FingerMotion, Inc S-3, filed Sep 11, 2023
FingerMotion, Inc. (FNGR)
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 11, 2023
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
| (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
| (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices) |
United Corporate Services, Inc. 800 North State Street, Suite 304 Dover, DE 19901 Telephone: (877) 734-8300 |
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
|
Copies of communications to:
McMillan LLP
Telephone:
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement as determined by the Registrant.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☑
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ||
| Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment that specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This registration statement contains two prospectuses:
| ● | a base prospectus that covers the offering, issuance and sale by the registrant of up to $300,000,000 in the aggregate of the registrant’s common shares, common share purchase warrants, subscription receipts and units for any combination thereof from time to time in one or more offerings; and |
| ● | an at-the-market offering agreement prospectus that covers the offering, issuance and sale by the registrant of up to a maximum offering of $25,000,000 of the registrant’s common shares that may be issued and sold under an at-the-market offering agreement with Univest Securities, LLC, as sales agent. |
The base prospectus immediately follows this explanatory note. The specific terms of any securities to be offered pursuant to the base prospectus other than the common shares under the at-the-market offering agreement will be specified in a prospectus supplement to the base prospectus. The specific terms of the securities to be issued and sold under the at-the-market offering agreement are specified in the at-the-market offering agreement prospectus that immediately follows the base prospectus. The $25,000,000 of common shares that may be offered, issued and sold under the at-the-market offering agreement prospectus is included in the $300,000,000 of securities that may be offered, issued and sold by the registrant under the base prospectus.
The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these Securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion: Dated September 11, 2023
PROSPECTUS
FINGERMOTION, INC.
$300,000,000
Common Shares
Warrants
Subscription Receipts
Units
FingerMotion, Inc. (“we” or the “Company”) may offer and sell, from time to time, up to $300,000,000 aggregate offering price of our common shares (“Common Shares”), warrants to purchase Common Shares (“Warrants”), subscription receipts for Common Shares, Warrants or any combination thereof (“Subscription Receipts”), or any combination of Common Shares, Warrants or Subscription Receipts (“Units”) (collectively, the Common Shares, Warrants, Subscription Receipts and Units are referred to as the “Securities”) in one or more transactions under this prospectus (the “Prospectus”).
This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities that we may offer. Each time we offer Securities, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement (“Prospectus Supplement”) that describes specific information about the particular Securities being offered and may add, update or change information contained in this Prospectus. You should read both this Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement, together with any additional information, which is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. This Prospectus may not be used to offer or sell securities without the Prospectus Supplement, which includes a description of the method and terms of that offering.
We may sell the Securities on a continuous or delayed basis to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The Prospectus Supplement, which we will provide to you each time we offer Securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of the Securities, and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this Prospectus.
The Common Shares are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “FNGR”. On September 6, 2023, the last reported sale price of the Common Shares on Nasdaq was $6.00 per Common Share. There is currently no market through which the Securities, other than the Common Shares, may be sold and purchasers may not be able to resell the Securities purchased under this Prospectus. This may affect the pricing of the Securities, other than the Common Shares, in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, the liquidity of these Securities and the extent of issuer regulation.
- 2 -
This Prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of any Securities unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.
We will sell these Securities directly to investors, through agents designated from time to time or to or through underwriters or dealers, on a continuous or delayed basis. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this Prospectus. If any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of any Securities with respect to which this Prospectus is being delivered, the names of such agents or underwriters and any applicable fees, commissions, discounts or over-allotment options will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement. The price to the public of such Securities and the net proceeds we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement.
Investing in our Securities involves a high degree of risk. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in the applicable Prospectus Supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this Prospectus as described on page 17 of this Prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these Securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS
We are a holding company incorporated in Delaware and not a Chinese operating company. As a holding company, we conduct a significant part of our operations through our subsidiaries and through contractual arrangements with a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”). To address challenges resulting from laws, policies and practices that may disfavor foreign-owned entities that operate within industries deemed sensitive by the Chinese government, we use the VIE structure to provide contractual exposure to foreign investment in Chinese-based companies. We own 100% of the equity of a wholly foreign owned enterprise (“WFOE”), which has entered into contractual arrangements with the VIE (the “VIE Agreements”), which is owned by Ms. Li Li, the legal representative and general manager and also the shareholder of the VIE. The VIE Agreements have not been tested in court. For a description of the VIE structure and our contractual arrangements with the VIE, see “Corporate Information”. As a result of our use of the VIE structure, you may never directly hold equity interests in the VIE.
Because we do not directly hold an equity interest in the VIE, which has never been challenged or recognized in court for the time being, we are subject to risks and uncertainties of the interpretations and applications of Chinese laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the validity and enforcement of the contractual arrangements among the WFOE, the VIE and the shareholder of the VIE. We are also subject to the risks and uncertainties about any future actions of the Chinese government in this regard that could disallow the VIE structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations, and the value of our common stock may depreciate significantly or become worthless. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the VIE Agreements” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China”.
We are subject to certain legal and operational risks associated with having a significant portion of our operations in China. Chinese laws and regulations governing our current business operations are sometimes vague and uncertain, and as a result, these risks could result in a material change in our operations, significant depreciation of the value of our common stock, or a complete hindrance of our ability to offer our securities to investors. Recently, the Chinese government adopted a series of regulatory actions and issued statements to regulate business operations in China, including those related to the use of VIEs, data security and anti-monopoly concerns. As of the date of this Prospectus, our Company and subsidiaries and the VIE have not been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review initiated by any Chinese regulatory authority, nor has any of them received any inquiry, notice or sanction.
- 3 -
On February 17, 2023, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”) promulgated Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Overseas Listing Trial Measures”) and five relevant guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures regulate both direct and indirect overseas offering and listing of PRC domestic companies’ securities by adopting a filing-based regulatory regime. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both the following conditions, the overseas securities offering and listing conducted by such issuer will be determined as indirect overseas offering, which shall be subject to the filing procedure set forth under the Overseas Listing Trial Measures: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (ii) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are located in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operations and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in mainland China. Where an abovementioned issuer submits an application for an initial public offering to competent overseas regulators, such issuer shall file with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted. Where a domestic company fails to fulfill filing procedure or in violation of the provisions as stipulated above, in respect of its overseas offering and listing, the CSRC shall order rectification, issue warnings to such domestic company, and impose a fine ranging from RMB1,000,000 to RMB10,000,000. Also the directly liable persons and actual controllers of the domestic company that organize or instruct the aforementioned violations shall be warned and/or imposed fines.
Also on February 17, 2023, the CSRC also held a press conference for the release of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and issued the Notice on Administration for the Filing of Overseas Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, which, among others, clarifies that the domestic companies that have already been listed overseas on or before the effective date of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures (March 31, 2023) shall be deemed as “stock enterprises”. Stock enterprises are not required to complete the filling procedures immediately, and they shall be required to file with the CSRC when subsequent matters such as refinancing are involved.
As of the date of this Prospectus, our Company and subsidiaries and the VIE have not received any inquiry, notice, warning or sanctions from the CSRC or any other Chinese governmental authorities relating to securities listings, although we may have to file with the CSRC with respect to a new offering of our securities. However, since these statements and regulatory actions, including the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, are newly published it is uncertain what potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our ability to conduct our business, accept investments or list or maintain a listing on a U.S. or foreign exchange. See “Risk Factors— Risks Related to Doing Business in China”.
As of the date of this Prospectus, none of our subsidiaries or any of the consolidated VIE have made any dividends or distributions to our Company. Under Delaware law, a Delaware corporation’s ability to pay cash dividends on its capital stock requires the corporation to have either net profits or positive net assets (total assets less total liabilities) over its capital. If we determine to pay dividends on any of our common stock in the future, as a holding company, we will rely, in part, on payments made from the VIE to our WFOE in accordance with the VIE Agreements and dividends and other distributions on equity from our WFOE to the Company. Our ability to settle amounts owed under the VIE Agreements is subject to certain restrictions and limitations. Under the VIE Agreements, the VIE is obligated to make payments to our WFOE, in cash or in kind, at the WFOE’s request. However, such payments are subject to Chinese taxes, including a 6% VAT and 25% enterprise income tax. In addition, current Chinese regulations permit our WFOE to pay dividends to its shareholders only out of registered capital amount, if any, as determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. If our WFOE incurs debt in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Any limitation on the ability of our WFOE to distribute dividends or other payments to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay dividends or otherwise fund and conduct our business. In addition, any cash dividends or distributions of assets by our WFOE to its stockholder are subject to a Chinese withholding tax of as much as 10%. The Chinese government also imposes controls on the conversion of Renminbi (“RMB”) into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of China. Therefore, we may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency for the payment of dividends from our profits, if any. If we are unable to receive all of the revenues from our operations through the current VIE Agreements, we may be unable to pay dividends on our common stock.
Transfer of Cash or Assets
Dividend Distributions
We have never declared or paid dividends or distributions on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future consolidated earnings to fund our operations and continue the development and growth of our business; therefore, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends.
- 4 -
Under Delaware law, a Delaware corporation’s ability to pay cash dividends on its capital stock requires the corporation to have either net profits or positive net assets (total assets less total liabilities) over its capital. If we determine to pay dividends on any of our common stock in the future, as a holding company, we may rely on dividends and other distributions on equity from our WFOE for cash requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash contributions to our shareholders.
Our WFOE’s ability to distribute dividends is based upon its distributable earnings. PRC legal restrictions permit payments of dividends by our WFOE only out of its accumulated after-tax profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. A PRC company is not permitted to distribute any profits until any losses from prior fiscal years have been offset. Profits retained from prior fiscal years may be distributed together with distributable profits from the current fiscal year. Our WFOE is also required under PRC laws and regulations to allocate at least 10% of our annual after-tax profits determined in accordance with PRC GAAP to a statutory general reserve fund until the amounts in said fund reach 50% of our register capital. Current Chinese regulations permit our WFOE to pay dividends to its shareholder only out of its registered capital amount, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. If our WFOE incurs debt in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Any limitation on the ability of our WFOE to distribute dividends or other payments to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay dividends or otherwise fund and conduct our business. In addition, any cash dividends or distributions of assets by our WFOE to its shareholder are subject to a Chinese withholding tax of as much as 10%. Remittance of dividends by our WFOE out of China is also subject to examination by the banks designated by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or the SAFE. For risks relating to the fund flows of our operations in China, see “Risk Factors— Risks Related to Doing Business in China”.
The Chinese government also imposes controls on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of China. Therefore, we may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency for the payment of dividends from our profits, if any. If we are unable to receive all of the revenues from our operations through the current VIE Agreements, we may be unable to pay dividends on our common stock.
For us to pay dividends to our shareholders, we will rely on payments made from the VIE to our WFOE in accordance with the VIE Agreements, and the distribution of payments from the WFOE to the Delaware holding company as dividends. Certain payments from the VIE to the WFOE pursuant to the VIE Agreements are subject to Chinese taxes, including a 6% VAT and 25% enterprise income tax.
Our Company’s Ability to Settle Amounts Owed under the VIE Agreements
We transfer cash to our wholly-owned Hong Kong subsidiary, by making capital contributions or providing loans, and our Hong Kong Subsidiary transfers cash to the WFOE in China by making capital contributions. Because we control the VIE through contractual arrangements, we are unable to make direct capital contributions to the VIE and its subsidiaries.
Under the VIE Agreements, the VIE is obligated to make payments to our WFOE, in cash or in kind, at the WFOE’s request. We will be able to settle amounts owed under the VIE Agreements through dividends paid by our WFOE to our Company. Such ability may be restricted or limited as follows:
| ● | First, any payments from the VIE to our WFOE is subject to Chinese taxes, including a 6% VAT and 25% enterprise income tax. |
| ● | Second, current Chinese regulations permit our WFOE to pay dividends to their shareholders only out of its registered capital amount, if any, as determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, if our WFOE incurs debt in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other payments to the Delaware holding company. |
| ● | Third, the Chinese government also imposes controls on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of China. Therefore, we may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency for the payment of dividends from profits, if any. |
- 5 -
The VIE may transfer cash to our WFOE by paying service fees according to the consulting services agreement.
Effect of Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and Related SEC Rules.
On December 16, 2021, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) issued a report on its determinations that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the PRC, because of positions taken by PRC authorities in those jurisdictions. The PCAOB made these determinations pursuant to PCAOB Rule 6100, which provides a framework for how the PCAOB fulfills its responsibilities under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (“HFCAA”). The report further listed in its Appendix A and Appendix B, Registered Public Accounting Firms Subject to the Mainland China Determination and Registered Public Accounting Firms Subject to the Hong Kong Determination, respectively. The audit report included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended February 28, 2023 and 2022 was issued by Centurion ZD CPA & Co. (“CZD CPA”), an audit firm headquartered in Hong Kong, a jurisdiction that the PCAOB previously determined that the PCAOB is unable to conduct inspections or investigate auditors. However, on December 15, 2022, the PCAOB determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and vote to vacate its previous determinations. Should the PRC authorities obstruct or otherwise fail to facilitate the PCAOB’s access in the future, the PCAOB will consider the need to issue a new determination.
In June 2022, we were identified on the SEC’s “Conclusive list of issuers identified under the HFCAA” (available at https://www.sec.gov.hfcaa) and, as a result we are required to comply with the submission or disclosure requirements in this Prospectus for our fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. If we are so identified for two consecutive years, the SEC would prohibit our securities from trading on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. As noted above, on December 15, 2022, the PCAOB vacated its previous determinations that it is unable to inspect and investigate completely PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. Accordingly, until such time as the PCAOB issues any new determination, we do not expect to be at risk of having our securities subject to a trading prohibition under the HFCAA.
Under the HFCAA (as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023), our securities may be prohibited from trading on the U.S. stock exchanges or in the over the counter trading market in the U.S. if our auditor is not inspected by the PCAOB for two consecutive years, and this ultimately could result in our common stock being delisted. On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (“AHFCAA”), which was enacted under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, as further described below.
On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance of the PRC, taking the first step toward opening access for the PCAOB to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. The Statement of Protocol gives the PCAOB sole discretion to select the firms, audit engagements and potential violations it inspects and investigates and put in place procedures for PCAOB inspectors and investigators to view complete audit work papers with all information included and for the PCAOB to retain information as needed. In addition, the Statement of Protocol grants the PCAOB direct access to interview and take testimony from all personnel associated with the audits the PCAOB inspects or investigates. While significant, the Statement of Protocol is only a first step. Uncertainties still exists as to whether and how this new Statement of Protocol will be implemented. Notwithstanding the signing of the Statement of Protocol, if the PCAOB cannot make a determination that it is able to inspect and investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong, trading of our securities will still be prohibited under the HFCAA and Nasdaq will determine to delist our securities. Therefore, there is no assurance that the Statement of Protocol will relieve us from the delisting risks under the HFCAA.
On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, was signed into law, which amended the HFCAA (i) to reduce the number of consecutive years that would trigger delisting from three years to two years, and (ii) so that any foreign jurisdiction could be the reason why the PCAOB does not to have complete access to inspect or investigate a company’s auditors. As it was originally enacted, the HFCAA applied only if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction where the relevant public accounting firm is located. As a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, the HFCAA now also applies if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate the relevant accounting firm is due to a position taken by an authority in any foreign jurisdiction. The denying jurisdiction does not need to be where the accounting firm is located.
In the future, if we do not engage an auditor that is subject to regular inspection by the PCAOB, our common stock may be delisted. The delisting of our shares of common stock (“Common Shares”), or the threat of the Common Shares being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.
- 6 -
The date of this Prospectus is ____________ __, 2023
- 7 -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 8 -
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This Prospectus is a part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the Securities described in this Prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of initial aggregate offering price of $300,000,000.
This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities that we may offer. The specific terms of the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered will be set forth in a Prospectus Supplement and may include, where applicable: (i) in the case of Common Shares, the number of Common Shares offered, the offering price and any other specific terms of the offering; (ii) in the case of Warrants, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants, any procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers, the exercise price, dates and periods of exercise, and the currency or the currency unit in which the exercise price must be paid and any other specific terms; (iii) in the case of Subscription Receipts, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares or Warrants receivable upon satisfaction of certain release conditions, any procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers, any additional payments to be made to holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the release conditions, the terms of the release conditions, terms governing the escrow of all or a portion of the gross proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts, terms for the refund of all or a portion of the purchase price for Subscription Receipts in the event the release conditions are not met and any other specific terms; and (iv) in the case of Units, the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares, Warrants or Subscription Receipts comprising the Units. A Prospectus Supplement may include specific variable terms pertaining to the Securities that are not within the alternatives and parameters set forth in this Prospectus.
In connection with any offering of the Securities (unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement), the underwriters or agents may over-allot or effect transactions that stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities offered at a higher level than that which might exist in the open market. Such transactions, if commenced, may be interrupted or discontinued at any time. See “Plan of Distribution”.
Please carefully read both this Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement together with the documents incorporated herein by reference under “Documents Incorporated by Reference”.
Each time we sell securities under this Prospectus, we will provide a Prospectus Supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one (1) or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. The Prospectus Supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change information contained in this Prospectus or in any documents that we have incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. You should read this Prospectus, any applicable Prospectus Supplement and any related free writing prospectus, together with the information incorporated herein by reference before investing in any of the Securities offered.
THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO CONSUMMATE A SALE OF SECURITIES UNLESS IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
Neither we, nor any agent, underwriter or dealer has authorized any person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, any applicable Prospectus Supplement or any related free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. This Prospectus, any applicable Prospectus Supplement to this Prospectus and any related free writing prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered Securities to which they relate, nor do this Prospectus, any applicable Prospectus Supplement to this Prospectus and any related free writing prospectus constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy Securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.
You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus, any applicable Prospectus Supplement or any related free writing prospectus is accurate on any date subsequent to the date set forth on the front of such document or that any information we have incorporated by reference is correct on any date subsequent to the date of the document incorporated by reference, even though this Prospectus, any applicable Prospectus Supplement or any related free writing prospectus is delivered, or Securities are sold, on a later date.
- 9 -
This Prospectus and the information incorporated herein by reference contain summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed, will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under the heading “Where to Find Additional Information”.
Owning Securities may subject you to tax consequences in the United States. This Prospectus or any applicable Prospectus Supplement may not describe these tax consequences fully. You should read the tax discussion in any Prospectus Supplement with respect to a particular offering and consult your own tax advisor with respect to your own particular circumstances.
You should rely only on the information contained in this Prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this Prospectus. The distribution or possession of this Prospectus in or from certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these Securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these Securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted or where the person making the offer or sale is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is not permitted to make such offer or sale. The information contained in this Prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this Prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this Prospectus or of any sale of the Securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
REFERENCES
Unless the context otherwise requires, in this Prospectus: (i) the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Company”, “FingerMotion” and “our business” refer to FingerMotion, Inc. or as the context requires, collectively with its consolidated subsidiaries; (ii) “SEC” refers to the Securities and Exchange Commission; (iii) “Securities Act” refers to the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended; (iv) “Exchange Act” refers to the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and (v) all dollar amounts refer to United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.
- 10 -
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you should consider in making your investment decision. Before investing in Securities, you should carefully read this entire Prospectus, the applicable Prospectus Supplement and any related free writing prospectus, including our financial statements and the related notes and other documents incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, as well as the information under the caption “Risk Factors” contained in the applicable Prospectus Supplement and any related free writing prospectus and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and the exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
Our Company
Overview
We operate the following lines of business: (i) Telecommunications Products and Services; (ii) Value Added Product and Services; (iii) Short Message Services (“SMS”) and Multimedia Messaging Services (“MMS”); (iv) a Rich Communication Services (“RCS”) platform; (v) Big Data Insights; and (vi) a Video Game Division (inactive).
Our common stock is registered under section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FNGR”.
Our website address is www.FingerMotion.com. Information contained on, or accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of and is not incorporated into this Prospectus, and the only information that you should rely on in making your decision whether to invest in our common stock is the information contained in this Prospectus.
Corporate Information
The Company was initially incorporated as “Property Management Corporation of America” on January 23, 2014 in the State of Delaware.
On June 21, 2017, the Company amended its certificate of incorporation to effect a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares, to increase the authorized number of Common Shares to 200,000,000 and to change the name of the Company from “Property Management Corporation of America” to “FingerMotion, Inc.” (collectively, the “Corporate Actions”). The Corporate Actions and the amended certificate of incorporation became effective on June 21, 2017.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at 111 Somerset Road, Level 3, Singapore 238164, and our telephone number is (347) 349-5339.
We are a holding company incorporated in Delaware and not an operating company incorporated in the PRC. As a holding company, we conduct a significant part of our operations through our subsidiaries and through the VIE Agreements with the VIE based in China. The following diagram depicts our corporate structure:
- 11 -
Our holding company structure presents unique risks as our investors may never directly hold equity interests in our subsidiaries or the VIE, and will be dependent upon contributions from our subsidiaries and the VIE to finance our cash flow needs. Our subsidiaries and the VIE are currently not required to obtain permission from the Chinese authorities including the CSRC or Cybersecurity Administration Committee (the “CAC”), to operate or to issue securities to foreign investors. However, as of March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures promulgated by the CSRC, we may have to file with the CSRC with respect to a new offering of our securities. The business of our subsidiaries and the VIE until now are not subject to cybersecurity review with the CAC, given that: (i) data processed in our business does not have a bearing on national security and thus may not be classified as core or important data by the authorities; (ii) we do not possess a large amount of personal information in our business operations. In addition, we are not subject to merger control review by China’s anti-monopoly enforcement agency due to the level of our revenues which provided from us and audited by our auditor and the fact that we currently do not expect to propose or implement any acquisition of control of, or decisive influence over, any company with revenues within China of more than RMB400 million. Currently, these statements and regulatory actions have had no impact on our daily business operations, the ability to accept foreign investments and list our securities on an U.S. or other foreign exchange. However, since these statements and regulatory actions, including the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, are new, it is uncertain what potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our daily business operation, the ability to accept foreign investments and list our securities on an U.S. or other foreign exchange.
To operate, the VIE and Beijing XunLian TianXia Technology Co., Ltd. are required to obtain, and have obtained, a value-added telecommunications business license from PRC authorities. In connection with our previous issuance of securities to foreign investors, under current PRC laws, regulations and regulatory rules, as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we, our PRC subsidiaries and the VIE, (i) are not required to obtain permissions from the CSRC except that as of March 31, 2023 we may have to file with the CSRC with respect to a new offering of our securities, (ii) are not required to go through cybersecurity review by the CAC, and (iii) have received or were not denied such requisite permissions by any PRC authority. If we, our subsidiaries or the VIE (i) do not receive or maintain such permissions or approvals, (ii) inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required or (iii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change and we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, we may be subject to government enforcement actions, investigations, penalties, sanctions and fines imposed by the CSRC, the CAC and relevant departments of the State Council. In severe circumstances, the business of our PRC subsidiary may be ordered to suspend and its business qualifications and licenses may be revoked.
- 12 -
To address challenges resulting from laws, policies and practices that may disfavor foreign-owned entities that operate within industries deemed sensitive by the Chinese government, we use the VIE structure to provide contractual exposure to foreign investment in the PRC-based companies. We own 100% of the equity of a WFOE, Shanghai JiuGe Business Management Co., Ltd. (“JiuGe Management”), which has entered into the VIE Agreements with the VIE, which is owned by Ms. Li Li, the legal representative and general manager and also the shareholder of the VIE. The VIE Agreements have not been tested in court. As a result of our use of the VIE structure, you may never directly hold equity interests the VIE. Any securities that we offer will be securities of the Company, the Delaware holding company, not of the VIE.
We fund the registered capital and operating expenses of the VIE by extending loans to the shareholders of the VIE. The VIE Agreements governing the relationship between the VIE and our WFOE enable us to (i) direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, (ii) receive substantially all of the economic benefits of the VIE, and (iii) have an exclusive call option to purchase, at any time, all or part of the equity interests in and/or assets of the VIE to the extent permitted by Chinese laws. As a result of the VIE Agreements, the Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE for accounting purposes and is able to consolidate the financial results of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a result, investors in our Common Shares are not purchasing an equity interest in the VIE but instead are purchasing equity interest in FingerMotion, Inc., a Delaware holding company.
VIE Agreements
On October 16, 2018, the Company, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Shanghai JiuGe Business Management Co., Ltd. (“JiuGe Management”), entered into a series of agreements known as the VIE Agreements pursuant to which Shanghai JiuGe Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“JiuGe Technology”) became our contractually controlled affiliate. The use of VIE agreements is a common structure used to acquire PRC corporations, particularly in certain industries in which foreign investment is restricted or forbidden by the PRC government. The VIE Agreements include a Consulting Services Agreement, a Loan Agreement, a Power of Attorney Agreement, a Call Option Agreement, and a Share Pledge Agreement in order to secure the connection and commitments of the JiuGe Technology. We operate our mobile payment platform business through JiuGe Technology.
The VIE Agreements include:
| ● | a consulting services agreement (the “JiuGe Technology Consulting Services Agreement”) through which JiuGe Management is mainly engaged in data marketing, technical services, technical consulting and business consultancy to Shanghai JiuGe Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“JiuGe Technology”); |
| ● | a loan agreement through which JiuGe Management grants a loan to the Legal Representative of JiuGe Technology for the purpose of capital contribution (the “JiuGe Technology Loan Agreement”); |
| ● | a power of attorney agreement under which the owner of JiuGe Technology has vested their collective voting control over JiuGe Technology to JiuGe Management and will only transfer their equity interests in JiuGe Technology to JiuGe Management or its designee(s) (the “JiuGe Technology Power of Attorney Agreement”); |
| ● | a call option agreement under which the owner of JiuGe Technology has granted to JiuGe Management the irrevocable and unconditional right and option to acquire all of their equity interests in JiuGe Technology or transfer these rights to a third party (the “JiuGe Technology Call Option Agreement”); and |
| ● | a share pledge agreement under which the owner of JiuGe Technology has pledged all of their rights, titles and interests in JiuGe Technology to JiuGe Management to guarantee JiuGe Technology’s performance of its obligations under the JiuGe Technology Consulting Services Agreement (the “JiuGe Technology Share Pledge Agreement”). |
- 13 -
Our PRC counsel has reviewed these agreements and believes that all the VIE Agreements were duly signed and are not in violation of applicable laws of PRC. We are of the opinion that the VIE Agreements are valid and giving the WFOE a full control over the VIE in respect of the current and effective PRC laws and regulations. However, the VIE Agreements have never been challenged or recognized in court for the time being, and the PRC government may determine that the VIE Agreements are not in compliance with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations compared with direct ownership, there may be less effective in controlling through the VIE structure.
In the first half of 2018, JiuGe Technology secured contracts with China Unicom and China Mobile to distribute mobile data for businesses and corporations in 9 provinces/municipalities, namely Chengdu, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Zhuhai, Zhejiang, Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia.
In September 2018, JiuGe Technology launched and commercialized mobile payment and recharge services to businesses for China Unicom. The JiuGe Technology mobile payment and recharge platform enables the seamless delivery of real-time payment and recharge services to third-party channels and businesses. We earn a negotiated rebate amount from each of China Unicom and China Mobile for all monies paid by consumers to China Unicom and China Mobile that we process. To encourage consumers to utilize our portal instead of using our competitors’ platforms or paying China Unicom or China Mobile directly, we offer mobile data and talk time at a rate discounted from these companies’ stated rates, which are also the rates we must pay to them to purchase the mobile data and talk time provided to consumers through the use of our platform. Accordingly, we earn income on the rebates we receive from the telecommunications companies, reduced by the amounts by which we discount the mobile data and talk time sold through our platform.
In October 2018, China Unicom and China Mobile awarded JiuGe Technology with contracts that established partnerships for data analysis, that could unlock potential value-added services.
This description of the VIE Agreements discussed above do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms of the VIE Agreements, which were filed as exhibits to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 27, 2018 and are incorporated by reference herein. The English translation version of the JiuGe Technology Share Pledge Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Form S-1/A (Amendment No. 1) filed with the SEC on January 5, 2023, and is incorporated by reference herein.
Acquisition of Beijing Technology
On March 7, 2019, the Company through JiuGe Technology acquired Beijing Technology, a company in the business of providing mass SMS text services to businesses looking to communicate with large numbers of their customers and prospective customers. Through Beijing Technology, the Company entered into the business of mass SMS text message service as a compliment to its mobile payment and recharge business. The mass SMS text message service offers bulk SMS services to end consumers with competitive pricing. Currently, the Company’s SMS integrated platform is processing more than 150 million SMS text messages per month. Beijing Technology retains a license from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to operate SMS and MMS business in the PRC. Similar to the mobile recharge business, Beijing Technology is required to make a deposit or bulk purchase in advance and has secured business customers that will utilize Beijing Technology’s SMS integrated platform to send bulk SMS text messages monthly. Beijing Technology has the capability to manage and track the entire process, including to assist the Company’s clients to fulfill the government guidelines, until the SMS messages have been delivered successfully.
China Unicom Cooperation Agreement
On July 7, 2019, JiuGe Technology entered into that certain Yunnan Unicom Electronic Sales Platform Construction and Operation Cooperation Agreement (the “Cooperation Agreement”) with China United Network Communications Limited Yunnan Branch (“China Unicom Yunnan”). Under the Cooperation Agreement, JiuGe Technology is responsible for constructing and operating China Unicom Yunnan’s electronic sales platform through which consumers can purchase various goods and services from China Unicom Yunnan, including mobile telephones, mobile telephone service, broadband data services, terminals, “smart” devices and related financial insurance. The Cooperation Agreement provides that JiuGe Technology is required to construct and operate the platform’s webpage in accordance with China Unicom Yunnan’s specifications and policies, and applicable law, and bear all expenses in connection therewith. As consideration for the services it provides under the Cooperation Agreement, JiuGe Technology receives a percentage of the revenue received from all sales it processes for China Unicom Yunnan on the platform.
- 14 -
The Cooperation Agreement expires three years from the date of its signature with a yearly auto-renewal clause, but it may be terminated by (i) JiuGe Technology upon three months’ written notice or (ii) by China Unicom Yunnan unilaterally. The Cooperation Agreement contains customary representations from each party regarding such party’s authority to enter into and perform under the Cooperation Agreement, and provides customary events of default, including for various types of failure to perform. Any disputes arising between the parties under the Cooperation Agreement will be adjudicated in Chinese courts.
This description of the Cooperation Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms of the Cooperation Agreement, which was filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 9, 2019 and is incorporated by reference herein.
In January 2022, Shanghai TengLian JiuJiu Information Communication Technology Co., Ltd. (“TengLian”) (a 99% owned subsidiary of Shanghai JiuGe Information Technology Co., Ltd.) signed a co-operation agreement with China Unicom to launch the Device Protection program for mobile phones and the new 5G phones.
The Securities Offered under this Prospectus
We may offer the Common Shares, Warrants, Subscription Receipts or Units with a total value of up to $300,000,000 from time to time under this Prospectus, together with any applicable Prospectus Supplement and related free writing prospectus, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering. This Prospectus provides you with a general description of the Securities we may offer. Each time we offer Securities, we will provide a Prospectus Supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and other important terms of the Securities, including, to the extent applicable:
| ● | designation or classification; |
| ● | aggregate principal amount or aggregate offering price; |
| ● | maturity, if applicable; |
| ● | original issue discount, if any; |
| ● | redemption, conversion, or exchange terms, if any; |
| ● | conversion or exchange prices or rates, if any, and, if applicable, any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the conversion or exchange prices or rates, and in the securities or other property receivable upon conversion or exchange; |
| ● | ranking; |
| ● | restrictive covenants, if any; |
| ● | voting or other rights, if any; and |
| ● | important United States federal income tax considerations. |
- 15 -
A Prospectus Supplement and any related free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you may also add, update or change information contained in this Prospectus or in documents we have incorporated by reference. However, no Prospectus Supplement or free writing prospectus will offer a security that is not registered and described in this Prospectus at the time of the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
We may sell the Securities on a continuous or delayed basis to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The Prospectus Supplement, which we will provide to you each time we offer Securities, will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the sale of the Securities, and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them.
Common Shares
We may offer Common Shares. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per Common Share on all matters that require shareholder approval. Holders of our Common Shares are entitled to dividends when and if declared by our Board of Directors. Our Common Shares are described in greater detail in this Prospectus under “ Description of Common Shares”.
Warrants
We may offer Warrants for the purchase of Common Shares, in one or more series, from time to time. We may issue Warrants independently or together with Common Shares or Subscription Receipts, and the Warrants may be attached to or separate from such securities.
The Warrants will be evidenced by warrant certificates or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities, and may be issued under one or more warrant indentures, which are contracts between our Company and a warrant trustee for the holders of the Warrants. We may also choose to act as our own warrant trustee. In this Prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the Warrants under “Description of Warrants”. We urge you, however, to read any Prospectus Supplement and any free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you related to the series of Warrants being offered, as well as the warrant certificates and, if applicable, the warrant indentures, that contain the terms of the Warrants. Specific warrant certificates and, if applicable, warrant indentures, will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or incorporated by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC.
Subscription Receipts
We may issue Subscription Receipts, which will entitle holders to receive upon satisfaction of certain release conditions and for no additional consideration, Common Shares, Warrants or any combination thereof. Subscription Receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more subscription receipt agreements, each to be entered into between our Company and an escrow agent, which will establish the terms and conditions of the Subscription Receipts. Each escrow agent will be a financial institution organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, and authorized to carry on business as a trustee. A copy of the form of subscription receipt agreement will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will be incorporated by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC.
Units
We may offer Units consisting of Common Shares, Warrants and/or Subscription Receipts to purchase any of such securities in one or more series. In this Prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the Units under “Description of Units”. We urge you, however, to read any Prospectus Supplement and any free writing prospectus that we may authorize to be provided to you related to the series of Units being offered. We may evidence each series of units by unit certificates that we will issue under a separate unit agreement with a unit agent. We may also choose to act as our own unit agent. We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, any unit agreements that describe the terms of the series of Units we are offering before the issuance of the related series of Units.
THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO OFFER OR SELL ANY SECURITIES UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
- 16 -
Risk Factors
Prospective investors should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the other information contained in this Prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein, including the risks described in our annual report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, before investing in our securities. Any one of these material risks and uncertainties has the potential to cause actual results, performance, achievements or events to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or events implied, suggested or expressed by any forward-looking statements made by us or by persons acting on our behalf. Refer to “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.
There is no assurance that we will be successful in preventing the material adverse effects that any one or more of the following material risks and uncertainties may cause on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results, which may result in a significant decrease in the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, there is no assurance that these material risks and uncertainties represent a complete list of the material risks and uncertainties facing us. There may be additional risks and uncertainties of a material nature that, as of the date of this prospectus, we are unaware of or that we consider immaterial that may become material in the future, any one or more of which may result in a material adverse effect on us. You could lose all or a significant portion of your investment due to any of these risks and uncertainties.
Risks Related to Our Company and Business
We have a limited operating history and, as a result, our past results may not be indicative of future operating performance.
We have a limited operating history, which makes it difficult to forecast our future results. You should not rely on our past results of operations as indicators of future performance. You should consider and evaluate our prospects in light of the risks and uncertainty frequently encountered by companies like ours.
If we fail to address the risks and difficulties that we face, including those described elsewhere in this “ Risk Factors” section, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Further, because we have limited historical financial data and operate in an evolving market, any predictions about our future revenue and expenses may not be as accurate as they would be if we had a longer operating history or operated in a more predictable market. We have encountered in the past, and will encounter in the future, risks and uncertainties frequently experienced by growing companies with limited operating histories in rapidly changing industries. If our assumptions regarding these risks and uncertainties are incorrect or change, or if we do not address these risks successfully, our results of operations could differ materially from our expectations and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We have a history of net losses and we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability in the future.
For all annual periods of our operating history we have experienced net losses. We generated a net loss of approximately $1.26 million during the three-month period ended May 31, 2023 and net losses of approximately $7.5 million, $4.9 million and $4.3 million for the years ended February 28, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. At May 31, 2023 and February 28, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $25.9 million and $24.7 million, respectively. We have not achieved profitability, and we may not realize sufficient revenue to achieve profitability in future periods. Our expenses will likely increase in the future as we develop and launch new offerings and platform features, expand in existing and new markets, increase our sales and marketing efforts and continue to invest in our platform. These efforts may be more costly than we expect and may not result in increased revenue or growth in our business. If we are unable to generate adequate revenue growth and manage our expenses, we may continue to incur significant losses in the future and may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability.
- 17 -
If we fail to effectively manage our growth, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We are currently experiencing growth in our business. This expansion increases the complexity of our business and has placed, and will continue to place, strain on our management, personnel, operations, systems, technical performance, financial resources and internal financial control and reporting functions. Our ability to manage our growth effectively and to integrate new employees, technologies and acquisitions into our existing business will require us to continue to expand our operational and financial infrastructure and to continue to retain, attract, train, motivate and manage employees. Continued growth could strain our ability to develop and improve our operational, financial and management controls, enhance our reporting systems and procedures, recruit, train and retain highly skilled personnel and maintain user satisfaction. Additionally, if we do not effectively manage the growth of our business and operations, the quality of our offerings could suffer, which could negatively affect our reputation and brand, business, financial condition and results of operations.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, our operations and consumer demand for consumer goods and services remains uncertain, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition and on the market price of our Common Shares.
In December 2019, a strain of novel coronavirus (now commonly known as COVID-19) was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 has since spread rapidly throughout many countries, and, on March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. In an effort to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many countries, including the United States, Canada and China, have imposed unprecedented restrictions on travel, and there have been business closures and a substantial reduction in economic activity in countries that have had significant outbreaks of COVID-19. Although our operating subsidiaries and contractually controlled entity report that is operation have not been materially affected at this point, significant uncertainty remains as to the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and on the global economy as a whole. It is currently not possible to predict how long the pandemic will last or the time that it will take for economic activity to return to prior levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial market volatility and uncertainty in recent years. A continuation or worsening of the levels of market disruption and volatility seen in the recent past could have an adverse effect on our ability to access capital, on our business, results of operations and financial condition, on the market price of our Common Shares, and on consumer demand for consumer services, including those offered by our Company.
We depend on our key personnel and other highly skilled personnel, and if we fail to attract, retain, motivate or integrate our personnel, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our success depends in part on the continued service of our founders, senior management team, key technical employees and other highly skilled personnel and on our ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate, retain and integrate highly qualified personnel for all areas of our organization. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to fulfill our current or future needs. Our competitors may be successful in recruiting and hiring members of our management team or other key employees, and it may be difficult for us to find suitable replacements on a timely basis, on competitive terms or at all. If we are unable to attract and retain the necessary personnel, particularly in critical areas of our business, we may not achieve our strategic goals.
Our concentration of earnings from two telecommunications companies may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We currently derive a substantial amount of our total revenue through contracts secured with China Unicom and China Mobile. If we were to lose the business of one or both of these mobile telecommunications companies, if either were to fail to fulfill its obligations to us, if either were to experience difficulty in paying rebates to us on a timely basis, if either negotiated lower pricing terms, or if either increased the number of licensed payment portals it permits to process its payments, it could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, we cannot guarantee that the volume of revenue we earn from China Unicom and China Mobile will remain consistent going forward. Any substantial change in our relationships with either China Unicom or China Mobile, or both, whether due to actions by our competitors, regulatory authorities, industry factors or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
- 18 -
Any actual or perceived security or privacy breach could interrupt our operations, harm our brand and adversely affect our reputation, brand, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business involves the processing and transmission of our users’ personal and other sensitive data. Because techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or to sabotage information systems change frequently and may not be known until launched against us, we may be unable to anticipate or prevent these attacks. Unauthorized parties may in the future gain access to our systems or facilities through various means, including gaining unauthorized access into our systems or facilities or those of our service providers, partners or users on our platform, or attempting to fraudulently induce our employees, service providers, partners, users or others into disclosing names, passwords, payment information or other sensitive information, which may in turn be used to access our information technology systems, or attempting to fraudulently induce our employees, partners or others into manipulating payment information, resulting in the fraudulent transfer of funds to criminal actors. In addition, users on our platform could have vulnerabilities on their own mobile devices that are entirely unrelated to our systems and platform but could mistakenly attribute their own vulnerabilities to us. Further, breaches experienced by other companies may also be leveraged against us. For example, credential stuffing attacks are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated actors can mask their attacks, making them increasingly difficult to identify and prevent. Certain efforts may be state-sponsored or supported by significant financial and technological resources, making them even more difficult to detect.
Although we have developed systems and processes that are designed to protect our users’ data, prevent data loss and prevent other security breaches, these security measures cannot guarantee security. Our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to cyberattacks or security breaches; also, employee error, malfeasance or other errors in the storage, use or transmission of personal information could result in an actual or perceived privacy or security breach or other security incident.
Any actual or perceived breach of privacy or security could interrupt our operations, result in our platform being unavailable, result in loss or improper disclosure of data, result in fraudulent transfer of funds, harm our reputation and brand, damage our relationships with third-party partners, result in significant legal, regulatory and financial exposure and lead to loss of confidence in, or decreased use of, our platform, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any breach of privacy or security impacting any entities with which we share or disclose data (including, for example, our third-party providers) could have similar effects.
Additionally, defending against claims or litigation based on any security breach or incident, regardless of their merit, could be costly and divert management’s attention. We cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be adequate for data handling or data security liabilities actually incurred, that insurance will continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or that any insurer will not deny coverage as to any future claim. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceed available insurance coverage, or the occurrence of changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could have an adverse effect on our reputation, brand, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Systems failures and resulting interruptions in the availability of our platform or offerings could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our systems, or those of third parties upon which we rely, may experience service interruptions or degradation because of hardware and software defects or malfunctions, distributed denial-of-service and other cyberattacks, human error, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, natural disasters, power losses, disruptions in telecommunications services, fraud, military or political conflicts, terrorist attacks, computer viruses, ransomware, malware or other events. Our systems also may be subject to break-ins, sabotage, theft and intentional acts of vandalism, including by our own employees. Some of our systems are not fully redundant and our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities. Our business interruption insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of our losses that may result from interruptions in our service as a result of systems failures and similar events.
We have not experienced any system failures or other events or conditions that have interrupted the availability or reduced or effected the speed or functionality of our offerings. These events, were they to occur in the future, could adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.
- 19 -
The successful operation of our business depends upon the performance and reliability of Internet, mobile, and other infrastructures that are not under our control.
Our business depends on the performance and reliability of Internet, mobile and other infrastructures that are not under our control. Disruptions in Internet infrastructure or the failure of telecommunications network operators to provide us with the bandwidth we need to provide our services and offerings could interfere with the speed and availability of our platform. If our platform is unavailable when platform users attempt to access it, or if our platform does not load as quickly as platform users expect, platform users may not return to our platform as often in the future, or at all, and may use our competitors’ products or offerings more often. In addition, we have no control over the costs of the services provided by national telecommunications operators. If mobile Internet access fees or other charges to Internet users increase, consumer traffic may decrease, which may in turn cause our revenue to significantly decrease.
Our business depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of mobile communications systems. The occurrence of an unanticipated problem, such as a power outage, telecommunications delay or failure, security breach or computer virus could result in delays or interruptions to our services, offerings and platform, as well as business interruptions for us and platform users. Furthermore, foreign governments may leverage their ability to shut down directed services, and local governments may shut down our platform at the routing level. Any of these events could damage our reputation, significantly disrupt our operations, and subject us to liability, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We have invested significant resources to develop new products to mitigate the impact of potential interruptions to mobile communications systems, which can be used by consumers in territories where mobile communications systems are less efficient. However, these products may ultimately be unsuccessful.
We may be subject to claims, lawsuits, government investigations and other proceedings that may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be subject to claims, lawsuits, arbitration proceedings, government investigations and other legal and regulatory proceedings as our business grows and as we deploy new offerings, including proceedings related to our products or our acquisitions, securities issuances or business practices. The results of any such claims, lawsuits, arbitration proceedings, government investigations or other legal or regulatory proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, be harmful to our reputation, require significant management attention and divert significant resources. Determining reserves for litigation is a complex and fact-intensive process that requires significant subjective judgment and speculation. It is possible that such proceedings could result in substantial damages, settlement costs, fines and penalties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These proceedings could also result in harm to our reputation and brand, sanctions, consent decrees, injunctions or other orders requiring a change in our business practices. Any of these consequences could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, we have contractual and other legal obligations to indemnify and to incur legal expenses on behalf of our business and commercial partners and current and former directors and officers.
We may require additional funding to support our business.
To grow our business, FingerMotion currently looks to take advantage of the immense growth in the total variety of mobile services provided in China. On February 1, 2022, the Xinhua News Agency reported that the combined business revenue in the telecom sector rose 8% year on year to about USD232.43 billion in 2021, with the growth rate up 4.1 percentage points from 2020, accordingto the PRC Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. For the Company to continue to grow, the deposit with the Telecoms needs to increase, as most of the revenue we process is dependent on the size of the deposit we have with each Telecom. We will likely need to raise additional capital to materially increase the amounts of these deposits. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, those securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our common stock, and our existing stockholders may experience dilution. Any debt financing secured by us in the future could involve restrictive covenants relating to our capital-raising activities and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities. We cannot be certain that additional funding will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all. If we are unable to obtain adequate funding or funding on terms satisfactory to us, when we require it, our ability to continue to support our business growth and to respond to business challenges could be significantly limited, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
- 20 -
Claims by others that we infringed their proprietary technology or other intellectual property rights could harm our business.
Companies in the Internet and technology industries are frequently subject to litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. In addition, certain companies and rights holders seek to enforce and monetize patents or other intellectual property rights they own, have purchased or otherwise obtained. As we gain a public profile and the number of competitors in our market increases, the possibility of intellectual property rights claims against us grows. From time to time, third parties may assert claims of infringement of intellectual property rights against us. Many potential litigants, including some of our competitors and patent-holding companies, have the ability to dedicate substantial resources to assert their intellectual property rights. Any claim of infringement by a third party, even those without merit, could cause us to incur substantial costs defending against the claim, could distract our management from our business and could require us to cease use of such intellectual property. Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, we risk compromising our confidential information during this type of litigation. We may be required to pay substantial damages, royalties or other fees in connection with a claimant securing a judgment against us, we may be subject to an injunction or other restrictions that prevent us from using or distributing our intellectual property, or we may agree to a settlement that prevents us from distributing our offerings or a portion thereof, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
With respect to any intellectual property rights claim, we may have to seek out a license to continue operations found to be in violation of such rights, which may not be available on favorable or commercially reasonable terms and may significantly increase our operating expenses. Some licenses may be non-exclusive, and therefore our competitors may have access to the same technology licensed to us. If a third party does not offer us a license to its intellectual property on reasonable terms, or at all, we may be required to develop alternative, non-infringing technology, which could require significant time (during which we would be unable to continue to offer our affected offerings), effort and expense and may ultimately not be successful. Any of these events could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Securities
Our common stock has limited liquidity.
Our common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 28, 2021, and before that it traded on the OTCQX operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. Trading volume in our Common Shares may be sporadic and the price could experience volatility. If adverse market conditions exist, you may have difficulty selling your Common Shares.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control, including the following:
| ● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results; |
| ● | changes in financial estimates by securities analysts or our failure to perform in line with such estimates; |
| ● | changes in market valuations of other companies, particularly those that market services such as ours; |
| ● | announcements by us or our competitors of significant innovations, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; |
| ● | introduction of product enhancements that reduce the need for our products; |
| ● | departure of key personnel; and |
| ● | changes in overall global market sentiments and economy trends |
- 21 -
We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We have never declared nor paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the operation and expansion of our business, and we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, stockholders must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price and trading volume of our common stock could decline.
The trading market for our common stock may depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business, our market or our competition. The analysts’ estimates are based upon their own opinions and are often different from our estimates or expectations. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our common stock, provide a more favorable recommendation about our competitors or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of our securities would likely decline. If few securities analysts commence coverage of us, or if one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our securities could decrease, which might cause the price and trading volume of our common stock to decline.
The continued sale of our equity securities will dilute the ownership percentage of our existing shareholders and may decrease the market price for our Common Shares.
Our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, authorize the issuance of up to 200,000,000 Common Shares and up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock (“Preferred Shares”). Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue additional shares of our capital stock to provide additional financing in the future and designate the rights of the preferred shares, which may include voting, dividend, distribution or other rights that are preferential to those held by the common stockholders. The issuance of any such common or preferred shares may result in a reduction of the book value or market price of our outstanding common shares. To grow our business substantially, we will likely have to issue additional equity securities to obtain working capital to deposit with the telecommunications companies for which we process mobile recharge payments. Our efforts to fund our intended business plans will therefore result in dilution to our existing stockholders. If we do issue any such additional common shares, such issuance also will cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all other stockholders. As a result of such dilution, if you acquire common shares your proportionate ownership interest and voting power could be decreased. Furthermore, any such issuances could result in a change of control or a reduction in the market price for our common shares.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.
As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOA”). The SOA requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We are continuing to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we will file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers. We are also continuing to improve our internal control over financial reporting. We have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, significant resources in order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in the conditions in our business. Further, weaknesses in our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls, or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement, could harm our results of operations or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our financial statements for prior periods. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could also adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that we will eventually be required to include in our periodic reports that will be filed with the SEC. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely adversely affect the market price of our common stock
- 22 -
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our shares of common stock, which could depress the price of our shares of common stock.
FINRA rules require broker-dealers to have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for a customer before recommending that investment to the customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives, and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. Thus, if our shares of common stock become speculative low-priced securities, the FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our shares of common stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our shares of common stock, have an adverse effect on the market for our shares of common stock, and thereby depress our price per share of common stock.
Our shares of common stock have been thinly traded, and you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all if you need to sell your shares of common stock to raise money or otherwise desire to liquidate your shares.
Until December 28, 2021, our shares of common stock were quoted on the OTCQB/QX where they were “thinly-traded”, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our shares of common stock at or near bid prices at any given time was relatively small or non-existent. Since we listed on Nasdaq on December 28, 2021, the volume of our shares of common stock traded has increased, but that volume could decrease until we are thinly-traded again. That could occur due to a number of factors, including that we are relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse and might be reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares of common stock until such time as we became more seasoned. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares of common stock is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. Broad or active public trading market for our shares of common stock may not develop or be sustained.
Risks Related to the VIE Agreements
The PRC government may determine that the VIE Agreements are not in compliance with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations.
JiuGe Management manages and operates the mobile data business through JiuGe Technology pursuant to the rights its holds under the VIE Agreements. Almost all economic benefits and risks arising from JiuGe Technology’s operations are transferred to JiuGe Management under these agreements.
There are risks involved with the operation of our business in reliance on the VIE Agreements, including the risk that the VIE Agreements may be determined by PRC regulators or courts to be unenforceable. Our PRC counsel has advised us that the VIE Agreements are binding and enforceable under PRC law, but has further advised that if the VIE Agreements were for any reason determined to be in breach of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the relevant regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such breach, including:
| ● | imposing economic penalties; |
| ● | discontinuing or restricting the operations of JiuGe Technology or JiuGe Management; |
- 23 -
| ● | imposing conditions or requirements in respect of the VIE Agreements with which JiuGe Technology or JiuGe Management may not be able to comply; |
| ● | requiring our company to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations; |
| ● | taking other regulatory or enforcement actions that could adversely affect our company’s business; and |
| ● | revoking the business licenses and/or the licenses or certificates of JiuGe Management, and/or voiding the VIE Agreements. |
Any of these actions could adversely affect our ability to manage, operate and gain the financial benefits of JiuGe Technology, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, if the PRC government determines that the contractual arrangements constituting part of our VIE structure do not comply with PRC regulations, or if regulations change or are interpreted differently in the future, we may be unable to assert our contractual rights over the assets of our VIE, and our Common Shares may decline in value or become worthless.
Our ability to manage and operate JiuGe Technology under the VIE Agreements may not be as effective as direct ownership.
We conduct our mobile data business in the PRC and generate virtually all of our revenues through the VIE Agreements. Our plans for future growth are based substantially on growing the operations of JiuGe Technology. However, the VIE Agreements may not be as effective in providing us with control over JiuGe Technology as direct ownership. Under the current VIE arrangements, as a legal matter, if JiuGe Technology fails to perform its obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to (i) incur substantial costs and resources to enforce such arrangements, and (ii) rely on legal remedies under PRC law, which we cannot be sure would be effective. Therefore, if we are unable to effectively control JiuGe Technology, it may have an adverse effect on our ability to achieve our business objectives and grow our revenues.
The VIE Agreements have never been challenged or recognized in court for the time being, the PRC government may determine that the VIE Agreements are not in compliance with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations.
The VIE Agreements are governed by the PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitral proceedings pursuant to PRC law. If JiuGe Technology or its shareholders fail to perform the obligations under the VIE Agreements, we would be required to resort to legal remedies available under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, or claiming damages. We cannot be sure that such remedies would provide us with effective means of causing JiuGe Technology to meet its obligations or recovering any losses or damages as a result of non-performance. Further, the legal environment in China is not as developed as in other jurisdictions. Uncertainties in the application of various laws, rules, regulations or policies in PRC legal system could limit our liability to enforce the VIE Agreements and protect our interests.
The payment arrangement under the VIE Agreements may be challenged by the PRC tax authorities.
We generate our revenues through the payments we receive pursuant to the VIE Agreements. We could face adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the VIE Agreements were not entered into based on arm’s length negotiations. For example, PRC tax authorities may adjust our income and expenses for PRC tax purposes which could result in our being subject to higher tax liability or cause other adverse financial consequences.
Shareholders of JiuGe Technology have potential conflicts of interest with our Company which may adversely affect our business.
Li Li is the legal representative and general manager, and also a shareholder of JiuGe Technology. There could be conflicts that arise from time to time between our interests and the interests of Ms. Li. There could also be conflicts that arise between us and JiuGe Technology that would require our shareholders and JiuGe Technology’s shareholders to vote on corporate actions necessary to resolve the conflict. There can be no assurance in any such circumstances that Ms. Li will vote her shares in our best interest or otherwise act in the best interests of our company. If Ms. Li fails to act in our best interests, our operating performance and future growth could be adversely affected.
- 24 -
We rely on the approval certificates and business license held by JiuGe Management and any deterioration of the relationship between JiuGe Management and JiuGe Technology could materially and adversely affect our business operations.
We operate our mobile data business in China on the basis of the approval certificates, business license and other requisite licenses held by JiuGe Management and JiuGe Technology. There is no assurance that JiuGe Management and JiuGe Technology will be able to renew their licenses or certificates when their terms expire with substantially similar terms as the ones they currently hold.
Further, our relationship with JiuGe Technology is governed by the VIE Agreements that are intended to provide us with effective control over the business operations of JiuGe Technology. However, the VIE Agreements may not be effective in providing control over the application for and maintenance of the licenses required for our business operations. JiuGe Technology could violate the VIE Agreements, go bankrupt, suffer from difficulties in its business or otherwise become unable to perform its obligations under the VIE Agreements and, as a result, our operations, reputations and business could be severely harmed.
If JiuGe Management exercises the purchase option it holds over JiuGe Technology’s share capital pursuant to the VIE Agreements, the payment of the purchase price could materially and adversely affect our financial position.
Under the VIE Agreements, JiuGe Technology’s shareholders have granted JiuGe Management an option for the maximum period of time permitted by law to purchase all of the equity interest in JiuGe Technology at a price equal to one dollar or the lowest applicable price allowable by PRC laws and regulations. As JiuGe Technology is already our contractually controlled affiliate, JiuGe Management’s exercising of the option would not bring immediate benefits to our company, and payment of the purchase prices could adversely affect our financial position.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Changes in China’s political or economic situation could harm us and our operating results.
Economic reforms adopted by the Chinese government have had a positive effect on the economic development of the country, but the government could change these economic reforms or any of the legal systems at any time. This could either benefit or damage our operations and profitability. Some of the things that could have this effect are:
| ● | Level of government involvement in the economy; |
| ● | Control of foreign exchange; |
| ● | Methods of allocating resources; |
| ● | Balance of payments position; |
| ● | International trade restrictions; and |
| ● | International conflict. |
The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (the “OECD”), in many ways. For example, state-owned enterprises still constitute a large portion of the Chinese economy and weak corporate governance and a lack of flexible currency exchange policy still prevail in China. As a result of these differences, we may not develop in the same way or at the same rate as might be expected if the Chinese economy was similar to those of the OECD member countries.
- 25 -
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could limit the legal protections available to you and us.
We conduct substantially all of our business through our operating subsidiary and affiliate in the PRC. Our principal operating subsidiary and affiliate, JiuGe Management and JiuGe Technology, are subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China and, in particular, laws applicable to foreign-invested enterprises. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes, and prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since 1979, a series of new PRC laws and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, since the PRC legal system continues to evolve rapidly, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties, which may limit legal protections available to you and us. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. In addition, most of our executive officers and all of our directors are not residents of the United States, and substantially all the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it could be difficult for investors to effect service of process in the United States or to enforce a judgment obtained in the United States against our Chinese operations, subsidiary and affiliate.
The current tensions in international trade and rising political tensions, particularly between the United States and China, may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Recently there have been heightened tensions in international economic relations, such as the one between the United States and China. Political tensions between the United States and China have escalated due to, among other things, trade disputes, the COVID-19 outbreak, sanctions imposed by the U.S. Department of Treasury on certain officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the PRC central government and the executive orders issued by the U.S. government in November 2020 that prohibit certain transactions with certain China-based companies and their respective subsidiaries. Rising political tensions could reduce levels of trade, investments, technological exchanges, and other economic activities between the two major economies. Such tensions between the United States and China, and any escalation thereof, may have a negative impact on the general, economic, political, and social conditions in China and, in turn, adversely impacting our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Regulations were introduced which includes but not limited to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law which states that overseas securities regulatory authorities shall not carry out an investigation and evidence collection activities directly in China without the consent of the securities regulatory authority of the State Council and the relevant State Council department(s). It further defines that no organization or individual shall provide the documents and materials relating to securities business activities to overseas parties arbitrarily. With this regulation in force, it may result in delays by the Company to fulfill any request to provide relevant documents or materials by the regulatory authorities or in the worst-case scenario that the Company would not be able to fulfill the request if the approval from the regulatory authority of the State Council and the relevant State Council department(s) were rejected.
You may have difficulty enforcing judgments against us.
We are a Delaware holding company, but Finger Motion (CN) Limited is a Hong Kong company, and our principal operating affiliate and subsidiary, JiuGe Technology and JiuGe Management, are located in the PRC. Most of our assets are located outside the United States and most of our current operations are conducted in the PRC. In addition, all of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. A substantial portion of the assets of these persons is located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in U.S. courts judgments predicated on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors, all of whom are not residents in the United States and the substantial majority of whose assets are located outside the United States. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts. The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. Courts in China may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other arrangements that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments with the United States. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, courts in the PRC will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates basic principles of PRC law or national sovereignty, security or the public interest. Therefore, it is uncertain whether a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States.
- 26 -
The PRC government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities.
The PRC government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. We believe that our operations in China are in material compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. However, the central or local governments of the jurisdictions in which we operate may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations.
Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties or joint ventures.
The PRC government may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers.
Recent statements by the PRC government indicate an intent to take actions to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers. On February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Overseas Listing Trial Measures”) and five relevant guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures regulate both direct and indirect overseas offering and listing of PRC domestic companies’ securities by adopting a filing-based regulatory regime. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both the following conditions, the overseas securities offering and listing conducted by such issuer will be determined as indirect overseas offering, which shall be subject to the filing procedure set forth under the Overseas Listing Trial Measures: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (ii) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are located in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operations and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in mainland China. Where an abovementioned issuer submits an application for an initial public offering to competent overseas regulators, such issuer shall file with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted. Where a domestic company fails to fulfill filing procedure or in violation of the provisions as stipulated above, in respect of its overseas offering and listing, the CSRC shall order rectification, issue warnings to such domestic company, and impose a fine ranging from RMB1,000,000 to RMB10,000,000. Also the directly liable persons and actual controllers of the domestic company that organize or instruct the aforementioned violations shall be warned and/or imposed fines.
Also on February 17, 2023, the CSRC also held a press conference for the release of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and issued the Notice on Administration for the Filing of Overseas Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, which, among others, clarifies that the domestic companies that have already been listed overseas on or before the effective date of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures (March 31, 2023) shall be deemed as “stock enterprises”. Stock enterprises are not required to complete the filling procedures immediately, and they shall be required to file with the CSRC when subsequent matters such as refinancing are involved.
If we offer new securities in the future, we may have to file with the CSRC, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
- 27 -
Future inflation in China may inhibit our ability to conduct business in China.
In recent years, the Chinese economy has experienced periods of rapid expansion and highly fluctuating rates of inflation. During the past ten years, the rate of inflation in China has been as high as 20.7% and as low as -2.2%. These factors have led to the adoption by the Chinese government, from time to time, of various corrective measures designed to restrict the availability of credit or regulate growth and contain inflation. High inflation may in the future cause the Chinese government to impose controls on credit and/or prices, or to take other action, which could inhibit economic activity in China, and thereby harm the market for our products and our company.
Capital outflow policies in the PRC may hamper our ability to remit income to the United States.
The PRC has adopted currency and capital transfer regulations. These regulations may require that we comply with complex regulations for the movement of capital and as a result we may not be able to remit all income earned and proceeds received in connection with our operations or from the sale of one of our operating subsidiaries to the U.S. or to our shareholders.
Adverse regulatory developments in China may subject us to additional regulatory review, and additional disclosure requirements and regulatory scrutiny to be adopted by the SEC in response to risks related to recent regulatory developments in China may impose additional compliance requirements for companies like us with significant China-based operations, all of which could increase our compliance costs, subject us to additional disclosure requirements.
The recent regulatory developments in China, in particular with respect to restrictions on China-based companies raising capital offshore, may lead to additional regulatory review in China over our financing and capital raising activities in the United States. In addition, we may be subject to industry-wide regulations that may be adopted by the relevant PRC authorities, which may have the effect of limiting our service offerings, restricting the scope of our operations in China, or causing the suspension or termination of our business operations in China entirely, all of which will materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may have to adjust, modify, or completely change our business operations in response to adverse regulatory changes or policy developments, and we cannot assure you that any remedial action adopted by us can be completed in a timely, cost-efficient, or liability-free manner or at all.
On July 30, 2021, in response to the recent regulatory developments in China and actions adopted by the PRC government, the Chairman of the SEC issued a statement asking the SEC staff to seek additional disclosures from offshore issuers associated with China-based operating companies before their registration statements will be declared effective. On August 1, 2021, the CSRC stated in a statement that it had taken note of the new disclosure requirements announced by the SEC regarding the listings of Chinese companies and the recent regulatory development in China, and that both countries should strengthen communications on regulating China-related issuers. We cannot guarantee that we will not be subject to tightened regulatory review and we could be exposed to government interference in China.
Compliance with China’s new Data Security Law, Measures on Cybersecurity Review (revised draft for public consultation), Personal Information Protection Law (second draft for consultation), regulations and guidelines relating to the multi-level protection scheme and any other future laws and regulations may entail significant expenses and could materially affect our business.
China has implemented or will implement rules and is considering a number of additional proposals relating to data protection. China’s new Data Security Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China in June 2021, or the Data Security Law, took effect in September 2021. The Data Security Law provides that the data processing activities must be conducted based on “data classification and hierarchical protection system” for the purpose of data protection and prohibits entities in China from transferring data stored in China to foreign law enforcement agencies or judicial authorities without prior approval by the Chinese government. As a result of the new Data Security Law, we may need to make adjustments to our data processing practices to comply with this law.
- 28 -
Additionally, China’s Cyber Security Law, requires companies to take certain organizational, technical and administrative measures and other necessary measures to ensure the security of their networks and data stored on their networks. Specifically, the Cyber Security Law provides that China adopt a multi-level protection scheme (MLPS), under which network operators are required to perform obligations of security protection to ensure that the network is free from interference, disruption or unauthorized access, and prevent network data from being disclosed, stolen or tampered. Under the MLPS, entities operating information systems must have a thorough assessment of the risks and the conditions of their information and network systems to determine the level to which the entity’s information and network systems belong-from the lowest Level 1 to the highest Level 5 pursuant to the Measures for the Graded Protection and the Guidelines for Grading of Classified Protection of Cyber Security. The grading result will determine the set of security protection obligations that entities must comply with. Entities classified as Level 2 or above should report the grade to the relevant government authority for examination and approval.
Recently, the Cyberspace Administration of China (the “CAC”) has taken action against several Chinese internet companies in connection with their initial public offerings on U.S. securities exchanges, for alleged national security risks and improper collection and use of the personal information of Chinese data subjects. According to the official announcement, the action was initiated based on the National Security Law, the Cyber Security Law and the Measures on Cybersecurity Review, which are aimed at “preventing national data security risks, maintaining national security and safeguarding public interests.” On July 10, 2021, the CAC published a revised draft of the Measures on Cybersecurity Review, expanding the cybersecurity review to data processing operators in possession of personal information of over 1 million users if the operators intend to list their securities in a foreign country.
It is unclear at the present time how widespread the cybersecurity review requirement and the enforcement action will be and what effect they will have on the telecommunications sector generally and the Company in particular. China’s regulators may impose penalties for non-compliance ranging from fines or suspension of operations, and this could lead to us delisting from the U.S. stock market.
Also, on November 20, 2021, the National People’s Congress passed the Personal Information Protection Law, which was implemented on November 1, 2021. The law creates a comprehensive set of data privacy and protection requirements that apply to the processing of personal information and expands data protection compliance obligations to cover the processing of personal information of persons by organizations and individuals in China, and the processing of personal information of persons in China outside of China if such processing is for purposes of providing products and services to, or analyzing and evaluating the behavior of, persons in China. The law also proposes that critical information infrastructure operators and personal information processing entities who process personal information meeting a volume threshold to-be-set by Chinese cyberspace regulators are also required to store in China personal information generated or collected in China, and to pass a security assessment administered by Chinese cyberspace regulators for any export of such personal information. Lastly, the draft contains proposals for significant fines for serious violations of up to RMB 50 million or 5% of annual revenues from the prior year.
Interpretation, application and enforcement of these laws, rules and regulations evolve from time to time and their scope may continually change, through new legislation, amendments to existing legislation and changes in enforcement. Compliance with the Cyber Security Law and the Data Security Law could significantly increase the cost to us of providing our service offerings, require significant changes to our operations or even prevent us from providing certain service offerings in jurisdictions in which we currently operate or in which we may operate in the future. Despite our efforts to comply with applicable laws, regulations and other obligations relating to privacy, data protection and information security, it is possible that our practices, offerings or platform could fail to meet all of the requirements imposed on us by the Cyber Security Law, the Data Security Law and/or related implementing regulations. Any failure on our part to comply with such law or regulations or any other obligations relating to privacy, data protection or information security, or any compromise of security that results in unauthorized access, use or release of personally identifiable information or other data, or the perception or allegation that any of the foregoing types of failure or compromise has occurred, could damage our reputation, discourage new and existing counterparties from contracting with us or result in investigations, fines, suspension or other penalties by Chinese government authorities and private claims or litigation, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if our practices are not subject to legal challenge, the perception of privacy concerns, whether or not valid, may harm our reputation and brand and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, the legal uncertainty created by the Data Security Law and the recent Chinese government actions could materially adversely affect our ability, on favorable terms, to raise capital, including engaging in follow-on offerings of our securities in the U.S. market.
- 29 -
Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our revenues effectively.
The majority of our revenues will be settled in Chinese Renminbi (RMB), and any future restrictions on currency exchanges may limit our ability to use revenue generated in RMB to fund any future business activities outside China or to make dividend or other payments in U.S. dollars. Although the Chinese government introduced regulations in 1996 to allow greater convertibility of the RMB for current account transactions, significant restrictions still remain, including primarily the restriction that foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell or remit foreign currencies after providing valid commercial documents, at those banks in China authorized to conduct foreign exchange business. In addition, conversion of RMB for capital account items, including direct investment and loans, is subject to governmental approval in China, and companies are required to open and maintain separate foreign exchange accounts for capital account items. We cannot be certain that the Chinese regulatory authorities will not impose more stringent restrictions on the convertibility of the RMB.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.
The value of our common stock will be indirectly affected by the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollars and RMB and between those currencies and other currencies in which our sales may be denominated. Appreciation or depreciation in the value of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar would affect our financial results reported in U.S. dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying change in our business or results of operations. Fluctuations in the exchange rate will also affect the relative value of any dividend we issue that will be exchanged into U.S. dollars as well as earnings from, and the value of, any U.S. dollar-denominated investments we make in the future.
Since July 2005, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB 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 PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Very limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions. While we may enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these transactions may be limited, and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all. In addition, our foreign currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into foreign currencies.
Restrictions under PRC law on our PRC subsidiary’s ability to make dividends and other distributions could materially and adversely affect our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could benefit our business, pay dividends to our shareholders, and otherwise fund and conduct our businesses.
Substantially all of our revenue is earned by JiuGe Management, our PRC subsidiary. PRC regulations restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiary to make dividends and other payments to its offshore parent company. PRC legal restrictions permit payments of dividends by our PRC subsidiary only out of its accumulated after-tax profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Our PRC subsidiary is also required under PRC laws and regulations to allocate at least 10% of our annual after-tax profits determined in accordance with PRC GAAP to a statutory general reserve fund until the amounts in said fund reaches 50% of our registered capital. Allocations to these statutory reserve funds can only be used for specific purposes and are not transferable to us in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends. Any limitations on the ability of our PRC subsidiary to transfer funds to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends and otherwise fund and conduct our business.
- 30 -
PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from making loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary and affiliated entities, which could harm our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
As an offshore holding company of our PRC subsidiary, we may (i) make loans to our PRC subsidiary and affiliated entities, (ii) make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary, (iii) establish new PRC subsidiaries and make capital contributions to these new PRC subsidiaries, and (iv) acquire offshore entities with business operations in China in an offshore transaction. However, most of these uses are subject to PRC regulations and approvals. For example:
| ● | loans by us to our wholly-owned subsidiary in China, which is a foreign-invested enterprise, cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC (the “SAFE”) or its local counterparts; |
| ● | loans by us to our affiliated entities, which are domestic PRC entities, over a certain threshold must be approved by the relevant government authorities and must also be registered with the SAFE or its local counterparts; and |
| ● | capital contributions to our wholly-owned subsidiary must file a record with the PRC Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) or its local counterparts and shall also be limited to the difference between the registered capital and the total investment amount. |
We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain these government registrations or filings on a timely basis, or at all. If we fail to finish such registrations or filings, our ability to capitalize our PRC subsidiary’s operations may be adversely affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
On March 30, 2015, the SAFE promulgated a notice relating to the administration of foreign invested company of its capital contribution in foreign currency into RMB (Hui Fa [2015]19) (“Circular 19”). Although Circular 19 has fastened the administration relating to the settlement of exchange of foreign-investment, allows the foreign-invested company to settle the exchange on a voluntary basis, it still requires that the bank review the authenticity and compliance of a foreign-invested company’s settlement of exchange in previous time, and the settled in RMB converted from foreign currencies shall deposit on the foreign exchange settlement account, and shall not be used for several purposes as listed in the “negative list”. As a result, the notice may limit our ability to transfer funds to our operations in China through our PRC subsidiary, which may affect our ability to expand our business. Meanwhile, the foreign exchange policy is unpredictable in China, it shall be various with the nationwide economic pattern, the strict foreign exchange policy may have an adverse impact in our capital cash and may limit our business expansion.
Failure to comply with PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident shareholders to personal liability, limit our ability to acquire PRC companies or to inject capital into our PRC subsidiary or affiliate, limit our PRC subsidiary’s and affiliate’s ability to distribute profits to us or otherwise materially adversely affect us.
In October 2005, the SAFE, issued the Notice on Relevant Issues in the Foreign Exchange Control over Financing and Return Investment Through Special Purpose Companies by Residents Inside China, generally referred to as Circular 75, which required PRC residents to register with the competent local SAFE branch before establishing or acquiring control over an offshore special purpose company (“SPV”), for the purpose of engaging in an equity financing outside of China on the strength of domestic PRC assets originally held by those residents. Internal implementing guidelines issued by the SAFE, which became public in June 2007 (“Notice 106”), expanded the reach of Circular 75 by (1) purporting to cover the establishment or acquisition of control by PRC residents of offshore entities which merely acquire “control” over domestic companies or assets, even in the absence of legal ownership; (2) adding requirements relating to the source of the PRC resident’s funds used to establish or acquire the offshore entity; covering the use of existing offshore entities for offshore financings; (3) purporting to cover situations in which an offshore SPV establishes a new subsidiary in China or acquires an unrelated company or unrelated assets in China; and (4) making the domestic affiliate of the SPV responsible for the accuracy of certain documents which must be filed in connection with any such registration, notably, the business plan which describes the overseas financing and the use of proceeds. Amendments to registrations made under Circular 75 are required in connection with any increase or decrease of capital, transfer of shares, mergers and acquisitions, equity investment or creation of any security interest in any assets located in China to guarantee offshore obligations and Notice 106 makes the offshore SPV jointly responsible for these filings. In the case of an SPV which was established, and which acquired a related domestic company or assets, before the implementation date of Circular 75, a retroactive SAFE registration was required to have been completed before March 30, 2006; this date was subsequently extended indefinitely by Notice 106, which also required that the registrant establish that all foreign exchange transactions undertaken by the SPV and its affiliates were in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Failure to comply with the requirements of Circular 75, as applied by the SAFE in accordance with Notice 106, may result in fines and other penalties under PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions. Any such failure could also result in the SPV’s affiliates being impeded or prevented from distributing their profits and the proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, or from engaging in other transfers of funds into or out of China.
- 31 -
We have advised our shareholders who are PRC residents, as defined in Circular 75, to register with the relevant branch of SAFE, as currently required, in connection with their equity interests in us and our acquisitions of equity interests in our PRC subsidiary and affiliate. However, we cannot provide any assurances that their existing registrations have fully complied with, and they have made all necessary amendments to their registration to fully comply with, all applicable registrations or approvals required by Circular 75. Moreover, because of uncertainty over how Circular 75 will be interpreted and implemented, and how or whether the SAFE will apply it to us, we cannot predict how it will affect our business operations or future strategies. For example, our present and prospective PRC subsidiary’s and affiliate’s ability to conduct foreign exchange activities, such as the remittance of dividends and foreign currency-denominated borrowings, may be subject to compliance with Circular 75 by our PRC resident beneficial holders. In addition, such PRC residents may not always be able to complete the necessary registration procedures required by Circular 75. We also have little control over either our present or prospective direct or indirect shareholders or the outcome of such registration procedures. A failure by our PRC resident beneficial holders or future PRC resident shareholders to comply with Circular 75, if the SAFE requires it, could subject these PRC resident beneficial holders to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our subsidiary’s and affiliate’s ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
We may be subject to fines and legal sanctions by the SAFE or other PRC government authorities if we or our employees who are PRC citizens fail to comply with PRC regulations relating to employee stock options granted by offshore listed companies to PRC citizens.
On March 28, 2007, the SAFE promulgated the Operating Procedures for Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Stock Option Plans of Offshore Listed Companies (“Circular 78”). Under Circular 78, Chinese citizens who are granted share options by an offshore listed company are required, through a Chinese agent or Chinese subsidiary of the offshore listed company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other procedures, including applications for foreign exchange purchase quotas and opening special bank accounts. We and our Chinese employees who have been granted share options are subject to Circular 78. Failure to comply with these regulations may subject us or our Chinese employees to fines and legal sanctions imposed by the SAFE or other PRC government authorities and may prevent us from further granting options under our share incentive plans to our employees. Such events could adversely affect our business operations.
Under the New EIT Law, we may be classified as a “resident enterprise” of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.
Under the New EIT Law effective on January 1, 2008, an enterprise established outside China with “de facto management bodies” within China is considered a “resident enterprise,” meaning that it can be treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. The implementing rules of the New EIT Law define de facto management as “substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties” of the enterprise.
On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation issued the Notice Concerning Relevant Issues Regarding Cognizance of Chinese Investment Controlled Enterprises Incorporated Offshore as Resident Enterprises pursuant to Criteria of de facto Management Bodies (the “Notice”), further interpreting the application of the New EIT Law and its implementation non-Chinese enterprise or group controlled offshore entities. Pursuant to the Notice, an enterprise incorporated in an offshore jurisdiction and controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group will be classified as a “non-domestically incorporated resident enterprise” if (i) its senior management in charge of daily operations reside or perform their duties mainly in China; (ii) its financial or personnel decisions are made or approved by bodies or persons in China; (iii) its substantial assets and properties, accounting books, corporate chops, board and shareholder minutes are kept in China; and (iv) at least half of its directors with voting rights or senior management often resident in China. A resident enterprise would be subject to an enterprise income tax rate of 25% on its worldwide income and must pay a withholding tax at a rate of 10% when paying dividends to its non-PRC shareholders. However, it remains unclear as to whether the Notice is applicable to an offshore enterprise incorporated by a Chinese natural person. Nor are detailed measures on imposition of tax from non-domestically incorporated resident enterprises are available. Therefore, it is unclear how tax authorities will determine tax residency based on the facts of each case.
- 32 -
Given the above conditions, although unlikely, we may be deemed to be a resident enterprise by Chinese tax authorities. If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could follow. First, we may be subject to the enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on our worldwide taxable income as well as PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. In our case, this would mean that income such as interest on financing proceeds and non-China source income would be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%. Second, although under the New EIT Law and its implementing rules dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiary would qualify as “tax-exempt income,” we cannot guarantee that such dividends will not be subject to a 10% withholding tax, as the PRC foreign exchange control authorities, which enforce the withholding tax, have not yet issued guidance with respect to the processing of outbound remittances to entities that are treated as resident enterprises for PRC enterprise income tax purposes. Finally, it is possible that future guidance issued with respect to the new “resident enterprise” classification could result in a situation in which a 10% withholding tax is imposed on dividends we pay to our non-PRC shareholders and with respect to gains derived by our non-PRC shareholders from transferring our shares. We are actively monitoring the possibility of “resident enterprise” treatment.
If we were treated as a “resident enterprise” by PRC tax authorities, we would be subject to taxation in both the U.S. and China, and our PRC tax may not be creditable against our U.S. tax.
We may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and Chinese anti-corruption laws, and any determination that we violated these laws could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to the FCPA and other laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties by U.S. persons and issuers as defined by the statute, for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We have operations, agreements with third parties and we earn the majority of our revenue in China. PRC also strictly prohibits bribery of government officials. Our activities in China create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by our executive officers, employees, consultants, sales agents or other representatives of our Company, even though they may not always be subject to our control. It is our policy to implement safeguards to discourage these practices by our employees. However, our existing safeguards and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective, and the executive officers, employees, consultants, sales agents or other representatives of our Company may engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA or Chinese anti-corruption laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the U.S. government may seek to hold our Company liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire.
Because our business is located in the PRC, we may have difficulty establishing adequate management, legal and financial controls, which we are required to do in order to comply with U.S. securities laws.
PRC companies have historically not adopted a Western style of management and financial reporting concepts and practices, which includes strong corporate governance, internal controls and computer, financial and other control systems. Some of our staff is not educated and trained in the Western system, and we may have difficulty hiring new employees in the PRC with such training. As a result of these factors, we may experience difficulty in establishing management, legal and financial controls, collecting financial data and preparing financial statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices that meet Western standards. Therefore, we may, in turn, experience difficulties in implementing and maintaining adequate internal controls as required under Section 404 of the SOA. This may result in significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls, which could impact the reliability of our financial statements and prevent us from complying with Commission rules and regulations and the requirements of the SOA. Any such deficiencies, weaknesses or lack of compliance could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
- 33 -
The disclosures in our reports and other filings with the SEC and our other public announcements are not subject to the scrutiny of any regulatory bodies in the PRC. Accordingly, our public disclosure should be reviewed in light of the fact that no governmental agency that is located in the PRC, where part of our operations and business are located, has conducted any due diligence on our operations or reviewed or cleared any of our disclosure.
We are regulated by the SEC and our reports and other filings with the SEC are subject to SEC review in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Unlike public reporting companies whose operations are located primarily in the United States, however, substantially all of our operations are located in the PRC and Hong Kong. Since substantially all of our operations and business takes place outside of United States, it may be more difficult for the staff of the SEC to overcome the geographic and cultural obstacles that are present when reviewing our disclosure. These same obstacles are not present for similar companies whose operations or business take place entirely or primarily in the United States. Furthermore, our SEC reports and other disclosure and public announcements are not subject to the review or scrutiny of any PRC regulatory authority. For example, the disclosure in our SEC reports and other filings are not subject to the review of the CSRC. Accordingly, you should review our SEC reports, filings and our other public announcements with the understanding that no local regulator has done any due diligence on our Company and with the understanding that none of our SEC reports, other filings or any of our other public announcements has been reviewed or otherwise been scrutinized by any local regulator.
Certain PRC regulations, including those relating to mergers and acquisitions and national security, may require a complicated review and approval process which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors (the “M&A Rules”), which became effective in September 2006 and were further amended in June 2009, requires that if an overseas company is established or controlled by PRC domestic companies or citizens intends to acquire equity interests or assets of any other PRC domestic company affiliated with the PRC domestic companies or citizens, such acquisition must be submitted to the MOFCOM, rather than local regulators, for approval. In addition, the M&A Rules requires that an overseas company controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or citizens and holding equity interests of PRC domestic companies needs to obtain the approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, prior to listing its securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published a notice on its official website specifying the documents and materials required to be submitted by overseas special purpose companies seeking the CSRC’s approval of their overseas listings.
The M&A Rules established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities in China by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex. For example, the MOFCOM must be notified in the event a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise. In addition, certain acquisitions of domestic companies by offshore companies that are related to or affiliated with the same entities or individuals of the domestic companies, are subject to approval by the MOFCOM. In addition, the Implementing Rules Concerning Security Review on Mergers and Acquisitions by Foreign Investors of Domestic Enterprises, issued by the MOFCOM in November 2011, require that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors in “any industry with national security concerns” be subject to national security review by the MOFCOM. In addition, any activities attempting to circumvent such review process, including structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement, are strictly prohibited.
There is significant uncertainty regarding the interpretation and implementation of these regulations relating to merger and acquisition activities in China. In addition, complying with these requirements could be time-consuming, and the required notification, review or approval process may materially delay or affect our ability to complete merger and acquisition transactions in China. As a result, our ability to seek growth through acquisitions may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if the MOFCOM determines that we should have obtained its approval for our entry into contractual arrangements with our affiliated entities, we may be required to file for remedial approvals. There is no assurance that we would be able to obtain such approval from the MOFCOM.
- 34 -
If the MOFCOM, the CSRC and/or other PRC regulatory agencies subsequently determine that the approvals from the MOFCOM and/or CSRC and/or other PRC regulatory agencies were required, our PRC business could be challenged, and we may need to apply for a remedial approval and may be subject to certain administrative punishments or other sanctions from PRC regulatory agencies. The regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, delay or restrict the conversion and remittance of our funds in foreign currencies into the PRC, or take other actions that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our common stock.
As substantially all of our operations are conducted through the VIE in China, our ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on receiving distributions of funds from the VIE. However, the PRC government might exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, which would likely result in a material change in our operations, even significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities or dividends to investors, and the value of our common stock may depreciate significantly or become worthless.
On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the Law (the “Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities Opinions”). The Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision over overseas listings by China-based companies, and proposed to take measures, including promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to control the risks and deal with the incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies.
In addition, on December 24, 2021, the CSRC issued the draft Administration Provisions of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Draft Administration Provisions”) and the draft Administrative Measures for the Filing of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Draft Administrative Measures”), for public comments. The Draft Administration Provisions and the Draft Administrative Measures regulate overseas securities offering and listing by domestic companies in direct or indirect form. The Draft Administration Provisions specify the responsibilities of the CSRC to regulate the activities of overseas securities offering and listing by domestic companies and establish a filing-based regime. As a supporting measure to the Draft Administration Provisions, the Draft Administrative Measures, detail the determination criteria for indirect overseas listing in overseas markets. Specifically, an offering and listing shall be considered as an indirect overseas offering and listing by a domestic company if the issuer meets the following conditions: (i) the operating income, gross profit, total assets, or net assets of the domestic enterprise in the most recent fiscal year was more than 50% of the relevant line item in the issuer’s audited consolidated financial statement for that year; and (ii) senior management personnel responsible for business operations and management are mostly PRC citizens or are ordinarily resident in the PRC, or the main place of business is in the PRC or carried out in the PRC. In accordance with the Draft Administrative Measures, the issuer or its designated material domestic company, shall file with the CSRC and report the relevant information for its initial public offering.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and five relevant guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures regulate both direct and indirect overseas offering and listing of PRC domestic companies’ securities by adopting a filing-based regulatory regime. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both the following conditions, the overseas securities offering and listing conducted by such issuer will be determined as indirect overseas offering, which shall be subject to the filing procedure set forth under the Overseas Listing Trial Measures: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (ii) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are located in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operations and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in mainland China. Where an abovementioned issuer submits an application for an initial public offering to competent overseas regulators, such issuer shall file with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted. Where a domestic company fails to fulfill filing procedure or in violation of the provisions as stipulated above, in respect of its overseas offering and listing, the CSRC shall order rectification, issue warnings to such domestic company, and impose a fine ranging from RMB1,000,000 to RMB10,000,000. Also the directly liable persons and actual controllers of the domestic company that organize or instruct the aforementioned violations shall be warned and/or imposed fines.
- 35 -
Also on February 17, 2023, the CSRC also held a press conference for the release of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and issued the Notice on Administration for the Filing of Overseas Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, which, among others, clarifies that the domestic companies that have already been listed overseas on or before the effective date of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures (March 31, 2023) shall be deemed as “stock enterprises”. Stock enterprises are not required to complete the filling procedures immediately, and they shall be required to file with the CSRC when subsequent matters such as refinancing are involved.
Due to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, we may have to file with the CSRC with respect to an offering of new securities, which may subject us to additional compliance requirements in the future and we cannot assure you that we will be able to get the clearance from the CSRC for any offering of new securities on a timely manner. Any failure of us to comply with the new Overseas Listing Trial Measures may significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities, cause significant disruption to our business operations, and severely damage our reputation.
Furthermore, it is uncertain when and whether we will be able to obtain permission or approval from the CSRC or the PRC government to offer securities to list on U.S. exchanges or the execution of a VIE Agreement in the future. However, our operations are conducted through the VIE in PRC, and our ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on receiving distributions of funds from the VIE, if we do not obtain or maintain any of the permissions or approvals which may be required in the future by the PRC government for the operation of the VIE or the execution of VIE Agreements, our operations and financial conditions could be adversely effected, even significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities or dividends to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
The audit report included in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023 was prepared by an auditor who was being inspected by the PCAOB. However, if PCAOB inspection is not able to be completed or completed in a timely manner, we could be delisted if we are unable to meet the PCAOB inspection requirements established by the HFCAA.
As a public company with securities listed on Nasdaq, we are required to have our financial statements audited by an independent registered public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB. A requirement of being registered with the PCAOB is that if requested by the SEC or PCAOB, such accounting firm is required to make its audits and related audit work papers be subject to regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Since our auditor is located in Hong Kong and PRC, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB has been unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the PRC authorities due to various state secrecy laws and the revised Securities Law, the PCAOB currently does not have free access to inspect the work of our auditor. This lack of access to the PCAOB inspection in the PRC prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of our auditor based in the PRC. As a result, the investors may be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in the PRC makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of these accounting firms’ audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of the PRC that are subject to the PCAOB inspections.
On December 18, 2020, the HFCAA was enacted. In essence, the act requires the SEC to prohibit securities of any foreign companies from being listed on U.S. securities exchanges or traded “over-the-counter” if a company retains a foreign accounting firm that cannot be inspected by the PCAOB for three consecutive years, beginning in 2021. Our independent registered public accounting firm is located in and organized under the laws of Hong Kong and the PRC, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the PRC authorities, and therefore our auditors are not currently inspected by the PCAOB.
- 36 -
On March 24, 2021, the SEC adopted interim final amendments, which will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, relating to the implementation of certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the HFCAA. The interim final amendments will apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in that jurisdiction. Before any registrant will be required to comply with the interim final amendments, the SEC must implement a process for identifying such registrants. As of the date of this Annual Report, the SEC is seeking public comment on this identification process. Consistent with the HFCAA, the amendments will require any identified registrant to submit documentation to the SEC establishing that the registrant is not owned or controlled by a government entity in that jurisdiction, and will also require, among other things, disclosure in the registrant’s annual report regarding the audit arrangements of, and government influence on, such registrant.
On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the AHFCAA which, if enacted, would decrease the number of non-inspection years from three years to two, thus reducing the time period before the Company’s securities may be delisted or prohibited from trading.
On November 5, 2021, the SEC approved PCAOB Rule 6100, Board Determination Under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountability Act, effective immediately. The rule establishes “a framework for the PCAOB’s determinations under the HFCAA that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms located in a foreign jurisdiction because of a position taken by an authority in that jurisdiction.”
On December 2, 2021, SEC has announced the adoption of amendments to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the HFCAA. The rules apply to registrants the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate (“Commission-Identified Issuers”). The final amendments require Commission-Identified Issuers to submit documentation to the SEC establishing that, if true, it is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity in the public accounting firm’s foreign jurisdiction. The amendments also require that a Commission-Identified Issuer that is a “foreign issuer,” as defined in Exchange Act Rule 3b-4, provide certain additional disclosures in its annual report for itself and any of its consolidated foreign operating entities. Further, the adopting release provides notice regarding the procedures the SEC has established to identify issuers and to impose trading prohibitions on the securities of certain Commission-Identified Issuers, as required by the HFCAA. The SEC will identify Commission-Identified Issuers for fiscal years beginning after December 18, 2020. A Commission-Identified Issuer will be required to comply with the submission and disclosure requirements in the annual report for each year in which it was identified. If a registrant is identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer based on its annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the registrant will be required to comply with the submission or disclosure requirements in its annual report filing covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
On December 16, 2021, PCAOB issued a report on its determinations that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the PRC, because of positions taken by PRC authorities in those jurisdictions. The PCAOB made these determinations pursuant to PCAOB Rule 6100, which provides a framework for how the PCAOB fulfills its responsibilities under the HFCAA. The report further listed in its Appendix A and Appendix B, Registered Public Accounting Firms Subject to the Mainland China Determination and Registered Public Accounting Firms Subject to the Hong Kong Determination, respectively. The audit report included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended February 28, 2023 and 2022, was issued by CZD CPA, an audit firm headquartered in Hong Kong, a jurisdiction that the PCAOB previously determined that the PCAOB is unable to conduct inspections or investigate auditors. However, on December 15, 2022, the PCAOB determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and voted to vacate its previous determinations. Should the PRC authorities obstruct or otherwise fail to facilitate the PCAOB’s access in the future, the PCAOB will consider the need to issue a new determination.
In June 2022, we were identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer on the SEC’s “Conclusive list of issuers identified under the HFCAA” (available at https://www.sec.gov/hfcaa) and, as a result, we will be required to comply with the submission or disclosure requirements in our annual report covering the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. If we are so identified for another two consecutive years, the SEC would prohibit our securities from trading on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. As noted above, on December 15, 2022, the PCAOB vacated its previous determinations that it is unable to inspect and investigate completely PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. Accordingly, until such time as the PCAOB issues any new determination, we do not expect to be at risk of having our securities subject to a trading prohibition under the HFCAA.
- 37 -
Under the HFCAA (as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023), our securities may be prohibited from trading on the U.S. stock exchanges or in the over the counter trading market in the U.S. if our auditor is not inspected by the PCAOB for two consecutive years, and this ultimately could result in our common stock being delisted. On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the AHFCAA, which was enacted under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, as further described below.
On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance of the PRC, taking the first step toward opening access for the PCAOB to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. The Statement of Protocol gives the PCAOB sole discretion to select the firms, audit engagements and potential violations it inspects and investigates and put in place procedures for PCAOB inspectors and investigators to view complete audit work papers with all information included and for the PCAOB to retain information as needed. In addition, the Statement of Protocol grants the PCAOB direct access to interview and take testimony from all personnel associated with the audits the PCAOB inspects or investigates. While significant, the Statement of Protocol is only a first step. Uncertainties still exist as to whether and how this new Statement of Protocol will be implemented. Notwithstanding the signing of the Statement of Protocol, if the PCAOB cannot make a determination that it is able to inspect and investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong, trading of our securities will still be prohibited under the HFCAA and Nasdaq will determine to delist our securities. Therefore, there is no assurance that the Statement of Protocol will relieve us from the delisting risk under the HFCAA.
On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, was signed into law, which amended the HFCAA (i) to reduce the number of consecutive years that would trigger delisting from three years to two years, and (ii) so that any foreign jurisdiction could be the reason why the PCAOB does not to have complete access to inspect or investigate a company’s auditors. As it was originally enacted, the HFCAA applied only if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction where the relevant public accounting firm is located. As a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, the HFCAA now also applies if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate the relevant accounting firm is due to a position taken by an authority in any foreign jurisdiction. The denying jurisdiction does not need to be where the accounting firm is located.
The SEC may propose additional rules or guidance that could impact us if our auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspection. For example, on November 6, 2020, the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets issued the Report on Protecting United States Investors from Significant Risks from Chinese Companies to the then President of the United States. This report recommended that the SEC implement five recommendations to address companies from jurisdictions that do not provide the PCAOB with sufficient access to fulfil its statutory mandate. Some of the concepts of these recommendations were implemented with the enactment of the HFCAA. However, some of the recommendations were more stringent than the HFCAA. For example, if a company was not subject to PCAOB inspection, the report recommended that the transition period before a company would be delisted would end on January 1, 2022.
The enactment of the HFCAA and the implications of any additional rulemaking efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information in PRC could cause investor uncertainty for affected SEC registrants, including us, and the market price of our common stock could be materially adversely affected. Additionally, whether the PCAOB will be able to conduct inspections of our auditor in the next two years, or at all, is subject to substantial uncertainty and depends on a number of factors out of our control. If we are unable to meet the PCAOB inspection requirement in time, our stock will not be permitted for trading on Nasdaq Capital Market either. Such a delisting would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our stock when you wish to do so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our stock. Also, such a delisting would significantly affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and prospects.
- 38 -
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Prospectus, including the documents that are and will be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, include statements and information about our strategy, objectives, plans and expectations for the future that are not statements or information of historical fact. These statements and information are considered to be forward-looking statements, or forward-looking information, within the meaning of and under the protection provided by the safe harbor provision for forward-looking statements as contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements, and any estimates and assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our views and expectations for the future as of the date of such statements, which can change significantly. Furthermore, forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results, performance, achievements or events to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or events implied, suggested or expressed by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements in this Prospectus or in any documents incorporate by reference into this Prospectus should not be unduly relied upon.
Forward-looking statements may be based on a number of material estimates and assumptions, of which any one or more may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements may be identifiable by terminology concerning the future, such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “intend”, “goal”, “likely”, “may”, “might”, “outlook”, “plan”, “predict”, “potential”, “project”, “should”, “schedule”, “strategy”, “target”, “will” or “would”, and similar expressions or variations thereof including the negative use of such terminology. These statements are based on FingerMotion’s current plans and are subject to risks and uncertainties, and as such FingerMotion’s actual future activities and results of operations may be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. While we believe these expectations are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Our actual future results may differ materially from those discussed or implied in our forward-looking statements for various reasons. Factors that could contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to:
| ● | international, national and local general economic and market conditions including impacts from the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the related sanctions and other measures, changes in the rates of investments or economic growth in key markets we serve, or an escalation of sanctions, tariffs or other trade tensions between the U.S. and China or other countries, and related impacts on our businesses.; |
| ● | demographic changes; |
| ● | natural phenomena (including the current COVID-19 pandemic); |
| ● | the ability of the Company to sustain, manage or forecast its growth; |
| ● | the ability of the Company to manage its VIE contracts; |
| ● | the ability of the Company to maintain its relationships and licenses in China; |
| ● | adverse publicity; |
| ● | competition and changes in the Chinese telecommunications market; |
| ● | fluctuations and difficulty in forecasting operating results; |
| ● | business disruptions, such as technological failures and/or cybersecurity breaches; |
| ● | future decision by management in response to changing conditions; |
| ● | our ability to execute prospective business plans; |
- 39 -
| ● | misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements; |
| ● | our ability to raise sufficient funds to carry out our proposed business plan; |
| ● | actions by government authorities, including changes in government regulation; |
| ● | dependency on certain key personnel and any inability to retain and attract qualified personnel; |
| ● | inability to reduce and adequately control operating costs; |
| ● | failure to manage future growth effectively; and |
| ● | and the other factors discussed above in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 10. |
Although management has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements might not prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We wish to advise you that these cautionary remarks expressly qualify, in their entirety, all forward-looking statements attributable to our company or persons acting on our company’s behalf. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such statements, except as, and to the extent required by, applicable securities laws. Should one or more forward-looking statements be revised, updated or supplemented, no inference should be made that we will revise, update or supplement any other forward-looking statements. You should carefully review the cautionary statements and risk factors contained in this Prospectus and other documents that we may file from time to time with the SEC.
Forward-looking statements made by us or by persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary information.
Use Of Proceeds
Except as otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities covered by this Prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, capital expenditures, sales and marketing expenditures, research and development of products and investment in our platform.
Description of Common Shares
We are authorized to issue 200,000,000 Common Shares with a par value of $0.0001 per Common Share, and 1,000,000 Preferred Shares having a par value of $0.0001 per Preferred Share. Holders of Common Shares are entitled to one vote per Common Share. Our certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared by our Board of Directors out of legally available funds. However, the current policy of our Board of Directors is to retain earnings, if any, for the operation and expansion of the Company.
Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of our Common Shares are entitled to share ratably in all of our assets, which are legally available for distribution, after payment of or provision for all liabilities and the liquidation preference of any outstanding Preferred Shares. The holders of Common Shares have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. All issued and outstanding and outstanding Common Shares are fully-paid and non-assessable.
We may, from time to time, issue Common Shares or other securities otherwise than through the Offering of Securities pursuant to this Prospectus.
- 40 -
Description of Warrants
The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable Prospectus Supplements and free writing prospectuses, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the Warrants that we may offer under this Prospectus, which may consist of Warrants to purchase Common Shares and may be issued in one or more series. Warrants may be offered independently or together with Common Shares or Subscription Receipts offered by any Prospectus Supplement, and may be attached to or separate from those Securities. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any Warrants that we may offer under this Prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of Warrants that we may offer in more detail in the applicable Prospectus Supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus. The terms of any Warrants offered under a Prospectus Supplement may differ from the terms described below.
General
We will evidence each series of Warrants by Warrant certificates (“Warrant Certificates”) that we may issue under one or more warrant indentures (each, a “Warrant Indenture”), which we may enter into with a warrant trustee (the “Warrant Trustee”) that we will name in the relevant Prospectus Supplement. We may also choose to act as our own Warrant Trustee. We may also issue Warrants without the use of a Warrant Indenture, and in such case, all the terms of the Warrants shall be included in the form of Warrant.
This summary of some of the provisions of the Warrants is not complete. The statements made in this Prospectus relating to any Warrant Indenture and Warrants to be issued under this Prospectus are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Warrant Certificate and, if applicable, Warrant Indenture. Prospective investors should refer to the Warrant Certificate and/or Warrant Indenture relating to the specific Warrants being offered for the complete terms of the Warrants. We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, any Warrant Certificate and/or Warrant Indenture describing the terms and conditions of Warrants we are offering before the issuance of such Warrants.
The applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to any Warrants offered by our Company will describe the particular terms of those Warrants and include specific terms relating to the offering.
The particular terms of each issue of Warrants will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. This description will include, where applicable:
| ● | the designation and aggregate number of Warrants; |
● the price at which the Warrants will be offered;
| ● | the currency or currencies in which the Warrants will be offered; |
| ● | the date on which the right to exercise the Warrants will commence and the date on which the right will expire; |
| ● | the number of Common Shares that may be purchased upon exercise of each Warrant and the price at which and currency or currencies in which the Common Shares may be purchased upon exercise of each Warrant; |
| ● | the designation and terms of any Securities with which the Warrants will be offered, if any, and the number of the Warrants that will be offered with each Security; |
- 41 -
| ● | the date or dates, if any, on or after which the Warrants and the other Securities with which the Warrants will be offered will be transferable separately; |
| ● | whether the Warrants will be subject to redemption and, if so, the terms of such redemption provisions; |
| ● | whether we will issue the Warrants as global securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary of the global securities; |
| ● | whether the Warrants will be listed on any exchange; |
| ● | material United States federal income tax consequences of owning the Warrants; and |
| ● | any other material terms or conditions of the Warrants. |
Rights of Holders Prior to Exercise
Prior to the exercise of their Warrants, holders of Warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.
Exercise of Warrants
Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the Securities that we specify in the applicable Prospectus Supplement at the exercise price that we describe therein. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, holders of the Warrants may exercise the Warrants at any time up to the specified time on the expiration date that we set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised Warrants will become void.
Holders of the Warrants may exercise the Warrants by delivering the Warrant Certificate representing the Warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and paying the required amount to our Company or, if applicable, the Warrant Trustee, in immediately available funds, as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. We will set forth on the Warrant Certificate and in the applicable Prospectus Supplement the information that the holder of the Warrant will be required to deliver to our Company or, if applicable, the Warrant Trustee.
Upon receipt of the required payment and the Warrant Certificate properly completed and duly executed at our Company or, if applicable, the corporate trust office of the Warrant Trustee or any other office indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, we will issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the Warrants represented by the Warrant Certificate are exercised, then we will issue a new Warrant Certificate for the remaining amount of Warrants. If we so indicate in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, holders of the Warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for Warrants.
Anti-Dilution
The Warrant Certificate and/or Warrant Indenture will specify that upon the subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other material change of the Common Shares or any other reorganization, amalgamation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, the Warrants will thereafter evidence the right of the holder to receive the securities, property or cash deliverable in exchange for or on the conversion of or in respect of the Common Shares to which the holder of a Common Share would have been entitled immediately after such event. Similarly, any distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares of rights, options, warrants, evidences of indebtedness or assets will result in an adjustment in the number of Common Shares to be issued to holders of Warrants.
Global Securities
We may issue Warrants in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities, which will be registered in the name of and be deposited with a depositary, or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The global securities may be in temporary or permanent form. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global security. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the exchange, registration and transfer rights relating to any global security.
- 42 -
Modifications
The Warrant Certificate and/or Warrant Indenture will provide for modifications and alterations to the Warrants issued thereunder by way of a resolution of holders of Warrants at a meeting of such holders or a consent in writing from such holders. The number of holders of Warrants required to pass such a resolution or execute such a written consent will be specified in the Warrant Certificate and/or Warrant Indenture.
We may amend any Warrant Certificate and/or Warrant Indenture and the Warrants, without the consent of the holders of the Warrants, to cure any ambiguity, to cure, correct or supplement any defective or inconsistent provision, or in any other manner that will not materially and adversely affect the interests of holders of outstanding Warrants.
Description of Subscription Receipts
We may issue Subscription Receipts, which will entitle holders to receive upon satisfaction of certain release conditions and for no additional consideration, Common Shares, Warrants or any combination thereof. Subscription Receipts will be issued pursuant to one or more subscription receipt agreements (each, a “Subscription Receipt Agreement”), each to be entered into between our Company and an escrow agent (the “Escrow Agent”), which will establish the terms and conditions of the Subscription Receipts. Each Escrow Agent will be a financial institution organized under the laws of the United States or a state thereof, and authorized to carry on business as an escrow agent. We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, any Subscription Receipt Agreement describing the terms and conditions of Subscription Receipts we are offering before the issuance of such Subscription Receipts.
The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of Subscription Receipts and is not intended to be complete. The statements made in this Prospectus relating to any Subscription Receipt Agreement and Subscription Receipts to be issued thereunder are summaries of certain anticipated provisions thereof and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all provisions of the applicable Subscription Receipt Agreement and the Prospectus Supplement describing such Subscription Receipt Agreement.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to any Subscription Receipts we offer will describe the Subscription Receipts and include specific terms relating to their offering. All such terms will comply with the requirements of Nasdaq relating to Subscription Receipts. If underwriters or agents are used in the sale of Subscription Receipts, one or more of such underwriters or agents may also be parties to the Subscription Receipt Agreement governing the Subscription Receipts sold to or through such underwriters or agents.
General
The Prospectus Supplement and the Subscription Receipt Agreement for any Subscription Receipts we offer will describe the specific terms of the Subscription Receipts and may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
| ● | the designation and aggregate number of Subscription Receipts offered; |
| ● | the price at which the Subscription Receipts will be offered; |
| ● | the currency or currencies in which the Subscription Receipts will be offered; |
| ● | the designation, number and terms of the Common Shares, Warrants or combination thereof to be received by holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the release conditions, and the procedures that will result in the adjustment of those numbers; |
- 43 -
| ● | the conditions (the “Release Conditions”) that must be met in order for holders of Subscription Receipts to receive for no additional consideration Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof; |
| ● | the procedures for the issuance and delivery of Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof to holders of Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions; |
| ● | whether any payments will be made to holders of Subscription Receipts upon delivery of the Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions (e.g., an amount equal to dividends declared on Common Shares by our Company to holders of record during the period from the date of issuance of the Subscription Receipts to the date of issuance of any Common Shares pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement); |
| ● | the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will hold all or a portion of the gross proceeds from the sale of Subscription Receipts, together with interest and income earned thereon (collectively, the “Escrowed Funds”), pending satisfaction of the Release Conditions; |
| ● | the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Escrow Agent will hold Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof pending satisfaction of the Release Conditions; |
| ● | the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will release all or a portion of the Escrowed Funds to our Company upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions; |
| ● | if the Subscription Receipts are sold to or through underwriters or agents, the terms and conditions under which the Escrow Agent will release a portion of the Escrowed Funds to such underwriters or agents in payment of all or a portion of their fees or commission in connection with the sale of the Subscription Receipts; |
| ● | procedures for the refund by the Escrow Agent to holders of Subscription Receipts of all or a portion of the subscription price for their Subscription Receipts, plus any pro rata entitlement to interest earned or income generated on such amount, if the Release Conditions are not satisfied; |
| ● | any entitlement of our Company to purchase the Subscription Receipts in the open market by private agreement or otherwise; |
| ● | whether we will issue the Subscription Receipts as global securities and, if so, the identity of the depositary for the global securities; |
| ● | whether we will issue the Subscription Receipts as bearer securities, registered securities or both; |
| ● | provisions as to modification, amendment or variation of the Subscription Receipt Agreement or any rights or terms attaching to the Subscription Receipts; |
| ● | the identity of the Escrow Agent; |
| ● | whether the Subscription Receipts will be listed on any exchange; |
| ● | material United States federal tax consequences of owning the Subscription Receipts; and |
| ● | any other terms of the Subscription Receipts. |
In addition, the Prospectus Supplement and the Subscription Receipt Agreement for any Subscription Receipts we offer will describe all contractual rights of rescission that will be granted to initial purchasers of Subscription Receipts in the event this Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement under which Subscription Receipts are issued or any amendment hereto or thereto contains a misrepresentation, as discussed further under the sub-paragraph entitled “Rescission” below.
- 44 -
The holders of Subscription Receipts will not be shareholders of our Company. Holders of Subscription Receipts are entitled only to receive Common Shares, Warrants or a combination thereof on exchange of their Subscription Receipts, plus any cash payments provided for under the Subscription Receipt Agreement, if the Release Conditions are satisfied. If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, the holders of Subscription Receipts shall be entitled to a refund of all or a portion of the subscription price therefor and all or a portion of the pro rata share of interest earned or income generated thereon, as provided in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.
Escrow
The Escrowed Funds will be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent, and such Escrowed Funds will be released to our Company (and, if the Subscription Receipts are sold to or through underwriters or agents, a portion of the Escrowed Funds may be released to such underwriters or agents in payment of all or a portion of their fees in connection with the sale of the Subscription Receipts) at the time and under the terms specified by the Subscription Receipt Agreement. If the Release Conditions are not satisfied, holders of Subscription Receipts will receive a refund of all or a portion of the subscription price for their Subscription Receipts plus their pro rata entitlement to interest earned or income generated on such amount, in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement. Common Shares or Warrants may be held in escrow by the Escrow Agent and will be released to the holders of Subscription Receipts following satisfaction of the Release Conditions at the time and under the terms specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.
Anti-Dilution
The Subscription Receipt Agreement will specify that upon the subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or other material change of the Common Shares or Warrants or any other reorganization, amalgamation, merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets, the Subscription Receipts will thereafter evidence the right of the holder to receive the securities, property or cash deliverable in exchange for or on the conversion of or in respect of the Common Shares or Warrants to which the holder of a Common Share or Warrant would have been entitled immediately after such event. Similarly, any distribution to all or substantially all of the holders of Common Shares of rights, options, warrants, evidences of indebtedness or assets will result in an adjustment in the number of Common Shares to be issued to holders of Subscription Receipts whose Subscription Receipts entitle the holders thereof to receive Common Shares. Alternatively, such securities, evidences of indebtedness or assets may, at the option of our Company, be issued to the Escrow Agent and delivered to holders of Subscription Receipts on exercise thereof. The Subscription Receipt Agreement will also provide that if other actions of our Company affect the Common Shares or Warrants, which, in the reasonable opinion of the directors of our Company, would materially affect the rights of the holders of Subscription Receipts and/or the rights attached to the Subscription Receipts, the number of Common Shares or Warrants which are to be received pursuant to the Subscription Receipts shall be adjusted in such manner, if any, and at such time as our directors may in their discretion reasonably determine to be equitable to the holders of Subscription Receipts in such circumstances.
Rescission
The Subscription Receipt Agreement will also provide that any misrepresentation in this Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement under which the Subscription Receipts are offered, or any amendment thereto, will entitle each initial purchaser of Subscription Receipts to a contractual right of rescission following the issuance of the Common Shares or Warrants to such purchaser entitling such purchaser to receive the amount paid for the Subscription Receipts upon surrender of the Common Shares or Warrants, provided that such remedy for rescission is exercised in the time stipulated in the Subscription Receipt Agreement. This right of rescission does not extend to holders of Subscription Receipts who acquire such Subscription Receipts from an initial purchaser, on the open market or otherwise, or to initial purchasers who acquire Subscription Receipts in the United States.
- 45 -
Global Securities
We may issue Subscription Receipts in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities, which will be registered in the name of and be deposited with a depositary, or its nominee, each of which will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The global securities may be in temporary or permanent form. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of any depositary arrangement and the rights and limitations of owners of beneficial interests in any global security. The applicable Prospectus Supplement also will describe the exchange, registration and transfer rights relating to any global security.
Modifications
The Subscription Receipt Agreement will provide for modifications and alterations to the Subscription Receipts issued thereunder by way of a resolution of holders of Subscription Receipts at a meeting of such holders or a consent in writing from such holders. The number of holders of Subscriptions Receipts required to pass such a resolution or execute such a written consent will be specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement.
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable Prospectus Supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the Units that we may offer under this Prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any Units that we may offer under this Prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of Units in more detail in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The terms of any Units offered under a Prospectus Supplement may differ from the terms described below.
We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, the form of unit agreement, if any (“Unit Agreement”), between our Company and a unit agent, if any (“Unit Agent”), that describes the terms and conditions of the series of Units we are offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of the related series of Units. We may also choose to act as our own Unit Agent. The following summaries of material terms and provisions of the Units are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Unit Agreement, if applicable, and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of Units. We urge you to read the applicable Prospectus Supplements related to the particular series of Units that we sell under this Prospectus, as well as the complete Unit Agreement, if applicable, and any supplemental agreements that contain the terms of the Units.
General
We may issue units comprising one or more of Common Shares, Warrants and Subscription Receipts in any combination. Each Unit will be issued so that the holder of the Unit is also the holder of each security included in the Unit. Thus, the holder of a Unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The Unit Agreement, if applicable, under which a Unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the Unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date.
We will describe in the applicable Prospectus Supplement the terms of the series of Units, including:
| ● | the designation and terms of the Units and of the securities comprising the Units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately; |
| ● | if applicable, any provisions of the governing Unit Agreement that differ from those described below; and |
| ● | any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the Units or of the securities comprising the Units. |
The provisions described in this section, as well as those described under “Description of Common Shares,” “Description of Warrants,” and “Description of Subscription Receipts” will apply to each Unit and to any Common Share, Warrant or Subscription Receipt included in each Unit, respectively.
- 46 -
Issuance in Series
We may issue Units in such amounts and in numerous distinct series as we determine.
Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Units
Each Unit Agent, if applicable, will act solely as our agent under the applicable Unit Agreement, if any, and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any Unit. A single bank or trust company may act as Unit Agent for more than one series of Units. A Unit Agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by our Company under the applicable Unit Agreement, if any, or Unit, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon our Company. Any holder of a Unit may, without the consent of the related Unit Agent, if applicable, or the holder of any other Unit, enforce by appropriate legal action its rights as holder under any security included in the Unit.
Our Company, any Unit Agent, and any of their agents may treat the registered holder of any Unit Certificate as an absolute owner of the Units evidenced by that certificate for any purpose and as the person entitled to exercise the rights attaching to the Units so requested, despite any notice to the contrary.
Plan of Distribution
General
We may offer and sell the Securities, separately or together: (i) to one or more underwriters or dealers; (ii) through one or more agents; or (iii) directly to one or more other purchasers. The Securities offered pursuant to any Prospectus Supplement may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions, including privately negotiated transactions, at: (i) a fixed price or prices, which may be changed from time to time; (ii) market prices prevailing at the time of sale; (iii) prices related to such prevailing market prices; or (iv) other negotiated prices.
We may also sell equity securities covered by this registration statement in an “at-the-market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act. Such offering may be made into an existing trading market for such securities in transactions at other than a fixed price, either: (i) on or through the facilities of Nasdaq or any other securities exchange or quotation or trading service on which such securities may be listed, quoted or traded at the time of sale; and/or (ii) other than on Nasdaq or such other securities exchange or quotation or trading services. Such at-the-market offerings, if any, may be conducted by underwriters acting as principal or agent.
We may only offer and sell the Securities pursuant to a Prospectus Supplement during the period that this Prospectus, including any amendments hereto, remains effective. The Prospectus Supplement for any of the Securities being offered thereby will set forth the terms of the offering of such Securities, including the type of Security being offered, the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, the purchase price of such Securities, the proceeds to our Company from such sale, any underwriting commissions or discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers. Only underwriters so named in the Prospectus Supplement are deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities offered thereby.
By Underwriters
If underwriters are used in the sale, the Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Unless otherwise set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto, the obligations of underwriters to purchase the Securities will be subject to certain conditions, but the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the Securities offered by the Prospectus Supplement if any of such Securities are purchased. We may offer the Securities to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. We may agree to pay the underwriters a fee or commission for various services relating to the offering of any Securities. Any such fee or commission will be paid out of the general corporate funds of our Company. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe in the Prospectus Supplement, naming the underwriter, the nature of any such relationship.
- 47 -
By Dealers
If dealers are used, and if so specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, we will sell such Securities to the dealers as principals. The dealers may then resell such Securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealers at the time of resale. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time. We will set forth the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
By Agents
The Securities may also be sold through agents designated by our Company. Any agent involved will be named, and any fees or commissions payable by our Company to such agent will be set forth, in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Any such fees or commissions will be paid out of the general corporate funds of our Company. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
Direct Sales
Securities may also be sold directly by our Company at such prices and upon such terms as agreed to by our Company and the purchaser. In this case, no underwriters, dealers or agents would be involved in the offering.
General Information
Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the Securities offered by this Prospectus may be deemed underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions they receive from us and any profit on their resale of the securities may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
Underwriters, dealers or agents who participate in the distribution of Securities may be entitled under agreements to be entered into with our Company to indemnification by our Company against certain liabilities, including liabilities under Canadian provincial and territorial and United States securities legislation, or to contribution with respect to payments which such underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make in respect thereof. Such underwriters, dealers or agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, our Company in the ordinary course of business.
We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this Prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable Prospectus Supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third parties may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions will be identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
One or more firms, referred to as “remarketing firms,” may also offer or sell the Securities, if the Prospectus Supplement so indicates, in connection with a remarketing arrangement upon their purchase. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. These remarketing firms will offer or sell the Securities in accordance with the terms of the Securities. The Prospectus Supplement will identify any remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and will describe the remarketing firm’s compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities they remarket.
In connection with any offering of Securities, underwriters may over-allot or effect transactions which stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities offered at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Such transactions may be commenced, interrupted or discontinued at any time.
- 48 -
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to a beneficial owner of Common Shares acquired pursuant to this Prospectus. This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and exercise of Warrants, Subscription Receipts, or Units.
Scope of this Summary
This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax consequences related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. Except as specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such holder. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any particular holder. Each holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
No legal opinion from U.S. legal counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, and contrary to, the positions taken in this summary.
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed), published rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of the IRS, and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date of this Prospectus. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive basis.
U.S. Holders
As used in this summary, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Common Shares acquired pursuant to this Prospectus that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
| ● | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
| ● | a corporation (or other entity classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
| ● | an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
| ● | a trust that: (i) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions of the trust; or (ii) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
- 49 -
Non-U.S. Holders
The term “Non-U.S. Holder” means any beneficial owner of Common Shares acquired pursuant to this Prospectus that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership (nor other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes).
Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules
This summary deals only with persons or entities who hold Common Shares as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment purposes). This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be applicable to holders in light of their particular circumstances or to holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, such as (without limitation):
| ● | banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions; |
| ● | dealers or traders in securities, commodities or foreign currencies; |
| ● | regulated investment companies; |
| ● | tax-exempt entities, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; |
| ● | U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the United States; |
| ● | persons holding Common Shares as part of a straddle, appreciated financial position, synthetic security, hedge, conversion or constructive sale transaction or other integrated investment; |
| ● | entities that acquire Common Shares that are treated as partnerships and other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes and partners and investors in such entities; |
| ● | real estate investment trusts; |
| ● | S corporations; |
| ● | U.S. Holders that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar; |
| ● | U.S. Holders that are required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to Common Shares as a result of such income being recognized on an applicable financial statement; |
| ● | holders that acquired Common Shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as consideration for services; or |
| ● | holders that are “controlled foreign corporations”, “passive foreign investment companies” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax. |
Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Shares.
If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership (or other “pass-through” entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such entity and the partners (or other owners) of such entity generally will depend on the activities of the entity and the status of such partners (or owners). This summary does not address the tax consequences to any such partner, owner or entity. Partners (or other owners) of entities or arrangements that are classified as partnerships or as “pass-through” entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
- 50 -
Tax Consequences Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal alternative minimum, or non-U.S. tax consequences to holders of Common Shares. Each holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the U.S. state and local, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. federal net investment income, U.S. federal alternative minimum, and non-U.S. tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Common Shares.
Common Shares
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders
Distributions
Distributions made on Common Shares generally will be included in a U.S. Holder’s income as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits (determined under U.S. federal income tax principles) as of the end of the taxable year in which the distribution occurs. With respect to dividends received by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals), such dividends are generally taxed at the applicable long-term capital gains rates (currently at a maximum tax rate of 20%), provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares and thereafter as capital gain from the sale or exchange of the Common Shares, which will be taxable according to rules discussed under the heading “Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares”, below. Dividends received by a corporate U.S. Holder may be eligible for a dividends received deduction, subject to applicable limitations.
Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares
Upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between: (i) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received upon such taxable disposition; and (ii) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if a U.S. Holder’s holding period in the Common Shares is more than one year at the time of the taxable disposition. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals) will generally be subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20%. Deductions for capital losses are subject to complex limitations under the Code.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Information reporting requirements generally will apply to payments of dividends on Common Shares and to the proceeds of a sale of Common Shares paid to a U.S. Holder unless the U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient (such as a corporation). Backup withholding at a current rate of 24% will apply to those payments if the U.S. Holder fails to provide its correct taxpayer identification number or certification of exempt status, or if the U.S. Holder is notified by the IRS that it has failed to report in full payments of interest and dividend income. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided the required information is furnished in a timely manner to the IRS.
- 51 -
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders
Dividends
Distributions on Common Shares paid to Non-U.S. Holders will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent those distributions exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, they will constitute a return of capital and will first reduce a Non-U.S. Holder’s basis in Common Shares, but not below zero, and then will be treated as gain from the sale of stock, which will be taxable according to rules discussed below under the heading “Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares”. Any dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder with respect to Common Shares generally will be subject to withholding tax at a 30% gross rate, subject to any exemption or lower rate under an applicable treaty if the Non-U.S. Holder provides the Company with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN, unless the Non-U.S. Holder provides the Company with a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) relating to income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States.
Dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States and includible in the Non-U.S. Holder’s gross income are not subject to the withholding tax (assuming proper certification and disclosure), but instead are subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at applicable graduated individual or corporate rates. Any such effectively connected income received by a non-U.S. corporation may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate, subject to any exemption or lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
A Non-U.S. Holder of Common Shares who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate or exemption is required to satisfy certain certification and other requirements. If a Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for an exemption from or a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty, it may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of any income tax treaty.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares
In general, a Non-U.S. Holder of Common Shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized from a sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of such Common Shares, unless:
| ● | the gain is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S. Holder (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. Holder), in which case the Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to tax on the net gain from the disposition at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates, and if the Non-U.S. Holder is a corporation, may be subject to an additional U.S. branch profits tax at a gross rate equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits for that taxable year, subject to any exemption or lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty; |
| ● | the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met, in which case the Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to a 30% tax on the gain from the sale (subject to any exemption or lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty), which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses; or |
| ● | the Company is or has been a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time during the shorter of the Non-U.S. Holder’s holding period or the 5-year period ending on the date of the disposition; provided that, as long as the Company’s Common Shares are regularly traded on an established securities market as determined under the Treasury Regulations (the “Regularly Traded Exception”), a Non-U.S. Holder would not be subject to taxation on the gain on the disposition of Common Shares under this rule unless the Non-U.S. Holder has owned (actually and constructively) more than 5% of our common stock at any time during such 5-year or shorter period (a “5% Shareholder”). The determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our US real property interests relative to the fair market value of our non-U.S. real property interests and our other business assets. Non-U.S. Holders should be aware that the Company has made no determination as to whether the Company is or has been a USRPHC, and the Company can provide no assurances that it is not and will not become a USRPHC in the future. In addition, in the event that the Company is or becomes a USRPHC, the Company can provide no assurances that the Common Shares will meet the Regularly Traded Exception at the time a Non-U.S. Holder purchases such Common Shares or sells, exchanges or otherwise disposes of such Common Shares. Non-U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the consequences to them of investing in a USRPHC. If the Company is a USRPHC, a Non-U.S. Holder will be taxed as if any gain or loss were effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business in the event that: (i) such holder is a 5% Shareholder; or (ii) the Regularly Traded Exception is not satisfied during the relevant period. |
- 52 -
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Generally, the Company must report annually to the IRS and to Non-U.S. Holders the amount of dividends paid on the Common Shares to Non-U.S. Holders and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those dividends. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which a Non-U.S. Holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
In general, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to backup withholding with respect to payments of dividends by the Company, provided the Company receives a statement meeting certain requirements to the effect that the Non-U.S. Holder is not a U.S. person and the Company does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a U.S. person, as defined under the Code, or the Non-U.S. Holder otherwise establishes an exemption. The requirements for the statement will be met if: (i) the Non-U.S. Holder provides its name, address and U.S. taxpayer identification number, if any, and certifies, under penalty of perjury, that it is not a U.S. person (which certification may be made on IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E or other applicable form); or (ii) a financial institution holding the instrument on behalf of the Non-U.S. Holder certifies, under penalty of perjury, that such statement has been received by it and furnishes the Company or the paying agent with a copy of the statement. In addition, a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding with respect to payments of the proceeds of a sale of Common Shares within the United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries, unless the statement described above has been received, and the Company does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that a holder is a U.S. person, as defined under the Code, or the Non-U.S. Holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided the required information is furnished in a timely manner to the IRS.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act
Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code (“FATCA”) impose a reporting regime and potentially a 30% withholding tax on certain payments made to or through: (i) a “foreign financial institution” (as specifically defined in the Code) that does not enter into an agreement with the IRS to provide the IRS with certain information in respect of its account holders and investors; or (ii) a “non-financial foreign entity” (as specifically defined in the Code) that does not provide sufficient information with respect to its substantial U.S. owners (if any). The United States has entered into, and continues to negotiate, intergovernmental agreements (“IGAs”) with a number of other jurisdictions to facilitate the implementation of FATCA. An IGA may significantly alter the application of FATCA and its information reporting and withholding requirements with respect to any particular investor.
FATCA withholding may apply to dividends and other payments in respect of Common Shares if the payee does not provide documentation (typically IRS Form W-9 or the relevant IRS Form W-8) providing the required information or establishing compliance with, or an exemption from, FATCA. In addition, subject to the discussion regarding proposed Treasury Regulations, the FATCA withholding tax would apply to the gross proceeds payable upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of the Common Shares. Proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate the FATCA withholding tax on payments of gross proceeds and taxpayers may rely on these proposed Treasury regulations until final U.S. Treasury Regulations are issued. There can be no assurance that final Treasury Regulations would provide an exemption from the FATCA withholding tax for gross proceeds.
FATCA is particularly complex and its application remains uncertain. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding how these rules may apply in their particular circumstances.
- 53 -
legal matters
The law firm of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. has acted as special Delaware legal counsel to our Company by providing an opinion on the validity of the Securities offered in this Prospectus and applicable Prospectus Supplements.
Counsel named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement will pass upon legal matters for any underwriters, dealers or agents.
No counsel named in this prospectus as having prepared any part of this prospectus or having given an opinion upon the validity of the securities being registered or upon other legal matters in connection with the registration or offering of the common stock was employed on a contingency basis, or had, or is to receive, in connection with the offering, a substantial interest, direct or indirect, in the registrant, nor was any such person connected with the registrant as a promoter, managing or principal underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer, or employee.
experts
The consolidated financial statements of the Company appearing in the Company’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the years ended February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, have been audited by Centurion ZA CPA & Co., independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The Registrar and Transfer Agent for our Common Shares is VStock Transfer, LLC, located at 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, New York, U.S.A., 11598.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On or around October 2022, our contractually controlled subsidiary, JiuGe Technology signed a cooperation agreement with Suning.com to expand our reach to the China market. Sunning.com is a portal that primarily caters to consumers shopping for home appliances, consumer electronics, health, and beauty products.
On or around December 2022, our contractually controlled subsidiary, JiuGe Technology and Munich Re, a large global reinsurer, have set the stage for extension of their ongoing behavioral research and analytic studies into commercial implementation in the China market. Through a proprietary behaviour intelligence system developed by “Sapientus”, the analytic innovation development arm of FingerMotion, the companies will bring forward their jointly developed model algorithms and analytic insights for productionized applications and wider market adoption.
On or about April 6, 2023, we eliminated our remaining convertible debt with our primary lender as a result of conversions by the primary lender and payment by us to the primary lender.
On April 28, 2023, we repaid in full the US$730,000 convertible note that was issued in favor of Dr. Liew Yow Ming on May 1, 2022.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be a part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information in this prospectus.
- 54 -
The following documents filed by our company with the SEC are incorporated herein by reference:
| (a) | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, that we filed with the SEC on May 30, 2023; |
| (b) | our Amendment to our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, that we filed with the SEC on August 31, 2023; |
| (c) | our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2023, that we filed with the SEC on July 14, 2023; |
| (d) | our Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on May 30, 2023; |
| (e) | our Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on June 5, 2023; |
| (f) | our Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on July 14, 2023; |
| (g) | our Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on July 26, 2023; |
| (h) | our Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on July 31, 2023; and |
| (i) | the description of our Common Shares set forth under the caption “Description of Capital Stock” in the prospectus that constitutes a part of our registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-196503) filed with the SEC on June 4, 2014, as amended on June 18, 2014. |
All reports and other documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the date of the filing of such reports and documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this registration statement to the extent that a statement contained in this registration statement or in any subsequently filed document that is also incorporated by reference in this registration statement modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.
We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a Prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in the Prospectus but not delivered with the Prospectus. We will provide this information, at no cost to the requester, upon written or oral request to us at the following address or telephone number:
Martin
J. Shen, Chief Executive Officer
111 Somerset Road, Level 3
Singapore, 238164
Telephone: (347) 349-5339
We file annual and quarterly reports, current reports on Form 8-K and proxy statements with the SEC. Our SEC filings also are available to the public on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. In addition, we maintain a website that contains information about us, including our SEC filings, at www.FingerMotion.com. The information contained on our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus or any other report or documents we file with or furnish to the SEC or with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada.
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC for the securities we are offering by this Prospectus. This Prospectus does not include all of the information contained in the registration statement. You should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits for additional information.
- 55 -
FINGERMOTION, INC.
$300,000,000
Common Shares
Warrants
Subscription Receipts
Units
PROSPECTUS
________________, 2023
We have not authorized any dealer, salesperson or other person to give any information or represent anything not contained in or incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This Prospectus does not offer to sell any shares in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus, nor any sale made hereunder, shall create any implication that the information in this Prospectus is correct after the date hereof.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion: Dated September 11, 2023
PROSPECTUS
FINGERMOTION, INC.
Up to $25,000,000 of Shares
of Common Stock
FingerMotion, Inc. (which we refer to as “FingerMotion,” the “Company,” “we,” or “us”) has entered into an at-the-market issuance sales agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with Univest Securities, LLC (the “Sales Agent”), relating to shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus (“Prospectus”). In accordance with the terms of the Sales Agreement, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $25,000,000 from time to time through the Sales Agent.
Our shares of common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “FNGR.” On September 6, 2023, the closing price of our shares of common stock on the Nasdaq was $6.00 per share of common stock.
Sales of our common stock, if any, under this Prospectus may be made in sales deemed to be “at-the-market” equity offerings as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), including sales made directly on or through Nasdaq, the existing trading market for our common stock, sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange or otherwise, directly to the sales agent as principal, in negotiated transactions at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices related to such prevailing market prices, and/or in any other method permitted by law. If we and the Sales Agent agree on any method of distribution other than sales of shares of our common stock into the Nasdaq or another existing trading market in the United States at market prices, we will file a further prospectus supplement providing all information about such offering as required by Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act. The Sales Agent will act as sales agent on a commercially reasonable efforts basis consistent with its normal trading and sales practices. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in any escrow, trust or similar arrangement.
The Sales Agent will be entitled to a placement fee of 2.25% of the gross sales price per share sold. In connection with the sale of our shares of common stock on our behalf, the Sales Agent will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and the compensation of the Sales Agent will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts.
Investing in our securities involves risks. Before buying any of our securities, you should read the discussion of material risks of investing in our securities in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 15 of this Prospectus and under similar headings in the documents incorporated by reference into this Prospectus.
Neither the United States Securities Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
UNIVEST SECURITIES, LLC
The date of this prospectus is ____________ __, 2023.
- 2 -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 3 -
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (which we refer to as the “SEC”) utilizing a shelf registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer, sell and issue any of the securities or any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total aggregate offering price of $300,000,000. The $25,000,000 of shares of common stock that may be offered, issued and sold under this Prospectus is included in the $300,000,000 of securities that may be offered, issued and sold by us pursuant to our shelf registration statement. In connection with such offers and when accompanied by the base prospectus included in the registration statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, this Prospectus will be deemed a prospectus supplement to such base prospectus.
We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference herein were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.
We and the Sales Agent have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering. We and the Sales Agent take no responsibility for, and provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, the securities offered by this Prospectus in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom or from whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation of an offer in such jurisdiction. The information contained in this Prospectus or incorporated by reference herein and in any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering is accurate only as of the respective dates thereof, regardless of the time of delivery of this Prospectus or of any sale of our shares of common stock. It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this Prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein, and in any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the information in the documents to which we have referred you in the sections entitled “Where to Find Additional Information” and “Documents Incorporated by Reference” in this Prospectus.
We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this Prospectus and the offering of the shares of common stock in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this Prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the shares of common stock and the distribution of this Prospectus outside the United States. This Prospectus does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities offered by this Prospectus by any person in Canada or in any other jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offer or solicitation.
Prospective investors should be aware that the acquisition of the securities described herein may have tax consequences in the United States. Such consequences for investors who are resident in, or citizens of, the United States may not be described fully in this prospectus or the base prospectus included in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” in the base prospectus.
Unless otherwise stated, currency amounts in this prospectus are stated in United States dollars. The financial statements incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the base prospectus included in the registration statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, and the selected consolidated financial data derived therefrom included in this Prospectus, are presented in United States dollars. The financial statements incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and the base prospectus included in the registration statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, and the selected consolidated financial data derived therefrom included in this Prospectus, have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- 4 -
INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS
We are a holding company incorporated in Delaware and not a Chinese operating company. As a holding company, we conduct a significant part of our operations through our subsidiaries and through contractual arrangements with a variable interest entity (“VIE”) based in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”). To address challenges resulting from laws, policies and practices that may disfavor foreign-owned entities that operate within industries deemed sensitive by the Chinese government, we use the VIE structure to provide contractual exposure to foreign investment in Chinese-based companies. We own 100% of the equity of a wholly foreign owned enterprise (“WFOE”), which has entered into contractual arrangements with the VIE (the “VIE Agreements”), which is owned by Ms. Li Li, the legal representative and general manager and also the shareholder of the VIE. The VIE Agreements have not been tested in court. For a description of the VIE structure and our contractual arrangements with the VIE. As a result of our use of the VIE structure, you may never directly hold equity interests in the VIE.
Because we do not directly hold an equity interest in the VIE, which has never been challenged or recognized in court for the time being, we are subject to risks and uncertainties of the interpretations and applications of Chinese laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the validity and enforcement of the contractual arrangements among the WFOE, the VIE and the shareholder of the VIE. We are also subject to the risks and uncertainties about any future actions of the Chinese government in this regard that could disallow the VIE structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations, and the value of our common stock may depreciate significantly or become worthless. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the VIE Agreements” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China”.
We are subject to certain legal and operational risks associated with having a significant portion of our operations in China. Chinese laws and regulations governing our current business operations are sometimes vague and uncertain, and as a result, these risks could result in a material change in our operations, significant depreciation of the value of our common stock, or a complete hindrance of our ability to offer our securities to investors. Recently, the Chinese government adopted a series of regulatory actions and issued statements to regulate business operations in China, including those related to the use of VIEs, data security and anti-monopoly concerns. As of the date of this Prospectus, our Company and subsidiaries and the VIE have not been involved in any investigations on cybersecurity review initiated by any Chinese regulatory authority, nor has any of them received any inquiry, notice or sanction.
On February 17, 2023, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”) promulgated Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Overseas Listing Trial Measures”) and five relevant guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures regulate both direct and indirect overseas offering and listing of PRC domestic companies’ securities by adopting a filing-based regulatory regime. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both the following conditions, the overseas securities offering and listing conducted by such issuer will be determined as indirect overseas offering, which shall be subject to the filing procedure set forth under the Overseas Listing Trial Measures: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (ii) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are located in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operations and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in mainland China. Where an abovementioned issuer submits an application for an initial public offering to competent overseas regulators, such issuer shall file with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted. Where a domestic company fails to fulfill filing procedure or in violation of the provisions as stipulated above, in respect of its overseas offering and listing, the CSRC shall order rectification, issue warnings to such domestic company, and impose a fine ranging from RMB1,000,000 to RMB10,000,000. Also the directly liable persons and actual controllers of the domestic company that organize or instruct the aforementioned violations shall be warned and/or imposed fines.
Also on February 17, 2023, the CSRC also held a press conference for the release of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and issued the Notice on Administration for the Filing of Overseas Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, which, among others, clarifies that the domestic companies that have already been listed overseas on or before the effective date of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures (March 31, 2023) shall be deemed as “stock enterprises”. Stock enterprises are not required to complete the filling procedures immediately, and they shall be required to file with the CSRC when subsequent matters such as refinancing are involved.
- 5 -
As of the date of this Prospectus, our Company and subsidiaries and the VIE have not received any inquiry, notice, warning or sanctions from the CSRC or any other Chinese governmental authorities relating to securities listings, although we may have to file with the CSRC with respect to a new offering of our securities. However, since these statements and regulatory actions, including the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, are newly published it is uncertain what potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our ability to conduct our business, accept investments or list or maintain a listing on a U.S. or foreign exchange. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China”.
As of the date of this Prospectus, none of our subsidiaries or any of the consolidated VIE have made any dividends or distributions to our Company. Under Delaware law, a Delaware corporation’s ability to pay cash dividends on its capital stock requires the corporation to have either net profits or positive net assets (total assets less total liabilities) over its capital. If we determine to pay dividends on any of our common stock in the future, as a holding company, we will rely, in part, on payments made from the VIE to our WFOE in accordance with the VIE Agreements and dividends and other distributions on equity from our WFOE to the Company. Our ability to settle amounts owed under the VIE Agreements is subject to certain restrictions and limitations. Under the VIE Agreements, the VIE is obligated to make payments to our WFOE, in cash or in kind, at the WFOE’s request. However, such payments are subject to Chinese taxes, including a 6% VAT and 25% enterprise income tax. In addition, current Chinese regulations permit our WFOE to pay dividends to its shareholders only out of registered capital amount, if any, as determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. If our WFOE incurs debt in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Any limitation on the ability of our WFOE to distribute dividends or other payments to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay dividends or otherwise fund and conduct our business. In addition, any cash dividends or distributions of assets by our WFOE to its stockholder are subject to a Chinese withholding tax of as much as 10%. The Chinese government also imposes controls on the conversion of Renminbi (“RMB”) into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of China. Therefore, we may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency for the payment of dividends from our profits, if any. If we are unable to receive all of the revenues from our operations through the current VIE Agreements, we may be unable to pay dividends on our common stock.
Transfer of Cash or Assets
Dividend Distributions
We have never declared or paid dividends or distributions on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future consolidated earnings to fund our operations and continue the development and growth of our business; therefore, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends.
Under Delaware law, a Delaware corporation’s ability to pay cash dividends on its capital stock requires the corporation to have either net profits or positive net assets (total assets less total liabilities) over its capital. If we determine to pay dividends on any of our common stock in the future, as a holding company, we may rely on dividends and other distributions on equity from our WFOE for cash requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash contributions to our shareholders.
Our WFOE’s ability to distribute dividends is based upon its distributable earnings. PRC legal restrictions permit payments of dividends by our WFOE only out of its accumulated after-tax profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. A PRC company is not permitted to distribute any profits until any losses from prior fiscal years have been offset. Profits retained from prior fiscal years may be distributed together with distributable profits from the current fiscal year. Our WFOE is also required under PRC laws and regulations to allocate at least 10% of our annual after-tax profits determined in accordance with PRC GAAP to a statutory general reserve fund until the amounts in said fund reach 50% of our register capital. Current Chinese regulations permit our WFOE to pay dividends to its shareholder only out of its registered capital amount, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. If our WFOE incurs debt in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Any limitation on the ability of our WFOE to distribute dividends or other payments to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay dividends or otherwise fund and conduct our business. In addition, any cash dividends or distributions of assets by our WFOE to its shareholder are subject to a Chinese withholding tax of as much as 10%. Remittance of dividends by our WFOE out of China is also subject to examination by the banks designated by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or the SAFE. For risks relating to the fund flows of our operations in China, see “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Doing Business in China.”
- 6 -
The Chinese government also imposes controls on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of China. Therefore, we may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency for the payment of dividends from our profits, if any. If we are unable to receive all of the revenues from our operations through the current VIE Agreements, we may be unable to pay dividends on our common stock.
For us to pay dividends to our shareholders, we will rely on payments made from the VIE to our WFOE in accordance with the VIE Agreements, and the distribution of payments from the WFOE to the Delaware holding company as dividends. Certain payments from the VIE to the WFOE pursuant to the VIE Agreements are subject to Chinese taxes, including a 6% VAT and 25% enterprise income tax.
Our Company’s Ability to Settle Amounts Owed under the VIE Agreements
We transfer cash to our wholly-owned Hong Kong subsidiary, by making capital contributions or providing loans, and our Hong Kong Subsidiary transfers cash to the WFOE in China by making capital contributions. Because we control the VIE through contractual arrangements, we are unable to make direct capital contributions to the VIE and its subsidiaries.
Under the VIE Agreements, the VIE is obligated to make payments to our WFOE, in cash or in kind, at the WFOE’s request. We will be able to settle amounts owed under the VIE Agreements through dividends paid by our WFOE to our Company. Such ability may be restricted or limited as follows:
| ● | First, any payments from the VIE to our WFOE is subject to Chinese taxes, including a 6% VAT and 25% enterprise income tax. |
| ● | Second, current Chinese regulations permit our WFOE to pay dividends to their shareholders only out of its registered capital amount, if any, as determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. In addition, if our WFOE incurs debt in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other payments to the Delaware holding company. |
| ● | Third, the Chinese government also imposes controls on the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and the remittance of currencies out of China. Therefore, we may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign currency for the payment of dividends from profits, if any. |
The VIE may transfer cash to our WFOE by paying service fees according to the consulting services agreement.
Effect of Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and Related SEC Rules.
On December 16, 2021, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) issued a report on its determinations that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the PRC, because of positions taken by PRC authorities in those jurisdictions. The PCAOB made these determinations pursuant to PCAOB Rule 6100, which provides a framework for how the PCAOB fulfills its responsibilities under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (“HFCAA”). The report further listed in its Appendix A and Appendix B, Registered Public Accounting Firms Subject to the Mainland China Determination and Registered Public Accounting Firms Subject to the Hong Kong Determination, respectively. The audit report included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended February 28, 2023 and 2022 was issued by Centurion ZD CPA & Co. (“CZD CPA”), an audit firm headquartered in Hong Kong, a jurisdiction that the PCAOB previously determined that the PCAOB is unable to conduct inspections or investigate auditors. However, on December 15, 2022, the PCAOB determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and vote to vacate its previous determinations. Should the PRC authorities obstruct or otherwise fail to facilitate the PCAOB’s access in the future, the PCAOB will consider the need to issue a new determination.
- 7 -
Under the HFCAA (as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023), our securities may be prohibited from trading on the U.S. stock exchanges or in the over the counter trading market in the U.S. if our auditor is not inspected by the PCAOB for two consecutive years, and this ultimately could result in our common stock being delisted. On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the Accelerating Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (“AHFCAA”), which was enacted under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, as further described below.
On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance of the PRC, taking the first step toward opening access for the PCAOB to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. The Statement of Protocol gives the PCAOB sole discretion to select the firms, audit engagements and potential violations it inspects and investigates and put in place procedures for PCAOB inspectors and investigators to view complete audit work papers with all information included and for the PCAOB to retain information as needed. In addition, the Statement of Protocol grants the PCAOB direct access to interview and take testimony from all personnel associated with the audits the PCAOB inspects or investigates. While significant, the Statement of Protocol is only a first step. Uncertainties still exists as to whether and how this new Statement of Protocol will be implemented. Notwithstanding the signing of the Statement of Protocol, if the PCAOB cannot make a determination that it is able to inspect and investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong, trading of our securities will still be prohibited under the HFCAA and Nasdaq will determine to delist our securities. Therefore, there is no assurance that the Statement of Protocol will relieve us from the delisting risks under the HFCAA.
On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, was signed into law, which amended the HFCAA (i) to reduce the number of consecutive years that would trigger delisting from three years to two years, and (ii) so that any foreign jurisdiction could be the reason why the PCAOB does not to have complete access to inspect or investigate a company’s auditors. As it was originally enacted, the HFCAA applied only if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction where the relevant public accounting firm is located. As a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, the HFCAA now also applies if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate the relevant accounting firm is due to a position taken by an authority in any foreign jurisdiction. The denying jurisdiction does not need to be where the accounting firm is located.
In the future, if we do not engage an auditor that is subject to regular inspection by the PCAOB, our common stock may be delisted. The delisting of our shares of common stock (“Common Shares”), or the threat of the Common Shares being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.
In June 2022, we were identified on the SEC’s “Conclusive list of issuers identified under the HFCAA” (available at https://www.sec.gov.hfcaa) and, as a results we are required to comply with the submission or disclosure requirements in this Prospectus for our fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. If we are so identified for two consecutive years, the SEC would prohibit our securities from trading on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. As noted above, on December 15, 2022, the PCAOB vacated its previous determinations that it is unable to inspect and investigate completely PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. Accordingly, until such time as the PCAOB issues any new determination, we do not expect to be at risk of having our securities subject to a trading prohibition under the HFCAA.
- 8 -
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following is a summary of the principal features of the offering and is not intended to be complete. It should be read together with the more detailed information and financial data and statements contained elsewhere in this Prospectus, the base Prospectus included in the registration statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, any free writing Prospectus filed by us and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors.”
Our Company
Overview
We operate the following lines of business: (i) Telecommunications Products and Services; (ii) Value Added Product and Services; (iii) Short Message Services (“SMS”) and Multimedia Messaging Services (“MMS”); (iv) a Rich Communication Services (“RCS”) platform; (v) Big Data Insights; and (vi) a Video Game Division (inactive).
Our common stock is registered under section 12(b) of the Exchange Act. Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FNGR”.
Our website address is www.FingerMotion.com. Information contained on, or accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of and is not incorporated into this Prospectus, and the only information that you should rely on in making your decision whether to invest in our common stock is the information contained in this Prospectus.
Corporate Information
The Company was initially incorporated as “Property Management Corporation of America” on January 23, 2014 in the State of Delaware.
On June 21, 2017, the Company amended its certificate of incorporation to effect a 1-for-4 reverse stock split of the Company’s outstanding Common Shares, to increase the authorized number of Common Shares to 200,000,000 and to change the name of the Company from “Property Management Corporation of America” to “FingerMotion, Inc.” (collectively, the “Corporate Actions”). The Corporate Actions and the amended certificate of incorporation became effective on June 21, 2017.
The principal executive office of the Company is located at 111 Somerset Road, Level 3, Singapore 238164, and our telephone number is (347) 349-5339.
We are a holding company incorporated in Delaware and not an operating company incorporated in the PRC. As a holding company, we conduct a significant part of our operations through our subsidiaries and through the VIE Agreements with the VIE based in China. The following diagram depicts our corporate structure:
- 9 -
Our holding company structure presents unique risks as our investors may never directly hold equity interests in our subsidiaries or the VIE, and will be dependent upon contributions from our subsidiaries and the VIE to finance our cash flow needs. Our subsidiaries and the VIE are currently not required to obtain permission from the Chinese authorities including the CSRC or Cybersecurity Administration Committee (the “CAC”), to operate or to issue securities to foreign investors. However, as of March 31, 2023, pursuant to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures promulgated by the CSRC, we may have to file with the CSRC with respect to a new offering of our securities. The business of our subsidiaries and the VIE until now are not subject to cybersecurity review with the CAC, given that: (i) data processed in our business does not have a bearing on national security and thus may not be classified as core or important data by the authorities; (ii) we do not possess a large amount of personal information in our business operations. In addition, we are not subject to merger control review by China’s anti-monopoly enforcement agency due to the level of our revenues which provided from us and audited by our auditor and the fact that we currently do not expect to propose or implement any acquisition of control of, or decisive influence over, any company with revenues within China of more than RMB400 million. Currently, these statements and regulatory actions have had no impact on our daily business operations, the ability to accept foreign investments and list our securities on an U.S. or other foreign exchange. However, since these statements and regulatory actions, including the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, are new, it is uncertain what potential impact such modified or new laws and regulations will have on our daily business operation, the ability to accept foreign investments and list our securities on an U.S. or other foreign exchange.
To operate, the VIE and Beijing XunLian TianXia Technology Co., Ltd. are required to obtain, and have obtained, a value-added telecommunications business license from PRC authorities. In connection with our previous issuance of securities to foreign investors, under current PRC laws, regulations and regulatory rules, as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we, our PRC subsidiaries and the VIE, (i) are not required to obtain permissions from the CSRC except that as of March 31, 2023 we may have to file with the CSRC with respect to a new offering of our securities, (ii) are not required to go through cybersecurity review by the CAC, and (iii) have received or were not denied such requisite permissions by any PRC authority. If we, our subsidiaries or the VIE (i) do not receive or maintain such permissions or approvals, (ii) inadvertently conclude that such permissions or approvals are not required or (iii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change and we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, we may be subject to government enforcement actions, investigations, penalties, sanctions and fines imposed by the CSRC, the CAC and relevant departments of the State Council. In severe circumstances, the business of our PRC subsidiary may be ordered to suspend and its business qualifications and licenses may be revoked.
- 10 -
To address challenges resulting from laws, policies and practices that may disfavor foreign-owned entities that operate within industries deemed sensitive by the Chinese government, we use the VIE structure to provide contractual exposure to foreign investment in the PRC-based companies. We own 100% of the equity of a WFOE, Shanghai JiuGe Business Management Co., Ltd. (“JiuGe Management”), which has entered into the VIE Agreements with the VIE, which is owned by Ms. Li Li, the legal representative and general manager and also the shareholder of the VIE. The VIE Agreements have not been tested in court. As a result of our use of the VIE structure, you may never directly hold equity interests the VIE. Any securities that we offer will be securities of the Company, the Delaware holding company, not of the VIE.
We fund the registered capital and operating expenses of the VIE by extending loans to the shareholders of the VIE. The VIE Agreements governing the relationship between the VIE and our WFOE enable us to (i) direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, (ii) receive substantially all of the economic benefits of the VIE, and (iii) have an exclusive call option to purchase, at any time, all or part of the equity interests in and/or assets of the VIE to the extent permitted by Chinese laws. As a result of the VIE Agreements, the Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the VIE for accounting purposes and is able to consolidate the financial results of the VIE in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a result, investors in our Common Shares are not purchasing an equity interest in the VIE but instead are purchasing equity interest in FingerMotion, Inc., a Delaware holding company.
VIE Agreements
On October 16, 2018, the Company, through its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Shanghai JiuGe Business Management Co., Ltd. (“JiuGe Management”), entered into a series of agreements known as the VIE Agreements pursuant to which Shanghai JiuGe Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“JiuGe Technology”) became our contractually controlled affiliate. The use of VIE agreements is a common structure used to acquire PRC corporations, particularly in certain industries in which foreign investment is restricted or forbidden by the PRC government. The VIE Agreements include a Consulting Services Agreement, a Loan Agreement, a Power of Attorney Agreement, a Call Option Agreement, and a Share Pledge Agreement in order to secure the connection and commitments of the JiuGe Technology. We operate our mobile payment platform business through JiuGe Technology.
The VIE Agreements include:
| ● | a consulting services agreement (the “JiuGe Technology Consulting Services Agreement”) through which JiuGe Management is mainly engaged in data marketing, technical services, technical consulting and business consultancy to Shanghai JiuGe Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“JiuGe Technology”); |
| ● | a loan agreement through which JiuGe Management grants a loan to the Legal Representative of JiuGe Technology for the purpose of capital contribution (the “JiuGe Technology Loan Agreement”); |
| ● | a power of attorney agreement under which the owner of JiuGe Technology has vested their collective voting control over JiuGe Technology to JiuGe Management and will only transfer their equity interests in JiuGe Technology to JiuGe Management or its designee(s) (the “JiuGe Technology Power of Attorney Agreement”); |
| ● | a call option agreement under which the owner of JiuGe Technology has granted to JiuGe Management the irrevocable and unconditional right and option to acquire all of their equity interests in JiuGe Technology or transfer these rights to a third party (the “JiuGe Technology Call Option Agreement”); and |
| ● | a share pledge agreement under which the owner of JiuGe Technology has pledged all of their rights, titles and interests in JiuGe Technology to JiuGe Management to guarantee JiuGe Technology’s performance of its obligations under the JiuGe Technology Consulting Services Agreement (the “JiuGe Technology Share Pledge Agreement”). |
- 11 -
Our PRC counsel has reviewed these agreements and believes that all the VIE Agreements were duly signed and are not in violation of applicable laws of PRC. We are of the opinion that the VIE Agreements are valid and giving the WFOE a full control over the VIE in respect of the current and effective PRC laws and regulations. However, the VIE Agreements have never been challenged or recognized in court for the time being, and the PRC government may determine that the VIE Agreements are not in compliance with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations compared with direct ownership, there may be less effective in controlling through the VIE structure.
In the first half of 2018, JiuGe Technology secured contracts with China Unicom and China Mobile to distribute mobile data for businesses and corporations in 9 provinces/municipalities, namely Chengdu, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Chongqing, Shanghai, Zhuhai, Zhejiang, Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia.
In September 2018, JiuGe Technology launched and commercialized mobile payment and recharge services to businesses for China Unicom. The JiuGe Technology mobile payment and recharge platform enables the seamless delivery of real-time payment and recharge services to third-party channels and businesses. We earn a negotiated rebate amount from each of China Unicom and China Mobile for all monies paid by consumers to China Unicom and China Mobile that we process. To encourage consumers to utilize our portal instead of using our competitors’ platforms or paying China Unicom or China Mobile directly, we offer mobile data and talk time at a rate discounted from these companies’ stated rates, which are also the rates we must pay to them to purchase the mobile data and talk time provided to consumers through the use of our platform. Accordingly, we earn income on the rebates we receive from the telecommunications companies, reduced by the amounts by which we discount the mobile data and talk time sold through our platform.
In October 2018, China Unicom and China Mobile awarded JiuGe Technology with contracts that established partnerships for data analysis, that could unlock potential value-added services.
This description of the VIE Agreements discussed above do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the terms of the VIE Agreements, which were filed as exhibits to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 27, 2018 and are incorporated by reference herein. The English translation version of the JiuGe Technology Share Pledge Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Form S-1/A (Amendment No. 1) filed with the SEC on January 5, 2023, and is incorporated by reference herein.
Acquisition of Beijing Technology
On March 7, 2019, the Company through JiuGe Technology acquired Beijing Technology, a company in the business of providing mass SMS text services to businesses looking to communicate with large numbers of their customers and prospective customers. Through Beijing Technology, the Company entered into the business of mass SMS text message service as a compliment to its mobile payment and recharge business. The mass SMS text message service offers bulk SMS services to end consumers with competitive pricing. Currently, the Company’s SMS integrated platform is processing more than 150 million SMS text messages per month. Beijing Technology retains a license from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to operate SMS and MMS business in the PRC. Similar to the mobile recharge business, Beijing Technology is required to make a deposit or bulk purchase in advance and has secured business customers that will utilize Beijing Technology’s SMS integrated platform to send bulk SMS text messages monthly. Beijing Technology has the capability to manage and track the entire process, including to assist the Company’s clients to fulfill the government guidelines, until the SMS messages have been delivered successfully.
China Unicom Cooperation Agreement
On July 7, 2019, JiuGe Technology entered into that certain Yunnan Unicom Electronic Sales Platform Construction and Operation Cooperation Agreement (the “Cooperation Agreement”) with China United Network Communications Limited Yunnan Branch (“China Unicom Yunnan”). Under the Cooperation Agreement, JiuGe Technology is responsible for constructing and operating China Unicom Yunnan’s electronic sales platform through which consumers can purchase various goods and services from China Unicom Yunnan, including mobile telephones, mobile telephone service, broadband data services, terminals, “smart” devices and related financial insurance. The Cooperation Agreement provides that JiuGe Technology is required to construct and operate the platform’s webpage in accordance with China Unicom Yunnan’s specifications and policies, and applicable law, and bear all expenses in connection therewith. As consideration for the services it provides under the Cooperation Agreement, JiuGe Technology receives a percentage of the revenue received from all sales it processes for China Unicom Yunnan on the platform.
- 12 -
The Cooperation Agreement expires three years from the date of its signature with a yearly auto-renewal clause, but it may be terminated by (i) JiuGe Technology upon three months’ written notice or (ii) by China Unicom Yunnan unilaterally. The Cooperation Agreement contains customary representations from each party regarding such party’s authority to enter into and perform under the Cooperation Agreement, and provides customary events of default, including for various types of failure to perform. Any disputes arising between the parties under the Cooperation Agreement will be adjudicated in Chinese courts.
This description of the Cooperation Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the terms of the Cooperation Agreement, which was filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 9, 2019 and is incorporated by reference herein.
In January 2022, Shanghai TengLian JiuJiu Information Communication Technology Co., Ltd. (“TengLian”) (a 99% owned subsidiary of Shanghai JiuGe Information Technology Co., Ltd.) signed a co-operation agreement with China Unicom to launch the Device Protection program for mobile phones and the new 5G phones.
- 13 -
The Offering
The following is a brief summary of certain terms of this offering and is not intended to be complete. It does not contain all of the information that will be important to a holder of our securities. For a more complete description of our securities, see the section entitled “Description of Securities” in this prospectus and the relevant portions of base prospectus included in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
| |
| Issuer: | FingerMotion, Inc. |
| Offering: | Shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $25,000,000. |
| Common stock to be outstanding after this offering: | Up to 56,621,118 shares (as more fully described in the notes following this table), assuming sales of 4,166,666 shares of our common stock in this offering at an offering price of $6.00 per share, which was the last reported sale of our common stock on the Nasdaq on September 6, 2023. The actual number of shares issued will vary depending on the sales price under this offering. |
| Manner of offering: | “At-the-market” offering that may be made from time to time through the Sales Agent. See the section entitled “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus. |
| Use of Proceeds: | We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate and working capital purposes. See the section entitled “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus. |
| Risk Factors: | You should read the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of factors to consider before deciding to purchase shares of our common stock. |
| Listing symbol: | Our shares of common stock are listed for trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol “FNGR.” |
The number of shares of common stock shown above to be outstanding after this offering is based on 52,454,452 shares outstanding as of September 6, 2023, and excludes:
● 4,791,100 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding stock options, of which 2,142,600 stock options are exercisable at $3.84 per share and 2,648,500 stock options are exercisable at $4.62 per share, as at September 6, 2023; and
● 513,312 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding common stock purchase warrants. | |
- 14 -
Risk Factors
Prospective investors should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the other information contained in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein, including the risks described in our annual report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, before investing in our securities. Any one of these material risks and uncertainties has the potential to cause actual results, performance, achievements or events to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or events implied, suggested or expressed by any forward-looking statements made by us or by persons acting on our behalf. Refer to “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.
There is no assurance that we will be successful in preventing the material adverse effects that any one or more of the following material risks and uncertainties may cause on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results, which may result in a significant decrease in the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, there is no assurance that these material risks and uncertainties represent a complete list of the material risks and uncertainties facing us. There may be additional risks and uncertainties of a material nature that, as of the date of this prospectus, we are unaware of or that we consider immaterial that may become material in the future, any one or more of which may result in a material adverse effect on us. You could lose all or a significant portion of your investment due to any of these risks and uncertainties.
Risks Related to Our Company and Business
We have a limited operating history and, as a result, our past results may not be indicative of future operating performance.
We have a limited operating history, which makes it difficult to forecast our future results. You should not rely on our past results of operations as indicators of future performance. You should consider and evaluate our prospects in light of the risks and uncertainty frequently encountered by companies like ours.
If we fail to address the risks and difficulties that we face, including those described elsewhere in this “ Risk Factors” section, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. Further, because we have limited historical financial data and operate in an evolving market, any predictions about our future revenue and expenses may not be as accurate as they would be if we had a longer operating history or operated in a more predictable market. We have encountered in the past, and will encounter in the future, risks and uncertainties frequently experienced by growing companies with limited operating histories in rapidly changing industries. If our assumptions regarding these risks and uncertainties are incorrect or change, or if we do not address these risks successfully, our results of operations could differ materially from our expectations and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We have a history of net losses and we may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability in the future.
For all annual periods of our operating history we have experienced net losses. We generated a net loss of approximately $1.26 million during the three-month period ended May 31, 2023 and net losses of approximately $7.5 million, $4.9 million and $4.3 million for the years ended February 28, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. At May 31, 2023 and February 28, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $25.9 million and $24.7 million, respectively. We have not achieved profitability, and we may not realize sufficient revenue to achieve profitability in future periods. Our expenses will likely increase in the future as we develop and launch new offerings and platform features, expand in existing and new markets, increase our sales and marketing efforts and continue to invest in our platform. These efforts may be more costly than we expect and may not result in increased revenue or growth in our business. If we are unable to generate adequate revenue growth and manage our expenses, we may continue to incur significant losses in the future and may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability.
- 15 -
If we fail to effectively manage our growth, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
We are currently experiencing growth in our business. This expansion increases the complexity of our business and has placed, and will continue to place, strain on our management, personnel, operations, systems, technical performance, financial resources and internal financial control and reporting functions. Our ability to manage our growth effectively and to integrate new employees, technologies and acquisitions into our existing business will require us to continue to expand our operational and financial infrastructure and to continue to retain, attract, train, motivate and manage employees. Continued growth could strain our ability to develop and improve our operational, financial and management controls, enhance our reporting systems and procedures, recruit, train and retain highly skilled personnel and maintain user satisfaction. Additionally, if we do not effectively manage the growth of our business and operations, the quality of our offerings could suffer, which could negatively affect our reputation and brand, business, financial condition and results of operations.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, our operations and consumer demand for consumer goods and services remains uncertain, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition and on the market price of our Common Shares.
In December 2019, a strain of novel coronavirus (now commonly known as COVID-19) was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 has since spread rapidly throughout many countries, and, on March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. In an effort to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many countries, including the United States, Canada and China, have imposed unprecedented restrictions on travel, and there have been business closures and a substantial reduction in economic activity in countries that have had significant outbreaks of COVID-19. Although our operating subsidiaries and contractually controlled entity report that is operation have not been materially affected at this point, significant uncertainty remains as to the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and on the global economy as a whole. It is currently not possible to predict how long the pandemic will last or the time that it will take for economic activity to return to prior levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial market volatility and uncertainty in recent years. A continuation or worsening of the levels of market disruption and volatility seen in the recent past could have an adverse effect on our ability to access capital, on our business, results of operations and financial condition, on the market price of our Common Shares, and on consumer demand for consumer services, including those offered by our Company.
We depend on our key personnel and other highly skilled personnel, and if we fail to attract, retain, motivate or integrate our personnel, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our success depends in part on the continued service of our founders, senior management team, key technical employees and other highly skilled personnel and on our ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate, retain and integrate highly qualified personnel for all areas of our organization. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to fulfill our current or future needs. Our competitors may be successful in recruiting and hiring members of our management team or other key employees, and it may be difficult for us to find suitable replacements on a timely basis, on competitive terms or at all. If we are unable to attract and retain the necessary personnel, particularly in critical areas of our business, we may not achieve our strategic goals.
Our concentration of earnings from two telecommunications companies may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We currently derive a substantial amount of our total revenue through contracts secured with China Unicom and China Mobile. If we were to lose the business of one or both of these mobile telecommunications companies, if either were to fail to fulfill its obligations to us, if either were to experience difficulty in paying rebates to us on a timely basis, if either negotiated lower pricing terms, or if either increased the number of licensed payment portals it permits to process its payments, it could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, we cannot guarantee that the volume of revenue we earn from China Unicom and China Mobile will remain consistent going forward. Any substantial change in our relationships with either China Unicom or China Mobile, or both, whether due to actions by our competitors, regulatory authorities, industry factors or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
- 16 -
Any actual or perceived security or privacy breach could interrupt our operations, harm our brand and adversely affect our reputation, brand, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business involves the processing and transmission of our users’ personal and other sensitive data. Because techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to or to sabotage information systems change frequently and may not be known until launched against us, we may be unable to anticipate or prevent these attacks. Unauthorized parties may in the future gain access to our systems or facilities through various means, including gaining unauthorized access into our systems or facilities or those of our service providers, partners or users on our platform, or attempting to fraudulently induce our employees, service providers, partners, users or others into disclosing names, passwords, payment information or other sensitive information, which may in turn be used to access our information technology systems, or attempting to fraudulently induce our employees, partners or others into manipulating payment information, resulting in the fraudulent transfer of funds to criminal actors. In addition, users on our platform could have vulnerabilities on their own mobile devices that are entirely unrelated to our systems and platform but could mistakenly attribute their own vulnerabilities to us. Further, breaches experienced by other companies may also be leveraged against us. For example, credential stuffing attacks are becoming increasingly common and sophisticated actors can mask their attacks, making them increasingly difficult to identify and prevent. Certain efforts may be state-sponsored or supported by significant financial and technological resources, making them even more difficult to detect.
Although we have developed systems and processes that are designed to protect our users’ data, prevent data loss and prevent other security breaches, these security measures cannot guarantee security. Our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to cyberattacks or security breaches; also, employee error, malfeasance or other errors in the storage, use or transmission of personal information could result in an actual or perceived privacy or security breach or other security incident.
Any actual or perceived breach of privacy or security could interrupt our operations, result in our platform being unavailable, result in loss or improper disclosure of data, result in fraudulent transfer of funds, harm our reputation and brand, damage our relationships with third-party partners, result in significant legal, regulatory and financial exposure and lead to loss of confidence in, or decreased use of, our platform, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any breach of privacy or security impacting any entities with which we share or disclose data (including, for example, our third-party providers) could have similar effects.
Additionally, defending against claims or litigation based on any security breach or incident, regardless of their merit, could be costly and divert management’s attention. We cannot be certain that our insurance coverage will be adequate for data handling or data security liabilities actually incurred, that insurance will continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or that any insurer will not deny coverage as to any future claim. The successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceed available insurance coverage, or the occurrence of changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases or the imposition of large deductible or co-insurance requirements, could have an adverse effect on our reputation, brand, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Systems failures and resulting interruptions in the availability of our platform or offerings could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our systems, or those of third parties upon which we rely, may experience service interruptions or degradation because of hardware and software defects or malfunctions, distributed denial-of-service and other cyberattacks, human error, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, natural disasters, power losses, disruptions in telecommunications services, fraud, military or political conflicts, terrorist attacks, computer viruses, ransomware, malware or other events. Our systems also may be subject to break-ins, sabotage, theft and intentional acts of vandalism, including by our own employees. Some of our systems are not fully redundant and our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities. Our business interruption insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of our losses that may result from interruptions in our service as a result of systems failures and similar events.
We have not experienced any system failures or other events or conditions that have interrupted the availability or reduced or effected the speed or functionality of our offerings. These events, were they to occur in the future, could adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.
- 17 -
The successful operation of our business depends upon the performance and reliability of Internet, mobile, and other infrastructures that are not under our control.
Our business depends on the performance and reliability of Internet, mobile and other infrastructures that are not under our control. Disruptions in Internet infrastructure or the failure of telecommunications network operators to provide us with the bandwidth we need to provide our services and offerings could interfere with the speed and availability of our platform. If our platform is unavailable when platform users attempt to access it, or if our platform does not load as quickly as platform users expect, platform users may not return to our platform as often in the future, or at all, and may use our competitors’ products or offerings more often. In addition, we have no control over the costs of the services provided by national telecommunications operators. If mobile Internet access fees or other charges to Internet users increase, consumer traffic may decrease, which may in turn cause our revenue to significantly decrease.
Our business depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of mobile communications systems. The occurrence of an unanticipated problem, such as a power outage, telecommunications delay or failure, security breach or computer virus could result in delays or interruptions to our services, offerings and platform, as well as business interruptions for us and platform users. Furthermore, foreign governments may leverage their ability to shut down directed services, and local governments may shut down our platform at the routing level. Any of these events could damage our reputation, significantly disrupt our operations, and subject us to liability, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We have invested significant resources to develop new products to mitigate the impact of potential interruptions to mobile communications systems, which can be used by consumers in territories where mobile communications systems are less efficient. However, these products may ultimately be unsuccessful.
We may be subject to claims, lawsuits, government investigations and other proceedings that may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be subject to claims, lawsuits, arbitration proceedings, government investigations and other legal and regulatory proceedings as our business grows and as we deploy new offerings, including proceedings related to our products or our acquisitions, securities issuances or business practices. The results of any such claims, lawsuits, arbitration proceedings, government investigations or other legal or regulatory proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation, be harmful to our reputation, require significant management attention and divert significant resources. Determining reserves for litigation is a complex and fact-intensive process that requires significant subjective judgment and speculation. It is possible that such proceedings could result in substantial damages, settlement costs, fines and penalties that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These proceedings could also result in harm to our reputation and brand, sanctions, consent decrees, injunctions or other orders requiring a change in our business practices. Any of these consequences could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, we have contractual and other legal obligations to indemnify and to incur legal expenses on behalf of our business and commercial partners and current and former directors and officers.
We may require additional funding to support our business.
To grow our business, FingerMotion currently looks to take advantage of the immense growth in the total variety of mobile services provided in China. On February 1, 2022, the Xinhua News Agency reported that the combined business revenue in the telecom sector rose 8% year on year to about USD232.43 billion in 2021, with the growth rate up 4.1 percentage points from 2020, accordingto the PRC Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. For the Company to continue to grow, the deposit with the Telecoms needs to increase, as most of the revenue we process is dependent on the size of the deposit we have with each Telecom. We will likely need to raise additional capital to materially increase the amounts of these deposits. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, those securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our common stock, and our existing stockholders may experience dilution. Any debt financing secured by us in the future could involve restrictive covenants relating to our capital-raising activities and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities. We cannot be certain that additional funding will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all. If we are unable to obtain adequate funding or funding on terms satisfactory to us, when we require it, our ability to continue to support our business growth and to respond to business challenges could be significantly limited, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
- 18 -
Claims by others that we infringed their proprietary technology or other intellectual property rights could harm our business.
Companies in the Internet and technology industries are frequently subject to litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. In addition, certain companies and rights holders seek to enforce and monetize patents or other intellectual property rights they own, have purchased or otherwise obtained. As we gain a public profile and the number of competitors in our market increases, the possibility of intellectual property rights claims against us grows. From time to time, third parties may assert claims of infringement of intellectual property rights against us. Many potential litigants, including some of our competitors and patent-holding companies, have the ability to dedicate substantial resources to assert their intellectual property rights. Any claim of infringement by a third party, even those without merit, could cause us to incur substantial costs defending against the claim, could distract our management from our business and could require us to cease use of such intellectual property. Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation, we risk compromising our confidential information during this type of litigation. We may be required to pay substantial damages, royalties or other fees in connection with a claimant securing a judgment against us, we may be subject to an injunction or other restrictions that prevent us from using or distributing our intellectual property, or we may agree to a settlement that prevents us from distributing our offerings or a portion thereof, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
With respect to any intellectual property rights claim, we may have to seek out a license to continue operations found to be in violation of such rights, which may not be available on favorable or commercially reasonable terms and may significantly increase our operating expenses. Some licenses may be non-exclusive, and therefore our competitors may have access to the same technology licensed to us. If a third party does not offer us a license to its intellectual property on reasonable terms, or at all, we may be required to develop alternative, non-infringing technology, which could require significant time (during which we would be unable to continue to offer our affected offerings), effort and expense and may ultimately not be successful. Any of these events could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Securities
Our stock has limited liquidity.
Our common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 28, 2021, and before that it traded on the OTCQX operated by OTC Markets Group Inc. Trading volume in our Common Shares may be sporadic and the price could experience volatility. If adverse market conditions exist, you may have difficulty selling your Common Shares.
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control, including the following:
| ● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results; |
| ● | changes in financial estimates by securities analysts or our failure to perform in line with such estimates; |
| ● | changes in market valuations of other companies, particularly those that market services such as ours; |
| ● | announcements by us or our competitors of significant innovations, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; |
- 19 -
| ● | introduction of product enhancements that reduce the need for our products; |
| ● | departure of key personnel; and |
| ● | changes in overall global market sentiments and economy trends |
We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We have never declared nor paid cash dividends on our capital stock. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the operation and expansion of our business, and we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, stockholders must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price and trading volume of our common stock could decline.
The trading market for our common stock may depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business, our market or our competition. The analysts’ estimates are based upon their own opinions and are often different from our estimates or expectations. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our common stock, provide a more favorable recommendation about our competitors or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of our securities would likely decline. If few securities analysts commence coverage of us, or if one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our securities could decrease, which might cause the price and trading volume of our common stock to decline.
The continued sale of our equity securities will dilute the ownership percentage of our existing shareholders and may decrease the market price for our Common Shares.
Our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, authorize the issuance of up to 200,000,000 Common Shares and up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock (“Preferred Shares”). Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue additional shares of our capital stock to provide additional financing in the future and designate the rights of the preferred shares, which may include voting, dividend, distribution or other rights that are preferential to those held by the common stockholders. The issuance of any such common or preferred shares may result in a reduction of the book value or market price of our outstanding common shares. To grow our business substantially, we will likely have to issue additional equity securities to obtain working capital to deposit with the telecommunications companies for which we process mobile recharge payments. Our efforts to fund our intended business plans will therefore result in dilution to our existing stockholders. If we do issue any such additional common shares, such issuance also will cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all other stockholders. As a result of such dilution, if you acquire common shares your proportionate ownership interest and voting power could be decreased. Furthermore, any such issuances could result in a change of control or a reduction in the market price for our common shares.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.
As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “SOA”). The SOA requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We are continuing to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we will file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our principal executive and financial officers. We are also continuing to improve our internal control over financial reporting. We have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, significant resources in order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
- 20 -
Our current controls and any new controls that we develop may become inadequate because of changes in the conditions in our business. Further, weaknesses in our disclosure controls or our internal control over financial reporting may be discovered in the future. Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls, or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement, could harm our results of operations or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and may result in a restatement of our financial statements for prior periods. Any failure to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could also adversely affect the results of periodic management evaluations and annual independent registered public accounting firm attestation reports regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting that we will eventually be required to include in our periodic reports that will be filed with the SEC. Ineffective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely adversely affect the market price of our common stock
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our shares of common stock, which could depress the price of our shares of common stock.
FINRA rules require broker-dealers to have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for a customer before recommending that investment to the customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives, and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. Thus, if our shares of common stock become speculative low-priced securities, the FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our shares of common stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our shares of common stock, have an adverse effect on the market for our shares of common stock, and thereby depress our price per share of common stock.
Our shares of common stock have been thinly traded, and you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all if you need to sell your shares of common stock to raise money or otherwise desire to liquidate your shares.
Until December 28, 2021, our shares of common stock were quoted on the OTCQB/QX where they were “thinly-traded”, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our shares of common stock at or near bid prices at any given time was relatively small or non-existent. Since we listed on Nasdaq on December 28, 2021, the volume of our shares of common stock traded has increased, but that volume could decrease until we are thinly-traded again. That could occur due to a number of factors, including that we are relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse and might be reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares of common stock until such time as we became more seasoned. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares of common stock is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. Broad or active public trading market for our shares of common stock may not develop or be sustained.
Risks Related to the VIE Agreements
The PRC government may determine that the VIE Agreements are not in compliance with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations
JiuGe Management manages and operates the mobile data business through JiuGe Technology pursuant to the rights its holds under the VIE Agreements. Almost all economic benefits and risks arising from JiuGe Technology’s operations are transferred to JiuGe Management under these agreements.
There are risks involved with the operation of our business in reliance on the VIE Agreements, including the risk that the VIE Agreements may be determined by PRC regulators or courts to be unenforceable. Our PRC counsel has advised us that the VIE Agreements are binding and enforceable under PRC law, but has further advised that if the VIE Agreements were for any reason determined to be in breach of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the relevant regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such breach, including:
- 21 -
| ● | imposing economic penalties; |
| ● | discontinuing or restricting the operations of JiuGe Technology or JiuGe Management; |
| ● | imposing conditions or requirements in respect of the VIE Agreements with which JiuGe Technology or JiuGe Management may not be able to comply; |
| ● | requiring our company to restructure the relevant ownership structure or operations; |
| ● | taking other regulatory or enforcement actions that could adversely affect our company’s business; and |
| ● | revoking the business licenses and/or the licenses or certificates of JiuGe Management, and/or voiding the VIE Agreements. |
Any of these actions could adversely affect our ability to manage, operate and gain the financial benefits of JiuGe Technology, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, if the PRC government determines that the contractual arrangements constituting part of our VIE structure do not comply with PRC regulations, or if regulations change or are interpreted differently in the future, we may be unable to assert our contractual rights over the assets of our VIE, and our Common Shares may decline in value or become worthless.
Our ability to manage and operate JiuGe Technology under the VIE Agreements may not be as effective as direct ownership.
We conduct our mobile data business in the PRC and generate virtually all of our revenues through the VIE Agreements. Our plans for future growth are based substantially on growing the operations of JiuGe Technology. However, the VIE Agreements may not be as effective in providing us with control over JiuGe Technology as direct ownership. Under the current VIE arrangements, as a legal matter, if JiuGe Technology fails to perform its obligations under these contractual arrangements, we may have to (i) incur substantial costs and resources to enforce such arrangements, and (ii) rely on legal remedies under PRC law, which we cannot be sure would be effective. Therefore, if we are unable to effectively control JiuGe Technology, it may have an adverse effect on our ability to achieve our business objectives and grow our revenues.
The VIE Agreements have never been challenged or recognized in court for the time being, the PRC government may determine that the VIE Agreements are not in compliance with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations.
The VIE Agreements are governed by the PRC law and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitral proceedings pursuant to PRC law. If JiuGe Technology or its shareholders fail to perform the obligations under the VIE Agreements, we would be required to resort to legal remedies available under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, or claiming damages. We cannot be sure that such remedies would provide us with effective means of causing JiuGe Technology to meet its obligations or recovering any losses or damages as a result of non-performance. Further, the legal environment in China is not as developed as in other jurisdictions. Uncertainties in the application of various laws, rules, regulations or policies in PRC legal system could limit our liability to enforce the VIE Agreements and protect our interests.
The payment arrangement under the VIE Agreements may be challenged by the PRC tax authorities.
We generate our revenues through the payments we receive pursuant to the VIE Agreements. We could face adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the VIE Agreements were not entered into based on arm’s length negotiations. For example, PRC tax authorities may adjust our income and expenses for PRC tax purposes which could result in our being subject to higher tax liability or cause other adverse financial consequences.
- 22 -
Shareholders of JiuGe Technology have potential conflicts of interest with our Company which may adversely affect our business.
Li Li is the legal representative and general manager, and also a shareholder of JiuGe Technology. There could be conflicts that arise from time to time between our interests and the interests of Ms. Li. There could also be conflicts that arise between us and JiuGe Technology that would require our shareholders and JiuGe Technology’s shareholders to vote on corporate actions necessary to resolve the conflict. There can be no assurance in any such circumstances that Ms. Li will vote her shares in our best interest or otherwise act in the best interests of our company. If Ms. Li fails to act in our best interests, our operating performance and future growth could be adversely affected.
We rely on the approval certificates and business license held by JiuGe Management and any deterioration of the relationship between JiuGe Management and JiuGe Technology could materially and adversely affect our business operations.
We operate our mobile data business in China on the basis of the approval certificates, business license and other requisite licenses held by JiuGe Management and JiuGe Technology. There is no assurance that JiuGe Management and JiuGe Technology will be able to renew their licenses or certificates when their terms expire with substantially similar terms as the ones they currently hold.
Further, our relationship with JiuGe Technology is governed by the VIE Agreements that are intended to provide us with effective control over the business operations of JiuGe Technology. However, the VIE Agreements may not be effective in providing control over the application for and maintenance of the licenses required for our business operations. JiuGe Technology could violate the VIE Agreements, go bankrupt, suffer from difficulties in its business or otherwise become unable to perform its obligations under the VIE Agreements and, as a result, our operations, reputations and business could be severely harmed.
If JiuGe Management exercises the purchase option it holds over JiuGe Technology’s share capital pursuant to the VIE Agreements, the payment of the purchase price could materially and adversely affect our financial position.
Under the VIE Agreements, JiuGe Technology’s shareholders have granted JiuGe Management an option for the maximum period of time permitted by law to purchase all of the equity interest in JiuGe Technology at a price equal to one dollar or the lowest applicable price allowable by PRC laws and regulations. As JiuGe Technology is already our contractually controlled affiliate, JiuGe Management’s exercising of the option would not bring immediate benefits to our company, and payment of the purchase prices could adversely affect our financial position.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Changes in China’s political or economic situation could harm us and our operating results.
Economic reforms adopted by the Chinese government have had a positive effect on the economic development of the country, but the government could change these economic reforms or any of the legal systems at any time. This could either benefit or damage our operations and profitability. Some of the things that could have this effect are:
| ● | Level of government involvement in the economy; |
| ● | Control of foreign exchange; |
| ● | Methods of allocating resources; |
| ● | Balance of payments position; |
| ● | International trade restrictions; and |
| ● | International conflict. |
- 23 -
The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (the “OECD”), in many ways. For example, state-owned enterprises still constitute a large portion of the Chinese economy and weak corporate governance and a lack of flexible currency exchange policy still prevail in China. As a result of these differences, we may not develop in the same way or at the same rate as might be expected if the Chinese economy was similar to those of the OECD member countries.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could limit the legal protections available to you and us.
We conduct substantially all of our business through our operating subsidiary and affiliate in the PRC. Our principal operating subsidiary and affiliate, JiuGe Management and JiuGe Technology, are subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investments in China and, in particular, laws applicable to foreign-invested enterprises. The PRC legal system is based on written statutes, and prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value. Since 1979, a series of new PRC laws and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However, since the PRC legal system continues to evolve rapidly, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties, which may limit legal protections available to you and us. In addition, any litigation in China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. In addition, most of our executive officers and all of our directors are not residents of the United States, and substantially all the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it could be difficult for investors to effect service of process in the United States or to enforce a judgment obtained in the United States against our Chinese operations, subsidiary and affiliate.
The current tensions in international trade and rising political tensions, particularly between the United States and China, may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Recently there have been heightened tensions in international economic relations, such as the one between the United States and China. Political tensions between the United States and China have escalated due to, among other things, trade disputes, the COVID-19 outbreak, sanctions imposed by the U.S. Department of Treasury on certain officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the PRC central government and the executive orders issued by the U.S. government in November 2020 that prohibit certain transactions with certain China-based companies and their respective subsidiaries. Rising political tensions could reduce levels of trade, investments, technological exchanges, and other economic activities between the two major economies. Such tensions between the United States and China, and any escalation thereof, may have a negative impact on the general, economic, political, and social conditions in China and, in turn, adversely impacting our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Regulations were introduced which includes but not limited to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law which states that overseas securities regulatory authorities shall not carry out an investigation and evidence collection activities directly in China without the consent of the securities regulatory authority of the State Council and the relevant State Council department(s). It further defines that no organization or individual shall provide the documents and materials relating to securities business activities to overseas parties arbitrarily. With this regulation in force, it may result in delays by the Company to fulfill any request to provide relevant documents or materials by the regulatory authorities or in the worst-case scenario that the Company would not be able to fulfill the request if the approval from the regulatory authority of the State Council and the relevant State Council department(s) were rejected.
You may have difficulty enforcing judgments against us.
We are a Delaware holding company, but Finger Motion (CN) Limited is a Hong Kong company, and our principal operating affiliate and subsidiary, JiuGe Technology and JiuGe Management, are located in the PRC. Most of our assets are located outside the United States and most of our current operations are conducted in the PRC. In addition, all of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. A substantial portion of the assets of these persons is located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in U.S. courts judgments predicated on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors, all of whom are not residents in the United States and the substantial majority of whose assets are located outside the United States. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts. The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. Courts in China may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordance with the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law based on treaties between China and the country where the judgment is made or on reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have any treaties or other arrangements that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments with the United States. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, courts in the PRC will not enforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates basic principles of PRC law or national sovereignty, security or the public interest. Therefore, it is uncertain whether a PRC court would enforce a judgment rendered by a court in the United States.
- 24 -
The PRC government exerts substantial influence over the manner in which we must conduct our business activities.
The PRC government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through regulation and state ownership. Our ability to operate in China may be harmed by changes in its laws and regulations, including those relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. We believe that our operations in China are in material compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. However, the central or local governments of the jurisdictions in which we operate may impose new, stricter regulations or interpretations of existing regulations that would require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations.
Accordingly, government actions in the future, including any decision not to continue to support recent economic reforms and to return to a more centrally planned economy or regional or local variations in the implementation of economic policies, could have a significant effect on economic conditions in China or particular regions thereof and could require us to divest ourselves of any interest we then hold in Chinese properties or joint ventures.
The PRC government may exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers.
Recent statements by the PRC government indicate an intent to take actions to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers. On February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Overseas Listing Trial Measures”) and five relevant guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures regulate both direct and indirect overseas offering and listing of PRC domestic companies’ securities by adopting a filing-based regulatory regime. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both the following conditions, the overseas securities offering and listing conducted by such issuer will be determined as indirect overseas offering, which shall be subject to the filing procedure set forth under the Overseas Listing Trial Measures: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (ii) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are located in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operations and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in mainland China. Where an abovementioned issuer submits an application for an initial public offering to competent overseas regulators, such issuer shall file with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted. Where a domestic company fails to fulfill filing procedure or in violation of the provisions as stipulated above, in respect of its overseas offering and listing, the CSRC shall order rectification, issue warnings to such domestic company, and impose a fine ranging from RMB1,000,000 to RMB10,000,000. Also the directly liable persons and actual controllers of the domestic company that organize or instruct the aforementioned violations shall be warned and/or imposed fines.
Also on February 17, 2023, the CSRC also held a press conference for the release of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and issued the Notice on Administration for the Filing of Overseas Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, which, among others, clarifies that the domestic companies that have already been listed overseas on or before the effective date of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures (March 31, 2023) shall be deemed as “stock enterprises”. Stock enterprises are not required to complete the filling procedures immediately, and they shall be required to file with the CSRC when subsequent matters such as refinancing are involved.
If we offer new securities in the future, we may have to file with the CSRC, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
- 25 -
Future inflation in China may inhibit our ability to conduct business in China.
In recent years, the Chinese economy has experienced periods of rapid expansion and highly fluctuating rates of inflation. During the past ten years, the rate of inflation in China has been as high as 20.7% and as low as -2.2%. These factors have led to the adoption by the Chinese government, from time to time, of various corrective measures designed to restrict the availability of credit or regulate growth and contain inflation. High inflation may in the future cause the Chinese government to impose controls on credit and/or prices, or to take other action, which could inhibit economic activity in China, and thereby harm the market for our products and our company.
Capital outflow policies in the PRC may hamper our ability to remit income to the United States.
The PRC has adopted currency and capital transfer regulations. These regulations may require that we comply with complex regulations for the movement of capital and as a result we may not be able to remit all income earned and proceeds received in connection with our operations or from the sale of one of our operating subsidiaries to the U.S. or to our shareholders.
Adverse regulatory developments in China may subject us to additional regulatory review, and additional disclosure requirements and regulatory scrutiny to be adopted by the SEC in response to risks related to recent regulatory developments in China may impose additional compliance requirements for companies like us with significant China-based operations, all of which could increase our compliance costs, subject us to additional disclosure requirements.
The recent regulatory developments in China, in particular with respect to restrictions on China-based companies raising capital offshore, may lead to additional regulatory review in China over our financing and capital raising activities in the United States. In addition, we may be subject to industry-wide regulations that may be adopted by the relevant PRC authorities, which may have the effect of limiting our service offerings, restricting the scope of our operations in China, or causing the suspension or termination of our business operations in China entirely, all of which will materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may have to adjust, modify, or completely change our business operations in response to adverse regulatory changes or policy developments, and we cannot assure you that any remedial action adopted by us can be completed in a timely, cost-efficient, or liability-free manner or at all.
On July 30, 2021, in response to the recent regulatory developments in China and actions adopted by the PRC government, the Chairman of the SEC issued a statement asking the SEC staff to seek additional disclosures from offshore issuers associated with China-based operating companies before their registration statements will be declared effective. On August 1, 2021, the CSRC stated in a statement that it had taken note of the new disclosure requirements announced by the SEC regarding the listings of Chinese companies and the recent regulatory development in China, and that both countries should strengthen communications on regulating China-related issuers. We cannot guarantee that we will not be subject to tightened regulatory review and we could be exposed to government interference in China.
Compliance with China’s new Data Security Law, Measures on Cybersecurity Review (revised draft for public consultation), Personal Information Protection Law (second draft for consultation), regulations and guidelines relating to the multi-level protection scheme and any other future laws and regulations may entail significant expenses and could materially affect our business.
China has implemented or will implement rules and is considering a number of additional proposals relating to data protection. China’s new Data Security Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China in June 2021, or the Data Security Law, took effect in September 2021. The Data Security Law provides that the data processing activities must be conducted based on “data classification and hierarchical protection system” for the purpose of data protection and prohibits entities in China from transferring data stored in China to foreign law enforcement agencies or judicial authorities without prior approval by the Chinese government. As a result of the new Data Security Law, we may need to make adjustments to our data processing practices to comply with this law.
- 26 -
Additionally, China’s Cyber Security Law, requires companies to take certain organizational, technical and administrative measures and other necessary measures to ensure the security of their networks and data stored on their networks. Specifically, the Cyber Security Law provides that China adopt a multi-level protection scheme (MLPS), under which network operators are required to perform obligations of security protection to ensure that the network is free from interference, disruption or unauthorized access, and prevent network data from being disclosed, stolen or tampered. Under the MLPS, entities operating information systems must have a thorough assessment of the risks and the conditions of their information and network systems to determine the level to which the entity’s information and network systems belong-from the lowest Level 1 to the highest Level 5 pursuant to the Measures for the Graded Protection and the Guidelines for Grading of Classified Protection of Cyber Security. The grading result will determine the set of security protection obligations that entities must comply with. Entities classified as Level 2 or above should report the grade to the relevant government authority for examination and approval.
Recently, the Cyberspace Administration of China (the “CAC”) has taken action against several Chinese internet companies in connection with their initial public offerings on U.S. securities exchanges, for alleged national security risks and improper collection and use of the personal information of Chinese data subjects. According to the official announcement, the action was initiated based on the National Security Law, the Cyber Security Law and the Measures on Cybersecurity Review, which are aimed at “preventing national data security risks, maintaining national security and safeguarding public interests.” On July 10, 2021, the CAC published a revised draft of the Measures on Cybersecurity Review, expanding the cybersecurity review to data processing operators in possession of personal information of over 1 million users if the operators intend to list their securities in a foreign country.
It is unclear at the present time how widespread the cybersecurity review requirement and the enforcement action will be and what effect they will have on the telecommunications sector generally and the Company in particular. China’s regulators may impose penalties for non-compliance ranging from fines or suspension of operations, and this could lead to us delisting from the U.S. stock market.
Also, on November 20, 2021, the National People’s Congress passed the Personal Information Protection Law, which was implemented on November 1, 2021. The law creates a comprehensive set of data privacy and protection requirements that apply to the processing of personal information and expands data protection compliance obligations to cover the processing of personal information of persons by organizations and individuals in China, and the processing of personal information of persons in China outside of China if such processing is for purposes of providing products and services to, or analyzing and evaluating the behavior of, persons in China. The law also proposes that critical information infrastructure operators and personal information processing entities who process personal information meeting a volume threshold to-be-set by Chinese cyberspace regulators are also required to store in China personal information generated or collected in China, and to pass a security assessment administered by Chinese cyberspace regulators for any export of such personal information. Lastly, the draft contains proposals for significant fines for serious violations of up to RMB 50 million or 5% of annual revenues from the prior year.
Interpretation, application and enforcement of these laws, rules and regulations evolve from time to time and their scope may continually change, through new legislation, amendments to existing legislation and changes in enforcement. Compliance with the Cyber Security Law and the Data Security Law could significantly increase the cost to us of providing our service offerings, require significant changes to our operations or even prevent us from providing certain service offerings in jurisdictions in which we currently operate or in which we may operate in the future. Despite our efforts to comply with applicable laws, regulations and other obligations relating to privacy, data protection and information security, it is possible that our practices, offerings or platform could fail to meet all of the requirements imposed on us by the Cyber Security Law, the Data Security Law and/or related implementing regulations. Any failure on our part to comply with such law or regulations or any other obligations relating to privacy, data protection or information security, or any compromise of security that results in unauthorized access, use or release of personally identifiable information or other data, or the perception or allegation that any of the foregoing types of failure or compromise has occurred, could damage our reputation, discourage new and existing counterparties from contracting with us or result in investigations, fines, suspension or other penalties by Chinese government authorities and private claims or litigation, any of which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even if our practices are not subject to legal challenge, the perception of privacy concerns, whether or not valid, may harm our reputation and brand and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, the legal uncertainty created by the Data Security Law and the recent Chinese government actions could materially adversely affect our ability, on favorable terms, to raise capital, including engaging in follow-on offerings of our securities in the U.S. market.
- 27 -
Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to receive and use our revenues effectively.
The majority of our revenues will be settled in Chinese Renminbi (RMB), and any future restrictions on currency exchanges may limit our ability to use revenue generated in RMB to fund any future business activities outside China or to make dividend or other payments in U.S. dollars. Although the Chinese government introduced regulations in 1996 to allow greater convertibility of the RMB for current account transactions, significant restrictions still remain, including primarily the restriction that foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell or remit foreign currencies after providing valid commercial documents, at those banks in China authorized to conduct foreign exchange business. In addition, conversion of RMB for capital account items, including direct investment and loans, is subject to governmental approval in China, and companies are required to open and maintain separate foreign exchange accounts for capital account items. We cannot be certain that the Chinese regulatory authorities will not impose more stringent restrictions on the convertibility of the RMB.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.
The value of our common stock will be indirectly affected by the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollars and RMB and between those currencies and other currencies in which our sales may be denominated. Appreciation or depreciation in the value of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar would affect our financial results reported in U.S. dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying change in our business or results of operations. Fluctuations in the exchange rate will also affect the relative value of any dividend we issue that will be exchanged into U.S. dollars as well as earnings from, and the value of, any U.S. dollar-denominated investments we make in the future.
Since July 2005, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. Although the People’s Bank of China regularly intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent significant short-term fluctuations in the exchange rate, the RMB 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 PRC authorities may lift restrictions on fluctuations in the RMB exchange rate and lessen intervention in the foreign exchange market.
Very limited hedging transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions. While we may enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these transactions may be limited, and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all. In addition, our foreign currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into foreign currencies.
Restrictions under PRC law on our PRC subsidiary’s ability to make dividends and other distributions could materially and adversely affect our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could benefit our business, pay dividends to our shareholders, and otherwise fund and conduct our businesses.
Substantially all of our revenue is earned by JiuGe Management, our PRC subsidiary. PRC regulations restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiary to make dividends and other payments to its offshore parent company. PRC legal restrictions permit payments of dividends by our PRC subsidiary only out of its accumulated after-tax profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Our PRC subsidiary is also required under PRC laws and regulations to allocate at least 10% of our annual after-tax profits determined in accordance with PRC GAAP to a statutory general reserve fund until the amounts in said fund reaches 50% of our registered capital. Allocations to these statutory reserve funds can only be used for specific purposes and are not transferable to us in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends. Any limitations on the ability of our PRC subsidiary to transfer funds to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends and otherwise fund and conduct our business.
- 28 -
PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities may delay or prevent us from making loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary and affiliated entities, which could harm our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
As an offshore holding company of our PRC subsidiary, we may (i) make loans to our PRC subsidiary and affiliated entities, (ii) make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiary, (iii) establish new PRC subsidiaries and make capital contributions to these new PRC subsidiaries, and (iv) acquire offshore entities with business operations in China in an offshore transaction. However, most of these uses are subject to PRC regulations and approvals. For example:
| ● | loans by us to our wholly-owned subsidiary in China, which is a foreign-invested enterprise, cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC (the “SAFE”) or its local counterparts; |
| ● | loans by us to our affiliated entities, which are domestic PRC entities, over a certain threshold must be approved by the relevant government authorities and must also be registered with the SAFE or its local counterparts; and |
| ● | capital contributions to our wholly-owned subsidiary must file a record with the PRC Ministry of Commerce (“MOFCOM”) or its local counterparts and shall also be limited to the difference between the registered capital and the total investment amount. |
We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain these government registrations or filings on a timely basis, or at all. If we fail to finish such registrations or filings, our ability to capitalize our PRC subsidiary’s operations may be adversely affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
On March 30, 2015, the SAFE promulgated a notice relating to the administration of foreign invested company of its capital contribution in foreign currency into RMB (Hui Fa [2015]19) (“Circular 19”). Although Circular 19 has fastened the administration relating to the settlement of exchange of foreign-investment, allows the foreign-invested company to settle the exchange on a voluntary basis, it still requires that the bank review the authenticity and compliance of a foreign-invested company’s settlement of exchange in previous time, and the settled in RMB converted from foreign currencies shall deposit on the foreign exchange settlement account, and shall not be used for several purposes as listed in the “negative list”. As a result, the notice may limit our ability to transfer funds to our operations in China through our PRC subsidiary, which may affect our ability to expand our business. Meanwhile, the foreign exchange policy is unpredictable in China, it shall be various with the nationwide economic pattern, the strict foreign exchange policy may have an adverse impact in our capital cash and may limit our business expansion.
Failure to comply with PRC regulations relating to the establishment of offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident shareholders to personal liability, limit our ability to acquire PRC companies or to inject capital into our PRC subsidiary or affiliate, limit our PRC subsidiary’s and affiliate’s ability to distribute profits to us or otherwise materially adversely affect us.
In October 2005, the SAFE, issued the Notice on Relevant Issues in the Foreign Exchange Control over Financing and Return Investment Through Special Purpose Companies by Residents Inside China, generally referred to as Circular 75, which required PRC residents to register with the competent local SAFE branch before establishing or acquiring control over an offshore special purpose company (“SPV”), for the purpose of engaging in an equity financing outside of China on the strength of domestic PRC assets originally held by those residents. Internal implementing guidelines issued by the SAFE, which became public in June 2007 (“Notice 106”), expanded the reach of Circular 75 by (1) purporting to cover the establishment or acquisition of control by PRC residents of offshore entities which merely acquire “control” over domestic companies or assets, even in the absence of legal ownership; (2) adding requirements relating to the source of the PRC resident’s funds used to establish or acquire the offshore entity; covering the use of existing offshore entities for offshore financings; (3) purporting to cover situations in which an offshore SPV establishes a new subsidiary in China or acquires an unrelated company or unrelated assets in China; and (4) making the domestic affiliate of the SPV responsible for the accuracy of certain documents which must be filed in connection with any such registration, notably, the business plan which describes the overseas financing and the use of proceeds. Amendments to registrations made under Circular 75 are required in connection with any increase or decrease of capital, transfer of shares, mergers and acquisitions, equity investment or creation of any security interest in any assets located in China to guarantee offshore obligations and Notice 106 makes the offshore SPV jointly responsible for these filings. In the case of an SPV which was established, and which acquired a related domestic company or assets, before the implementation date of Circular 75, a retroactive SAFE registration was required to have been completed before March 30, 2006; this date was subsequently extended indefinitely by Notice 106, which also required that the registrant establish that all foreign exchange transactions undertaken by the SPV and its affiliates were in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Failure to comply with the requirements of Circular 75, as applied by the SAFE in accordance with Notice 106, may result in fines and other penalties under PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions. Any such failure could also result in the SPV’s affiliates being impeded or prevented from distributing their profits and the proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to the SPV, or from engaging in other transfers of funds into or out of China.
- 29 -
We have advised our shareholders who are PRC residents, as defined in Circular 75, to register with the relevant branch of SAFE, as currently required, in connection with their equity interests in us and our acquisitions of equity interests in our PRC subsidiary and affiliate. However, we cannot provide any assurances that their existing registrations have fully complied with, and they have made all necessary amendments to their registration to fully comply with, all applicable registrations or approvals required by Circular 75. Moreover, because of uncertainty over how Circular 75 will be interpreted and implemented, and how or whether the SAFE will apply it to us, we cannot predict how it will affect our business operations or future strategies. For example, our present and prospective PRC subsidiary’s and affiliate’s ability to conduct foreign exchange activities, such as the remittance of dividends and foreign currency-denominated borrowings, may be subject to compliance with Circular 75 by our PRC resident beneficial holders. In addition, such PRC residents may not always be able to complete the necessary registration procedures required by Circular 75. We also have little control over either our present or prospective direct or indirect shareholders or the outcome of such registration procedures. A failure by our PRC resident beneficial holders or future PRC resident shareholders to comply with Circular 75, if the SAFE requires it, could subject these PRC resident beneficial holders to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our subsidiary’s and affiliate’s ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
We may be subject to fines and legal sanctions by the SAFE or other PRC government authorities if we or our employees who are PRC citizens fail to comply with PRC regulations relating to employee stock options granted by offshore listed companies to PRC citizens.
On March 28, 2007, the SAFE promulgated the Operating Procedures for Foreign Exchange Administration of Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Stock Option Plans of Offshore Listed Companies (“Circular 78”). Under Circular 78, Chinese citizens who are granted share options by an offshore listed company are required, through a Chinese agent or Chinese subsidiary of the offshore listed company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other procedures, including applications for foreign exchange purchase quotas and opening special bank accounts. We and our Chinese employees who have been granted share options are subject to Circular 78. Failure to comply with these regulations may subject us or our Chinese employees to fines and legal sanctions imposed by the SAFE or other PRC government authorities and may prevent us from further granting options under our share incentive plans to our employees. Such events could adversely affect our business operations.
Under the New EIT Law, we may be classified as a “resident enterprise” of China. Such classification will likely result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.
Under the New EIT Law effective on January 1, 2008, an enterprise established outside China with “de facto management bodies” within China is considered a “resident enterprise,” meaning that it can be treated in a manner similar to a Chinese enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes. The implementing rules of the New EIT Law define de facto management as “substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties” of the enterprise.
- 30 -
On April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Taxation issued the Notice Concerning Relevant Issues Regarding Cognizance of Chinese Investment Controlled Enterprises Incorporated Offshore as Resident Enterprises pursuant to Criteria of de facto Management Bodies (the “Notice”), further interpreting the application of the New EIT Law and its implementation non-Chinese enterprise or group controlled offshore entities. Pursuant to the Notice, an enterprise incorporated in an offshore jurisdiction and controlled by a Chinese enterprise or group will be classified as a “non-domestically incorporated resident enterprise” if (i) its senior management in charge of daily operations reside or perform their duties mainly in China; (ii) its financial or personnel decisions are made or approved by bodies or persons in China; (iii) its substantial assets and properties, accounting books, corporate chops, board and shareholder minutes are kept in China; and (iv) at least half of its directors with voting rights or senior management often resident in China. A resident enterprise would be subject to an enterprise income tax rate of 25% on its worldwide income and must pay a withholding tax at a rate of 10% when paying dividends to its non-PRC shareholders. However, it remains unclear as to whether the Notice is applicable to an offshore enterprise incorporated by a Chinese natural person. Nor are detailed measures on imposition of tax from non-domestically incorporated resident enterprises are available. Therefore, it is unclear how tax authorities will determine tax residency based on the facts of each case.
Given the above conditions, although unlikely, we may be deemed to be a resident enterprise by Chinese tax authorities. If the PRC tax authorities determine that we are a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a number of unfavorable PRC tax consequences could follow. First, we may be subject to the enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% on our worldwide taxable income as well as PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations. In our case, this would mean that income such as interest on financing proceeds and non-China source income would be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%. Second, although under the New EIT Law and its implementing rules dividends paid to us from our PRC subsidiary would qualify as “tax-exempt income,” we cannot guarantee that such dividends will not be subject to a 10% withholding tax, as the PRC foreign exchange control authorities, which enforce the withholding tax, have not yet issued guidance with respect to the processing of outbound remittances to entities that are treated as resident enterprises for PRC enterprise income tax purposes. Finally, it is possible that future guidance issued with respect to the new “resident enterprise” classification could result in a situation in which a 10% withholding tax is imposed on dividends we pay to our non-PRC shareholders and with respect to gains derived by our non-PRC shareholders from transferring our shares. We are actively monitoring the possibility of “resident enterprise” treatment.
If we were treated as a “resident enterprise” by PRC tax authorities, we would be subject to taxation in both the U.S. and China, and our PRC tax may not be creditable against our U.S. tax.
We may be exposed to liabilities under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and Chinese anti-corruption laws, and any determination that we violated these laws could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to the FCPA and other laws that prohibit improper payments or offers of payments to foreign governments and their officials and political parties by U.S. persons and issuers as defined by the statute, for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We have operations, agreements with third parties and we earn the majority of our revenue in China. PRC also strictly prohibits bribery of government officials. Our activities in China create the risk of unauthorized payments or offers of payments by our executive officers, employees, consultants, sales agents or other representatives of our Company, even though they may not always be subject to our control. It is our policy to implement safeguards to discourage these practices by our employees. However, our existing safeguards and any future improvements may prove to be less than effective, and the executive officers, employees, consultants, sales agents or other representatives of our Company may engage in conduct for which we might be held responsible. Violations of the FCPA or Chinese anti-corruption laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other liabilities, which could negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In addition, the U.S. government may seek to hold our Company liable for successor liability FCPA violations committed by companies in which we invest or that we acquire.
Because our business is located in the PRC, we may have difficulty establishing adequate management, legal and financial controls, which we are required to do in order to comply with U.S. securities laws.
PRC companies have historically not adopted a Western style of management and financial reporting concepts and practices, which includes strong corporate governance, internal controls and computer, financial and other control systems. Some of our staff is not educated and trained in the Western system, and we may have difficulty hiring new employees in the PRC with such training. As a result of these factors, we may experience difficulty in establishing management, legal and financial controls, collecting financial data and preparing financial statements, books of account and corporate records and instituting business practices that meet Western standards. Therefore, we may, in turn, experience difficulties in implementing and maintaining adequate internal controls as required under Section 404 of the SOA. This may result in significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls, which could impact the reliability of our financial statements and prevent us from complying with Commission rules and regulations and the requirements of the SOA. Any such deficiencies, weaknesses or lack of compliance could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
- 31 -
The disclosures in our reports and other filings with the SEC and our other public announcements are not subject to the scrutiny of any regulatory bodies in the PRC. Accordingly, our public disclosure should be reviewed in light of the fact that no governmental agency that is located in the PRC, where part of our operations and business are located, has conducted any due diligence on our operations or reviewed or cleared any of our disclosure.
We are regulated by the SEC and our reports and other filings with the SEC are subject to SEC review in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Unlike public reporting companies whose operations are located primarily in the United States, however, substantially all of our operations are located in the PRC and Hong Kong. Since substantially all of our operations and business takes place outside of United States, it may be more difficult for the staff of the SEC to overcome the geographic and cultural obstacles that are present when reviewing our disclosure. These same obstacles are not present for similar companies whose operations or business take place entirely or primarily in the United States. Furthermore, our SEC reports and other disclosure and public announcements are not subject to the review or scrutiny of any PRC regulatory authority. For example, the disclosure in our SEC reports and other filings are not subject to the review of the CSRC. Accordingly, you should review our SEC reports, filings and our other public announcements with the understanding that no local regulator has done any due diligence on our Company and with the understanding that none of our SEC reports, other filings or any of our other public announcements has been reviewed or otherwise been scrutinized by any local regulator.
Certain PRC regulations, including those relating to mergers and acquisitions and national security, may require a complicated review and approval process which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors (the “M&A Rules”), which became effective in September 2006 and were further amended in June 2009, requires that if an overseas company is established or controlled by PRC domestic companies or citizens intends to acquire equity interests or assets of any other PRC domestic company affiliated with the PRC domestic companies or citizens, such acquisition must be submitted to the MOFCOM, rather than local regulators, for approval. In addition, the M&A Rules requires that an overseas company controlled directly or indirectly by PRC companies or citizens and holding equity interests of PRC domestic companies needs to obtain the approval of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, prior to listing its securities on an overseas stock exchange. On September 21, 2006, the CSRC published a notice on its official website specifying the documents and materials required to be submitted by overseas special purpose companies seeking the CSRC’s approval of their overseas listings.
The M&A Rules established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities in China by foreign investors more time-consuming and complex. For example, the MOFCOM must be notified in the event a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise. In addition, certain acquisitions of domestic companies by offshore companies that are related to or affiliated with the same entities or individuals of the domestic companies, are subject to approval by the MOFCOM. In addition, the Implementing Rules Concerning Security Review on Mergers and Acquisitions by Foreign Investors of Domestic Enterprises, issued by the MOFCOM in November 2011, require that mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors in “any industry with national security concerns” be subject to national security review by the MOFCOM. In addition, any activities attempting to circumvent such review process, including structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement, are strictly prohibited.
There is significant uncertainty regarding the interpretation and implementation of these regulations relating to merger and acquisition activities in China. In addition, complying with these requirements could be time-consuming, and the required notification, review or approval process may materially delay or affect our ability to complete merger and acquisition transactions in China. As a result, our ability to seek growth through acquisitions may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if the MOFCOM determines that we should have obtained its approval for our entry into contractual arrangements with our affiliated entities, we may be required to file for remedial approvals. There is no assurance that we would be able to obtain such approval from the MOFCOM.
- 32 -
If the MOFCOM, the CSRC and/or other PRC regulatory agencies subsequently determine that the approvals from the MOFCOM and/or CSRC and/or other PRC regulatory agencies were required, our PRC business could be challenged, and we may need to apply for a remedial approval and may be subject to certain administrative punishments or other sanctions from PRC regulatory agencies. The regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, delay or restrict the conversion and remittance of our funds in foreign currencies into the PRC, or take other actions that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our common stock.
As substantially all of our operations are conducted through the VIE in China, our ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on receiving distributions of funds from the VIE. However, the PRC government might exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, which would likely result in a material change in our operations, even significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities or dividends to investors, and the value of our common stock may depreciate significantly or become worthless.
On July 6, 2021, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council jointly issued the Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the Law (the “Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities Opinions”). The Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities Opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision over overseas listings by China-based companies, and proposed to take measures, including promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to control the risks and deal with the incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies.
In addition, on December 24, 2021, the CSRC issued the draft Administration Provisions of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Draft Administration Provisions”) and the draft Administrative Measures for the Filing of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the “Draft Administrative Measures”), for public comments. The Draft Administration Provisions and the Draft Administrative Measures regulate overseas securities offering and listing by domestic companies in direct or indirect form. The Draft Administration Provisions specify the responsibilities of the CSRC to regulate the activities of overseas securities offering and listing by domestic companies and establish a filing-based regime. As a supporting measure to the Draft Administration Provisions, the Draft Administrative Measures, detail the determination criteria for indirect overseas listing in overseas markets. Specifically, an offering and listing shall be considered as an indirect overseas offering and listing by a domestic company if the issuer meets the following conditions: (i) the operating income, gross profit, total assets, or net assets of the domestic enterprise in the most recent fiscal year was more than 50% of the relevant line item in the issuer’s audited consolidated financial statement for that year; and (ii) senior management personnel responsible for business operations and management are mostly PRC citizens or are ordinarily resident in the PRC, or the main place of business is in the PRC or carried out in the PRC. In accordance with the Draft Administrative Measures, the issuer or its designated material domestic company, shall file with the CSRC and report the relevant information for its initial public offering.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC promulgated the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and five relevant guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures regulate both direct and indirect overseas offering and listing of PRC domestic companies’ securities by adopting a filing-based regulatory regime. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, if the issuer meets both the following conditions, the overseas securities offering and listing conducted by such issuer will be determined as indirect overseas offering, which shall be subject to the filing procedure set forth under the Overseas Listing Trial Measures: (i) 50% or more of the issuer’s operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as documented in its audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent accounting year is accounted for by domestic companies; and (ii) the main parts of the issuer’s business activities are conducted in mainland China, or its main places of business are located in mainland China, or the senior managers in charge of its business operations and management are mostly Chinese citizens or domiciled in mainland China. Where an abovementioned issuer submits an application for an initial public offering to competent overseas regulators, such issuer shall file with the CSRC within three business days after such application is submitted. Where a domestic company fails to fulfill filing procedure or in violation of the provisions as stipulated above, in respect of its overseas offering and listing, the CSRC shall order rectification, issue warnings to such domestic company, and impose a fine ranging from RMB1,000,000 to RMB10,000,000. Also the directly liable persons and actual controllers of the domestic company that organize or instruct the aforementioned violations shall be warned and/or imposed fines.
- 33 -
Also on February 17, 2023, the CSRC also held a press conference for the release of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and issued the Notice on Administration for the Filing of Overseas Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies, which, among others, clarifies that the domestic companies that have already been listed overseas on or before the effective date of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures (March 31, 2023) shall be deemed as “stock enterprises”. Stock enterprises are not required to complete the filling procedures immediately, and they shall be required to file with the CSRC when subsequent matters such as refinancing are involved.
Due to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, we may have to file with the CSRC with respect to an offering of new securities, which may subject us to additional compliance requirements in the future and we cannot assure you that we will be able to get the clearance from the CSRC for any offering of new securities on a timely manner. Any failure of us to comply with the new Overseas Listing Trial Measures may significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer our securities, cause significant disruption to our business operations, and severely damage our reputation.
Furthermore, it is uncertain when and whether we will be able to obtain permission or approval from the CSRC or the PRC government to offer securities to list on U.S. exchanges or the execution of a VIE Agreement in the future. However, our operations are conducted through the VIE in PRC, and our ability to pay dividends is primarily dependent on receiving distributions of funds from the VIE, if we do not obtain or maintain any of the permissions or approvals which may be required in the future by the PRC government for the operation of the VIE or the execution of VIE Agreements, our operations and financial conditions could be adversely effected, even significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities or dividends to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or become worthless.
The audit report included in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023 was prepared by an auditor who was being inspected by the PCAOB. However, if PCAOB inspection is not able to be completed or completed in a timely manner, we could be delisted if we are unable to meet the PCAOB inspection requirements established by the HFCAA.
As a public company with securities listed on Nasdaq, we are required to have our financial statements audited by an independent registered public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB. A requirement of being registered with the PCAOB is that if requested by the SEC or PCAOB, such accounting firm is required to make its audits and related audit work papers be subject to regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Since our auditor is located in Hong Kong and PRC, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB has been unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the PRC authorities due to various state secrecy laws and the revised Securities Law, the PCAOB currently does not have free access to inspect the work of our auditor. This lack of access to the PCAOB inspection in the PRC prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of our auditor based in the PRC. As a result, the investors may be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in the PRC makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of these accounting firms’ audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of the PRC that are subject to the PCAOB inspections.
On December 18, 2020, the HFCAA was enacted. In essence, the act requires the SEC to prohibit securities of any foreign companies from being listed on U.S. securities exchanges or traded “over-the-counter” if a company retains a foreign accounting firm that cannot be inspected by the PCAOB for three consecutive years, beginning in 2021. Our independent registered public accounting firm is located in and organized under the laws of Hong Kong and the PRC, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB is currently unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the PRC authorities, and therefore our auditors are not currently inspected by the PCAOB.
- 34 -
On March 24, 2021, the SEC adopted interim final amendments, which will become effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, relating to the implementation of certain disclosure and documentation requirements of the HFCAA. The interim final amendments will apply to registrants that the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in that jurisdiction. Before any registrant will be required to comply with the interim final amendments, the SEC must implement a process for identifying such registrants. As of the date of this Annual Report, the SEC is seeking public comment on this identification process. Consistent with the HFCAA, the amendments will require any identified registrant to submit documentation to the SEC establishing that the registrant is not owned or controlled by a government entity in that jurisdiction, and will also require, among other things, disclosure in the registrant’s annual report regarding the audit arrangements of, and government influence on, such registrant.
On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the AHFCAA which, if enacted, would decrease the number of non-inspection years from three years to two, thus reducing the time period before the Company’s securities may be delisted or prohibited from trading.
On November 5, 2021, the SEC approved PCAOB Rule 6100, Board Determination Under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountability Act, effective immediately. The rule establishes “a framework for the PCAOB’s determinations under the HFCAA that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms located in a foreign jurisdiction because of a position taken by an authority in that jurisdiction.”
On December 2, 2021, SEC has announced the adoption of amendments to finalize rules implementing the submission and disclosure requirements in the HFCAA. The rules apply to registrants the SEC identifies as having filed an annual report with an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate (“Commission-Identified Issuers”). The final amendments require Commission-Identified Issuers to submit documentation to the SEC establishing that, if true, it is not owned or controlled by a governmental entity in the public accounting firm’s foreign jurisdiction. The amendments also require that a Commission-Identified Issuer that is a “foreign issuer,” as defined in Exchange Act Rule 3b-4, provide certain additional disclosures in its annual report for itself and any of its consolidated foreign operating entities. Further, the adopting release provides notice regarding the procedures the SEC has established to identify issuers and to impose trading prohibitions on the securities of certain Commission-Identified Issuers, as required by the HFCAA. The SEC will identify Commission-Identified Issuers for fiscal years beginning after December 18, 2020. A Commission-Identified Issuer will be required to comply with the submission and disclosure requirements in the annual report for each year in which it was identified. If a registrant is identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer based on its annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the registrant will be required to comply with the submission or disclosure requirements in its annual report filing covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
On December 16, 2021, PCAOB issued a report on its determinations that PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the PRC, because of positions taken by PRC authorities in those jurisdictions. The PCAOB made these determinations pursuant to PCAOB Rule 6100, which provides a framework for how the PCAOB fulfills its responsibilities under the HFCAA. The report further listed in its Appendix A and Appendix B, Registered Public Accounting Firms Subject to the Mainland China Determination and Registered Public Accounting Firms Subject to the Hong Kong Determination, respectively. The audit report included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended February 28, 2023 and 2022, was issued by CZD CPA, an audit firm headquartered in Hong Kong, a jurisdiction that the PCAOB previously determined that the PCAOB is unable to conduct inspections or investigate auditors. However, on December 15, 2022, the PCAOB determined that the PCAOB was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong and voted to vacate its previous determinations. Should the PRC authorities obstruct or otherwise fail to facilitate the PCAOB’s access in the future, the PCAOB will consider the need to issue a new determination.
In June 2022, we were identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer on the SEC’s “Conclusive list of issuers identified under the HFCAA” (available at https://www.sec.gov/hfcaa) and, as a result, we will be required to comply with the submission or disclosure requirements in our annual report covering the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023. If we are so identified for another two consecutive years, the SEC would prohibit our securities from trading on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. As noted above, on December 15, 2022, the PCAOB vacated its previous determinations that it is unable to inspect and investigate completely PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. Accordingly, until such time as the PCAOB issues any new determination, we do not expect to be at risk of having our securities subject to a trading prohibition under the HFCAA.
- 35 -
Under the HFCAA (as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023), our securities may be prohibited from trading on the U.S. stock exchanges or in the over the counter trading market in the U.S. if our auditor is not inspected by the PCAOB for two consecutive years, and this ultimately could result in our common stock being delisted. On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed the AHFCAA, which was enacted under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, as further described below.
On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance of the PRC, taking the first step toward opening access for the PCAOB to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. The Statement of Protocol gives the PCAOB sole discretion to select the firms, audit engagements and potential violations it inspects and investigates and put in place procedures for PCAOB inspectors and investigators to view complete audit work papers with all information included and for the PCAOB to retain information as needed. In addition, the Statement of Protocol grants the PCAOB direct access to interview and take testimony from all personnel associated with the audits the PCAOB inspects or investigates. While significant, the Statement of Protocol is only a first step. Uncertainties still exist as to whether and how this new Statement of Protocol will be implemented. Notwithstanding the signing of the Statement of Protocol, if the PCAOB cannot make a determination that it is able to inspect and investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong, trading of our securities will still be prohibited under the HFCAA and Nasdaq will determine to delist our securities. Therefore, there is no assurance that the Statement of Protocol will relieve us from the delisting risk under the HFCAA.
On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, was signed into law, which amended the HFCAA (i) to reduce the number of consecutive years that would trigger delisting from three years to two years, and (ii) so that any foreign jurisdiction could be the reason why the PCAOB does not to have complete access to inspect or investigate a company’s auditors. As it was originally enacted, the HFCAA applied only if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction where the relevant public accounting firm is located. As a result of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, the HFCAA now also applies if the PCAOB’s inability to inspect or investigate the relevant accounting firm is due to a position taken by an authority in any foreign jurisdiction. The denying jurisdiction does not need to be where the accounting firm is located.
The SEC may propose additional rules or guidance that could impact us if our auditor is not subject to PCAOB inspection. For example, on November 6, 2020, the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets issued the Report on Protecting United States Investors from Significant Risks from Chinese Companies to the then President of the United States. This report recommended that the SEC implement five recommendations to address companies from jurisdictions that do not provide the PCAOB with sufficient access to fulfil its statutory mandate. Some of the concepts of these recommendations were implemented with the enactment of the HFCAA. However, some of the recommendations were more stringent than the HFCAA. For example, if a company was not subject to PCAOB inspection, the report recommended that the transition period before a company would be delisted would end on January 1, 2022.
The enactment of the HFCAA and the implications of any additional rulemaking efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information in PRC could cause investor uncertainty for affected SEC registrants, including us, and the market price of our common stock could be materially adversely affected. Additionally, whether the PCAOB will be able to conduct inspections of our auditor in the next two years, or at all, is subject to substantial uncertainty and depends on a number of factors out of our control. If we are unable to meet the PCAOB inspection requirement in time, our stock will not be permitted for trading on Nasdaq Capital Market either. Such a delisting would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our stock when you wish to do so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our stock. Also, such a delisting would significantly affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and prospects.
- 36 -
Risks Related to this Offering
Our management will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may not use them effectively.
Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our business, financial condition or results of operations or enhance the value of our Common Shares. Our stockholders will not have the opportunity as part of their investment decision to assess whether the net proceeds are being used appropriately. You may not agree with our decisions, and our use of the net proceeds may not yield any return on your investment. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering, their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. Our failure to apply the net proceeds of this offering effectively could compromise our ability to pursue our growth strategy and we might not be able to yield a significant return, if any, on our investment of these net proceeds. You will not have the opportunity to influence our decisions on how to use our net proceeds from this offering. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could harm our business, cause the price of our Common Shares to decline and delay the development of any product candidates or services we may develop. Pending their use, we may invest our cash, including the net proceeds from this offering, in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value. See “Use of Proceeds.
It is not possible to predict the aggregate proceeds resulting from sales made under the Sales Agreement.
Subject to certain limitations in the Sales Agreement and compliance with applicable law, we have the discretion to deliver a placement notice to the Sales Agent at any time throughout the term of the Sales Agreement. The number of shares that are sold through the Sales Agent after delivering a placement notice will fluctuate based on a number of factors, including the market price of our Common Shares during the sales period, the limits we set with the Sales Agent in any applicable placement notice, and the demand for our Common Shares during the sales period. Because the price per share of each share sold will fluctuate during the sales period, it is not currently possible to predict the aggregate proceeds we will raise in connection with those sales.
The Common Shares offered hereby will be sold in “at the market offerings,” and investors who buy shares at different times will likely pay different prices.
Investors who purchase shares in this offering at different times will likely pay different prices, and so they may experience different levels of dilution and different outcomes in their investment results. We will have discretion, subject to market demand, to vary the timing, prices, and numbers of shares sold in this offering. In addition, there is no minimum or maximum sales price for shares to be sold in this offering. Investors may experience a decline in the value of the shares they purchase in this offering as a result of sales made at prices lower than the prices they paid.
Sales of a significant number of our Common Shares in the public markets, or the perception that such sales could occur, could depress the market price of our Common Shares.
Sales of a significant number of our Common Shares in the public markets, or the perception that such sales could occur as a result of our utilization of a universal shelf registration statement, our Sales Agreement with the Sales Agent or otherwise could depress the market price of our Common Shares and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. We cannot predict the effect that future sales of our Common Shares or the market perception that we are permitted to sell a significant number of our securities would have on the market price of our Common Shares.
The market price for our securities may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.
The market price for our Common Shares may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following:
| ● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results; | |
| ● | our failure to meet or exceed securities analysts’ expectations of our financial results; | |
| ● | a change in financial estimates or securities analysts’ recommendations; |
- 37 -
| ● | changes in management’s or securities analysts’ estimates of our financial performance; | |
| ● | future sales of our Common Shares; | |
| ● | low trading volume of our Common Shares; | |
| ● | additions or departures of key personnel; or | |
| ● | results of studies or patents. |
In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. As a result, to the extent shareholders sell our securities in negative market fluctuation, they may not receive a price per share that is based solely upon our business performance. We cannot guarantee that shareholders will not lose some of their entire investment in our securities.
If you purchase our Common Shares in this offering, you may experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of your shares. In addition, we may issue additional equity or convertible debt securities in the future, which may result in additional dilution to investors.
The price per share of our Common Shares being offered may be higher than the net tangible book value per share of our outstanding Common Shares prior to this offering. Assuming that an aggregate of 4,166,666 Common Shares are sold at a price of $6.00 per share, the approximate last reported sale price of our Common Shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market on September 6, 2023, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $25,000,000, and after deducting commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, new investors in this offering will incur immediate dilution of $5.32 per share. For a more detailed discussion of the foregoing, see the section entitled “Dilution” below. To the extent outstanding stock options or warrants are exercised, there may be further dilution to new investors.
Substantial future sales of our Common Shares could cause the market price of our Common Shares to decline.
We expect that significant additional capital will be needed in the near future to continue our planned operations. Sales of a substantial number of our Common Shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales might occur, could depress the market price of our Common Shares and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. We are unable to predict the effect that such sales may have on the prevailing market price of our Common Shares.
Further, any additional financing that we secure may require the granting of rights, preferences or privileges senior to, or pari passu with, those of our Common Shares. Additionally, we may acquire other technologies or finance strategic alliances by issuing our equity or equity-linked securities, which may result in additional dilution. Any issuances by us of equity securities may be at or below the prevailing market price of our Common Shares and in any event may have a dilutive impact on your ownership interest, which could cause the market price of our Common Shares to decline. We may also raise additional funds through the incurrence of debt or the issuance or sale of other securities or instruments senior to our Common Shares. The holders of any securities or instruments we may issue may have rights superior to the rights of our holders of our Common Shares. If we experience dilution from issuance of additional securities and we grant superior rights to new securities over common stockholders, it may negatively impact the trading price of our Common Shares.
cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
This Prospectus, including the documents that are and will be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, include statements and information about our strategy, objectives, plans and expectations for the future that are not statements or information of historical fact. These statements and information are considered to be forward-looking statements, or forward-looking information, within the meaning of and under the protection provided by the safe harbor provision for forward-looking statements as contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
- 38 -
Forward-looking statements, and any estimates and assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our views and expectations for the future as of the date of such statements, which can change significantly. Furthermore, forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results, performance, achievements or events to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or events implied, suggested or expressed by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements in this Prospectus or in any documents incorporate by reference into this Prospectus should not be unduly relied upon.
Forward-looking statements may be based on a number of material estimates and assumptions, of which any one or more may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements may be identifiable by terminology concerning the future, such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “intend”, “goal”, “likely”, “may”, “might”, “outlook”, “plan”, “predict”, “potential”, “project”, “should”, “schedule”, “strategy”, “target”, “will” or “would”, and similar expressions or variations thereof including the negative use of such terminology. These statements are based on FingerMotion’s current plans and are subject to risks and uncertainties, and as such FingerMotion’s actual future activities and results of operations may be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. While we believe these expectations are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Our actual future results may differ materially from those discussed or implied in our forward-looking statements for various reasons. Factors that could contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to:
| ● | international, national and local general economic and market conditions including impacts from the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the related sanctions and other measures, changes in the rates of investments or economic growth in key markets we serve, or an escalation of sanctions, tariffs or other trade tensions between the U.S. and China or other countries, and related impacts on our businesses.; | |
| ● | demographic changes; | |
| ● | natural phenomena (including the current COVID-19 pandemic); | |
| ● | the ability of the Company to sustain, manage or forecast its growth; | |
| ● | the ability of the Company to manage its VIE contracts; | |
| ● | the ability of the Company to maintain its relationships and licenses in China; | |
| ● | adverse publicity; | |
| ● | competition and changes in the Chinese telecommunications market; | |
| ● | fluctuations and difficulty in forecasting operating results; | |
| ● | business disruptions, such as technological failures and/or cybersecurity breaches; | |
| ● | future decision by management in response to changing conditions; | |
| ● | our ability to execute prospective business plans; | |
| ● | misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements; | |
| ● | our ability to raise sufficient funds to carry out our proposed business plan; | |
| ● | actions by government authorities, including changes in government regulation; | |
| ● | dependency on certain key personnel and any inability to retain and attract qualified personnel; | |
| ● | inability to reduce and adequately control operating costs; | |
| ● | failure to manage future growth effectively; and | |
| ● | and the other factors discussed above in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 13. |
- 39 -
Although management has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements might not prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We wish to advise you that these cautionary remarks expressly qualify, in their entirety, all forward-looking statements attributable to our company or persons acting on our company’s behalf. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such statements, except as, and to the extent required by, applicable securities laws. Should one or more forward-looking statements be revised, updated or supplemented, no inference should be made that we will revise, update or supplement any other forward-looking statements. You should carefully review the cautionary statements and risk factors contained in this Prospectus and other documents that we may file from time to time with the SEC.
Forward-looking statements made by us or by persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary information.
Use of Proceeds
The amount of proceeds from this offering will depend upon the number of shares of our common stock sold and the market price at which they are sold. There can be no assurance that we will be able to sell any shares under or fully utilize the Sales Agreement with the Sales Agent as a source of financing. We intend to use the net proceeds, if any, from this offering for general corporate and working capital purposes.
dilution
If you invest in our shares of common stock, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of common stock and the adjusted net tangible book value per share of common stock after the offering. Dilution results from the fact that the per share offering price is substantially in excess of the book value per share of common stock attributable to the existing shareholders for our presently outstanding shares of common stock. Our net tangible book value attributable to shareholders at May 31, 2023 was approximately $13,927,671, or approximately $0.27 per share of common stock. Net tangible book value per share of common stock as of May 31, 2023 represents the amount of our total tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by the number of our shares of common stock outstanding.
After giving effect to the sale of our shares of common stock in an amount equal to $25,000,000, and after deducting commissions to the Sales Agent, and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of May 31, 2023 would have been approximately $38,240,171 or $0.68 per share of common stock. These amounts, which give effect to receipt of the net proceeds from the offering and issuance of additional shares in the offering but does not take into consideration any other changes in our net tangible book value after May 31, 2023, represent an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $0.41 per share of common stock to our existing shareholders, and immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $5.32 per share of common stock to new investors purchasing shares of common stock in this offering. We determine dilution by subtracting the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of common stock after this offering from the price per share of common stock paid by an investor in this offering.
- 40 -
The following table illustrates this dilution.
| Offering | |||
| Assumed public offering price per common share | $6.00 | ||
| Net tangible book value per common share as of May 31, 2023 | $0.27 | ||
| Increase in net tangible book value per common share attributable to this offering | $0.41 | ||
| As adjusted net tangible book value per common share after this offering | 0.68 | ||
| Dilution per common share to new investors in this offering(1) | $5.32 | ||
| Notes: |
Dilution is determined by subtracting adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering from the assumed public offering price per share paid by a new investor.
If any shares of common stock are issued upon exercise of outstanding options or warrants, you may experience further dilution.
The table above assumes for illustrative purposes that an aggregate of 4,166,666 shares of common stock are sold during the term of the Sales Agreement with the Sales Agent, at a price of $6.00 per share, the last reported sale price of our common shares on the Nasdaq on September 6, 2023, for aggregate gross proceeds of $25,000,000. The shares of common stock subject to the Sales Agreement with the Sales Agent are being sold from time to time at various prices. An increase of $1.00 per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $6.00 per share reflected in the table above, assuming all of our shares of common stock in the aggregate amount of $25,000,000 during the term of the Sales Agreement is sold at that increased price, would increase our adjusted net tangible book value per share after the offering to $0.69 per share, and would increase the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $6.31 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. A decrease of $1.00 per share in the price at which the shares are sold from the assumed offering price of $6.00 per share reflected in the table above, assuming all of our common shares in the amount of $25,000,000 during the term of the Sales Agreement are sold at that decreased price, would decrease our adjusted net tangible book value per share after the offering to $0.67 per share and would decrease the dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors in this offering to $4.33 per share, after deducting commissions and estimated aggregate offering expenses payable by us. This information is supplied for illustrative purposes only and may differ based on the actual offering price and the actual number of shares offered.
The table above is based on 51,988,030 shares of common stock outstanding as of May 31, 2023 and does not include, as of that date:
| ● | 6,857,400 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance in connection with future awards under our stock incentive plan; |
| ● | 2,142,600 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding stock options, which stock options are exercisable at $3.84 per share, as at May 31, 2023; and |
| ● | 2,078,980 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding common stock purchase warrants, which are exercisable at a weighted average price of $3.44 per share, as at May 31, 2023. |
Description of Securities
In this offering, we are offering shares of our common stock.
The material terms and provisions of our common stock are described under the caption “Description of Common Shares” starting on page 33 of the base prospectus included in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
- 41 -
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common stock (“Shares”) acquired pursuant to this prospectus supplement.
Scope of this Summary
This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential United States federal income tax consequences related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Shares. Except as specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular holder that may affect the United States federal income tax consequences to such holder. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or United States federal income tax advice with respect to any particular holder. Each holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the United States federal, state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Shares.
No legal opinion from United States legal counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the United States federal income tax consequences related to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Shares. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, and contrary to, the positions taken in this summary.
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed), published rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of the IRS, and United States court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date of this prospectus supplement. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed or subject to differing interpretations in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive basis. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive basis.
U.S. Holders
As used in this summary, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of Shares acquired pursuant to this prospectus supplement that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
| ● | an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.; | |
| ● | a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the District of Columbia; | |
| ● | an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or | |
| ● | a trust that (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
Non-U.S. Holders
The term “Non-U.S. Holder” means any beneficial owner of Shares acquired pursuant to this prospectus supplement that is neither a U.S. Holder nor a partnership nor other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A Non-U.S. Holder should review the discussion under the heading “U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of the Acquisition, Ownership and Disposition of Shares” below for more information.
- 42 -
Holders Subject to Special United States Federal Income Tax Rules
This summary deals only with persons or entities who hold Shares as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment purposes). This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be applicable to holders in light of their particular circumstances or to holders subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law, such as (without limitation): banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions; dealers or traders in securities, commodities or foreign currencies; regulated investment companies; tax-exempt entities, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; former citizens or former long-term residents of the U.S.; persons holding Shares as part of a straddle, appreciated financial position, synthetic security, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment; persons holding Shares as a result of a constructive sale; entities that acquire Shares that are treated as partnerships and other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes and partners and investors in such entities; real estate investment trusts; S corporations, U.S. Holders that have a “functional currency” other than the U.S. dollar; U.S. Holders that are required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to Shares as a result of such income being recognized on an applicable financial statement; holders that acquired Shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as consideration for services; or holders that are “controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors regarding the United States federal, state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Shares.
If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership (or other “pass-through” entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds Shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such entity and the partners (or other owners) of such entity generally will depend on the activities of the entity and the status of such partners (or owners). This summary does not address the tax consequences to any such partner, owner or entity. Partners (or other owners) of entities or arrangements that are classified as partnerships or as “pass-through” entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Shares.
Tax Consequences Not Addressed
This summary does not address the United States state and local, United States federal estate and gift, United States federal net investment income, United States federal alternative minimum, or non-U.S. tax consequences to holders of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Shares. Each holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the United States state and local, United States federal estate and gift, United States federal net investment income tax, United States federal alternative minimum tax, and non-U.S. tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of Shares.
Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Purchase of Shares to U.S. Holders and Non-U.S. Holders
For purposes of determining the initial tax basis, the entire purchase price will be allocated to the price for each Share.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to U.S. Holders of the Acquisition, Ownership and Disposition of Shares
Distributions
Distributions (including constructive distributions) made on Shares generally will be included in a U.S. Holder’s income as ordinary dividend income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits (determined under U.S. federal income tax principles) as of the end of our taxable year in which the distribution occurs. With respect to dividends received by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals), such dividends are generally taxed at the applicable long-term capital gains rates (currently at a maximum tax rate of 20%), provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Shares and thereafter as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such Shares, which will be taxable according to rules discussed under the heading “Sale, Certain Redemptions or Other Taxable Dispositions of Shares,” below. Dividends received by a corporate holder may be eligible for a dividends received deduction, subject to applicable limitations.
- 43 -
Sale, Certain Redemptions or Other Taxable Dispositions of Shares
Upon the sale, certain qualifying redemptions, or other taxable disposition of Shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received upon such taxable disposition and (ii) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Shares. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if a U.S. Holder’s holding period in the Shares is more than one year at the time of the taxable disposition. Long-term capital gains recognized by certain non-corporate U.S. Holders (including individuals) will generally be subject to a current maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20%. Deductions for capital losses are subject to complex limitations under the Code.
Other U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences Applicable to U.S. Holders
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Information reporting requirements generally will apply to payments of dividends on Shares and to the proceeds of a sale of Shares paid to a U.S. Holder unless the U.S. Holder is an exempt recipient (such as a corporation). Backup withholding at a current rate of 24% will apply to those payments if the U.S. Holder fails to provide its correct taxpayer identification number, or certification of exempt status, or if the U.S. Holder is notified by the IRS that it has failed to report in full payments of interest and dividend income. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, and any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided the required information is furnished in a timely manner to the IRS.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders of the Acquisition, Ownership and Disposition of Shares
Dividends
Distributions on Shares will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent those distributions exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, they will constitute a return of capital and will first reduce a Non-U.S. Holder’s basis in Shares, but not below zero, and then will be treated as gain from the sale of stock, which will be taxable according to rules discussed under the heading “Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Shares,” below. Any dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder with respect to Shares generally will be subject to withholding tax at a 30% gross rate, subject to any exemption or lower rate under an applicable treaty if the Non-U.S. Holder provides us with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, unless the Non-U.S. Holder provides us with a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or other applicable form) relating to income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. If we are a USRPHC (as defined below) and we do not qualify for the Regularly Traded Exception (as defined below), distributions which constitute a return of capital will be subject to withholding tax unless an application for a withholding certificate is filed to reduce or eliminate such withholding.
Dividends that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the U.S. and includible in the Non-U.S. Holder’s gross income are not subject to the withholding tax (assuming proper certification and disclosure), but instead are subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at applicable graduated individual or corporate rates. Any such effectively connected income received by a non-U.S. corporation may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate, subject to any exemption or lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
A Non-U.S. Holder of Shares who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate or exemption is required to satisfy certain certification and other requirements. If a Non-U.S. Holder is eligible for an exemption from or a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty, it may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of any income tax treaty.
- 44 -
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Shares
In general, a Non-U.S. Holder of Shares will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized from a sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of such Shares, unless:
| ● | the gain is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S. Holder (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. Holder), in which case the Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to tax on the net gain from the sale at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates, and if the Non-U.S. Holder is a corporation, may be subject to an additional U.S. branch profits tax at a gross rate equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits for that taxable year, subject to any exemption or lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty; | |
| ● | the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition and certain other conditions are met, in which case the Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to a 30% tax on the gain from the sale (subject to any exemption or lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty), which may be offset by U.S. source capital losses; or | |
| ● | we are or have been a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time during the shorter of the Non-U.S. Holder’s holding period or the 5-year period ending on the date of disposition of Shares; provided, with respect to the Shares, that as long as our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market as determined under the Treasury Regulations (the “Regularly Traded Exception”), a Non-U.S. Holder would not be subject to taxation on the gain on the sale of Shares under this rule unless the Non-U.S. Holder has owned (actually and constructively) more than 5% of our common stock at any time during such 5-year or shorter period (a “5% Shareholder”). In determining whether a Non-U.S. Holder is a 5% Shareholder, certain attribution rules apply in determining ownership for this purpose. The determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our US real property interests relative to the fair market value of our non-U.S. real property interests and our other business assets. Non-U.S. Holders should be aware that we have made no determination as to whether we are or have been a USRPHC, and we can provide no assurances that we are not and will not become a USRPHC in the future. In addition, in the event that we are or become a USRPHC, we can provide no assurances that the Shares will meet the Regularly Traded Exception at the time a Non-U.S. Holder purchases such securities or sells, exchanges or otherwise disposes of such securities. Non-U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the consequences to them of investing in a USRPHC. As a USRPHC, a Non-U.S. Holder will be taxed as if any gain or loss were effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the event that (i) such holder is a 5% Shareholder, or (ii) the Regularly Traded Exception is not satisfied during the relevant period. |
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Generally, we must report annually to the IRS and to Non-U.S. Holders the amount of dividends paid on the Shares to Non-U.S. Holders and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those payments. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which a Non-U.S. Holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
In general, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to backup withholding with respect to payments of dividends that we make, provided we receive a statement meeting certain requirements to the effect that the Non-U.S. Holder is not a U.S. person and we do not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a U.S. person, as defined under the Code, that is not an exempt recipient. The requirements for the statement will be met if (1) the Non-U.S. Holder provides its name, address and U.S. taxpayer identification number, if any, and certifies, under penalty of perjury, that it is not a U.S. person (which certification may be made on IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E) or (2) a financial institution holding the instrument on behalf of the Non-U.S. Holder certifies, under penalty of perjury, that such statement has been received by it and furnishes us or our paying agent with a copy of the statement. In addition, a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding with respect to payments of the proceeds of a sale of Shares within the U.S. or conducted through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries, unless the statement described above has been received, and we do not have actual knowledge or reason to know that a holder is a U.S. person, as defined under the Code, that is not an exempt recipient, or the Non-U.S. Holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided the required information is furnished in a timely manner to the IRS.
- 45 -
Rules Relating to Foreign Accounts
Withholding taxes may be imposed under Sections 1471 to 1474 of the Code, the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and other official guidance (commonly referred to as “FATCA”) on certain types of payments made to non-U.S. financial institutions and certain other non-U.S. entities. Specifically, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on Shares paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code), unless (1) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence, reporting and withholding obligations, (2) the non- financial foreign entity either certifies it does not have any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner, or (3) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules. If the payee is a foreign financial institution and is subject to the diligence, reporting and withholding requirements in (1) above, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain “specified United States persons” or “United States-owned foreign entities” (each as defined in the Code), annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders. Accordingly, the entity through which the Shares is held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules. Future Treasury Regulations or other official guidance may modify these requirements.
Under the applicable Treasury Regulations, withholding under FATCA generally applies to payments of dividends on the Shares. While withholding under FATCA would have also applied to payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the Shares on or after January 1, 2019, proposed Treasury Regulations eliminate FATCA withholding on payments of gross proceeds. The preamble to these proposed regulations indicates that taxpayers may rely on them pending their finalization. The FATCA withholding tax will apply to all withholdable payments without regard to whether the beneficial owner of the payment would otherwise be entitled to an exemption from imposition of withholding tax pursuant to an applicable income tax treaty with the United States or U.S. domestic law. We will not pay additional amounts to holders of Shares in respect of amounts withheld.
FATCA is particularly complex and its application remains uncertain. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential application of withholding under FATCA to their investment in Shares.
Plan of Distribution
We have entered into the Sales Agreement with Univest Securities, LLC, under which we may issue and sell from time to time shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of not more than $25,000,000 through the Sales Agent. Sales of the common stock, if any, will be made by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at-the-market offering” as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act. If we and the Sales Agent agree on any method of distribution other than sales of shares of our common stock into the Nasdaq or another existing trading market in the United States at market prices, we will file a further prospectus supplement providing all information about such offering as required by Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act.
The Sales Agent will offer our common stock at prevailing market prices subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement as agreed upon by us and the Sales Agent. We will designate the number of shares which we desire to sell, the time period during which sales are requested to be made, any limitation on the number of shares that may be sold in one day and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement, the Sales Agent will use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable law and regulations to sell on our behalf all of the shares of common stock requested to be sold by us. We or Sales Agent may suspend the offering of the common stock being made through the Sales Agent under the Sales Agreement upon proper notice to the other party.
- 46 -
Settlement for sales of common stock will occur on the second business day or such shorter settlement cycle as may be in effect under Exchange Act Rule 15c6-1 from time to time, following the date on which any sales are made, or on some other date that is agreed upon by us and the Sales Agent in connection with a particular transaction, in return for payment of the net proceeds to us. Sales of our common stock as contemplated in this prospectus will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and the Sales Agent may agree upon. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.
We will pay the Sales Agent in cash, upon each sale of our shares of common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement, a commission equal to 2.25% of the gross proceeds from each sale of shares of our common stock. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. Pursuant to the terms of the Sales Agreement, we agreed to reimburse the Sales Agent for all reasonable travel and other accountable expenses, including the documented fees and costs of its legal counsel reasonably incurred in connection with entering into the transactions contemplated by the Sales Agreement in an amount not to exceed $125,000 in the aggregate. Additionally, pursuant to the terms of the Sales Agreement, we agreed to reimburse the Sales Agent for the documented fees and costs of its legal counsel reasonably incurred in connection with Sales Agent’s ongoing diligence requirements arising from the transactions contemplated by the Sales Agreement in an amount not to exceed $5,000 in the aggregate per calendar quarter. We estimate that the total expenses of the offering payable by us, excluding commissions payable to the Sales Agent under the Sales Agreement, will be approximately $125,000. We will report at least quarterly the number of shares of common stock sold through the Sales Agent under the Sales Agreement, the net proceeds to us and the compensation paid by us to the Sales Agent in connection with the sales of common stock.
In connection with the sales of common stock on our behalf, the Sales Agent will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation paid to the Sales Agent will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed in the Sales Agreement to provide indemnification and contribution to the Sales Agent against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
The offering of our shares of common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all shares of our shares of common stock provided for in this prospectus, or (ii) termination of the Sales Agreement as permitted therein.
The Sales Agent and its affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking and other financial services for us and our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive customary fees. To the extent required by Regulation M, the Sales Agent will not engage in any market making activities involving our shares of common stock while the offering is ongoing under this prospectus. This summary of the material provisions of the Sales Agreement does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. A copy of the Sales Agreement has been filed as Exhibit 1.2 to the registration statement to which this prospectus forms a part.
This prospectus and the base prospectus included in the registration statement to which this prospectus forms a part in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by the Sales Agent and the Sales Agent may distribute this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus electronically.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters relating to the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., Wilmington, Delaware. The Sales Agent is being represented in connection with this offering by Sullivan & Worcester LLP, New York, New York.
- 47 -
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of the Company appearing in the Company’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the years ended February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, have been audited by Centurion ZA CPA & Co., independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Where to Find Additional Information
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings also are available to the public on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. In addition, we maintain a website that contains information about us, including our SEC filings, at www.fingermotion.com. The information contained on our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus, the base prospectus included in the registration statement that this prospectus forms a part, or any other report or documents we file with or furnish to the SEC.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be a part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information in this prospectus.
The following documents filed by our company with the SEC are incorporated herein by reference:
| (a) | our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, that we filed with the SEC on May 30, 2023; |
| (b) | our Amendment to our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, that we filed with the SEC on August 31, 2023; |
| (c) | our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2023, that we filed with the SEC on July 14, 2023; |
| (d) | our Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on May 30, 2023; |
| (e) | our Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on June 5, 2023; |
| (f) | our Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on July 14, 2023; |
| (g) | our Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on July 26, 2023; |
| (h) | our Current Report on Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on July 31, 2023; and |
| (i) | the description of our Common Shares set forth under the caption “Description of Capital Stock” in the prospectus that constitutes a part of our registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-196503) filed with the SEC on June 4, 2014, as amended on June 18, 2014. |
All reports and other documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the date of the filing of such reports and documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this registration statement to the extent that a statement contained in this registration statement or in any subsequently filed document that is also incorporated by reference in this registration statement modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this registration statement.
- 48 -
We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in the prospectus but not delivered with the prospectus. We will provide this information, at no cost to the requester, upon written or oral request to us at the following address or telephone number:
Martin
J. Shen, Chief Executive Officer
111 Somerset Road, Level 3
Singapore, 238164
Telephone: (347) 349-5339
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC for the securities we are offering by this prospectus. This prospectus does not include all of the information contained in the registration statement. You should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits for additional information.
- 49 -
FINGERMOTION, INC.
Up to $25,000,000 of Shares
of Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
UNIVEST SECURITIES, LLC.
_____________ __, 2023
- 50 -
PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table sets forth an estimate of the fees and expenses relating to the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered hereby, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, all of which shall be borne by our Company. All of such fees and expenses, except for the SEC Registration Fee, are estimated:
| SEC Registration Fee | $ | 33,060.00 | |||
| Accounting fees and expenses | 20,000.00 | * | |||
| Legal fees and expenses | 100,000.00 | * | |||
| Transfer agent fees and registrar expenses | 2,000.00 | * | |||
| Miscellaneous | 1,000.00 | * | |||
| Total | $ | 156,060.00 | * | ||
* Estimated
Item 15. Indemnification of Officers and Directors
Under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, we can indemnify our directors and officers against liabilities they may incur in such capacities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Our certificate of incorporation provides that, pursuant to Delaware law, our directors shall not be liable for monetary damages for breach of the directors’ fiduciary duty of care to us and our stockholders. This provision in the certificate of incorporation does not eliminate the duty of care, and in appropriate circumstances equitable remedies such as injunctive or other forms of non-monetary relief will remain available under Delaware law. In addition, each director will continue to be subject to liability for breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders, for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or knowing violations of law, for any transaction from which the director directly or indirectly derived an improper personal benefit, and for payment of dividends or approval of stock repurchases or redemptions that are unlawful under Delaware law. The provision also does not affect a director’s responsibilities under any other law, such as the federal securities laws or state or federal environmental laws.
Our by-laws provide for the indemnification of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. We are not, however, required to indemnify any director or officer in connection with any (a) willful misconduct, (b) willful neglect, or (c) gross negligence toward or on behalf of us in the performance of his or her duties as a director or officer. We are required to advance, prior to the final disposition of any proceeding, promptly on request, all expenses incurred by any director or officer in connection with that proceeding on receipt of any undertaking by or on behalf of that director or officer to repay those amounts if it should be determined ultimately that he or she is not entitled to be indemnified under our bylaws or otherwise.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling our company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
- 51 -
Item 16. Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Document | |
| 1.1* | Form of Underwriting Agreement | |
| 1.2** | At-the-Market Issuance Sales Agreement, dated September 11, 2023, by and between FingerMotion, Inc. and Univest Securities, LLC | |
| 3.1(1) | Certificate of Incorporation | |
| 3.2(2) | Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock dated May 15, 2017 | |
| 3.3(3) | Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation dated June 21, 2017 | |
| 3.4(4) | Amended and Restated Bylaws | |
| 4.1* | Form of Warrant Indenture | |
| 4.2* | Form of Warrant Certificate | |
| 4.3* | Form of Subscription Receipt Agreement | |
| 4.4* | Form of Unit Agreement | |
| 5.1** | Legal Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. | |
| 23.1 | Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in Exhibit 5.1) | |
| 23.2** | Consent of Centurion ZD CPA & Co. | |
| 24.1 | Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to the Registration Statement) | |
| 107** | Filing fee table |
Notes:
| (*) | To the extent applicable, to be filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein in connection with a specific offering of securities |
| (**) | Filed herewith |
| (1) | Previously filed as an exhibit to our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on May 8, 2014 (No. 333-196503) |
| (2) | Previously filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 16, 2017 |
| (3) | Previously filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 12, 2017 |
| (4) | Previously filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 25, 2021 |
Item 17. Undertakings.
| (a) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: |
| (1) | To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: |
| (i) | To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; |
| (ii) | To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; |
- 52 -
| (iii) | To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; |
provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) above do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statements or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is a part of the registration statement;
| (2) | That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; |
| (3) | To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; |
| (4) | That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser: |
| (i) | Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and |
| (ii) | Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date; and |
| (5) | That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: (i) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (ii) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant; (iii) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and (iv) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
- 53 -
| (b) | The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
| (c) | Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
| (d) | If and when applicable, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act. |
- 54 -
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets the requirements for filing this Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on the 11th day of September, 2023.
FINGERMOTION, INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Marin J. Shen | |
| Martin J. Shen | ||
| Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Martin J. Shen as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and re-substitution, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ Martin J. Shen | ||||
| Martin J. Shen | Chief
Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
September 11, 2023 | ||
| /s/ Yew Hon Lee | ||||
| Yew Hon Lee | Chief
Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
September 11, 2023 | ||
| /s/ Yew Poh Leong | ||||
| Yew Poh Leong | Director | September 11, 2023 | ||
| /s/ Michael Chan | ||||
| Michael Chan | Director | September 11, 2023 | ||
| /s/ Hsien Loong Wong | ||||
| Hsien Loong Wong | Director | September 11, 2023 | ||
| /s/ Eng Ho Ng | ||||
| Eng Ho Ng | Director | September 11, 2023 |
EXHIBIT 1.2
fingermotion, inc.
Up to $25,000,000 of Common Stock
AT-THE-MARKET ISSUANCE SALES AGREEMENT
September 11, 2023
Univest Securities, LLC
75 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 1803
New York, NY, 10019
Ladies and Gentlemen:
FingerMotion, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to issue and sell through Univest Securities, LLC, as selling agent (the “Agent”), shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”), having an aggregate offering price of up to US$25,000,000 of Common Stock (the Common Stock subject to this At-The-Market Issuance Sales Agreement (this “Agreement”) being referred to herein as the “Shares”) on terms set forth herein and subject to the limitations set forth in Section 2(a) hereof. The Shares consist entirely of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock to be issued and sold by the Company.
The Company hereby confirms its agreement with the Agent with respect to the sale of the Shares.
1. Representations and Warranties of the Company.
(a) The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Agent as follows as of the date of this Agreement, each Settlement Date, each Time of Sale, each time a Transaction Notice is delivered and each Bringdown Date:
(i) A registration statement on Form S-3 registering $300,000,000 of securities of the Company (the “registration statement”) shall be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on or around the date of entering into this Agreement, and such registration statement shall have been declared effective by the Commission and currently effective, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act of 1933”), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Rules and Regulations” and collectively with the Securities Act of 1933, the “Securities Act”) on each Settlement Date, each Time of Sale and each time a Transaction Notice is delivered and each Bringdown Date. Except where the context otherwise requires, “Registration Statement,” as used herein, means the registration statement, as amended at the time of such registration statement’s effectiveness for purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act, as such section applies to the Agent, including (1) all documents filed as a part thereof or incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein, (2) any information contained or incorporated by reference in a prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, to the extent such information is deemed, pursuant to Rule 430B or Rule 430C under the Securities Act, to be part of the registration statement at such time, and (3) any registration statement filed to register the offer and sale of Shares pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (the “462(b) Registration Statement”). Except where the context otherwise requires, “Base Prospectus,” as used herein, means the prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement, together with any amendments or supplements thereto as of the date of this Agreement. Except where the context otherwise requires, “Prospectus Supplement,” as used herein, means the most recent prospectus supplement relating to the Shares, filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Except where the context otherwise requires, “Prospectus,” as used herein, means the Prospectus Supplement together with the Base Prospectus attached to or used with the Prospectus Supplement, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time. “Permitted Free Writing Prospectus,” as used herein, means the documents, if any, listed on Schedule A attached hereto and, after the date hereof, any “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 433 of the Securities Act, that is expressly agreed to by the Company and the Agent in writing to be a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus. Any reference herein to the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the documents, if any, incorporated by reference, or deemed to be incorporated by reference, therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 (the “Incorporated Documents”), including, unless the context otherwise requires, the documents, if any, filed as exhibits to such Incorporated Documents. For purposes of this Agreement, all references to the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall be deemed to include the copy filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (“EDGAR”). The Company has prepared a Prospectus Supplement specifically related to the Shares, which shall be filed with the Commission prior to the delivery of any Transaction Notice. All references in this Agreement to financial statements and schedules and other information which is “described,” “contained,” “included” or “stated” in the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus (or other references of like import) shall be deemed to mean and include all such financial statements and schedules and other information which is incorporated by reference in or otherwise deemed by the Rules and Regulations to be a part of or included in the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as the case may be. Any reference herein to the terms “amend,” “amendment” or “supplement” with respect to the Registration Statement, any Base Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus shall be deemed to refer to and include the filing of any document under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Exchange Act”) on or after the initial effective date of the Registration Statement, or the date of such Base Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement or such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, if any, as the case may be, and incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3. “Time of Sale” means each time a Share is purchased pursuant to this Agreement.
(ii) (A) The Registration Statement complies as of the date hereof, and will comply upon the effectiveness of any amendment thereto and at each Time of Sale, each Settlement Date (as defined below) and at the time of delivery of each Transaction Notice, and each Bringdown Date, as applicable, in all material respects, with the requirements of the Securities Act; at all times during which a prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule) in connection with any sale of Shares (the “Prospectus Delivery Period”), the Registration Statement, as may be amended, will comply, in all material respects, with the requirements of the Securities Act; the conditions to the use of Form S-3 in connection with the offering and sale of the Shares as contemplated hereby (the “Offering”) have been satisfied; the Registration Statement meets, and the Offering complies with, the requirements of Rule 415 under the Securities Act (including, without limitation, Rule 415(a)(5)); the Registration Statement does not, as of the date hereof, and will not, as of the effective date of any amendment thereto, at each Time of Sale, if any, and at all times during a Prospectus Delivery Period, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. There is no stop order suspending effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
(B) The Prospectus, as of the date of the Prospectus Supplement, as of the date hereof (if filed with the Commission on or prior to the date hereof), at each Settlement Date, Time of Sale and at the time of delivery of each Transaction Notice, and each Bringdown Date (as applicable), and at all times during a Prospectus Delivery Period, complied, complies or will comply, in all material respects, with the requirements of the Securities Act; and the Prospectus, and each supplement thereto, as of their respective dates, at each Settlement Date or Time of Sale (as applicable), and at all times during a Prospectus Delivery Period, did not and will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(C) Each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, if any, as of its date and as of each Settlement Date, Time of Sale and at the time of delivery of each Transaction Notice, and each Bringdown Date (as applicable), and at all times during a Prospectus Delivery Period (when taken together with the Prospectus at such time) will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
- 2 -
The representations and warranties set forth in subparagraphs (A), (B) and (C) above shall not apply to any statement contained in the Registration Statement, any Base Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with information concerning the Agent that is furnished in writing by or on behalf of the Agent expressly for use in the Registration Statement, such Base Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, if any, it being understood and agreed that only such information furnished by the Agent as of the date hereof consists of the information described in Section 5(b)(ii).
(iii) Prior to the execution of this Agreement, the Company has not, directly or indirectly, offered or sold any Shares by means of any “prospectus” (within the meaning of the Securities Act) or used any “prospectus” (within the meaning of the Securities Act) in connection with the Offering, in each case other than the Base Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus; the Company has not, directly or indirectly, prepared, used or referred to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus except in compliance with Rules 164 and 433 under the Securities Act; assuming that a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, if any, is sent or given after the Registration Statement was filed with the Commission (and after such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, if any, was, if required pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, filed with the Commission), the Company will satisfy the provisions of Rule 164 or Rule 433 necessary for the use of a free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405) in connection with the Offering; the conditions set forth in one or more of subclauses (i) through (iv), inclusive, of Rule 433(b)(1) under the Securities Act are satisfied, and the registration statement relating to the Offering, as initially filed with the Commission, includes a prospectus that, other than by reason of Rule 433 or Rule 431 under the Securities Act, satisfies the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act; neither the Company nor the Agent is disqualified, by reason of subsection (f) or (g) of Rule 164 under the Securities Act, from using, in connection with the Offering, “free writing prospectuses” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) pursuant to Rules 164 and 433 under the Securities Act; the Company is not an “ineligible issuer” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) as of the eligibility determination date for purposes of Rules 164 and 433 under the Securities Act with respect to the offering of the Shares contemplated by the Registration Statement; the parties hereto agree and understand that the content of any and all “road shows” (as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act) related to the Offering is solely the property of the Company.
(iv) Each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, as of its issue date, each Time of Sale, each Settlement Date and at the time of delivery of each Transaction Notice, and each Bringdown Date, occurring after such issue date and at all subsequent times through the Prospectus Delivery Period or until any earlier date that the Company notified or notifies the Agent as described in Section 3(c)(iii), did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, any Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, or the Prospectus. The foregoing sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Agent specifically for use therein, it being understood and agreed that only such information furnished by the Agent as of the date hereof consist of the information described in Section 5(b)(ii).
(v) The consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Subsidiaries (as defined below), together with the related notes and supporting schedules, set forth or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Company and the Subsidiaries, as a whole, as of the dates indicated and the results of operations and changes in cash flows for the periods therein specified in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied throughout the periods involved. The selected financial data and the summary financial information included in the Registration Statement and in the Prospectus, as applicable, constitute a fair summary of the information purported to be summarized and have been compiled on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements included in the Registration Statement. No other financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus under the Securities Act except as so included or incorporated by reference. All disclosures contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or incorporated by reference therein regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission) comply with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act to the extent applicable. To the Company’s knowledge, Centurion ZA CPA & Co., which has expressed its opinion with respect to the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023 (the “Incorporated Financial Statements”), filed as a part of the Registration Statement and included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, is a registered public accounting firm within the meaning of the Securities Act, and Centurion ZA CPA & Co., in the performance of its work for the Company, has not been in violation of the auditor independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). There are no transactions, arrangements and other relationships between and/or among the Company, and/or, to the knowledge of the Company, any of its affiliates and any unconsolidated entity, including, but not limited to, any structural finance, special purpose or limited purpose entity (each, an “Off-Balance Sheet Transaction”) that could reasonably be expected to affect materially the Company’s liquidity or the availability of or requirements for its capital resources, including those Off Balance Sheet Transactions described in the Commission’s Statement about Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations (Release Nos. 33-8056; 34-45321; FR-61), and are required to be described in the Prospectus, which have not been described as required.
- 3 -
(vi) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation. The Company and each of the Subsidiaries has full corporate power and authority to own its respective properties and conduct its respective businesses as currently being carried on and as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in good standing in each jurisdiction in which it owns or leases real property or in which the conduct of its business makes such qualification necessary and in which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect upon the results of operations, business, management, properties, prospects, conditions (financial or otherwise) or operations, of the Company and the Subsidiaries, either individually or taken as a whole (“Material Adverse Effect”). The Company does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any corporation, association or other entity other than the subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”) listed in Exhibit 21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023.
(vii) Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, subsequent to the dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus, the Company (including its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) has not sustained any material loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree; incurred any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, or entered into any material transactions, or declared or paid any dividends or made any distribution of any kind with respect to the capital stock of the Company; and there has not been any change in the capital stock of the Company, or issuance of options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights to purchase the capital stock of the Company, or any material change in the short-term or long-term debt of the Company (other than as a result of the exercise of any currently outstanding stock options and warrants that are disclosed in the Prospectus), or any Material Adverse Effect or any development that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Since the date of the latest balance sheet presented in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has entered into any transactions, including any acquisition or disposition of any business or asset, which are material to the Company and the Subsidiaries taken as a whole, except for transactions which are disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
(viii) Except as set forth in the Prospectus, there is not pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened or contemplated, any action, suit or proceeding to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or of which any property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is the subject before or by any court or governmental agency, authority or body, or any arbitrator or mediator, which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in any Material Adverse Effect.
(ix) There are no statutes, regulations, contracts or documents that are required to be described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement by the Securities Act that have not been so described or filed.
(x) The Company has all corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, and constitutes a valid, legal and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as rights to indemnity hereunder may be limited by federal or state securities laws and except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and subject to general principles of equity. The issue and sale of the Shares, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, (i) any law, rule or regulation to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, (ii) any agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which it is bound or to which any of its property is subject, (iii) the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, each as amended to date, or the organizational documents of any of its Subsidiaries, or (iv) any order, rule, regulation or decree of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of its properties, except, in the case of clauses (i), (ii) and (iv), for such breaches, violations or defaults that would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; no consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing with, any court or governmental agency or body is required for the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or for the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the issuance or sale of the Shares by the Company, except for such consents, approvals, authorizations, orders or filings as have been obtained or made or as may be required under the Securities Act or state securities or blue sky laws; and the Company has and will have full power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to authorize, issue and sell the Shares as contemplated hereby and thereby.
- 4 -
(xi) All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company, including the outstanding Common Stock are duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, have been issued in compliance with all applicable foreign, federal and state securities laws, were not issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for or purchase securities that have not been waived in writing, and the holders thereof are not subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders; all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the Subsidiaries, other than the variable interest entity, which is contractually controlled, are duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and are owned by the Company, directly or through wholly-owned Subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or equity, have been issued in compliance with all applicable foreign, federal and state securities laws, were not issued in violation of or subject to any preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for or purchase securities that have not been waived in writing, and the holders thereof are not subject to personal liability by reason of being such holders; the Shares which may be sold under this Agreement by the Company have been duly authorized and, when issued, delivered and paid for in accordance with the terms of this Agreement will have been validly issued and will be fully paid and nonassessable, and the holders thereof will not be subject to personal liability solely by reason of being such holders; and the capital stock of the Company, including the Common Stock, conforms in all material respects to the description thereof in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. Except as otherwise stated in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there are no preemptive rights or other rights to subscribe for or to purchase, or any restriction upon the voting or transfer of, any Common Stock pursuant to the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended, or any agreement or other instrument to which the Company is a party or by which the Company is bound. Except as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there are no options, shares of preferred stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, warrants, convertible securities, agreements, contracts or other rights in existence to purchase or acquire from the Company any shares of the capital stock of the Company. The Company has an authorized and outstanding capitalization as set forth in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as of the dates set forth therein and the issued and outstanding securities conform in all material respects to the descriptions thereof contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
(xii) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries holds, and is operating in compliance with all grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, consents, certificates and orders of any governmental or self-regulatory body required for the conduct of its respective businesses and all such grants, authorizations, licenses, permits, consents, certifications and orders are valid and in full force and effect, except for such noncompliance or failures to be in full force and effect that would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received notice of any revocation or modification of any such grant, authorization, license, permit, consent, certification or order or has reason to believe that any such grant, authorization, license, permit, consent, certification or order will not be renewed in the ordinary course; and the Company and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations, orders and decrees, except for such noncompliance that would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No approval, authorization, consent or order of or filing with any foreign, federal, state or local governmental or regulatory commission, board, body, authority or agency is required in connection with the issuance and sale of the Shares or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby, other than (i) registration of the Shares under the Securities Act, (ii) any necessary qualification under the securities or blue sky laws of the various jurisdictions in which the Shares are being offered by the Agent, (iii) the filing of any reports under the Exchange Act, (iv) such approvals as may be required by the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”), (v) the consent of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) in the event that Nasdaq raises an objection to the Listing of Additional Shares Notification Form filed to facilitate the listing of the Shares on the NASDAQ Capital Market, (vi) filing with the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”) mandated pursuant to the CSRC’s Overseas Listing Trial Measures and related guidelines which became effective on March 31, 2023, or (vii) such approvals as have been obtained or made as of the Time of Sale.
- 5 -
(xiii) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all property (whether real or personal) described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as being owned by it, in each case free and clear of all liens, claims, security interests, other encumbrances or defects except such as are described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, except as would not materially impair the use or value thereof. The property held under lease by the Company and each of its Subsidiaries is held by it under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with only such exceptions with respect to any particular lease as do not interfere in any material respect with the conduct of the business of the Company or such Subsidiary.
(xiv) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries owns, possesses, or can acquire on reasonable terms, all Intellectual Property (as defined below) necessary for the conduct of their respective businesses as now conducted or as described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus to be conducted. Except as would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, (A) there are no rights of third parties to any such Intellectual Property owned by the Company, except as otherwise disclosed to the Agent in writing by the Company prior to the date hereof; (B) to the knowledge of the Company, there is no infringement, misappropriation or violation by third parties of any such Intellectual Property; (C) there is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s rights in or to any such Intellectual Property, and the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim; (D) the Intellectual Property owned by the Company and each of the Subsidiaries, and to the knowledge of the Company, the Intellectual Property licensed to the Company and each of the Subsidiaries, has not been adjudged invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, and there is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others challenging the validity or scope of any such Intellectual Property, and the Company is unaware of any facts which would form a reasonable basis for any such claim; (E) there is no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened action, suit, proceeding or claim by others that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries infringes, misappropriates or otherwise violates any Intellectual Property or other proprietary rights of others, and neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has received any written notice of such claim; and (F) to the Company’s knowledge, no employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is in or has ever been in violation of any term of any employment contract, patent disclosure agreement, invention assignment agreement, non-competition agreement, non-solicitation agreement, nondisclosure agreement or any restrictive covenant to or with a former employer where the basis of such violation relates to such employee’s employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or actions undertaken by the employee while employed with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. “Intellectual Property” shall mean all patents, patent applications, trade and service marks, trade and service mark registrations, trade names, copyrights, licenses, inventions, trade secrets, domain names, technology, know-how and other intellectual property.
(xv) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is (A) in violation of its certificate of incorporation, as amended, or similar organizational documents, or (B) in breach of or otherwise in default, and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default in the performance of any material obligation, agreement or condition contained in any bond, debenture, note, indenture, loan agreement, mortgage, deed of trust or any other material contract, lease or other instrument to which it is subject or by which any of them may be bound, or to which any of the material property or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject (collectively, the “Material Contracts”); or (C) in violation of any law or statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, except in the case of (B) and (C) above, as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(xvi) The Company and each of the Subsidiaries has timely filed all applicable federal, state, local, foreign and other income and franchise tax returns required to be filed, which are material and would have a Material Adverse Effect, and are not in default in the payment of any taxes which were payable pursuant to said returns or any assessments with respect thereto, other than any which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is contesting in good faith. There is no pending dispute with any taxing authority relating to any of such returns, and the Company has no knowledge of any proposed liability for any tax to be imposed upon the properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for which there is not an adequate reserve reflected in the Company’s financial statements included in the Registration Statement. There are no documentary, stamp or other issuance or transfer taxes or duties or similar fees or charges under U.S. federal law or the laws of any U.S. state, required to be paid in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the issuance, sale and delivery by the Company of the Shares.
- 6 -
(xvii) The Company has not distributed and will not distribute any prospectus or other offering material in connection with the Offering other than the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or other materials permitted by the Securities Act to be distributed by the Company; provided, however, that the Company has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Shares that would constitute a “free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, except in accordance with the provisions of Section 3(o) of this Agreement.
(xviii) The issuance and sale of the Shares as contemplated in this Agreement does not contravene the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. The Common Stock is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market and the Company has taken no action designed to, or likely to have the effect of, terminating the registration of the Common Stock under the Exchange Act or delisting the Common Stock from the NASDAQ Capital Market nor has the Company received any notification that the Commission or Nasdaq is contemplating terminating such registration or listing. The Company has complied in all material respects with the applicable requirements of Nasdaq for maintenance of the listing of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Company will file a Listing of Additional Shares Notification Form with Nasdaq with respect to the Shares as soon as practicable following the date of this Agreement.
(xix) Other than with respect to the Subsidiaries, the Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any shares of stock or any other equity or long-term debt securities of any other corporation or have any equity interest in any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, trust or other entity.
(xx) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have established and maintain systems of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurances that (A) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (B) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain accountability for assets; (C) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (D) amounts reflected on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet for assets are compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Since the filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023 with the Commission, there has been (i) no material weakness identified to the Company’s board of directors (or committee thereof) in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) other than as described in Item 9A – Controls and Procedures of such Annual Report, and (ii) no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
(xxi) The Company and each of the Subsidiaries: (A) is and at all times since January 1, 2023 has been in material compliance with all United States (federal, state and local) and foreign statutes, rules, regulations, treaties, or guidance applicable to the Company or the Subsidiaries (“Applicable Laws”); (B) since January 1, 2023 has not received any notice of adverse finding, warning letter, untitled letter or other correspondence or notice from any Governmental Authority (as defined below) alleging or asserting noncompliance with any Applicable Laws or any licenses, certificates, approvals, clearances, authorizations, permits and supplements or amendments thereto required by any such Applicable Laws (“Authorizations”); (C) since January 1, 2023 has not received notice of any claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, enforcement, investigation, arbitration or other action from any Governmental Authority or third party alleging that any product operation or activity is in violation of any Applicable Laws or Authorizations and has no knowledge that any such Governmental Authority or third party intends to assert any such claim, litigation, arbitration, action, suit, investigation or proceeding; (D) since January 1, 2023 has not received notice that any Governmental Authority has taken, is taking or intends to take action to limit, suspend, modify or revoke any Authorizations and the Company has no knowledge that any such Governmental Authority is considering such action; and (E) has filed, obtained, maintained or submitted all material reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments as required by any Applicable Laws or Authorizations and that all such reports, documents, forms, notices, applications, records, claims, submissions and supplements or amendments were complete and correct in all material respects on the date filed (or were corrected or supplemented by a subsequent submission). “Governmental Authority” means any federal, provincial, state, local, foreign or other governmental or quasi-governmental agency or body or any other type of regulatory authority or body, including, without limitation, Nasdaq. The aggregate of all pending legal or governmental proceedings to which the Company or any Subsidiary is a party or of which any of their respective property or assets is the subject which are not described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
- 7 -
(xxii) Other than as contemplated by this Agreement, the Company has not incurred any liability for any finder’s or broker’s fee or agent’s commission in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. The Company has not entered into any other sales agency agreements or other similar arrangements with any agent or any other representative in respect of “at the market” offerings of the Shares in accordance with Rule 415 under the Securities Act.
(xxiii) The Company and each of the Subsidiaries carries, or is covered by, insurance in such amounts and covering such risks the Company reasonably believes are adequate for the conduct of its respective business and the value of its properties and as is customary for companies engaged in similar businesses in similar industries; all policies of insurance insuring the Company, each of its Subsidiaries and their respective businesses, assets, employees, officers and directors are in full force and effect; the Company and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance with the terms of such policies in all material respects; there are no claims by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries under any such policy as to which any insurance company is denying liability or defending under a reservation of rights clause; neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has been refused any insurance coverage sought or applied for; and the Company has no reason to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its business at a cost that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
(xxiv) The Company is not (and is not an affiliate of), and immediately after receipt of payment for the Shares, will not be (and will not be an affiliate of), an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Company currently intends to conduct its business in a manner so that it will not become subject to registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(xxv) The Incorporated Documents, at the time they were or hereinafter are filed with the Commission, conformed and will conform in all material respects to the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and were filed on a timely basis with the Commission and no Incorporated Document contained or will contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, that, no representation is made herein regarding the representations, warranties and covenants, or any descriptions thereof, contained in any agreements or documents included as exhibits to the Incorporated Documents. There is no material document required to be described in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement which was not described or filed as required. All material agreements of the Company and all agreements governing or evidencing any and all related party transactions have been filed with the Commission to the extent required and applicable under the Exchange Act. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiaries has sent or received any communication regarding termination of, or intent not to renew, any of the contracts or agreements referred to or described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, or referred to or described in, or filed as an exhibit to, the Registration Statement or any Incorporated Document, and no such termination or non-renewal has been threatened by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Company’s knowledge, any other party to any such contract or agreement. Any descriptions of the terms of any of the foregoing contracts and agreements that are contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus are accurate and complete in all material respects.
(xxvi) The Company is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
(xxvii) The Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (within the meaning of Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) and such controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company has utilized such controls and procedures in preparing and evaluating the disclosures in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. As described in Item 9A – Controls and Procedures of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that due to the existence of material weaknesses in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not completely effective as of February 28, 2023, and a remediation plan is being implemented.
- 8 -
(xxviii) To the knowledge of the Company, neither the Company, the Subsidiaries, nor any director, officer, agent, employee or affiliate of the Company or any Subsidiary, has taken any action directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of the FCPA (as defined below), including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “Foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA, and the Company and each of its Subsidiaries has conducted its business in compliance with the FCPA and has instituted and maintains policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith. “FCPA” means the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
(xxix) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with the money laundering statutes of applicable jurisdictions, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines, issued, administered or enforced by applicable governmental agencies (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(xxx) Neither the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director, officer, employee, representative, agent, or affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
(xxxi) No transaction has occurred or agreement or understanding entered into between or among the Company or any of its Subsidiaries on the one hand, and any officer, director or 5% or greater stockholder of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or any affiliate or affiliates of any such officer, director or 5% or greater stockholder that is required to be described that is not so described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, extended or maintained credit, or arranged for the extension of credit, or renewed an extension of credit, in the form of a personal loan to or for any of its directors or executive officers in violation of applicable laws, including Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
(xxxii) (a) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in violation of any applicable international, national, state or local convention, law, regulation, order, governmental license, convention, treaty (including those promulgated by the International Maritime Organization) or other requirement relating to pollution or protection of human health or safety (as they relate to exposure to Materials of Environmental Concern (as defined below)) or protection of the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or protection of natural resources, including without limitation, conventions, laws or regulations relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum, petroleum products or other hydrocarbons (collectively, “Materials of Environmental Concern”), or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Materials of Environmental Concern (collectively, “Environmental Laws”), nor has the Company or any Subsidiary received any written communication, whether from a Governmental Authority, citizens group, employee or otherwise, that alleges that the Company or any such Subsidiary is in violation of any Environmental Law or governmental license required pursuant to Environmental Law; except, in each case, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; (b) there is no claim, action or cause of action filed with a court or Governmental Authority and no investigation, or other action with respect to which the Company or any Subsidiary has received written notice alleging potential liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs, governmental response costs, natural resources damages, property damages, personal injuries, attorneys’ fees or penalties arising out of, based on or resulting from the presence, or release into the environment, of any Material of Environmental Concern at any location owned, leased or operated by the Company or any Subsidiary, now or in the past, or from any vessel owned, leased or operated by the Company or any Subsidiary, now or in the past (collectively, “Environmental Claim”), pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company or any Subsidiary or any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claim the Company or any Subsidiary has retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; (c) to the knowledge of the Company, there are no past or present actions, activities, circumstances, conditions, events or incidents, including, without limitation, the release, emission, discharge, presence or disposal of any Material of Environmental Concern, that reasonably would be expected to result in a violation of any Environmental Law, require expenditures to be incurred pursuant to Environmental Law, or form the basis of an Environmental Claim against the Company, any Subsidiary or against any person or entity whose liability for any Environmental Claim the Company or any Subsidiary has retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect (for the avoidance of doubt, the operation of vessels in the ordinary course of business shall not be deemed, by itself, an action, activity, circumstance or condition set forth in this clause (c)); and (d) none of the Company or any Subsidiary is subject to any pending proceeding under Environmental Law to which a Governmental Authority is a party and which the Company reasonably believes is likely to result in monetary sanctions of US$100,000 or more. Any existing compliance and remediation costs and liabilities arising under Environmental Laws and resulting from the business, operations or properties of the Company or any Subsidiary would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No facts or circumstances have come to the Company’s attention that could result in costs or liabilities that could be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
- 9 -
(xxxiii) The Company and each of the Subsidiaries (A) is in compliance, in all material respects, with applicable foreign, federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, statutes and codes promulgated by applicable governmental authorities (including pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety Act) relating to the protection of human health and safety in the workplace (“Occupational Laws”); (B) has received all material permits, licenses or other approvals required of it under applicable Occupational Laws to conduct its business as currently conducted; and (C) is in compliance, in all material respects, with all terms and conditions of such permit, license or approval. No action, proceeding, revocation proceeding, writ, injunction or claim is pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries relating to Occupational Laws, and the Company does not have knowledge of any facts, circumstances or developments relating to its operations or cost accounting practices that could reasonably be expected to form the basis for or give rise to such actions, suits, investigations or proceedings.
(xxxiv) No material labor problem or dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is threatened or imminent.
(xxxv) The Company has not, and to its knowledge no one acting on its behalf has, (a) taken, directly or indirectly, any action designed to cause or to result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the Shares, (b) sold, bid for, purchased, or paid any compensation for soliciting purchases of, any of the Shares or (c) paid or agreed to pay to any person any compensation for soliciting another to purchase any other securities of the Company, other than, in the case of clauses (b) and (c), compensation paid to the Agent in connection with the sale of the Shares.
(xxxvi) Other than the Agent, no person or entity has the right to act as a placement agent, underwriter or as a financial advisor in connection with the sale of the Shares contemplated hereby, and the Company is not a party to any agreement with an agent or underwriter for any other “at the market” offering or continuous equity transaction.
(xxxvii) There is no transaction, arrangement or other relationship between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and an unconsolidated or other off balance sheet entity that is required to be disclosed by the Company in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus and is not so disclosed or that otherwise could be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(xxxviii) None of the Company, its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective affiliates, nor any person or entity acting on their behalf (excluding the Agent) has, directly or indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to buy any security, under circumstances that would cause the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to require approval of stockholders of the Company under any applicable stockholder approval provisions, including, without limitation, under the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. None of the Company, its Subsidiaries, their affiliates nor any person or entity acting on their behalf will take any action or steps that would cause the offering of any of the Shares to be integrated with other offerings of securities of the Company.
- 10 -
(xxxix) Any statistical and market-related data included in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes to be reliable and accurate and, to the extent required, the Company has obtained the written consent to the use of such data from such sources.
(xl) The Registration Statement is not the subject of a pending proceeding or examination under Section 8(d) or 8(e) of the Securities Act, and the Company is not the subject of a pending proceeding under Section 8A of the Securities Act in connection with the offering of the Shares.
(xli) Other than the Company’s ability to issue shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company and its board of directors have taken all necessary action, if any, in order to render inapplicable any control share acquisition, business combination, poison pill (including any distribution under a rights agreement) or other similar anti-takeover provision under the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended, or the laws of the State of Delaware that is or could become applicable to the purchasers of the Shares.
(xlii) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary or any of their respective properties or assets has any immunity from the jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution or otherwise) under the laws of the United States or any political subdivisions thereof.
(xliii) The Company is not a “foreign private issuer” as defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act.
(xliv) The Company did not qualify as a “passive foreign investment company” within the meaning of Section 1297 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for its most recently completed taxable year, if any.
(xlv) Each “forward-looking statement” (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act or Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus has been made or reaffirmed with a reasonable basis and has been disclosed in good faith.
(xlvi) The interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement fairly presents the information called for in all material respects and has been prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto.
(xlvii) At the time the Registration Statement was or will be filed with the Commission, at the time the Registration Statement was or will be declared effective by the Commission, and at the time the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K was filed with the Commission, the Company met or will meet the then applicable requirements for the use of Form S-3 under the Securities Act, including, but not limited to, General Instruction I.B.1. of Form S-3, if and for so long as applicable. As of the close of trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market on February 28, 2023, the aggregate market value of the outstanding voting and non-voting common equity (as defined in Rule 405) of the Company held by persons other than affiliates of the Company (pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act, those that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control, or are controlled by, or are under common control with, the Company) (the “Non-Affiliate Shares”), was approximately $246,476,712 (calculated by multiplying (a) the price at which the common equity of the Company was last sold on the Exchange ($6.00) on September 6, 2023 by (b) the number of Non-Affiliate Shares (41,079,452) outstanding on September 6, 2023).
(xlviii) (i) Except as may be included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, (a) to the Company’s knowledge, there has been no material security breach or other material compromise of or relating to any of the Company’s information technology and computer systems, networks, hardware, software, data (including the data of their respective customers, employees, suppliers, vendors and any third party data maintained by or on behalf of them), equipment or technology (collectively, “IT Systems and Data”) and do not result in a legal or contractual obligation of the Company to notify any other person about such occurrence; and (b) the Company has not been notified of, and has no knowledge of any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in, any material security breach or other material compromise to their IT Systems and Data; (ii) the Company is presently in compliance with all material applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Data and to the protection of such IT Systems and Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification, except as would not, in the case of this clause (ii), individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) the Company has implemented backup and disaster recovery technology consistent with industry standards and practices
- 11 -
(b) Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company and delivered to the Agent or the Agent’s counsel shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to the Agent as to the matters covered thereby.
(c) At each Bringdown Date (as defined herein) and each Time of Sale, the Company shall be deemed to have affirmed each representation and warranty contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement as of such date as though made at and as of such date (except that such representations and warranties shall be deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, as amended and supplemented, relating to such Shares on such date).
2. Purchase, Sale and Delivery of Shares.
(a) At the Market Sales. On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein the Company agrees that, from time to time during the term of this Agreement, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, it may issue and sell through the Agent or any of its sub-agent(s) or other designees, acting as sales agent, the Shares up to an aggregate offering price of US$25,000,000; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company issue or sell through the Agent such number of Shares that (a) exceeds the number or dollar amount of Common Stock registered on the Registration Statement, pursuant to which the Offering is being made, (b) exceeds the number of authorized but unissued Common Stock under the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended, (c) would cause the Company or the offering of the Shares to not satisfy the eligibility and transaction requirements for use of Form S-3 (including General Instruction I.B.1 of Form S-3), (d) or dollar amount of Shares of Common Stock that exceeds the amount authorized from time to time to be issued and sold under this Agreement by the Company’s board of directors, a duly authorized committee thereof or a duly authorized executive committee, and notified to the Agent in writing, or (e) exceeds the number or dollar amount of Shares of Common Stock for which the Company has filed the Prospectus or other prospectus supplement specifically relating to the offering of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement (the lesser of (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e), the “Maximum Amount”)). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the parties hereto agree that compliance with the limitations set forth in this Section 2(a) on the number and aggregate sales price of Shares issued and sold under this Agreement shall be the sole responsibility of the Company and that Agent shall have no obligation in connection with such compliance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company agrees that it will provide the Agent with written notice no less than one (1) business day prior to the date on which it makes the initial sale of Shares under this Agreement. As used herein, the terms “business day” means any day (other than Saturday, Sunday or any federal holiday in the United States) in which commercial banks in New York, New York are open for business.
(i) For purposes of selling the Shares through the Agent, the Company hereby appoints the Agent as exclusive agent of the Company for the purpose of soliciting purchases of the Shares from the Company pursuant to this Agreement and the Agent agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to sell the Shares on the terms and subject to the conditions stated herein.
(ii) Each time the Company wishes to issue and sell the Shares hereunder (each, a “Transaction”), it will notify the Agent by telephone (confirmed promptly by e-mail to the appropriate individual listed on Schedule D hereto, using a form substantially similar to that set forth on Schedule C hereto (a “Transaction Notice”) as to the maximum number of Shares to be sold by the Agent on such day and in any event not in excess of the amount available for issuance under the Prospectus and the currently effective Registration Statement, the time period during which sales are requested to be made, any limitation on the number of shares that may be sold in any one Trading Day (as defined below), and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. The Transaction Notice shall originate from any of the individuals from the Company set forth on Schedule B (with a copy to each of the other individuals from the Company listed on such Schedule) and shall be addressed to each of the individuals from the Agent set forth on Schedule D, as such Schedule B and Schedule D may be amended from time to time. The Transaction Notice shall be effective upon receipt by the Agent unless and until (i) the Agent declines to accept for any reason, in its sole discretion, (ii) the entire amount of the Shares have been sold, (iii) the Company suspends or terminates the Transaction Notice in accordance with the notice requirements set forth in this Section 2, (iv) the Company issues a subsequent Transaction Notice with parameters superseding those on the earlier dated Transaction Notice, or (v) this Agreement has been terminated under the provisions of Section 7. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and unless the sale of the Shares described therein has been declined, suspended, or otherwise terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Agent shall promptly acknowledge the Transaction Notice by facsimile or e-mail (or by some other method mutually agreed to in writing by the parties) and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to sell all of the Shares so designated by the Company in, and in accordance with the terms set forth in, the Transaction Notice; provided, however, that any obligation of the Agent to use such commercially reasonable efforts shall be subject to the continuing accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company herein, to the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and to the continuing satisfaction of the additional conditions specified in Section 4 of this Agreement. The gross sales price of the Shares sold under this Section 2(a) shall be equal to the market price for the Common Stock sold by the Agent under this Section 2(a) on the NASDAQ Capital Market at the time of such sale. For the purposes hereof, “Trading Day” means any day on which Common Stock are purchased and sold on the principal market on which the Common Stock are listed or quoted.
- 12 -
(iii) The Company or the Agent may, upon notice to the other party hereto by telephone (confirmed promptly by e-mail to the respective individuals of the other party set forth on Schedule D hereto, which confirmation shall be promptly acknowledged by the other party), suspend the Offering for any reason and at any time, whereupon the Agent shall so suspend the offering of Shares until further notice is provided by the other party to the contrary; provided, however, that such suspension or termination shall not affect or impair the parties’ respective obligations with respect to the Shares sold hereunder prior to the receipt by the Agent of such notice. Each of the parties agrees that no such notice under this Section 2(a)(iii) shall be effective against the other unless it is made to one of the individuals named on Schedule D hereto, as such Schedule may be amended from time to time.
(iv) The Company acknowledges and agrees that (A) there can be no assurance that the Agent will be successful in selling the Shares, (B) the Agent will incur no liability or obligation to the Company or any other person or entity if it does not sell Shares for any reason other than a failure by the Agent to use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices and applicable law and regulations to sell such Shares as required under this Agreement, and (C) the Agent shall be under no obligation to purchase Shares on a principal basis pursuant to this Agreement.
(v) The Agent may sell Shares by any method permitted by law to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including, without limitation, sales made directly on the NASDAQ Capital Market, on any other existing trading market for the Common Stock or to or through a market maker. The Agent may also sell Shares in privately negotiated transactions (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include block trades initiated on the NASDAQ Capital Market) with the Company’s prior written approval.
(vi) The compensation to the Agent for sales of the Shares, as an agent of the Company, shall be a cash transaction fee equal to two and one-quarter percent (2.25%) (the “Transaction Fee”) of the gross sales price of all of Shares sold pursuant to this Section 2(a). The remaining proceeds, after further deduction for any transaction or other fees imposed by any governmental or self-regulatory organization in respect of such sales, shall constitute the net proceeds to the Company for such Shares (the “Net Proceeds”). The Agent shall notify the Company as promptly as practicable if any deduction referenced in the preceding sentence will be required.
(vii) The Agent shall provide written confirmation (which may be by facsimile or electronic mail) to the Company following the close of trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market each day in which the Shares are sold under this Section 2(a) setting forth the number of the Shares sold on such day, the aggregate gross sale proceeds, the Net Proceeds to the Company, and the compensation payable by the Company to the Agent with respect to such sales.
(viii) All Shares sold pursuant to this Section 2(a) will be delivered by the Company to Agent for the accounts of the Agent on the second full business day following the date on which such Shares are sold, or at such other time and date as Agent and the Company determine pursuant to Rule 15c6-1(a) under the Exchange Act, each such time and date of delivery being herein referred to as a “Settlement Date.” On each Settlement Date, the Shares sold through the Agent for settlement on such date shall be issued and delivered by the Company to the Agent against payment of the Net Proceeds from the sale of such Shares. Settlement for all such Shares shall be effected by free delivery of the Shares by the Company or its transfer agent (i) to the Agent or its designee’s account (provided the Agent shall have given the Company written notice of such designee prior to the Settlement Date) at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or (ii) by such other means of delivery as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto, which in all cases (provided that such Shares were sold pursuant to the Registration Statement) shall be freely tradable, transferable, registered shares in good deliverable form, in return for payment in same day funds delivered to an account designated by the Company. If the Company or its transfer agent (if applicable) shall default on its obligation to deliver the Shares on any Settlement Date, the Company shall (A) indemnify and hold the Agent harmless against any loss, claim or damage arising from or as a result of such default by the Company and (B) pay the Agent any commission to which it would otherwise be entitled absent such default against payment of the Net Proceeds therefor by wire transfer of same day funds payable to the order of the Company at 9:00 a.m. New York City time.
- 13 -
(ix) Under no circumstances shall the Company cause or request the offer or sale of any Shares if, after giving effect to the sale of such Shares, the aggregate gross sales proceeds sold pursuant to this Agreement would exceed the lesser of (A) together with all sales of Shares under this Agreement, the Maximum Amount, (B) the amount available for offer and sale under the currently effective Registration Statement and (C) the amount authorized from time to time to be issued and sold under this Agreement by the Company’s board of directors, a duly authorized committee thereof or a duly authorized executive committee, and notified to the Agent in writing. Under no circumstances shall the Company cause or request the offer or sale of any Shares at a price lower than the minimum price authorized from time to time by the Company’s board of directors, duly authorized committee thereof or a duly authorized executive committee, and notified to the Agent in writing. Further, under no circumstances shall the aggregate offering amount of the Shares sold pursuant to this Agreement, including any separate underwriting or similar agreement covering principal transactions, exceed the Maximum Amount.
(x) Unless the exceptive provisions set forth in Rule 101(c)(1) of Regulation M under the Exchange Act are satisfied with respect to the Shares, the Company shall give the Agent at least one business day’s prior notice of its intent to sell any Shares in order to allow the Agent time to comply with Regulation M.
(xi) The Company agrees that during the term of this Agreement, any offer to sell, any solicitation of an offer to buy, or any sales of Shares in an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act, including pursuant to Section 3(o) of this Agreement, shall only be effected by or through the Agent or any of its sub-agent(s) or other designees; provided, however, that the foregoing limitation shall not apply to the exercise of any outstanding stock option or warrant described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
(b) Nothing herein contained shall constitute the Agent as an unincorporated association or partner with the Company. Under no circumstances shall any Shares be sold pursuant to this Agreement after the date which is three years after the Registration Statement is first declared effective by the Commission.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, the Company agrees that no sale of Shares shall take place, and the Company shall not request the sale of any Shares, and the Agent shall not be obligated to sell, during any period in which the Company is, or could be deemed to be, in possession of material non-public information or the Company’s insider trading policy would prohibit the purchase and sale of the Company’s Common Stock by its officers and directors.
3. Covenants. The Company covenants and agrees with the Agent as follows:
(a) After the date hereof and through any Prospectus Delivery Period, prior to amending or supplementing the Registration Statement (including any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement), Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus related to this Agreement, the Company shall furnish to the Agent for review a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement, allow the Agent a reasonable amount of time to review and comment on such proposed amendment or supplement, and the Company shall not file any such proposed amendment or supplement to which the Agent or counsel to the Agent reasonably object; provided, that the foregoing shall not apply with regards to the filing by the Company of any Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or other Incorporated Document. Subject to this Section 3(a), immediately following execution of this Agreement, the Company will prepare a prospectus supplement describing the selling terms of the Shares hereunder, the plan of distribution thereof and such other information as may be required by the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations or as the Agent and the Company may deem appropriate, and if requested by the Agent, a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus containing the selling terms of the Shares hereunder and such other information as the Company and the Agent may deem appropriate, and will file or transmit for filing with the Commission, in accordance with Rule 424(b) or Rule 433, as the case may be, copies of the Prospectus as supplemented and each such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.
- 14 -
(b) After the date of this Agreement, the Company shall promptly advise the Agent in writing (i) of the receipt of any comments of, or requests for additional or supplemental information from, the Commission or for any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus (excluding any Incorporated Documents), (ii) of the time and date of any filing of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to any Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus (excluding any Incorporated Documents), (iii) of the time and date that any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement becomes effective, (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto or of any order preventing or suspending its use or the use of any Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, or (v) of any proceedings to remove, suspend or terminate from listing or quotation the Common Stock from any securities exchange upon which it is listed for trading or included or designated for quotation, or of the threatening or initiation of any proceedings for any of such purposes. If the Commission shall enter any such stop order at any time, the Company or the Agent may elect to terminate this Agreement. Additionally, the Company agrees that it shall comply with the provisions of Rules 424(b), 430B and 430C, as applicable, under the Securities Act and will use its reasonable efforts to confirm that any filings made by the Company under Rule 424(b), Rule 433 or Rule 462 were received in a timely manner by the Commission (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8) or Rule 164(b)).
(c) (i) From the date hereof through the later of (A) the termination of this Agreement and (B) the end of any applicable Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company will comply with all requirements imposed upon it by the Securities Act, as now and hereafter amended, and by the Rules and Regulations, as from time to time in force, and by the Exchange Act so far as necessary to permit the continuance of sales of or dealings in the Shares as contemplated by the provisions hereof, the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus and any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus. If during any applicable Prospectus Delivery Period any event occurs as a result of which the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus, or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances then existing, not misleading, or if during any applicable Prospectus Delivery Period it is necessary or appropriate in the opinion of the Company or its counsel, or in the reasonable opinion of the Agent or counsel to the Agent to amend the Registration Statement or supplement the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, to comply with the Securities Act or to file under the Exchange Act any document which would be deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Prospectus in order to comply with the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, the Company will promptly notify Agent (or the Agent will notify the Company, as applicable), and the Agent shall suspend the offering and sale of any such Shares, and the Company will amend the Registration Statement or supplement the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus or file such document (at the expense of the Company) so as to correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance within the time period prescribed by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
(ii) In case the Agent is required to deliver (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule), in connection with the sale of the Shares, a Prospectus after the nine-month period referred to in Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act, or after the time a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement is required pursuant to Item 512(a) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, the Company will prepare, at its expense, promptly upon request such amendment or amendments to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as may be necessary to permit compliance with the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act or Item 512(a) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, as the case may be. The Company shall cause each amendment or supplement to any Base Prospectus or the Prospectus to be filed with the Commission as required pursuant to the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act or, in the case of any document which would be deemed to be incorporated by reference therein, to be filed with the Commission as required pursuant to the Exchange Act, within the time period prescribed. The Company shall promptly notify the Agent if any Material Contract is terminated or if the other party thereto gives written notice of its intent to terminate any such Material Contract.
- 15 -
(iii) If at any time following issuance of a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus there occurs an event or development as a result of which such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement or the Prospectus, or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company promptly will notify the Agent and will promptly amend or supplement, at its own expense, such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission.
(d) The Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take or cause to be taken all necessary action to qualify the Shares for sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as Agent reasonably designates, if applicable, and to continue such qualifications in effect so long as required for the distribution of the Shares, except that the Company shall not be required in connection therewith to qualify as a foreign corporation or to execute a general consent to service of process in any state. The Company shall promptly advise the Agent of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offer or sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose.
(e) The Company will furnish to the Agent and counsel for the Agent, to the extent requested, copies of the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus, any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, and all amendments and supplements to such documents, in each case as soon as available and in such quantities as the Agent may from time to time reasonably request.
(f) The Company will make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable an earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering a 12-month period that shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Rules and Regulations. If the Company makes any public announcement or release disclosing its results of operations or financial condition for a completed quarterly or annual fiscal period (each, an “Earnings Release”) and the Company has not yet filed an Annual Report on Form 10-K or a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with respect to such information, as applicable, then, prior to any sale of Shares, the Company shall be obligated to (x) file a prospectus supplement with the Commission under the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b), which prospectus supplement shall include the applicable financial information or (y) file a Current Report on Form 8-K, which Current Report on Form 8-K shall include the applicable financial information.
(g) The Company, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereunder are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, will pay or cause to be paid (i) all expenses (including stock or transfer taxes and stamp or similar duties allocated to the respective transferees) incurred in connection with the registration, issue, sale and delivery of the Shares, (ii) all reasonable expenses and fees (including, without limitation, fees and expenses of the Company’s accountants and counsel) in connection with the preparation, printing, filing, delivery, and shipping of the Registration Statement (including the financial statements therein and all amendments, schedules, and exhibits thereto), the Base Prospectus, each Prospectus Supplement, Prospectus, any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, and any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, and the producing, word-processing, printing, delivery, and shipping of this Agreement and other closing documents, including Blue Sky Memoranda (covering the states and other applicable jurisdictions) prepared by counsel, if required, and including the cost to furnish copies of each thereof to the Agent, (iii) all filing fees, (iv) listing fees, if any, (v) the cost and expenses of the Company relating to investor presentations or any “roadshow” undertaken in connection with marketing of the Shares as agreed to by the Company, and (vi) all other costs and expenses of the Company incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder that are not otherwise specifically provided for herein. The Company shall reimburse the Agent upon request for its costs and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement, including settlement and DTC fees, and the fees and out-of-pocket expenses of its legal counsel, in an amount not to exceed (except in the case of legal fees and disbursements as provided for below) US$125,000 in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement and Prospectus Supplement for the Offering of the Shares. In addition, the Company shall reimburse the Agent upon request for such costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement in an amount not to exceed US$5,000 on a quarterly basis thereafter. All such reimbursements under this Agreement shall be paid in U.S. dollars.
- 16 -
(h) The Company will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares in the manner set forth under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus, and any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.
(i) The Company will not, without (i) giving the Agent at least five business days’ prior written notice specifying the nature of the proposed sale and the date of such proposed sale and (ii) the Agent’s suspending activity under this Agreement for such period of time as requested by the Company or as deemed appropriate by the Agent in light of the proposed sale, offer for sale, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option for the sale of, enter into any transaction which is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise) by the Company or any Subsidiary, or otherwise issue or dispose of, directly or indirectly (or publicly disclose the intention to make any such offer, sale, pledge, grant, issuance or other disposition), of any Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for, or any options or rights to purchase or acquire, Common Stock, or permit the registration under the Securities Act of any Common Stock, such securities, options or rights, except for (i) the registration of the Shares and the sales through the Agent or any of its sub-agent(s) or other designees pursuant to this Agreement (ii) the registration of Common Stock issued or issuable with respect to any currently outstanding stock options and warrants that are described in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and (iii) a registration statement on Form S-8 relating to employee benefit plans, or any reoffer prospectus filings made with the Commission in connection therewith.
(j) The Company shall not, at any time at or after the execution of this Agreement, offer or sell any Shares by means of any “prospectus” (within the meaning of the Securities Act), or use any “prospectus” (within the meaning of the Securities Act) in connection with the offer or sale of the Shares, in each case other than the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.
(k) Until the termination of this Agreement, the Company will not take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that would constitute or that might reasonably be expected to cause or result in, under the Exchange Act or otherwise, stabilization or manipulation in violation of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder of the price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares or otherwise violate any provision of Regulation M under the Exchange Act.
(l) The Company will not incur any liability for any finder’s or broker’s fee or agent’s commission in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, except as contemplated herein.
(m) During any applicable Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company will file on a timely basis with the Commission such periodic and current reports as required by the Rules and Regulations.
(n) The Company has maintained and will maintain, such controls and other procedures, including without limitation those required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the applicable regulations thereunder, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, including without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and its principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, to ensure that material information relating to Company is made known to them by others within those entities.
(o) Each of the Company and Agent represent and agree that, neither the Company nor the Agent has made or will make any offer relating to the Shares that would constitute an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act, or that would otherwise constitute a “free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, required to be filed with the Commission other than a Permitted Free Writing Prospectus. The Company represents that it has treated or agrees that it will treat each Permitted Free Writing Prospectus as an “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433, and has complied and will comply with the requirements of Rule 433 applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including timely Commission filing where required, legending and record keeping.
- 17 -
(p) On the date hereof and each date when the Company (A) amends or supplements (other than a supplement to a Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act relating solely to the offering of securities other than the Shares) the Registration Statement or Prospectus by means of a post-effective amendment, sticker, or supplement but not by means of incorporation of documents by reference into the Registration Statement or the Prospectus relating to the Shares, (B) files an Annual Report on Form 10-K under the Exchange Act (including any Form 10-K/A containing amended material financial information or a material amendment to any previously filed Form 10-K) or (C) files a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q containing quarterly financial information that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and Prospectus (each of the dates in (A) through (C) are referred to herein as a “Bringdown Date”), the Agent shall receive a favorable opinion of McMillan LLP, U.S. counsel for the Company dated as of a date within ten (10) days after the applicable Bringdown Date, addressed to the Agent and modified as necessary to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, as amended and supplemented to the time of delivery of such opinion. With respect to this Section 3(p), in lieu of delivering such opinion or letter for Bringdown Dates subsequent to the date hereof, such counsel may furnish agent with a letter (a “Reliance Letter”) to the effect that Agent may rely upon a prior opinion or letter delivered under this Section 3(p) to the same extent as if it were dated the date of such letter (except that statement in such prior opinion shall be deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented as of the date of such Reliance Letter); provided, however, the requirement to provide an opinion and letter under this Section 3(p) is hereby waived for any Bringdown Date occurring at a time at which no Transaction Notice is pending, which waiver shall continue until the earlier to occur of the date the Company delivers a Transaction Notice hereunder and the next occurring Bringdown Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company subsequently decides to sell Shares following a Bringdown Date when the Company relied on such waiver and did not provide Agent with an opinion and letter under this Section 3(p), then before the Company delivers the Transaction Notice or Agent sells any Shares, the Company shall cause McMillan LLP to furnish to the Agent a written opinion or Reliance Letter dated the date of the Transaction Notice.
(q) On the date hereof, and each date when the Company files an Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company shall cause Centurion ZA CPA & Co. or other independent accountants satisfactory to the Agent, to deliver to the Agent (A) a letter, dated as of a date within ten (10) days after such date and addressed to Agent, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent (the first such letter, the “Initial Comfort Letter”), confirming that they are independent public accountants within the meaning of the Securities Act and are in compliance with the applicable requirements relating to the qualifications of accountants under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X of the Commission, and stating the conclusions and findings of said firm with respect to the financial information and other matters, and (B) a letter updating the Initial Comfort Letter with any information that would have been included in the Initial Comfort Letter had it been given on such date and as modified as necessary to relate to the date of such letter (each such letter, a “Bringdown Comfort Letter”); provided, however, the requirement to provide a Bringdown Comfort Letter under this Section 3(q) is hereby waived for any Bringdown Date occurring at a time at which no Transaction Notice is pending, which waiver shall continue until the earlier to occur of the date the Company delivers a Transaction Notice hereunder and the next occurring Bringdown Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company subsequently decides to sell Shares following a Bringdown Date when the Company relied on such waiver and did not provide Agent with a Bringdown Comfort Letter under this Section 3(q), then before the Company delivers the Transaction Notice or Agent sells any Shares, the Company shall cause Centurion ZA CPA & Co., or other independent accountants satisfactory to the Agent, to deliver to the Agent a Bringdown Comfort Letter dated the date of the Transaction Notice.
(r) On the date hereof and each Bringdown Date, the Company shall furnish to the Agent a certificate, dated as of a date within ten (10) days after the applicable Bringdown Date and addressed to Agent, signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, to the effect that:
(i) The representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as if made at and as of the date of the certificate, and the Company has complied in all material respects with all the agreements and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the date of the certificate;
(ii) No stop order or other order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof or any amendment thereof or the qualification of the Shares for offering or sale or notice that would prevent use of the Registration Statement, nor suspending or preventing the use of the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, has been issued, and no proceeding for that purpose has been instituted or, to the best of their knowledge, is contemplated by the Commission or any state or regulatory body;
- 18 -
(iii) The Shares to be sold on that date have been duly and validly authorized by the Company and all corporate action required to be taken for the authorization, issuance and sale of the Shares on that date has been validly and sufficiently taken;
(iv) Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, as amended and supplemented, and except for pending transactions disclosed therein, the Company has not incurred any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, or entered into any material transactions, not in the ordinary course of business, or declared or paid any dividends or made any distribution of any kind with respect to its capital stock, and there has not been any change in the capital stock or any issuance of options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights to purchase the capital stock (other than as a result of the exercise of any currently outstanding options or warrants that are disclosed in the Prospectus), or any material change in the short-term or long-term debt, of the Company, or any Material Adverse Effect or any development that would reasonably be likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect (whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business), or any material loss by strike, fire, flood, earthquake, accident, epidemic, pandemic or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, incurred by the Company; and
(v) Except as stated in the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus, and any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, as amended and supplemented, there is not pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened or contemplated, any action, suit or proceeding to which the Company is a party before or by any court or governmental agency, authority or body, or any arbitrator, which would reasonably be likely to result in any Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, the requirement to provide a certificate under this Section 3(r) is hereby waived for any Bringdown Date occurring at a time at which no Transaction Notice is pending, which waiver shall continue until the earlier to occur of the date the Company delivers a Transaction Notice hereunder and the next occurring Bringdown Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company subsequently decides to sell Shares following a Bringdown Date when the Company relied on such waiver and did not provide Agent with a certificate under this Section 3(r), then before the Company delivers the Transaction Notice or Agent sells any Shares, the Company shall provide Agent with a certificate dated the date of the Transaction Notice.
(s) On the date the Registration Statement is declared effective and each Bringdown Date, the Company shall furnish to the Agent a certificate from the Company’s Corporate Secretary, dated as of a date within seven (7) days after the applicable Bringdown Date and addressed to Agent, certifying: (i) that each of the Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws is true and complete, has not been modified and is in full force and effect; (ii) that the resolutions of the Company’s Board of Directors relating to the Offering are in full force and effect and have not been modified; (iii) the good standing of the Company; and (iv) as to the incumbency of the officers of the Company. The documents referred to in such certificate shall be attached to such certificate.
(t) On the date Registration Statement is declared effective and each Bringdown Date, the Company shall furnish to the Agent a certificate from the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, dated as of a date within seven (7) days after the applicable Bringdown Date and addressed to Agent, with respect to certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.
(u) A reasonable time prior to each Bringdown Date, the Company, if so requested by the Agent, shall conduct a due diligence session, in form and substance, satisfactory to the Agent, which shall include representatives of the management and the accountants of the Company.
(v) The Company shall disclose in its Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q with quarterly financial information the number of Shares sold through the Agent or any of its sub-agent(s) or other designees under this Agreement, the Net Proceeds to the Company and the compensation paid by the Company with respect to sales of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement.
- 19 -
(w) The Company shall ensure that there are at all times sufficient Common Stock to provide for the issuance, free of any preemptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued Common Stock, of the maximum aggregate number of Shares authorized for issuance by the Company’s board of directors pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Shares to be listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, and to maintain such listing. The Company shall cooperate with Agent and use its reasonable efforts to permit Shares to be eligible for clearance and settlement through the facilities of DTC.
(x) At any time during the term of this Agreement, the Company will advise the Agent promptly after it receives notice or obtains knowledge of any information or fact that would alter or affect any opinion, certificate, letter and other document provided to the Agent pursuant to Section 3 herein.
(y) Subject to compliance with any applicable requirements of Regulation M under the Exchange Act and compliance with applicable securities laws, the Company consents to the Agent trading in Common Stock for the Agent’s own account and for the account of its clients (in compliance with all applicable laws) at the same time as sales of the Shares occur pursuant to this Agreement.
(z) If to the knowledge of the Company, any condition set forth in Section 4 of this Agreement shall not have been satisfied on the applicable Settlement Date or will not be satisfied on or prior to the date required by this Agreement, the Company will offer to any person who has agreed to purchase the Shares on such Settlement Date from the Company as the result of an offer to purchase solicited by the Agent the right to refuse to purchase and pay for such Shares.
(aa) Each issuance of a Transaction Notice to purchase the Shares hereunder shall be deemed to be an affirmation to the Agent that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in or made pursuant to this Agreement are true and correct as of the date of such acceptance as though made at and as of such date, and an undertaking that such representations and warranties will be true and correct as of the Settlement Date for the Shares relating to such acceptance, as though made at and as of such date (except that such representations and warranties shall be deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, as amended and supplemented relating to such Shares).
(bb) The Company shall ensure that there are at all times sufficient Common Stock to provide for the issuance, free of any preemptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued Common Stock or Common Stock held in treasury, of the maximum aggregate number of Shares authorized for issuance by the Company’s board of directors pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
(cc) During any period when the delivery of a prospectus relating to the Shares is required (including in circumstances where such requirement may be satisfied pursuant to Rule 172, 173 or any similar rule) to be delivered under the Securities Act, the Company will file all documents required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act within the time periods required by the Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder.
(dd) The Company shall cooperate with Agent and use its reasonable efforts to permit the Shares to be eligible for clearance and settlement through the facilities of DTC.
(ee) To the extent that the Registration Statement is not available for the sales of the Shares as contemplated by this Agreement, the Company shall file a new registration statement with respect to any additional shares of Common Stock necessary to complete such sales of the Shares and shall cause such registration statement to become effective as promptly as practicable. After the effectiveness of any such registration statement, all references to “Registration Statement” included in this Agreement shall be deemed to include such new registration statement, including all documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3, and all references to “Base Prospectus” included in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the final form of prospectus, including all documents incorporated therein by reference, included in any such registration statement at the time such registration statement became effective.
- 20 -
4. Conditions of Agent’s Obligations. The obligations of the Agent hereunder are subject to (i) the accuracy of, as of the date hereof, each Bringdown Date, and each Time of Sale (in each case, as if made at such date), and compliance with, all representations, warranties and agreements of the Company contained herein, (ii) the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder and (iii) the following additional conditions:
(a) If the filing of the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, is required under the Securities Act or the Rules and Regulations, the Company shall have filed the Prospectus (or such amendment or supplement) or such Permitted Free Writing Prospectus with the Commission in the manner and within the time period so required (without reliance on Rule 424(b)(8) or Rule 164(b)); the Registration Statement shall remain effective; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, or any amendment thereof, nor suspending or preventing the use of the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus shall have been issued; no proceedings for the issuance of such an order shall have been initiated or threatened; and any request of the Commission for additional information (to be included in the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus, any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus or otherwise) shall have been complied with to the Agent’s satisfaction.
(b) The Agent shall not have advised the Company that the Registration Statement, the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, contains an untrue statement of fact which, in the Agent’s opinion, is material, or omits to state a fact which, in the Agent’s opinion, is material and is required to be stated therein or is necessary to make the statements therein (i) with respect to the Registration Statement, not misleading and (ii) with respect to the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
(c) Except as set forth or contemplated in the Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus and any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given therein, the Company shall not have incurred any material liabilities or obligations, direct or contingent, or entered into any material transactions, or declared or paid any dividends or made any distribution of any kind with respect to its capital stock and there shall not have been any change in the capital stock, or any issuance of options, warrants, convertible securities or other rights to purchase the capital stock (other than as a result of the exercise of any currently outstanding stock options or warrants that are disclosed in the Prospectus), or any material change in the short-term or long-term debt, of the Company, or any Material Adverse Effect or any development that would be reasonably likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect (whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business), or any material loss by strike, fire, flood, earthquake, epidemic, pandemic, accident or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, incurred by the Company, the effect of which, in any such case described above, in the Agent’s judgment, makes it impractical or inadvisable to offer or deliver the Shares.
(d) The Company shall have performed each of its obligations under Section 3(p).
(e) The Company shall have performed each of its obligations under Section 3(q).
(f) The Company shall have performed each of its obligations under Sections 3(r), (s), (t) and (u).
(g) FINRA shall not have raised any objection to the fairness and reasonableness of the terms and arrangements under this Agreement.
(h) All filings with the Commission required by Rule 424 under the Securities Act to have been filed by the Settlement Date shall have been made within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by Rule 424.
(i) The Company shall have furnished to Agent and the Agent’s counsel such additional documents, certificates and evidence as they may have reasonably requested.
(j) Trading in the Common Stock shall not have been suspended on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Shares shall have been listed and authorized for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market prior to the first Settlement Date, and satisfactory evidence of such actions shall have been provided to the Agent and its counsel, which may include oral confirmation from a representative of Nasdaq.
- 21 -
(k) The Company shall have in place a directors and officers insurance policy, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent.
All such opinions, certificates, letters and other documents will be in compliance with the provisions hereof only if they are reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Agent and the Agent’s counsel. The Company will furnish Agent with such conformed copies of such opinions, certificates, letters and other documents as Agent shall reasonably request.
5. Indemnification and Contribution.
(a) (i) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent and each of the other Indemnified Parties (as defined below) from and against, and pay on demand for, any and all losses, claims, damages, obligations, penalties, judgments, awards, liabilities, costs, expenses and disbursements, and any and all actions, suits, proceedings and investigations in respect thereof and any and all legal and other costs, expenses and disbursements in giving testimony or furnishing documents in response to subpoena or otherwise (including, without limitation, the costs, expenses and disbursements, as and when incurred, of investigating, preparing, pursuing or defending any such action, suit, proceeding or investigation (whether or not in connection with litigation in which any Indemnified Party is a party)) (collectively, “Losses”), directly or indirectly, caused by, relating to, based upon, arising out of, or in connection with this Agreement, including, without limitation, any act or omission by the Agent in connection with its acceptance of or the performance or non-performance of its obligations under the Agreement, any and all Losses as incurred arising out of or based upon any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or arising out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact included in any related Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, the Base Prospectus, any Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, any breach by the Company of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained in the Agreement (or in any instrument, document or agreement relating thereto, including any agency agreement), or the enforcement by the Agent of its rights under the Agreement or these indemnification provisions, except to the extent that any such Losses are found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction (not subject to further appeal) to have resulted primarily and directly from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnified Party seeking indemnification hereunder. The Company also agrees that no Indemnified Party shall have any liability (whether direct or indirect, in contract or tort or otherwise) to the Company for or in connection with this Agreement for any other reason, except to the extent that any such liability is found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction (not subject to further appeal) to have resulted primarily and directly from such Indemnified Party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability that the Company otherwise might have.
(ii) These indemnification provisions shall extend to the following persons (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”): the Agent, its present and former affiliates, managers, members, officers, employees, legal counsel, agents and controlling persons (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act), each of the Agent’s sub-agents and other designees utilized by the Agent in connection with this Offering, and the officers, directors, partners, stockholders, members, managers, employees, legal counsel, agents and controlling persons of any of them. These indemnification provisions shall be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have to any Indemnified Party.
(iii) If any action, suit, proceeding or investigation is commenced, as to which an Indemnified Party proposes to demand indemnification, it shall notify the Company with reasonable promptness; provided, however, that any failure by an Indemnified Party to notify the Company shall not relieve the Company from its obligations hereunder except to the extent that the Company is actually and materially prejudiced by such failure to notify. An Indemnified Party shall have the right to retain counsel of its own choice to represent it, and the fees, expenses and disbursements of such counsel shall be borne by the Company. Any such counsel shall, to the extent consistent with its professional responsibilities, cooperate with the Company and any counsel designated by the Company. The Company shall be liable for any settlement of any claim against any Indemnified Party made with the Company’s written consent. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Agent, settle or compromise any claim, or permit a default or consent to the entry of any judgment in respect thereof, unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i) includes, as an unconditional term thereof, the giving by the claimant to all of the Indemnified Parties of an unconditional release from all liability in respect of such claim, and (ii) does not contain any factual or legal admission by or with respect to an Indemnified Party or an adverse statement with respect to the character, professionalism, expertise or reputation of any Indemnified Party or any action or inaction of any Indemnified Party.
- 22 -
(iv) In order to provide for just and equitable contribution, if a claim for indemnification pursuant to these indemnification provisions is made but it is found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction (not subject to further appeal) that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case, even though the express provisions hereof provide for indemnification in such case, then the Company shall contribute to the Losses to which any Indemnified Party may be subject (i) in accordance with the relative benefits received by the Company and its stockholders, subsidiaries and affiliates, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Party, on the other hand, and (ii) if (and only if) the allocation provided in clause (i) of this sentence is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as to reflect not only the relative benefits, but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Party, on the other hand, in connection with the statements, acts or omissions which resulted in such Losses as well as any relevant equitable considerations. No person found liable for a fraudulent misrepresentation shall be entitled to contribution from any person who is not also found liable for fraudulent misrepresentation. The relative benefits received (or anticipated to be received) by the Company and its stockholders, subsidiaries and affiliates shall be deemed to be equal to the aggregate consideration payable or receivable by such parties in connection with the transaction or transactions to which the Agreement relates relative to the amount of fees actually received by the Agent in connection with such transaction or transactions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the amount contributed by all Indemnified Parties exceed the amount of fees previously received by the Agent pursuant to the Agreement.
(b) (i) The Agent will indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its affiliates and directors and each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (the “Company Indemnified Parties”) from and against any Losses to which the Company or the Company Indemnified Parties may become subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Agent), insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, but only and solely to the extent that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the Registration Statement, any Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by Agent expressly for use in the preparation thereof, it being understood and agreed that the only information furnished by the Agent consists of the information described as such in Section 5(b)(ii) hereof, by the Company in connection with investigating or defending against any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.
(ii) The Agent confirms and the Company acknowledges that as of the date hereof no information has been furnished in writing to the Company by or on behalf of the Agent specifically for inclusion in the Registration Statement, any Base Prospectus, Prospectus Supplement, the Prospectus or any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus.
(c) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 5 is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in subsection (a) or (b) above, (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Agent on the other from the Offering or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Agent on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Agent on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the Offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company and the total commissions received by the Agent from the sale of the Shares. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or the Agent and the parties’ relevant intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or omission. The Company and the Agent agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this subsection (c) were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in the first sentence of this subsection (c). The amount paid by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the first sentence of this subsection (c) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending against any action or claim which is the subject of this subsection (c). Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (c), the Agent shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that the Agent has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
- 23 -
(d) Neither termination of this Agreement nor completion of the Offering shall affect these indemnification provisions, which shall remain operative and in full force and effect. The indemnification provisions shall be binding upon the Company and the Agent and their respective successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Indemnified Parties and the Company Indemnified Parties and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and personal representatives.
6. Representations and Agreements to Survive Delivery. All representations and warranties of the Company herein or in certificates delivered pursuant hereto, and agreements of the Agent and the Company herein, including but not limited to the agreements of the Agent and the Company contained in Section 5 hereof, shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Agent or any controlling person thereof, or the Company or any of its officers, directors, or controlling persons, and shall survive delivery of, and payment for, the Shares to and by the Agent hereunder.
7. Termination of this Agreement.
(a) The Company shall have the right, by giving written notice as hereinafter specified, to terminate the provisions of this Agreement relating to the solicitation of offers to purchase the Shares in its sole discretion at any time upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except that (i) if the Shares have been sold through the Agent or any of its sub-agent(s) or other designees for the Company, then Sections 3(g), 3(o) and 3(y) shall remain in full force and effect, (ii) with respect to any pending sale, through the Agent or any of its sub-agent(s) or other designees for the Company, the obligations of the Company with respect to such pending sale of Shares, including in respect of compensation of the Agent, shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination and (iii) the provisions of Section 2(a)(vi), Section 3(g), Section 3(o), Section 5 and Section 6 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination.
(b) The Agent shall have the right, by giving written notice as hereinafter specified, to terminate the provisions of this Agreement relating to the solicitation of offers to purchase the Shares in its sole discretion at any time. Any such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except that (i) the provisions of the last three sentences Section 3(g) and the entirety of Section 3(o), Section 5 and Section 6 of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding such termination and (ii) the provisions of Section 3(g) other than the last three sentences thereof shall remain in full force and effect only if the Agent has terminated this Agreement as a result of the Company’s default of its obligations hereunder and its failure to cure any default within a reasonable period of time.
(c) This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect for twenty-four (24) months from the date hereof, by and between the Company and the Agent, unless terminated pursuant to Sections 7(a) or (b) above or otherwise by mutual agreement of the parties; provided that any such termination by mutual agreement shall in all cases be deemed to provide that Section 3(g), Section 3(o), Section 5 and Section 6 shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement shall terminate automatically upon the issuance and sale of Shares having an aggregate offering price equal to the amount set forth in the first paragraph of this Agreement.
- 24 -
(d) Any termination of this Agreement shall be effective on the date specified in such notice of termination; provided that such termination shall not be effective until the close of business on the date of receipt of such notice by the Agent or the Company, as the case may be. If such termination shall occur prior to the Settlement Date for any sale of the Shares, such sale shall settle in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(a) of this Agreement.
8. Default by the Company. If the Company shall fail at any Settlement Date to sell and deliver the number of Shares which it is obligated to sell hereunder, then the Company shall have five (5) business days to cure such default and deliver such Shares. No action taken pursuant to this Section 8 shall relieve the Company from liability, if any, in respect of such default, and the Company shall (A) hold the Agent or any of its sub-agent(s) or other designees harmless against any loss, claim or damage arising from or as a result of such default by the Company and (B) pay the Agent any commission to which it would otherwise be entitled absent such default.
9. Notices. Except as otherwise provided herein, all communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and, if to the Agent, shall be mailed, delivered or sent by facsimile or email transmission Univest Securities, LLC, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 1803, New York, NY, 10019, Attention: Bradley Richmond, Chief Operating Officer/Co-Head of Investment Banking (email: brichmond@univest.us ) or at such other address and/or contact information which may be furnished by Univest Securities, LLC to the Company expressly for such purpose, with a required copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019, Attention: David E. Danovitch (fax: (212) 660-3001; email: ddanovitch@sullivanlaw.com). Notices to the Company shall be given to it at 111 Somerset Road, Level 3, Singapore 238164, Attention: Martin Shen, Chief Executive Officer (email: martin.shen@fingermotion.com, with a required copy (which shall not constitute notice) to McMillan LLP, Royal Centre, Suite 1500, 1055 West Georgia Street, PO Box 11117, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 4N7, Attn: Michael Shannon (fax: (604) 685-7084; email: michael.shannon@mcmillan.ca). Any party to this Agreement may change such address for notices by sending to the parties to this Agreement written notice of a new address for such purpose.
10. Persons Entitled to Benefit of Agreement. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns and the controlling persons, officers and directors referred to in Section 5. Nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give to any other person, firm or corporation any legal or equitable remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein contained. The term “successors and assigns” as herein used shall not include any purchaser, as such purchaser, of any of the Shares from the Agent.
11. Absence of Fiduciary Relationship. The Company acknowledges and agrees that: (a) the Agent has been retained solely to act as an sales agent and/or principal in connection with the sale of the Shares and that no fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship between the Company and the Agent has been created in respect of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, irrespective of whether the Agent has advised or are advising the Company on other matters; (b) the price and other terms of the Shares set forth in this Agreement were established by the Company following discussions and arms-length negotiations with the Agent and the Company is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (c) it has been advised that the Agent and its affiliates are engaged in a broad range of transactions which may involve interests that differ from those of the Company and that the Agent has no obligation to disclose such interest and transactions to the Company by virtue of any fiduciary, advisory or agency relationship; (d) it has been advised that the Agent is acting, in respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, solely for the benefit of the Agent, and not on behalf of the Company; and (e) it waives to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims it may have against the Agent for breach of fiduciary duty or alleged breach of fiduciary duty in respect of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and agrees that the Agent shall have no liability (whether direct or indirect) to the Company in respect of such a fiduciary duty claim on behalf of or in right of the Company, including stockholders, employees or creditors of the Company.
12. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, including Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York, but otherwise without regard to conflict of laws rules that would apply the laws of any other jurisdiction.
13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and, if executed in more than one counterpart, the executed counterparts shall each be deemed to be an original and all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission or a .pdf or other electronic format file, such signature shall create a valid and binding obligation of the party executing (or on whose behalf such signature is executed) with the same force and effect as if such facsimile or .pdf or other electronic signature page were an original thereof.
- 25 -
14. Adjustments for Stock Splits. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that all share-related numbers contained in this Agreement shall be adjusted to take into account any stock split, stock dividend or similar event effected by the Company with respect to the Shares.
15. Entire Agreement; Amendment; Severability; Headings. This Agreement (including all schedules and exhibits attached hereto and transaction notices issued pursuant hereto) constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior and contemporaneous agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties hereto with regard to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that Section 6 of that certain letter agreement dated July 31, 2023 by and between the Company and the Agent shall remain in full force and effect. Neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be waived or amended except pursuant to a written instrument executed by the Company and the Agent. In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstance, is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable as written by a court of competent jurisdiction, then such provision shall be given full force and effect to the fullest possible extent that it is valid, legal and enforceable, and the remainder of the terms and provisions herein shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable term or provision was not contained herein, but only to the extent that giving effect to such provision and the remainder of the terms and provisions hereof shall be in accordance with the intent of the parties as reflected in this Agreement. The section headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
16. Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the Company and the Agent hereby waives any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any claim based upon or arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
17. Submission to Jurisdiction. The Company irrevocably submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or United States federal court sitting in The City of New York, Borough of Manhattan, over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Prospectus, the Registration Statement, or the offering of the Shares. The Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. To the extent that the Company has or hereafter may acquire any immunity (on the grounds of sovereignty or otherwise) from the jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process with respect to itself or its property, the Company irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, such immunity in respect of any such suit, action or proceeding including without limitation, any immunity pursuant to the U.S. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976, as amended. Each of the Agent and the Company further agrees to accept and acknowledge service of any and all process which may be served in any such suit, action or proceeding in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and agrees that service of process upon the Company mailed by certified mail or delivered by Federal Express via overnight delivery to the Company’s address shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon the Company in any such suit, action or proceeding, and service of process upon the Agent mailed by certified mail or delivered by Federal Express via overnight delivery to the Agent’s address shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon such Agent in any such suit, action or proceeding.
[Signature Page Follows]
- 26 -
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to the Company the enclosed duplicate of this At-The-Market Issuance Sales Agreement, whereupon this letter and your acceptance shall represent a binding agreement between the Company and the Agent in accordance with its terms.
| Very truly yours, | |||
| FINGERMOTION, INC. | |||
| By: | /s/ Martin Shen | ||
| Name: | Martin Shen | ||
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | ||
Confirmed as of the date first above mentioned. |
|||
| UNIVEST SECURITIES, LLC, as Agent | |||
| By: | /s/ Bradley Richmond | ||
| Name: | Bradley Richmond | ||
| Title: | Chief Operating Officer and Co-Head of Investment Banking | ||
[Signature Page to FNGR At-The-Market Issuance Sales Agreement]
- 27 -
Schedule A
Permitted Free Writing Prospectus
Not applicable.
- 28 -
Schedule B
Individuals Permitted to Authorize Sales of Shares
FingerMotion, Inc.:
| ● | Martin Shen, Chief Executive Officer |
- 29 -
Schedule C
Form of Transaction Notice
| From: | FingerMotion, Inc. |
| To: | Univest Securities, LLC |
| Subject: | Transaction Notice |
| Date: | [●], 202[_] |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the At-The-Market Issuance Sales Agreement between FingerMotion, Inc. (the “Company”), and Univest Securities, LLC (“Agent”), dated September 11, 2023, the Company hereby requests that the Agent sell up to [•] of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, at a minimum market price of $[•] per share, during the time period beginning [month, day, time] and ending [month, day, time].
- 30 -
Schedule D
Individual to Which Notice Can Be Given
Univest Securities, LLC:
| ● | Bradley Richmond |
| Office: 75 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 18C, New York, NY, 10019 | |
| Email: brichmond@univest.us |
- 31 -
September 11, 2023
FingerMotion, Inc.
1460 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
| Re: | Form S-3 Registration Statement |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are acting as special Delaware counsel to FingerMotion, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the Form S-3 Registration Statement of the Company to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about September 11, 2023 (the “Registration Statement”) which contains two prospectuses: (i) a base prospectus that covers the offering, issuance and sale by the Company of up to $300,000,000 in the aggregate of the Company’s shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), warrants for shares of Common Stock (the “Warrants”) pursuant to one or more warrant certificates, warrant agreements or similar instruments (the “Warrant Agreements”) to be entered into by the Company and the warrant agent to be named therein (the “Warrant Agent”), subscription receipts entitling the recipient thereof to shares of Common Stock or Warrants (the “Subscription Receipts”) pursuant to one or more subscription receipt agreements or similar instruments (the “Subscription Receipt Agreements”) to be entered into between the Company and the Subscription Receipt Agent (the “Subscription Receipt Agent”), and units for any combination thereof (the “Units” and together with the Warrants and the Subscription Receipts, the “Equity Securities) pursuant to one or more unit agreements or similar instruments (the “Unit Agreements,” and together with the Warrant Agreements and Subscription Receipt Agreements, the “Equity Agreements”) to be entered into by the Company and the agent to be named therein (the “Units Agent” and together with the Warrant Agent and the Subscription Receipt Agent, the “Equity Agreement Counterparties”), from time to time in one or more offerings; and (ii) an at-the-market offering agreement prospectus that covers the offering, issuance and sale by the Company of up to a maximum offering of $25,000,000 of Common Stock that may be issued and sold under an at-the-market offering agreement with Univest Securities, LLC, as sales agent. The $25,000,000 of Common Stock that may be offered, issued and sold under the at-the-market offering agreement prospectus is included in the $300,000,000 of securities that may be offered, issued and sold by the registrant under the base prospectus. In connection with this, you have requested our opinion as to certain matters under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “General Corporation Law”).
The Common Stock and Equity Securities being registered under the Registration Statement will have an aggregate offering price not to exceed $300,000,000 and will be offered on a continuous or delayed basis pursuant to the provisions of Rule 415 under the Securities Act.
FingerMotion, Inc.
September 11, 2023
Page 2
For the purpose of rendering our opinion as expressed herein, we have been furnished and have reviewed the following documents:
(i) the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Secretary of State”) on January 23, 2014, as amended by the Certificate of Designation of the Company, as filed with the Secretary of State on May 16, 2017, the Certificate of Amendment of the Company, as filed with the Secretary of State on June 21, 2017, and the Certificate of Revival of the Company, as filed with the Secretary of State on August 26, 2020 (collectively, the “Certificate of Incorporation”);
(ii) the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company in effect since August 20, 2021 (the “Bylaws”);
(iii) the Registration Statement; and
(iv) a certificate of an officer of the Company (including the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) attached thereto and certified therein), dated the date hereof, as to certain matters; and
(v) a certificate of the Secretary of State, dated on or about the date hereof, as to the good standing of the Company.
For purposes of this opinion, we have not reviewed any documents other than the documents listed in paragraphs (i) through (v) above. In particular, we have not reviewed any document (other than the documents listed in paragraphs (i) through (v) above) that is referred to in or incorporated by reference into the documents reviewed by us. We have assumed that there exists no provision in any document that we have not reviewed that is inconsistent with the opinions stated herein. We have conducted no independent factual investigation of our own but rather have relied solely upon the foregoing documents, the statements and information set forth therein and the additional matters recited or assumed herein, all of which we have assumed to be true, complete and accurate in all material respects.
With respect to all documents examined by us, we have assumed (i) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as authentic originals, (ii) the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies or forms, and (iii) the genuineness of all signatures.
FingerMotion, Inc.
September 11, 2023
Page 3
For purposes of this opinion, we have assumed (i) the legal capacity of each natural person who is a signatory to the documents examined by us or to any of the Equity Agreements, (ii) that each of the parties to any of the documents examined by us or to any Equity Agreement has the power and authority to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, such documents or Equity Agreement, (iii) that, prior to the issuance of any shares of Common Stock in connection with any public offering pursuant to the Registration Statement or upon exercise of or pursuant to any Equity Security, the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly authorized committee thereof will adopt resolutions authorizing (a) the issuance of such shares of Common Stock, (b) setting forth the consideration to be received for such shares of Common Stock, which total amount shall not be less than the aggregated par value thereof, and (c) with respect to any shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of or pursuant to any Equity Security, the maximum number of shares issuable upon the exercise of such Equity Security, a time period during which such Equity Security may be exercised, and a period during which the shares issuable upon exercise thereof, may be issued, and the minimum consideration for which such Equity Security may be issued and the minimum consideration for the shares issuable upon exercise thereof, which total amount shall not be less than the aggregated par value thereof, (iv) that the shares of Common Stock will be offered, issued, sold, delivered to, and paid for by the purchaser(s) in accordance with the terms of such resolutions and any agreement or agreements between the Company and such purchaser(s) with respect thereto and, if applicable, the terms of Equity Agreements governing the applicable Equity Security, (v) that the Company will receive a total amount in consideration for the shares of Common Stock sold or issued pursuant to the exercise of such Equity Security in an amount not less than the aggregated par value thereof, (vi) that if issued in certificated form, certificates representing the shares of Common Stock so issued will be duly executed and delivered and, to the extent required by any applicable agreement or Equity Agreement, duly authenticated and countersigned, and if issued in book-entry form, the shares of Common Stock will be duly registered to the extent required by any applicable agreement or Equity Agreement, (vii) that at the time any shares of Common Stock are issued, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock then issued, subscribed for or otherwise committed for issuance, will not exceed the number of shares of Common Stock the Company is authorized to issue under the Certificate of Incorporation, (viii) that prior to or as of the time of each issuance of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to an Equity Security, the Company shall have entered into an Equity Agreement or Equity Agreements with respect to the issuance of such shares and shall have otherwise complied with all of the requirements and other terms and conditions of the issuance of such shares set forth in such Equity Agreement or Equity Agreements, (xiv) that no Equity Agreement will contain any term, condition or provision that is contrary to any of our opinions as expressed herein, (xvi) that the issuances of the Common Stock have been or will be duly recorded in the stock ledger of the Company at the time of such issuance, (xvii) that as of the time of each issuance of shares of Common Stock, the resolutions and any agreement or agreements between the Company and such purchaser(s) with respect thereto and, if applicable, the Equity Agreement or Equity Agreements with respect thereto will be in full force and effect, and there shall not have occurred any transaction or series of transactions deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, and (xviii) that (a) each of the Equity Agreements to be entered into in connection with the issuance of any Equity Securities will be duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the applicable Equity Agreement Counterparty, (b) the specific terms of each Equity Security will have been duly authorized and established in accordance with the terms of the applicable Equity Agreement prior to the issuance of each Equity Security, and (c) to the extent applicable, each Equity Security will have been duly authorized, executed, issued and delivered in accordance with the terms of the applicable Equity Agreement and any other agreement that the Company is a party to that is applicable to the issuance of such Equity Security, in each case, prior to the issuance of such Equity Security. We have not participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and assume no responsibility for its contents.
FingerMotion, Inc.
September 11, 2023
Page 4
This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Delaware and we have not considered and express no opinion on the laws of any other state or jurisdiction, including federal laws and rules and regulations relating thereto.
Based upon the foregoing, and upon our examination of such questions of law and statutes of the State of Delaware as we have considered necessary or appropriate, and subject to the assumptions, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Common Stock to be issued in connection with any public offering pursuant to the Registration Statement or upon exercise of or pursuant to any Equity Security, when issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
2. Each Equity Security to be issued pursuant to the Registration Statement or upon exercise or conversion of or pursuant to any other Equity Security will (i) be duly authorized on behalf of the Company under the General Corporation Law, the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws and (ii) constitute a valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms.
Our opinion as set forth in clause (ii) of opinion paragraph 2 above is subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer and conveyance, moratorium, reorganization, receivership and similar laws relating to or affecting the enforcement of the rights and remedies of creditors generally, (ii) principles of equity, including principles of commercial reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the applicable law relating to fiduciary duties (regardless of whether considered and applied in a proceeding in equity or at law), and (iii) the discretion of the court before which any proceeding in respect of any of the Equity Securities or the transactions contemplated thereby may be brought.
We consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving the foregoing consent, we do not thereby admit that we come within the category of Persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
| Very truly yours, | |
| /s/ Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. |
RBG/AGB
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of FingerMotion, Inc. for the registration of (i) common shares, (ii) warrants to purchase common shares, (iii) subscription receipts for common shares, warrants or any combination thereof, or (iv) any combination of common shares, warrants or subscription receipts, for up to $300,000,000 in aggregate and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated May 30, 2023, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of FingerMotion, Inc., for the fiscal years ended February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended February 28, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Our report contains an explanatory paragraph regarding FingerMotion, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern.
/s/ Centurion ZD CPA & Co.
Certified Public Accountants
Hong
Kong
September 11, 2023