10-Q 1 v239187_10q.htm FORM 10-Q Unassociated Document
 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
 
 
þ
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011
   
Or

 
¨
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the transition period from            to

Commission File Number: 001-33771

CHINACAST EDUCATION CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware
 
20-0178991
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 
 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
Incorporation or Organization)
   

Suite 08, 20/F, One International Financial Centre, 1 Harbour View Street,
Central, Hong Kong

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(852) 3960 6506
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ       No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨       No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:

Large accelerated filer  ¨
 
Accelerated filer þ
 
Non-accelerated filer   ¨
 
Smaller reporting
       
(Do not check if a smaller reporting
 
company ¨
       
company)
   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨      No þ

There were 49,020,291 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, outstanding as of November 6, 2011.
 

 
 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
3
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
3
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
29
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
35
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
36
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
37
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
37
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
37
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
37
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
37
Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)
 
37
Item 5. Other Information
 
37
Item 6. Exhibits
 
37
SIGNATURES
 
38
EXHIBIT INDEX
   

 
2

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
CHINACAST EDUCATION CORPORATION
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
 (In thousands, except share-related data)
 
                   
As of
 
   
As of September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
   
(Note 1)
           
(Note 1)
 
Assets
                       
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
   
75,359
     
482,300
     
244,403
 
Term deposits
   
94,531
     
605,000
     
704,000
 
Accounts receivable
   
8,297
     
53,098
     
59,420
 
Inventory
   
149
     
955
     
993
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
4,484
     
28,698
     
48,221
 
Amounts due from related parties
   
537
     
3,438
     
3,438
 
Deferred tax assets
   
264
     
1,688
     
2,972
 
Current portion of prepaid lease payments for land use rights
   
640
     
4,097
     
3,986
 
Total current assets
   
184,261
     
1,179,274
     
1,067,433
 
Non-current deposits
   
6,680
     
42,752
     
7,388
 
Prepayment for construction projects
   
6,797
     
43,502
     
-
 
Property and equipment, net
   
115,288
     
737,846
     
763,926
 
Prepaid lease payments for land use rights - non-current
   
27,244
     
174,361
     
177,544
 
Acquired intangible assets, net
   
10,142
     
64,909
     
100,816
 
Long-term investments
   
469
     
3,000
     
3,000
 
Goodwill
   
120,932
     
773,967
     
774,083
 
Total assets
   
471,813
     
3,019,611
     
2,894,190
 

 
3

 

         
As of
 
   
As of September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
   
(Note 1)
         
(Note 1)
 
Liabilities and equity
                 
Current liabilities:
                 
Accounts payable (including accounts payable of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of RMB682 and RMB1,635 as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
   
7,350
     
47,042
     
48,602
 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (including accrued expenses and other liabilities of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of RMB17,209 and RMB17,462 as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
   
30,627
     
196,023
     
270,703
 
Deferred revenues
   
54,876
     
351,208
     
262,824
 
Income taxes payable (including income taxes payable of  the consolidated VIE without recourse  to ChinaCast Education Corporation of RMB4,294 and RMB4,844 as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
   
18,000
     
115,198
     
99,461
 
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 September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010)
   
29,813
     
190,800
     
170,000
 
Other borrowings(including other borrowings of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of nil as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010)
   
-
     
-
     
1,500
 
Total current liabilities
   
140,666
     
900,271
     
853,090
 
Non-current liabilities:                        
Long-term deposit received
   
1,506 
     
9,636 
     
9,270 
 
Long-term bank borrowings (including long-term bank Borrowings of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of nil as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010)
   
10,938
     
70,000
     
90,000
 
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 September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010)
   
7,264
     
46,491
     
51,503
 
Unrecognized tax benefits – non-current (including unrecognized tax benefits of the consolidated VIE without recourse to ChinaCast Education Corporation of RMB6,205 and RMB5,799 as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
   
19,241
     
123,142
     
109,933
 
Total non-current liabilities
   
38,949
     
249,269
     
260,706
 
                         
Total liabilities
   
179,615
     
1,149,540
     
1,113,796
 
Commitments and contingencies
                       
Equity:
                       
Preferred stock (US$0.0001 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding)
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Ordinary shares (US$0.0001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 49,020,291 and 49,778,952 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively)
   
6
     
36
     
36
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
232,351
     
1,487,047
     
1,510,527
 
Statutory reserve
   
7,443
     
47,634
     
47,671
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(360
)
   
(2,295
)
   
(3,194
)
Retained earnings
   
51,632
     
330,443
     
199,862
 
                         
Total ChinaCast Education Corporation shareholders’ equity
   
291,072
     
1,862,865
     
1,754,902
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
1,126
     
7,206
     
25,492
 
                         
Total equity
   
292,198
     
1,870,071
     
1,780,394
 
                         
Total liabilities and equity
   
471,813
     
3,019,611
     
2,894,190
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

CHINACAST EDUCATION CORPORATION
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
 (In thousands, except share-related data)

   
For the three months ended September 30,
   
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
   
(Note 1)
         
(Note 1)
   
(Note 1)
         
(Note 1)
 
Revenues:
                                   
Service
    23,708       151,732       122,195       70,197       449,262       341,170  
Equipment
    1,915       12,256       2,924       4,555       29,153       2,955  
                                                 
      25,623       163,988       125,119       74,752       478,415       344,125  
                                                 
Cost of revenues:
                                               
Service
    (11,645 )     (74,527 )     (61,358 )     (33,552 )     (214,731 )     (161,713 )
Equipment
    (1,914     (12,251     (2,832     (4,535     (29,022     (2,832
                                                 
      (13,559 )     (86,778 )     (64,190 )     (38,087 )     (243,753 )     (164,545 )
                                                 
Gross profit
    12,064       77,210       60,929       36,665       234,662       179,580  
                                                 
Operating (expenses) income:
                                               
                                                 
Selling and marketing expenses (including share-based compensation of nil for the three months ended September 30 for 2011 and 2010, share-based compensation of nil and RMB410 for the nine months ended September 30 for 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    (44 )     (281 )     (394 )     (156 )     (1,000 )     (1,702 )
General and administrative expenses (including share-based compensation of RMB1,974 and RMB1,922 for the three months ended September 30 for 2011 and 2010, respectively, share-based compensation of RMB7,289 and RMB6,114 for the nine months ended September 30 for 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    (3,827 )     (24,494 )     (19,739 )     (12,266 )     (78,505 )     (52,291 )
Foreign exchange loss
    (61 )     (393 )     (4     (154 )     (988 )     (557
Gain from change in contingent consideration
    1,344       8,601       9,467       1,344       8,601       9,467  
Other operating income
    44       280       (34     62       398       180  
                                                 
Total operating expenses, net
    (2,544 )     (16,287 )     (10,704 )     (11,170 )     (71,494 )     (44,903 )

 
5

 

    
For the three months ended September 30,
   
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
   
(Note 1)
         
(Note 1)
   
(Note 1)
         
(Note 1)
 
Income from operations
   
9,520
     
60,923
     
50,225
     
25,495
     
163,168
     
134,677
 
Interest income
   
673
     
4,306
     
3,650
     
1,943
     
12,437
     
10,138
 
Interest expense
   
(777
)
   
(4,974
)
   
(4,058
)
   
(1,988
)
   
(12,723
)
   
(10,623
)
Income before provision for income taxes and earnings in equity method investments
   
9,416
     
60,255
     
49,817
     
25,450
     
162,882
     
134,192
 
Provision for income taxes
   
(1,454
)
   
(9,306
)
   
(7,791
)
   
(4,950
)
   
(31,679
)
   
(27,540
)
Net income before earnings in equity investments
   
7,962
     
50,949
     
42,026
     
20,500
     
131,203
     
106,652
 
Loss in equity investments
   
-
     
-
     
(26
   
-
     
-
     
(86
Income from continuing operation, net of tax
   
7,962
     
50,949
     
42,000
     
20,500
     
131,203
     
106,566
 
Discontinued operations
                                               
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes of nil for the three months and nine months ended September 30 for 2011 and 2010:
   
(110
)
   
(701
)
   
100
     
(265
)
   
(1,694
)
   
100
 
Gain from disposal of discontinued operations
   
268
     
1,716
     
-
     
268
     
1,716
     
-
 
Net income
   
8,120
     
51,964
     
42,100
     
20,503
     
131,225
     
106,666
 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(39
)
   
(248
)
   
(559
)
   
(101
)
   
(644
)
   
(1,427
)
Net income attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
   
8,081
     
51,716
     
41,541
     
20,402
     
130,581
     
105,239
 
 Net income
   
8,120
     
51,964
     
42,100
     
20,503
     
131,225
     
106,666
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
   
75
     
477
     
338
     
141
     
899
     
1,994
 
Comprehensive income
   
8,195
     
52,441
     
42,438
     
20,644
     
132,124
     
108,660
 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
(2,792
)
   
(17,869
)
   
(510
)
   
(2,857
)
   
(18,286
)
   
(1,377
)
 Comprehensive income attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
   
5,403
     
34,572
     
41,928
     
17,787
     
113,838
     
107,283
 
                                                 
Net income per share
                                               
Income from continuing operations attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation per share:
                                               
Basic
    0.16       1.03       0.83       0.41       2.63       2.21  
Diluted
    0.16       1.01       0.82       0.41       2.60       2.18  
                                                 
Income from discontinued operations attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation per share:
                                               
Basic
    -       0.03       -       -       0.01       -  
Diluted
     -       0.03        -       -       0.01       -  
                                                 
Net income attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation per share:
                                               
Basic
   
0.16
     
1.06
     
0.83
     
0.41
     
2.64
     
2.21
 
                                                 
Diluted
   
0.16
     
1.04
     
0.82
     
0.41
     
2.61
     
2.18
 
                                                 
Weighted average shares used in computation:
                                               
Basic
   
49,009,512
     
49,009,512
     
49,834,291
     
49,531,187
     
49,531,187
     
47,693,969
 
                                                 
Diluted
   
49,504,442
     
49,504,442
     
50,370,903
     
50,057,748
     
50,057,748
     
48,176,902
 
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
6

 

CHINACAST EDUCATION CORPORATION
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited)
 (In thousands, except share-related data)
 
               
ChinaCast Education Corporation Shareholders
             
                                             
Accumulated
             
                           
Additional
               
other
             
   
Preference
   
Ordinary
   
paid-in
   
Statutory
   
Retained
   
comprehensive
   
Noncontrolling
   
Total
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
capital
   
reserve
   
earnings
   
loss
   
interest
   
equity
 
               
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
       
Balance at January 1, 2010
                45,170,698       33       1,290,651       39,139       136,583       (6,055 )     23,167       1,483,518  
Issuance of shares of common stock
                4,428,254       3       232,967                               232,970  
Share-based compensation
                            6,522                               6,522  
Issuance of vested shares
                180,000                                            
Capital contribution by a non-controlling shareholder
                                                   
20,000
     
20,000
 
Net income
                                        105,239             1,427       106,666  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                                              2,044       (50 )     1,994  
                                                                                 
Balance at September 30, 2010
                49,778,952       36       1,530,140       39,139       241,822       (4,011 )     44,544       1,851,670  
                                                                                 
                            US$ 5     US$ 228,379     US$ 5,842     US$ 36,093     US$ (599 )   US$ 6,648     US$ 276,368  

 
   
       
ChinaCast Education Corporation Shareholders
             
                                       
Accumulated
             
                     
Additional
               
other
             
   
Preference
   
Ordinary
   
paid-in
   
Statutory
   
Retained
   
comprehensive
   
Noncontrolling
   
Total
 
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
capital
   
reserve
   
earnings
   
loss
   
interest
   
equity
 
                     
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
Balance at January 1, 2011
                49,778,952       36       1,510,527       47,671       199,862       (3,194 )     25,492       1,780,394  
Repurchase of common stock
                (1,015,503 )           (30,769 )                             (30,769 )
Share-based compensation
                256,842             7,289                               7,289  
Disposal of discontinued operation
                                  (37 )                 (18,930 )     (18,967 )
Net income
                                        130,581             644       131,225  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
                                              899       -       899  
                                                                                 
Balance at September 30, 2011
                49,020,291       36       1,487,047       47,634       330,443       (2,295 )     7,206       1,870,071  
                                                                                 
                            US$ 6     US$ 232,351     US$ 7,443     US$ 51,632     US$ (360 )   US$ 1,126     US$ 292,198  
 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

 
7

 

CHINACAST EDUCATION CORPORATION
  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
 (In thousands)
   
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
   
(Note 1)
           
(Note 1)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income
   
20,503
     
131,225
     
   106,666
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
   
7,453
     
47,701
     
36,832
 
Amortization of acquired intangible assets
   
5,610
     
35,907
     
27,231
 
Amortization of land use rights
   
480
     
3,072
     
2,510
 
Share-based compensation
   
1,139
     
7,289
     
6,522
 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
   
29
     
183
     
-
 
Loss in equity investments
   
-
     
-
     
86
 
Gain on disposal of discontinued operation
   
(268
)
   
(1,716
)
   
-
 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration-prior year
   
(1,344
)
   
(8,601
)
   
-
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
   
877
     
5,610
     
4,823
 
Inventory
   
3
     
21
     
(52
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
4,534
     
29,017
     
(3,607
)  
Non-current deposits
   
(3,348
   
(21,422
   
5390
 
Amounts due from related parties
   
-
     
-
     
2,950
 
Accounts payable
   
(244
   
(1,560
)
   
(2,657
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
   
1,004
     
6,427
     
(13,158
)  
Deferred revenues
   
14,617
     
93,549
     
159,699
 
Income taxes payable
   
2,459
     
15,737
     
19,656
 
Deferred tax assets
   
167
     
1,069
     
931
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
(783
)
   
(5,012
)
   
(4,765
)
Unrecognized tax benefits
   
2,134
     
13,655
     
13,320
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
55,022
     
352,151
     
362,377
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Repayment from advance to related party
   
-
     
-
     
62
 
Purchase of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
   
-
     
-
     
(374,374
)
Cash in the disposed subsidiary
   
(1,596
)
   
(10,214
)
   
-
 
Purchase of property and equipment
    (6,805     (43,553 )     (54,708
Purchase of term deposits
   
(94,531
   
(605,000
   
(93,000
Proceeds from maturity of term deposits
   
110,000
     
704,000
     
-
 
Deposits for investments
   
(80
)
   
(510
)
   
(3,000
)
Deposit for land use rights
   
(2,022
)
   
(12,942
)
   
-
 
Prepayment for construction projects
   
(6,797
   
(43,502
   
-
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(1,831
   
(11,721
   
(525,020
)

 
8

 

   
 
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
   
 
2011
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
 
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
   
 
(Note 1)
         
(Note 1)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                 
Payment of deferred consideration paid for acquisition of subsidiary
   
(10,956
)
   
(70,120
)
   
-
 
Other borrowings raised
   
5,313
     
34,000
     
93,500
 
Repayment of other borrowings
   
(5,547
)
   
(35,500
)
   
(92,200
)
Bank borrowings raised
   
20,281
     
129,800
     
80,000
 
Bank borrowings repaid
   
(20,156
)
   
(129,000
)
   
(94,400
Repayment of capital lease obligation
   
-
     
-
     
(10
Cash received from noncontrolling interest for establishing joint venture
    -       -       20,000  
Share repurchase
   
(4,808
)
   
(30,769
)
   
-
 
Deposit for bank borrowing guarantee
   
(781
)
   
(5,000
)
   
-
 
Collection of deposit for bank borrowing guarantee
   
625
     
4,000
     
-
 
Proceeds from issuance of share, net of issuance costs
   
-
     
-
     
232,970
 
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
   
(16,029
   
(102,589
   
239,860
 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
   
9
     
56
     
308
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
37,171
     
237,897
     
77,525
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
   
38,188
     
244,403
     
327,628
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
   
75,359
     
482,300
     
405,153
 
Supplemental noncash investing and financing activities:
                       
Consideration receivable from disposal of QPU
   
1,875
     
12,000
     
-
 
NCI eliminated due to disposal of QPU
   
(106)
     
(677)
     
-
 

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
9

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share-related data)

1.
BASIS OF PREPARATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of ChinaCast Education Corporation (“CEC”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in CEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

In the opinion of the management of CEC, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results expected for any subsequent interim period or for CEC’s fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CEC, its subsidiaries, and variable interest entities("VIE") (collectively, the “Company”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The VIE arrangements

PRC laws and regulations currently restrict direct foreign ownership of business entities providing telecommunications services, Internet access and the distribution of news and information in the PRC where certain licenses are required. As a Delaware company, the Company is deemed a foreign legal person under the PRC laws. To comply with the PRC laws and regulations, the Company provides substantially all of its satellite broadband business activities in the PRC through its VIE, ChinaCast Li Xiang Co. Ltd. ( “ CCLX ” ).

Arrangement with CCLX

CCLX is a variable interest entity established on May 7, 2003. ChinaCast and its majority-owned subsidiaries do not have legal ownership of CCLX, which is licensed to provide value-added satellite broadband services in the PRC. CCLX is legally owned by three employees of ChinaCast. To provide the Company the ability to receive the majority of the expected residual returns of the VIE, the Company's 98.5% owned subsidiary, ChinaCast Technology (Shanghai) Limited ( “ CCT Shanghai ” ) entered into a series of contractual arrangements with CCLX and CCLX subsequently updated these contractual arrangements on December 31, 2010.

 
·
Agreements that transfer economic benefits to CCT Shanghai

Technology services agreement: Pursuant to an Exclusive Technical Services Agreement with a 10 year term, CCT Shanghai assists CCLX in implementing CCLX's businesses relating to the provision of exclusive technical, consulting, financial support and other services, including but not limited to the provision of technical services, business consultations, equipment or property leasing, marketing consultancy, system integration, product research and development and system maintenance. As consideration for these services, CCT Shanghai is entitled to charge CCLX monthly service fees equal to the total revenue earned by CCLX, less operating expenses reasonably incurred in the course of conducting the business for which CEC and its subsidiaries provide technical services. During the term of the agreement, unless CCT Shanghai commits gross negligence, or a fraudulent act against CCLX, CCLX may not terminate the agreement prior to its expiration date. CCT Shanghai can terminate the agreement upon 30 days prior written notice to CCLX at anytime.

Call option agreement: Pursuant to a call option agreement, the shareholders of CCLX unconditionally and irrevocably granted CCT Shanghai or its designated party an exclusive option to purchase from CCLX's shareholders, to the extent permitted under PRC law, 100% of the equity interests in CCLX, as the case maybe, for RMB1 or the minimum amount of consideration permitted by the applicable law without any other conditions. CCT Shanghai has sole discretion to decide when to exercise the option, whether in part or in full, during the 10 year term of the agreement.

Equity pledge agreement: Pursuant to the equity pledge agreement, as a collateral security for the prompt and complete execution of the Exclusive Technical Services Agreement , CCLX's shareholders pledged to CCT Shanghai all of their rights, title and interest in the CCLX's shares, including ownership rights and rights to dividends and other distributions. In the event CCLX fails to pay the service fee in accordance with the New Technical Service Agreement, CCT Shanghai has the right, but not the obligation, to dispose of the equity interest pledged by the CCLX shareholders in accordance with the provisions in the agreement.

 
·
Agreements that provide CCT Shanghai effective control over CCLX

 
10

 

Power of attorney: The shareholders of CCLX have executed an irrevocable power of attorney appointing CCT Shanghai, or any designated parties by CCT Shanghai as their attorney-in-fact to vote on their behalf on all matters of CCLX requiring shareholder approval under PRC laws and regulations and the article of association of CCLX. The power of attorney remains effective during the periods of their shareholding.

The article of association of CCLX states that the major rights of the shareholders in shareholders' meeting include the power to approve the operating strategy and investment plan, elect the members of board of directors and approve their compensation and review and approve annual budget and earning distribution plan. Therefore, through the irrevocable power of attorney arrangement, CCT Shanghai has the ability to exercise effective control over CCLX through shareholder votes and through such votes to also control the composition of the board of directors. In addition, the senior management team of CCLX is the same as that of CCT Shanghai. As a result of the contractual rights, the Company has the power to direct the activities of CCLX that most significantly impact CCLX's economic performance.

In June 2009, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement to amend the accounting rules for variable interest entities. The amendments effectively replace the quantitative-based risks-and-rewards calculation for determining which reporting entity, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity with an approach focused on identifying which reporting entity has (1) the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly affect the entity's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the entity. Additionally, an enterprise is required to assess whether it has an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a variable interest entity operates as designed when determining whether it has the power to direct the activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures about a reporting entity's involvement with variable interest entities and about any significant changes in risk exposure as a result of that involvement.

The new guidance is effective at the start of a reporting entity's first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2009, and all interim and annual periods thereafter. CEC and its consolidated entities adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2010.
    
The Company has had one consolidated variable interest entity under the authoritative literature prior to the amendment discussed above because it was the primary beneficiary of the entity. Because the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, has (1) the power to direct the activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly affect the entity's economic performance and (2) the right to receive benefits from the variable interest entity. The Company continues to consolidate the variable interest entity upon the adoption of the new guidance which therefore has no impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations, except for the additional disclosures on the face of and in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Risks in relation to the consolidation of VIE and acquired schools

The Company, believes that CCT Shanghai’s contractual arrangements with the VIE are in compliance with PRC law and are legally enforceable. The shareholders of the VIE are current employees of the Company and therefore have no current interest in seeking to act contrary to the contractual arrangements. However, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit the Company’s ability to enforce these contractual arrangements and if the shareholders of the VIE were to reduce their interest in the Company, their interests may diverge from that of the Company and that may potentially increase the risk that they would seek to act contrary to the contractual terms, for example by influencing the VIE not to pay the service fees when required to do so.

The Company’s ability to control the VIE also depends on the power of attorney CCT Shanghai has to vote on all matters requiring shareholder approval in the VIE, including but not limited to appointment of directors, significant operating, investing, and investing decisions. As noted above, the Company believes this power of attorney is legally enforceable but may not be as efficient as direct equity ownership. However, it provides an effective legal remedy under PRC law for the Company to control the VIE assets, cash flows, and operating performance.

The Company, believes that the current ownership with the acquired schools is in compliance with PRC law and is legally enforceable. The current ownership structure provides an effective means for the Company to involve in and control the acquired schools' assets, cash flows, and operating performance.

If the contractual arrangements with the VIE or the ownership with the acquired schools 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 in dealing with such violations, including:

 
Levying fines and confiscating illegal income of the VIE or the Group's subsidiaries in China;
 
Restricting or prohibiting use of the proceeds to finance the Group's business and operations in China;
 
Requiring the Group to restructure the ownership structure or operations of the VIE or the Group's subsidiaries in China;
 
Requiring the Group to discontinue all or a portion of its business in China; and/or
 
Revoking the business licenses of the VIE or the Group's subsidiaries in China.

 
11

 

The imposition of any of these penalties may cause significant disruption to the Group's business operations and may result in a material and adverse effect on the Group’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if the imposition of any of these penalties causes the Group to lose control over the acquired schools, or to lose the rights to direct the activities of the VIE, or the right to receive its economic benefits, the Group would no longer be able to consolidate the VIE and acquired schools. The Group does not believe that any penalties imposed or actions taken by the PRC Government would result in the liquidation of the Company, CCT Shanghai, the VIE, or the acquired schools.

CCT Shanghai is the primary beneficiary and absorbs 100% of the economic benefits of CCLX. The following unaudited financial statement amounts and balances of CCLX was included in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 after elimination of the intercompany transactions and balances:

                   
As of
 
   
As of September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
Current assets
   
13,648
     
87,344
     
87,023
 
Non-current assets
   
451
     
2,889
     
3,101
 
Total assets
   
14,099
     
90,233
     
90,124
 

There are no consolidated CCLX assets that are collateral for the CCLX's obligations and can only be used to settle the CCLX's obligations.

         
As of
 
   
As of September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
Current liabilities
   
3,466
     
22,184
     
23,941
 
Non-current liabilities
   
969
     
6,205
     
5,799
 
Total liabilities
   
4,435
     
28,389
     
29,740
 

   
For the three months ended September 30,
   
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
Revenues
   
4,834
     
30,936
     
30,961
     
14,677
     
93,933
     
93,006
 
Net income
   
3,953
     
25,301
     
24,988
     
11,808
     
75,574
     
75,158
 

   
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
11,807
     
75,567
     
91,252
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(211
)
   
(1,353
)
   
(435)
 
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
   
-
     
-
     
-
 

There are no assets of the CEC and its majority-owned subsidiaries that serve as collateral for CCLX and the creditors of CCLX have no recourse to the general credit of CEC and its majority-owned subsidiaries.

Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements used the same accounting policies used in the preparation of the audited financial statements included in CEC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Convenience Translation

Amounts in United States dollars (“US$”) are presented solely for the convenience of readers and an exchange rate of RMB6.4 to US$1 was applied as of September 30, 2011. Such translation should not be construed to be the amounts that would have been reported under US GAAP.

 
12

 

2.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED
 
In April, 2011, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement on a creditor's determination of whether a restructuring is a troubled debt restructuring, which clarifies which loan modifications constitute troubled debt restructurings. It is intended to assist creditors in determining whether a modification of the terms of a receivable meets the criteria to be considered a troubled debt restructuring, both for purposes of recording an impairment loss and for disclosure of troubled debt restructurings. In evaluating whether a restructuring constitutes a troubled debt restructuring, a creditor must separately conclude that both of the following exist: (a) the restructuring constitutes a concession; and (b) the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The amendment clarify the guidance on a creditor’s evaluation of whether it has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. For public companies, the new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011, and applies retrospectively to restructurings occurring on or after the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. For nonpublic entities, the amendments to the Codification in the ASU are effective for annual periods ending on or after December 15, 2012, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this pronouncement to have a significant impact on its financial condition or results of operations.  

In May 2011, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement on fair value measurement. The guidance is the result of joint efforts by the FASB and IASB to develop a single, converged fair value framework. The guidance is largely consistent with existing fair value measurement principles in U.S. GAAP. The guidance expands the existing disclosure requirements for fair value measurements and makes other amendments, mainly including:
 
·
Highest-and-best-use and valuation-premise concepts for nonfinancial assets – the guidance indicates that the highest-and-best-use and valuation-premise concepts only apply to measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets.
 
·
Application to financial assets and financial liabilities with offsetting positions in market risks or counterparty credit risk – the guidance permits an exception to fair value measurement principles for financial assets and financial liabilities (and derivatives) with offsetting positions in market risks or counterparty credit risk when several criteria are met. When the criteria are met, an entity can measure the fair value of the net risk position.
 
·
Premiums or discounts in fair value measure – the guidance states that "premiums or discounts that reflect size as a characteristic of the reporting entity's holding (specifically, a blockage factor that adjusts the quoted price of an asset or a liability because the market's normal daily trading volume is not sufficient to absorb the quantity held by the entity…) rather than as a characteristic of the asset or liability (for example, a control premium when measuring the fair value of a controlling interest) are not permitted in a fair value measurement."
 
·
Fair value of an instrument classified in a reporting entity's shareholders' equity – the guidance prescribes a model for measuring the fair value of an instrument classified in shareholders' equity; this model is consistent with the guidance on measuring the fair value of liabilities.
  
 
·
Disclosures about fair value measurements – the guidance expands disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 inputs. Required disclosures include:
 
o
For fair value measurements categorized in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy: (1) a quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions used in the measurement, (2) a description of the valuation process in place (e.g., how the entity decides its valuation policies and procedures, as well as changes in its analyses of fair value measurements, from period to period), and (3) a narrative description of the sensitivity of the fair value to changes in unobservable inputs and interrelationships between those inputs.
 
o
The level in the fair value hierarchy of items that are not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but whose fair value must be disclosed.
The guidance is to be applied prospective and effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, for public entities. Early application by public entities is not permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this pronouncement to have a significant impact on its financial condition or results of operations.    

 
13

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued an authoritative pronouncement to allow an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. The guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders' equity. These amendments do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The guidance should be applied retrospectively. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this pronouncement to have a significant impact on its financial condition or results of operations.    

 In September 2011, the FASB has issued an authoritative pronouncement related to testing goodwill for impairment. The guidance is intended to simplify how entities, both public and nonpublic, test goodwill for impairment. The pronouncement  permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011, if an entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued or, for nonpublic entities, have not yet been made available for issuance. The Company does not expect the adoption of this pronouncement to have a significant impact on its financial condition or results of operations.    

3.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
In October 2009, one of the Company’s major operating subsidiaries, ChinaCast Technology (Shanghai) Limited (“CCT Shanghai”), entered into an agreement with Qingdao China University of Petroleum Holding Limited ("CUP") to establish Qingdao Petroleum University Education Development Limited (“QPU”). The total registered capital is RMB50,000, with 60% owned by CCT Shanghai, and CUP to hold the rest of the equity interest. In September 2010, the Company completed its capital injection of RMB30,000. Since CCT Shanghai has a majority voting power after the completion of all the capital injection, QPU has been consolidated by the Company since September 2010. On September 30, 2011, the Company completed the transaction under a Transfer Agreement with CUP to dispose of its 60% stake in QPU with a total consideration of RMB30,000. Net of RMB18 million owed to QPU, the Company expects to receive RMB12 million by December 31, 2011, amount is currently reflected as other current receivables. The control over QPU was transferred to CUP in September 2011, and the Company has de-consolidated QPU and its subsidiary as of September 30, 2011, and a gain amounting to RMB1,716 was reported for the nine months ended September, 2011.
 
Summarized operating results from the discontinued operations included in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations were as follows for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2011, respectively:

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
 
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
                         
Revenues
   
-
     
1,345
     
-
     
3,782
 
Income/(loss) before provision of income taxes from discontinued operations
   
100
     
(694
)    
100
     
(1,574)
 
Provision for income taxes
   
-
     
(7
   
-
     
(120)
 
Gain/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
100
      (701 )    
100
     
(1,694)
 
Gain from disposal of discontinued operations
   
-
     
1,716
     
-
     
1,716
 
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax     100       1,015       100       22  
Noncontrolling interest in discontinued operations
   
(40
   
280
 
   
(40
   
677
 
Net income from discontinued operations attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation, net of tax
   
60
     
1,295
 
   
60
     
699
 
Net income on discontinued operations attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation per share – basic
   
-
     
0.03
     
-
     
0.01
 
Net income on discontinued operations attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation per share – diluted
   
-
     
0.03
     
-
     
0.01
 

All notes to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of the discontinued operations, where applicable.

 
14

 

4.
ACQUISITION

Acquisition of East Achieve 

On October 5, 2009, ChinaCast Communication Holdings Limited ( “ CCH ” ), the Company's subsidiary in Bermuda, consummated the acquisition of the entire interest in East Achieve Limited (“East Achieve”) from the former sole owner of East Achieve.  East Achieve holds the entire interest in Shanghai Xijui Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Xijiu”).  Xijiu holds the entire interest in China Lianhe Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Lianhe”) which in turns holds the entire interest in Lijiang College of Guangxi Normal University (“Lijiang College”).  Lijiang College is a private college affiliated with Guangxi Normal University.  The total consideration for the acquisition is up to RMB365,000, of which RMB295,000 was paid during 2009.  The remaining amount of the consideration is to be calculated as below.

For the academic year of 2009 (i.e. from September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2010), if the net profit as determined under the relevant sale and purchase agreement of the Lijiang College is less than RMB55,000, CCH is entitled to deduct an amount equal to 6.6 times of the difference between the net profit and RMB55,000 from the remaining payment.

The remaining consideration was recorded as a liability at fair value of RMB30,482 as of December 31, 2009 and was subsequently settled at RMB20,540 in September 2010. As a result, a gain of RMB9,417 from change in contingent consideration was recognized and included in the operating income of the third quarter of 2010.

The fair value of total consideration of RMB325,482 as of the acquisition date consisted of:
     
Consideration paid in cash
   
295,000
 
Fair value of deferred contingent consideration
   
30,482
 
Total
   
325,482
 

The acquisition was recorded using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their fair market value at the date of acquisition.  The purchase price allocation was as follows:

         
Amortization
   
RMB
 
period
Cash
   
73,113
   
Other current assets
   
2,408
   
Non-current deposits
   
6,374
   
Property and equipment
   
261,543
 
3-20 years
Prepaid lease payments for land use rights
   
28,920
 
Over the remaining lease
term of 48 years
Intangible assets:
         
Customer relationship
   
51,000
 
Up to 47 months
Affiliation agreement
   
14,000
 
59 months
Goodwill (allocated to the TUG as set out in Note 14)
   
192,440
   
Other current liabilities
   
(105,424
)  
 
Deferred revenues
   
(89,114
)
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
(12,616
)
 
Long-term bank borrowings
   
(90,000
)
 
Unrecognized tax benefits
   
(7,162
)
 
Total
   
325,482
   

 
15

 

The Company allocated the purchase price for the acquisition.  The valuation analyses utilized and considered generally accepted valuation methodologies such as income, market and cost approach.

The Company believes that the acquisition furthers its strategy of expanding into the post-secondary bricks and mortar education market.  The combination of these factors is the rationale for the excess of purchase price over the value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
 
Acquisition of Wintown

On August 23, 2010, ChinaCast Education Holdings Limited ( “ CEH ” ), the Company's subsidiary in the British Virgin Islands, consummated the acquisition of the entire interest in Wintown from the former sole owner of Wintown. Wintown ultimately holds the entire interest in HIUBC. HIUBC is a private college affiliated with Hubei Industrial University. The total consideration for the acquisition is up to RMB450,000 of which RMB360,000 was paid during 2010. The remaining amount of the consideration is to be calculated as below:

For the academic year of 2010 (i.e., from September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011), if the net profit as determined under the relevant sale and purchase agreement of HIUBC is less than RMB50,000, CEH is entitled to deduct an amount equal to 9 times of the difference between the net profit and RMB50,000 from the remaining payment of RMB90,000.

The remaining consideration was recorded as a liability at fair value of RMB78,721 as of December 31, 2010 and was subsequently settled at RMB70,120 in September 2011. As a result, a gain of RMB8,601 from change in contingent consideration was recognized and included in the operating income of the third quarter of 2011.
 
The fair value of total consideration of RMB438,721 as of the acquisition date consisted of:
 
Consideration paid in cash
   
360,000
 
Fair value of deferred contingent consideration
   
78,721
 
Total
   
438,721
 
 
The acquisition was recorded using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their fair market value at the date of acquisition. The purchase price allocation was as follows:

       
Amortization
   
RMB
 
period
         
Cash
   
19,942
   
Other current assets
   
7,771
   
Property and equipment
   
 
 
3 years-remaining
     
218,720
 
lease term
Prepaid lease payments for land use rights
   
  
 
Over the remaining
     
37,000
 
lease term
Intangible assets:
         
Customer relationship
   
38,000
 
up to 48 months
Affiliation Agreement
   
31,000
 
3 years
Goodwill (allocated to the TUG as set out in Note 14)
   
270,308
   
Bank borrowing
   
(54,000
)
 
Other current liabilities
   
(70,621
)
 
Deferred revenues
   
(2,753
)
 
Deferred tax liabilities
   
(29,003
)
 
Unrecognized tax benefits
   
(27,643
)
 
Total
   
438,721
   

The Company allocated the purchase price for the acquisition. The valuation analyses utilized and considered generally accepted valuation methodologies such as income, market and cost approach.

The Company believes that the acquisition furthers its strategy of expanding into the post-secondary bricks and mortar education market. The combination of these factors is the rationale for the excess of purchase price over the value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

 
16

 

5.
PREPAYMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
 
The balance of RMB43,502 represents prepayment to Chongqing Vocational College of Media and its investor Chongqing Bainian Guangcai Company ("CVCM" collectively). Beginning July 2011, CVCM helped Foreign Trade Business College of Chongqing Normal University (“FTBC”) construct a new campus and FTBC paid for the construction. The construction is still in process as of September 30, 2011. Prior to the completion of the work, CVCM has allowed students of FTBC to use resources of CVCM, including canteen, teaching buildings, and dormitory, etc. and FTBC needs to pay 15% of its total revenue from students as compensation. As of September 30, 2011, FTBC has prepaid RMB1,500 service fee to CVCM, and RMB309 was recognized as the operating expense for September 2011.

6.  NON-CURRENT DEPOSITS

Non-current deposits consisted of the following:

   
As of September
30, 2011
   
As of
December 31,
2010
 
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
             
Rental deposits  
   
255
     
415
 
Utilities deposits  
   
454
     
454
 
Guarantee deposit for borrowings  
   
5,000
     
4,000
 
Prepayment and deposits for land use rights and construction projects  
   
37,043
     
2,519
 
Total  
   
42,752
     
7,388
 

Rental deposits represented office rental deposits for the Company’s daily operations.

Guarantee deposit for borrowings represented deposits placed with Chongqing Education Guarantee Co., Ltd., a long-term investment of the Company, which in turn provided guarantee in favor of the relevant bank for the Company’s bank borrowings of RMB70,000.
 
Prepayment and deposits for land use rights and construction projects represented deposit paid to get land use right and as deposit for construction works.

These deposits are classified into non-current deposits since they will not be refunded within one year.

7.
ACQUIRED INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

Acquired intangible assets, net consisted of the following:

   
As of September
30,
   
As of
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
Customer relationships
           
Cost  
   
129,329
     
129,329
 
Less: Accumulated amortization  
   
(92,531
)
   
(66,509
)
                 
   
   
36,798
     
62,820
 
   
               
Affiliation agreement  
               
Cost  
   
45,000
     
45,000
 
Less: Accumulated amortization  
   
(16,889
)
   
(7,004
)
   
               
   
   
28,111
     
37,996
 
   
               
Acquired intangible assets, net  
   
64,909
     
100,816
 

 
17

 

For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded amortization expense in respect of the customer relationships amounting to RMB7,877 and RMB26,021, respectively. The Company will record further amortization expenses in respect of the customer relationships of RMB5,488, RMB18,926, RMB9,851, and RMB2,533 in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded amortization expense in respect of the affiliation agreement amounting to RMB3,295 and RMB9,886, respectively.  The Company will record amortization expenses in respect of the affiliation agreement of RMB3,295, RMB13,181, RMB9,736 and RMB1,899 in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.

8.
OTHER BORROWINGS
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an aggregate amount of other borrowings amounting to RMB34,000 was raised and RMB35,500 was repaid. The other borrowings carried interest at 9% per annum and had been fully repaid in 2011 and there was no other borrowing outstanding as of September 30, 2011.

The Company raised other borrowings of RMB34,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from two individuals. The terms and counterparties for the borrowings are as follows:

Counterparties
 
Amounts
borrowed
RMB
 
Borrowing date
 
Maturity date
 
Interest rate
 
HU, Jiping
   
9,000
 
March 3, 2011
 
September 15,  2011
   
9
%
CHEN, Ling
   
25,000
 
March 21, 2011
 
Within 3 months
   
9
%
     
34,000
               
 
The Company repaid other borrowings of RMB35,500 in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to three individuals as follows:

Counterparty
 
Amounts
repaid
RMB
 
Borrowing date
 
Repayment date
 
Interest rate
 
HU, Jiping
   
9,000
 
March 3, 2011
 
September 30, 2011
   
9
%
CHEN, Ling
   
25,000
 
March 21, 2011
 
September 30, 2011
   
9
%
LI, Shaobi
   
1,500
 
July 16, 2010
 
January 20, 2011
   
7
%
     
35,500
               

The ending balance of other borrowings was nil as of September 30, 2011.

9.
BANK BORROWINGS

   
As of
   
As of
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
             
Current portion
    (190,800 )     (170,000 )
Non-Current portion
    (70,000 )     (90,000 )
                 
      (260,800 )     (260,000 )

As of December 31, 2010, bank borrowings were raised by FTBC, LJC and HIUBC. The bank borrowings carried interest at the benchmark interest rate announced by the People's Bank of China plus 10% to 20% per annum. The bank borrowings of FTBC were secured by pledge of certain land use rights and buildings in Hai Lai with a carrying amount of RMB 39,960, the entitlement to accommodation income of the student apartments of FTBC and guarantees given by certain individuals. The bank borrowing of LJC was secured by a guarantee from a former owner of Lianhe, which was subsequently covered by a guarantee given by Xijiu, and the bank borrowing of HIUBC was guaranteed by Jiyang.

An aggregate amount of bank borrowings amounting to RMB129,000 was repaid.

During January to September, 2011, an aggregate amount of bank borrowings of RMB 129,800 was raised. Bank borrowings of RMB 15,000, RMB 45,000 and RMB 20,000 have a weighted average interest rate of 7.7% and are secured by Chongqing Culture Media Guarantee Co., Ltd (“CQCMG”), Chongqing Education Guarantee Co., Ltd (“CQEG”) and certain individuals with the guarantee deposit of RMB 4,000 paid. The bank borrowing of RMB 4,800 has an annual interest rate at 6.56%, and secured by RMB 5,000 term deposit of Hai Lai.
 
The bank borrowing of RMB45,000 has an annual interest rate at 6.06% and is secured by the entitlement to accommodation income of the student apartments of LJC and also guaranteed by ChinaCast Technology (Shanghai) Limited.
 
 
18

 

10.
SHARE REPURCHASE
 
From May 12, 2011 to September 30, 2011, the Company repurchased a total of 1,015,503 shares of common stock. The average repurchase price per share was US$4.688 and the total principal paid for the common stock was US$4,760.
 
11.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN

On September 25, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock, par value US$0.0001 per share, of the Company (the “Rights”). The dividend was paid on October 7, 2011 to the stockholders of record on that date. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Company, par value US$0.0001 per share, at a price of US$20.00 per Unit, subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in the Rights Agreement, dated September 26, 2011, between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC as Rights Agent. 

One Right will automatically attach to each share of Common Stock issued between the record date and the earlier of the Distribution Date (defined below) or the expiration date. Initially, the Rights are not exercisable and are attached to and trade with all shares of Common Stock outstanding as of, and issued subsequent to, the record date and no separate certificates evidencing the Rights will be issued.  The Rights will separate from the Common Stock and will become exercisable upon the earlier of (i) the close of business on the tenth calendar day following the first public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, other than as a result of repurchases of stock by the Company or the grant of any equity compensation awards or Board approved unilateral grants  of any security to the person, or (ii) the close of business on the tenth business day (or such later day as the Board of Directors may determine) following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that could result, upon its consummation, in a person or group becoming the beneficial owner of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (the earlier of such dates being herein referred to as the “ Distribution Date”).

In the event of a Distribution Date, the Rights will become exercisable and will entitle the holder hereof (other than the acquiring person or group) the right to purchase, either 1/100 of a share of Junior Participating Preferred Stock (which has terms substantially equivalent to one share of common stock) or one share of Common Stock at a purchase price equal to 50% of the then current market price per share of common stock. The exercise price per Right is $20. Therefore, following the occurrence of a triggering event, each stockholder who is not a member of the acquiring person or group would have the ability to purchase upon payment of the $20 exercise price, such number of 1/100 share of Junior Participating Preferred Stock or such number of shares of common stock worth $40. The Board may, however, at any time after a 15% or more acquisition of beneficial ownership and prior to the acquisition of 50% beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock to authorize an exchange with no cash payment of each Right (other than Rights held by the acquiring person or group) for one share of common stock or 1/100 of a share of Junior Participating Preferred Stock. The Right is redeemable, for USD$0.01 per Right, at any time prior to the occurrence of a Distribution Date.

12.
STOCK COMPENSATION PLAN

Under the 2007 Omnibus Securities and Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”) adopted in May 2007, CEC may grant any awards to eligible participants, including employees, directors or consultants, to purchase up to 2,500,000 ordinary shares.

Nonvested shares
 
On January 11, 2008, CEC agreed to grant, under the 2007 Plan, nonvested shares to its three independent directors at no consideration. Each of the three directors were granted 100,000 nonvested shares of the Company's common stock. All of the shares of nonvested stock to be granted to the directors were issued at fair market value based on the closing price on January 11, 2008 of US$6.25 (RMB45.38). For each of the three directors of CEC, 10,000, 30,000 and 60,000 of the nonvested shares vested on February 9, 2008, February 9, 2009 and February 9, 2010, respectively. In December 2009, Mr. Richard Xue decided not to stand for re-election to the board of directors of CEC. CEC's board of directors accelerated the date of the vesting of his final grant of 60,000 nonvested shares from February 9, 2010 to the date of his resignation.

 
19

 

On June 22, 2010, CEC granted, under the 2007 Plan, 396,678 nonvested shares to six employees at no consideration. All of the shares of nonvested stock to the employees were granted at fair market value based on the closing price of June 22, 2010 of US$6.07 (RMB41.26). 33,062 of the nonvested shares vested on the date of grant. 33,056 of the nonvested shares vested on July 31, 2010 and an equal number of nonvested shares vest at the end of every three months thereafter until January 31, 2013.

On April 30, 2011, CEC granted, under the 2007 Plan, 250,000 nonvested shares to three independent directors at no consideration. All of the shares of nonvested stock to the independent directors were granted at fair market value based on the closing price of April 30, 2011 of US$6.11 (RMB39.72). 35,000 of the nonvested shares vested on the date of grant. 55,000 of the nonvested shares vest on February 9, 2012 and the balance of 160,000 of nonvested shares vest on February 9, 2013.

On May 31, 2011, CEC granted, under the 2007 Plan, 23,500 nonvested shares to 47 employees at no consideration. All of the shares of nonvested stock to the employees were granted at fair market value based on the closing price of May 31, 2011 of US$5.63 (RMB36.60).

   
Number of
shares
   
Weighted
average
grant-date fair
values of
shares
   
Weighted
average
intrinsic
value per share
at the grant date
 
         
US$
   
US$
 
Nonvested share unvested at January 1, 2011
   
297,504
     
6.07
     
6.07
 
Granted
   
273,500
     
6.07
     
6.07
 
Vested
   
(157,668
)
   
6.01
     
6.01
 
Fortfeited
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Nonvested share unvested at September 30, 2011
   
413,336
     
6.09
     
6.09
 
 
The total unrecognized compensation expense related to the stock compensation arrangements for the share options as of September 30, 2011 is US$2,203(RMB14,051).
 
Share options

On January 11, 2008, CEC granted, under the 2007 Plan, 1,200,000 options to purchase the Company's common stock to selected employees at no consideration.  The per share exercise price of the options is US$6.30(RMB42,84) and the expiry date is January 11, 2018.  A total of 401,000, 401,000 and 398,000 share options vested on March 31, 2008, March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2010, respectively.  Upon exercise of these options, a total of 1,200,000 common stock will be issued.  As of September 30, 2011, no such options have been forfeited.
 
A summary of the option activity under 2007 Plan is as follows:

         
Weighted
 
         
average
 
   
Number
   
exercise
 
   
of options
   
price
 
         
US$
 
Options outstanding at December 31, 2010
   
1,200,000
     
6.30
 
                 
Granted
   
     
 
Exercised
   
     
 
Cancelled
   
     
 

 
20

 

         
Weighted
 
         
average
 
   
Number
   
exercise
 
   
of options
   
price
 
         
US$
 
Options outstanding at September 30, 2011
   
1,200,000
     
6.30
 
Options exercisable at September 30, 2011
   
1,200,000
     
6.30
 

The per share fair value of options as of January 11, 2008, the grant date, was US$2.67 (RMB19.33).

The aggregate intrinsic value of share options outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2011 was nil.
The weighted average remaining contractual life is 6.25 years as of September 30, 2011.
Total share-based compensation expenses amounting to RMB1,974 and RMB1,922 were recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Total share-based compensation expenses amounting to RMB7,289 and RMB6,114 were recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
As of September 30, 2011, no other awards have been granted under the 2007 Plan.

 
21

 

13.
INCOME TAXES
 
On March 16, 2007, the National People’s Congress enacted a new enterprise income tax law, which took effect on January 1, 2008. The new law applies a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate to both foreign invested enterprises and domestic enterprises. The new law provides a five-year transition period from its effective date for the entitled enterprises which were established before the promulgation date of the new tax law and which were entitled to a preferential tax treatment such as a reduced tax rate or a tax holiday. All the PRC entities of the Company are subject to 25% income tax rate, except for the following entities, which enjoy preferential tax rate.
 
According to transitional rules published after the new income tax law, one of the Company’s major operating subsidiaries, ChinaCast Technology (Shanghai) Limited (“CCT Shanghai”), which was subject to the preferential tax rate of 15%, is now eligible to the phased-in rates: 18% in 2008, 20% in 2009, 22% in 2010, 24% in 2011, 25% in 2012 and thereafter.
 
Foreign Trade and Business College of Chongqing Normal University (“FTBC”) and Hai Yuen Company Limited (“Hai Yuen”) were incorporated in Chongqing of the PRC and are subject to the preferential tax rate of 15% until 2010 in accordance with the western development preferential policy.

Lijiang College was incorporated in Guilin of the PRC and is subject to the preferential tax rate of 15% until 2010 in accordance with the western development preferential policy.
 
Provision for income taxes mainly represents the PRC income taxes calculated at the applicable rate on ChinaCast Technology (BVI) Limited ( “ CCT BVI ” ) ’ s deemed profit generated in the PRC, the profit of CCT Shanghai, CCLX, Hai Lai, Hai Yuen, FTBC, Lijiang College and HIUBC.

The Company considers its undistributed earnings to be permanently reinvested with respect to its investment in its foreign subsidiaries. Accordingly, no deferred income tax liability related to the unremitted earnings of its foreign subsidiaries has been included in the Company’s provision for income taxes. Upon distribution of subsidiaries earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to a withholding tax calculated based on 10% of the gross amount of distribution.
 
CCT BVI constituted a Permanent Establishment ("PE") in the PRC and the income generated from the PE is subject to the PRC income taxes, which are calculated at 25% tax rate.
 
Uncertainties exist with respect to the application of the Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation rules to our operations, specifically with respect to our tax residency status. The enterprise Income Tax Law specifies that legal entities organized outside of the PRC will be considered residents for PRC income tax purposes if their "de facto management bodies" as establishment that carry out substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations personnel, accounting, properties, etc. of an enterprise. The Company has evaluated the uncertain tax position related to the non-PRC tax residency of its offshore holding entities. Taking all the relevant facts, technical merits and current practice into consideration, the Company has determined that the position does not meet the FIN48 recognition threshold, which means it is more likely than not that the positions will be sustained upon examination by tax authorities with full knowledge of relevant facts and information, therefore, no unrecognized tax benefit is recorded.

The three acquired universities have so far not paid any income tax. The Company provided provisions of unrecognized tax benefits for the three acquired universities since significant judgments are required in determining whether such universities are qualified for income tax exemption. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the unrecognized tax benefits increased from RMB109,933 to RMB123,142.
 
14.
GOODWILL

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are set as follows:

December 31, 2009
   
503,771
 
Addition from acquisitions
   
270,371
 
Exchange rate impact
   
(59
)
December 31, 2010
   
   774,083
 
Reduction from disposal
   
(63)
 
Exchange rate impact
   
(53)
 
         
September 30, 2011
   
773,967
 

No impairment charges have been recorded for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011.

 
22

 
 
15.
NET INCOME PER SHARE
 
   
For the three months ended September 30,
   
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
Numerator used in basic and diluted net income per share:
                       
Income from continuing operations attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
  RMB  50,421     RMB 41,481     RMB 129,882     RMB 105,179  
Income from discontinued operations attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
  RMB 1,295     RMB 60     RMB 699     RMB 60  
Net income attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
  RMB 51,716     RMB 41,541     RMB 130,581     RMB 105,239  
                                 
Shares (denominator):
                               
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding used in computing basic net income per share
    49,009,512       49,834,291       49,531,187       47,693,969  
                                 
Plus:
                               
Incremental ordinary shares from assumed conversions of stock options, vesting of restricted shares and exercises of Underwriter Warrants
    494,930       536,612       526,561       482,933  
                                 
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding used in computing diluted net income per share
    49,504,442       50,370,903       50,057,748       48,176,902  
                                 
Net income per share – basic:
                               
Income from continuing operations attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
  RMB 1.03       0.83     RMB 2.63     RMB 2.21  
Income from discontinued operations attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
  RMB 0.03       -     RMB 0.01     RMB -  
Net income attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
  RMB 1.06     RMB 0.83     RMB 2.64     RMB 2.21  
                                 
Net income per share – diluted:
                               
Income from continuing operations attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
  RMB 1.01     RMB 0.82     RMB 2.60     RMB 2.18  
Income from discontinued operations attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
  RMB 0.03     RMB -     RMB 0.01     RMB -  
Net income attributable to ChinaCast Education Corporation
  RMB 1.04     RMB 0.82     RMB 2.61     RMB 2.18  

 
23

 

16.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
    
For the three months ended September 30,
 
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
    
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
    
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
RMB
 
    
ELG
 
TUG
 
Total
 
ELG
 
TUG
 
Total
 
ELG
 
TUG
 
Total
 
ELG
 
TUG
 
Total
 
                                                   
Revenues from external customers:
    58,944     105,044     163,988     49,881     75,238     125,119     169,660     308,755     478,415     143,901     200,224     344,125  
                                                                           
Depreciation and amortization:
    1,416     27,460     28,876     742     26,247     26,989     2,779     83,901     86,680     2,400     64,173     66,573  
                                                                           
Share-based compensation:
    1,974     -     1,974     1,922     -     1,922     7,289     -     7,289     6,524     -     6,524  
                                                                           
Interest income:
    4,152     154     4,306     3,513     137     3,650     11,644     793     12,437     9,768     370     10,138  
                                                                           
Interest expense:
    -     4,974     4,974     -     4,058     4,058     -     12,723     12,723     -     10,623     10,623  
                                                                           
Provision for income taxes:
    6,231     3,075     9,306     5,390     2,401     7,791     19,379     12,300     31,679     18,946     8,594     27,540  
                                                                           
Earnings in equity investments:
    -     -     -     26     -     26     -     -     -     86     -     86  
                                                                           
Income from operation:
    24,985     35,938     60,923     61,719     (11,494 )   50,225     73,689     89,479     163,168     114,554     20,123     134,677  
                                                                           
Addition to property and equipment:
    586     17,333     17,919     1,798     10,710     12,508     2,772     39,659     42,431     2,795     29,004     31,799  
                                                                                      
                                                                                       

   
As of September 30,2011
   
As of December 31, 2010
 
    
RMB
   
RMB
 
    
ELG
   
TUG
   
Total
   
ELG
   
TUG
   
Total
 
                                     
Segment assets
    688,219       2,331,392       3,019,611       656,795       2,237,395       2,894,190  
                                                 
Goodwill:
    1,502       772,465       773,967       1,618       772,465       774,083  
                                                 
                                                 

The Company’s revenues and net income are substantially derived from the PRC. Most of the assets and capital expenditure of the Company are employed in the PRC.
 
 
24

 
 
There were no customers accounting for 10% or more of total net revenues for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Three customers as of September 30, 2011 and two customers as of December 31, 2010 each accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s accounts receivable balances, representing an aggregate of 34.2% and 20.9% of the Company’s accounts receivable balances at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.
 
17.
WARRANTS
 
In connection with the share offering which was consummated in October 2008, the Company sold to the underwriter in December 2008, for nominal consideration, an aggregate of 255,000 warrants with an excercise price of US$3.15 per share. The warrants will be exercisable for five years from the closing date of the share offering and are classified as Equity in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. As of September 30, 2011, there were 255,000 warrants outstanding.
 
 
25

 

18.
CONTINGENCIES

a)
 
On March 21, 2006, after obtaining the approval of its shareholders, the Company amended its certificate of incorporation, the effect of which was, among other things, to eliminate the provision of the certificate of incorporation that purported to prohibit the amendment of the “business combination” provisions contained therein and to extend the date before which the Company must complete a business combination, to avoid being required to liquidate, from March 23, 2006 to December 31, 2006. Because extending the period during which the Company could consummate a business combination was not contemplated by the initial public offering (“IPO”) prospectus, shareholders may have securities law claims against the Company for rescission (under which a successful claimant would have the right to receive the total amount paid for his or her shares, plus interest and less any income earned on the shares, in exchange for surrender of the shares) or damages (compensation for loss on an investment caused by alleged material misrepresentations or omissions in the sale of the security). Such claims might entitle shareholders asserting them to up to US$6.00 per share of common stock, based on the initial offering price of the public units comprised of stock and warrants, less any amount received from sale of the original warrants purchased with them and plus interest from the date of the IPO. A successful claimant for damages under federal or state law could be awarded an amount to compensate for the decrease in value of his or her shares caused by the alleged violation (including, possibly, punitive damages), together with interest, while retaining the shares. The Company believes the shareholder claims for rescission or damages are remote. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for such possible rescission. However, the Company cannot definitively predict whether shareholders will bring such claims, how many might bring them or the extent to which they might be successful.
 
26

 

 
b)
 
The Company may be subject to claims for rescission or other securities law claims resulting from the failure to disclose that the charter provision purporting to prohibit certain amendments was possibly inconsistent with Delaware’s General Corporation Law. The Company may also be subject to such claims as a result of inaccuracies in other disclosures, as follows: It may be argued that the IPO prospectus misstated the vote required by its charter to approve a business combination by providing that “[w]e will proceed with a business combination only if the public shareholders who own at least a majority of the shares of common stock sold in [that] offering vote in favor [of it] ...,” and that the Exchange Act reports have been inaccurate in describing ChinaCast as a leading provider of e-learning content (as opposed to being primarily a content carrier). On November 13, 2006, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC regarding this last item. The Company is unable to predict the likelihood that claims might be made with regard to the foregoing or estimate any amounts for which it might be liable if any such claim was made. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for such possible rescission.

c)
 
CCTSH injected RMB6 million, RMB6 million and RMB18 million into QPU as capital contribution in February, August and September of 2010 respectively.  Subsequently, YPSH borrowed RMB18 million from QPU. The PRC law and regulations restricts capital withdrawal from established companies. It may be argued that the borrowing from QPU could potentially be assessed as a capital withdrawal and may be subject to penalty ranging from 2-10% of the withdrawn amount. The Company has recorded a RMB1.8 million provision for such possible penalty. As of September, 2011, the Company has sold its interest in QPU to its original 40% shareholder China University of Petroleum ("CUP"), and the Company offset the RMB18 million  borrowing with the sales receipt from CUP concurrently. The Company believed that the RMB18 million borrowing issue has been settled without future impact.

19.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION

(a). Transaction

On September 30, 2011, the Company completed the transaction under a Transfer Agreement with CUP, the original 40% minority shareholder of QPU, to dispose of its 60% stake in QPU with a total consideration of RMB30, 000. The control over QPU was transferred to CUP in September 2011, and a gain amounting to RMB1,716 was reported for the nine months ended September, 2011. (See note 3)

(b) Balances

       
Amounts due from a related party
         
As of September 30
    
Note
 
2011
 
2010
         
RMB
 
RMB
Current amounts
            
CUP
 
i
 
12,000
 
-

 
i)
The balance arose from the disposal of 60% stake in QPU, which is expected to be received by the end of 2011.
 
 
27

 
 
 Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
Forward Looking Statements
 
Portions of the discussion and analysis below contain certain statements that are not descriptions of historical facts, but are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include statements about our plans and objectives for future expansion, including into post-secondary brick and mortar education market; expectations for E-learning and training services the PRC; anticipated margins for our solutions; general and cyclical economic and business conditions, and, in particular, those in the PRC’s education market; our ability to enter into and renew key corporate and strategic relationships with our customers and suppliers; changes in the favorable tax incentives enjoyed by our PRC operating companies; and other statements containing forward looking terminology such as “may”, “expects”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “projects”, “looking forward” or similar terms, variations of such terms or the negative of such terms. Such information is based upon various assumptions made by, and expectations of, our management that were reasonable when made but may prove to be incorrect. All of such assumptions are inherently subject to uncertainties and contingencies beyond our control and upon assumptions with respect to future business decisions which are subject to change. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that actual results will meet expectations and actual results may vary (perhaps materially) from certain of the results anticipated herein. For a further description of these and other risks and uncertainties, see our most recent Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 10-K, and our subsequent SEC filings. The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should also be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to those financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q.
 
Overview
 
We are a leading post-secondary education and e-Learning services provider in China. We provide post-secondary degree and diploma programs through our three universities in China: The Foreign Trade and Business College of Chongqing Normal University, the Lijiang College of Guangxi Normal University and the 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. We provide its e-Learning services to post-secondary institutions, K-12 schools, government agencies and corporate enterprises via our nationwide satellite/fiber broadband network. These services include interactive distance learning applications, multimedia education content delivery and vocational training courses.

We are subject to risks common to companies operating in China, including risks inherent in our distribution and commercialization efforts, uncertainty of foreign regulatory approvals and laws, the need for future capital and retention of key employees. We cannot provide assurance that we will generate revenues or achieve and sustain profitability in the future.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
For summary of the critical accounting policies and the significant judgments and estimates made on the part of the management, see item 7 of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed by the Company on March 16, 2011.
 
28

 
 
Results of Operations
 
For the purpose of the discussion and analysis of the results of ChinaCast Education Corporation (“CEC”), its subsidiaries, and variable interest entities in this section, the consolidated group is referred to as the “Company”. ChinaCast Company Ltd. ("CCL") was not accounted for as a consolidated variable interest entity, because the Company was not considered to be the primary beneficiary of CCL. The US dollar figures presented below were based on the historical exchange rate of 1USD = 6.4RMB at September 30, 2011 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011.

Since our acquisition of Hai Lai, we have been organized as two business segments, the E-learning and training service Group (the “ELG”), encompassing all the Company’s businesses before the acquisition, and the Traditional University Group (the “TUG”), offering bachelor and diploma programs to students in China.
 
The revenue of the Company for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 amounted to RMB164.0 million (US$25.6 million) and RMB478.4 million (US$74.8 million) respectively, representing an increase of 31.1% and 39.0% over the revenue of the corresponding periods in 2010. The increase in revenue was mainly due to the acquisition of Wintown in the third quarter of 2010 and the increase in equipment sales in the second and third quarter of 2011. The Wintown Group contributed revenue of RMB31.1 million (US$4.9 million) and RMB89.7 million (US$14.0 million) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 respectively.
 
Revenue of the ELG amounted to RMB58.9 million (US$9.2 million) and RMB169.7 million (US$26.5 million) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 respectively, as compared to revenue of RMB49.9 million and RMB143.9 million of the ELG for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 respectively. Service income, amounted to RMB46.7 million (US$7.3 million) and RMB140.5 million (US$22.0 million) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to RMB47.0 million and RMB140.9 million for the corresponding periods in 2010. Equipment sales, amounted to RMB 12.3 million (US$1.9 million) and RMB29.2 million (US$4.6 million) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, against RMB2.9 million and RMB3.0 million for the same periods last year. The following table provides a summary of the ELG’s revenue by business lines:

   
Three Months ended
 
    
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
    
(millions)
   
(millions)
 
    
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
Post secondary education distance learning
    4.6       29.2       28.6  
K-12 and content delivery
    2.4       15.8       16.0  
Vocational training, enterprise / government training and networking
    2.2       13.9       5.3  
Total ELG revenue
    9.2       58.9       49.9  

   
Nine Months ended
 
    
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2010
 
    
(millions)
   
(millions)
 
    
US$
   
RMB
   
RMB
 
Post secondary education distance learning
    13.6       87.3       85.0  
K-12 and content delivery
    7.4       47.3       48.0  
Vocational training, enterprise / government training and networking
    5.5       35.0       10.9  
Total ELG revenue
    26.5       169.7       143.9  
 
Net revenue from post secondary education distance learning services increased from RMB85.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 to RMB87.3 million (US$13.6 million) in nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net revenue from post secondary education distance learning services increased from RMB28.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010 to RMB29.2 million (US$4.6 million) in three months ended September 30, 2011. The total number of post-secondary students enrolled in courses using the Company’s distance learning platforms increased to 145,000 at September 30, 2011 from 143,000 at September 30, 2010. The increase was due to the growth of students enrolled in distance learning degree courses with the universities.
 
29

 
 
The revenue from the K-12 and content delivery business decreased slightly by approximately 1.5% from RMB48.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 to RMB47.3 million (US$7.4 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The revenue from the K-12 and content delivery business decreased slightly by approximately 1.3% from RMB16.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 to RMB15.8 million (US$2.5 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2011. The number of subscribing schools for K-12 distance learning services has stabilized at 6,500, and since K-12 revenue is generated in CCT BVI, whose functional currency is HKD, the revenue decreased due to exchange rate fluctuations.
 
Net revenue from vocational and career training services, enterprise government training and networking services increased from RMB10.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 to RMB35.0 million (US$5.5 million) during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Net revenue from vocational and career training services, enterprise government training and networking services increased from RMB5.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010 to RMB13.9 million (US$2.2 million) during the three months ended September 30, 2011. The increase was mainly due to fluctuations in equipment sales. Equipment sales included in the revenue of this business line amounted to RMB 12.3 million (US$1.9 million) and RMB29.2 million (US$4.6 million) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, against RMB2.9 million and RMB3.0 million for the same periods last year.
 
The revenue of TUG increased from RMB75.2 million and RMB200.2 million in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, to RMB105.0 million (US$16.4 million) and RMB308.8 million (US$48.3 million) in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase was mainly due to the acquisition of Wintown in the third quarter of 2010 and the increase in enrollment in the current academic year. TUG’s total student enrollment increased from approximately 32,600 as at September 30, 2010 to approximately 35,100 as at September 30, 2011. Student enrollments of the FTBC Group, the LJC Group and the HIUBC Group were approximately 14,200, 9,700 and 11,200, respectively, as of September 30, 2011.
 
Cost of sales of the Company increased by 48.2% from RMB164.5 million during the first three quarters of 2010 to RMB243.8 million (US$38.1 million) during the first three quarters of 2011. Cost of sales of the Company increased by 35.2% from RMB64.2 million during the third quarter of 2010 to RMB86.8 million (US$13.6 million) during the third quarter of 2011. The increase was mainly due to the acquisition of Wintown in August 2010, which increased the cost of sales of the TUG from RMB54.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010 to RMB68.3 million (US$10.7 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and the increase of cost for materials related to equipment sales from RMB2.8 million for the three months ended September 30,  2010 to RMB12.3 million (US$1.9 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2011.
 
ELG’s cost of sales increased from RMB22.6 million during the first three quarters of 2010 to RMB47.8 million (US$7.5 million) during the first three quarters of 2011. ELG’s cost of sales increased from RMB9.4 million during the third quarter of 2010 to RMB18.5 million (US$2.9 million) during the third quarter of 2011. The increase was mainly due to increase in equipment sales. ELG’s cost of materials was RMB2.8 million and RMB2.8 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 whereas ELG’s cost of materials was RMB12.3 million (US$1.9 million) and RMB29.0 million (US$4.5 million) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011. The cost of service for ELG amounted to RMB6.2 million (US$1.0 million) and RMB18.8 million (US$2.9 million) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to RMB6.5 million and RMB19.7 million for the same periods in 2010.
 
TUG’s cost of sales amounted to RMB68.3 million (US$10.7 million) and RMB195.9 million (US$30.6 million) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to RMB54.8 million and RMB142.0 million for the same periods in 2010. The increase was due to the acquisition of Wintown in August 2010, after which there were three universities operating under TUG. The cost of sales of the Wintown Group amounted to RMB22.9 million (US$3.6 million) and RMB64.0 million (US$10.0 million) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
 
ELG’s gross profit margin decreased by 12.6 percentage points, from 81.2% in the third quarter of 2010 to 68.6% in the third quarter of 2011. The decrease was due to the increase in equipment sales, which has a low margin. TUG’s gross profit margin was 35.0% for the third quarter of 2011 as compared to 23.3% for the same period of 2010. The increase was due to economies of scale and improved efficiency of FTBC and LJC, which was slightly offset by the lower gross profit margin of HIUBC with higher affiliation fee split to the associated university and higher amortization of intangibles.
 
Selling and marketing expenses decreased from RMB1.7 million in the first three quarters of 2010 to RMB1.0 million (US$0.2 million) in the first three quarters of 2011. Selling and marketing expenses decreased from RMB0.4 million in the third quarter of 2010 to RMB0.3 million (US$0.04 million) in the third quarter of 2011. The decrease was due to the reduction in sales and marketing activities in the ELG business segment.
 
30

 
 
General and administrative expenses increased by 23.7% and 49.8% to RMB24.5 million (US$3.8 million) and RMB78.5 million (US$12.3 million) in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to the same periods last year. The increase was mainly due to the acquisition of Wintown in August 2010. In addition, the Company granted new restricted shares to the independent directors and staff in the second quarter of 2011. Share -based compensation increased from RMB1.9 million and RMB6.1 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 to RMB2.0 million (US$0.3 million) and RMB7.3 million (US$1.1 million) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
 
The last tranche of the consideration for acquiring Wintown amounting to RMB70.1 million (US$11.0 million) was settled in the third quarter of 2011. The amount was less than the contingent consideration recorded by the Company resulting in a gain of RMB8.6 million (US$1.3 million) for the third quarter of 2011.

Interest income increased from RMB10.1 million in the first three quarters of 2010 to RMB12.4 million (US$1.9 million) in the first three quarters of 2011. Interest income increased from RMB3.7 million in the third quarter of 2010 to RMB4.3 million (US$0.7 million) in the third quarter of 2011. The increase was due to the increase in the amount of the Company’s term deposits and increase in the interest rate.
 
Interest expense increased from RMB10.6 million in the first three quarters of 2010 to RMB12.7 million (US$2.0 million) in the first three quarters of 2011. Interest expense increased from RMB4.1 million in the third quarter of 2010 to RMB5.0 million (US$0.8 million) in the third quarter of 2011. Interest expense was mainly associated with the loan of the TUG to finance the construction of the campus. The increase was due to the increase in the corresponding bank loan.
 
Overall, profit before income tax and loss in equity investments increased from RMB134.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010 to RMB162.9 million (US$25.5 million) in the nine months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of 21.4%. Profit before income tax and loss in equity investments increased from RMB49.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010 to RMB60.3 million (US$9.4 million) in the three months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of 21.1%. The increase for both periods was mainly due to the increase in revenue.
 
The Company recorded a loss in equity investments amounting to nil million in the first three quarters of 2011 compared to a loss of RMB0.09 million in the first three quarters of 2010. The Company recorded a loss in equity investments amounting to nil million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to a loss of RMB0.03 million in the third quarter of 2010.
 
Income taxes increased by 15.3% from RMB27.5 million in the first three quarters of 2010 to RMB31.7 million (US$5.0 million) in the first three quarters of 2011. Income taxes increased by 19.2% from RMB7.8 million in the third quarter of 2010 to RMB9.3 million (US$1.5 million) in the third quarter of 2011. The increase for both periods was due to the increase in tax rate for the TUG from 15% to 25% after the expiration of the western development preferential policy in 2011.
 
The Company disposed of its entire 60% stake in QPU on September 30, 2011. The operations of QPU were classified as discontinued operations. The Company recorded a loss from discontinued operations amounting to RMB1.7 million (US$0.3 million) in the first three quarters of 2011 compared to a gain of RMB0.1 million in the first three quarters of 2010. The Company recorded a loss from discontinued operations amounting to RMB0.7 million (US$0.1 million) in the third quarter of 2011 compared to a gain of RMB0.1 million in the third quarter of 2010. The Company also recorded a gain of RMB1.7 million (US$0.3 million) for the disposal of the discontinued operations in the third quarter of 2011.

Noncontrolling interest amounted to RMB0.6 million (US$0.1 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to RMB1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Noncontrolling interest amounted to RMB0.2 million (US$0.03 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to RMB0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010.
 
Net income attributable to the Company increased by 24.1% to RMB130.6 million (US$20.4 million) in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 from RMB105.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Net income attributable to the Company increased by 24.6% to RMB51.7 million (US$8.1 million) in the three months ended September 30, 2011 from RMB41.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2010.
 
On March 16, 2007, the National People’s Congress of China enacted a new tax law, under which foreign-invested enterprises and domestic companies will be subject to enterprise income tax at a uniform rate of 25% . The new tax law became effective on January 1, 2008. There is a transition period, during which enterprises may continue to enjoy existing preferential tax treatment or in which their tax rates may be gradually adjusted to 25%. Following the effectiveness of the new tax law, one of the Company’s major operating subsidiaries, CCT Shanghai, which was subject to the preferential tax rate of 15%, is now eligible for the phased-in rates, which is 18% in 2008, 20% in 2009, 22% in 2010, 24% in 2011, 25% in 2012 and thereafter.
 
 
31

 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
The following is a summary of the key items from the consolidated balance sheets.

         
As of
 
    
As of
   
December 31,
 
    
September 30, 2011
   
2010
 
    
(millions)
   
(millions)
 
    
RMB
   
US$
   
RMB
 
Cash and cash equivalents
    482.3       75.4       244.4  
Term deposits
    605.0       94.5       704.0  
Subtotal
    1,087.3       169.9       948.4  
Accounts receivable
    53.1       8.3       59.4  
Inventory
    1.0       0.2       1.0  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    28.7       4.5       48.2  
Total current assets
    1,179.3       184.3       1,067.4  
Total assets
    3,019.6       471.8       2,894.2  
 
Cash and cash equivalents balances increased from RMB244.4 million as at December 31, 2010, to RMB482.3 million (US$75.4 million) as at September 30, 2011. The increase was mainly due to the receipt of tuition fees from students at the beginning of the current academic year. On a voluntary and proactive basis, the Audit Committee of the Company has engaged FTI Consulting Inc., a third party service provider, to conduct an independent review of the Company’s cash balances in order to provide greater comfort to the marketplace. The review has not been completed as at November 9, 2011.
 
There was net cash from operating activities of RMB352.2 million (US$55.0 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as compared to net cash from operating activities of RMB362.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The universities under the TUG enroll students at the beginning of an academic year and collect most of the tuition and other fee in September as well as the subsequent months every year. For the remainder of the academic year, the TUG would have a net cash outflow. There was a cash outflow of RMB21.4 million (US$3.3 million) associated with non-current deposits in the first three quarters of 2011 whereas there was a cash inflow of RMB5.4 million from reduction of non-current deposits the first three quarters of 2010. Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased by RMB29.0 million (US$4.5 million) in the first three quarters of 2011 whereas prepaid expenses and other current assets increased by RMB3.6 million in the first three quarters of 2010. Revenue is recognized ratably throughout the periods services are provided, but payments may be received ahead of or behind the revenue being recognized. Payments received before recognition of revenue are recorded as deferred revenue while payments not received at the time goods and service have been provided are recorded as accounts receivable. For revenue related to project sales, the timing of payments depend upon the terms of the contracts.

Net cash used in investment activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was RMB11.7 million (US$1.8 million), mainly reflect the cash outflow of RMB43.6 million (US$6.8 million) for the purchase and construction of fixed assets and a cash outflow of RMB43.5 million (US$6.8 million) for prepayment for construction projects, which was offset by a net transfer from term deposit of RMB99.0 million (US$15.5 million). For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, there was a net transfer to term deposit of RMB93.0 million and purchase of subsidiary of RMB374.4 million, which resulted in a cash outflow of RMB505.0 million for the period.
 
Net cash used in financing activities in the first three quarters of 2011 was RMB102.6 million (US$16.0 million) as compared to a net cash from financing activities of RMB219.9 million in the first three quarters of 2010. RMB30.8 million (US$4.8 million) was used to repurchase shares in the market in the second quarter of 2011 and RMB70.1 million (US$11.0 million) was used to pay the deferred consideration for the acquisition of Wintown.  New shares were issued in the first three quarters of 2010 to investors to finance future acquisition of the TUG, with proceeds of RMB233.0 million.
 
The Company believes that its cash and cash equivalents balances, together with its access to financing sources, will continue to be sufficient to meet the working capital needs associated with its current operations on an ongoing basis, although that cannot be assured. Also, it is possible that the Company’s cash flow requirements could increase as a result of a number of factors, including unfavorable timing of cash flow events, the decision to increase investment in marketing and development activities or the use of cash for acquisitions to accelerate its growth.
 
Total assets at September 30, 2011 amounted to RMB3,019.6 million (US$471.8 million), an increase of 4.3%, when compared to the total assets of RMB2,894.2 million at December 31, 2010. Total current assets increased by 10.5% to RMB1,179.3 million (US$184.3 million) at September 30, 2011.
 
Accounts receivable decreased from RMB59.4 million as of December 31, 2010 to RMB53.1 million (US$8.3 million) at September 30, 2011. Most of the business partners are long term customers and settle their accounts promptly. All accounts receivable are reviewed regularly and provisions have been made for any balances that are disputed or doubtful.
 
Inventory, mainly made up of satellite transmission and receiving equipment, amounted to RMB1.0 million (US$0.2 million) at September 30, 2011.
 
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased from RMB48.2 million as at December 31, 2010 to RMB28.7 million (US$4.5 million). The decrease was mainly due to the changes in the deposits paid by the TUG.
 
As at September 30, 2011, the Company had total bank borrowings of RMB260.8 million (US$40.8 million). RMB190.8 million (US$29.8 million) of the bank borrowings expiring within one year are secured by a pledge of certain land use rights and buildings, the entitlement to accommodation income of the student apartments and guarantees given by certain individuals. The remaining RMB70.0 million (US$10.9 million) of the bank loan expiring over one year is secured by the guarantees provided by CQEG, CQCMG and Hai Lai. In consideration of the guarantees provided by CQEG, the entitlement to tuition fee of FTBC and a deposit of RMB1 million paid to CQEG were used as securities. In consideration of the guarantees provided by CQCMG, a deposit of RMB0.75 million paid to CQCMG was used as securities.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
The Company has not entered any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties.
 
33

 
 
 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
 
Foreign Exchange Risk
 
     Our reporting currency is the Renminbi (“RMB”). Transactions in other currencies are recorded in RMB at the rates of exchange prevailing when the transactions occur. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are remeasured into RMB at rates of exchange in effect at the balance sheet dates. Exchange gains and losses are recorded in our statements of operations as a component of current period earnings.
 
     The PRC State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People’s Bank of China, controls the conversion of Renminbi into foreign currencies. The principal regulation governing foreign currency exchange in China is the Foreign Currency Administration Rules (1996), as amended, or the “Rules.” Under the Rules, once various procedural requirements are met, RMB is convertible for current account transactions, including trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions and dividend payments, but not for capital account transactions, including direct investment, loans or investments in securities outside China, without prior approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the People’s Republic of China, or its local counterparts.
 
     Since July 2005, the RMB has no longer been pegged to the U.S. dollar. Although currently the Renminbi exchange rate versus the U.S. dollar is restricted to a rise or fall of no more than 0.3% per day and the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the Renminbi may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar in the medium to long term. Moreover, it is possible that in the future, the PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the Renminbi exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market. As of the close of business on September 30, 2011, the exchange rate between the RMB and the U.S. dollar was RMB6.4 to US$1.
 
     We conduct substantially all of our operations through our PRC operating companies, and their financial performance and position are measured in terms of RMB. The majority of our net sales and purchases are denominated in RMB.
 
     Any devaluation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would consequently have an adverse effect on our financial performance and asset values when measured in terms of U.S. dollars. In addition, from time to time we may have U.S. dollar denominated fixed deposits, and therefore a decoupling of the RMB may affect our financial performance in the future.
 
     We recognized a foreign exchange loss of approximately RMB0.4 million (US$0.06 million) and RMB1.0 million (US$0.16 million) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. We do not currently engage in hedging activities, as such, we may in the future experience economic loss as a result of any foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
     We have a long history of investing excess cash under a conservative corporate policy that only allows investments in bank fixed deposits, with preservation of capital and liquidity as the primary objectives. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, we recorded an interest income of RMB4.3 million (US$0.7 million) and RMB12.4 million (US$1.9 million) respectively. Any significant changes in interest rate might have an adverse effect on this interest income.
 
     We have short-term and long-term debt amounting to RMB260.8 million (US$40.8 million) as of September 30, 2011. Interest paid in the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was RMB5.0 million (US$0.8 million) and RMB12.7 million (US$2.0 million) respectively. Any significant changes in interest rate might have an adverse effect on interest expense. There have been no material changes associated with the impact of inflation and concentration of credit risk from that previously disclosed in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Inflation
 
     There have been no material changes associated with the impact of inflation from that previously disclosed in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
 
We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and in reaching a reasonable level of assurance our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. We have carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2011. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of September 30, 2011, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to give a reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure due to the identification of the following material weaknesses in our internal controls discussed in “ Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting ” included in our 2010 annual report on Form 10-K/A:
-Lack of sufficient skilled resources in the finance team to meet the demands of rapidly expanded businesses which resulted in a delayed closing process; and
-Lack of contemporaneous documentation of certain decisions made by the Board of Directors

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
 
Since March 2011, the Company has taken the following action in internal control over financial reporting:
 
 
a.
We have employed an additional senior qualified accountant who is well experienced in preparing financial statements for listed companies and in internal control reviews.
 
 
b.
We have strengthened our financial teams at the operation level by adding resources as well as provided staff trainings so that the teams are fully aware and supportive of the Company’s commitment to the quality of its financial reporting.
 
 
c.
We have engaged external contractors who are experienced in US GAAP conversion to assist the financial teams at the universities starting from the first quarter of 2011 to ensure the timely availability of accurate US GAAP conversion information for review by the auditor.
 
 
d.
We have established training objectives for senior and corporate financial staff members to (i) update them on new developments in US GAAP reporting requirements, (ii) provide additional training through structured professional programs including programs in the US and (iii) encourage and sponsor staff members to pursue US accounting qualifications including obtaining a CPA license.
 
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 PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
 Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
 
     We are not currently a party to any pending material legal proceeding.
 
 Item 1A. Risk Factors.
 
There are no material changes from risk factors previously disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on September 2, 2011.
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
None.
 
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities.

None.
 
 Item 4. (Removed and Reserved).
 
 Item 5. Other Information.
 
None.
 
 Item 6. Exhibits.

31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
36

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
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, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
CHINACAST EDUCATION CORPORATION  
 
(Registrant)  
       
Date: November 9, 2011
By:
/s/ Ron Chan Tze Ngon
 
 
Name:
Ron Chan Tze Ngon
 
 
Title:
Chairman of the Board,
 
 
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
       
 
By:
/s/ Antonio Sena
 
 
Name:
Antonio Sena
 
 
Title:
Chief Financial Officer and
 
 
Secretary (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

 
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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
No.
 
Description
     
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
38