0001144204-11-016302.txt : 20110322 0001144204-11-016302.hdr.sgml : 20110322 20110322140039 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-11-016302 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20110316 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Other Events ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20110322 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20110322 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHINACAST EDUCATION CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001261888 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-EDUCATIONAL SERVICES [8200] IRS NUMBER: 200178991 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-33771 FILM NUMBER: 11703582 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 25 FL. QIANG SHENG MANSION STREET 2: NO. 145 PU JIAN ROAD, PUDONG DISTRICT CITY: SHANGHAI STATE: F4 ZIP: 211217 BUSINESS PHONE: (8621) 6864-4666 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 25 FL. QIANG SHENG MANSION STREET 2: NO. 145 PU JIAN ROAD, PUDONG DISTRICT CITY: SHANGHAI STATE: F4 ZIP: 211217 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: GREAT WALL ACQUISITION CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20030829 8-K 1 v215432_8k.htm Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
______________

FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  March 16, 2011
 
CHINACAST EDUCATION CORPORATION
 
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
Delaware
001-33771
20-178991
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
Suite 08, 20/F, One International Financial Centre, 1 Harbour View Street
Central, Hong Kong
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (852) 3960 6506
 
____________________________________
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
 
o           Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
o           Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
o           Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
o           Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 
 

 
 
Item 2.02  Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
On March 16, 2011, ChinaCast Education Corporation (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2010 and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.  The full text of the press release is set forth in Exhibit 99.1 attached hereto.
 
Item 8.01  Other Events.
 
On March 16, 2011, the Company issued a press release announcing that the Company’s Board of Directors has approved the repurchase by the Company of up to $50 million of its shares of common stock over the next 12 months.  The full text of the press release is set forth in Exhibit 99.2 attached hereto.
 
Item 9.01  Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
 
(d)
Exhibits
 
Exhibit No.
Description
   
99.1
Press Release dated March 16, 2011
   
99.2
Press Release dated March 16, 2011
 
 
 

 
 
SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
Dated:  March 21, 2011
CHINACAST EDUCATION CORPORATION
 
     
       
 
By:
/s/ Antonio Sena  
   
Name: Antonio Sena
 
   
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
 
       
 
 
 

 
 
Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.
Description
   
99.1
Press Release dated March 16, 2011
   
99.2
Press Release dated March 16, 2011
 
 
 

 
EX-99.1 2 v215432_ex99-1.htm Unassociated Document
ChinaCast Education Reports Strong
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Financial Results

Full Year 2010 Highlights:
 
·
Total revenues increased 53% to $77.9 million
 
·
Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) increased 43% to $27.1 million
 
·
Adjusted diluted EPS (non-GAAP) of $0.56
 
·
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) increased 42% to $41.7 million

Beijing, March 16, 2011 -- ChinaCast Education Corporation (the “Company” or “ChinaCast”) (Nasdaq GS:CAST), a leading for-profit, post-secondary and e-learning services provider in China, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2010.

 
·
Full Year 2010 Highlights1:
 
o
Total revenues increased 53% to $77.9 million
 
o
Gross profit increased 28% to $37.4 million; Gross profit margin was 48%
 
o
Net income decreased 20% to $10.9 million; Net income margin was 14%
 
o
Diluted EPS of $0.22
 
o
Before a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of $9.1 million
 
§
Net income increased 47% to $19.9 million; Net income margin was 26%
 
§
Diluted EPS of $0.41
 
o
Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) increased 43% to $27.1 million; Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) margin was 35%
 
o
Adjusted diluted EPS of $0.56
 
o
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) increased 42% to $41.7 million; Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) was 54%
 
o
Cash, cash equivalents and term deposits was $143.7 million
 
o
Total equity was $278.1 million

 
·
Fourth Quarter 2010 Highlights:
 
o
Total revenues increased 56% to $25.7 million
 
o
Gross profit increased 28% to $10.2 million; Gross profit margin was 40%
 
o
Net income decreased 279% to ($5.1) million
 
o
Diluted EPS of ($0.10)
 
o
Before a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of $9.1 million
 
§
Net income increased 42% to $4.0 million; Net income margin was 16%
 
§
Diluted EPS of $0.08
 
o
Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) increased 31% to $6.1 million; Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) margin was 23.5%
 
o
Adjusted diluted EPS (non-GAAP) of $0.12
 
o
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) increased 29% to $10.2 million; Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) was 40%

 “I am pleased to report another successful year of robust growth while achieving key strategic objectives which we believe pave a clear path for future growth,” commented Ron Chan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  “First and foremost, we acquired our third accredited university, Hubei Industrial University Business College (“HIUBC”), bringing our total university enrollment to over 32,000 students and adding degree programs in computer engineering, industrial design and law to our curriculum. This expands our geographic presence to central China and further solidifies our position as a leading nationwide operator of accredited universities in China. We also launched our international degree programs by signing inaugural partnerships with two renowned U.S. universities, Seton Hall and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. These agreements cover both undergraduate and graduate degree programs and provide us with a conduit to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for international degree programs in China. Finally, we successfully commenced our e-learning joint venture with China University of Petroleum (“CUP”) which will further expand our vocational training business. We are leveraging our existing technology and infrastructure to quickly scale this high growth, high margin business. With private post-secondary education services expanding with the rise in consumer spending power, we believe ChinaCast Education is poised for long term earnings growth.”
 
1 See financial tables below and the GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation attached to this press release.  The US dollar figures presented in this release are derived from the corresponding RMB figures from the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2010, and are based on the historical exchange rate of US$1.0 = 6.8 RMB at December 31, 2009, and US$1.0 = 6.6 RMB at December 31, 2010.
 
 
 

 
 
Added Antonio Sena, Chief Financial Officer, “During the fourth quarter, we were able to achieve double-digit organic growth in our TUG business augmented by the acquisition of our third university, HIUBC.  We also decided to incur a one-time, non-cash impairment charge which related to a write-down of non-current receivables.
 
"Additionally, we are pleased to report a 170% increase in our operating cash flow to $53.7 million in 2010 from $19.9 million in 2009.  Our total cash balance as of year end 2010, is now $143.5 million, which places us in a strong position to capitalize on future acquisitions and/or share repurchase opportunities.  The educational market in China continues its strong growth, and we are optimistic about our prospects for continued strong financial growth in 2011."

Full Year 2010 Financial Results

ChinaCast is organized into two business segments, the Traditional University Group and the E-Learning Services Group.  The TUG offers fully-accredited bachelor and diploma degree programs to students from three universities in China:  the Foreign Trade and Business College (“FTBC”) campus in Chongqing, the Lijiang College (“LJC”) campus in Guilin and Hubei Industrial University Business College (“HIUBC”) in Wuhan.  The ELG encompasses the Company's E-learning education service businesses.

Total Revenues – Total revenues for the year increased 53% to $77.9 million from $51.0 million in 2009.  TUG revenue for the year increased 110% to $46.4 million from $22.1 million in 2009 primarily due to the acquisition of LJC and HIUBC.  ELG revenue for the year increased 9% to $31.5 million from $28.9 million in the 2009 primarily due to an increase in equipment sales.

Cost of Sales – Cost of sales for the year increased 88% to $40.5 million from $21.7 million in 2009 primarily due to the acquisition of LJC and HIUBC.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin – Gross profit for the year increased 28% to $37.4 million from $29.3 million in 2009.   Gross profit margin for the year was 48% compared to 57% in 2009 primarily due to the increase in percentage of total revenue attributed to the TUG business which has a lower gross margin than the ELG business and the increase in equipment sales.  The gross profit margin of the TUG business for the year was 27% compared to 29% in 2009.  The gross profit margin of the ELG business for the year was 79% compared to 78% in 2009.

Share Based Compensation – Share based compensation for the year decreased 50% to $1.2 million from $2.4 million in 2009.

Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets – Amortization of acquired intangible assets for the year increased 97% to $6.0 million from $3.0 million in 2009 primarily due to the acquisition of LJC and HIUBC.

Operating Expenses –  Operating expenses for the year increased 107% to $21.0 million from $10.2 million in 2009 due to a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of $9.1 million against a non-current receivable. Before this impairment charge, operating expenses increased 17% to $11.9 million from $10.2 million in 2009 primarily due to an increase in administration expenses due to the acquisition of LJC and HIUBC but partially offset by a one-time gain of $1.4 million due to an adjustment in the purchase price of the acquisition of LJC.
 
 
2

 

Operating Income and Operating Income Margin – Operating income for the year decreased 14% to $16.4 million from $19.1 million in 2009 due to a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of $9.1 million against a non-current receivable. Before this impairment charge, operating income for the year increased 33% to $25.4 million from $19.1 million in 2009.  Operating income margin for the year was 21% compared to 38% in 2009 primarily due to the impairment charge and increase in percentage of total revenue attributed to the TUG business which has a lower operating income margin than the ELG business.  The operating income margin of the TUG business for the year was 22% compared to 27% in 2009 primarily due to the acquisition of LJC and HIUBC.  The operating income margin of the ELG business for the year was 48% compared to 56% in 2009 primarily due to the increase in equipment sales.

Income Taxes – Income taxes for the year increased 33% to $5.8 million from $4.4 million for the year 2009.

Net Income and Net Income Margin – Net income attributable to the Company for the year decreased to $10.9 million from $13.5 million in 2009 due to a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of $9.1 million. Net income margin 14% compared to 27% in 2009.  Before this impairment charge, net income increased 47% to $19.9 million from $13.5 million in 2009.

Diluted EPS - Diluted earnings per share for the year were $0.22 compared to $0.36 in 2009 due a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of $9.1 million.  The weighted average number of shares used in the computation was 48,767,142for the fourth quarter of 2010 and 37,167,694 for the fourth quarter of 2009.

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Margin - Adjusted net income excluding share based compensation expenses, one-time, non-cash impairment charges and amortization of acquired intangible assets (non-GAAP) for the year increased 43% to $27.1 million from $19.0 million in 2009.  Adjusted net income margin excluding share based compensation expenses, non-cash impairment charges and amortization of acquired intangible assets (non-GAAP) for the year was 35% compared to 37% in 2009.

Adjusted Diluted EPS - Adjusted diluted earnings per share excluding share based compensation expenses, non-cash impairment charges and amortization of acquired intangible assets (non-GAAP) for the year were $0.56 compared to $0.53.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin – Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) for the year increased 42% to $41.7 million from $29.4 million in 2009.  Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) for the year was 54% compared to 58% in 2009 primarily due to the large increase in percentage of total revenue attributed to the TUG business which has a lower adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) than the ELG business.

Cash and Bank Balances together with Term Deposits - Cash and bank balances together with term deposits was $143.7 million as of December 31, 2010.  Total equity was $278.1 million.

Fourth Quarter 2010 Financial Results

Total Revenues – Total revenues for the quarter increased 56% to $25.7 million from $16.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.  TUG revenue for the quarter increased 80% to $16.0 million from $8.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, primarily due to the acquisition of HIUBC in the third quarter of 2010.  TUG total student enrollment for the quarter increased 60% to approximately 32,700 from approximately 20,400 in the fourth quarter of 2009.  TUG average revenue per student for the quarter increased 12% to $489 per quarter compared to $436 per quarter in the fourth quarter of 2009.  ELG revenue for the quarter increased 28% to $9.7 million from $7.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily due to equipment sales.  ELG total number of post-secondary students enrolled in courses using the Company’s distance learning platform in the quarter increased to 143,000 compared to 138,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009.  ELG total number of subscribing schools for K-12 distance learning services for the quarter remained stable year-over-year at 6,500.
 
 
3

 

Cost of Sales – Cost of sales for the quarter increased 83% to $15.6 million from $8.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily due to the acquisition of HIUBC and ELG equipment sales.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin – Gross profit for the quarter increased 28% to $10.2 million from $8.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.   Gross profit margin for the quarter was 40% compared to 48% in the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily due to the increase in equipment sales and the increase in percentage of total revenue attributed to the TUG business which has a lower gross margin than the ELG business.  The gross profit margin of the TUG business for the quarter was 23% compared to 22% in the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily due to the acquisition of HIUBC.  The gross profit margin for the ELG business was 66% compared to 79% in the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily due to the increase in equipment sales.

Share Based Compensation – Share based compensation for the quarter decreased 60% to $0.2 million from $0.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets – Amortization of acquired intangible assets for the quarter increased 44% to $1.9 million from $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily due to the acquisition of HIUBC.

Operating Expenses –Operating expenses for the quarter increased 265% to $14.2 million compared to $3.9 million in 2009 due to one-time, non-cash impairment charge of US$9.1 million. Before the impairment charge, operating expenses increased 31% to $5.1 million from $3.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Operating Income and Operating Income Margin –Operating income loss for the quarter was $4.0 million compared to operating income of $4.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2009 due to a one-time,  non-cash impairment charge of $9.1 million. Before the impairment charge, operating income increased 24% to $5.1 million from $4.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.  The operating income margin of the TUG business for the quarter was 13% compared to 11% in the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily due to the acquisition of HIUBC.  The operating income margin of the ELG business for the quarter was 31% compared to 41% in the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily due to the increase in equipment sales.

Income Taxes – Income taxes for the quarter increased 28% to $1.7 million from $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Net Income and Net Income Margin – Net income attributable to the Company for the quarter decreased 279% to ($5.1) million from $2.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2009 due to a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of $9.1 million. Net income margin for the quarter was (19.7%) compared to 17% in the fourth quarter of 2009 to 16% this quarter.  Before the impairment charge, net income for the quarter increased 42% to $4.0 million from $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Diluted EPS - Diluted losses per share for the quarter were $0.10 compared to earnings of $0.07 in the fourth quarter of 2009..  The weighted average number of shares used in the computation was 50,521,366 for the fourth quarter of 2010 and 40,538,186 for the fourth quarter of 2009.

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income Margin - Adjusted net income excluding share based compensation, non-cash impairment charges and amortization of acquired intangible assets (non-GAAP) for the quarter increased 31% to $6.1 million from $4.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.  Adjusted net income margin (non-GAAP) for the quarter was 24% compared to 28% in the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
 
4

 

Adjusted Diluted EPS - Adjusted diluted earnings per share excluding share based compensation expenses, non-cash impairment charges and amortization of acquired intangible assets (non-GAAP) for the quarter were $0.12 compared to $0.12 in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin – Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) for the quarter increased 29% to $10.2 million from $7.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.  Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) for the quarter was 40% compared to 48% in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Financial Outlook for 2011

For the full year ending December 31, 2011, the Company provides the following guidance:

 
·
Total net revenue will be between $94 million to $96 million (a year-on-year increase of 21% to 23%)
 
·
Adjusted net income excluding share based compensation, amortization of intangibles, gain on disposal of property and equipment, and impairment expenses (non-GAAP) will be between $32 million to $34 million (a year-on-year increase of 18% to 25%)
 
·
Adjusted EBITDA excluding share based compensation (non-GAAP) will be between $50 million to $52 million (a year-on-year increase of 20% to 25%)

This is the Company’s current and preliminary view, which is subject to change.

Conference Call Information

ChinaCast’s management team will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 am ET, Thursday, March 17, 2011.  The dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

Earnings Call Telephone Numbers:
US/Canada Toll Free:  +877-303-9226
International:  +1-760-666-3566

A replay of the earnings conference call will be available at the following numbers:

Replay Telephone Numbers:
US/Canada Toll Free:  +1-800-642-1687
International:  +1-706-645-9291
Replay Pass Code:  48374657

The replay will be available starting at 10:00 am ET, Thursday, March 17, 2011, through 11:59 pm ET, Thursday, March 31, 2011.

Additionally, a live and archived version of the earnings call will be available at www.chinacasteducation.com. Please access the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start time in order to download and install any necessary software.

About ChinaCast Education Corporation

Established in 1999, ChinaCast Education Corporation is a leading for-profit, post-secondary education and e-Learning services provider in China. The Company provides post-secondary degree and diploma programs through its three universities in China: The Foreign Trade and Business College of Chongqing Normal University, the Lijiang College of Guangxi Normal University and Hubei Industrial University Business College. These universities offer fully accredited, career-oriented bachelor's degree and diploma programs in business, economics, law, IT/computer engineering, hospitality and tourism management, advertising, language studies, art and music. The Company provides its e-Learning services to post-secondary institutions, K-12 schools, government agencies and corporate enterprises via its nationwide satellite/fiber broadband network. These services include interactive distance learning applications, multimedia education content delivery, English language training and vocational training courses. The Company is listed on NASDAQ Global Select Market with the ticker symbol CAST.
 
 
5

 

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain statements that are forward-looking, as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements express our current expectations or forecasts of possible future results or events, including projections of future performance, statements of management's plans and objectives, future contracts, and forecasts of trends and other matters. These projections, expectations and trends are dependent on certain risks and uncertainties including such factors, among others, as growth in demand for education services, smooth and timely implementation of new training centers and other risk factors listed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this filing, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts and often use words such as “anticipate'”, “estimate”, “expect”, “believe,” “will likely result,” “outlook,” “project” and other words and expressions of similar meaning. No assurance can be given that the results in any forward-looking statements will be achieved and actual results could be affected by one or more factors, which could cause them to differ materially. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which statements are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, we use the following non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted net income, adjusted net-income margin, adjusted EPS (basic and diluted), adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin. The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned “Reconciliations of non-GAAP results of operations measures to the nearest comparable GAAP measures” included at the end of this release.

We use these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Our management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by excluding certain expenses and expenditures that may not be indicative of our recurring core business operating results.”  These non-GAAP financial measures exclude from our operating performance not only non-cash charges, such as stock-based compensation, but also discrete cash charges that are infrequent in nature. We believe that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing our performance and when planning, forecasting and analyzing future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management’s internal comparisons to our historical performance and liquidity as well as comparisons to our competitors’ operating results. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors both because (1) they allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making and (2) they are used by our institutional investors and the analyst community to help them analyze the health of our business.  The accompanying tables have more details on the GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures and the related reconciliations between these financial measures.

Contact:

ChinaCast Education
Michael Santos, President-International
+1-202-361-3403
mjsantos@chinacasteducation.com

HC International
Ted Haberfield, Executive Vice President
+1-760-755-2716
thaberfield@hcinternational.net
 
 
6

 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share-related data)

   
As of December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2010
 
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
US$
 
Assets
                 
                   
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    327,628       244,403       37,031  
Term deposits
    507,000       704,000       106,667  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of RMBnil and nill as of December 31, 2009 and 2010
    53,828       59,420       9,003  
Inventory
    1,386       993       150  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    19,178       48,221       7,306  
Amounts due from related parties
    6,388       3,438       521  
Deferred tax assets - current
    1,010       2,972       450  
Assets held for sale
    34       -       -  
Current portion of prepaid lease payments for land use right
    3,246       3,986       604  
                         
Total current assets
    919,698       1,067,433       161,732  
Non-current deposits and prepayments
    14,550       7,388       1,119  
Property and equipment, net
    516,938       763,926       115,746  
Prepaid lease payments for land use rights - non-current
    144,818       177,544       26,901  
Acquired intangible assets, net
    71,286       100,816       15,275  
Long-term investments
    3,101       3,000       455  
Non-current advances to related party
    99,727       -       -  
Goodwill
    503,771       774,083       117,285  
Total assets
    2,273,889       2,894,190       438,513  
                         
Liabilities and equity
                       
                         
Current liabilities:
                       
Accounts payable (including accounts payable of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of RMB719 and RMB1,635 as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
    16,061       48,602       7,364  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (including accrued expenses and other liabilities of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of RMB16,740 and RMB17,502 as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
    214,316       279,973       42,420  
Deferred revenues
    156,645       262,824       39,822  
Income taxes payable (including income taxes payable of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of RMB2,293 and RMB4,844 as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
    68,731       99,461       15,070  
Current portion of long-term bank borrowings(including current portion of long-term bank borrowings of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of nil as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010)
    104,400       170,000       25,758  
Current portion of capital lease obligation (including current portion of capital lease obligation of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of nil as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010)
    1,323       -       -  
Other borrowings(including other borrowings of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of nil as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010)
    200       1,500       227  
Liabilities held for sale
    1,315       -       -  
Total current liabilities
    562,991       862,360       130,661  
 
 
7

 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - continued
(In thousands, except share-related data)
 
   
As of December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2010
   
2010
 
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
US$
 
                   
Long-term bank borrowings(including long-term bank Borrowings of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of nil as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010)
    134,000       90,000       13,636  
Deferred tax liabilities - non-current(including deferred tax liabilities – non-current of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of nil as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010)
    30,923       51,503       7,803  
Unrecognized tax benefits - non-current (including unrecognized tax benefits of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of RMB5,257 and RMB5,799 as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
    62,457       109,933       16,657  
Total non-current liabilities
    227,380       251,436       38,096  
Total liabilities
    790,371       1,113,796       168,757  
Commitments and contingencies (Note 24)
                       
                         
Equity:
                       
Ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 45,170,698 and 49,778,952 shares issued and outstanding in 2009 and 2010, respectively)
    33       36       5  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,290,651       1,510,527       228,868  
Statutory reserve
    39,139       47,671       7,223  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (6,055 )     (3,194 )     (484 )
Retained earnings
    136,583       199,862       30,282  
Total ChinaCast Education Corporation shareholders' equity
    1,460,351       1,754,902       265,894  
Noncontrolling interest
    23,167       25,492       3,862  
Total equity
    1,483,518       1,780,394       269,756  
Total liabilities and equity
    2,273,889       2,894,190       438,513  
 
 
8

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPERHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except share-related data)

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2010
 
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
US$
 
Revenues:
                       
Service
    253,702       337,940       495,808       75,122  
Equipment
    28,912       8,607       18,203       2,758  
      282,614       346,547       514,011       77,880  
Cost of revenues:
                               
Service
    (97,730 )     (139,046 )     (249,440 )     (37,794 )
Equipment
    (29,122 )     (8,455 )     (17,952 )     (2,720 )
      (126,852 )     (147,501 )     (267,392 )     (40,514 )
Gross profit
    155,762       199,046       246,619       37,366  
                                 
Operating (expenses) income:
                               
Selling and marketing expenses (including share-based compensation of RMB1,626, RMB1,640 and RMB406 for 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively)
    (5,770 )     (4,649 )     (2,995 )     (454 )
General and administrative expenses (including share-based compensation of RMB14,225, RMB14,566 and RMB7,439 for 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively)
    (67,704 )     (69,641 )     (84,437 )     (12,793 )
Foreign exchange loss
    (1,162 )     (87 )     (974 )     (148 )
Impairment loss of non-current advance
    -       -       (59,842 )     (9,067 )
Management service fee
    6,463       5,128       -       -  
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
    -       -       9,417       1,427  
Other operating income
    56       210       324       49  
Total operating expenses, net
    (68,117 )     (69,039 )     (138,507 )     (20,986 )
Income from operations
    87,645       130,007       108,112       16,380  
Impairment loss on cost method investment
    (8,500 )     (436 )     -       -  
Gain on disposal of cost method investment
    -       -       2,123       322  
Interest income
    19,461       8,317       14,103       2,137  
Interest expense
    (2,575 )     (7,988 )     (13,679 )     (2,073 )
                                 
Income before provision for income taxes, earnings in equity investments
    96,031       129,900       110,659       16,766  
Provision for income taxes
    (24,381 )     (29,949 )     (38,573 )     (5,844 )
Net income before earnings in equity investments
    71,650       99,951       72,086       10,922  
Earnings in equity investments
    (441 )     (1,687 )     (101 )     (15 )
Income from continuing operations, net of tax
    71,209       98,264       71,985       10,907  
Discontinued operations
                               
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes of RMBnil for 2008, 2009 and 2010
    (21,025 )     (74 )     -       -  
                                 
Gain on termination of discontinued operation, net of taxes of RMBnil for 2008, 2009 and 2010
    -       1,228       1,280       194  
Net (loss) income on discontinued operation
    (21,025 )     1,154       1,280       194  
Net income
    50,184       99,418       73,265       11,101  
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (7,517 )     (7,339 )     (1,454 )     (220 )
Net income attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
    42,667       92,079       71,811       10,881  
 
 
9

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2010
 
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
US$
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income
    50,184       99,418       73,265       11,101  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                               
Depreciation
    16,565       29,489       53,126       8,049  
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
    16,280       20,596       39,470       5,980  
Amortization of land use rights
    1,908       2,639       3,534       535  
Share-based compensation
    15,851       16,206       7,845       1,189  
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment
    (37 )     1,364       684       104  
Earnings in equity investments
    441       1,687       101       15  
Write-down of inventory
    262       276       -       -  
Gain on termination of discontinued operation
    -       -       (1,280 )     (194 )
Gain on disposal of acquired intangible assets
    -       (1,552 )     -       -  
Impairment loss on cost method investment
    8,500       436       -       -  
Impairment loss on acquired intangible assets
    14,500       -       -       -  
Impairment loss of non-current advance
    -       -       59,842       9,067  
Gain on disposal of subsidiary
    -       (1,228 )     -       -  
Gain on disposal of cost method investment
    -       -       (2,123 )     (322 )
Change in fair value of contingent consideration-prior year
    -       -       (9,417 )     (1,427 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                               
Accounts receivable
    1,927       (20,298 )     (4,790 )     (726 )
Inventory
    334       (243 )     393       60  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (1,566 )     (8,910 )     (21,086 )     (3,195 )
Non-current deposits and prepayments
    1,746       (1,491 )     8,162       1,237  
Amounts due from related parties
    760       (3,900 )     2,950       447  
Accounts payable
    (11,163 )     4,594       6,136       930  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    22,813       (11,669 )     (2,839 )     (430 )
Deferred revenues
    51,172       (16,287 )     103,426       15,671  
Amounts due to related parties
    1,127       (1,127 )     -       -  
Income taxes payable
    13,844       18,137       25,175       3,814  
Deferred tax assets
    -       (270 )     (1,413 )     (214 )
Deferred tax liabilities
    (2,266 )     (3,463 )     (8,423 )     (1,276 )
Unrecognized tax benefits
    9,883       10,683       19,833       3,005  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    213,065       135,087       352,571       53,420  
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                               
Purchase of cost method investment
    (3,000 )     -                  
Advances to related party
    (26,294 )     (20,309 )     -       -  
Repayment from advances to related party
    35,991       32,611       -       -  
Deposits for business acquisition
    (19,000 )     -       -       -  
Return of deposit for business acquisition
    19,000       -       -       -  
Purchase of property and equipment
    (56,351 )     (41,280 )     (100,377 )     (15,209 )
Purchase of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
    (465,507 )     (221,887 )     (340,260 )     (51,555 )
Term deposits
    227,768       (138,000 )     (197,000 )     (29,848 )
Advance from disposal of intangible assets
    -       1,000       -       -  
Disposal of intangible assets
    -       6,000       -       -  
Disposal of property and equipment
    244       51       -       -  
Deposit for investment
    -       (3,000 )     -       -  
Cash contribution from minority interest
                    20,000       3,030  
Acquisition of brand name usage right
    -       -       -       -  
Net cash spent on disposal of discontinued operation
    -       (683 )     -       -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (287,149 )     (385,497 )     (617,637 )     (93,582 )
 
 
10

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - continued
(In thousands)

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2009
   
2010
   
2010
 
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
US$
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Deferred consideration paid for acquisition of subsidiary
    -       (4,150 )     (20,540 )     (3,112 )
Proceeds from share offering, net of issuance costs
    64,236       297,351       232,971       35,299  
Other borrowings raised
    5,998       10,850       93,500       14,167  
Bank borrowings raised
    -       70,000       136,000       20,606  
Bank borrowings repaid
                    (168,400 )     (25,515 )
Guarantee deposit paid
    -       (3,000 )     (1,000 )     (151 )
Repayment of other borrowings
    (11,501 )     (11,747 )     (92,200 )     (13,970 )
Repayment of capital lease obligation
    -       -       (1,323 )     (200 )
Exercise of warrants and issuance of restricted shares of common stock, net of issuance costs (Note 18)
    98,510       -                  
                                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    155,941       358,113       179,008       27,124  
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
    (336 )     (189 )     2,833       428  
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    81,521       107,514       (86,058 )     (13,038 )
Less: cash and cash equivalents in assets held for sale
    -       (17 )     -       -  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
    138,610       220,131       327,628       49,641  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year
    220,131       327,628       244,403       37,031  
                                 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
                               
Payable assumed in purchase of property and equipment
    23,189       49,335       30,609       4,638  
Inception of capital leases
    3,784       -       -       -  
Non-current advance used to acquire NCI
    -       -       40,000       6,061  
Consideration payable for acquisition of subsidiaries
    4,150       30,482       78,721       11,927  
Receivable from disposal of subsidiaries
    -       100       -       -  
Issuance of restricted shares of common stock for acquisition of additional interests in subsidiary
    -       135,000       -       -  
                                 
Supplemental cash flow information:
                               
Interest paid (net of amount capitalized of RMB1,421 and RMB8,832 in 2009 and 2010, respectively)
    2,575       7,988       13,679       2,073  
Income taxes paid
    3,846       5,014       3,281       497  
 
 
11

 
 
Non-GAAP Figures
 
   
3 months ended
   
3 months ended
   
%change
 
   
31/12/2010
   
31/12/2009
    +/(-)  
   
US$'000
   
US$'000
         
Adjusted Net Income (Non-GAAP)
                   
Net income attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
    ( 5,065 )     2,830       (278.98 )
Share-based Compensation
    200       494       (59.51 )
Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets
    1,854       1,289       43.83  
Impairment loss on non-current advance
    9,067       -          
Adjusted Net Income (non-GAAP)
    6,056       4,613       31.28  
    Adjusted Net Margin (non-GAAP)
    23.5 %     28.0 %        
Adjusted Diluted EPS (Non-GAAP)
    0.12       0.12       0.00  
                         
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
                       
Net income attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
    (5,065 )     2,830       (278.98 )
Depreciation
    2,469       1,650       49.64  
Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets
    1,854       1,289       43.83  
Amortization of Land Use Rights
    155       98       58.16  
Share-based Compensation
    200       494       (59.51 )
Impairment loss on non-current advance
    9,067       -          
Interest Income
    (574 )     (205 )     180.00  
Interest Expesne
    463       353       31.16  
Provision for income taxes
    1,672       1,303       28.32  
Earnings in equity investments
    2       47       (95.74 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    4       58       (93.10 )
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)
    10,247       7,917       29.43  
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin (non-GAAP)
    39.8 %     48.0 %        
                         
 
 
12

 
 
               
YoY
 
   
12 months ended
   
12 months ended
   
%change
 
   
31/12/2010
   
31/12/2009
   
+/(-)
 
   
US$'000
   
US$'000
       
Adjusted Net Income (Non-GAAP)
                 
Net income attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
    10,881       13,541       (19.64 )
Share-based Compensation
    1,189       2,383       (50.10 )
Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets
    5,980       3,029       97.42  
Impairment loss of non-current advance
    9,067       -          
Adjusted Net Income (non-GAAP)
    27,117       18,953       43.07  
    Adjusted Net Margin (non-GAAP)
    34.8 %     37.2 %        
Adjusted Diluted EPS (Non-GAAP)
    0.56       0.53       5.66  
                         
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
                       
Net income attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
    10,881       13,541       (19.64 )
Depreciation
    8,049       4,337       85.59  
Amortization of Acquired Intangible Assets
    5,980       3,029       97.42  
Amortization of Land Use Rights
    535       388       37.89  
Share-based Compensation
    1,189       2,383       (50.10 )
Impairment loss on non-current advance
    9,067       -          
Interest Income
    (2,137 )     (1,223 )     74.73  
Interest Expesne
    2,073       1,175       76.43  
Provision for income taxes
    5,844       4,404       32.70  
Earnings in equity investments
    15       248       (93.95 )
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    220       1,079       (79.61 )
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)
    41,715       29,361       42.08  
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin (non-GAAP)
    53.6 %     57.6 %        
 
 
13

 
EX-99.2 3 v215432_ex99-2.htm Unassociated Document
ChinaCast Education Authorizes $50 Million
Share Repurchase Program


Beijing, March 16, 2011 -- ChinaCast Education ("ChinaCast," “CAST” or the "Company", Nasdaq GS: CAST), a leading for-profit, post-secondary education and e-learning services provider in China, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the repurchase by the Company of up to $50 million of its common shares over the next 12 months.
 
Ron Chan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ChinaCast stated, “Our business continues to generate substantial free cash flow and we believe that the Company should utilize a portion of our cash balances for the benefit of all of our long term shareholders by purchasing shares at what we believe are compelling valuations.  Given that it is difficult to find accredited private university acquisitions in China at valuations below 7 to 9 times EBITDA, management has decided to allocate approximately one third of our current cash balances toward a share repurchase program at essentially much lower EBITDA valuations.  Share repurchases at CAST’s current market value are also highly accretive to the Company’s E.P.S. growth.  Additionally, if the public markets were to continue to offer an opportunity for us to purchase CAST shares at what the Company believes are compelling valuations, we reserve the right to approve the allocation of  a greater portion of our cash resources for additional share repurchases in the future.”
 
Repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Depending on market conditions and other factors, these repurchases may be commenced or suspended from time to time without prior notice.
 
About ChinaCast Education Corporation

Established in 1999, ChinaCast Education Corporation is a leading for-profit, post-secondary education and e-learning services provider in China. The Company provides post-secondary degree and diploma programs through its three fully accredited universities:  The Foreign Trade and Business College of Chongqing Normal University located in Chongqing; Lijiang College of Guangxi Normal University located in Guilin; and Hubei Industrial University Business College located in Wuhan.  These universities offer four year and three year, career-oriented bachelor's degree and diploma programs in business, finance, economics, law, IT, engineering, hospitality and tourism management, advertising, language studies, art and music.

The Company also provides e-learning services to post-secondary institutions, K-12 schools, government agencies and corporate enterprises via its nationwide satellite broadband network. These services include interactive distance learning applications, multimedia education content delivery and vocational training courses. The Company is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market with the ticker symbol CAST.
 
 
 

 

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain statements that are forward-looking, as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements express our current expectations or forecasts of possible future results or events, including projections of future performance, statements of management's plans and objectives, future contracts, and forecasts of trends and other matters. These projections, expectations and trends are dependent on certain risks and uncertainties including such factors, among others, as growth in demand for education services, smooth and timely implementation of new training centers and other risk factors listed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this filing, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts and often use words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "believe," "will likely result," "outlook," "project" and other words and expressions of similar meaning. No assurance can be given that the results in any forward-looking statements will be achieved and actual results could be affected by one or more factors, which could cause them to differ materially. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.

Contact:

ChinaCast Education Corporation
Michael Santos, President-International
+1-202-361-3403
mjsantos@chinacasteducation.com

HC International
Ted Haberfield, Executive Vice President
+1-760-755-2716
thaberfield@hcinternational.net