a central depository for securities in the local market, where applicable;
(vii) any additional fees, charges, costs or expenses that may be incurred by the Depositary or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary from time to time.
Any other fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary or the Custodian under the Deposit Agreement shall be for the account of the Company unless otherwise agreed in writing between the Company and the Depositary from time to time. All fees and charges may, at any time and from time to time, be changed by agreement between the Depositary and Company but, in the case of fees and charges payable by Holders or Beneficial Owners, only in the manner contemplated by Article (20) hereof.
The Depositary may make payments to the Company and/or may share revenue with the Company derived from fees collected from Holders and Beneficial Owners, upon such terms and conditions as the Company and the Depositary may agree from time to time.
(10) Title to Receipts . It is a condition of this Receipt, and every successive Holder of this Receipt by accepting or holding the same consents and agrees, that title to this Receipt (and to each ADS evidenced hereby) is transferable by delivery of the Receipt, provided it has been properly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of transfer, such Receipt being a certificated security under the laws of the State of New York. Notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, the Depositary may deem and treat the Holder of this Receipt (that is, the person in whose name this Receipt is registered on the books of the Depositary) as the absolute owner hereof for all purposes. The Depositary shall have no obligation or be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement or this Receipt to any holder of this Receipt or any Beneficial Owner unless such holder is the Holder of this Receipt registered on the books of the Depositary or, in the case of a Beneficial Owner, such Beneficial Owner or the Beneficial Owners representative is the Holder registered on the books of the Depositary.
(11) Validity of Receipt . This Receipt shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit Agreement or be valid or enforceable for any purpose, unless this Receipt has been (i) dated, (ii) signed by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Depositary, (iii) if a Registrar for the Receipts shall have been appointed, countersigned by the manual or facsimile signature of a duly authorized signatory of the Registrar and (iv) registered in the books maintained by the Depositary or the Registrar, as applicable, for the issuance and transfer of Receipts. Receipts bearing the facsimile signature of a duly-authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, who at the time of signature was a duly-authorized signatory of the Depositary or the Registrar, as the case may be, shall bind the Depositary, notwithstanding the fact that such signatory has ceased to be so authorized prior to the execution and delivery of such Receipt by the Depositary or did not hold such office on the date of issuance of such Receipts.
(12) Available Information; Reports; Inspection of Transfer Books . The Company is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to foreign private issuers (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act) and accordingly files certain information with the Commission. These reports and documents can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549, U.S.A. The Depositary shall make available during normal business hours on any Business Day for inspection by Holders at its Corporate Trust Office any reports and communications, including any proxy soliciting materials, received from the Company which are both (a) received by the Depositary, the Custodian, or the nominee of either of them as the holder of the Deposited Securities and (b) made generally available to the holders of such Deposited Securities by the Company.
The Depositary or the Registrar, as applicable, shall keep books for the registration of Receipts and transfers of Receipts which at all reasonable times shall be open for inspection by the Company and by the Holders of such Receipts, provided that such inspection shall not be, to the Depositarys or the Registrars knowledge, for the purpose of communicating with Holders of such Receipts in the interest of a business or object other than the business of the Company or other than a matter related to the Deposit Agreement or the Receipts.
The Depositary or the Registrar, as applicable, may close the transfer books with respect to the Receipts, at any time or from time to time, when deemed necessary or advisable by it in good faith in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder, or at the reasonable written request of the Company subject, in all cases, to Article (22) hereof.
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DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST |
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COMPANY AMERICAS, as Depositary |
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The address of the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary is 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, U.S.A.
EXHIBIT B
[
FORM OF REVERSE OF RECEIPT]
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
(13) Dividends and Distributions in Cash, Shares, etc . Whenever the Depositary receives confirmation from the Custodian of receipt of any cash dividend or other cash distribution on any Deposited Securities, or receives proceeds from the sale of any Shares, rights securities or other entitlements under the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary will, if at the time of receipt thereof any amounts received in a Foreign Currency can, in the judgment of the Depositary (upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement), be converted on a practicable basis, into Dollars transferable to the United States, promptly convert or cause to be converted such dividend, distribution or proceeds into Dollars and will distribute promptly the amount thus received (net of applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary and taxes and/or governmental charges) to the Holders of record as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADSs representing such Deposited Securities held by such Holders respectively as of the ADS Record Date. The Depositary shall distribute only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing to any Holder a fraction of one cent. Any such fractional amounts shall be rounded down to the nearest whole cent and so distributed to Holders entitled thereto. Holders and Beneficial Owners understand that in converting Foreign Currency, amounts received on conversion are calculated at a rate which exceeds the number of decimal places used by the Depositary to report distribution rates. The excess amount may be retained by the Depositary as an additional cost of conversion, irrespective of any other fees and expenses payable or owing hereunder and shall not be subject to escheatment. If the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary is required to withhold and does withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of any Deposited Securities an amount on account of taxes, duties or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to Holders on the ADSs representing such Deposited Securities shall be reduced accordingly. Such withheld amounts shall be forwarded by the Company, the Custodian or the Depositary to the relevant governmental authority. Evidence of payment thereof by the Company shall be forwarded by the Company to the Depositary upon request. The Depositary shall forward to the Company or its agent such information from its records as the Company may reasonably request to enable the Company or its agent to file with governmental agencies such reports as are necessary to obtain benefits under the applicable tax treaties for the Holders and Beneficial Owners of Receipts.
If any distribution upon any Deposited Securities consists of a dividend in, or free distribution of, Shares, the Company shall cause such Shares to be deposited with the Custodian and registered, as the case may be, in the name of the Depositary, the Custodian or their nominees. Upon receipt of confirmation of such deposit, the Depositary shall, subject to and in accordance with the Deposit Agreement, establish the ADS Record Date and either (i) distribute to the Holders as of the ADS Record Date in proportion to the number of ADSs held by such Holders as of the ADS Record Date, additional ADSs, which represent in aggregate the number of Shares received as such dividend, or free distribution, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement (including, without limitation, the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and taxes and/or governmental charges), or (ii) if additional ADSs are not so distributed, each ADS issued and outstanding after the ADS Record Date shall, to the extent permissible by law, thenceforth also represent rights and interests in the additional Shares distributed upon the Deposited Securities represented thereby (net of the applicable fees and charges of, and the expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and taxes and/or governmental charges). In lieu of delivering fractional ADSs, the Depositary shall sell the number of Shares represented by the aggregate of such fractions and distribute the proceeds upon the terms set forth in the Deposit Agreement.
In the event that (x) the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, or, (y) if the Company, in the fulfillment of its obligations under the Deposit Agreement, has either (a) furnished an opinion of U.S. counsel determining that Shares must be registered under the Securities Act or other laws in order to be distributed to Holders (and no such registration statement has been declared effective), or (b) fails to timely deliver the documentation contemplated in the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable, and the Depositary shall distribute the net proceeds of any such sale (after deduction of taxes and/or governmental charges, and fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary) to Holders entitled thereto upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall hold and/or distribute any unsold balance of such property in accordance with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement.
Upon timely receipt of a notice indicating that the Company wishes an elective distribution to be made available to Holders upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall, upon provision of all documentation required under the Deposit Agreement, (including, without limitation, any legal opinions the Depositary may request under the Deposit Agreement) determine whether such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable. If so, the Depositary shall, subject to the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement, establish an ADS Record Date according to Article (14) hereof and establish procedures to enable the Holder hereof to elect to receive the proposed distribution in cash or in additional ADSs. If a Holder elects to receive the distribution in cash, the dividend shall be distributed as in the case of a distribution in cash. If the Holder hereof elects to receive the distribution in additional ADSs, the distribution shall be distributed as in the case of a distribution in Shares upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement. If such elective distribution is not lawful or reasonably practicable or if the Depositary did not receive satisfactory documentation set forth in the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall, to the extent permitted by law, distribute to Holders, on the basis of the same determination as is made in the Cayman Islands, in respect of the Shares for which no election is made, either (x) cash or (y) additional ADSs representing such additional Shares, in each case, upon the terms described in the Deposit Agreement. Nothing herein shall obligate the Depositary to make available to the Holder hereof a method to receive the elective dividend in Shares (rather than ADSs). There can be no assurance that the Holder hereof will be given the opportunity to receive elective distributions on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Shares.
Whenever the Company intends to distribute to the holders of the Deposited Securities rights to subscribe for additional Shares, the Company shall give notice thereof to the Depositary at least 60 days prior to the proposed distribution stating whether or not it wishes such rights to be made available to Holders of ADSs. Upon timely receipt by the Depositary of a notice indicating that the Company wishes such rights to be made available to Holders of ADSs, the Company shall determine whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make such rights available to the Holders. The Depositary shall make such rights available to any Holders only if the Company shall have timely requested that such rights be made available to Holders, the Depositary shall have received the documentation required by the Deposit Agreement, and the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution of rights is lawful and reasonably practicable. If such conditions are not satisfied, the Depositary shall sell the rights as described below. In the event all conditions set forth above are satisfied, the Depositary shall establish an ADS Record Date and establish procedures (x) to distribute such rights (by means of warrants or otherwise) and (y) to enable the Holders to exercise the rights (upon payment of the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary and taxes and/or governmental charges). Nothing herein or in the Deposit Agreement shall obligate the Depositary to make available to the Holders a method to exercise such rights to subscribe for Shares (rather than ADSs). If (i) the Company does not timely request the Depositary to make the rights available to Holders or if the Company requests that the rights not be made available to Holders, (ii) the Depositary fails to receive the documentation required by the Deposit Agreement or determines it is not lawful or reasonably practicable to make the rights available to Holders, or (iii) any rights made available are not exercised and appear to be about to lapse, the Depositary shall determine whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to sell such rights, and if it so determines that it is lawful and reasonably practicable, endeavour to sell such rights in a riskless principal capacity or otherwise, at such place and upon such terms (including public and/or private sale) as it may deem proper. The Depositary shall, upon such sale, convert and distribute proceeds of such sale (net of applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary and taxes and/or governmental charges) upon the terms hereof and in the Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary is unable to make any rights available to Holders or to arrange for the sale of the rights upon the terms described above, the Depositary shall allow such rights to lapse. The Depositary shall not be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or practicable to make such rights available to Holders in general or any Holders in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale, or exercise, or (iii) the content of any materials forwarded to the Holders on behalf of the Company in connection with the rights distribution.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if registration (under the Securities Act and/or any other applicable law) of the rights or the securities to which any rights relate may be required in order for the Company to offer such rights or such securities to Holders and to sell the securities represented by such rights, the Depositary will not distribute such rights to the Holders (i) unless and until a registration statement under the Securities Act covering such offering is in effect or (ii) unless the Company furnishes to the Depositary opinion(s) of counsel for the Company in the United States and counsel to the Company in any other applicable country in which rights would be distributed, in each case satisfactorily to the Depositary, to the effect that the offering and sale of such securities to Holders and Beneficial Owners are exempt from, or do not require registration under, the provisions of the Securities Act or any other applicable laws. In the event that the Company, the Depositary or the Custodian shall be required to withhold and does withhold from any distribution of property (including rights) an amount on account of taxes and/or other governmental charges, the amount distributed to the Holders shall be reduced accordingly. In the event that the Depositary determines that any distribution in property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) is subject to any tax or other governmental charges which the Depositary is obligated to withhold, the Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of such property (including Shares and rights to subscribe therefor) in such amounts and in such manner, including by public or private sale, as the Depositary deems necessary and practicable to pay any such taxes and/or charges.
There can be no assurance that Holders generally, or any Holder in particular, will be given the opportunity to exercise rights on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Shares or to exercise such rights. Nothing herein shall obligate the Company to file any registration statement in respect of any rights or Shares or other securities to be acquired upon the exercise of such rights or otherwise to register or qualify the offer or sale of such rights or securities under the applicable law of any other jurisdiction for any purpose.
Upon receipt of a notice regarding property other than cash, Shares or rights to purchase additional Shares, to be made to Holders of ADSs, the Depositary shall determine, after consultation with the Company, whether such distribution to Holders is lawful and reasonably practicable. The Depositary shall not make such distribution unless (i) the Company shall have timely requested the Depositary to make such distribution to Holders, (ii) the Depositary shall have received the documentation required by the Deposit Agreement, and (iii) the Depositary shall have determined that such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable. Upon satisfaction of such conditions, the Depositary shall distribute the property so received to the Holders of record as of the ADS Record Date, in proportion to the number of ADSs held by such Holders respectively and in such manner as the Depositary may deem practicable for accomplishing such distribution (i) upon receipt of payment or net of the applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary, and (ii) net of any taxes and/or governmental charges. The Depositary may dispose of all or a portion of the property so distributed and deposited, in such amounts and in such manner (including public or private sale) as the Depositary may deem practicable or necessary to satisfy any taxes (including applicable interest and penalties) or other governmental charges applicable to the distribution.
If the conditions above are not satisfied, the Depositary shall sell or cause such property to be sold in a public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper and shall distribute the proceeds of such sale received by the Depositary (net of (a) applicable fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary and (b) taxes and/or governmental charges) to the Holders upon the terms hereof and of the Deposit Agreement. If the Depositary is unable to sell such property, the Depositary may dispose of such property in any way it deems reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
(14) Fixing of Record Date . Whenever necessary in connection with any distribution (whether in cash, Shares, rights or other distribution), or whenever for any reason the Depositary causes a change in the number of Shares that are represented by each ADS, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting of or solicitation of holders of Shares or other Deposited Securities, or whenever the Depositary shall find it necessary or convenient in connection with the giving of any notice, or any other matter, the Depositary shall fix a record date (the ADS Record Date), as close as practicable to the record date fixed by the Company with respect to the Shares (if applicable), for the determination of the Holders who shall be entitled to receive such distribution, to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, or to give or withhold such consent, or to receive such notice or solicitation or to otherwise take action, or to exercise the rights of Holders with respect to such changed number of Shares represented by each ADS or for any other reason. Subject to applicable law and the terms and conditions of this Receipt and the Deposit Agreement, only the Holders of record at the close of business in New York on such ADS Record Date shall be entitled to receive such distributions, to give such voting instructions, to receive such notice or solicitation, or otherwise take action.
(15) Voting of Deposited Securities . Subject to the next sentence, as soon as practicable after receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of Deposited Securities are entitled to vote, or of solicitation of consents or proxies from holders of Deposited Securities, the Depositary shall fix the ADS Record Date in respect of such meeting or such solicitation of consents or proxies. The Depositary shall, if requested by the Company in writing in a timely manner (the Depositary having no obligation to take any further action if the request shall not have been received by the Depositary at least 30 Business Days prior to the date of such vote or meeting) and at the Companys expense, and provided no U.S. legal prohibitions exist, mail by regular, ordinary mail delivery (or by electronic mail or as otherwise may be agreed between the Company and the Depositary in writing from time to time) or otherwise distribute as soon as practicable after receipt thereof to Holders as of the ADS Record Date: (a) such notice of meeting or solicitation of consent or proxy; (b) a statement that the Holders at the close of business on the ADS Record Date will be entitled, subject to any applicable law, the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, the Companys Memorandum and Articles of Association and the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities (which provisions, if any, shall be summarized in pertinent part by the Company), to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the Deposited Securities represented by such Holders American Depositary Shares; and (c) a brief statement as to the manner in which such voting instructions may be given to the Depositary, or in which instructions may be deemed to have been given in accordance with this Article (15), including an express indication that instructions may be given (or be deemed to have been given in accordance with the immediately following paragraph of this section if no instruction is received) to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person or persons designated by the Company. Voting instructions may be given only in respect of a number of American Depositary Shares representing an integral number of Deposited Securities. Upon the timely receipt of voting instructions of a Holder on the ADS Record Date in the manner specified by the Depositary, the Depositary shall endeavor, insofar as practicable and permitted under applicable law, the provisions of this Deposit Agreement, the Companys Memorandum and Articles of Association and the provisions of or governing the Deposited Securities, to vote or cause the Custodian to vote the Deposited Securities (in person or by proxy) represented by American Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt in accordance with such voting instructions.
In the event that (i) the Depositary timely receives voting instructions from a Holder which fail to specify the manner in which the Depositary is to vote the Deposited Securities represented by such Holders ADSs or (ii) no timely instructions are received by the Depositary from a Holder with respect to any of the Deposited Securities represented by the ADSs held by such Holder on the ADS Record Date, the Depositary shall (unless otherwise specified in the notice distributed to Holders) deem such Holder to have instructed the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company with respect to such Deposited Securities and the Depositary shall give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company to vote such Deposited Securities, provided, however, that no such instruction shall be deemed to have been given and no such discretionary proxy shall be given with respect to any matter as to which the Company informs the Depositary (and the Company agrees to provide such information as promptly as practicable in writing, if applicable) that (x) the Company does not wish to give such proxy, (y) the Company is aware or should reasonably be aware that substantial opposition exists from Holders against the outcome for which the person designated by the Company would otherwise vote or (z) the outcome for which the person designated by the Company would otherwise vote would materially and adversely affect the rights of holders of Deposited Securities, provided, further, that the Company will have no liability to any Holder or Beneficial Owner resulting from such notification.
In the event that voting on any resolution or matter is conducted on a show of hands basis in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Depositary will refrain from voting and the voting instructions (or the deemed voting instructions, as set out above) received by the Depositary from Holders shall lapse. The Depositary will have no obligation to demand voting on a poll basis with respect to any resolution and shall have no liability to any Holder or Beneficial Owner for not having demanded voting on a poll basis.
Neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall, under any circumstances exercise any discretion as to voting, and neither the Depositary nor the Custodian shall vote, attempt to exercise the right to vote, or in any way make use of for purposes of establishing a quorum or otherwise, Deposited Securities represented by ADSs except pursuant to and in accordance with such written instructions from Holders, including the deemed instruction to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company. Deposited Securities represented by ADSs for which (i) no timely voting instructions are received by the Depositary from the Holder, or (ii) timely voting instructions are received by the Depositary from the Holder but such voting instructions fail to specify the manner in which the Depositary is to vote the Deposited Securities represented by such Holders ADSs, shall be voted in the manner provided in this Article (15). Notwithstanding anything else contained herein, and subject to applicable law, regulation and the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Depositary shall, if so requested in writing by the Company, represent all Deposited Securities (whether or not voting instructions have been received in respect of such Deposited Securities from Holders as of the ADS Record Date) for the purpose of establishing quorum at a meeting of shareholders.
There can be no assurance that Holders or Beneficial Owners generally or any Holder or Beneficial Owner in particular will receive the notice described above with sufficient time to enable the Holder to return voting instructions to the Depositary in a timely manner.
Notwithstanding the above, save for applicable provisions of the law of the Cayman Islands, and in accordance with the terms of Section 5.3 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall not be liable for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities or the manner in which such vote is cast or the effect of such vote.
(16) Changes Affecting Deposited Securities . Upon any change in par value, split-up, subdivision, cancellation, consolidation or any other reclassification of Deposited Securities, or upon any recapitalization, reorganization, merger, amalgamation or consolidation or sale of assets affecting the Company or to which it otherwise is a party, any securities which shall be received by the Depositary or a Custodian in exchange for, or in conversion of or replacement or otherwise in respect of, such Deposited Securities shall, to the extent permitted by law, be treated as new Deposited Securities under the Deposit Agreement, and the Receipts shall, subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement and applicable law, evidence ADSs representing the right to receive such additional securities. Alternatively, the Depositary may, with the Companys approval, and shall, if the Company shall so requests, subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement and receipt of satisfactory documentation contemplated by the Deposit Agreement, execute and deliver additional Receipts as in the case of a stock dividend on the Shares, or call for the surrender of outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts, in either case, as well as in the event of newly deposited Shares, with necessary modifications to this form of Receipt specifically describing such new Deposited Securities and/or corporate change. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any security so received may not be lawfully distributed to some or all Holders, the Depositary may, with the Companys approval, and shall if the Company requests, subject to receipt of satisfactory legal documentation contemplated in the Deposit Agreement, sell such securities at public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper and may allocate the net proceeds of such sales (net of fees and charges of, and expenses incurred by, the Depositary and/or a division or Affiliate(s) of the Depositary and taxes and/or governmental charges) for the account of the Holders otherwise entitled to such securities and distribute the net proceeds so allocated to the extent practicable as in the case of a distribution received in cash pursuant to the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary shall not be responsible for (i) any failure to determine that it may be lawful or feasible to make such securities available to Holders in general or any Holder in particular, (ii) any foreign exchange exposure or loss incurred in connection with such sale, or (iii) any liability to the purchaser of such securities.
(17) Exoneration . None of the Depositary, the Custodian or the Company shall be obligated to do or perform any act which is inconsistent with the provisions of the Deposit Agreement or shall incur any liability to Holders, Beneficial Owners or any third parties (i) if the Depositary, the Custodian or the Company or their respective controlling persons or agents shall be prevented or forbidden from, or subjected to any civil or criminal penalty or restraint on account of, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of the Deposit Agreement and this Receipt, by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States , the Cayman Islands or any other country, or of any other governmental authority or regulatory authority or stock exchange, or by reason of any provision, present or future of the Memorandum and Articles of Association or any provision of or governing any Deposited Securities, or by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond its control, (including, without limitation, nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, work stoppage, strikes, civil unrest, revolutions, rebellions, explosions and computer failure), (ii) by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the Deposit Agreement or in the Memorandum and Articles of Association or provisions of or governing Deposited Securities, (iii) for any action or inaction of the Depositary, the Custodian or the Company or their respective controlling persons or agents in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder, any Beneficial Owner or authorized representative thereof, or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information, (iv) for any inability by a Holder or Beneficial Owner to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit which is made available to holders of Deposited Securities but is not, under the terms of the Deposit Agreement, made available to Holders of ADS or (v) for any special, consequential, indirect or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the Deposit Agreement or otherwise. The Depositary, its controlling persons, its agents (including without limitation, the Agents), any Custodian and the Company, its controlling persons and its agents may rely and shall be protected in acting upon any written notice, request, opinion or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. No disclaimer of liability under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act is intended by any provision of the Deposit Agreement.
(18) Standard of Care . The Company and the Depositary and their respective directors, officers, Affiliates, employees and agents (including without limitation, the Agents) assume no obligation and shall not be subject to any liability under the Deposit Agreement or the Receipts to Holders or Beneficial Owners or other persons, except in accordance with Section 5.8 of the Deposit Agreement, provided, that the Company and the Depositary and their respective directors, officers, Affiliates, employees and agents (including without limitation, the Agents) agree to perform their respective obligations specifically set forth in the Deposit Agreement without gross negligence or wilful misconduct. The Depositary and its directors, officers, Affiliates, employees and agents (including without limitation, the Agents) shall not be liable for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote any of the Deposited Securities, or for the manner in which any vote is cast or the effect of any vote. The Depositary shall not incur any liability for any failure to determine that any distribution or action may be lawful or reasonably practicable, for the content of any information submitted to it by the Company for distribution to the Holders or for any inaccuracy of any translation thereof, for any investment risk associated with acquiring an interest in the Deposited Securities, for the validity or worth of the Deposited Securities or for any tax consequences that may result from the ownership of ADSs, Shares or Deposited Securities, for the credit-worthiness of any third party, for allowing any rights to lapse upon the terms of the Deposit Agreement or for the failure or timeliness of any notice from the Company or for any action or non action by it in reliance upon the opinion, advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Shares for deposit, any Holder or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information. The Depositary and its agents (including without limitation, the Agents) shall not be liable for any acts or omissions made by a successor depositary whether in connection with a previous act or omission of the Depositary or in connection with any matter arising wholly after the removal or resignation of the Depositary, provided that in connection with the issue out of which such potential liability arises the Depositary performed its obligations without gross negligence or willful misconduct while it acted as Depositary.
(19) Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary . The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary under the Deposit Agreement by written notice of resignation delivered to the Company, such resignation to be effective on the earlier of (i) the 90th day after delivery thereof to the Company (whereupon the Depositary shall, in the event no successor depositary has been appointed by the Company, be entitled to take the actions contemplated in the Deposit Agreement), or (ii) the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement, save that, any amounts, fees, costs or expenses owed to the Depositary under the Deposit Agreement or in accordance with any other agreements otherwise agreed in writing between the Company and the Depositary from time to time shall be paid to the Depositary prior to such resignation. The Company shall use reasonable efforts to appoint such successor depositary, and give notice to the Depositary of such appointment, not more than 90 days after delivery by the Depositary of written notice of resignation as provided in the Deposit Agreement. The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by written notice of such removal which notice shall be effective on the later of (i) the 90th day after delivery thereof to the Depositary (whereupon the Depositary shall be entitled to take the actions contemplated in the Deposit Agreement if a successor depositary has not been appointed), or (ii) the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment as provided in the Deposit Agreement save that, any amounts, fees, costs or expenses owed to the Depositary under the Deposit Agreement or in accordance with any other agreements otherwise agreed in writing between the Company and the Depositary from time to time shall be paid to the Depositary prior to such removal. In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or be removed, the Company shall use its best efforts to appoint a successor depositary which shall be a bank or trust company having an office in the Borough of Manhattan, the City of New York and if it shall have not appointed a successor depositary the provisions referred to in Article (21) hereof and correspondingly in the Deposit Agreement shall apply. Every successor depositary shall be required by the Company to execute and deliver to its predecessor and to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor depositary, without any further act or deed, shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers, duties and obligations of its predecessor. The predecessor depositary, upon payment of all sums due to it and on the written request of the Company, shall (i) execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights and powers of such predecessor hereunder (other than as contemplated in the Deposit Agreement), (ii) duly assign, transfer and deliver all right, title and interest to the Deposited Securities to such successor, and (iii) deliver to such successor a list of the Holders of all outstanding Receipts and such other information relating to Receipts and Holders thereof as the successor may reasonably request. Any such successor depositary shall promptly mail notice of its appointment to such Holders. Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged or consolidated shall be the successor of the Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further act and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may assign or otherwise transfer all or any of its rights and benefits under the Deposit Agreement (including any cause of action arising in connection with it) to Deutsche Bank AG or any branch thereof or any entity which is a direct or indirect subsidiary or other affiliate of Deutsche Bank AG..
(20) Amendment/Supplement . Subject to the terms and conditions of this Article (20), and applicable law, this Receipt and any provisions of the Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended or supplemented by written agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect which they may deem necessary or desirable without the consent of the Holders or Beneficial Owners. Any amendment or supplement which shall impose or increase any fees or charges (other than the charges of the Depositary in connection with foreign exchange control regulations, and taxes and/or other governmental charges, delivery and other such expenses), or which shall otherwise materially prejudice any substantial existing right of Holders or Beneficial Owners, shall not, however, become effective as to outstanding Receipts until 30 days after notice of such amendment or supplement shall have been given to the Holders of outstanding Receipts. Notice of any amendment to the Deposit Agreement or form of Receipts shall not need to describe in detail the specific amendments effectuated thereby, and failure to describe the specific amendments in any such notice shall not render such notice invalid, provided, however, that, in each such case, the notice given to the Holders identifies a means for Holders and Beneficial Owners to retrieve or receive the text of such amendment (i.e., upon retrieval from the Commissions, the Depositarys or the Companys website or upon request from the Depositary). The parties hereto agree that any amendments or supplements which (i) are reasonably necessary (as agreed by the Company and the Depositary) in order for (a) the ADSs to be registered on Form F-6 under the Securities Act or (b) the ADSs or Shares to be traded solely in electronic book-entry form and (ii) do not in either such case impose or increase any fees or charges to be borne by Holders, shall be deemed not to materially prejudice any substantial rights of Holders or Beneficial Owners. Every Holder and Beneficial Owner at the time any amendment or supplement so becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such ADS, to consent and agree to such amendment or supplement and to be bound by the Deposit Agreement as amended or supplemented thereby. In no event shall any amendment or supplement impair the right of the Holder to surrender such Receipt and receive therefor the Deposited Securities represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any governmental body should adopt new laws, rules or regulations which would require amendment or supplement of the Deposit Agreement to ensure compliance therewith, the Company and the Depositary may amend or supplement the Deposit Agreement and the Receipt at any time in accordance with such changed laws, rules or regulations. Such amendment or supplement to the Deposit Agreement in such circumstances may become effective before a notice of such amendment or supplement is given to Holders or within any other period of time as required for compliance with such laws, or rules or regulations.
(21) Termination . The Depositary shall, at any time at the written direction of the Company, terminate the Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the Holders of all Receipts then outstanding at least 90 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such termination provided that, the Depositary shall be reimbursed for any amounts, fees, costs or expenses owed to it in accordance with the terms of the Deposit Agreement and in accordance with any other agreements as otherwise agreed in writing between the Company and the Depositary from time to time, prior to such termination shall take effect. If 90 days shall have expired after (i) the Depositary shall have delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign, or (ii) the Company shall have delivered to the Depositary a written notice of the removal of the Depositary, and in either case a successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its appointment as provided herein and in the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may terminate the Deposit Agreement by mailing notice of such termination to the Holders of all Receipts then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date fixed for such termination. On and after the date of termination of the Deposit Agreement, each Holder will, upon surrender of such Holders Receipt at the Corporate Trust Office of the Depositary, upon the payment of the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of Receipts referred to in Article (2) hereof and in the Deposit Agreement and subject to the conditions and restrictions therein set forth, and upon payment of any applicable taxes and/or governmental charges, be entitled to delivery, to him or upon his order, of the amount of Deposited Securities represented by such Receipt. If any Receipts shall remain outstanding after the date of termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Registrar thereafter shall discontinue the registration of transfers of Receipts, and the Depositary shall suspend the distribution of dividends to the Holders thereof, and shall not give any further notices or perform any further acts under the Deposit Agreement, except that the Depositary shall continue to collect dividends and other distributions pertaining to Deposited Securities, shall sell rights or other property as provided in the Deposit Agreement, and shall continue to deliver Deposited Securities, subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in the Deposit Agreement, together with any dividends or other distributions received with respect thereto and the net proceeds of the sale of any rights or other property, in exchange for Receipts surrendered to the Depositary (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes and/or governmental charges or assessments). At any time after the expiration of six months from the date of termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may sell the Deposited Securities then held hereunder and may thereafter hold uninvested the net proceeds of any such sale, together with any other cash then held by it hereunder, in an unsegregated account, without liability for interest for the pro rata benefit of the Holders of Receipts whose Receipts have not theretofore been surrendered. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement with respect to the Receipts and the Shares, Deposited Securities and ADSs, except to account for such net proceeds and other cash (after deducting, or charging, as the case may be, in each case the charges of the Depositary for the surrender of a Receipt, any expenses for the account of the Holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Deposit Agreement and any applicable taxes and/or governmental charges or assessments) and except as set forth in the Deposit Agreement. Upon the termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under the Deposit Agreement except as set forth in the Deposit Agreement. The obligations under the terms of the Deposit Agreement and Receipts of Holders and Beneficial Owners of ADSs outstanding as of the effective date of any termination shall survive such effective date of termination and shall be discharged only when the applicable ADSs are presented by their Holders to the Depositary for cancellation under the terms of the Deposit Agreement and the Holders have each satisfied any and all of their obligations hereunder (including, but not limited to, any payment and/or reimbursement obligations which relate to prior to the effective date of termination but which payment and/or reimbursement is claimed after such effective date of termination).
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Deposit Agreement or any ADR, in connection with the termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may, independently and without the need for any action by the Company, make available to Holders of ADSs a means to withdraw the Deposited Securities represented by their ADSs and to direct the deposit of such Deposited Securities into an unsponsored American depositary shares program established by the Depositary, upon such terms and conditions as the Depositary may deem reasonably appropriate, subject however, in each case, to satisfaction of the applicable registration requirements by the unsponsored American depositary shares program under the Securities Act, and to receipt by the Depositary of payment of the applicable fees and charges of, and reimbursement of the applicable expenses incurred by, the Depositary.
(22) Compliance with U.S. Securities Laws; Regulatory Compliance . Notwithstanding any provisions in this Receipt or the Deposit Agreement to the contrary, the withdrawal or Delivery of Deposited Securities will not be suspended by the Company or the Depositary except as would be permitted by Section I.A.(1) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 Registration Statement, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act.
(23) Certain Rights of the Depositary . The Depositary, its Affiliates and their agents, on their own behalf, may own and deal in any class of securities of the Company and its Affiliates and in ADSs. The Depositary may issue ADSs against evidence of rights to receive Shares from the Company, any agent of the Company or any custodian, registrar, transfer agent, clearing agency or other entity involved in ownership or transaction records in respect of the Shares.
(24) Ownership Restrictions . Owners and Beneficial Owners shall comply with any limitations on ownership of Shares under the Memorandum and Articles of Association or applicable Cayman Islands law as if they held the number of Shares their American Depositary Shares represent. The Company shall inform the Owners, Beneficial Owners and the Depositary of any such ownership restrictions in place from time to time.
(25) Waiver. EACH PARTY TO THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT (INCLUDING, FOR AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, EACH HOLDER AND BENEFICIAL OWNER AND/OR HOLDER OF INTERESTS IN ANY ADRs) HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE DEPOSITARY AND/OR THE COMPANY DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SHARES OR OTHER DEPOSITED SECURITIES, THE ADSs OR THE ADRs, THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN, OR THE BREACH HEREOF OR THEREOF (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, COMMON LAW OR ANY OTHER THEORY).
(ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER SIGNATURE LINES)
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Holder hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto whose taxpayer identification number is and whose address including postal zip code is , the within Receipt and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing attorney-in-fact to transfer said Receipt on the books of the Depositary with full power of substitution in the premises.
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SECTION 2.9 |
Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts; Maintenance of Records |
11 |
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SECTION 2.10 |
Maintenance of Records |
11 |
ARTICLE III. |
CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF RECEIPTS |
11 |
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SECTION 3.1 |
Proofs, Certificates and Other Information |
11 |
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SECTION 3.2 |
Liability for Taxes and Other Charges |
12 |
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SECTION 3.3 |
Representations and Warranties on Deposit of Shares |
13 |
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SECTION 3.4 |
Compliance with Information Requests |
13 |
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ARTICLE IV |
THE DEPOSITED SECURITIES |
14 |
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SECTION 4.1 |
Cash Distributions |
14 |
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SECTION 4.2 |
Distribution in Shares |
14 |
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SECTION 4.3 |
Elective Distributions in Cash or Shares |
15 |
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SECTION 4.4 |
Distribution of Rights to Purchase Shares |
16 |
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SECTION 4.5 |
Distributions Other Than Cash, Shares or Rights to Purchase Shares |
17 |
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SECTION 4.6 |
Conversion of Foreign Currency |
18 |
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SECTION 4.7 |
Fixing of Record Date |
19 |
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SECTION 4.8 |
Voting of Deposited Securities |
19 |
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SECTION 4.9 |
Changes Affecting Deposited Securities |
21 |
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SECTION 4.10 |
Available Information |
21 |
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SECTION 4.11 |
Reports |
22 |
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SECTION 4.12 |
List of Holders |
22 |
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SECTION 4.13 |
Taxation; Withholding |
22 |
ARTICLE V. |
THE DEPOSITARY, THE CUSTODIAN AND THE COMPANY |
23 |
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SECTION 5.1 |
Maintenance of Office and Transfer Books by the Registrar |
23 |
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SECTION 5.2 |
Exoneration |
24 |
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SECTION 5.3 |
Standard of Care |
25 |
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SECTION 5.4 |
Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of Successor Depositary |
25 |
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SECTION 5.5 |
The Custodian |
27 |
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SECTION 5.6 |
Notices and Reports |
27 |
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SECTION 5.7 |
Issuance of Additional Shares, ADSs etc. |
28 |
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SECTION 5.8 |
Indemnification |
29 |
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SECTION 5.9 |
Fees and Charges of Depositary |
30 |
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SECTION 5.10 |
Restricted Securities Owners/Ownership Restrictions |
31 |
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ARTICLE VI. |
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION |
31 |
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SECTION 6.1 |
Amendment/Supplement |
31 |
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SECTION 6.2 |
Termination |
32 |
ARTICLE VII. |
MISCELLANEOUS |
34 |
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SECTION 7.1 |
Counterparts |
34 |
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SECTION 7.2 |
No Third-Party Beneficiaries |
34 |
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SECTION 7.3 |
Severability |
34 |
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SECTION 7.4 |
Holders and Beneficial Owners as Parties; Binding Effect |
34 |
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SECTION 7.5 |
Notices |
34 |
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SECTION 7.6 |
Governing Law and Jurisdiction |
35 |
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SECTION 7.7 |
Assignment |
37 |
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SECTION 7.8 |
Agents |
37 |
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SECTION 7.9 |
Affiliates etc. |
37 |
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SECTION 7.10 |
Exclusivity |
37 |
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SECTION 7.11 |
Compliance with U.S. Securities Laws |
38 |
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SECTION 7.12 |
Titles |
38 |
EXHIBIT A |
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40 |
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EXHIBIT B |
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49 |
Voting Proxy Agreement
The Voting Proxy Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the Agreement ) is entered into by the following parties on [Execution Date]:
1. All the shareholders listed in Annex I (hereinafter individually and collectively referred to as the Shareholders )
2. [Name of WFOE] (hereinafter referred to as the Sole Proprietorship )
Registered address:
Legal representative:
3. [Name of VIE] (hereinafter referred to as the Company )
Registered address:
Legal representative:
(the above parties are hereinafter individually referred to as a Party and collectively as the Parties )
Whereas:
1. The Shareholders are the current registered shareholders of the Company and hold 100% of the Companys equity;
2. The Shareholders intend to entrust the individual designated by the Sole Proprietorship to exercise all the shareholders voting right held in the Company and the Sole Proprietorship intends to designate the individual to accept such entrust.
The parties hereby agree as follows through friendly consultations:
Article 1 Entrust of Voting Rights
1.1 The Shareholders hereby irrevocably authorize the designee of the Sole Proprietorship (hereinafter referred to as the Trustee ) to exercise, on their behalf, all their rights entitled as the Shareholders of the Company under the then-current articles of association of the Company as follows (hereinafter referred to as the Ent ruste d Rights ):
(1) to act as the proxy of the Shareholders to propose to convene and attend the shareholders meeting according to the articles of association of the Company;
(2) to act as the proxy of the Shareholders to exercise voting rights on all matters requiring discussion and resolution at the shareholders meeting, including but not limited to the appointment and election of directors of the Company and other senior management to be appointed or removed by the Shareholders, and the sale or transfer of all or part of the equity held by the Shareholders in the Company;
(3) other shareholders voting rights under the articles of association of the Company (including any other shareholders voting rights set out in the articles of association as amended).
1.2 The Trustee shall perform the fiduciary obligations legally and diligently within the authorized scope specified in this Agreement; the Shareholders shall acknowledge and assume responsibilities for any legal consequences arising from the Trustees exercise of the Entrusted Rights.
1.3 The Shareholders hereby agree that the Trustee is not required to seek opinion from the Shareholders prior to the exercise of the Entrusted Rights. However, the Trustee shall notify the Shareholders immediately of any resolution or proposal on convening a temporary shareholders meeting after such resolution or proposal is made.
Article 2 Right to Information
2.1 For the purpose of exercising the Entrusted Rights, the Trustee is entitled to learn about any information in relation to the Companys operation, business, customers, finance, and employees, and review related materials. The Company shall use all its best endeavors to cooperate.
Article 3 Exercise of Entrusted Rights
3.1 The Shareholders shall offer full assistances to the Trustee with regard to the exercise of the Entrusted Rights, including timely execution of shareholders resolution and other related legal documents adopted by the Trustee, such as documents to meet the requirement of governmental approvals, registrations or filings.
3.2 If at any time within the term of the Agreement, the grant or exercise of Entrusted Rights is impossible for whatever cause (excluding the breach of Agreement by the Shareholders and the Company), the parties shall seek a similar alternative solution, and if necessary, enter into supplementary agreement to amend or adjust the terms and conditions of this Agreement to assure the realization of the purpose of this Agreement.
Article 4 Obligation and Indemnity
4.1 The parties hereby acknowledge that the Sole Proprietorship shall not be required to be liable to or compensate any other party or any third party financially or otherwise for the exercise of the Entrusted Rights under this Agreement by its designated individuals.
4.2 The Shareholders and the Company agree to indemnify and hold the Sole Proprietorship harmless against all losses incurred as a result of the exercise of the Entrust Rights by the designated Trustee, including but not limited to losses resulted from litigations, demands, arbitrations, claims by any third party or from administrative investigation, penalties, provided that such losses are not caused by the Trustees willful default or gross negligence.
Article 5 Representations and Warranties
5.1 The Shareholders hereby separately represent and warrant as follows:
5.1.1 It has the complete and independent legal status and legal capacity has obtained appropriate authorization to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and may act as the subject of litigation independently.
5.1.2 It has full internal powers and authorizations for the signing and delivery of this Agreement and all other documents relating to the transactions referred to in this Agreement that it will sign, and it has full power and authority to complete the transactions described in this Agreement. This Agreement is legally and properly signed and delivered. This Agreement constitutes a legal and binding obligation on it and may be enforceable under the terms of this Agreement.
5.1.3 It is the registered legal shareholder of the Company at the time of entry into force of this Agreement. Except for the rights set out in this Agreement and the Equity Pledge Agreement and Exclusive Option Agreement signed by the Shareholders, the Company and the Sole Proprietorship, the Entrusted rights are free of any third party right. According to this Agreement, the Trustee may completely and fully exercise the Entrusted Rights in accordance with the then-current articles of associations of the Company.
5.2 The Sole Proprietorship and the Company hereby separately represent and warrant as follows:
5.2.1 It is a limited liability company properly registered and legally existing under the law of the place of registration. It has an independent legal entity qualification and has the complete and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, and may act as the subject of litigation independently.
5.2.2 It has full internal powers and authorizations for the signing and delivery of this Agreement and all other documents relating to the transactions referred to in this Agreement that it will sign, and it has full power and authority to complete the transactions described in this Agreement.
5.3 The Company further represents and warrants as follows:
5.3.1 The Shareholders are the registered legal shareholders of the Company at the time of entry into force of this Agreement. Except for the rights set out in this Agreement and the Equity Pledge Agreement and Exclusive Option Agreement signed by the Shareholders, the Company and the Sole Proprietorship, the Entrusted rights are free of any third party right. According to this Agreement, the Trustee may completely and fully exercise the Entrusted Rights in accordance with the then-current articles of associations of the Company.
Article 6 Duration of the Agreement
6.1 This Agreement shall become effective on the date of formal signing of all parties; unless the parties agree in writing to terminate in advance, this Agreement shall continue to be valid.
6.2 If any of the Shareholders transfer all its equity interest in the Company with the advance consent of the Sole Proprietorship, it shall cease to be a party of this Agreement, while the obligations and commitments of the other shareholders under this Agreement shall not be adversely affected.
Article 7 Notice
7.1 Any notice, request, claim and other correspondence required by this Agreement or made under this Agreement shall be delivered to the parties in writing.
7.2 If the above notice or other correspondence is sent by facsimile or telex, it shall be deemed to have been served upon delivery; if it is delivered by hand, it shall be deemed to have been served upon delivery in person; if it is sent by mail, it shall be deemed to have been served five (5) days after delivery.
Article 8 Confidentiality Obligations
8.1 Regardless of whether this Agreement is terminated, the parties shall keep the other parties trade secrets, proprietary information, customer information and all other information of a confidential nature (hereinafter referred to as C onfidential I nformation ) of any other party obtained during the entering into and performance of this Agreement strictly confidential. The party receiving the Confidential Information shall not disclose the Confidential Information to any other third party except for the prior written consent of the party disclosing the Confidential Information or disclosure as required by the relevant laws and regulations as well as the rules of the listing exchange where the affiliate of a party is listed. The party receiving the Confidential Information shall not use or indirectly use the Confidential Information, except for the purpose of performing this Agreement.
8.2 The following information is not confidential:
(a) any information previously known by the party receiving the information through legal means as proved by documentary evidence;
(b) information that enters the public field not due to the fault of the party receiving the information; or
(c) information legally obtained by the party receiving the information from other sources after receiving.
8.3 The party receiving the information may disclose Confidential Information to its employees and agents concerned or professionals it hired; nevertheless, the party receiving the information shall ensure that the above persons comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and shall assume any liability arising from the violation of the relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement by the above persons.
8.4 Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, the validity of the provisions of this Article shall not be affected by the termination of this Agreement.
Article 9 Liability for Breach of Contract
9.1 The parties agree and confirm that if any party ( the Defaulting Party ) materially violates any of the provisions of this Agreement or substantially fails to perform any of the obligations under this Agreement, it shall constitute the breach of contract under this Agreement ( Default ) and other non-defaulting parties ( the Observing Parties ) shall have the right to require the Defaulting Party to correct or take remedial measures within a reasonable period of time. If the Defaulting Party fails to correct or take remedial measures within a reasonable period of time or within ten (10) days after the other party has notified the Defaulting Party in writing of correction request:
9.1.1 If any shareholder or company is the Defaulting Party, the Sole Proprietorship shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and request the Defaulting Party to pay for damages;
9.1.2 If the Sole Proprietorship is the Defaulting Party, the Observing Party shall have the right to request the Defaulting Party to pay for damages; unless otherwise stipulated by law, it shall have no right to terminate or cancel this Agreement in any circumstances.
9.2 Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, the validity of the provisions of this Article shall not be affected by the suspension or termination of this Agreement.
Article 10 Miscellaneous
10.1 This Agreement is made in ( ) copies in Chinese with each party holding one (1) copy.
10.2 The conclusion, effectiveness, performance, modification, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be applicable to the PRC law.
10.3 Any disputes arising under this Agreement and relating to this Agreement shall be settled through negotiation between the parties. If the parties cannot reach a consensus within thirty (30) days after the dispute arises, the dispute may be submitted by any party to the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration according to the effective arbitration rules for the time being. The arbitration place is Beijing and the language used in the arbitration is Chinese. The arbitral award is the final decision and equally binding on the parties to this Agreement.
10.4 Any rights, powers, and remedies entitled to the parties by the terms of this Agreement shall not exclude any other rights, powers, and remedies entitled to the parties by the law and other terms of this Agreement and any partys execution of rights, powers and remedies shall not exclude the execution of other rights, powers and remedies entitled to such party.
10.5 The failure or delay to exercise any rights, powers and remedies (hereinafter referred to as Such Rights ) under this Agreement or entitled by the law shall not result in the waiver of Such Rights. The waiver of any and part of Such Rights shall not preclude such party from exercising Such Rights in other ways and exercising other Such Rights.
10.6 The headings of each section in this Agreement are for indexing purposes only. Such headings shall not be used for or affect the interpretation of the provisions of this Agreement.
10.7 Each term of this Agreement may be separated and independent of each other term. If any one or more of the terms of this Agreement becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable at any time, the validity, legality and enforceability of the other terms of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. 10.8 Any amendments or additions to this Agreement must be made in writing and shall be effective only after all the parties have duly signed this Agreement.
10.9 Without the prior written consent of other parties, any party shall not transfer any of its rights and / or obligations under this Agreement to any third party.
10.10 This Agreement shall be binding on the legal successors of the parties.
[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank]
[Signature Page of Voting Proxy Agreement]
It is hereby certified that the Voting Proxy Agreement is signed by the party hereunder at the date indicated at the beginning of this Agreement:
[Name of Shareholder] |
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Signature: |
/s/ |
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[Signature Page of Voting Proxy Agreement\
It is hereby certified that the Shareholders Voting Proxy Agreement is signed by the parties hereunder at the date indicated at the beginning of this Agreement
[Name of WFOE] |
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(Seal) |
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Signature: |
/s/ |
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Name: |
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Position: |
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[Name of VIE] |
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(Seal) |
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Signature: |
/s/ |
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Position: |
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Annex I:
Companys General Information
Company name: [Name of VIE]
Registered address:
Registered capital:
Legal representative:
Ownership structure:
Names of
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Contribution in
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Percentage of
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ID number/company
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[Name of Shareholders] |
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Total |
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Schedule of Material Differences
One or more persons entered into voting proxy agreement with Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. using this form. Pursuant to Instruction ii to Item 601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant may only file this form as an exhibit with a schedule setting forth the material details in which the executed agreements differ from this form:
No. |
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Name of
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Name of
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Name of Variable
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% of
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Execution Date |
1 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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Xiaoping Chen |
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Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd. |
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60% |
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July 21, 2015 |
2 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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De Liu |
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Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd. |
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20% |
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July 21, 2015 |
3 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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Liping Cao |
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Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd. |
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20% |
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July 21, 2015 |
4 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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Xiaoping Chen |
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Foshan Yunmi Electric Appliances Technology Co., Ltd. |
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100% |
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September 5, 2018 |
Equity Pledge Agreement
This Equity Pledge Agreement (hereinafter referred to as this Agreement) was executed by and among the following parties on [Execution Date]:
1. Respective shareholders set out in Annex I (hereinafter individually and collectively referred to as the Pledgors )
2 [Name of Pledgee] (hereinafter referred to as the Pledgee )
Registered address:
Legal representative:
3 [Name of VIE] (hereinafter referred to as the Company )
Registered address:
Legal representative:
(In this Agreement, the aforesaid respective parties are individually referred to as a Party and collectively as the Parties .)
Whereas:
(1) The Pledgors are registered shareholders of the Company and hold all the equity of the Company (hereinafter referred to as the equity of the Company ) according to law. Their contributions to the Companys registered capital and shareholding percentage as at the date of execution of this Agreement are set out in Annex I.
(2) According to the Exclusive Option Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the Option Agreement ) executed by the parties to this Agreement on [Execution Date], the Pledgors or the Company shall, where permitted by PRC Law and as required by the Pledgee, transfer all or part of its equity held in the Company or all or part of the Companys assets to the Pledgee and/or any other entities or individuals designated by it.
(3) Pursuant to the Voting Proxy Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the Voting Proxy Agreement ) executed by the parties to this Agreement on [Execution Date], the Pledgors have irrevocably and fully authorized the person appointed by the Pledgee to exercise on their behalves all of their shareholders voting rights in the Company.
(4) According to the Exclusive Consultation and Services Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the Consultation and Services Agreement ) executed between the Company and the Pledgee on [Execution Date], the Company has exclusively engaged the Pledgee to provide relevant consultation services for it and agreed to pay corresponding service fees to the Pledgee for such consultation services.
(5) As security for performance of the Contract Obligations (as defined below) and repayment of the Guaranteed Liabilities (as defined below) by the Pledgors, the Pledgors agree to pledge all of their equity of the Company to the Pledgee and grant the Pledgee the right to request for repayment on first priority and the Company agrees such equity pledge arrangement.
Therefore, the parties, upon negotiation, arrive at the following agreement:
Article 1 Definitions
1.1 Save as otherwise interpreted pursuant to the context, the following terms shall have the following meanings in this Agreement:
Contract Obligations : |
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shall mean all contract obligations of the Pledgors under the Option Agreement and Voting Proxy Agreement, all contract obligations of the Company under the Exclusive Option Agreement, Voting Proxy Agreement and Consultation and Services Agreement, and all contract obligations of the Pledgors and the Company under this Agreement. |
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Guaranteed Liabilities : |
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shall mean all direct, indirect and consequential losses and losses of foreseeable profits suffered by the Pledgee due to any Breaching Event (as defined below) of the Pledgors and/or the Company; the basis for the amount of such loss includes but is not limited to the reasonable business plan and profit forecast of the Pledgee, and all expenses incurred to the Pledgee for forcing the Pledgors and/or the Company to perform their Contract Obligations. |
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Transaction Agreements : |
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shall mean the Option Agreement, Voting Proxy Agreement and Consultation and Services Agreement. |
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Breaching Event : |
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shall mean the Pledgors violation of any Contract Obligations under the Option Agreement, Voting Proxy Agreement and/or this Agreement, and the Companys violation of any Contract Obligations under the Option Agreement, Voting Proxy Agreement, Consultation and Services Agreement and/or this Agreement. |
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Pledged Equity : |
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shall mean all of the equity of the Company that is legally owned by the Pledgors at the time when this Agreement takes effect and will be pledged to the Pledgee according to the provisions of this Agreement as security for the performance of Contract Obligations by the Pledgors and the Company (see Annex I for the specific pledged equity of each of the Pledgors), and the increased capital contribution and equity interest as described in Articles 2.6 and 2.7 hereof. |
PRC Law : |
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shall mean the then-effective laws, administrative regulations, administrative rules, local regulations, judicial interpretations and other binding regulatory documents of the Peoples Republic of China. |
1.2 The references to any PRC Law herein shall be deemed (1) simultaneously to include the references to the amendments, changes, supplements and re-enactment of such PRC Law, irrespective of whether they take effect before or after the execution of this Agreement, and (2) simultaneously to include the references to other decisions, notices and regulations enacted in accordance therewith or effective as a result thereof.
1.3 Except as otherwise stated in the context herein, all references to an article, clause, item or paragraph herein shall refer to the corresponding part of this Agreement.
Article 2 Equity Pledge
2.1 The Pledgors agree to pledge the pledged equity legally owned by them and at their disposal to the Pledgee as security for payment of the Guaranteed liabilities according to this Agreement. The Company agrees to the Pledgors pledge of the pledged equity to the Pledgee as specified in this Agreement. Specifically, on the date of execution of this Agreement, [Name of Pledgor] pledges his equity accounting for [% of Pledgors Equity Interest in the VIE] % of the Companys registered capital (equivalent to a contribution of RMB ) to the Pledgee; and [Name of Pledgor] pledges its equity accounting for [% of Pledgors Equity Interest in the VIE] % of the Companys registered capital (equivalent to a contribution of RMB ) to the Pledgee.
2.2 The Pledgors hereby undertake that they will be responsible for registering the arrangement of the equity pledge hereunder (the Equity Pledge ) with registration authorities of industry and commerce where the Company registers on the date of execution of this Agreement. The Company undertakes that it will do its best to cooperate with the Pledgors to complete the registration with authorities of industry and commerce under this Article. The equity pledge under this Agreement shall be established on the date when the pledge is registered with the registration authorities of industry and commerce where the Company registers.
2.3 During the valid term of this Agreement, except for the willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Pledgee which has direct cause and effect relationship with the reduction in value of the Pledged Equity, the Pledgee shall not be liable in any way, nor shall the Pledgors have any right to claim in any way or propose any demands on the Pledgee, in respect of the said reduction in value of the Pledged Equity.
2.4 To the extent not violating provision of Article 2.3 above, in case of any possibility of obvious reduction in value of the Pledged Equity which is sufficient to jeopardize the Pledgees rights, the Pledgee may at any time auction or sell off the Pledged Equity on behalf of the Pledgors, and discuss with the Pledgors to use the proceeds from such auction or sale-off as pre-repayment of the Guaranteed Liabilities, or may submit such proceeds to the local notary institution where the Pledgee is domiciled for keeping (any fees incurred in relation thereto shall be borne by the Pledgee). In addition, as requested by the Pledgee, the Pledgors should provide other property as security for the Guaranteed Liabilities.
2.5 In case of any Breaching Event, the Pledgee shall have the right to dispose of the Pledged Equity in the way set out in Article 4 hereof.
2.6 With the prior consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors may increase their capital contribution to the Company. Further contribution made by the Pledgors to the registered capital of the Company shall also be part of the Pledged Equity.
2.7 With the prior consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors may be able to receive dividends or share profits from the Pledged Equity.
2.8 Where a Breaching Event occurs, the Pledgee has the right to dispose of any Pledged Equity of any of the Pledgors in accordance with the provisions of this Agreements.
Article 3 Release of Pledge
3.1 Upon full and complete performance of all the Contract Obligations and upon the full repayment of all the Guaranteed Liabilities by the Pledgors and the Company, the Pledgee shall, at the request of the Pledgors, release the equity pledge under this Agreement, and shall cooperate with the Pledgors to go through the formalities to cancel registration of the Equity Pledge. The reasonable fees incurred in connection with such release shall be borne by Pledgee.
Article 4 Disposal of the Pledged Equity
4.1 The Parties hereby agree that, in case of any Breaching Event, the Pledgee shall have the right to exercise, upon giving a written notice to the Pledgors, all of the remedial rights and powers enjoyable by it under PRC Law, Transaction Agreements and the terms hereof, including (but not limited to) being repaid in priority with proceeds from auctions or sale-offs of the Pledged Equity. The Pledgee shall not be liable for any loss as the result of its reasonable exercise of such rights and powers.
4.2 The Pledgee shall have the right to designate in writing its legal counsel or other agents to exercise on its behalf any and all rights and powers set out above, and neither the Pledgors nor the Company shall raise an objection.
4.3 For the reasonable costs incurred to the Pledgee in connection with its exercise of any or all rights and powers set out above, the Pledgee shall have the right to deduct the costs actually incurred from the proceeds acquired from the exercise of the rights and powers.
4.4 The proceeds that the Pledgee acquires from the exercise of its rights and powers shall be used in the priority order as follows:
First, to pay any cost incurred in connection with the disposal of the Pledged Equity and the Pledgees exercise of its rights and powers (including remuneration paid to its legal counsels and agents);
Second, to pay any taxes and levies payable for the disposal of the Pledged Equity; and
Third, to repay the Pledgee for the Guaranteed Liabilities;
In case of any balance after payment of the above amounts, the Pledgee shall return it to the Pledgors or other persons entitled thereto according to the relevant laws and rules or submit it to the local notary institution where the Pledgee is domiciled for keeping (any fees incurred in relation thereto shall be borne by the Pledgee).
4.5 The Pledgee shall have the option to exercise, simultaneously or in certain sequence, any of the breach remedies enjoyable by it. The Pledgee shall not be obliged to exercise any other breach remedies before exercise of the right to the auctions or sale-offs of the Pledged Equity hereunder.
Article 5 Fees and Costs
5.1 All costs actually incurred in connection with the establishment of the Equity Pledge hereunder, including (but not limited to) stamp duties, any other taxes and all legal fees, shall be borne by the Parties respectively.
Article 6 Continuity and No Waiver
6.1 The Equity Pledge hereunder is a continuous guarantee, with its validity to continue until the full performance of the Contract Obligations or the full repayment of the Guaranteed Liabilities. Neither exemption or grace period granted by Pledgee to the Pledgors in respect of any breach of contract, nor delay by the Pledgee in exercising any of its rights under the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement shall affect the rights of the Pledgee under this Agreement, relevant PRC Law and the Transaction Agreements, the rights of the Pledgee to demand at any time thereafter the strict performance of the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement by the Pledgors or the rights that the Pledgee may be entitled to due to subsequent breach of the Transaction Agreements and/or this Agreement by the Pledgors.
Article 7 Representations and Warranties of the Pledgors
Each of the Pledgors hereby represents and warrants to the Pledgee as follows:
7.1 The Pledgors have full capacity and legal rights and abilities to sign this Agreement and assume the legal obligations hereunder.
7.2 All reports, documents and information concerning the Pledgors and all matters as required by this Agreement which are provided by the Pledgors to the Pledgee before this Agreement comes into effect are true and correct in all material aspects at the time when this Agreement comes into effect.
7.3 All reports, documents and information concerning the Pledgors and all matters as required by this Agreement which are provided by the Pledgors to the Pledgee after this Agreement comes into effect are true and correct in all material aspects at the time when they are provided.
7.4 At the time when this Agreement comes into effect, the Pledgors are the sole legal owners of the Pledged Equity, with no existing dispute whatsoever concerning the ownership of the Pledged Equity. The Pledgors have the right to dispose of the Pledged Equity or any part thereof.
7.5 Except for the encumbrance set on the Pledged Equity hereunder and the rights set under the Transaction Agreements, there is no other encumbrance, third party interest or any other restrictions set on the Pledged Equity.
7.6 The Pledged Equity is capable of being pledged or transferred according to the laws, and the Pledgors have the full right and power to pledge the Pledged Equity to the Pledgee according to this Agreement.
7.7 This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations on the Pledgors when it is duly executed by the Pledgors.
7.8 Any consent, permission, waiver or authorization by any third person, or any approval, permission or exemption by any government authority, or any registration or filing formalities (if required by laws) with any government authority to be obtained in respect of the execution and performance hereof and the Equity Pledge hereunder have already been handled or obtained, and will be fully effective during the valid term of this Agreement.
7.9 The execution and performance of this Agreement by the Pledgors are not in violation of or conflict with any laws applicable to them, any agreement to which they are a party or which has binding effect on their assets, any court judgment, any arbitration award, or any administration authoritys decision.
7.10 The pledge hereunder constitutes the encumbrance of first order in priority on the Pledged Equity.
7.11 All taxes and fees payable in connection with acquisition of the Pledged Equity have already been paid in full by the Pledgors.
7.12 There is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Pledgors, threatened litigation, legal process or demand by any court or any arbitral tribunal against the Pledgors, or their property, or the Pledged Equity, nor is there any pending or, to the knowledge of the Pledgors, threatened litigation, legal process or demand by any government authority or any administration authority against the Pledgors, or their property, or the Pledged Equity, which is of material or detrimental effect on the economic status of the Pledgors or their capability to perform the obligations hereunder and the Guaranteed Liabilities. 7.13 The Pledgors hereby warrant to the Pledgee that the above representations and warranties will remain true and correct at any time and under any circumstance before the Contract Obligations are fully performed or the Guaranteed Liabilities are fully repaid, and will be fully complied with.
7.14 The Pledgors agree to immediately and unconditionally present any share profit, bonus, dividend and other incomes that they obtain from the Company during the contract period to the Pledgee or the entity/individual designated by the Pledgee.
7.15 If the Company is required to be dissolved or liquidated as per compulsory provisions of applicable laws, any interest distributed to the Pledgors according to law upon completion of legal dissolution or liquidation of the Company shall be presented to the Pledgee or the entity/individual designated by the Pledgee to the extent not in violation of the PRC Law.
Article 8 Representations and Warranties by the Company
The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Pledgee as follows
8.1 The Company is a limited liability company duly registered and legitimately existing under the PRC Law with an independent legal personality. It has the full and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and may act independently as a party to lawsuit.
8.2 All reports, documents and information concerning the Pledged Equity and all matters as required by this Agreement which are provided by the Company to the Pledgee before this Agreement comes into effect are true and correct in all material aspects at the time when this Agreement comes into effect.
8.3 All reports, documents and information concerning the Pledged Equity and all matters as required by this Agreement which are provided by the Company to the Pledgee after this Agreement comes into effect are true and effective in all material aspects at the time when they are provided.
8.4 This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations on the Company when it is duly executed by the Company.
8.5 It has the full internal corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and all other documents relating to the transactions specified herein and to be executed by it. It has the full power and authority to consummate the transactions specified herein.
8.6 There is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened litigation, legal process or demand by any court or any arbitral tribunal against the Pledged Equity and the Company or its assets, nor is there any pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened litigation, legal process or demand by any government authority or any administration authority against the Pledged Equity and the Company or its assets, which is of material or detrimental effect on the economic status of the Company or their capability to perform the obligations hereunder and the Guaranteed Liabilities.
8.7 The Company hereby agrees to bear joint responsibilities to the Pledgee in respect of the representations and warranties made by its relevant Pledgors to Article 7.4, Article 7.5, Article 7.6, Article 7.8 and Article 7.10 hereof.
8.8 The Company hereby warrants to the Pledgee that the above representations and warranties will remain true and correct at any time and under any circumstance before the Contract Obligations are fully performed or the Guaranteed Liabilities are fully repaid, and will be fully complied with.
8.9 If the Company is required to be dissolved or liquidated as per compulsory provisions of the PRC Law, the Company assets shall be sold to the Pledgors or qualified entities/individuals designated by the Pledgors at the lowest price permitted by the then-effective PRC Law in accordance with the PRC Law.
Article 9 Undertakings by the Pledgors
Each of the Pledgors hereby individually undertakes to the Pledgee as follows:
9.1 Without prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors shall not establish or permit to establish any new pledge or any other encumbrance on the Pledged Equity, and any pledge or any other encumbrance established on all or part of the Pledged Equity without prior written consent of the Pledgee shall be invalid.
9.2 Without prior written notice to the Pledgee and having the Pledgees prior written consent, the Pledgors shall not transfer the Pledged Equity, and any attempt by the Pledgors to transfer the Pledged Equity shall be null and void. The proceeds from transfer of the Pledged Equity by the Pledgors shall be used to repay to the Pledgee in advance the Guaranteed Liabilities or submit the same to the third party as agreed with the Pledgee.
9.3 In case of any litigation, arbitration or other demand which may affect detrimentally the interest of the Pledgors or the Pledgee under the Transaction Agreements and hereunder or the Pledged Equity, the Pledgors undertake to notify the Pledgee thereof in writing as soon as possible and promptly and shall take, at the reasonable request of the Pledgee, all necessary measures to ensure the pledge interest of the Pledgee in the Pledged Equity.
9.4 The Pledgors shall not carry on or permit any act or action which may affect detrimentally the interest of the Pledgee under the Transaction Agreements and hereunder or the Pledged Equity. The Pledgors shall waive the right of first refusal when the Pledgee realizes the pledge rights.
9.5 The Pledgors guarantee that they shall, at the reasonable request of the Pledgee, take all necessary measures and execute all necessary documents (including but not limited to supplementary agreement hereof) to ensure the pledge interest of the Pledgee in the Pledged Equity and the exercise and realization of the rights thereof.
9.6 In case of transfer of any Pledged Equity caused by the exercise of the right to the pledge hereunder, the Pledgors guarantee that they will take all necessary measures to realize such transfer.
9.7 The Pledgors shall ensure that the meeting convening procedures and voting methods and contents of the Companys shareholders meeting or Board meeting held for the purpose of the conclusion of this Agreement and establishment and performance of the pledge rights are in compliance with laws, administrative rules or the Articles of Association.
9.8 Unless with the prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Pledgors shall have no right to transfer any rights and obligations thereof under this Agreement.
Article 10 Undertakings by the Company
10.1 Any consent, permission, waive or authorization by any third person, or any approval, permission or exemption by any government authority, or any registration or filing formalities (if required by laws) with any government authority to be handled or obtained in respect of the execution and performance hereof and the Equity Pledge hereunder will be cooperated to handle or obtain by the Company to their best and will be ensured to remain full effective during the valid term of this Agreement.
10.2 Without the prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Company shall not cooperate to establish or permit to establish any new pledge or any other encumbrance on the Pledged Equity.
10.3 Without the prior written consent of the Pledgee, the Company shall not cooperate to transfer or permit to transfer the Pledged Equity.
10.4 In case of any litigation, arbitration or other demand which may affect detrimentally the interest of the Company, the Pledged Equity or the Pledgee under the Transaction Agreements and hereunder, the Company undertakes to notify the Pledgee thereof in writing as soon as possible and promptly and shall take, at the reasonable request of the Pledgee, all necessary measures to ensure the pledge interest of the Pledgee in the Pledged Equity.
10.5 The Company shall not carry on or permit any act or action which may affect detrimentally the interest of the Pledgee under the Transaction Agreements and hereunder or the Pledged Equity.
10.6 The Pledgors shall provide the Pledgee with the financial statement of the last calendar season within the first month of each calendar season, including (but not limited to) the balance sheet, the income statement and the statement of cash flow.
10.7 The Company guarantees that they shall, at the reasonable request of the Pledgee, take all necessary measures and execute all necessary documents (including but not limited to supplementary agreement hereof) to ensure the pledge interest of the Pledgee in the Pledged Equity and the exercise and realization of the rights thereof.
10.8 In case of transfer of any Pledged Equity caused by the exercise of the right to the pledge hereunder, the Company guarantees that they will take all necessary measures to realize such transfer.
Article 11 Change of Circumstances
11.1 As supplement and subject to compliance with other terms of the Transaction Agreements and this Agreement, in case that at any time the promulgation or change of any PRC Law, regulations or rules, or change in interpretation or application of such laws, regulations and rules, or the change of the relevant registration procedures enables the Pledgee to believe that it will be illegal or in conflict with such laws, regulations or rules to further maintain the effectiveness of this Agreement and/or dispose of the Pledged Equity in the way provided herein, the Pledgors and the Company shall, at the written direction of the Pledgee and in accordance with the reasonable request of the Pledgee, promptly take actions and/or execute any agreement or other document, in order to:
(1) keep this Agreement remain in effect;
(2) facilitate the disposal of the Pledged Equity in the way provided herein; and/or
(3) maintain or realize the intention or the guarantee established hereunder.
Article 12 Effectiveness and Term of This Agreement
12.1 This Agreement shall become effective upon due execution by all the Parties
12.2 This Agreement shall have its valid term until the full performance of the Contract Obligations or the full repayment of the Guaranteed Liabilities.
Article 13 Notice
13.1 Any notice, request, demand and other correspondences required by this Agreement or made in accordance with this Agreement shall be delivered in writing to the relevant Party.
13.2 If any of such notice or other correspondences is transmitted by facsimile or telex, it shall be deemed as served immediately upon transmission; if delivered in person, it shall be deemed as served at the time of delivery; if posted by mail, it shall be deemed as served five (5) days after posting
Article 14 Miscellaneous
14.1 The Pledgors and the Company agree that the Pledgee may, upon notice to the Pledgors and the Company, transfer its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third party; and that without prior written consent of the Pledgee, neither the Pledgors nor the Company may transfer their respective rights, obligations or liabilities hereunder to any third party. Successors or permitted assignees (if any) of the Pledgors and the Company shall continue to perform the obligations of the Pledgors and the Company under this Agreement.
14.2 The sum of the Guaranteed Liabilities determined by the Pledgee at its discretion in its exercise of its rights of pledge with respect to the Pledged Equity in accordance with the terms hereof shall constitute the conclusive evidence for the Guaranteed Liabilities hereunder.
14.3 This Agreement is written in Chinese and executed in ( ) originals, with one (1) original to be retained by each Party hereto.
14.4 The execution, effectiveness, performance, revision, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by the PRC Law.
14.5 Any dispute arising out of and in connection with this Agreement shall be resolved through consultations among the Parties. In case the Parties fail to reach an agreement within thirty (30) days after the dispute arises, such dispute shall be submitted to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in Beijing in accordance with such Commissions arbitration rules in effect at the time. The language used in arbitration shall be Chinese and the arbitration award shall be final and equally binding on the Parties hereto.
14.6 None of the rights, powers or remedies granted to any Party by any provision herein shall preclude any other rights, powers or remedies available to such Party at law and under the other provisions of this Agreement. In addition, a Partys exercise of any of its rights, powers and remedies shall not exclude such Party from exercising any of its other rights, powers and remedies.
14.7 No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any rights, powers and remedies available to it hereunder or at law ( Such Rights ) shall result in a waiver thereof, nor shall the waiver of any single or part of Such Rights shall exclude such Party from exercising Such Rights in any other way and exercising other rights of such Party.
14.8 The headings of the provisions herein are for reference only, and in no event shall such headings be used for or affect the interpretation of the provisions hereof.
14.9 Each provision contained herein shall be severable and independent from each of the other provisions. If any one or more provisions herein become(s) invalid, illegal or unenforceable at any time, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions herein shall not be affected as a result thereof.
14.10 Any amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall be made in writing. Except for assignment by the Pledgee of its rights hereunder according to Article 14.1 of this Agreement, the amendments or supplements to this Agreement shall take effect only when properly signed by the Parties to this Agreement.
14.11 This Agreement shall be binding on the legal successors of the Parties.
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[Signature Page of Equity Pledge Agreement]
In witness whereof, this Equity Pledge Agreement is signed by the Parties on the date and at the place first above written.
[Name of Pledgor] |
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Signature: |
/s/ |
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[Signature Page of Equity Pledge Agreement]
In witness whereof, this Equity Pledge Agreement is signed by the Parties on the date and at the place first above written.
[Name of Pledgee] (Seal)
Handwritten Signature:
Name:
Position:
[Name of VIE] (Seal)
Handwritten Signature:
Name:
Position:
Annex I:
Companys General Information
Company name: [Name of VIE]
Registered address:
Registered capital:
Legal representative:
Equity structure:
Names of
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Contribution in
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Percentage of
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ID number/company
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[Name of Plegors] |
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Total |
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Schedule of Material Differences
One or more persons entered into equity pledge agreement with Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. using this form. Pursuant to Instruction ii to Item 601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant may only file this form as an exhibit with a schedule setting forth the material details in which the executed agreements differ from this form:
No. |
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Name of
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Name of Pledgor |
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Name of Variable
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% of
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Execution Date |
1 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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Xiaoping Chen |
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Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd. |
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60% |
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July 21, 2015 |
2 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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De Liu |
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Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd. |
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20% |
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July 21, 2015 |
3 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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Liping Cao |
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Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd. |
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20% |
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July 21, 2015 |
4 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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Xiaoping Chen |
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Foshan Yunmi Electric Appliances Technology Co., Ltd. |
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100% |
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September 5, 2018 |
Exclusive Option Agreement
This Exclusive Option Agreement (hereinafter referred to as this Agreement ) was entered into between the following parties on [Execution Date]:
1. Respective individual shareholders set out in Annex I (hereinafter individually and collectively referred to as Existing Shareholders )
2.
[Name of WFOE]
(hereinafter referred to as the
WFOE
)
Registered address:
Legal representative:
3.
[Name of VIE]
(hereinafter referred to as the
Company
)
Registered address:
Legal representative:
(In this Agreement, the aforesaid respective parties are individually referred to as a Party and collectively as the Parties .)
Whereas:
(1) The Existing Shareholders are registered shareholders of the Company who hold all the equity of the Company according to law. Their contributions to the Company Registered Capital and shareholding percentage as at the date of execution of this Agreement are set out in Annex I.
(2) To the extent not in violation of the PRC Law, the Existing shareholders intend to transfer to the WFOE all their respective equity in the Company, and the WFOE intends to accept such transfer.
(3) To the extent not in violation of the PRC Law, the Company intends to transfer its assets to the WFOE, and the WFOE intends to accept such transfer.
(4) For the purpose of the foregoing transfer of equity or assets, the Existing Shareholders and the Company agree to grant the WFOE the exclusive and irrevocable Equity Transfer Option and Asset Purchase Option respectively. Pursuant to such Equity Transfer Option and Asset Purchase Option, at the WFOEs request, the Existing Shareholders or the Company shall, to the extent permitted by the PRC Law, transfer the Option Equity or the Company Assets (as defined below) to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
(5) The Existing Shareholders agree that the Company grants the Asset Purchase Option to the WFOE according to this Agreement.
Therefore, the parties, upon negotiation, arrive at the following agreement:
Article 1 Definitions
1.1 Save as otherwise interpreted pursuant to the context, the following terms shall have the following meanings in this Agreement:
PRC Law : |
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shall mean the then effective laws, administrative regulations, administrative rules, local regulations, judicial interpretations and other binding regulatory documents of the Peoples Republic of China. |
Equity Transfer Option : |
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shall mean the required option to purchase the equity in the Company as granted to the WFOE by the Existing Shareholders pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. |
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Asset Purchase Option : |
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shall mean the required option to purchase any Company Assets as granted to the WFOE by the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. |
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Option Equity : |
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shall mean, in respect of each of the Existing Shareholders, all the equity held by him in the Company Registered Capital (as defined below) respectively; in respect of all the Existing Shareholders, the equity covering 100% of the Company Registered Capital. |
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Company Registered Capital : |
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shall mean the Company Registered Capital as of the date of execution of this Agreement, i.e. RMB12.5 million, which also includes any expanded registered capital as a result of any capital increase in any form within the validity period of this Agreement. |
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Transferred Equity : |
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shall mean the equity in the Company which the WFOE has the right to request any of the Existing Shareholders to transfer to it or its designated entity or individual in accordance with Article 3 hereof when the WFOE exercises its Equity Transfer Option, the quantity of which may be all or part of the Option Equity and the specific amount of which shall be determined by the WFOE at its sole discretion in accordance with the then effective PRC Law and based on its commercial consideration. |
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Transferred Assets : |
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shall mean the Company Assets which the WFOE has the right to request the Company to transfer to it or its designated entity or individual in accordance with Article 3 hereof when the WFOE exercises its Asset Purchase Option, the quantity of which may be all or part of the Company Assets and the details of which shall be determined by the WFOE at its sole discretion in accordance with the then effective PRC Law and based on its commercial consideration. |
Exercise of Option : |
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shall mean the exercising of the Equity Transfer Option or the Asset Purchase Option by the WFOE. |
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Transfer Price : |
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shall mean all the consideration that the WFOE or its designated entity or individual is required to pay to the Existing Shareholders or the Company in order to obtain the Transferred Equity or the Company Assets upon each Exercise of Option. |
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Business Permits : |
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shall mean any approvals, permits, filings and registrations, etc. which the Company is required to have for legally and validly operating all its businesses, including but not limited to Business License of Enterprise as Legal Person , Tax Registration Certificate and other relevant permits and licenses as required by the then effective PRC Law. |
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Company Assets : |
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shall mean all the tangible and intangible assets which the Company owns or has the right to dispose of during the validity period of this Agreement, including but not limited to any immovable and movable assets, as well as intellectual properties such as trademarks, copyrights, patents, know-how, domain names and software use rights. |
Material Agreement : |
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shall mean any agreement to which the Company is a party and which has a material impact on the business or assets of the Company, including but not limited to the Exclusive Consultation and Service Agreement executed by the Company and the WFOE together with this Agreement and other important agreements regarding the business of the Company. |
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Exercise Notice : |
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shall have the meaning prescribed to such term in Article 3.7 hereof. |
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Confidential Information : |
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shall have the meaning prescribed to such term in Article 8.1 hereof. |
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Defaulting Party : |
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shall have the meaning prescribed to such term in Article 11.1 hereof. |
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Default : |
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shall have the meaning prescribed to such term in Article 11.1 hereof. |
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Rights of such Party : |
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shall have the meaning prescribed to such term in Article 12.5 hereof. |
1.2 The references to any PRC Law herein shall be deemed:
(1) simultaneously to include the references to the amendments, changes, supplements and re-enactment of such PRC Law, irrespective of whether they take effect before or after the execution of this Agreement; and
(2) simultaneously to include the references to other decisions, notices and regulations enacted in accordance therewith or effective as a result thereof.
1.3 Except as otherwise stated in the context herein, all references to an article, clause, item or paragraph herein shall refer to the corresponding part of this Agreement.
Article 2 Grant of Equity Transfer Option and Asset Purchase Option
2.1 The Existing Shareholders hereby severally and jointly agree to grant the WFOE an irrevocable, unconditional and exclusive Equity Transfer Option. Pursuant to such Equity Transfer Option, the WFOE is entitled to, to the extent permitted by the PRC Law, request the Existing Shareholders to transfer the Option Equity to the WFOE or its designated entity or individual according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The WFOE also agrees to accept such Equity Transfer Option.
2.2 The Company hereby agrees that the Existing Shareholders grant such Equity Transfer Option to the WFOE according to Article 2.1 above and other provisions of this Agreement.
2.3 The Company hereby agrees to grant the WFOE an irrevocable, unconditional and exclusive Asset Purchase Option. Pursuant to such Asset Purchase Option, the WFOE is entitled to, to the extent permitted by the PRC Law, request the Company to transfer any or part of the Company Assets to the WFOE or its designated entity or individual according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The WFOE also agrees to accept such Asset Purchase Option.
2.4 The Existing Shareholders hereby severally and jointly agree that the Company grants such Asset Purchase Option to the WFOE according to Article 2.3 above and other provisions of this Agreement.
Article 3 Method of Exercise of Option
3.1 Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the WFOE shall have the absolute sole discretion to determine the specific time, method and times of its Exercise of Option to the extent permitted by the PRC Law.
3.2 Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to the extent not in violation of the then effective PRC Law, the WFOE shall have the right to, at any time, request to acquire all or part of the Companys equity from the Existing Shareholders by itself or through other entity or individual designated by it.
3.3 Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and to the extent not in violation of the then effective PRC Law, the WFOE shall have the right to, at any time, request to acquire all or part of the Company Assets from the Company by itself or through other entity or individual designated by it.
3.4 With regard to the Equity Transfer Option, at each Exercise of Option, the WFOE shall have the right to arbitrarily determine the amount of the Transferred Equity which shall be transferred by the Existing Shareholders to the WFOE and/or other entity or individual designated by it. The Existing Shareholders shall respectively transfer the Transferred Equity to the WFOE and/or other entity or individual designated by it in the amount requested by the WFOE. The WFOE and/or other entity or individual designated by it shall pay the Transfer Price with respect to the Transferred Equity acquired at each Exercise of Option to the Existing Shareholders transferring such Transferred Equity.
3.5 With regard to the Asset Purchase Option, at each Exercise of Option, the WFOE shall have the right to determine the specific Company Assets which shall be transferred by the Company to the WFOE and/or other entity or individual designated by it. The Company shall transfer the Transferred Assets to the WFOE and/or other entity or individual designated by it as per the requirements of the WFOE. The WFOE and/or other entity or individual designated by it shall pay the Transfer Price to the Company with respect to the Transferred Assets acquired at each Exercise of Option.
3.6 At each Exercise of Option, the WFOE may acquire the Transferred Equity or Transferred Assets by itself or designate any third party to acquire all or part of the Transferred Equity or Transferred Assets.
3.7 Having decided each Exercise of Option, the WFOE shall issue to the Existing Shareholders or the Company a notice for exercising the Equity Transfer Option or a notice for exercising the Asset Purchase Option (hereinafter referred to as Exercise Notice , the form of which is set out in Annex II and Annex III hereto). The Existing Shareholders or the Company shall, upon receipt of the Exercise Notice, forthwith make a one-time transfer of all the Transferred Equity in accordance with the Exercise Notice to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE in such method as described in Article 3.4 or Article 3.5 hereof.
Article 4 Transfer Price
4.1 With regard to the Equity Transfer Option, the total Transfer Price which shall be paid by the WFOE or any entity or individual designated by the WFOE to the respective shareholders at each Exercise of Option by the WFOE shall be the capital contribution corresponding to the corresponding Transferred Equity in the Registered Capital of the Target Company or the lowest price permitted by the then effective PRC Law, whichever is the lower. The respective shareholders, who undertake and agree that they have obtained adequate compensation from the WFOE, shall return in full the equity transfer price received by them to the WFOE or any entity or individual designated by the WFOE within ten (10) workdays after obtaining the equity transfer price.
4.2 With regard to the Asset Purchase Option, the WFOE or any entity or individual designated by it shall pay to the Target Company the lowest price permitted by the then effective PRC Law at each Exercise of Option by the WFOE. The Target Company, who undertakes and agrees that it has obtained adequate compensation from the WFOE, shall return in full the asset transfer price received by it to the WFOE or any entity or individual designated by the WFOE within ten (10) workdays after obtaining the asset transfer price.
Article 5 Representations and Warranties
5.1 The Existing Shareholders hereby severally and jointly represent and warrant that:
5.1.1 The Existing Shareholders are Chinese citizens with full capacity. They have the complete and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and may act as the subject of litigation independently.
5.1.2 The Company is a limited liability company duly registered and legitimately existing under the PRC Law with an independent legal personality. It has the complete and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and may act as the subject of litigation independently.
5.1.3 They have the full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all other documents relating to the transaction specified herein and to be executed by them. They have the full power and authority to consummate the transaction specified herein.
5.1.4 This Agreement is legally and duly executed and delivered by the Existing Shareholders. This Agreement shall constitute their legal and binding obligations and may be enforceable against them in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
5.1.5 The Existing Shareholders are the registered legitimate owners of the Option Equity as of the effective date of this Agreement, and except for the pledge set under the Equity Pledge Agreement signed by and among the Company, the WFOE and the Existing Shareholders on [Execution Date] and entrusted rights set under the Voting Proxy Agreement signed on [Execution Date], the Option Equity is free from and clear of any lien, pledge, claim and other real rights for security and third party rights. Pursuant to this Agreement, the WFOE and/or other entity or individual designated by it may, after the Exercise of Option, acquire a good title to the Transferred Equity, free from and clear of any lien, pledge, claim and other real rights for security or third party rights.
5.1.6 To the knowledge of the Existing Shareholders, the Company Assets are free from and clear of any lien, mortgage, claim and other real rights for security and third party rights. Pursuant to this Agreement, the WFOE and/or other entity or individual designated by it may, after the Exercise of Option, acquire a good title to the Company Assets, free from and clear of any lien, mortgage, claim and other real rights for security or third party rights.
5.1.7 Unless as mandatorily required by the PRC Law, the Existing Shareholders shall not request the Company to declare the distribution of or in practice release any distributable profit, bonus or dividend; the Existing Shareholders shall, in compliance with the PRC Law, promptly gift any profit, bonus or dividend obtained by them from the Company to the WFOE and/or any qualified entity or individual designated by the WFOE.
5.2 The Company hereby represents and warrants that:
5.2.1 The Company is a limited liability company duly registered and legitimately existing under the PRC Law with an independent legal personality. The Company has the complete and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and may act as the subject of litigation independently.
5.2.2 The Company has the full internal corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all other documents relating to the transaction specified herein and to be executed by it. It has the full power and authority to consummate the transaction specified herein.
5.2.3 This Agreement is legally and duly executed and delivered by the Company. This Agreement shall constitute the legal and binding obligation against it.
5.2.4 The Company Assets are free from and clear of any lien, mortgage, claim and other real rights for security and third party rights. Pursuant to this Agreement, the WFOE and/or other entity or individual designated by it may, after the Exercise of Option, acquire a good title to the Company Assets, free from and clear of any lien, mortgage, claim and other real rights for security or third party rights.
5.2.5 Unless as mandatorily required by the PRC Law, the Company shall not declare the distribution of or in practice release any distributable profit, bonus or dividend.
5.3 The WFOE hereby represents and warrants that:
5.3.1 The WFOE is a wholly foreign-owned enterprise duly registered and legitimately existing under the PRC Law with an independent legal personality. The WFOE has the complete and independent legal status and legal capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and may act as the subject of litigation independently.
5.3.2 The WFOE has the full internal corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all other documents relating to the transaction specified herein and to be executed by it. It has the full power and authority to consummate the transaction specified herein.
5.3.3 This Agreement is legally and duly executed and delivered by the WFOE. This Agreement shall constitute the legal and binding obligation against it.
Article 6 Undertakings by the Existing Shareholders
The Existing Shareholders hereby severally undertake that:
6.1 Within the validity period of this Agreement, without the WFOEs prior written consent:
6.1.1 any Existing Shareholders shall not transfer or otherwise dispose of any Option Equity or create any real right for security or other third party rights on any Option Equity;
6.1.2 he shall not increase or decrease the Company Registered Capital or cause the Company to be merged with any other entity;
6.1.3 he shall not dispose of or cause the management of the Company to dispose of any material Company assets (excluding those incurred during normal operation);
6.1.4 he shall not terminate or cause the management of the Company to terminate any Material Agreement entered into by the Company, or enter into any other agreement in conflict with the existing Material Agreements;
6.1.5 he shall not appoint or dismiss and replace any director or supervisor of the Company or any other management personnel of the Company who shall be appointed or dismissed by the Existing Shareholders;
6.1.6 he shall not cause the Company to declare the distribution of or in practice release any distributable profit, bonus or dividend;
6.1.7 he shall ensure that the Company validly exists and is not terminated, liquidated or dissolved;
6.1.8 he shall not amend the articles of association of the Company; and
6.1.9 he shall ensure that the Company will not lend or borrow any money, or provide any guaranty or engage in security activities in any other form, or bear any substantial obligations excluding those incurred during normal operation.
6.2 Within the validity period of this Agreement, he shall use his best endeavour to develop the business of the Company and ensure that the Companys operations are legal and in compliance with the regulations, and he will not engage in any act or omission which may damage the Company Assets and goodwill or affect the validity of the Business Permits of the Company.
6.3 Within the validity period of this Agreement, he shall promptly notify the WFOE of any circumstances that may have a material adverse effect on the existence, business operations, financial conditions, assets or goodwill of the Company and promptly take all the measures approved by the WFOE to remove such adverse circumstances or take effective remedial measures with respect thereto.
6.4 Once the WFOE gives the Exercise Notice:
6.4.1 he shall promptly convene a shareholders meeting, pass shareholders resolutions and take all other necessary actions to approve any Existing Shareholders or the Company to transfer all the Transferred Equity or the Transferred Assets at the Transfer Price to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE, and waive any pre-emptive right to purchase enjoyed by him (if any);
6.4.2 he shall promptly enter into an equity transfer agreement with the WFOE and/or any other equity or individual designated by the WFOE to transfer all the Transferred Equity at the Transfer Price to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE, and provide necessary support to the WFOE (including provision and execution of all relevant legal documents, performance of all government approval and resignation procedures and assumption of all relevant obligations) in accordance with the WFOEs requirements and laws and regulations so that the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE may acquire all the Transferred Equity, free from and clear of any legal defect or any real right for security, third party restriction or any other restrictions on the Transferred Equity.
6.5 If the total Transfer Price obtained by any Existing Shareholder with respect to the Transferred Equity held by him is higher than his capital contribution to the Company, or he receives any form of profit, dividend or bonus from the Company, then such Existing Shareholder agrees to, to the extent not in violation of the PRC Law, waive the premium earnings and any profit, dividend or bonus (after deduction of relevant taxes) and the WFOE is entitled thereto. The Existing Shareholder shall instruct relevant assignee or company to remit the earnings to the bank account designated by the WFOE at the material time.
Article 7 Undertakings of the Company
7.1 The Company hereby undertakes that:
7.1.1 if any consent, permit, waiver or authorization by any third party, or any approval, permit or exemption by any government authority, or any registration or filing formalities (if required by law) with any government authority needs to be obtained or handled with respect to the execution and performance of this Agreement and the grant of the Equity Transfer Option or Asset Purchase Option hereunder, the Company shall endeavor to assist in satisfying the above conditions.
7.1.2 without the WFOEs prior written consent, the Company shall not assist or permit the Existing Shareholders to transfer or otherwise dispose of any Option Equity or create any real right for security or other third party rights on any Option Equity.
7.1.3 without the WFOEs prior written consent, the Company shall not transfer or otherwise dispose of any material Company Assets (excluding those incurred during normal operation) or create any real right for security or other third party rights on any Company Assets.
7.1.4 the Company shall not do or permit any behavior or action that may adversely affect the interests of the WFOE under this Agreement, including but not limited to any behavior or action that is subject to Article 6.1.
7.2 Once the WFOE gives the Exercise Notice:
7.2.1 it shall promptly cause the Existing Shareholders to convene a shareholders meeting, pass shareholders resolutions and take all other necessary actions to approve the Company to transfer all the Transferred Assets at the Transfer Price to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE;
7.2.2 it shall promptly enter into an asset transfer agreement with the WFOE and/or any other equity or individual designated by the WFOE to transfer all the Transferred Assets at the Transfer Price to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE, and cause the shareholders to provide necessary support to the WFOE (including provision and execution of all relevant legal documents, performance of all government approval and resignation procedures and assumption of all relevant obligations) in accordance with the WFOEs requirements and laws and regulations so that the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE may acquire all the Transferred Assets, free from and clear of any legal defect, any real right for security or third party restriction on the Transferred Assets or any other restrictions on the Company Assets.
Article 8 Confidentiality Obligations
8.1 Regardless of whether this Agreement is terminated or not, any of the Parties shall keep strictly confidential all the business secrets, proprietary information, customer information and all other information of a confidential nature about the other parties coming into its knowledge during execution and performance of this Agreement (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Confidential Information ). Unless a prior written consent is obtained from the party disclosing the Confidential Information or unless it is required to be disclosed to third parties according to relevant laws and regulations or the requirement of the place where a Partys affiliate is listed, the party receiving the Confidential Information shall not disclose to any other third party any Confidential Information. The party receiving the Confidential Information shall not use or indirectly use any Confidential Information other than for the purpose of performing this Agreement.
8.2 The following information shall not be deemed part of the Confidential Information:
(a) any information that has been lawfully acquired by the party receiving the information before as evidenced by written documents;
(b) any information entering the public domain not attributable to the fault of the party receiving the information; or
(c) any information lawfully acquired by the party receiving the information through other sources after its receipt of such information.
8.3 The party receiving the information may disclose the Confidential Information to its relevant employees, agents or professionals retained by it. However, the party receiving the information shall ensure that the aforesaid persons shall comply with the relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement, and shall be responsible for any liability incurred as a result of such persons breach of the relevant terms and conditions of this Agreement.
8.4 Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, the effect of this article shall not be affected by termination of this Agreement.
Article 9 Duration of the Agreement
This Agreement shall take effect after being duly executed by the Parties, and terminate after all the Option Equity and Company Assets are lawfully transferred to the WFOE and/or any other entity or individual designated by the WFOE pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
Article 10 Notices
10.1 Any notice, request, demand and other correspondences required by this Agreement or made in accordance with this Agreement shall be delivered in writing to the relevant Party.
10.2 If any of such notices or other correspondences is transmitted by facsimile or telex, it shall be deemed as served immediately upon transmission; if delivered in person, it shall be deemed as served at the time of delivery; if posted by mail, it shall be deemed as served five (5) days after posting.
Article 11 Defaulting Liability
11.1 The Parties agree and confirm that, if any of the Parties (hereinafter referred to as the Defaulting Party ) substantially violates any agreement herein or substantially fails to perform or delays performance of any of the obligations hereunder, such violation, failure or delay shall constitute a default under this Agreement (hereinafter referred to as Default ). The non-defaulting Party shall have the right to request the Defaulting Party to rectify such Default or take remedial actions within a reasonable period. If the Defaulting Party fails to rectify such Default or take remedial actions within the reasonable period or within ten (10) days after the non-defaulting Party notifies the Defaulting Party in writing requesting the Default to be rectified, then the non-defaulting Party is entitled to decide at its own discretion that:
11.1.1 if any Existing Shareholder or the Company is the Defaulting Party, the WFOE shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement and require the Defaulting Party to compensate for the damages;
11.1.2 if the WFOE is the Defaulting Party, the non-defaulting Party shall be entitled to require the Defaulting Party to compensate for the damages, but unless otherwise stipulated by laws, the non-defaulting Party has no right to terminate or cancel this Agreement in any circumstances.
11.2 Notwithstanding any other provisions herein, the effect of this article shall not be affected by termination of this Agreement.
Article 12 Miscellaneous
12.1 This Agreement is written in Chinese and executed in ( ) originals, with one (1) original to be retained by each Party hereto.
12.2 The execution, effectiveness, performance, revision, interpretation and termination of this Agreement shall be governed by the PRC Law.
12.3 Any dispute arising out of and in connection with this Agreement shall be resolved through consultations among the Parties. In case the Parties fail to reach an agreement within thirty (30) days after the dispute arises, such dispute shall be submitted to China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission for arbitration in Beijing in accordance with such Commissions arbitration rules in effect at the time. The language used in arbitration shall be Chinese and the arbitration award shall be final and equally binding on the Parties hereto.
12.4 None of the rights, powers or remedies granted to any Party by any provision herein shall preclude any other rights, powers or remedies available to such Party at law and under the other provisions of this Agreement. In addition, a Partys exercise of any of its rights, powers and remedies shall not exclude such Party from exercising any of its other rights, powers and remedies.
12.5 No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any rights, powers and remedies available to it hereunder or at law (hereinafter referred to as Such Rights ) shall result in a waiver thereof, nor shall the waiver of any single or part of Such Rights shall exclude such Party from exercising Such Rights in any other way and exercising other rights of such Party.
12.6 The headings of the provisions herein are for reference only, and in no event shall such headings be used for or affect the interpretation of the provisions hereof.
12.7 Each provision contained herein shall be severable and independent from each of the other provisions. If any one or more provisions herein become(s) invalid, illegal or unenforceable at any time, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions herein shall not be affected as a result thereof.
12.8 This Agreement, once executed, shall supersede any other legal documents previously executed by and among the Parties with respect to the subject hereof. Any amendment or supplement hereto shall be made in writing and shall become effective only upon due execution by the Parties hereto.
12.9 Without the prior written consent of other Parties, none of the Parties shall transfer any of its rights and/or obligations hereunder to any third party.
12.10 This Agreement shall be binding on the legal assignees or successors of the Parties.
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[Signature Page of Exclusive Option Agreement]
In witness whereof, the following Parties have executed this Exclusive Option Agreement as of the date first above written.
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[Signature Page of Exclusive Option Agreement]
In witness whereof, the following Parties have executed this Exclusive Option Agreement as of the date first above written.
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Annex I:
Companys General Information
Company name: [Name of VIE]
Registered address:
Registered capital:
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Ownership structure:
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ID number/company
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Annex II:
Form of Exercise Notice
To: [Name of Shareholders]
Whereas, we entered into an Exclusive Option Agreement (the Option Agreement ) with you and [Name of Variable Interest Entity] (the Company ) and we reached an agreement that you shall transfer the equity you hold in the Company to us or any third party designated by us at our request to the extent permitted by the PRC laws and regulations.
Therefore, we hereby give this notice to you as follows:
We hereby require to exercise the Equity Transfer Option under the Option Agreement and we/[ · ] [ name of company/individual ] designated by us will acquire the [ · ]% of the equity you hold in the Company (the Proposed Acquired Equity ). Upon your receipt of this notice, you shall immediately transfer all the Proposed Acquired Equity to us/[name of designated company/individual] pursuant to the provisions of the Option Agreement.
Best regards
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[Name of WFOE] |
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Annex III:
Form of Exercise Notice
To: [Name of VIE]
Whereas, we entered into an Exclusive Option Agreement (the Option Agreement ) with you, [Name of Shareholders] and we reached an agreement that you shall transfer your assets to us or any third party designated by us at our request to the extent permitted by the PRC laws and regulations.
Therefore, we hereby give this notice to you as follows:
We hereby require to exercise the Asset Purchase Option under the Option Agreement and we/[ · ] [ name of company/individual ] designated by us will acquire the assets owned by you as stated in a separate list (the Proposed Acquired Assets ). Upon your receipt of this notice, you shall immediately transfer all the Proposed Acquired Assets to us/[name of designated company/individual] pursuant to the provisions of the Option Agreement.
Best regards
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Schedule of Material Differences
One or more persons entered into exclusive option agreement with Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. using this form. Pursuant to Instruction ii to Item 601 of Regulation S-K, the Registrant may only file this form as an exhibit with a schedule setting forth the material details in which the executed agreements differ from this form:
No. |
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Name of
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Name of
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Name of Variable
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% of
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Execution Date |
1 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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Xiaoping Chen |
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Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd. |
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60% |
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July 21, 2015 |
2 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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De Liu |
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Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd. |
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20% |
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July 21, 2015 |
3 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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Liping Cao |
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Beijing Yunmi Technology Co., Ltd. |
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20% |
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July 21, 2015 |
4 |
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Lequan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. |
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Xiaoping Chen |
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Foshan Yunmi Electric Appliances Technology Co., Ltd. |
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100% |
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September 5, 2018 |
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form F-1 of Viomi Technology Co., Ltd. of our report dated June 26, 2018, except for the effects of the share split discussed in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, as to which the date is August 28, 2018 relating to the financial statements, which appears in this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading Experts in such Registration Statement.
/s/
PricewaterhouseCoopers Z
hong Tian LLP
Guangzhou, the Peoples Republic of China
September 11, 2018