XML 28 R11.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.21.1
Significant accounting policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Significant accounting policies
3.Summary of significant accounting policies

(a)Use of estimates

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, estimate of standalone selling prices of each unit of accounting in multiple elements arrangements, estimate of breakage, the fair value of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests in business combinations, the useful lives of long-lived assets including intangible assets, the fair value of the reporting unit for the goodwill impairment test, the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and other receivables, the realization of deferred tax assets, the fair value of share-based compensation awards, lease liabilities, right-of-use assets and the recoverability of long-lived assets. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and as such, differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements.


(b)Functional currency

The Group use RMB as its reporting currency. The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries incorporated outside of the PRC is United States dollar (“US$”), while the functional currency of the PRC entities in the Group is RMB as determined based on the criteria of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, Foreign Currency Matters.


(c)Convenience translation

Translations of balances in the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) and consolidated statements of cash flows from RMB into US$ as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020 are solely for the convenience of the readers and were calculated at the rate of US$1.00=RMB 6.525, representing the index rates stipulated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on 31 December 2020. No representation is made that the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into US$ at that rate on December 31, 2020, or at any other rate. The US$ convenience translation is not required under U.S. GAAP and all US$ convenience translation amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited.


(d)Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, and highly liquid investments. The Group considers highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. All of the Group’s bank deposits is RMB denominated and are placed with financial institutions in the PRC. The Group does not have any cash equivalents as of December 31, 2019 and 2020, respectively.


(e)Short-term investments

Short-term investments include wealth management products, which are mainly deposits with variable interest rates placed with financial institutions. The Group classifies the wealth management products as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related income tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific-identification basis.


(f)Contract assets

A contract asset is recognized when the Group recognizes revenue before being unconditionally entitled to the consideration under the payment terms set out in the contract. Contract assets are set off against financial liabilities with customers when the customers are not entitled to full refund of the tuition fee paid (see note 3(r)).


(g)Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable primarily consists of receivables of franchise fees. Accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts. The Group uses specific identification in providing for bad debts when facts and circumstances indicate that collection is doubtful and based on factors listed in the following paragraph. If the financial conditions of its franchisee were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowance may be required.


The Group maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. In establishing the required allowance, management considers historical losses adjusted to take into account current market conditions and customers’ financial condition, the amount of receivables in dispute, and the current receivables aging and current payment patterns. Accounts receivable are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. As of December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Group does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure relate to its customers, except for the guarantees given to installment institutions for loans granted to customers of the Group’s English training services in Note 23(b).


(h)Contract costs

Contract costs are the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract are those costs that the Group incurs to obtain a contract with a customer that it would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained e.g. an incremental sales commission. Incremental costs of obtaining a contract are capitalized when incurred if the costs relate to revenue which will be recognised in a future reporting period and the costs are expected to be recovered. Other costs of obtaining a contract are expensed when incurred. Capitalized contract costs are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses.


Contract costs capitalized as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 relate to the incremental sales commissions paid to third-party sales agents or the Group’s sales personnel whose selling activities resulted in customers entering into sale and purchase agreements for the Group’s services. Contract costs are recognized as part of “selling and marketing expenses” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) in the period in which revenue from the related services is recognized. The amount of capitalized costs recognized in profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 were RMB 87,126, RMB 87,635 and RMB 59,014 respectively.


(i)Restricted cash

Restricted cash mainly consists of security deposits for establishments of training schools as requested by local education bureau. Restricted cash is classified as either current or non-current based on when the funds will be released in accordance with the terms of the respective agreement for the establishment. Amounts included in restricted cash represent those required to be set aside by a contractual agreement with education bureau.


(j)Equity method investments

Investee companies over which the Group has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have a controlling interest through investment in common shares or in-substance common shares, are accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is generally considered to exist when the Group has an ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee between 20% and 50%, and other factors, such as representation on the investee’s board of directors, voting rights and the impact of commercial arrangements, are also considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate.


Under the equity method, the Group initially records its investment at cost and subsequently recognizes the Group’s proportionate share of each equity investee’s net income or loss after the date of investment into earnings and accordingly adjusts the carrying amount of the investment. The Group reviews its equity method investments for impairment whenever an event or circumstance indicates that an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. The Group considers available quantitative and qualitative evidence in evaluating potential impairment of its equity method investments. An impairment charge is recorded when the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary.


(k)Property and equipment, net

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recorded impairment.


Gains or losses arising from the disposal of an item of property and equipment are determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item and are recognized in profit or loss on the date of disposal.


The estimated useful lives are presented below.


  Buildings   20 years
       
  Leasehold improvements   Shorter of the lease term and the estimated useful lives of the assets
       
  Motor vehicles   5 years
       
  Equipment, fixture and furniture, and other fixed assets   2 - 10 years

Depreciation on property and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.


The Group capitalizes costs associated with the acquisition of major software for internal use in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets and amortizes the assets over the expected life of the software, generally between five and ten years.


(l)Business combinations

Business combinations are recorded using the acquisition method of accounting. The assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interests of the acquiree at the acquisition date, if any, are measured at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Goodwill is recognized and measured as the excess of the total consideration transferred plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest of the acquiree and fair value of previously held equity interest in the acquiree, if any, at the acquisition date over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired. Consideration transferred in a business acquisition is measured at the fair value as of the date of acquisition.


Major business combinations occurred during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 are disclosed in Note 5.


(m)Acquired intangible assets, net

Acquired intangible assets other than goodwill mainly consist of trademark, backlog, customer relationship and favorable lease assets, and are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization and impairment. Amortization of finite-lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. The amortization periods by intangible asset classes are as follows:


  Trademark   10 years
       
  Backlog   3 years
       
  Customer relationship   5.5 years
       
  Reacquired right   1 year

(n)Impairment of long-lived assets

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, the Group first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. No impairment losses were recorded for the years December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.


(o)Operating leases

Policy applicable before January 1, 2019:


Leases where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the lessor are accounted for as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are charged to the consolidated statements comprehensive (loss) income on a straight-line basis over the lease periods. Certain operating leases contain rent holidays and escalating rent. Rent holidays and escalating rent are considered in determining the straight-line rent expense to be recorded over the lease term. The Group had no capital leases for the years ended December 31, 2018.


Policy applicable beginning January 1, 2019:


The Group determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, current and non-current lease liabilities on the Group’s consolidated balance sheets.


ROU lease assets represent the Group’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease obligations represent the Group’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Group’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Group use its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The Group’s incremental borrowing rate for a lease is the rate of interest it would have to pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms. The operating lease ROU assets also include initial direct costs incurred and any lease payments made to the lessor or before the commencement date, minus any lease incentives received. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.


(p)Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the estimated fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination.


Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit. Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of the reporting unit, assignment of assets and liabilities to the reporting unit, assignment of goodwill to the reporting unit, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. Estimating fair value is performed by utilizing various valuation techniques, with a primary technique being a discounted cash flow which requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long term rate of growth for the Group’s business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of the Group’s weighted average cost of capital.


The Group has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more-likely-than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value prior to performing the two-step goodwill impairment test. If it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. If the two-step goodwill impairment test is required, first, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying amount (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the Group performs step two of the impairment test (measurement). Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation and the residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. The Group performs its annual impairment review of goodwill at December 31 of each year. RMB 27,591 impairment losses were recorded for goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2020.


(q)Deferred Revenue

Cash proceeds received from customers are recorded as deferred revenue when the Group being unconditionally entitled to the tuition fees/proceeds under the payment terms set out in the contract. Deferred revenue are recognized as revenues when revenue recognition criteria are met.


(r)Revenue recognition

The Company adopted ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” for all periods presented. Consistent with the criteria of ASC 606, the Company follows five steps for its revenue recognition: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.


The primary sources of the Group’s revenues are as follows:


(1)General adult English training service and overseas training service

The general adult English training service primarily consist of English classroom-based training. Course fees are generally collected in advance as a package or paid under installment plans for: (i) service fee of main English classroom-based courses; (ii) service fee of supplementary English classroom-based course; (iii) educational materials; and (iv) assessment of level of English proficiency.


The overseas training services are provided for customers planning to take international standardized tests and/or study abroad. Such services comprise international standardized test preparation courses and overseas study services.


The customers can attend main English classroom-based course/overseas training for predetermined course hours in a predetermined period of time. Supplementary English classroom-based course can be attend without limit in such period of time.


The Group has assessed all variable considerations identified when determining the transaction price. In making such assessment, the Group has considered various possible forms that variable considerations may take, including price concessions, discounts, rebates, refunds, credits, incentives, performance bonuses, penalties or other similar items. Generally, customers are entitled to a short-term course trial period/trial courses which commences on the date the course begins or the date of contract signed. Course fee refunds are provided to customers if they decide not to participate in such course within the trial period/trial courses. In addition, the Group offers refunds of the amount related to the course fee of the undelivered course hours after deducting 30% of it or certain amount of teaching service fee for each completed course level to customers who withdraw from a course, provided attended course hours are less than or equal to 30% of total hours in the courses at the time of withdrawal. No refund will be provided for customers attending more than 30% of total hours in the underlying courses. Reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue arising from refunds have been insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.


Each type of service/product included in the course fee is a separate unit of accounting, as each type has distinct nature with different patterns and measurements of transfer to the customers. The Group estimates standalone selling prices of each service/product and recognizes them in different revenue recording methods.


For main English classroom-based courses/overseas training services, revenues are recognized proportionately as the course hours are consumed. Customers may not utilize all of their contracted rights within the service period. Such unutilized service treatments are referred to as breakage. An expected breakage amount is determined by historical experience and is recognized as revenue in proportion to the pattern of service utilized by the customers.


For supplementary English classroom-based course, revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the entire main English classroom-based course period.


For educational materials and assessments of level of English proficiency, revenues are recognized according to the accounting policy as set out in note 3(r)(4) below.


Course fee received are initially recorded as financial liabilities from contracts with customers. During the trial period/trial courses, the Group recognizes contract assets when revenues are recognized. After the completion of trial period/trial course but before the completion of 30% of total hours in the courses, the contract assets are set off against the financial liabilities from contracts with customers and recognition of revenue is recorded as a reduction of the related financial liabilities from contracts with customers, and non-refundable amounts of course fee are transferred from financial liabilities from contracts with customers to deferred revenue. After the completion of 30% of total hours in the courses, the remaining financial liabilities from contracts with customers are reclassified as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheet and the recognition of revenue is recorded as a reduction of the deferred revenue.


  (2)Online English training services

The Group operates “Likeshuo” platform to offer online live streaming English training services. Customers enroll for online courses by the use of prepaid study cards.


The Group has assessed all variable considerations identified when determining the transaction price. In making such assessment, the Group has considered various possible forms that variable considerations may take, including price concessions, discounts, rebates, refunds, credits, incentives, performance bonuses, penalties or other similar items. For courses offered on the “Likeshuo” platform, the Group typically allows a refund of the course fees for any undelivered course/service hours after deducting a platform operation charge associated with the delivering such courses/services online, provided that a customer shall apply for refund at any time during these courses. Reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue arising from refunds have been insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.


The proceeds collected for the study cards are initially recorded as financial liabilities from contracts with customers. Revenues are generally recognized proportionately as the course/service hours are delivered.


  (3)Junior English training

The Group offers junior English training services under “Meten” brand and “ABC” brand. Customers attend the classroom-based training for predetermined course hours in a predetermined period of time.


The Group has assessed all variable considerations identified when determining the transaction price. In making such assessment, the Group has considered various possible forms that variable considerations may take, including price concessions, discounts, rebates, refunds, credits, incentives, performance bonuses, penalties or other similar items. For courses offered under “Meten” brand, the refund policy is similar to the general adult English training service. For courses offered under “ABC” brand, customers are generally entitled to full refund regarding the incompleted course hours after deduction of RMB 2,000 yuan as the early contract termination fee if a student requests a refund within 30 days upon the commencement of the course. No refund will be provided if a student requests a refund after 30 days upon the commencement of the course. Course fee received are initially recorded as financial liabilities from contracts with customers. Within the trial period of 30 days, recognition of revenue is recorded as a reduction of the related financial liabilities from contracts with customers. After 30 days upon the commencement of the course, the remaining financial liabilities from contracts with customers are reclassified as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheet and the recognition of revenue is recorded as a reduction of the deferred revenue. Revenues are generally recognized proportionately as the course hours are delivered.


  (4)Sales of goods

Sales of goods are primarily derived from 1) sales of food and beverage during tuitions; and 2) delivery of educational materials and assessment report of level of English proficiency as included in the package of general classroom-based English training services. Revenue is recognized when the customer takes possession of and accepts the products.


  (5)Revenue from other English language-related services

Revenue from other English language-related services are primarily derived from franchising learning centers through which the franchisee are authorized to use the Group’s brand and are required to adopt the Group’s centralized management system. An initial franchise fee and one-time design consulting fee or a renewal franchise fee is received when the Group enters into or renew a franchise agreement. During the term of the franchise, each franchised learning center are charged recurring franchise fees monthly based on an agreed percentage of its collected course and service fees and related individual course materials fees. The revenue of initial/renewal franchise fee is recognized on a straight-line basis over the franchise period. The revenue of one-time design consulting fee is recognized when the consulting service is provided. The revenue of recurring franchise fee is recognized when the Group and the franchisee confirm and agree the calculation of the fee at the end of each month during the franchise period.


(s)Cost of revenue

Cost of revenue consists of expenditures incurred in the generation of the Group’s revenue, includes but not limited to the course content related costs, service fees paid to contract human teachers in courses, rental expenses, IT service costs and depreciations for property and equipment.


(t)Sales and marketing expenses

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising costs, branding and marketing expenses, salary and welfare for sales and marketing personnel, commission to distribution channels and sales and marketing personnel. The branding and marketing expenses amounted to RMB 144,203, RMB 140,281 and RMB 123,308 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.


(u)General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salary and welfare for general and administrative personnel, share-based compensation expenses, agency expenses, depreciation expenses for property and equipment, property management fee and general office expenses.


(v)Research and development expenses

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.


(w)Government grants

Government grant is recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the Group will comply with the conditions attach to it and the grant will be received. Government grant for the purpose of giving immediate financial support to the Group with no future related costs or obligation is recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) when the grant becomes receivable. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, RMB 7,817, RMB 5,773 and RMB 28,124 of government grants were recognized, respectively.


(x)Employee benefits

Full time employees of the Group in the PRC participate in a government mandated defined contribution plan, pursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to the employees. Chinese labor regulations require that the PRC subsidiaries and VIE of the Group make contributions to the government for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government. The Group has no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions made. Total amounts of such employee benefit expenses, which were expensed as incurred, were approximately RMB 56,248, RMB 62,084 and RMB27,054 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.


(y)Income taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, if any. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates or tax laws is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income in the period the change in tax rates or tax laws is enacted.


The Group reduces the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance, if based on the available evidence, it is ‘‘more-likely-than-not’’ that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed at each reporting period based on a ‘‘more-likely-than-not’’ realization threshold. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, and the Group’s experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, if any, not expiring.


The Group recognizes in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is ‘‘more-likely-than-not’’ to prevail based on the facts and technical merits of the position. Tax positions that meet the ‘‘more-likely-than-not’’ recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. Interest and penalties recognized related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.


(z)Share based compensation

Share-based awards granted to the employees in the form of share options are subject to service and non-market performance conditions. They are measured at the grant date fair value of the awards. The compensation expense in connection with the shares awarded to employees is recognized using the straight-line method over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant, with such estimate updated periodically and with actual forfeitures recognized currently to the extent they differ from the estimate.


In determining the fair value of the shares awarded to employees, the discounted cash flow pricing model has been applied.


Estimation of the fair value involves significant assumptions that might not be observable in the market, and a number of complex and subjective variables, including the expected share price volatility (approximated by the volatility of comparable companies), discount rate, risk-free interest rate and subjective judgments regarding the Company’s projected financial and operating results, its unique business risks and its operating history and prospects at the time the grants are made.


(aa)Statutory reserve

In accordance with the Company Laws of the PRC, the PRC Entities registered as PRC domestic companies must make appropriations from its after-tax profit as determined under the PRC GAAP to non-distributable reserve funds including a statutory surplus fund and a discretionary surplus fund. The appropriation to the statutory surplus fund must be at least 10% of the after-tax profits as determined in accordance with the legal requirements in the PRC. Appropriation is not required if the surplus fund has reached 50% of the registered capital of the respective company. Appropriation to the discretionary surplus fund is made at the discretion of the respective company.


The use of the statutory reserves are restricted to the off-setting of losses or increasing capital of the respective company. All these reserves are not allowed to be transferred to their investors in terms of cash dividends, loans or advances, nor can they be distributed except under liquidation.


(ab)Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Group is subject to loss contingencies, such as legal proceedings and claims arising out of its business, that cover a wide range of matters, including, among others, government investigations, shareholder lawsuits, and non-income tax matters. An accrual for a loss contingency is recognized when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. If a potential material loss contingency is not probable but is reasonably possible, or is probable but cannot be estimated, then the nature of the contingent liability, together with an estimate of the range of possible loss if determinable and material, is disclosed.


(ac)Fair value measurements

The Group applies ASC 820, Fair Value measurements and Disclosures, for fair value measurements financial assets and financial liabilities and for fair value measurements of non-financial items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring and non-recurring basis. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Group considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. ASC 820 also establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.


ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value.


The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:


Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Group has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. In situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date, the fair value measurement reflects management’s own judgments about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Those judgments are developed by management based on the best information available in the circumstances.


The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, amounts due from related parties, accounts payable, amounts due to related parties, income taxes payable, accrued expenses and other payables as of December 31, 2019 and 2020 approximate their fair values because of short maturity of these instruments.


(ad)Net income/(loss) per share

Basic net income/(loss) per share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income/(loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were exercised into common shares. Common share equivalents are excluded from the computation of the diluted net income/(loss) per share in years when their effect would be anti-dilutive. The Group has non-vested shares which could potentially dilute basic income/(loss) per share in the future. To calculate the number of shares for diluted net income/(loss) per share, the effect of the non-vested shares is computed using the treasury stock method.


(ae)Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheets. Most prominent among the changes in the standard is the recognition of ROU assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases. Under the standard, disclosures are required to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The Group elected to recognize and measure leases existing at the beginning of the period of adoption through a cumulative–effect adjustment using a modified retrospective approach, with certain practical expedients available. The Group adopted the standard as of January 1, 2019 and applied the modified retrospective approach on this date by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment. In addition, the Group elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard.


The following table summarizes the effect on the consolidated balance sheet as a result of adopting ASC 842.


   December 31,
2018
As previously reported
   Effect of the adoption of
ASC 842
   January 1,
2019
As adjusted
 
Current portions:            
Prepayment and other current assets   104,761    (10,612)   94,149 
Current operating lease liabilities   -    99,706    99,706 
                
Non-current portions:               
Operating lease right-of-use assets   -    397,490    397,490 
Intangible assets, net   36,904    (6,305)   30,599 
Operating lease liabilities   -    280,867    280,867 

The Group has operating leases for learning centers, corporate offices, and office equipment. The Group’s leases are for an initial 1 to 10 years’ term.


Short-term leases are leases having a term of twelve months or less. The Group recognizes short-term leases on a straight-line basis and does not record a related lease asset or liability for such leases.


In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses” (“ASU 2016-13”), which introduces new guidance for credit losses on instruments within its scope. The new guidance introduces an approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including, but not limited to, trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and net investments in leases. The new guidance also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires the entities to determine whether all or a portion of the unrealized loss on an available-for-sale debt security is a credit loss. The standard also indicates that entities may not use the length of time a security has been in an unrealized loss position as a factor in concluding whether a credit loss exists. The ASU is effective for Emerging Growth Company (“EGC”) for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those fiscal years and effective for public companies excluding EGC and smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Group is in the process of evaluating the impact of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements.


In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the current two-step goodwill impairment test by eliminating Step two of the test. The guidance requires a one-step impairment test in which an entity compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, if any. This guidance is effective for EGC for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those fiscal years and effective for public companies excluding EGC and smaller reporting companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for the interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its financial statements and related disclosures.


In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12 (“ASU 2019-12”), Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted. The Group is not early adopting the standard and it is in the process of evaluation the impact of adoption of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.


In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-03 (“ASU 2020-03”), Codification Improvements to Financial Instruments. ASU 2020-03 represents changes to clarify or improve the Codification. The amendments make the Codification easier to understand and easier to apply by eliminating inconsistencies and providing clarifications. With regard to amendments related to Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 4, and Issue 5, for public business entities, the amendments are effective upon issuance of this final Update, for all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application is permitted. The Group is not early adopting the standard and it is in the process of evaluation the impact of adoption of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements.


In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”), which focuses on amending the legacy guidance on convertible instruments and the derivatives scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 simplifies an issuer’s accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models that require separate accounting for embedded conversion features. ASU 2020-06 also simplifies the settlement assessment that entities are required to perform to determine whether a contract qualifies for equity classification. Further, ASU 2020-06 enhances information transparency by making targeted improvements to the disclosures for convertible instruments and earnings-per-share (EPS) guidance, i.e., aligning the diluted EPS calculation for convertible instruments by requiring that an entity use the if-converted method and that the effect of potential share settlement be included in the diluted EPS calculation when an instrument may be settled in cash or shares, adding information about events or conditions that occur during the reporting period that cause conversion contingencies to be met or conversion terms to be significantly changed. This update will be effective for the Company’s fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities can elect to adopt the new guidance through either a modified retrospective method of transition or a fully retrospective method of transition. The Group is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2020-06 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosure.