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Cheche Group (CCG)
NASDAQ:CCG
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Risk Overview Q4, 2023
Risk Distribution
47% Finance & Corporate
16% Legal & Regulatory
13% Production
8% Ability to Sell
8% Macro & Political
7% Tech & Innovation
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
Cheche Group Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q4, 2023
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 40 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 40 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
85
-5
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
85
-5
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
1Risks added
2Risks removed
7Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
1Risks added
2Risks removed
7Risks changed
Since Dec 2023
Number of Risk Changed
7
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
7
No changes from last report
S&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of Cheche Group in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 85
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 40/85 (47%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights27 | 31.8%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
Our Warrants may never be in the money, and they may expire worthless.Added
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
The warrant agreement relating to the Warrants provides that we agree that any action, proceeding or claim against us arising out of or relating in any way to such agreement will be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and that we irrevocably submit to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction will be the exclusive forum for any such action, proceeding or claim. This exclusive forum provision could limit warrant holders' ability to obtain what they believe to be a favorable judicial forum for disputes related to the A&R Warrant Agreement.Changed
In connection with the Business Combination, we entered into the A&R Warrant Agreement on August 7, 2023, which relates to the Warrants. Under the A&R Warrant Agreement, we, in collaboration with the warrant agent, are required to deliver Class A Ordinary Shares to warrantholders, provided that they duly exercise their Warrants and make payment in accordance with the terms of the A&R Warrant Agreement. Disputes with warrantholders may arise in connection with the performance of our contractual obligations under the A&R Warrant Agreement. The A&R Warrant Agreement provides that any action, proceeding or claim against us arising out of or relating in any way to such agreement will be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which will be the exclusive forum for any such action, proceeding or claim. This provision will apply to claims under the Securities Act but as discussed below, will not apply to claims under the Exchange Act.
Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the exclusive forum provision in the A&R Warrant Agreement will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Accordingly, the exclusive forum provision does not designate the courts of the State of New York as the exclusive forum for any derivative action arising under the Exchange Act, as there is exclusive federal jurisdiction in that instance.
Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the enforceability of the exclusive forum provision in the A&R Warrant Agreement is uncertain, and a court may determine that such provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or any other claim for which the federal and state courts have concurrent jurisdiction. Further, compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder cannot be waived by investors in our securities.
The exclusive forum provision in the A&R Warrant Agreement may limit a warrant holder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes related to the A&R Warrant Agreement, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors or officers. Alternatively, if a court were to find this exclusive forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and result in a diversion of the time and resources of our management and board of directors.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
The PCAOB has historically been unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report, and the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of our auditor in the past has deprived investors with the benefits of such inspections.Changed
The independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report of us included elsewhere in this annual report, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Our auditor is located in China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB was historically unable to conduct inspections and investigations completely before the end of 2022. As a result, we and investors in our securities are deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China in the past made it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our independent registered public accounting firm's audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that have been subject to the PCAOB inspections. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB issued a report that vacated its December 16, 2021 determination and removed mainland China and Hong Kong from the list of jurisdictions where it is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms. However, if the PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely accounting firms in China, and we use an accounting firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit report on our financial statements filed with the SEC, we and investors in our securities would be deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections again, which could cause investors and potential investors in our securities to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements. Furthermore, trading in our securities on any U.S. stock exchange or the U.S. over-the-counter market may be prohibited under the HFCAA if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely auditors located in China for two consecutive years. As a result the value of our securities will decline significantly or become worthless.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
We may redeem your unexpired the Warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to you, thereby making your Warrants worthless.Changed
After the Closing, subject to the terms of the A&R Warrant Agreement, we have the ability to redeem the outstanding Warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.01 per warrant, if, among other things, the Reference Value (as defined in the A&R Warrant Agreement) equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like). If and when the Warrants become redeemable, we may exercise such redemption right even if it is unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws. Redemption of the outstanding Assumed Public Warrants as described above could force you to (1) exercise your warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for you to do so, (2) sell your warrants at the then-current market price when you might otherwise wish to hold your warrants or (3) accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for redemption, is expected to be substantially less than the market value of the Warrants.
In addition, we will have the ability to redeem the outstanding Warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.10 per warrant if, among other things, the Reference Value equals or exceeds $10.00 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share dividends, rights issuances, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like). In such a case, the holders will be able to exercise their warrants prior to redemption for a number of Class A Ordinary Shares determined based on the redemption date and the fair market value of such Class A Ordinary Shares. The value received upon exercise of the Warrants (1) may be less than the value the holders would have received if they had exercised their warrants at a later time where the underlying share price is higher and (2) may not compensate the holders for the value of the warrants, including because the number of Class A Ordinary Shares to be received is capped at 0.361 shares of Class A Ordinary Shares per warrant (subject to adjustment) irrespective of the remaining life of the Warrants.
None of the Sponsor Warrants will be redeemable so long as they are held by the Sponsor or its permitted transferees. However, we will have the ability to redeem the Sponsor Warrants once such Sponsor Warrants are transferred (other than to Sponsor's permitted transferees), provided that the criteria for redemption as set forth in the A&R Warrant Agreement are met.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
A significant portion of our outstanding shares may be sold in the public market, which could cause the market price for our Class A Ordinary Shares to decline.Changed
The sale of our Class A Ordinary Shares by existing shareholders in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could increase the volatility of the market price of the Class A Ordinary Shares or result in a significant decline in the public trading price of the Class A Ordinary Shares, even if our business is doing well. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
The lock-up restrictions applicable to former shareholder of CCT expired on March 14, 2024. Furthermore, 4,261,052 Class A Ordinary Shares as well as 2,860,561 Warrants (collectively, the "Sponsor Securities") held by the Sponsor are subject to lock-up and transfer restrictions pursuant to the terms of the Sponsor Support Agreement dated January 29, 2023, as amended on September 13, 2023, which may not be released until the earliest of (1) the consummation of a change of control of us after the Acquisition Closing, (2) the first date that the closing price of the Class A Ordinary Shares equals or is greater than $12.50 per share (as adjusted for share sub-divisions, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within any 30- trading day period after the first anniversary of Acquisition Closing, (3) with respect to twenty seven and one half percent (27.5%) of the Sponsor Securities six months after the Acquisition Closing (i.e., March 14, 2024), (4) with respect to an additional twenty seven and one half percent (27.5%) of the Sponsor Securities twelve months after the Acquisition Closing, and (5) with respect to forty five percent (45.0%) of the Sponsor Securities twenty four months after the Acquisition Closing. Following the expiration of the applicable lock-up period described in this this annual report and as restrictions on resale end and registration statements are available for use, the market price of the Class A Ordinary Shares could decline if the holders of restricted or locked up shares sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them. These sales, or the perception in the market that such sales could occur, could reduce the market price of the Class A Ordinary Shares.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are not subject to U.S. proxy rules and are exempt from certain provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.Changed
We currently report under the Exchange Act as a non-U.S. company with foreign private issuer status. Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the Exchange Act that are applicable to U.S. domestic public companies, including, among others, (1) the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act, (2) the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their share ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time, and (3) the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial and other specified information. In addition, foreign private issuers such as us are required to file their annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year, while U.S. domestic issuers that are accelerated filers are required to file their annual report on Form 10-K within 75 days after the end of each fiscal year, and U.S. domestic issuers that are large accelerated filers are required to file their annual report on Form 10-K within 60 days after the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we currently intend to publish our financial results on a quarterly basis through press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of Nasdaq. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive and less timely than that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result of all of the above, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of a company that is not a foreign private issuer.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 7
Our leased property interests may be defective and our rights to the leased properties affected by such defects may be challenged, which could significantly disrupt our operations.We lease a significant number of properties from third parties for our business. As of December 31, 2023, we leased a total gross floor area of over 9,800 square meters, which we primarily used for office space. We may need to relocate for a number of reasons. For example, we may not be able to renew our leases, and may move to more premium locations or relocate our operations. In those cases, we may not be able to locate desirable alternative sites for our offices under favorable terms.
We have not received from lessors of certain of our leased properties copies of title certificates or proof of authorization to lease the properties to us. If our lessors are not the owners of the properties and they have not obtained consents from the owners or their lessors or permits from the relevant government authorities, our leases could be invalidated. If this occurs, we may have to renegotiate the leases with the owners or the parties who have the right to lease the properties, and the terms of the new leases may be less favorable to us.
We have not entered into written contracts with our lessors for some of our leased properties and the lessors of such properties may terminate our leases. Some of our leased properties were subject to mortgage at the time the leases were entered into. If no consent had been obtained from the mortgage holder under such circumstances, the lease may not be binding on the transferee of the property in the event that the mortgage holder forecloses on the mortgage and transfers the property to another party.
In addition, we have not registered most of our lease agreements with relevant government authorities as required by PRC law. Although failure to complete lease registrations would not affect the legal effectiveness of the leases under PRC law, real estate administrative authorities may require the parties to the lease agreements to register the leases within a prescribed period. Failure to do so may subject the parties to fines from RMB1,000 to RMB10,000 for each such lease. If any competent authority requires that we complete such lease registrations within a prescribed period of time, we would use our best efforts to comply with such requirements. While we have not been subject to any material penalties or disciplinary actions due to the failure to register our leases, we could face penalties or other disciplinary actions for past and future non-compliance.
As of the date of this annual report, we are not aware of any material actions, claims or investigations threatened against us or our lessors with respect to the defects in our leasehold interests. However, if any of our leases terminate as a result of challenges by third parties or governmental authorities due to a lack of title certificates or proof of authorization to lease, we may relocate the affected offices or warehouses and incur additional expenses.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 8
We and the PRC Subsidiaries rely on contractual arrangements with the VIE and the VIE's shareholders to operate their business, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control.We and the PRC Subsidiaries rely on contractual arrangements with the VIE and its shareholders to operate their business. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us and the PRC Subsidiaries with control over the VIE.
Because we and the PRC Subsidiaries do not have a direct ownership interest in the VIE, we consolidate our financial results by relying on the performance by the VIE and its shareholders of their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements with them. The shareholders of the VIE may not act in the best interests of us and the PRC Subsidiaries, or otherwise fail to perform their contractual obligations.
We and the PRC Subsidiaries may replace the shareholders of the VIE pursuant to the contracts with the VIE and its shareholders. However, if any dispute relating to these contracts or the replacement of the VIE's shareholders remains unresolved, we and the PRC Subsidiaries must enforce their rights under these contracts under PRC law and be subject to uncertainties in the PRC legal system.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 9
Any failure by the VIE or its shareholders to perform their obligations under their contractual arrangements with WFOE would materially adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of us and the PRC Subsidiaries.If the VIE or its shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under their contractual arrangements with WFOE, we and the PRC Subsidiaries may incur substantial costs and expend additional resources to enforce such arrangements. We and the PRC Subsidiaries may also have to rely on legal remedies under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages. Such remedies may not be effective.
WFOE's contractual arrangements with the VIE and its shareholders are governed by PRC laws and provide for the resolution of disputes through arbitrations in the PRC. Accordingly, these contractual arrangements would be interpreted in accordance with PRC laws, and any disputes arising from these contractual arrangements would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures.
Uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit the abilities of us and the PRC Subsidiaries to enforce these contractual arrangements. For example, there have been very few precedents and little formal guidance as to how contractual arrangements in the context of a variable interest entity should be interpreted or enforced under PRC laws. In addition, in the PRC, rulings by arbitrators are final, and parties cannot appeal the arbitration results in courts. If the losing parties fail to carry out the arbitration awards within a prescribed time limit, the prevailing parties may only enforce arbitration awards in PRC courts through arbitration award recognition proceedings, which would require additional expenses and delays. In the event that we and the PRC Subsidiaries cannot enforce the contractual arrangements with respect to the VIE, or suffer significant delays or other obstacles in enforcing these contractual arrangements, we and the PRC Subsidiaries may not be able to consolidate the financial results of the Affiliated Entities. As a result, the ability of us and PRC Subsidiaries to conduct our business, and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially adversely affected. See "-Risks Related to Doing Business in China-Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws, rules and regulations could materially adversely affect our business." In addition, as of the date of this annual report, 14.24% of the equity interests in the VIE held by Beijing Zhongjin Huicai Investment Management Co., Ltd. were frozen by the People's Court of Futian District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province for a civil dispute between Beijing Zhongjin Huicai Investment Management Co., Ltd. and certain other party, which may affect the enforcement of the option of the WFOE under the contractual arrangements. See "-Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure-The VIE's shareholders may have potential conflicts of interest with us, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities, which may materially adversely affect our business and financial condition."
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 10
The VIE's shareholders may have potential conflicts of interest with us, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities, which may materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.The interests of the VIE's shareholders may differ from the interests of us, the PRC Subsidiaries and the VIE. When conflicts of interest arise, any or all of these individuals or entities may not act in the best interests of us, the PRC Subsidiaries and/or the Affiliated Entities, and any conflicts of interest may not resolve in the favor of us, the PRC Subsidiaries and/or the Affiliated Entities. In addition, these individuals or entities may breach or cause the VIE and the PRC Subsidiaries to breach or refuse to renew existing contractual arrangements with WFOE.
None of us, the PRC Subsidiaries or the Affiliated Entities has arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these shareholders and any of themselves. We, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities rely on these shareholders to abide by the laws of the Cayman Islands and China. These laws provide that directors owe a fiduciary duty to the us to act in good faith and in our best interests and not to use their respective positions for personal gain.
However, the legal frameworks of China and the Cayman Islands do not provide guidance on resolving conflicts in the event of a conflict with another corporate governance regime. If we, the PRC Subsidiaries and/or the Affiliated Entities cannot resolve any conflict of interest or dispute between any of themselves and the shareholders of the VIE, we, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities will likely rely on legal proceedings, which could disrupt their business and subject them to substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of such proceedings.
As of the date of this annual report, 14.24% of the equity interests in the VIE held by Beijing Zhongjin Huicai Investment Management Co., Ltd. were frozen by the People's Court of Futian District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province for a civil dispute between Beijing Zhongjin Huicai Investment Management Co., Ltd. and certain other party. Under applicable PRC laws, (1) the frozen equity interests in the VIE cannot be sold, transferred, or disposed of in any manner from July 28, 2022 to July 27, 2025, unless such freezing was released by a competent court; and (2) if a competent court rules to auction off the frozen equity interests, the proceeds from the auctioning and sale of the frozen equity interests by competent court shall be firstly distributed to pledgee, i.e. the WFOE, thereafter the remaining proceeds (if any), shall be used to settle the claims of the creditor applying with court for enforcement. Therefore, uncertainties remain with respect to the enforcement of the option of the WFOE to purchase such frozen equity interests under the exclusive option agreement among us, WFOE, the VIE and shareholders of the VIE, dated June 18, 2021, which may be subject to the auction process by the competent court. However, as that such equity interests had been pledged to WFOE prior to the freezing, we do not believe the freezing of the above-mentioned equity interests in the VIE will cause any material impact to our operations.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 11
If the custodians or authorized users of our controlling non-tangible assets, including chops and seals, fail to fulfill their responsibilities, or misappropriate or misuse these assets, our business may be materially adversely affected.Under PRC law, legal documents for corporate transactions, including agreements and contracts such as the leases and sales contracts, are executed using the chop or seal of the signing entity or with the signature of a legal representative whose designation is registered and filed with the relevant local branch of the State Administration for Market Regulation (the "SAMR") (formerly known as State Administration for Industry and Commerce (the "SAIC")). We generally execute legal documents by affixing chops or seals, rather than having the designated legal representatives sign the documents.
The relevant entities typically hold the chops of the Affiliated Entities and the PRC Subsidiaries, allowing them to execute documents locally. To maintain the physical security of these chops, we typically store them in secure locations accessible only to custodians and designated key employees of our legal, administrative or finance departments.
Although we have implemented approval procedures and monitored our chop custodians and key employees, including the designated legal representatives of the Affiliated Entities and the PRC Subsidiaries, the procedures may not prevent all instances of abuse or negligence. Our chop custodians, key employees or designated legal representatives may abuse their authority, for example, by binding the Affiliated Entities and the PRC Subsidiaries with contracts against these entities' interests.
We may be required to honor these contracts if the other contracting party acts in good faith in reliance on the authority of our chops or signatures of our legal representatives. If any designated legal representative obtains control of the chop in an effort to obtain control over the relevant entity, we need to pass a shareholder or board resolution to designate a new legal representative and to take legal actions to seek the return of the chop, apply for a new chop, or otherwise seek legal remedies for the legal representative's misconduct.
If any of the designated legal representatives obtains, misuses or misappropriates these chops and seals or other controlling intangible assets for whatever reason, we could experience disruptions in our operations. We may also have to take corporate or legal action, which could involve significant time and resources to resolve while distracting management from our operations, materially adversely affecting our business and results of operations.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 12
Failure to comply with the registration requirements for employee stock ownership plans or share option plans may subject us and our PRC equity incentive plan participants to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.Pursuant to Circular 37, PRC residents who participate in share incentive plans in overseas non-publicly-listed companies due to their position as director, senior management or employee of the PRC Subsidiaries of overseas companies may submit applications to SAFE or its local branches for foreign exchange registration before exercising rights. Our directors, executive officers and other employees who are PRC residents that have been granted options may follow Circular 37 to apply for foreign exchange registration.
We and our directors, executive officers and other employees who are PRC residents that have been granted options are subject to the Notice on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly Listed company, issued by SAFE in February 2012. According to the Notice, employees, directors, supervisors and other management members participating in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company who are PRC residents must register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent and complete certain other procedures.
Failure to complete SAFE registrations may subject our employees, directors, supervisors and other management members participating in our stock incentive plans to fines and legal sanctions or limit the PRC Subsidiaries' ability to distribute dividends to us. Failure to complete SAFE registrations may also limit our ability to make payments under the share incentive plans or receive dividends or sales proceeds related thereto, or to contribute additional capital into the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities in China. In addition, we face regulatory uncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional share incentive plans for our directors and employees under PRC law.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 13
Dividends payable to foreign investors and gains on the sale of Class A Ordinary Shares by foreign investors may become subject to PRC tax law.Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementing rules, in general, a 10% PRC withholding tax is applicable to dividends payable to investors that are non-resident enterprises that do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or have such establishment or place of business but the dividends are not effectively connected with such establishment or place of business, in each case to the extent such dividends are derived from sources within the PRC. Similarly, any gain realized on the transfer of Class A Ordinary Shares by such investors is also subject to PRC tax at a current rate of 10%, subject to any reduction or exemption set forth in relevant tax treaties, if such gain is regarded as income derived from sources within the PRC.
If we are deemed as a PRC resident enterprise, dividends paid on the Class A Ordinary Shares, and any gain realized from the transfer of the Class A Ordinary Shares, will be treated as income derived from sources within the PRC and be subject to PRC taxation. Furthermore, if we are deemed as a PRC resident enterprise, dividends payable to individual investors who are non-PRC residents and any gain realized on the transfer of the Class A Ordinary Shares by such investors may be subject to PRC tax at a current rate of 20%, subject to any reduction or exemption set forth in applicable tax treaties.
If we or any of our subsidiaries established outside China are considered a PRC resident enterprise, it is unclear whether holders of the Class A Ordinary Shares can claim the benefit of income tax treaties or agreements entered into between China and other countries or areas. If dividends payable to non-PRC investors or gains from the transfer of the Class A Ordinary Shares by such investors are subject to PRC tax, the value of your investment in the Class A Ordinary Shares may decline significantly.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 14
Our shareholders face uncertainties with respect to indirect transfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.On February 3, 2015, the State Administration of Taxation issued the Circular on Issues of Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Transfers of Assets by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises ("Circular 7"), which replaced or supplemented certain previous rules under the Notice on Strengthening Administration of Enterprise Income Tax for Share Transfers by Non-PRC Resident Enterprises (the "Circular 698"), issued by the State Administration of Taxation on December 10, 2009. Circular 7 sets out a wider scope of indirect transfer of PRC assets that might be subject to PRC enterprise income tax. Circular 7 also includes detailed guidelines regarding when such indirect transfer is considered to lack a bona fide commercial purpose and thus regarded as avoiding PRC tax. On October 17, 2017, the SAT issued the Announcement on Issues Relating to Withholding at Source of Income Tax of Non-resident Enterprises (the "SAT Circular 37"), which came into effect on December 1, 2017 and was amended on June 15, 2018. SAT Circular 37 further clarifies the practices and procedures for withholding non-resident enterprise income tax.
The conditional reporting obligation of the non-PRC investor under Circular 698 is replaced by a voluntary reporting by the transferor, the transferee or the underlying PRC resident enterprise transferred. Using a "substance over form" principle, PRC tax authorities may disregard the existence of the overseas holding company if the company lacks a reasonable commercial purpose and was established for the purpose of reducing, avoiding or deferring PRC tax. As a result, gains derived from such indirect transfer may be subject to PRC enterprise income tax, currently at a rate of 10%, and the transferee has an obligation to withhold tax from the sale proceeds.
Gains from the sale of shares by investors through a public stock exchange are not subject to the PRC enterprise income tax pursuant to Circular 7 where such shares were acquired in a transaction through a public stock exchange.
There remains uncertainty as to the application of Circular 7 and the SAT Circular 37. PRC tax authorities may determine that Circular 7 and the SAT Circular 37 are applicable to offshore restructuring transactions or sale of the shares of offshore subsidiaries where non-resident enterprises, as the transferors, were involved. PRC tax authorities may pursue such non-resident enterprises with respect to a filing regarding the transactions and request the PRC Subsidiaries to assist in the filing.
As a result, our non-resident subsidiaries in such transactions may risk being subject to filing obligations or being taxed under Circular 7 and the SAT Circular 37, unless it can be justified that the transactions are of reasonable business purposes such as group restructuring or other allowed circumstances. Practically, there has been no major transaction of similar nature challenged by the PRC tax authorities. However, given the increasingly tightened tax administration in China and the uncertainties under Circular 7, we cannot assure you that there is no tax reporting or settlement risk for such transactions.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 15
The price of our securities may be volatile, and the value of our securities may decline.We cannot predict the prices at which our securities will trade. The price of our securities may not bear any relationship to any established criteria of the value of our business and prospects, and the market price of our securities may fluctuate substantially. In addition, the trading price of our securities have been, and is likely to continue to be volatile, and could fluctuate widely in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. The volatility of and fluctuations in the trading price of our Class A Ordinary Shares could cause you to lose all or part of your investment. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our securities include the following:
- actual or anticipated fluctuations in our financial condition or results of operations;- variance in our financial performance from expectations of securities analysts;- changes in our projected operating and financial results;- changes in laws or regulations applicable to our business;- announcements by our or our competitors of significant business developments, acquisitions or new offerings;- sales of our securities by our shareholders or warrant holders;- significant breaches of, disruptions to or other incidents involving our information technology systems or those of our business partners;- our involvement in material litigation;- conditions or developments affecting the digital insurance industry in China;- changes in senior management or key personnel;- the trading volume of our securities;- general economic and market conditions; and - other events or factors, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism, global pandemics or responses to these events.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 16
The Warrants to purchase Class A Ordinary Shares will increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to our shareholders.As of the date of this annual report, there are 13,726,877 warrants issued and outstanding, consisting of 10,802,764 Public Warrants, 2,860,561 Sponsor Warrants, and 63,552 Innoven Warrants. The Warrants will not become exercisable until 30 days after the Closing (provided that at the time of such exercise a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the issuance of the Class A Ordinary Shares underlying the Public Warrants is effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current), and will expire five years after the Closing. A registration statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-274806) covering the issuance of the Class A Ordinary Shares underlying the Warrants has been filed with the SEC. Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Class A Ordinary Share at a price of $11.50 per whole share, subject to adjustment. The Warrants may be exercised only for a whole number of Class A Ordinary Shares. To the extent the Warrants and the Innoven Warrants are exercised, additional Class A Ordinary Shares will be issued, which will result in dilution to the then-existing holders of Class A Ordinary Shares and increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the market price of Class A Ordinary Shares. The exclusive forum provision in the amended and restated warrant agreement can result in increased costs to investors to bring a claim.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 17
As a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ significantly from the Nasdaq Stock Market corporate governance listing standards; these practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the Nasdaq Stock Market corporate governance listing standards.Our securities are listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Nasdaq Stock Market corporate governance listing standards permit a foreign private issuer such as us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from the Nasdaq Stock Market corporate governance listing standards.
For instance, we are not required to:
- have a majority of the board be independent;- have a compensation committee or a nominations and corporate governance committee consisting entirely of independent directors; or - have regularly scheduled executive sessions with only independent directors each year.
We do not intend to have a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee consisting entirely of independent directors, or hold annual meeting of shareholders. We may also continue to rely on this and other exemptions available to foreign private issuers in the future, and to the extent that we choose to do so, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would have under the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 18
You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are incorporated under the law of the Cayman Islands, and will conduct substantially all of our operations in China, and a majority of our directors and executive officers will reside outside of the United States.We are an exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We conduct a majority of our operations through the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities in China. Substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. A majority of our officers and directors reside outside the United States and a substantial portion of the assets of those persons are located outside of the United States. As a result, it could be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against the us or against these individuals outside of the United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed upon under the applicable securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands and of the PRC could render you unable to enforce a judgment against the relevant assets or the assets of the relevant directors and officers.
In addition, our corporate affairs are governed by our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Cayman Companies Act and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of investors to take action against our directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law may not be as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a different body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, may have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.
Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies (save for the memorandum and articles of association, the register of mortgages and charges, and special resolutions of our shareholders). Our directors have discretion under the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but we are not obliged to make them available to the shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder's motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.
Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, differ significantly from requirements for companies incorporated in other jurisdictions such as the United States. To the extent we choose to follow home country practice with respect to corporate governance matters, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. See "- As a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are permitted to adopt certain home country practices in relation to corporate governance matters that differ significantly from the Nasdaq Stock Market corporate governance listing standards; these practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the Nasdaq Stock Market corporate governance listing standards."
As a result of all of the above, our shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as Public Shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 19
The Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association contain certain provisions, including anti- takeover provisions that limit the ability of shareholders to take certain actions and could delay or discourage takeover attempts that shareholders may consider favorable.The Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult, delaying, or preventing an acquisition that shareholders may consider favorable, including transactions in which shareholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions could also limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for the Class A Ordinary Shares, and therefore depress the trading price of the Class A Ordinary Shares. These provisions could also make it difficult for shareholders to take certain actions, including electing directors who are not nominated by us or taking other corporate actions, including effecting changes in our management. See "Item 10. Additional Information-B. Memorandum and Articles of Association." These provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in our board of directors or management.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 20
A market for our securities may not develop or be sustained, which would adversely affect the liquidity and price of our securities.The price of our securities has fluctuated, and may continue to fluctuate significantly due to the market's reaction to our financial performance, results of operations, and general market and economic conditions. An active trading market for our securities may not be sustained. In addition, the price of our securities may vary due to general economic conditions and forecasts, our general business condition and the release of our financial reports. Additionally, if our securities are delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market and are quoted on over-the-counter market, the liquidity and price of our securities may be more limited than if our securities were quoted or listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market or another national securities exchange. You may be unable to sell your securities unless a market can be established or sustained.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 21
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease publishing research or reports about us, our business, our market or competitors, or if they change their recommendations regarding our securities adversely, the price and trading volume of our securities could decline.The trading market for our securities will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business, our market or competitors. If any of the analysts who may cover us change their recommendation regarding our securities adversely, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, the price of our securities would likely decline. If any analyst who may cover us were to cease their coverage or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause the price or trading volume of our securities to decline.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 22
Additional disclosure requirements to be adopted by and regulatory scrutiny from the SEC in response to risks related to companies with substantial operations in China could increase our compliance costs, subject it to additional disclosure requirements, and/or suspend or terminate our future securities offerings, resulting in difficulties in our capital-raising efforts.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. As such, we may be subject to additional disclosure requirements and review that the SEC or other regulatory authorities in the United States may adopt for companies with China-based operations, which could increase our compliance costs, subject us to additional disclosure requirements, and/or suspend or terminate our future securities offerings, resulting in difficulties in our capital-raising efforts.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 23
Trading in our securities on any U.S. stock exchange or the U.S. over-the-counter market may be prohibited under the HFCAA if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely auditors located in China for two consecutive years. The delisting of our securities, or the threat of being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.The HFCAA stipulates that if the SEC determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspection by the PCAOB for two consecutive years beginning in 2022, the SEC shall prohibit our securities from being traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States.
In August 2022, the PCAOB, the CSRC and the Ministry of Finance of the PRC signed the Statement of Protocol, which establishes a specific and accountable framework for the PCAOB to conduct inspections and investigations of PCAOB-governed accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB announced that it was able to secure complete access to inspect and investigate PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong completely in 2022. On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 was signed into law by President Biden. The CAA, among other things, reduced the number of consecutive non-inspection years required for triggering the prohibitions under the HFCAA as it was originally passed from three years to two, and thus, reduced the time before our securities may be prohibited from trading or delisted. The PCAOB Board vacated its previous 2021 determinations that the PCAOB was unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. However, whether the PCAOB will continue to be able to satisfactorily conduct inspections of PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong is subject to uncertainties and depends on a number of factors out of our and our auditor's control. The PCAOB continues to demand complete access in mainland China and Hong Kong moving forward and is making plans to resume regular inspections in early 2023 and beyond, as well as to continue pursuing ongoing investigations and initiate new investigations as needed. The PCAOB has also indicated that it will act immediately to consider the need to issue new determinations with the HFCAA if needed. Because our registered accounting firm is headquartered in Shanghai, China, if the PRC government adopts positions at any time in the future that would prevent the PCAOB from continuing to inspect or investigate completely accounting firms headquartered in mainland China or Hong Kong, or if we fail to, among others, meet the PCAOB's requirements, including retaining a registered public accounting firm that the PCAOB determines it is able to inspect and investigate completely, we will be identified as a "Commission-identified Issuer" following the filing of the annual report for the relevant fiscal year. In accordance with HFCAA, our securities will be delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market, and will not be permitted for trading over the counter if we are identified as a Commission-identified Issuer for two consecutive years under the HFCAA and the CAA. If our securities are prohibited from trading in the United States, we cannot assure you that such securities will be listed on a non-U.S. exchange or that a market for our securities will develop outside of the United States. Such a prohibition would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our securities when you wish to do so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our securities. Moreover, the HFCAA, CAA or other efforts to increase U.S. regulatory access to audit information could cause investor uncertainty for affected issuers, including us, and the market price of our securities could be adversely affected. Also, such a prohibition would significantly affect our ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, or at all, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and prospects.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 24
Proceedings instituted by the SEC against the "big four" PRC-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.In December 2012, the SEC brought administrative proceedings against the "big four" PRC-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, alleging that they had violated U.S. securities laws and the SEC's rules and regulations thereunder by failing to provide to the SEC the firms' audit work papers and other documents related to certain other PRC-based companies that are publicly traded in the United States.
On January 22, 2014, the administrative law judge presiding over the matter rendered an initial decision that each of the firms had violated the SEC's rules of practice by failing to produce audit papers and other documents to the SEC. The initial decision censured each of the firms and barred them from practicing before the SEC for a period of six months. The decision was neither final nor legally effective until reviewed and approved by the SEC, and on February 12, 2014, the PRC-based accounting firms appealed to the SEC against this decision.
On February 6, 2015, the four PRC-based accounting firms each agreed to a censure and to pay a fine to the SEC to settle the dispute and avoid suspension of their ability to practice before the SEC and audit U.S.-listed companies. The settlement required the firms to follow detailed procedures and to seek to provide the SEC with access to PRC-based firms' audit documents via the CSRC. Under the terms of the settlement, the underlying proceeding against the four PRC-based accounting firms was deemed dismissed with prejudice four years after entry of the settlement. The four-year mark occurred on February 6, 2019. Despite the Statement of Protocol, it remains uncertain whether the SEC will further challenge the four PRC-based accounting firms' compliance with U.S. laws in connection with U.S. regulatory requests for audit work papers or if the results of such a challenge would result in the SEC imposing penalties such as suspensions.
If additional remedial measures are imposed on the PRC-based accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, we could be unable to timely file future financial statements in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Moreover, any negative news about any such future proceedings against these accounting firms may cause investor uncertainty regarding China-based, United States-listed companies and the market price of our securities may be adversely affected. A determination that we have not timely filed financial statements in compliance with the SEC requirements could ultimately lead to the delisting of our securities from the Nasdaq Stock Market or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of our securities in the United States.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 25
Our principal shareholders, including our founder Mr. Lei Zhang, have the ability to exert significant influence over important corporate matters that require approval of shareholders, which may deprive you of an opportunity to receive a premium for the Class A Ordinary Shares and materially reduce the value of your investment.Our outstanding share capital consists of Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares. Each Class A Ordinary Share is entitled to one vote and each Class B Ordinary Share is entitled to three votes at general meetings of our shareholders. As of the date of this annual report, Mr. Lei Zhang beneficially owns all of Class B Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 24.6% of our issued and outstanding share capital, and approximately 49.4% of voting power. This concentration of ownership and the protective provisions in the Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control, which could have the dual effect of depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale and reducing the price of the Class A Ordinary Shares. As a result of the foregoing, the value of your investment could be materially reduced.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 26
The issuance of additional share capital in connection with financings, acquisitions, investments, our equity incentive plans or otherwise will dilute all other shareholders.We expect to issue additional share capital in the future that will result in dilution to all other shareholders. We also expect to grant equity awards to key employees under the 2023 Equity Incentive Plan. We may also raise capital through equity financings in the future. As part of our business strategy, we may acquire or make investments in companies, solutions or technologies and issue equity securities to pay for any such acquisition or investment. Any such issuances of the additional share capital may cause shareholders to experience significant dilution of their ownership interests and the per share value of the Class A Ordinary Shares to decline.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 27
We are an "emerging growth company," and the reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies may make our securities less attractive to investors.We are an "emerging growth company," as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies," including the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.
Further, Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act exempts emerging growth companies from being required to comply with new or revised financial accounting standards until private companies (that is, those that have not had a Securities Act registration statement declared effective or do not have a class of securities registered under the Exchange Act) are required to comply with the new or revised financial accounting standards. The JOBS Act provides that a company can elect to opt out of the extended transition period and comply with the requirements that apply to non-emerging growth companies but any such election to opt out is irrevocable. We do not intend to opt out of such extended transition period, which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, we, as an emerging growth company, can adopt the new or revised standard at the time private companies adopt the new or revised standard. This may make comparison of our financial statements with certain other public companies difficult or impossible because of the potential differences in accounting standards used.
We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of: (1) the last day of the fiscal year (i) following the fifth anniversary of the consummation of the Business Combination, (ii) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, or (iii) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common equity that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter; and (2) the date on which we have issued more than $1.00 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period.
Investors may find our securities less attractive, and there may be a less active trading market for our securities, and the price of such securities may be more volatile.
Accounting & Financial Operations3 | 3.5%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
We do not intend to pay dividends before we become profitable, and as a result, your ability to achieve a return on your investment in the foreseeable future will depend on appreciation in the price of the Class A Ordinary Shares.Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2
If we fail to implement and maintain effective internal controls to remediate the material weaknesses over financial reporting, we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations, meet our reporting obligations or prevent fraud, and investor confidence and the market price of the Class A Ordinary Shares may be materially adversely affected.In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified two material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. As defined in the standards established by the PCAOB, a "material weakness" is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The material weaknesses that have been identified relate to (1) our lack of sufficient accounting and financial reporting personnel with requisite knowledge of and experience in the application of U.S. GAAP related to accounting treatment for certain equity transactions, leases and expected credit losses of receivables, and (2) our lack of formal financial closing policies and effective control over the periodic financial closing procedures and the preparation and review of the consolidated financial statements, which resulted in adjustments related to revenue, cost of sales, expenses cut-off and disclosures to the financial statements. We are in the process of implementing a number of measures to address the material weaknesses identified. See "Item 15. Controls and Procedures - Internal Control over Financial Reporting." However, we cannot guarantee that these measures may fully remediate the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, or we may not be able to conclude that they have been fully remediated.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting. Commencing with our fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, we must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal controls over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting in our Form 20-F filing for that year, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Once we cease to be an "emerging growth company" as the term is defined in the JOBS Act, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our management and independent registered public accounting firm may conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is not effective. As a result, we may incur significant expenses and devote substantial effort to expand our accounting and finance functions. We were previously not required to test our internal controls within a specified period, and as a result, we may experience difficulty in meeting these reporting requirements in a timely manner.
Our internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in control systems, misstatements due to error or fraud could occur in the future, and a control system could fail to detect control issues and fraud.
If we fail to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, or to maintain proper and effective internal controls, we may not produce accurate financial statements in a timely manner. As a result, the market price of the Class A Ordinary Shares may decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the Nasdaq Stock Market, SEC or other regulatory authorities.
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 3
We have historically incurred net losses and negative operating cash flows, and may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future.We have incurred net losses since our inception. We incurred net losses of RMB146.5 million, RMB91.0 million and RMB159.6 million in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. We had operating cash outflow of RMB187.6 million, RMB158.9 million and RMB27.0 million in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. We must grow our revenues to become profitable, and, even if we do, we may not maintain or increase our profitability. We expect to incur losses for the foreseeable future as we invest substantial financial and other resources in, among other things:
- investments in the development of new services and products and enhancing our existing service and product portfolio;- expansion of our operations and infrastructure organically and through acquisitions and strategic partnerships; and - general administration, including legal, risk management, accounting, and other expenses related to being a public company.
These expenditures may not result in additional revenue or the growth of our business. Accordingly, we may not generate sufficient revenue to offset our expected cost increases and achieve and sustain profitability. If we fail to achieve and sustain profitability, the market price of our Class A Ordinary Shares could decline.
Debt & Financing4 | 4.7%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
The filing with the CSRC may be required in connection with future overseas fund-raising activities, and we cannot predict whether we will be able to obtain such approval or complete such filing.Debt & Financing - Risk 2
We may rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by the PRC Subsidiaries to fund our cash and financing requirements, and any limitation on the ability of the PRC Subsidiaries to pay dividends to us could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.We rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by the PRC Subsidiaries, in particular, WFOE, Cheche Ningbo, which in turn relies on consulting and other fees paid to it by the VIE, for our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders and service any debt that we may incur. Relevant PRC laws and regulations permit PRC companies to pay dividends only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Additionally, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities can only distribute dividends upon approval of the shareholders after they have met the PRC requirements for appropriation to the statutory reserve fund. The statutory reserve fund requires that annual appropriations of 10% of net after-tax income should be set aside prior to payment of any dividends, until the aggregate amount of such fund reaches 50% of their registered capital. As a result of these and other restrictions under PRC laws and regulations, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to us either in the form of dividends, loans or advances, which restricted portion amounted to RMB448.0 million and RMB328.5 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively. If the PRC Subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us. In addition, PRC tax authorities may require one of the PRC Subsidiaries, Cheche Ningbo to adjust our taxable income under the contractual arrangements that we currently have in place with the VIE in a manner that would materially adversely affect our ability to pay dividends and other distributions to us.
Under PRC laws and regulations, the PRC Subsidiaries, as wholly foreign-owned enterprises in the PRC, may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, wholly foreign-owned enterprises, such as the PRC subsidiaries, must set aside at least 10% of their accumulated after-tax profits after making up the previous year's accumulated losses each year, if any, to fund statutory reserve funds, until the aggregate amount of such fund reaches 50% of their registered capital.
We may allocate a portion of our after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to discretionary reserve funds according to our shareholder's decision. These statutory reserve funds and discretionary reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends. In addition, the EIT Law and its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax rate of 10% will be applicable to dividends payable by PRC companies to non-PRC-resident enterprises unless otherwise exempted or reduced according to treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government and governments of other countries or regions where the non-PRC-resident enterprises are incorporated.
For example, pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income (the "Arrangements"), Hong Kong resident enterprises that own no less than 25% equity interest in a PRC enterprise may qualify for a 5% withholding tax rate on dividends received from the PRC enterprise. Under the Administrative Measures for Non-Resident Enterprises to Enjoy Treatments under Tax Treaties, non-resident enterprises must determine whether they qualify for reduced withholding tax rates under the relevant tax treaties and file the relevant materials with the tax authorities. A non-resident enterprise must also meet other conditions to enjoy the reduced withholding tax rate based on other tax rules and regulations.
As of December 31, 2023, we reported accumulated loss and had no retained earnings for offshore dividend distributions. We intend to re-invest all the future earnings of the PRC Subsidiaries in our operations in China. We could be subject to significant withholding taxes if the PRC Subsidiaries decide to pay dividends to offshore entities. The tax authorities may also challenge our determination that we qualify for the reduced withholding tax of 5% under the Arrangements for dividends paid from the PRC Subsidiaries to the Hong Kong Subsidiaries, and the Hong Kong Subsidiaries may not be able to complete the tax filings to enjoy the reduced withholding tax rate.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
Substantial uncertainties with respect to the implementation of the Foreign Investment Law may significantly impact the corporate structure and operations of us, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities.On March 15, 2019, the National People's Congress published the Foreign Investment Law of the People's Republic of China (the "Foreign Investment Law"), which became effective on January 1, 2020 and replaced the Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-Foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the Foreign Owned Enterprise Law to become the legal foundation for foreign investment in the PRC. Although the Foreign Investment Law stipulates three forms of foreign investment, it does not explicitly stipulate the contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment.
The Foreign Investment Law stipulates that the concept of a foreign investment includes foreign investors investing in China through "any other methods" under laws, administrative regulations, or provisions prescribed by the State Council. Future laws, administrative regulations or provisions prescribed by the State Council may regard contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment. As a result, the contractual arrangements may be deemed to violate foreign investment access requirements and the interpretation of the above-mentioned contractual arrangements.
Changes in PRC laws and regulations could materially adversely affect the contractual arrangements and the business of us, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities. If future laws, administrative regulations or provisions prescribed by the State Council mandate further actions by companies with existing contractual arrangements, we, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities may face substantial uncertainties as to the timely completion of such actions. We, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities could potentially be required to unwind the contractual arrangements and/or dispose the VIE, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
The bankruptcy or liquidation of the VIE could materially adversely affect our business, our ability to generate revenue and the market price of the Class A Ordinary Shares.If the VIE or any of the Affiliated Entities becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or liquidation proceeding, we and the PRC Subsidiaries may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by the VIE or any such Affiliated Entity. We and the PRC Subsidiaries conduct operations in China through contractual arrangements with the VIE and its shareholders and subsidiaries. As part of these arrangements, the VIE and its subsidiaries hold substantially all of the assets that are important to the operation of our business.
If any of these entities goes bankrupt and all or part of their assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, they may be unable to continue some or all of their business activities, which could in turn materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If the VIE or any of the Affiliated Entities undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, their shareholders or unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of these assets, which would hinder their ability to operate their business, and could in turn materially adversely affect our business, our ability to generate revenue, and the market price of the Class A Ordinary Shares.
Corporate Activity and Growth6 | 7.1%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
Our risk management systems may not assess or mitigate all risks to which we are exposed.Changed
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
Our effort to expand into the non-auto insurance market and diversify our revenues may not be successful.While we historically focused on the auto insurance market, we have expanded into the non-auto insurance market in recent years to diversify our revenues. Our management believes that as non-auto insurance market develops, insurance carriers offering auto-insurance products are expected to have more opportunities to sell across different types of insurance products by utilizing their mature marketing channels, and non-auto insurance products tend to have more favorable margins. However, we may incur significant costs in research and development, recruiting additional personnel and engaging more third-party service providers to develop our non-auto insurance business, and such investment may not generate expected returns. Moreover, the non-auto insurance market may not develop as we expect. If we fail to diversify our revenues, our revenues may grow at a slower rate than we anticipate, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
If we are unable to maintain and expand our local network, we may not be able to grow our business.We had a nationwide network of over 400 service personnel in 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China as of December 31, 2023. Our service personnel negotiate service fees and other contract terms with insurance carrier customers and facilitate the settlement and issuance of auto insurance policies to end consumers. We face significant challenges and risks in managing our geographically dispersed network. If one or more of our service personnel were to depart and join a competitor, they may divert business from us to our competitor, which could materially adversely affect our business.
As we grow our business, we need to expand the geographic reach of our network. This depends largely on our ability to meet local regulatory requirements and hire and retain service personnel with long-lasting relationships with insurance carriers and insurance intermediaries. Failure to do so would prevent us from expanding our business and maintaining our market share.
We may also need to seek additional business partners to assist in our expansion efforts. If we cannot successfully expand our nationwide network, our growth may be adversely impacted. In addition, the expansion of our nationwide network may not produce the expected financial or results of operations. Any of the foregoing could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4
If we do not effectively manage our growth, control our expenses or implement our business strategies, we may be unable to maintain high-quality services or compete effectively.We have experienced rapid growth in recent years, which has strained our management and resources. We believe that our growth will depend on our ability to:
- attract and maintain relationships with ecosystem participants;- develop new sources of revenue;- capture growth opportunities in new insurance products and services and geographies;- retain and expand our local network;- improve our operational and financial systems, procedures and controls, including our technology infrastructure and accounting and other internal management systems;- expand, train, manage and motivate our workforce and manage our relationships with ecosystem participants;- implement our marketing strategies; and - compete against our existing and future competitors.
Our expansion may require us to penetrate new cities in China, where we may have difficulty in satisfying local market demands and regulatory requirements. The foregoing risks will require substantial management skills and efforts and significant expenditures. We may not achieve any of the foregoing.
The expansion by we may divert our management, operational or technological resources from our existing operations. We may not successfully maintain our growth rate or implement our future business strategies effectively. Failure to do so may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5
We may acquire other companies or technologies that are complementary to our business, which could divert our management's attention, dilute our shareholders, disrupt our operations and harm our results of operations.On October 26, 2017, the VIE acquired 100% of the equity interests in Fanhua Times, which primarily engaged in the auto insurance agency business, for total consideration of approximately RMB225.4 million. If appropriate opportunities arise, we may acquire additional assets, products, technologies or businesses complementary to our business. In addition to obtaining shareholder approval, we may have to obtain approvals and licenses from government authorities for the acquisitions. These approvals and licenses could result in delays and increased costs, and may derail our business strategy if we fail to obtain them.
Acquisitions involve a number of risks and present financial, managerial and operational challenges, including potential disruption of our ongoing business and distraction of management, difficulty with integrating personnel and financial systems, hiring additional management and other critical personnel and increasing the scope, geographic diversity and complexity of our operations. We may not realize any anticipated benefits or achieve the synergies that we expect from acquired businesses or assets. Our ecosystem participants may react unfavorably to our acquisitions. We may be exposed to additional liabilities of any acquired business.
In addition, future acquisitions may involve the issuance of additional securities, which may dilute your equity interest in us. Any of the foregoing risks could materially adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 6
We will incur increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management will be required to devote substantial time to comply with a public company's responsibilities and corporate governance practices.As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses, which we expect to further increase after we are no longer an "emerging growth company." The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, and other applicable securities rules and regulations impose various requirements on public companies. Our management and other personnel are not experienced in managing a public company and will be required to devote a substantial amount of time to compliance with these requirements. Moreover, these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly.
In the past, shareholders of some public companies brought securities class action suits against these companies following periods of instability in the market price of these companies' securities. Our involvement in a class action suit could divert a significant amount of our management's attention and other resources from our business, which could harm our results of operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit.
Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 14/85 (16%)Below Sector Average
Regulation7 | 8.2%
Regulation - Risk 1
Our business is subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations, many of which are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, which could result in changes to our business practices, reduced revenue and increased compliance costs or otherwise harm our business. Any failure to comply with laws or regulations may subject us to fines, injunctions and other penalties that could harm our business.Regulation - Risk 2
Failure to obtain or maintain permits necessary for our operations may subject us to regulatory penalties or require us to adjust our business model.Many aspects of our business depend on obtaining and maintaining licenses, approvals, permits or qualifications from PRC regulators. Obtaining such approvals, licenses, permits or qualifications depends on our compliance with regulatory requirements. PRC regulatory authorities also have relatively broad discretion to grant, renew and revoke licenses and approvals and to implement laws and regulations.
Based on PRC laws and regulations currently in effect and the legal advice of our PRC legal counsel, Han Kun Law Offices, and subject to different interpretations of these laws and regulations that may be adopted by PRC authorities, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities have obtained the following licenses and approvals necessary to operate in China as of the date of this annual report: (1) each of the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities has obtained a business license; (2) the VIE, through which the PRC Subsidiaries conduct their VATS business, has obtained a value-added telecommunications license for internet information services; and (3) Cheche Insurance Sales & Service Co., Ltd. has obtained the insurance intermediary license.
The PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities may not be able to maintain existing licenses, permits and approvals and government authorities may subsequently require the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities to obtain additional licenses, permits and approvals. If the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities fail to obtain the necessary licenses, permits and approvals or inadvertently conclude that any permissions or approvals are not required, or if applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change and the PRC Subsidiaries or the Affiliated Entities are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities may be subject to fines, confiscation of revenues generated from incompliant operations or the suspension of relevant operations. The PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities may also experience adverse publicity arising from such non-compliance with government regulations that negatively impact our brand.
Regulation - Risk 3
PRC regulations of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay or prevent us from using proceeds from offshore fund-raising activities, to make loans or additional capital contributions to the PRC Subsidiaries, which could materially adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.Any funds we transfer to the PRC Subsidiaries, either as shareholder loans or as an increase in registered capital, are subject to approval by or registration with relevant governmental authorities in China. According to the relevant PRC regulations on FIEs in China, capital contributions to the PRC Subsidiaries are subject to the information report requirement with MOFCOM or their respective local branches and registration with a local bank authorized by State Administration of Foreign Exchange ("SAFE"). In addition, any foreign loan procured by the PRC Subsidiaries cannot exceed statutory limits and is required to be registered with SAFE or its respective local branches.
We may use the proceeds of our offshore fund-raising activities to provide loans or make capital contributions to the PRC Subsidiaries or provide loans to the VIE, in each case subject to the satisfaction of applicable regulatory requirements. Any medium or long-term loan to be provided by us or our offshore subsidiaries to the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities must be registered with NDRC and SAFE or its local branches. Before we or our offshore entities provide loans to the onshore entities (i.e., the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities), the borrower must make filings with the SAFE or its local counterparts in accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations. In addition, in accordance with Administrative Measures for Review and Registration of Medium- and Long-term Foreign Debts of Enterprises issued by the NDRC on January 5, 2023, which took effect on February 10, 2023, for loans provided by us or our offshore entities to the PRC Subsidiaries or the Affiliated Entities with a term of more than one year, the borrower must also obtain a certificate of review and registration from the NDRC before obtaining such loan, and report relevant information to the NDRC afterward. We or our offshore subsidiaries may not complete such registrations on a timely basis, with respect to future capital contributions or foreign loans by us or our offshore subsidiaries to our onshore entities (i.e. the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities entities). If we or our offshore subsidiaries fail to complete such registrations, our ability to use the proceeds of securities offering, and to capitalize our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming the Management Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-Invested Enterprises ("SAFE Circular 19"), which took effect on June 1, 2015, and was partially repealed on December 30, 2019 and latest amended on March 23, 2023. SAFE Circular 19 launched a nationwide reform of the administration of the settlement of the foreign exchange capital of FIEs and allows FIEs to settle their foreign exchange capital at their discretion. However, SAFE Circular 19 prohibits FIEs from using the Renminbi funds converted from their foreign exchange capital for expenditures beyond their business scopes, providing entrusted loans or repaying loans between nonfinancial enterprises.
SAFE issued the Circular on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Control over Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital Accounts ("SAFE Circular 16"), effective in June 2016, and was amended on December 4, 2023. Pursuant to SAFE Circular 16, enterprises registered in China may convert their foreign debts from foreign currency to Renminbi on a discretionary basis. SAFE Circular 16 provides an integrated standard for conversion of foreign exchange under capital account items (including but not limited to foreign currency capital and foreign debts) on a discretionary basis which applies to all enterprises registered in China.
In addition, a foreign invested enterprise shall use its capital pursuant to the principle of authenticity and self-use within its business scope. The capital of a foreign invested enterprise shall not be used for the following purposes:
- directly or indirectly used for payment beyond the business scope of the enterprises or the payment prohibited by relevant laws and regulations;- directly or indirectly used for investment in securities or investments other than banks' principal-secured products unless otherwise provided by relevant laws and regulations;- the granting of loans to non-affiliated enterprises, except where it is expressly permitted in the business license; or - paying the expenses related to the purchase of real estate that is not for self-use (except for the foreign-invested real estate enterprises).
In light of the requirements imposed by PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies, we cannot assure you that we can complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals or filings on a timely basis, if at all, with respect to future loans or with capital contributions by us to the PRC Subsidiaries and/or the Affiliated Entities in the PRC. If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to capitalize or otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could adversely affect our ability to fund and expand the business.
Regulation - Risk 4
If the PRC government determines that the contractual arrangements in relation to the VIE structure do not comply with PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in certain industries, or if these regulations or the way they are interpreted change, we, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish their interests in those operations, and the Class A Ordinary Shares may decline in value or become worthless.We, the PRC Subsidiaries and the VIE face material risks relating to our corporate structure. Investors in the Class A Ordinary Shares are not purchasing equity interests in the VIE domiciled in China but instead are purchasing equity interests in us, the ultimate Cayman Islands holding company. We are not a Chinese operating company but a Cayman Islands holding company with operations conducted by their subsidiaries and through contractual arrangements with VIE based in China, and this structure involves unique risks to investors. The VIE structure provides investors with exposure to foreign investment in China- based companies where Chinese law prohibits or restricts direct foreign investment in the operating companies, and investors may never hold equity interests in the Chinese operating companies. The PRC government regulates telecommunications-related businesses through strict business licensing requirements and other government regulations. These laws and regulations include limitations on foreign ownership of PRC companies that engage in telecommunications-related businesses. Foreign investors are generally not allowed to own more than a 50% equity interest in any PRC companies engaging in value-added telecommunications businesses (excluding e-commerce services, domestic multi-party communications, store-and-forward and call centers).
Because we are an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are classified as a foreign enterprise under PRC laws and regulations, and each of the PRC Subsidiaries is a foreign-invested enterprise ("FIE"). To comply with PRC laws and regulations, we conduct our business in China through the VIE and the Affiliated Entities pursuant to a series of contractual arrangements among WFOE, the VIE and its shareholders. See "Item 4. Information on the Company- C. Organizational Structure-Contractual Arrangements with the VIE and its Shareholders." We, our subsidiaries and the investors do not have an equity ownership in, direct foreign investment in, or control through such ownership or investment of the VIE. The contractual arrangements with respect to the VIE are not equivalent to an equity ownership in the business of the VIE. Any references in this annual report to control or benefits that accrue to us and our subsidiaries because of the VIE are limited to, and subject to conditions for consolidation of, the VIE under U.S. GAAP. Consolidation of VIE under U.S. GAAP generally occurs if we or our subsidiaries (1) have an economic interest in the VIE that provides significant exposure to potential losses or benefits from the VIE and (2) have power over the most significant economic activities of the VIE. For accounting purposes, we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE. In addition, the contractual agreements governing the VIE have not been tested in a court of law.
We believe that our corporate structure and contractual arrangements comply with PRC laws and regulations. Based on our understanding of the relevant laws and regulations, our PRC counsel, Han Kun Law Offices, is of the opinion that each of the contracts among WFOE, the VIE and its shareholders is valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms.
However, substantial uncertainties remain regarding the interpretation and application of PRC laws and regulations. PRC government authorities may not agree that we and our subsidiaries' corporate structure or any of the foregoing contractual arrangements comply with PRC licensing, registration or other regulatory requirements or policies.
If regulators deem we, our subsidiaries and the VIE's corporate structure and contractual arrangements to be illegal, either in whole or in part, we may lose our ability to consolidate the financial results of the Affiliated Entities, and may have to modify our corporate structure to comply with regulatory requirements. We and our subsidiaries may not be able to achieve this without materially disrupting their business.
If we, our subsidiaries and the VIE's corporate structure and contractual arrangements violate existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the relevant regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations, including:
- revoking their business and operating licenses;- levying fines on us, the PRC Subsidiaries and/or the Affiliated Entities;- confiscating any of the income generated by us, the PRC Subsidiaries and/or the Affiliated Entities that the relevant regulatory authorities deem to be obtained through illegal operations;- discontinuing or restricting the operations of us, the PRC Subsidiaries and/or the Affiliated Entities in China;- imposing conditions or requirements with which we, the PRC Subsidiaries and/or the Affiliated Entities may not be able to comply;- shutting down the servers or blocking the applications, APIs, website, SaaS solutions or supporting services of us;- requiring us, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities to change their corporate structure and contractual arrangements;- restricting the right by us, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities to collect revenue;- restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds from overseas offering to finance the Affiliated Entities' operations; and - taking other regulatory or enforcement actions that could harm our business.
New PRC laws, rules and regulations may impose additional requirements on us, our subsidiaries and the VIE's corporate structure and contractual arrangements, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of these penalties or requirements causes us and our subsidiaries to lose the rights to direct the activities of the VIE or their right to receive economic benefits, we will no longer be able to consolidate the VIE's financial results in our consolidated financial statements, which could cause the value of the Class A Ordinary Shares to decline significantly or become worthless.
On February 17, 2023, the CSRC released the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (the "Overseas Listing Trial Measures") and five supporting guidelines, which became effective on March 31, 2023. At the press conference held for the Overseas Listing Trial Measures on the same day, officials from the CSRC clarified that, as for companies seeking overseas listing with contractual arrangements, the CSRC will solicit opinions from relevant regulatory authorities and complete the filing of the overseas listing of such companies if they duly meet the compliance requirements, and support the development and growth of these companies by enabling them to utilize two markets and two kinds of resources. We completed the CSRC filing procedures under the Overseas Listing Trial Measures for the Business Combination on September 14, 2023. If we, the PRC Subsidiaries or the Affiliated Entities fail to complete the filing with the CSRC for any future offering, or any other capital raising activities which are subject to the filings under the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, due to our contractual arrangements, our ability to raise or utilize funds from such overseas fund-raising activities could be materially and adversely affected, and we may even need to unwind the contractual arrangements or restructure the business operations to rectify the failure to complete the filings. However, given that the Overseas Listing Trial Measures were recently promulgated, there remains substantial uncertainties as to their interpretation, application, and enforcement and how they will affect our operations and our future financing.
Regulation - Risk 5
Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws, rules and regulations could materially adversely affect our business.We, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities face risks arising from the legal system in China, including risks and uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforcement of laws and that rules and regulations in China can change quickly with very short notice.
The PRC legal system is based on written statutes. Unlike under common law systems, decided legal cases have limited value as precedents in subsequent legal proceedings. In 1979, the PRC government began to publish a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general, and forms of foreign investment (including wholly foreign-owned enterprises and joint ventures) in particular. These laws, regulations and legal requirements are relatively new and often change, and their interpretation and enforcement may raise uncertainties that could limit the reliability of the legal protections available to us, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities. In addition, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis, and which may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of violation of these policies and rules until after the violation occurs.
We cannot predict future developments in the PRC legal system. We may need to procure additional permits, authorizations and approvals for our operations, which we may not be able to obtain. Our inability to obtain such permits or authorizations may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Administrative and court proceedings in China may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. Since PRC administrative and court authorities retain significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection that we may enjoy. These uncertainties may impede our ability to enforce contracts and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulation - Risk 6
PRC regulations relating to investments in offshore companies by PRC residents may subject PRC-resident beneficial owners or the PRC Subsidiaries to liability or penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into the PRC Subsidiaries or limit the PRC Subsidiaries' ability to increase their registered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect our business and financial condition.On July 4, 2014, SAFE issued the Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration on Domestic Residents' Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles ("Circular 37"). Circular 37 replaced the Notice on Issues Relating to the Administration of Foreign Exchange in Fund-Raising and Reverse Investment Activities of Domestic Residents Conducted Through Offshore Special Purpose Companies ("Notice 75"), which became effective on November 1, 2005.
Circular 37 stipulates that prior to establishing or assuming control of an offshore company (the "Offshore SPV"), for financing that Offshore SPV with assets of, or equity interests in, an enterprise in the PRC, each PRC resident (whether a natural or legal person) who is a beneficial owner of the Offshore SPV must complete prescribed registration procedures with the local branch of SAFE. Pursuant to Circular 37, PRC residents must amend their SAFE registrations under certain circumstances, including upon any injection of equity interests in, or assets of, a PRC enterprise to the Offshore SPV or upon any material change in the capital of the Offshore SPV (including a transfer or swap of shares, a merger or division).
On February 13, 2015, SAFE issued the Notice on Further Simplifying and Improving Policies for the Foreign Exchange Administration of Direct Investment ("Notice 13"). Notice 13 states that local PRC banks will examine and handle foreign exchange registrations for overseas direct investment, including the initial foreign exchange registration and amendment registration, from June 1, 2015. However, substantial uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation and implementation of this notice by governmental authorities and banks.
On December 26, 2017, the NDRC issued the Measures for the Administration of Overseas Investment of Enterprises ("Measures 11"), which became effective from March 1, 2018. Measures 11 states that PRC enterprises must obtain approval from the NDRC or file with the NDRC their offshore investments made through controlled Offshore SPVs.
Pursuant to the Measures 11 and the Measures for the Administration of Outbound Investment published by the MOFCOM in September 2014, any outbound investment of PRC enterprises must be approved by or filed with MOFCOM, NDRC or their local branches. State-owned enterprises may also be required to complete approval or filing procedures with state-owned assets supervision and administration authorities with respect to certain outbound direct investments.
We have requested that our current shareholders and beneficial owners who, to our knowledge, are PRC residents complete the foreign exchange registrations and that those who, to our knowledge, are PRC enterprises comply with outbound investment related regulations. However, we may not be fully aware of the identities of beneficial owners who are PRC residents. We do not have control over our beneficial owners and cannot guarantee that all of our beneficial owners who are PRC residents will comply with the requirements under Circular 37 or related SAFE rules, or other outbound investment related regulations.
If any of our beneficial owners who are PRC residents fail to comply with Circular 37 or related SAFE rules or other outbound investment related regulations, the PRC Subsidiaries could be subject to fines and legal penalties. Failure to comply with Circular 37 or related SAFE rules or other outbound investment related regulations could be deemed as evasion of foreign exchange controls and subject us to liability under PRC law. As a result, SAFE could restrict our foreign exchange activities, including dividends and other distributions made by the PRC Subsidiaries to us and our capital contributions to the PRC Subsidiaries.
If any of our beneficial owners who are PRC residents fail to comply with Measures 11, the investments of such beneficial owners could be subject to suspension or termination, while such beneficial owners could be subject to warnings or applicable criminal liabilities. Any of the foregoing could materially adversely affect our operations, acquisition opportunities and financing alternatives.
Regulation - Risk 7
There are uncertainties under the PRC laws relating to the procedures for U.S. regulators to investigate and collect evidence from companies located in the PRC.Shareholder claims or regulatory investigation that are common in the United States generally are difficult to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in China. For instance, in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to providing information needed for regulatory investigations or litigations initiated outside China. Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with the securities regulatory authorities of another country or region to implement cross-border supervision and administration, such cooperation with the securities regulatory authorities in the Unities States may not be efficient in the absence of mutual and practical cooperation mechanism.
According to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law (the "Article 177"), which became effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of the PRC. Accordingly, without PRC government approval, no entity or individual in China may provide documents and information relating to securities business activities to overseas regulators when it is under direct investigation or evidence discovery conducted by overseas regulators, which could present significant legal and other obstacles to obtaining information needed for investigations and litigation conducted outside of China. The inability for an overseas securities regulator to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within China may further increase difficulties faced by you in protecting your interests. Furthermore, as of the date of this annual report, there have not been implementing rules or regulations regarding the application of Article 177, and, accordingly, it remains unclear as to how it will be interpreted, implemented or applied by relevant government authorities. As such, there are also uncertainties as to the procedures and requisite timing for the overseas securities regulatory agencies to conduct investigations and collect evidence within the territory of the PRC. If the U.S. securities regulatory agencies are unable to conduct such investigations, there exists a risk that they may determine to suspend or de-register our registration with the SEC and may also delist our securities from trading market within the United States. See also "- Risks Related to Our Securities - You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are incorporated under the law of the Cayman Islands, and will conduct substantially all of our operations in China, and a majority of our directors and executive officers will reside outside of the United States."
Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 1.2%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
We may be subject to legal proceedings in the ordinary course of our business. Litigation could distract management, increase our expenses or subject us to material money damages and other remedies.Taxation & Government Incentives4 | 4.7%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
We may be treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and may therefore be subject to PRC income tax.Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
Contractual arrangements with the VIE may result in adverse tax consequences to us, the PRC Subsidiaries or the Affiliated Entities.We, the PRC Subsidiaries and/or the Affiliated Entities could face material and adverse tax consequences if PRC tax authorities determine that WFOE's contractual arrangements with the VIE were not made on an arm's length basis and adjust the VIE's income and expenses for PRC tax purposes by requiring a transfer pricing adjustment.
A transfer pricing adjustment could adversely affect us, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities by (1) increasing the tax liabilities of the Affiliated Entities without reducing the tax liability of the PRC Subsidiaries, which could result in late payment fees and other penalties to the Affiliated Entities for underpaid taxes; or (2) limiting the Affiliated Entities' ability to obtain or maintain preferential tax treatments and other financial incentives.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 3
We have granted, and will grant, options and other types of awards under our share incentive plan, which may result in increased share-based compensation expenses.Our 2019 Equity Incentive Plan and 2023 Equity Incentive Plan allow us to grant share-based compensation awards to employees, directors and outside consultants to incentivize their performance and align their interests with us. Under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan and 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, we are authorized to grant options, restricted shares, restricted share units and other types of awards. We recognized share-based compensation expenses in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
As of December 31, 2023, options and restricted share awards that covered an aggregate of 10,756,210 Class A Ordinary Shares were granted and outstanding under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan and 2023 Equity Incentive Plan. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, we recorded share-based compensation expenses of RMB18.5 million, RMB16.2 million and RMB110.0 million, respectively. We may continue to record share-based compensation expenses in relation to such share option grants, and we plan to grant options and other types of awards under the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan and 2023 Equity Incentive Plan, as we believe the granting of share-based compensation helps us attract and retain key personnel and employees. As a result, our expenses associated with share-based compensation may increase, which may adversely affect our results of operations.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 4
If we are characterized as a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders may experience adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.A non-U.S. corporation generally will be treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in any taxable year if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for such year is passive income or (2) at least 50%of the value of its assets (generally based on an average of the quarterly values of the assets) during such year is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. Although the law in this regard is unclear, we treat the VIEs as being owned by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes, not only because we exercise significant influence over the operation of such entities but also because we are entitled to substantially all of their economic benefits, and, as a result, we consolidate their results of operation in our financial statements. Assuming that we are the owner of the VIEs for United States federal income tax purposes and based upon our historical income and assets, we do not believe that we were classified as a PFIC for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. However, the application of the PFIC rules is subject to uncertainty in several respects, and there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") will not take a contrary position or that a court will not sustain such a challenge by the IRS.
Whether we (or any of our subsidiaries) are or will become a PFIC for the current or any subsequent taxable year is a factual determination that depends on, among other things, the composition of our income and assets (which may differ from our historical results and current projections) and the market value of our securities. If we retain significant amounts of liquid assets or if our market capitalization declines, our risk of being classified as a PFIC may substantially increase. The PFIC status is a factual determination that must be made annually at the close of each taxable year, and, thus, we cannot assure you that we will not be a PFIC for the current or subsequent taxable years.
If we (or any of our subsidiaries) are a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder of our securities may be subject to adverse tax consequences and may incur certain information reporting obligations. For a further discussion, see "Item.10 Additional Information-E. Taxation-Certain Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences-Passive foreign investment company rules." U.S. Holders of our securities are strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application of these rules to us and the ownership of our securities.
Environmental / Social2 | 2.4%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
We may be liable for improper use or appropriation of personal information provided by our customers.Environmental / Social - Risk 2
Improper access to, use or disclosure of data could harm our reputation and adversely affect our business.Our platform generates, stores and processes a large quantity of data. As a result, we are exposed to risks inherent in accessing and handling large volumes of data, including those associated with:
- protecting the data hosted on our technology systems, applications, APIs, website and SaaS solutions, including against attacks by outside parties or employee error or malfeasance;- addressing concerns related to data privacy, sharing and security; and - complying with laws, rules and regulations governing the use and disclosure of personal information.
Cybersecurity and data privacy issues have become subject to increasing legislative and regulatory focus in China. See "Item 4. Information on the Company-B. Business Overview- Government Regulations-Regulation of Internet Content Providers" and "-Regulation of Privacy Protection." Many of these laws and regulations are subject to frequent modification and differing interpretations.
Complying with these evolving regulatory requirements could require significant expense and effort and require us to change our business practices and privacy policies in a manner adverse to our ecosystem participants and our business. Failure to comply with existing or future cybersecurity and data privacy laws and regulations could result in litigation, fines and penalties, regulatory enforcement actions and reputational harm. In addition, changes in our ecosystem participants' expectations and requirements regarding privacy and data protection could restrict our ability to collect and use information collected on our platform, which in turn could harm our ability to serve our ecosystem participants. Any of the foregoing risks could materially adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results.
Production
Total Risks: 11/85 (13%)Above Sector Average
Employment / Personnel4 | 4.7%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
Misconduct or other improper activities by our employees, ecosystem participants and other third parties could harm our business and reputation.Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
Our business depends on the continued efforts of our senior management. If one or more members of our senior management were unable or unwilling to serve in their present positions, our business may be severely disrupted.Our operations depend on the continued services of our senior management, particularly the executive officers named in this annual report. In particular, Mr. Lei Zhang, our founder and chief executive officer, is critical to the management of our business and the development of our strategic direction. While we have provided various incentives to our management, we may be unable to retain their services.
As the number of service and product providers for digital insurance transactions and insurance SaaS solutions in China increases, competitors may attempt to hire our senior management members. If we lose the services of any member of our senior management team, we may not be able to effectively manage our business or implement our growth strategies. If any of our senior management members joins a competitor or forms a competing company, we may lose trade secrets and relationships with our ecosystem participants, and our business may suffer.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 3
Intense competition for employees and increases in labor costs in the PRC may adversely affect our business and results of operations.We believe that our success depends on our ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified and skilled employees. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and we may incur significant costs to attract and retain them. Experienced information technology personnel, who are critical to the success of our business, are in particularly high demand in China.
Competition for talent is intense, and retaining such individuals can be difficult. The loss of any of our key employees could materially adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan and strategy, and we may not find adequate replacements on a timely basis, or at all. We may not retain the services of any key employees. If we do not attract well-qualified employees, or retain and motivate existing employees, our business could be materially adversely affected.
We invest significant time and expenses to train our employees, which increases their value to competitors who may seek to recruit them. If we fail to retain our employees, we could incur significant expenses in hiring and training their replacements. As a result, the quality of our services and our ability to serve consumers, insurance carriers and other industry participants could diminish, materially adversely affecting our business.
The Chinese economy has experienced increases in inflation and labor costs in recent years. As a result, average wages in the PRC are expected to increase. In addition, PRC laws and regulations require us to pay various statutory employee benefits, including pension insurance, housing funds, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and maternity insurance to designated government agencies for the benefit of employees. We expect that our labor costs, including wages and employee benefits, will increase. Unless we can control our labor costs or pass on these increased labor costs, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 4
The enforcement of the PRC Labor Contract Law and other labor-related regulations in the PRC may adversely affect our business and results of operations. Failure to make adequate contributions to employee benefit plans as required by PRC regulations may subject us to penalties.The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress enacted the Labor Contract Law in 2008, and amended it on December 28, 2012. The Labor Contract Law introduced specific provisions related to fixed-term employment contracts, part-time employment, probationary periods, consultation with labor unions and employee assemblies, employment without a written contract, dismissal of employees, severance, and collective bargaining to enhance previous PRC labor laws.
Under the Labor Contract Law, an employer must sign an unlimited-term labor contract with any employee who has worked for the employer for ten consecutive years. Furthermore, if an employee requests or agrees to renew a fixed-term labor contract that has already been entered into twice consecutively, the resulting contract, with certain exceptions, must have an unlimited term, subject to certain exceptions.
With certain exceptions, an employer must pay severance to an employee where a labor contract is terminated or expires. In addition, PRC governmental authorities have introduced various new labor-related regulations since the effectiveness of the Labor Contract Law. Under the PRC Social Insurance Law and the Administrative Measures on Housing Fund, employees must participate in pension insurance, work-related injury insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, and housing funds. Employers must apply for social insurance registration and open housing fund accounts for the employees and are required, together with their employees or separately, to pay the social insurance premiums and housing funds for their employees.
Certain of the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities have not made full contributions to social security insurance plans and housing provident fund for our employees in compliance with the relevant PRC regulations. As a result, we may be required to make up the contributions for these plans as well as to pay late fees and fines.
In addition, certain of the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities provide social security insurance through third-party human resources agencies to pay social insurance premiums and make contributions to housing funds. Under the agreements entered into between the third-party human resources agencies and the PRC Subsidiaries, the Affiliated Entities and their relevant subsidiaries, the third-party human resources agencies are obligated to pay social insurance premiums and housing funds for employees of these entities. Such arrangement may be deemed as a failure to comply with the relevant PRC laws and regulations which require an employer to pay social insurance premiums and make contributions to housing funds. Furthermore, if the third-party human resource agencies fail to pay the social insurance premiums or housing fund contributions for and on behalf of employees as required under applicable PRC laws and regulations, the PRC Subsidiaries, the Affiliated Entities and their subsidiaries may be subject to penalties imposed by the local social insurance authorities and the local housing fund management centers for failing to discharge their obligations to pay social insurance and housing funds as an employer. In addition, we have accrued in the financial statements but not made full contributions to the social insurance plans and the housing provident fund for employees as required by the relevant PRC laws and regulations. As of this annual report, we are not aware of any notice from regulatory authorities or any claim or request from these employees in this regard.
As the interpretation and implementation of these regulations are evolving, employment practices of the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities may not be at all times deemed in compliance with the regulations. As a result, these entities could be subject to penalties or incur significant liabilities in connection with labor disputes or investigations.
Supply Chain2 | 2.4%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
We may fail to maintain and grow our relationships with third-party platforms and referral partners and to effectively manage such relationships.Supply Chain - Risk 2
Any failure by us or third parties with which we collaborate to comply with anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing laws and regulations could damage our reputation, expose us to significant penalties, and decrease our revenues and profitability.We have implemented policies and procedures to comply with applicable anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing laws and regulations. These include internal controls and "know-your-customer" procedures, for preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. In addition, we rely on insurance carriers to have their own appropriate anti-money laundering policies and procedures.
Insurance carriers with which we collaborate are subject to anti-money laundering obligations under applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and are regulated by the People's Bank of China (the "PBOC"). We have adopted commercially reasonable procedures for monitoring insurance carriers with which we collaborate.
We have not been subject to fines or other penalties, or suffered material business or other reputational harm, as a result of actual or alleged money laundering or terrorist financing activities in the past. However, our policies and procedures may not prevent other parties from using us or any insurance carriers with which we collaborate as a conduit for money laundering (including illegal cash operations) or terrorist financing without our knowledge.
If we were associated with money laundering (including illegal cash operations) or terrorist financing, our reputation could suffer. We could also become subject to regulatory fines, sanctions, or legal enforcement, including being added to any "blacklists" that would prohibit certain parties from engaging in transactions with us, all of which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Even if we and insurance carriers with which we collaborate comply with applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations, we and these insurance carriers may not be able to eliminate money laundering and other illegal or improper activities in light of their complexity and the secrecy of these activities. Any negative perception of the industry, including that which may arise from any failure of other insurance transaction service providers to detect or prevent money laundering activities, even if factually incorrect or based on isolated incidents, could compromise our image, undermine the trust and credibility that we have established, and negatively impact our financial condition and results of operation.
Costs5 | 5.9%
Costs - Risk 1
The lag time between the payment of our referral service fees to referral partners and the receipt of our transaction service fees from insurance carrier customers and other intermediaries may adversely affect our liquidity and cash flows.Costs - Risk 2
Our business is subject to risks related to China's digital insurance and the automotive industries.Our business depends on the growth of China's digital insurance industry and in particular, China's digital auto insurance transaction industry, which is relatively new and may not develop as expected. The digital auto insurance transaction industry in China grew from RMB85.2 billion in 2018 to RMB270.9 billion in 2021, representing a CAGR of 47.1%, according to iResearch. However, China's digital auto insurance transaction industry may not increase at the same rate in future periods.
The regulatory framework governing China's digital insurance industry is evolving and is expected to remain uncertain for the foreseeable future. A reversal of, or a slowdown in, China's digital insurance industry could reduce demand for our services and products for digital insurance transactions and insurance SaaS solutions and adversely affect our growth prospects and profitability.
We derive most of our revenues from providing auto insurance transaction services. As a result, our success depends on China's automobile market. Automobile sales in China declined by 9.9% from 2.8 million vehicles 2018 to 2.6 million vehicles in 2021. Decreased demand for automobiles could adversely affect the demand for auto insurance and, in turn, the number of insurance carrier customers, third-party platforms, referral partners, insurance intermediaries and consumers using our platform. Accordingly, if the automobile industry declines or fails to grow, our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer.
A downturn in general economic conditions in China could reduce consumer spending, negatively impacting the growth rates of China's automotive industry and the demand for auto insurance in China. Automobile purchasers are also sensitive to trends in the broader economy, including the cost of energy and gasoline, the availability and cost of credit, business and consumer confidence, stock market volatility and unemployment. In addition, the growing popularity of ride-hailing applications in China, could adversely affect automobile purchases and decrease the demand for auto insurance in China.
Costs - Risk 3
If we cannot maintain and enhance our relationships with insurance carriers, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.We generate most of our revenues from services and products provided to insurance carriers and insurance intermediaries. Our contracts with insurance carrier customers for digital insurance transaction services and with insurance carrier customers and insurance intermediaries for SaaS solution services typically have a one-year term. Insurance carrier customers and insurance intermediaries may terminate some of these contracts with relatively short notice periods under certain circumstances. We may not be able to renew any of these contracts upon their expiration on terms comparable to or better than existing contracts, if at all.
Our relationships with insurance carriers depend on our ability to deliver an attractive volume of consumers that match their desired consumer profiles. At the same time, our ability to attract consumers to our platform depends on the quantity and quality of insurance products insurance carriers offer through our platform.
If we cannot maintain our relationships with insurance carriers and add new insurance carriers to our ecosystem, we may be unable to offer our consumers the insurance buying experience they expect. The foregoing risks could reduce referral partners' and consumers' confidence in our products and services. As a result, referral partners and consumers could cease to use us, or use us at a decreasing rate, which would reduce our attractiveness to insurance carriers and materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Costs - Risk 4
The fees that we charge for selling insurance products through our platform may fluctuate or decline significantly due to factors beyond our control, which could significantly harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.We derive substantially all of our revenues from transaction service fees that we charge insurance carrier customers and other intermediaries for selling policies through our platform. We negotiate the transaction service fees with insurance carrier customers and other intermediaries based on prevailing economic and regulatory conditions, market demand and related factors. Many of these factors are beyond our control.
In particular, the transaction service fees that we charge depend on:
- local regulatory guidelines on the level of commissions provided by insurance carriers to insurance intermediaries;- the policies and profitability of insurance carriers;- the availability and cost of comparable products from other product providers;- the availability of alternative insurance products to consumers; and - the volume of insurance products sold on our platform.
Because we do not control the decisions of insurance carrier customers, the transaction services fees that we receive from insurance carrier customers and other intermediaries vary significantly from period to period and among different insurance carrier customers, auto insurance products, transactions and geographic markets. We cannot determine or predict the timing or extent of any changes in our transaction service fees.
For example, insurance industry associations across China voluntarily agreed to limit the fee rates that insurance carriers pay insurance intermediaries, which resulted in industry-wide fee decreases for insurance intermediaries in accordance with the Circular of the General Office of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission on Matters relating to Further Tightened Regulation of Vehicle Insurance, which was promulgated and implemented by the CBIRC (currently known as the NFRA) on January 14, 2019. Government regulations also prohibit insurance carriers in China from paying insurance intermediaries more than what they report to the CBIRC (currently known as the NFRA) and require insurance intermediaries to keep a true and complete record of the amount and collection of commission. In practice, some insurance carriers pay insurance intermediaries additional fees in the form of fees for consulting, technical support or marketing services or through other means. The CBIRC (currently known as the NFRA) punished some insurance carriers and insurance intermediaries for this practice. Historically, we charged third-party automobile service companies referral fees, as we referred insurance carrier customers and each unique insurance policy underwritten by them to third-party car services companies in 2020, which may be recognized by the CBIRC (currently known as the NFRA) as commission received from insurance carrier customers. We terminated such referral services in 2021. Although we have ceased these payment practices, the NFRA may still penalize us for having received such referral revenue. As of the date of this annual report, we are not aware of any announcement by the NFRA to impose penalties for such historical payment practices.
As a result, it is difficult for us to assess the effect of changes in transaction services fees on our operations. Any decrease in transaction service fees could adversely affect our revenues, cash flow and results of operations.
Costs - Risk 5
We may not have sufficient insurance coverage.Insurance carriers in China currently do not offer as extensive a range of insurance products as insurance carriers in more developed economies. We do not maintain property insurance or business interruption insurance, nor do we maintain product liability insurance or key-man life insurance. Any business disruption or litigation, or any liability or damage to, or caused by, our facilities or our personnel beyond our insurance coverage may result in substantial costs and may divert our resources.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 7/85 (8%)Below Sector Average
Competition2 | 2.4%
Competition - Risk 1
We face intense competition and we may not be able to compete effectively.Competition - Risk 2
We operate in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market, which makes it difficult to evaluate our prospects.We, through the VIE, commenced operations in September 2014. We operate in China's insurance industry, which is highly competitive and rapidly evolving. Other participants in the industry, including insurance carriers, insurance intermediaries, third-party platforms, referral partners and insurance consumers, may have difficulty distinguishing our platform from those of our competitors. As the industry and our business develop, we may modify our business model or change our platform, services or products. These changes may not achieve expected results and may materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our net revenue was RMB1,735.4 million, RMB2,679.1 million and RMB3,301.4 million in 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively. Our gross profit was RMB80.8 million, RMB142.3 million and RMB140.2 million in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. We may not achieve similar growth rates in future periods as we expand our operations. You should evaluate our business and prospects in light of the risks and challenges that we are likely to face as a company seeking to develop in a rapidly evolving market.
Demand2 | 2.4%
Demand - Risk 1
Our SaaS solution services and products may not gain market acceptance, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations.Demand - Risk 2
Our business fluctuates seasonally.Our revenues and results of operations could vary significantly from period to period and fail to match expectations as a result of a variety of factors, some of which are outside of our control. Our results may vary as a result of fluctuations in the number of consumers and insurance carrier customers using our platform and seasonal promotions offered by insurance carrier customers and purchase patterns of insurance consumers. In addition, the digital insurance industry is subject to cyclical trends and uncertainties. Traditionally, higher levels of vehicle sales in China occur in September and October, which results in increased sales of auto insurance policies. As a result, we typically record higher transaction volumes and revenue for our digital insurance transaction service business during the second half of each year. These fluctuations are likely to continue and results of operations for any period may not be indicative of our performance in any future period. In addition, our liquidity may suffer during periods in which we receive lower cash flows.
Sales & Marketing1 | 1.2%
Sales & Marketing - Risk 1
We may not successfully attract prospective consumers.Brand / Reputation2 | 2.4%
Brand / Reputation - Risk 1
If we fail to build and maintain our brand, we may not be able to attract enough ecosystem participants to grow our business.Brand / Reputation - Risk 2
Any negative publicity about our industry, our ecosystem participants or our other business partners may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.Our ability to attract and retain ecosystem participants depends in part upon public perception of our products, services, management and financial performance. Customer complaints, governmental investigations or service failures of our platform could cause substantial adverse publicity.
China's insurance industry is highly regulated. China's digital insurance industry is relatively new and the regulatory framework for this industry is evolving. Press coverage, social media messaging or other public statements that insinuate improper conduct by us or other participants in China's insurance industry, and the digital insurance industry in particular, even if inaccurate, may result in negative publicity, litigation, governmental investigations or additional regulations.
Negative publicity about our ecosystem participants, including insurance carriers, third-party platforms, referral partners, insurance intermediaries and our other business partners could also adversely affect us. Addressing negative publicity and any resulting litigation or investigations may distract management, increase costs and divert resources. Negative publicity may also harm our reputation and the morale of our employees. Any of these developments could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and the price of our Class A Ordinary Shares.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 7/85 (8%)Below Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment3 | 3.5%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
A severe or prolonged downturn in the Chinese or global economy may harm our business and results of operations.Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Adverse changes in economic and political policies of the PRC government could negatively impact China's overall economic growth, which could materially adversely affect our business.We conduct substantially all of operations through the PRC Subsidiaries, the VIE and the Affiliated Entities in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects depend significantly on economic developments in China. China's economy differs from the economies of most other countries in many respects, including the amount of government involvement in the economy, the general level of economic development, growth rates and government control of foreign exchange and the allocation of resources.
While the PRC economy has grown significantly over the past few decades, this growth has remained uneven across different periods, regions and economic sectors. The PRC government also exercises significant control over China's economic growth by allocating resources, controlling the payment of foreign currency denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. Any actions and policies adopted by the PRC government could negatively impact the Chinese economy, which could materially adversely affect our business.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3
The PRC government has significant authority to exert influence on the China operations of an offshore holding company, and offerings conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based issuers, such as us. Changes in China's economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and the value of our securities.We conduct our business in China and substantially all of our assets are located in China. Accordingly, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be influenced to a significant degree by the PRC political, economic and social conditions. The PRC government may intervene or influence our operations at any time, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our securities.
The economic, political and social conditions in China differ from those of the countries in other jurisdictions in many respects, including with respect to the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. The PRC government has implemented measures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets, and the establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises. These reforms have resulted in significant economic growth and social prospects. However, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the government. The PRC government exercises significant control over China's economic growth by allocating resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy, regulating financial services and institutions, providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies, or imposing industry-wide policies on certain industries. Economic reform measures may also be adjusted, modified or applied inconsistently from industry to industry or across different regions of the country, and there can be no assurance that the Chinese government will continue to pursue a policy of economic reform or that the direction of reform will continue to be market friendly.
While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth in the past four decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. Various measures implemented by the PRC government to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of resources may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may also have a negative effect on us. Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected by government control over capital investments, foreign investment or changes in applicable tax regulations. The PRC government has also implemented certain measures in the past, including interest rate adjustment, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity, which in turn could lead to a reduction in demand for our products and consequently have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic may also have a severe and negative impact on the Chinese economy. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the rate of growth of the Chinese economy may adversely affect our business and results of operations, leading to reduction in demand for our products and adversely affect our competitive position.
Additionally, the PRC government may promulgate laws, regulations or policies that seek to impose stricter scrutiny over, or completely revise, the current regulatory regime in certain industries or in certain activities. For instance, the PRC government has significant discretion over the business operations in China and may intervene with or influence specific industries or companies as it deems appropriate to further regulatory, political and societal goals, which could have a material and adverse effect on the future growth of the affected industries and the companies operating in such industries. Furthermore, the PRC government has also recently indicated an intent to exert more oversight and control over overseas securities offerings and foreign investments in China-based companies. Any such actions may adversely affect our operations, and significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to you and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
Our ability to successfully maintain or grow business operations in China depends on various factors, which are beyond our control. These factors include, among others, macro-economic and other market conditions, political stability, social conditions, measures to control inflation or deflation, changes in the rate or method of taxation, changes in laws, regulations and administrative directives or their interpretation, and changes in industry policies. If we fail to take timely and appropriate measures to adapt to any of the changes or challenges, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
Natural and Human Disruptions2 | 2.4%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics, including the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, natural disasters and other events that could significantly disrupt our operations.Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
The COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.Changed
Our business could be harmed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The outbreak and protective public health measures undertaken by governments, businesses and individuals to contain the spread of COVID-19 adversely affected workforces, businesses and other organizations, economies and financial markets globally, leading to an economic downturn and increased market volatility.
Our business, results of operations and financial condition could suffer if, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for automobiles or our services and products for digital insurance transactions and insurance SaaS solutions declines, our insurance carrier customers seek to renegotiate their commission and fee arrangements with it, the policyholders to whom we have sold policies stop making their premium payments, or we fail to maintain and grow our relationships with referral partners.
The outbreak has disrupted the normal operations of many businesses, including our insurance carrier customers, third-party platforms, referral partners and other business partners. If our business partners experience shutdowns or continued business disruptions, our ability to conduct our business as planned could be materially and negatively affected.
While our business has not, to date, experienced material disruptions in transaction volumes or SaaS product subscriptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, a continued or intensifying outbreak over the short- or medium-term could result in delays in our services delivery, introduction of new products and services and implementations of expansion plans or interruptions in our sales and marketing activities, among others. The extent to which the COVID-19 outbreak affects our business will depend on future developments in China and around the world, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus and the actions required to contain and treat it.
If the COVID-19 pandemic, the slowdown in economic growth and the resulting disruption to our business were to extend over a prolonged period, it could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this "Risk Factors" section.
Capital Markets2 | 2.4%
Capital Markets - Risk 1
Governmental control of currency conversion may limit the ability of us, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities to utilize our net revenues effectively and our ability to transfer cash among the group, across borders, and to investors and affect the value of your investment.Capital Markets - Risk 2
Fluctuations in the value of the Renminbi may materially adversely affect your investment.The value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar and other currencies may fluctuate and is affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions in China and by China's foreign exchange policies. With the development of the foreign exchange market and progress towards interest rate liberalization and Renminbi internationalization, the PRC government may announce further changes to the exchange rate system, and the Renminbi may appreciate or depreciate significantly against the U.S. dollar. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar.
Significant revaluation of the Renminbi may materially adversely affect your investment. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars received from offshore financing activities into Renminbi for the operations of the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would decrease the Renminbi amount that we would have received from the conversion. Conversely, if we, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities convert Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on the Class A Ordinary Shares or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Renminbi would reduce the U.S. dollar amount available to us, the PRC Subsidiaries and the Affiliated Entities.
Limited hedging options are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. As of the date of this annual report, we have not entered into any material hedging transactions to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited, and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure. In addition, currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 6/85 (7%)Below Sector Average
Innovation / R&D1 | 1.2%
Innovation / R&D - Risk 1
If we fail to enhance and expand our services and products in a manner that responds to our ecosystem participants' evolving needs, our business may be adversely affected.Trade Secrets2 | 2.4%
Trade Secrets - Risk 1
We have limited ability to protect and defend our intellectual property rights, and unauthorized parties may infringe upon or misappropriate our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position.Trade Secrets - Risk 2
Infringement or misappropriation claims by third parties could subject us to significant liabilities and other costs.Our success depends largely on our ability to use and develop our technology and know-how without infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties. Our competitors or other third parties may claim that we are infringing upon their intellectual property rights, and we may be found to be infringing upon such rights.
Any claims or litigation, regardless of merit, could cause us to incur significant expenses. If successfully asserted against it, these claims could require that we pay substantial damages or ongoing royalty payments, prevent us from offering our services or require that we comply with other unfavorable terms.
Even if the claims do not result in litigation or resolve in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources spent in resolving them, could divert management resources and adversely affect our business and results of operations. We expect that the occurrence of infringement claims is likely to grow as the industry and our business grows. Accordingly, our exposure to damages resulting from infringement claims could increase and divert our financial and management resources.
Cyber Security1 | 1.2%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
Recent greater oversight by the CAC over data security, particularly for companies seeking to list on a foreign exchange, could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability in capital raising activities and materially and adversely affect our business and the value of your investment.Technology2 | 2.4%
Technology - Risk 1
Any significant disruption in our technology systems, including events beyond our control, could prevent us from offering our services and products or reduce our attractiveness and result in a loss of our ecosystem participants.Technology - Risk 2
Our operations depend on the performance of the internet infrastructure and fixed telecommunications networks in China.Substantially all access to the internet in China is maintained through state-owned telecommunication operators under the administrative control and regulatory supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (the "MIIT"). Third-party cloud providers host our applications, APIs, website, SaaS solutions and supporting services. These service providers may have limited access to alternative networks or services in the event of disruptions, failures or other problems with China's internet infrastructure or fixed telecommunications networks.
As our business expands, we may need to upgrade our technology and infrastructure to keep up with the increasing number and variety of transactions on our platform. Our technology systems and the underlying internet infrastructure and fixed telecommunications networks in China may not support the demands of continued growth in internet usage.
In addition, we do not control the costs of services provided by telecommunication service providers which may affect the cost of data center services. If the prices that we pay for data center services rise significantly, our results of operations may be adversely affected.
See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.
How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.
How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?
Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.
You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
- Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
- Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
- Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
- Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
- Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
- Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
- Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
- Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
- Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
- Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
- Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
- Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
- Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
- Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
- Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
- Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
- Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
- Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
- Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
- Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
- Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
- International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
- Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.