UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
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For the fiscal year ended
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Date of event requiring this shell company report________________
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co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief FinancialOfficer
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| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
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As of March 31, 2025, there were 460,729,482ordinary shares outstanding, being the sum of
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| Large Accelerated Filer | ☐ | ☒ | |
| Accelerated Filer | ☐ | Emerging growth company |
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| † | The term “new or revisedfinancial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting StandardsCodification after April 5, 2012. |
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☐Item 17 ☐ Item 18
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(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCYPROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
INTRODUCTION
Except where the context otherwise indicates and for thepurpose of this annual report only:
| ● | “active buyers” in a given period refers to a registered account that accepted one or more shipped orders on our online sales platforms; for the avoidance of doubt, active buyers include both individual customers and small and medium pet businesses. The active buyers are calculated using internal company data, treating each account as a separate active buyer even though some buyers may buy through different accounts and multiple buyers may buy through the same account; | |
| ● | “ADSs” refers to the American depositary shares, each represented 150 Class A ordinary shares (defined below) before the mandatory exchange of the ADSs for Class A ordinary shares and removal of the ADS program effective July 11, 2025; |
| ● | “Boqii” refers to Boqii Holding Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company; |
| ● | “we,” “us,” “our company,” “the Company,” “the Group” and “our” refer to Boqii and its subsidiaries and, in the context of describing our operations and consolidated financial information, including the VIEs (defined below) and their respective subsidiaries; |
| ● | “brand owner” refers to a company engaging in the production and sale of branded pet goods; |
| ● | “brand partner” refers to a specific brand owner whose products are sold via our online sales platforms and offline network; |
| ● | “Class A ordinary shares” refers to our Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.16 per share; |
| ● | “Class B ordinary shares” refers to our Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.16 per share; |
| ● | “China” or the “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong and Macau and, only for the purpose of this annual report, excluding Taiwan; the only instances in which “China” or the “PRC” do not include Hong Kong or Macau are when used in the case of laws and regulations, including, among others, tax matters, adopted by the People’s Republic of China; the legal and operational risks associated with operating in China also apply to our operations in Hong Kong; |
| ● | “GMV” refers to gross merchandise volume, which is the total value of confirmed orders placed with us and sold through distribution model or drop shipping model where we act as a principal in the transaction regardless of whether the products are delivered or returned, calculated based on the listed prices of the ordered products without taking into consideration any discounts. With respect to products sold by Nanjing Xingmu Biotechnology Co., Ltd., such GMV is calculated based on the suggested retail prices of the ordered products without taking into consideration any discounts and regardless of whether the products are delivered or returned. For the avoidance of doubt, the total GMV amounts disclosed in this annual report (i) includes GMV of products sold by Nanjing Xingmu Biotechnology Co., Ltd., (ii) excludes products sold through consignment model and (iii) excludes the value of services offered by us; |
ii
| ● | “KOL” refers to key opinion leaders, or individuals who have the power to engage and impact people within a specific community or field; |
| ● | “online platforms” refers to our online sales platforms and our content platform; |
| ● | “online sales platforms” refers to Boqii Mall, our flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms and our proprietary SaaS system; |
| ● | “MAA” means the fourteenth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association of Boqii currently in effect; |
| ● | “Meiyizhi WFOE” refers to Shanghai Meiyizhi Supply Chain Co., Ltd.; |
| ● | “RMB” or “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of the People’s Republic of China; |
| ● | “Shanghai Guangcheng” refers to Guangcheng (Shanghai) Information Technology Co., Ltd.; |
| ● | “Shanghai Xincheng” refers to Xincheng (Shanghai) Information Technology Co., Ltd.; |
| ● | “shares” or “ordinary shares” refers to our Class A and Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.16 per share; |
| ● | “Suzhou Taicheng” refers to Suzhou Taicheng Supply Chain Co., Ltd.; |
| ● | “Suzhou Xingyun” refers to Suzhou Xingyun Yueming Supply Chain Co., Ltd.; |
| ● | “US$,” “dollars” or “U.S. dollars” refers to the legal currency of the United States; |
| ● | “variable interest entities,” or “VIEs,” refers to the PRC entities of which we have power to control the management, and financial and operating policies and have the right to recognize and receive substantially all the economic benefits and in which we have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests at the minimum price possible to the extent permitted by PRC law; |
| ● | “Xingmu” or “Nanjing Xingmu” refers to Nanjing Xingmu Biotechnology Co., Ltd.; |
| ● | “Xingmu WFOE” refers to Nanjing Xinmu Information Technology Co., Ltd.; and |
| ● | “Yoken WFOE” refers to Chengdu Chongaita Information Technology Co., Ltd. |
Unless otherwise noted, alltranslations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Renminbi in this annual report are made at RMB7.2567 to US$1.00, theexchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board on March 31, 2025. We make no representation thatany Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at anyparticular rate, the rates stated below, or at all.
Unless otherwise stated inthis annual report, all numbers of our ordinary shares and related data have been updated to reflect the 160-for-1 reverse split approvedby our shareholders on June 26, 2025 (the “Reverse Split”).
iii
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This annual report containsstatements that constitute forward-looking statements which reflect our current expectations and views of future events. These statementsare made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigations Reform Act of 1995. Many of the forward-lookingstatements contained in this annual report can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,”“could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate” and“potential,” among others.
Forward-looking statementsappear in a number of places in this annual report and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our intent, belief or currentexpectations. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently availableto our management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressedor implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, those identified under the sectionentitled “Item 3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors” in this annual report. These risks and uncertainties include factorsrelating to:
| ● | our mission and strategies; |
| ● | our future business development, financial conditions and results of operations; |
| ● | the expected growth of the online retail and pet industries in China; |
| ● | our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our products and services; |
| ● | our expectations regarding keeping and strengthening our relationships with customers, users, KOLs, brand partners, manufacturers, strategic partners, offline pet stores and pet hospitals and other stakeholders; |
| ● | competition in our industry; |
| ● | general economic and business condition in China; and |
| ● | relevant government policies and regulations relating to our industry. |
This annual report containscertain data and information that we obtained from various government and private publications. Statistical data in these publicationsalso include projections based on a number of assumptions. Our industry may not grow at the rate projected by market data, or at all.Failure of this market to grow at the projected rate may have a material and adverse effect on our business and the market price of ClassA ordinary shares. In addition, the rapidly changing nature of pet industry results in significant uncertainties for any projections orestimates relating to the growth prospects or future condition of our market. Furthermore, if any one or more of the assumptions underlyingthe market data are later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions. You shouldnot place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statementsspeak only as of the date they are made, and except to the extent required by applicable laws and regulations, we do not undertake anyobligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to release publicly any revisions to these statementsin order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this annual reportand the documents that we refer to in this annual report and exhibits to this annual report completely and with the understanding thatour actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionarystatements.
iv
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
Holding Company Structure and Contractual Arrangements with theVIEs
Boqii is a Cayman Islandsholding company with no business operations. The Company conducts its operations in China through its PRC subsidiaries and the consolidatedvariable interest entities, or the VIEs, and the VIEs’ subsidiaries. The Company, its shareholders who are non-PRC residents andits subsidiaries do not and are not legally permitted to have any equity interests in the VIEs as current PRC laws and regulations restrictforeign investment in companies that engage in value-added telecommunication services and certain other restricted services related toour businesses. As a result, the Company operates relevant businesses in China through certain contractual arrangements by and among theWFOEs, the VIEs and the respective shareholders of the VIEs. This structure allows the WFOEs to be considered the primary beneficiaryof the VIEs for accounting purposes and are able to consolidate the VIEs’ operating results in the Company’s financial statementsunder the U.S. GAAP. This structure also provides contractual exposure to foreign investment in such companies. As of the date of thisannual report, to our knowledge, the VIE agreements have not been tested in a court of law in the PRC. Our corporate structure involvesunique risks to investors in the Class A ordinary shares. Investors in the Company’s Class A ordinary shares are purchasing equitysecurities of a Cayman Islands holding company rather than equity securities issued by the Company’s subsidiaries and the VIEs.Investors who are non-PRC residents may not directly hold equity interests in the VIEs under current PRC laws and regulations.
For the years ended March31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the amount of revenues generated by the VIEs accounted for approximately 79.9%, 71.2% and 55.3% respectively,of our total net revenues. As of March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, total assets of the VIEs, excluding amounts due from other companies inour Company, equaled to approximately 44.3%, 44.8% and 49.1% of our consolidated total assets as of the same dates, respectively. If thePRC government deems that our contractual arrangements with the VIEs do not comply with PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investmentin the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subjectto material penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations or otherwise significantly change our corporate structure.We and our investors face significant uncertainty about potential future actions by the PRC government that could affect the legalityand enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the VIEs and, consequently, significantly affect the financial performance ofour company as a whole. Our Class A ordinary shares may decline in value or become worthless, if we are unable to claim our contractualcontrol rights over the assets of the VIEs that conduct substantially all of our operations in China. For detailed discussion, see “Item3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Contractual Arrangements.”
1
The following diagram illustratesour corporate structure, including our principal subsidiaries and VIEs, as of the date of this annual report.
Notes:
| | Equity interest | |
| Contractual arrangements, including the exclusive technical consulting and service agreement, intellectual property license agreement, equity pledge agreement, exclusive call option agreement, shareholders’ voting rights proxy agreement and loan agreement. See “Item 3. Key Information-Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders.” | ||
2
Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders
Current PRC laws and regulationsimpose certain restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of companies that engage in value-added telecommunication services. Boqiiis an exempted company with limited liability incorporated in the Cayman Islands and our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries are currently consideredforeign-invested enterprise. Accordingly, our PRC subsidiaries are not eligible to provide value-added telecommunication services in Chinaor import veterinary drugs. To ensure strict compliance with the PRC laws and regulations, we conduct such business activities throughthe VIEs, Suzhou Taicheng, Shanghai Guangcheng, Nanjing Xingmu and Suzhou Xingyun. Shanghai Xincheng, Xingmu WFOE and Meiyizhi WFOE, ourwholly owned subsidiaries in China, have entered into a series of contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their respective shareholders,which enable us to (i) direct the activities of the VIEs, (ii) receive substantially all of the economic benefits of the VIEs, and (iii)have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in the VIEs when and to the extent permitted by PRC law. Thesecontractual arrangements include the exclusive consultation and technical service agreement, loan agreements, equity pledge agreement,exclusive purchase option agreement, shareholder voting right trust agreement, and spousal consents, as the case may be.
As a result of these contractualarrangements, we are considered the primary beneficiary of the VIEs for accounting purposes and are able to consolidate their operatingresults in our financial statements under U.S. GAAP.
The following is a summaryof the major terms of the contractual arrangements by and among Shanghai Xincheng, Shanghai Guangcheng and the shareholders of ShanghaiGuangcheng. The contractual arrangements by and among Xingmu WFOE, Nanjing Xingmu and the shareholders of Nanjing Xingmu, the contractualarrangements by and among Shanghai Xincheng, Suzhou Taicheng and the shareholders of Suzhou Taicheng, and the contractual arrangementsby and among Meiyizhi WFOE, Suzhou Xingyun and the shareholders of Suzhou Xingyun are substantially similar to the corresponding contractualarrangements discussed below, unless otherwise indicated.
Exclusive Technical Consulting and Service Agreement
Pursuant to an exclusivetechnical consulting and service agreement entered into on August 4, 2020 by and between Shanghai Xincheng and Shanghai Guangcheng, ShanghaiGuangcheng agreed to appoint Shanghai Xincheng as its exclusive provider of consulting and services related to, among other things, e-commerceplatform design and maintenance, business consulting, internal training, labor support, market research and development, strategic planningand customer support and development. In exchange, Shanghai Guangcheng agrees to pay Shanghai Xincheng an annual service fee, at an amountthat is agreed by both parties. This agreement will remain effective unless Shanghai Xincheng and Shanghai Guangcheng terminate this agreementin writing.
Intellectual Property License Agreement
Pursuant to an intellectualproperty license agreement entered into on August 4, 2020 by and between Shanghai Xincheng and Shanghai Guangcheng, Shanghai Xinchengagreed to grant to Shanghai Guangcheng a nonsublicensable, nontransferable and nonexclusive license of certain intellectual propertiessolely for Shanghai Guangcheng’s use. In exchange, Shanghai Guangcheng agrees to pay a royalty, at an amount that is agreed by bothparties. The term of this agreement is ten years from the date of such agreement and will be automatically extended for another ten-yearterm unless it is terminated by three months’ written notice by the licensor.
Shareholders’ Voting Rights Proxy Agreement
Pursuant to the shareholders’voting rights proxy agreement entered into on August 4, 2020, by and among Shanghai Xincheng, Shanghai Guangcheng, and then shareholdersof Shanghai Guangcheng, as supplemented from time to time, such shareholders of Shanghai Guangcheng irrevocably authorized the personthen designated by Shanghai Xincheng to exercise such shareholders’ rights in Shanghai Guangcheng, including without limitation,the power to participate in and vote at shareholders’ meetings, the power to nominate and appoint the directors, senior management,the power to propose to convene a shareholders’ meeting, and other shareholders’ voting rights permitted by the Articles ofAssociation of Shanghai Guangcheng.
Equity Pledge Agreement
Pursuant to an equity pledgeagreement entered on October 16, 2019, by and between Shanghai Xincheng, Shanghai Guangcheng, and then shareholders of Shanghai Guangcheng,as supplemented by an equity pledge agreement entered into on August 4, 2020 and an equity pledge agreement entered into on September25, 2022, by and between Shanghai Xincheng, Shanghai Guangcheng, and Shanghai Chelin Information Technology Center (Limited Partnership),a then shareholder of Shanghai Guangcheng, such shareholders of Shanghai Guangcheng pledged all of their equity interests in ShanghaiGuangcheng to Shanghai Xincheng, to guarantee the performance of Shanghai Guangcheng, and, to the extent applicable, such shareholdersof Shanghai Guangcheng, or their obligations under the contractual arrangements of the VIEs. If Shanghai Guangcheng or such shareholdersfail to perform their obligations under the contractual arrangement of the VIEs, Shanghai Xincheng will be entitled to, among other things,the right to sell the pledged equity interests in Shanghai Guangcheng. The shareholders of Shanghai Guangcheng also undertake that, duringthe term of the equity pledge agreement, they will not dispose of the pledged equity interests or create or allow any encumbrance on thepledged equity interests without prior written consent of Shanghai Xincheng. As of the date of this annual report, the equity pledgesunder the share pledge agreements have been registered with the relevant PRC legal authority pursuant to PRC laws and regulations.
As of the date of this annualreport, all equity pledges under the share pledge agreements by and between the shareholders of Nanjing Xingmu and Xingmu WFOE, by andbetween the shareholders of Suzhou Xingyun and Meiyizhi WFOE, as well as by and between the shareholders of Suzhou Taicheng and ShanghaiXincheng have been registered with the relevant PRC legal authority pursuant to PRC laws and regulations.
3
Exclusive Call Option Agreement
Pursuant to an exclusivecall option agreement entered on August 4, 2020, by and between Shanghai Xincheng, Shanghai Guangcheng and then shareholders of ShanghaiGuangcheng, as supplemented from time to time, such shareholders of Shanghai Guangcheng irrevocably and unconditionally granted ShanghaiXincheng an exclusive call option to purchase, or have its designated person(s) to purchase, at its discretion, all or part of the equityoptions in Shanghai Guangcheng. The purchase price shall be the lowest price permitted by applicable PRC laws and regulations. The shareholdersof Shanghai Guangcheng undertake that, without the prior written consent of Shanghai Xincheng, they may not increase or decrease the registeredcapital or conduct any merger, transfer or dispose of their equity options and any other third-party rights thereon, dispose of, or procurethe management to dispose of, material assets of Shanghai Guangcheng, terminate or procure the management to terminate any material agreementsor enter into any agreements in conflict with any existing material agreement, appoint or dismiss any director, supervisor or any othersenior management which should be appointed or dismissed by such shareholders, procure Shanghai Guangcheng to declare or distribute anydistributable profits or dividends, procure the winding-up, liquidation or dissolution of Shanghai Guangcheng, amend its articles of associationor provide any loans to, or borrow any loans from, third parties or provide security or guarantee, or undertake any substantive obligationsbeyond the ordinary course of business. The exclusive call option agreement will remain effective until all equity options in ShanghaiGuangcheng held by such shareholders are transferred or assigned to Shanghai Xincheng or its designated representatives.
Loan Agreement
Shareholders of ShanghaiGuangcheng have entered into a loan agreement, as amended from time to time, with Shanghai Xincheng on August 4, 2020. Pursuant to theloan agreement, Shanghai Xincheng provided such shareholders with a long-term interest-free loan. The proceeds from the loans were usedfor the investment in or general business development of Shanghai Guangcheng. The loans can be repaid by transferring the shareholders’respective equity interests in Shanghai Guangcheng to Shanghai Xincheng or its designee.
Spousal Consent Letter
In addition to the contractualarrangements discussed above, each of the respective spouses of the individual shareholders of Nanjing Xingmu has executed an additionalspousal consent letter which contains terms as described below. Pursuant to the spousal consent letters dated September 26, 2019, eachof the respective spouses of the individual shareholders of Nanjing Xingmu, unconditionally and irrevocably agreed that the equity interestin Nanjing Xingmu held by and registered in the name of his/her spouse will be disposed of pursuant to the equity pledge agreement, theexclusive call option agreement and the shareholders’ voting rights proxy agreement. The spouse agreed not to assert any rightsover the equity interest in Nanjing Xingmu held by his/her spouse. In addition, in the event that the spouse obtains any equity interestin Nanjing Xingmu held by his/her spouse for any reason, the spouse agreed to be bound by the contractual arrangements.
These contractual arrangementsmay not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us with control over the VIEs. If the VIEs or their respective shareholders failto perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we could be limited in our ability to enforce the contractualarrangements and may have to incur substantial costs and expend additional resources to enforce such arrangements. We may also have torely on legal remedies under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannotassure will be effective under PRC law, and such remedies may not be recognized, or enforced by PRC courts. As of the date of this annualreport, to our knowledge, the VIE agreements have not been tested in a court of law in the PRC.
In the opinion of LifengPartners, our PRC counsel:
| ● | the ownership structures of the VIEs do not contravene any PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and |
| ● | the agreements under the contractual arrangements among Shanghai Xincheng, Shanghai Guangcheng and their respective shareholders, among Xingmu WFOE, Nanjing Xingmu and their respective shareholders, among Meiyizhi WFOE, Suzhou Xingyun and their respective shareholders, as well as among Shanghai Xincheng, Suzhou Taicheng and their respective shareholders governed by PRC laws are valid and binding upon each party to such agreements and enforceable against each party thereto in accordance with their terms and applicable PRC laws and regulations currently in effect. |
In March 2019, the NationalPeople’s Congress of the PRC adopted the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which became effective on January 1, 2020. Among other things,the PRC Foreign Investment Law defines the “foreign investment” as investment activities in China by foreign investors ina direct or indirect manner, including those circumstances explicitly listed thereunder as establishing new projects or foreign investedenterprises or acquiring shares of enterprises in China, and other approaches of investment as stipulated by laws, administrative regulationsor otherwise regulated by the State Council. The PRC Foreign Investment Law does not specify whether foreign investors’ controllingPRC onshore variable interest entities via contractual arrangements will be recognized as “foreign investment” and thus besubject to the restrictions and/or prohibitions on foreign investments. Accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may in the futuretake a view that is contrary to the above opinion of our PRC counsel. If future laws and regulations specify that the VIE agreements arein violation of relevant PRC laws and regulations and the PRC government accordingly finds that the VIE agreements that establish thestructure for operating our podcasts, audio entertainment and other internet related businesses or for importing veterinary drugs do notcomply with PRC government restrictions on foreign investment in certain industries, such as value-added telecommunications services business,Class A ordinary shares may decline in value or become worthless, we could be subject to severe penalties, including being prohibitedfrom continuing operations. For detailed discussion, see “Item 3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our CorporateStructure and Contractual Arrangements.”
4
Cash Flows through Our Organization
Transfer of Funds and Other Assets
We currently do not havecash management policies that dictate how funds are transferred between us, our subsidiaries and the VIEs. In practice, we estimate andallocate funds to our WFOE and the VIEs based on their respective available cash balances and forecasted cash requirements. Under relevantPRC laws and regulations, we are permitted to remit funds to the VIEs through loans rather than capital contributions. The following diagramsummarizes how funds were transferred among Boqii, our subsidiaries, and the VIEs as of March 31, 2025.
As of March 31, 2025, Boqiihad made cumulative capital contributions of approximately RMB1.2 billion (approximately US$164.3 million) to its PRC subsidiaries throughintermediate holding companies, which were accounted as long-term investments of Boqii. Furthermore, funds equivalent to approximatelyRMB31.4 million, nil, and nil were provided to the PRC subsidiaries as loans for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively,which were accounted as intra-Group payables due to the Group’s entities. These funds have been used by the Company’s PRCsubsidiaries and VIEs for their operations.
The VIEs may transfer cashto the relevant WFOEs by paying service fees according to the exclusive business cooperation agreements. Pursuant to these agreementsbetween each of the VIEs and its corresponding WFOEs, each of the VIEs agrees to pay the relevant WFOE for services related to designand maintenance of the e-commerce platform, consulting services, technical training, research, planning and development of the marketand customer support at an amount based on 100% of the balance of the gross consolidated profits of each VIE after offsetting the accumulatedlosses for the preceding financial years and deducting the working capital, expenses, taxes and other statutory contributions requiredfor any financial year, or the amount determined by the WFOE in accordance with the terms of the agreements. Considering the future operatingand cash flow needs of the VIEs, for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, no service fees were charged to the VIEs by the WFOEs,and no payments were made by the VIEs under these agreements. If there is any amount payable to relevant WFOEs under the VIE agreements,the VIEs will settle the amount accordingly. For more information, see “Item 3. Key Information-Condensed Consolidating Schedule”and consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. For any amounts owed by the VIEs to our PRC subsidiariesunder the VIE agreements, unless otherwise required by PRC governmental authorities in accordance with relevant PRC laws and regulations,we are able to settle such amounts without limitations under the current effective PRC laws and regulations, provided that the VIEs havesufficient funds to do so.
5
Dividend Distribution to U.S. Investors and Tax Consequences
We have not previously declaredor paid any cash dividend, dividend in kind or distributions, and have no plan to declare or pay any dividends or distributions in thenear future on our shares. We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate andexpand our business. For more information, see “Item 8. Financial Information–8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other FinancialInformation-Dividend Policy.”
For purposes of illustration,the following discussion reflects the hypothetical taxes that might be required to be paid within Mainland China, assuming that: (i) wehave taxable earnings, and (ii) we determine to pay a dividend in the future:
| Taxation Scenario(1) Statutory Tax and Standard Rates | ||||
| Hypothetical pre-tax earnings(2) | 100.0 | % | ||
| Tax on earnings at statutory rate of 25%(3) | (25.0 | )% | ||
| Net earnings available for distribution | 75.0 | % | ||
| Withholding tax at standard rate of 10%(4) | (7.5 | )% | ||
| Net distribution to Boqii Holding Limited /shareholders | 67.5 | % | ||
Notes:
| (1) | For purposes of this example,the tax calculation has been simplified. The hypothetical book pre-tax earnings amount, not considering timing differences, is assumedto equal taxable income in China. |
| (2) | Under the terms of VIE agreements,our PRC subsidiaries may charge the VIEs for services provided to VIEs. These fees shall be recognized as expenses of the VIEs, witha corresponding amount as service income by our PRC subsidiaries and eliminate in consolidation. For income tax purposes, our PRC subsidiariesand the VIEs file income tax returns on a separate company basis. The fees paid are recognized as a tax deduction by the VIEs and asincome by our PRC subsidiaries and are tax neutral. |
| (3) | Certain of our subsidiariesand the VIEs qualifies for a 15% preferential income tax rate in China. However, such rate is subject to qualification, is temporaryin nature, and may not be available in a future period when distributions are paid. For purposes of this hypothetical example, the tableabove reflects a maximum tax scenario under which the full statutory rate would be effective. |
| (4) | The PRC Enterprise Income TaxLaw imposes a withholding income tax of 10% on dividends distributed by a foreign invested enterprise, or FIE, to its immediate holdingcompany outside of China. A lower withholding income tax rate of 5% is applied if the FIE’s immediate holding company is registeredin Hong Kong or other jurisdictions that have a tax treaty arrangement with China, subject to a qualification review at the time of thedistribution. For purposes of this hypothetical example, the table above assumes a maximum tax scenario under which the full withholdingtax would be applied. |
6
The table above has beenprepared under the assumption that all profits of the VIEs will be distributed as fees to our PRC subsidiaries under tax neutral contractualarrangements. If, in the future, the accumulated earnings of the VIEs exceed the fees paid to our PRC subsidiaries (or if the currentand contemplated fee structure between the intercompany entities is determined to be non-substantive and disallowed by Chinese tax authorities),the VIEs could, as a matter of last resort, make a nondeductible transfer to our PRC subsidiaries for the amounts of the stranded cashin the VIEs. This would result in such transfer being nondeductible expenses for the VIEs but still taxable income for the PRC subsidiaries.Such a transfer and the related tax burdens would reduce our after-tax income to approximately 50.6% of the pre-tax income.Our management believes that there is only a remote possibility that this scenario would happen.
For PRC and United Statesfederal income tax consideration of an investment in our Class A ordinary shares, see “Item 10. Additional Information-10.E.Taxation.”
Restrictions on Foreign Exchange and the Ability to TransferCash between Entities, Across Borders and to U.S. Investors
Boqii ’s ability topay dividends, if any, to its shareholders and to service any debt it may incur will depend upon dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries.Under PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries are subject to certain restrictions with respect to paying dividends or otherwisetransferring any of their net assets offshore to Boqii. In particular, under the current effective PRC laws and regulations, dividendsmay be paid only out of distributable profits. Distributable profits are the net profit as determined under PRC GAAP, less any recoveryof accumulated losses and appropriations to statutory and other reserves required to be made. Each of our PRC subsidiaries is requiredto set aside at least 10% of its after-tax profits each year, after making up previous years’ accumulated losses, if any, to fundcertain statutory reserve funds, until the aggregate amount of such a fund reaches 50% of its registered capital. As a result, our PRCsubsidiaries may not have sufficient distributable profits to pay dividends to us in the near future.
Furthermore, if certain proceduralrequirements are satisfied, the payment of current account items, including profit distributions and trade and service related foreignexchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from State Administration of Foreign Exchange (the “SAFE”)or its local branches. However, where RMB is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses,such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies, approval from or registration with competent government authoritiesor its authorized banks is required. If we fail to comply with such requirements and satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may notbe able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our offshore intermediary holding companies or ultimate parent company, and therefore,our shareholders or investors in Class A ordinary shares. We cannot assure you, in light of such requirements relating to the convertibilityof Renminbi into foreign currencies, that our current or future PRC subsidiaries will be able to satisfy their respective payment obligationsthat are denominated in foreign currencies, including the remittance of dividends outside of the PRC. If any of our subsidiaries incursdebt on its own behalf in the future, the instruments governing such debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends to Boqii. In addition,our PRC subsidiaries are required to make appropriations to certain statutory reserve funds, which are not distributable as cash dividendsexcept in the event of a solvent liquidation of the companies.
7
Condensed Consolidating Schedule
The following tables presentthe condensed consolidating schedules of financial information of Boqii, our subsidiaries that are the primary beneficiaries of VIEs andtheir subsidiaries, the VIEs and their subsidiaries, and other subsidiaries for the periods and as of the dates indicated.
| As of March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boqii Holding Limited | All others | Primary beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries | VIEs and their subsidiaries | Eliminating adjustments | Consolidated totals | |||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 129 | 6,420 | 67,779 | 15,522 | - | 89,850 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | - | 69,797 | - | - | - | 69,797 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | - | 1,763 | 41,807 | 33,172 | - | 76,742 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories, net | - | 1,693 | 51,465 | 27,894 | - | 81,052 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | 10,507 | 8,268 | 12,293 | 48,291 | - | 79,359 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties | 100 | 5,497 | - | 3,782 | - | 9,379 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group receivables due from the Group’s entities(1) | - | 96,497 | 1,035,667 | 83,700 | (1,215,864 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-current assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | - | 29 | 802 | 4,661 | - | 5,492 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | - | 50 | 21,443 | 101 | - | 21,594 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | - | - | 49 | 22,305 | - | 22,354 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term investments | 102 | - | - | 75,505 | - | 75,607 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term investments to the Group’s entities | 170,476 | - | - | - | (170,476 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties, non-current | - | - | - | 2,988 | - | 2,988 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current asset | - | 262 | 1,105 | 5,219 | - | 6,586 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 181,314 | 190,276 | 1,232,410 | 323,140 | (1,386,340 | ) | 540,800 | |||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | - | - | 85,898 | 363 | - | 86,261 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | - | 92 | 42,471 | 13,459 | - | 56,022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Salary and welfare payable | - | 371 | 946 | 5,573 | - | 6,890 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities | 350 | 1,697 | 3,161 | 16,896 | - | 22,104 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due to related parties, current | - | - | 450 | 21 | - | 471 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group payables due to the Group’s entities(1) | 2,681 | 12,112 | 105,619 | 1,095,452 | (1,215,864 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Contract liabilities | - | - | - | 4,471 | - | 4,471 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current | - | - | 13 | 9,207 | - | 9,220 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | - | 7,850 | 2,851 | - | - | 10,701 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | - | - | 5,325 | (1,184 | ) | - | 4,141 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, non-current | - | - | - | 12,741 | - | 12,741 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | - | - | 27,346 | 75,481 | - | 102,827 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investments deficit to the Group’s entities(2) | - | (9,510 | ) | 915,738 | - | (906,228 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 3,031 | 12,612 | 1,189,818 | 1,232,480 | (2,122,092 | ) | 315,849 | |||||||||||||||||
| Mezzanine equity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable non-controlling interests | - | 7,197 | - | - | - | 7,197 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total mezzanine equity | - | 7,197 | - | - | - | 7,197 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Boqii Holding Limited shareholders’ deficit | 178,283 | 170,476 | 9,510 | (915,738 | ) | 735,752 | 178,283 | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | - | (9 | ) | 33,082 | 6,398 | - | 39,471 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 178,283 | 170,467 | 42,592 | (909,340 | ) | 735,752 | 217,754 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity | 181,314 | 190,276 | 1,232,410 | 323,140 | (1,386,340 | ) | 540,800 | |||||||||||||||||
8
| As of March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boqii Holding Limited | All others | Primary beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries | VIEs and their subsidiaries | Eliminating adjustments | Consolidated totals | |||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 69 | 28,769 | 24,687 | 19,197 | - | 72,722 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | - | 2,811 | 23,576 | 23,731 | - | 50,118 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories, net | - | 2,581 | 41,504 | 11,104 | - | 55,189 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | 9,693 | 33,499 | 18,908 | 32,418 | - | 94,518 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties | - | 4,064 | - | 1,640 | - | 5,704 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group receivables due from the Group’s entities(1) | 102,392 | 934,134 | 19,140 | (1,055,666 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | - | - | 659 | 2,444 | - | 3,103 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | - | - | 17,885 | 25 | - | 17,910 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | - | - | 1,605 | 7,346 | - | 8,951 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term investments | 38 | - | - | 65,849 | - | 65,887 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term investments to the Group’s entities | 211,476 | (211,476 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties, non-current | - | - | - | 5,658 | - | 5,658 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current asset | - | 110 | 1,252 | 2,093 | - | 3,455 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 211,276 | 174,226 | 1,064,210 | 190,645 | (1,267,142 | ) | 383,215 | |||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | - | - | 5,000 | 10,213 | - | 15,213 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | - | 22 | 21,978 | 2,279 | - | 24,279 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Salary and welfare payable | - | 406 | 2,126 | 440 | - | 2,972 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities | (126 | ) | 34 | 8,799 | 7,960 | - | 16,667 | |||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due to related parties, current | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group payables due to the Group’s entities(1) | 2,721 | 12,112 | 42,911 | 997,922 | (1,055,666 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Contract liabilities | - | - | - | 1,579 | - | 1,579 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current | - | - | 359 | 5,254 | - | 5,613 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | - | 5,721 | - | - | - | 5,721 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | - | - | 4,435 | (1,201 | ) | - | 3,234 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, non-current | - | - | 906 | 2,209 | - | 3,115 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | - | - | 32,441 | 11,500 | - | 43,941 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investments deficit to the Group’s entities(2) | - | (63,488 | ) | 851,208 | - | (787,720 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 2,595 | (45,193 | ) | 970,163 | 1,038,155 | (1,843,386 | ) | 122,334 | ||||||||||||||||
| Mezzanine equity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable non-controlling interests | 7,963 | 7,963 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total mezzanine equity | 7,963 | 7,963 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Boqii Holding Limited shareholders’ deficit | 218,681 | 211,476 | 63,488 | (851,208 | ) | 576,244 | 218,681 | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | - | (20 | ) | 30,559 | 3,698 | - | 34,237 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 218,681 | 211,456 | 94,047 | (847,510 | ) | 576,244 | 252,918 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity | 221,276 | 174,226 | 1,064,210 | 190,645 | (1,267,142 | ) | 383,215 | |||||||||||||||||
9
| As of March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boqii Holding Limited | All others | Primary beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries | VIEs and their subsidiaries | Eliminating adjustments | Consolidated totals | |||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 4,688 | 8,528 | 11,135 | 14,308 | - | 38,659 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | - | - | - | 4,000 | - | 4,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | - | 2,825 | 5,942 | 20,551 | - | 29,318 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories, net | - | 2,626 | 31,393 | 6,057 | - | 40,076 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | 9,565 | 14,072 | 33,630 | 33,197 | - | 90,465 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties | - | 18,670 | - | 1,134 | - | 19,804 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group receivables due from the Group’s entities(1) | 93,861 | 957,477 | 12,579 | (1,063,917 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | - | - | 788 | 3,461 | - | 4,249 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | - | - | 14,656 | 15 | - | 14,671 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | - | - | 1,034 | 2,050 | - | 3,084 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goodwill | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term investments | 12 | - | - | 64,975 | - | 64,986 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term investments to the Group’s entities | 178,150 | (178,150 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties, non-current | - | - | - | 4,935 | - | 4,935 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current asset | - | - | 1,390 | 529 | - | 1,919 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | 192,415 | 140,582 | 1,057,445 | 167,791 | (1,242,067 | ) | 316,166 | |||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings | - | - | 9,000 | 63 | - | 9,063 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | - | - | 19,137 | 421 | - | 19,558 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Salary and welfare payable | - | 306 | 1,545 | 57 | - | 1,908 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities | (125 | ) | 61 | 7,156 | 4,764 | - | 11,856 | |||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due to related parties, current | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group payables due to the Group’s entities(1) | 2,735 | 113 | 49,153 | 1,011,916 | (1,063,917 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Contract liabilities | - | - | - | 1,768 | - | 1,768 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current | - | - | 430 | 1,284 | - | 1,714 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | - | 5 | - | - | - | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | - | - | 3,634 | (1,201 | ) | - | 2,433 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, non-current | - | - | 313 | 538 | - | 851 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | - | - | 38,435 | 200 | - | 38,635 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Investments deficit to the Group’s entities(2) | - | (46,857 | ) | 853,014 | - | (806,157 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 2,610 | (46,372 | ) | 981,817 | 1,019,810 | (1,870,074 | ) | 87,791 | ||||||||||||||||
| Mezzanine equity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable non-controlling interests | 8,804 | 8,804 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total mezzanine equity | 8,804 | 8,804 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Boqii Holding Limited shareholders’ deficit | 189,805 | 178,150 | 46,857 | (853,014 | ) | 628,007 | 189,805 | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | - | - | 28,771 | 995 | - | 29,766 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 189,805 | 178,150 | 75,628 | (852,019 | ) | 628,007 | 219,571 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity | 192,415 | 140,582 | 1,057,445 | 167,791 | (1,242,067 | ) | 316,166 | |||||||||||||||||
Notes:
| (1) | Represents the eliminationof intercompany balances among Boqii, the primary beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries, the other subsidiaries, and the VIEsand their subsidiaries that we consolidate. |
| (2) | Represents the eliminationof investments among Boqii, the primary beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries, the other subsidiaries, and the VIEs and theirsubsidiaries that we consolidate. |
10
| Year Ended March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boqii Holding Limited | All others | Primary Beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries | VIEs and their subsidiaries | Eliminating adjustments | Consolidated totals | |||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party revenues | - | 8,937 | 297,005 | 786,152 | - | 1,092,094 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group revenues(1) | - | - | 534,559 | 86,463 | (621,022 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | - | 8,937 | 831,564 | 872,615 | (621,022 | ) | 1,092,094 | |||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party cost of revenues | - | (8,967 | ) | (767,831 | ) | (81,810 | ) | - | (858,608 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group cost of revenues(1) | - | - | (982 | ) | (534,518 | ) | 535,500 | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | - | (8,967 | ) | (768,813 | ) | (616,328 | ) | 535,500 | (858,608 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | - | (30 | ) | 62,751 | 256,287 | (85,522 | ) | 233,486 | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party operating expenses | 1,076 | (10,342 | ) | (49,737 | ) | (237,852 | ) | - | (296,855 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | - | - | (39,690 | ) | (994 | ) | - | (40,684 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group operating expenses(1) | - | - | (85,481 | ) | (41 | ) | 85,522 | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 1,076 | (10,342 | ) | (174,908 | ) | (238,887 | ) | 85,522 | (337,539 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Other income/(expense), net | - | - | 127 | 158 | - | 285 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | 1,076 | (10,372 | ) | (112,030 | ) | 17,558 | - | (103,768 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Equity in loss of the Group’s entities(2) | (109,424 | ) | (101,087 | ) | 16,245 | - | 194,266 | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating income/(expense) | 5,550 | 2,033 | (10,591 | ) | (29 | ) | - | (3,037 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Loss before income tax expenses | (102,798 | ) | (109,426 | ) | (106,376 | ) | 17,529 | 194,266 | (106,805 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefits | - | - | 890 | 21 | - | 911 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Share of results of equity investees | - | - | - | (82 | ) | - | (82 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | (102,798 | ) | (109,426 | ) | (105,486 | ) | 17,468 | 194,266 | (105,976 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest shareholders | - | (1 | ) | (4,400 | ) | 1,224 | - | (3,177 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited | (102,798 | ) | (109,425 | ) | (101,086 | ) | 16,244 | 194,266 | (102,799 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Year Ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boqii Holding Limited | All others | Primary Beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries | VIEs and their subsidiaries | Eliminating adjustments | Consolidated totals | |||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party revenues | 5,386 | 240,509 | 463,457 | - | 709,352 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group revenues(1) | - | 266,536 | 41,335 | (307,871 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 5,386 | 507,045 | 504,792 | (307,871 | ) | 709,352 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party cost of revenues | - | (4,747 | ) | (471,571 | ) | (92,297 | ) | - | (568,615 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group cost of revenues(1) | - | - | (918 | ) | (266,823 | ) | 267,741 | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | - | (4,747 | ) | (472,489 | ) | (359,120 | ) | 267,741 | (568,615 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | - | 639 | 34,556 | 145,672 | (40,130 | ) | 140,737 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party operating expenses | (9,900 | ) | (12,467 | ) | (42,696 | ) | (138,799 | ) | - | (203,862 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Intra-Group operating expenses(1) | - | - | (40,416 | ) | 286 | 40,130 | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | (9,900 | ) | (12,467 | ) | (83,112 | ) | (138,513 | ) | 40,130 | (203,862 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Other income/(expense), net | - | - | 2,005 | 961 | - | 2,966 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (9,900 | ) | (11,828 | ) | (46,551 | ) | 8,120 | - | (60,159 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Equity in loss of the Group’s entities(2) | (64,439 | ) | (55,107 | ) | (4,834 | ) | - | 124,380 | - | |||||||||||||||
| Non-operating income/(expense) | 10,677 | 2,483 | (7,132 | ) | (15,744 | ) | - | (9,716 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Loss before income tax expenses | (63,662 | ) | (64,452 | ) | (58,517 | ) | (7,624 | ) | 124,380 | (69,875 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Income tax benefits | - | - | 889 | 38 | - | 927 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Share of results of equity investees | - | - | - | 50 | - | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | (63,662 | ) | (64,452 | ) | (57,628 | ) | (7,536 | ) | 124,380 | (68,898 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest shareholders | - | (13 | ) | (2,521 | ) | (2,700 | ) | - | (5,234 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited | (63,662 | ) | (64,439 | ) | (55,107 | ) | (4,836 | ) | 124,380 | (63,664 | ) | |||||||||||||
11
| Year Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boqii Holding Limited | All others | Primary Beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries | VIEs and their subsidiaries | Eliminating adjustments | Consolidated totals | |||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party revenues | 1,487 | 235,220 | 232,187 | - | 468,894 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group revenues(1) | - | 122,368 | 27,336 | (149,704 | ) | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 1,487 | 357,588 | 259,523 | (149,704 | ) | 468,894 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party cost of revenues | - | (1,125 | ) | (305,389 | ) | (61,726 | ) | - | (368,240 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Intra-Group cost of revenues(1) | - | - | (307 | ) | (121,990 | ) | 122,297 | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | - | (1,125 | ) | (305,696 | ) | (183,716 | ) | 122,297 | (368,240 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | - | 362 | 51,892 | 75,807 | (27,407 | ) | 100,654 | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third-party operating expenses | (7,562 | ) | (13,218 | ) | (58,304 | ) | (81,627 | ) | - | (160,711 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Intra-Group operating expenses(1) | - | - | (27,406 | ) | - | 27,406 | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | (7,562 | ) | (13,218 | ) | (85,710 | ) | (81,627 | ) | 27,406 | (160,711 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Other income/(expense), net | - | - | 144 | 592 | - | 736 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (7,562 | ) | (12,856 | ) | (33,674 | ) | (5,228 | ) | (1 | ) | (59,321 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Equity in loss of the Group’s entities(2) | (46,578 | ) | (40,073 | ) | (2,966 | ) | - | 89,617 | - | |||||||||||||||
| Non-operating income/(expense) | 15 | 6,373 | (6,023 | ) | (419 | ) | - | (54 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Loss before income tax expenses | (54,125 | ) | (46,556 | ) | (42,663 | ) | (5,647 | ) | 89,616 | (59,375 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Income tax benefits | - | - | 801 | - | - | 801 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Share of results of equity investees | - | - | - | (22 | ) | - | (22 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | (54,125 | ) | (46,556 | ) | (41,862 | ) | (5,669 | ) | 89,616 | (58,596 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to the non-controlling interest shareholders | - | 22 | (1,790 | ) | (2,703 | ) | - | (4,471 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited | (54,125 | ) | (46,578 | ) | (40,072 | ) | (2,966 | ) | 89,616 | (54,125 | ) | |||||||||||||
Notes:
| (1) | Represents the eliminationof the intercompany transactions at the consolidation level. For the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the primary beneficiaryof the VIE didn’t charge any service fees according to the exclusive consultation and service agreements. |
| (2) | Represents the eliminationof investments among Boqii, the primary beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries, the other subsidiaries and the VIEs and their subsidiariesthat we consolidate. |
| Year Ended March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boqii Holding Limited | All others | Primary Beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries | VIEs and their subsidiaries | Eliminating adjustments | Consolidated totals | |||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties | (36,058 | ) | (18,677 | ) | (471,325 | ) | 471,991 | - | (54,069 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with the Group’s entities | - | - | 449,155 | (449,155 | ) | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities | (36,058 | ) | (18,677 | ) | (22,170 | ) | 22,836 | - | (54,069 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contribution to the Group’s entities | (85,947 | ) | (215,537 | ) | - | - | 301,484 | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows of loan funding provided to the Group’s entities, net of repayments received | 36,672 | (62,075 | ) | (107,248 | ) | - | 132,651 | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Other investing activities | (100 | ) | 58,234 | (2,000 | ) | (9,638 | ) | - | 46,496 | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities | (49,375 | ) | (219,378 | ) | (109,248 | ) | (9,638 | ) | 434,135 | 46,496 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contribution from the Group’s entities | - | 85,947 | 215,537 | - | (301,484 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows of loan funding received from the Group’s entities, net of repayments made | - | 57,397 | 6,050 | 69,204 | (132,651 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Other financing activities | 87,984 | (33,557 | ) | (42,614 | ) | (88,469 | ) | - | (76,656 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 87,984 | 109,787 | 178,973 | (19,265 | ) | (434,135 | ) | (76,656 | ) | |||||||||||||||
12
| Year Ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boqii Holding Limited | All others | Primary Beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries | VIEs and their subsidiaries | Eliminating adjustments | Consolidated totals | |||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties | (8,944 | ) | (15,112 | ) | (246,170 | ) | 244,798 | - | (25,428 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with the Group’s entities | - | - | 717,589 | (717,589 | ) | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities | (8,944 | ) | (15,112 | ) | 471,419 | (472,791 | ) | - | (25,428 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contribution to the Group’s entities | (35,466 | ) | (39,938 | ) | - | - | 75,404 | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows of loan funding provided to the Group’s entities, net of repayments received | - | (28,328 | ) | (569,335 | ) | - | 597,663 | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Other investing activities | 19 | 40,675 | 1,901 | 5,219 | - | 47,814 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities | (35,447 | ) | (27,591 | ) | (567,434 | ) | 5,219 | 673,067 | 47,814 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares | 35,920 | 35,920 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contribution from the Group’s entities | - | 35,466 | 39,938 | - | (75,404 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows of loan funding received from the Group’s entities, net of repayments made | - | 29,551 | 99,898 | 468,214 | (597,663 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Other financing activities | 8,815 | - | (80,899 | ) | 3,032 | - | (69,052 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 44,735 | 65,017 | 58,937 | 471,246 | (673,067 | ) | (33,132 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boqii Holding Limited | All others | Primary Beneficiaries of VIEs and their subsidiaries | VIEs and their subsidiaries | Eliminating adjustments | Consolidated totals | |||||||||||||||||||
| (RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with external parties | (7,142 | ) | (37,360 | ) | (139,244 | ) | 116,914 | - | (66,832 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) transactions with the Group’s entities | - | - | 175,936 | (175,936 | ) | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities | (7,142 | ) | (37,360 | ) | 36,692 | (59,022 | ) | - | (66,832 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contribution to the Group’s entities | (12,624 | ) | (22,283 | ) | - | - | 34,907 | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows of loan funding provided to the Group’s entities, net of repayments received | - | - | (122,104 | ) | - | 122,104 | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Other investing activities | 85 | 26,778 | (592 | ) | (1,672 | ) | - | 24,599 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities | (12,539 | ) | 4,495 | (122,696 | ) | (1,672 | ) | 157,011 | 24,599 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital contribution from the Group’s entities | - | 12,624 | 22,283 | - | (34,907 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows of loan funding received from the Group’s entities, net of repayments made | - | - | 46,149 | 75,955 | (122,104 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Other financing activities | 24,300 | - | 4,000 | (20,150 | ) | - | 8,150 | |||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 24,300 | 12,624 | 72,432 | 55,805 | (157,011 | ) | 8,150 | |||||||||||||||||
13
Permits and Permission Required from the PRC Authorities for OurOperations
As advised by our PRC counsel,Lifeng Partners, except otherwise disclosed in this annual report, as of the date of this annual report, our PRC subsidiaries and theVIEs have obtained all licenses and approvals required for conducting our operations in China, and we currently do not foresee any impedimentsfor us to complete such update or renewal. Additionally, all of the lease agreements of our leased properties have not been registeredwith the relevant PRC government authorities as required by PRC law and our certain leased properties are for industrial use, which mayexpose us to potential fines.
If future laws and regulations,the interpretation of current laws and regulations, or other relevant laws and regulations require us or parties on whom we rely to obtainadditional licenses, permits, filings, certificates, or approvals for our business operations in the future, or if we, VIEs or their subsidiariesare found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits,approvals, certificates, or filings, there can be no assurance that we, VIEs or their subsidiaries will successfully obtain such permits,licenses or certificates. and the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would take action in dealing with such violations or failures. Inaddition, if we had inadvertently concluded that such approvals, permits, registrations or filings were not required, or if applicablelaws, regulations or interpretations change in a way that requires us to obtain such approval, permits, registrations or filings in thefuture, we and the VIEs may be unable to obtain such necessary approvals, permits, registrations or filings in a timely manner. Any suchcircumstance may subject us to fines and other regulatory, civil or criminal liabilities, and we may be ordered by the competent governmentauthorities to suspend relevant operations, which will materially and adversely affect our business operation. Furthermore, we may besubject to regular inspections, examinations, inquiries or audits by regulatory authorities, and an adverse outcome of such inspections,examinations, inquiries or audits may result in the loss or non-renewal of the relevant licenses and approvals. Moreover, the criteriaused in reviewing applications for, or renewals of licenses and approvals may change from time to time, and there can be no assurancethat we will be able to meet new criteria that may be imposed to obtain or renew the necessary licenses and approvals. Many of such licensesand approvals are material to the operation of our business, and if we fail to maintain or renew material licenses and approvals, ourability to conduct our business could be materially impaired. See “Item 3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors-Risks Relatedto Doing Business in China- PRC laws and regulations regarding data security and cybersecurity are evolving. These laws and regulationscould have a material impact on our business operation.”
Regulatory Developments
Cybersecurity Review Measures
On December 28, 2021, theCyberspace Administration of China, or the CAC, published the Revised Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February15, 2022 and repealed the Cybersecurity Review Measures promulgated on April 13, 2020. The Revised Cybersecurity Review Measures providethat a critical information infrastructure operator purchasing network products and services, and platform operators carrying out dataprocessing activities, which affect or may affect national security, shall apply for cybersecurity review and that a platform operatorwith more than one million users’ personal information aiming to list abroad must apply for cybersecurity review.
In the past, we were finedRMB100,000 by Shanghai Internet Information Office in December 2021 for the publishing and transmission of illegal information on ourBoqii Pet APP and RMB5,000 by the Shanghai Pudong New Area Market Supervision Administration in May 2023 for the failure to stop sendingcommercial information to consumers upon receiving their request to unsubscribe. As of the date of this annual report, we have not beeninvolved in any investigations or become subject to a cybersecurity review initiated by the CAC based on the Revised Cybersecurity ReviewMeasures, and we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning, sanctions in such respect or any regulatory objections to our listingon NYSE American LLC, or NYSE American, from the CAC. If the CSRC, the CAC or other regulatory agencies later deem us to be a criticalinformation infrastructures operator and require that we obtain their approvals for our future offshore offerings, we may be unable toobtain such approvals in a timely manner, or at all. Any such circumstance could affect our ability to continue to offer securities toinvestors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. In addition, implementation of industry-wideregulations affecting our operations could affect our ability to attract new customers and/or users and cause the value of our securitiesto significantly decline. For more information related to risks of cybersecurity review related to our business, see “Item 3.Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors-Risks Related to Doing Business in China-PRC laws and regulations regarding data security andcybersecurity are evolving. These laws and regulation could have a material impact on our business operation.”
14
Permissions or Approvals Required from the PRC Authorities forOffering Securities to Foreign Investors
On July 6, 2021, the relevantPRC governmental authorities published the Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with theLaw. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseaslistings by China-based companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systemsto deal with the risks and incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies.
On February 17, 2023, theCSRC issued the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises, or the Overseas ListingTrial Measures, which became effective on March 31, 2023. On the same date of the issuance of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, theCSRC circulated No.1 to No.5 Supporting Guidance Rules, the Notes on the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, the Notice on AdministrationArrangements for the Filing of Overseas Listings by Domestic Enterprises and the relevant CSRC Answers to Reporter Questions on the officialwebsite of the CSRC, or collectively, the Guidance Rules and Notice. Under the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and the Guidance Rulesand Notice, domestic companies conducting overseas securities offering and listing activities, either in direct or indirect form, shallcomplete filing procedures with the CSRC pursuant to the requirements of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures within three business daysfollowing its submission of initial public offering or listing application. The companies that have already been listed on overseas stockexchanges are not required to make immediate filings for its listing, yet need to make filings for subsequent offerings in accordancewith the Overseas Listing Trial Measures. In view of the fact that the Overseas Listing Trial Measures have come into effect on March31, 2023, we shall fulfill the filing procedures with the CSRC for any future offshore offering as per requirements of the Overseas ListingTrial Measures. According to CSRC’s Questions and Answers with respect to Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offeringand Listing by Domestic Companies on February 17, 2023, for the filing of overseas listing of enterprises with a VIE structure, the filingprocedure will adhere to the principles of market-oriented principle, rule of law, and strengthened regulatory synergy. The CSRC willconsult the relevant competent authorities, and the overseas listing of VIE structured enterprises that meet the compliance requirementswill be filed. We may not be able to complete the filing if the filing materials are incomplete or do not meet the requirements of theCSRC. Any failure to obtain or delay in going through filing procedures for any of our offshore offerings, or a rescission of such filingif completed, may subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities, which may materially and adverselyaffect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
3.A. [Reserved]
3.B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
3.C. Reason for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
3.D. Risk Factors
Summary of Significant Risk Factors
Below please find a summaryof the principal risks we face, organized under relevant headings.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
Risks and uncertainties relatedto our business and industry include, but are not limited to, the following:
| ● | Our limited operating history across our various business initiatives makes it difficult to evaluate our business prospects and future growth rate. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 18 of this annual report. |
| ● | We have a history of net losses and may continue to incur losses in the future. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 18 of this annual report. |
| ● | We have significant working capital requirements and have historically experienced working capital deficits. If we continue to experience such working capital deficits in the future, our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 18 of this annual report. |
15
| ● | If we are unable to diversify our monetization channels, our business and prospects may be materially and adversely affected. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 18 of this annual report. |
| ● | Our business, prospects and financial results may be affected by our relationship with third-party e-commerce platforms. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 19 of this annual report. |
| ● | Our business is subject to the changing preferences and needs of our customers and their pets. Any failure by us to timely adapt our offerings according to changes in customer preferences may adversely affect our business and results of operations. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 19 of this annual report. |
| ● | If we fail to acquire and retain new customers, or fail to do so in a cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 19 of this annual report. |
Risks Related to OurCorporate Structure and Contractual Arrangements
Having a corporate structurebeing based primarily in China poses risks to investors. Risks and uncertainties related to our corporate structure and the contractualarrangements include, but are not limited to, the following:
| ● | There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations, and rules relating to the agreements that establish the VIE structure for our operations in China, including potential future actions by the PRC government, which could affect the enforceability of our contractual arrangements with the VIEs and, consequently, significantly affect our financial condition and results of operations. If the PRC government finds our contractual arrangements noncompliant with relevant PRC laws, regulations, and rules, or if these laws, regulations, and rules or the interpretation thereof change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in the VIEs. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 37 of this annual report. |
| ● | Uncertainties exist with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the newly enacted Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 39 of this annual report. |
| ● | We rely on contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their respective shareholders for our business operations, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing operational control. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 39 of this annual report. |
| ● | Any failure by any of the VIEs or their shareholders to perform their respective obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material and adverse effect on our business. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 39 of this annual report. |
| ● | Our contractual arrangements are governed by PRC law. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC law, and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 40 of this annual report. |
Risks Related to DoingBusiness in China
Having the majority of ouroperations in China poses risks to investors. We face risks arising from the legal system in China, including risks and uncertaintiesregarding the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations in China:
| ● | Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could adversely affect us. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 42 of this annual report. |
| ● | PRC laws and regulations regarding data security and cybersecurity are evolving. These laws and regulations could have a material impact on our business operation. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 43 of this annual report. |
| ● | Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with Anti-monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms and other Anti-monopoly laws and regulations may result in governmental investigations or enforcement actions, litigation or claims against us and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 46 of this annual report. |
16
We face risks that the Chinesegovernment may intervene or influence our operations at any time, or may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreigninvestment in China-based issuers, which could result in a material change in our operations, significantly limit or hinder our abilityto offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless:
| ● | Changes in China’s economic, political or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 41 of this annual report. |
| ● | The permission and approval from the CSRC or other PRC government authorities may be required in connection with an offshore offering under PRC law, and, if required, we cannot predict whether or for how long we will be able to obtain such permission or approval. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 43 of this annual report. |
In addition, we are alsosubject to other risks and uncertainties related to doing business in China, which include, but are not limited to risks related our business,enforcement of legal procedures and regulatory developments in relation to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”)inspection:
| ● | Our business, financial condition and results of operations depend on the level of consumer confidence and spending in China and may be adversely affected by the downturn in the global or Chinese economy. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 42 of this annual report. |
| ● | You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing actions in China against us or our management named in this annual report based on foreign laws, and the ability of U.S. authorities to bring actions in China may also be limited. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 47 of this annual report. |
| ● | It may be difficult for overseas regulators to conduct investigation or collect evidence within China. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 48 of this annual report. |
| ● | Trading in our securities will be prohibited under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the “HFCAA”) if the PCAOB determines that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely our registered public accounting firm, and as a result, U.S. national securities exchanges, such as the NYSE American, may determine to delist our securities. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 55 of this annual report. |
Risks Related to Our Class A Ordinary Shares
In addition to the risksdescribed above, we are subject to risks related to Class A ordinary shares, including, but are not limited to, the following:
| ● | The trading price of our Class A ordinary shares is likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 56 of this annual report. |
| ● | Our dual-class share structure with different voting rights will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactions that holders of our Class A ordinary shares may view as beneficial. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 57 of this annual report. |
| ● | The dual-class structure of our ordinary shares may adversely affect the trading market for our Class A ordinary shares. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 58 of this annual report. |
| ● | If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A ordinary shares, the market price for our Class A ordinary shares and trading volume could decline. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 59 of this annual report. |
| ● | The sale or availability for sale of substantial amounts of our Class A ordinary shares could adversely affect their market price. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 59 of this annual report. |
| ● | Techniques employed by short sellers may drive down the market price of our Class A ordinary shares. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 59 of this annual report. |
| ● | If we are classified as a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, United States taxpayers who own our Class A ordinary shares may have adverse United States federal income tax consequences. For details, see the risk factor with the same heading on page 58 of this annual report. |
17
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
Our limited operating history across ourvarious business initiatives makes it difficult to evaluate our business prospects and future growth rate.
We have a limited operatinghistory across our various business initiatives, such as operating our private label lines, cooperating with KOLs to promote sales onour platform, offering SaaS solutions to offline pet stores, engaging in pet healthcare business and other new pet-related product andservice offerings. As a result, our historical performance may not be indicative of our future growth or financial results. In addition,we may continue to introduce and implement new business strategies and initiatives as we continue to respond to changing market needsand customer preferences. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully implement our business initiatives or achieve ourexpected growth rate, or at all, as our business model continues to evolve. Our overall business growth may slow down or become negative,and our revenues may decline for a number of possible reasons, some of which are beyond our control, including decreasing customer spending,changes in consumer preferences, increasing competition, declining growth of our overall market or industry, the emergence of alternativebusiness models, changes in rules, regulations, government policies or general economic conditions. Our net revenues were approximatelyRMB1,092.1 million, RMB 709.4 million and RMB468.9 (approximately US$64.6 million) in the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.If our net revenues continue to decline in future or if our business initiatives fail to yield positive customer acceptance or economicreturns as expected or if such initiatives cause any material disruption to our business model, investors’ perceptions of our businessand prospects may be materially and adversely affected and the market price of our Class A ordinary shares could decline. You should considerour prospects in light of the risks and uncertainties that companies with a limited operating history may encounter.
We have a history of net losses and may continue to incur lossesin the future.
We recorded net loss of approximatelyRMB106.0 million, RMB68.9 million and RMB58.6 (approximately US$8.1 million) for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.Our net revenues will be impacted by various factors, including customer spending and preference, competitive landscape and macroeconomicand regulatory environment. Hence, our net revenues may not grow at the rate we expect.
Moreover, our net revenuesmay not increase sufficiently to offset the increase in our expenses as we further increase our brand awareness, expand our customer base,enhance customer experience, and expand our product and service offerings as well as offline distribution network. We will continue toinvest in sales, marketing and branding efforts. We will also continue to invest in improving our technologies and developing additionalproducts and services. These efforts may be more costly than we expect. We may continue to incur losses in the future and we cannot assureyou that we will eventually achieve profitability.
We have significant working capital requirementsand had historically experienced working capital deficits. If we experience such working capital deficits in the future again, our business,liquidity, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We had a positive workingcapital, representing the difference between total current assets and total current liabilities, of approximately RMB210.0 million, RMB206.2million, and RMB176.5 (approximately US$24.3 million) as of March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. Although we had a positive workingcapital as of March 31, 2025 to meet our ongoing working capital needs, there is no assurance that we will generate sufficient net incomeor operating cash flows to meet our working capital requirements and repay our liabilities as they become due in the future. Working capitalconstraints have in the past limited, and may continue to limit, our ability to grow revenues, especially with emerging brands that generallyrequire larger inventory investments during their early commercial development. Working capital deficits will restrict our liquidity positionand have a negative impact on our ability to repay current liabilities. Our inability to take actions that address our working capitaldeficit in a timely and efficient manner, including prudently managing our working capital, or raising additional equity or debt financingon terms that are acceptable to us when necessary, could materially adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations, financial conditionand ability to operate.
If we are unable to diversify our monetizationchannels, our business and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
To promote business growthand enhance our platform, we will diversify our monetization channels, such as expanding our offline presence and monetizing our onlinecommunity user base. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to execute any of such strategies for monetization and businessexpansion successfully.
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In addition, these monetizationstrategies will require significant efforts and resources from our management. For instance, we need to continue to manage our relationshipswith KOLs to ensure that our content appeals to our users and customers in an effort to monetize our online community user base. Contentofferings may not achieve broad user acceptance, and may present new and difficult technological or operational challenges and subjectus to claims if users and customers are not satisfied with the quality of the content or if customers are not satisfied with the productspromoted on our platform. For further information, see “Item 3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors-If we fail to maintainour relationships with content creators, in particular KOLs, or if our KOLs fail to produce popular pet-focused contents, we may not beable to attract or retain users of our online community, and our revenues and results of operations may be harmed.” Also, wewill need to gain acceptance from offline pet stores and maintain steady relationships with them to expand our offline distribution network.For further information, see “Item 3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors-Our business, prospects and financial resultsmay be affected by our relationships with offline pet stores.” All of these endeavors involve risks and will require significantmanagement, financial and human resources. We cannot assure you that we will be able to implement our strategies successfully. If we arenot able to diversify our monetization channels and achieve growth in our financials effectively, our business and prospects may be materiallyand adversely affected.
Our business, prospects and financial results may be affectedby our relationship with third-party e-commerce platforms.
In addition to our self-operatedBoqii Mall, we also operate flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, including Tmall, JD.com, Douyin, Red and Pinduoduo. Weleverage customer traffic of these e-commerce platforms to boost our product sales. Sales through these platforms have significantly contributedto our financial performance. Nevertheless, these e-commerce platforms tend to lack expertise in the pet industry, and may lose appealto customers who need tailored services and specialized pet products. To the extent that we fail to leverage traffic on these third-partyplatforms, our flagship store sales may decline and we may experience difficulties in locating customers. At the same time, our cooperationwith these third-party platforms may be negatively affected by a number of factors, including but not limited to higher commissions andfees, negative publicity and service outages of these platforms, all of which are beyond our control. In addition, these third-party platformsmay deem our business a strong competitor of theirs and terminate their cooperation with us. If our relationships with these third-partyplatforms deteriorate or are terminated or if we fail to maintain the relationships on commercially viable terms, we may not be able toquickly locate alternative sales channels. Hence, our operations and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected.
Our business is subject to the changingpreferences and needs of our customers and their pets. Any failure by us to timely adapt our offerings according to changes in customerpreferences may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our growth depends, in part,on our ability to successfully introduce new products to meet the evolving requirements of our customers and that of their pets. This,in turn, depends on our ability to foresee and respond to evolving customer trends, demands and preferences. The development and introductionof new products involve considerable costs, and may not generate sufficient customer interest or sales to cover their development or marketingexpenses, which may reduce our operating income. In addition, any such unsuccessful effort may adversely affect our brand and reputation.To the extent that we are not able to successfully identify customer preferences, develop or promote new products, we may lose our competitiveedge in the market and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.
If we fail to acquire and retain new customers,or fail to do so in a cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adverselyaffected.
Our success depends on ourability to acquire and retain new customers and to do so in a cost-effective manner. We must continue to acquire customers in order toincrease sales and achieve profitability. Considering our ability to monetize the user base of our online community is also critical toour business and growth, we have invested heavily in branding, sales and marketing to acquire and retain customers. We operate a pet-focusedonline community in China’s pet market with approximately 3.7 million active buyers for the year ended March 31, 2025. As ofMarch 31, 2025, we managed approximately 750 pet-focused Weixin/WeChat groups to extend our customer reach and promote our brand. We alsoleverage third-party e-commerce platforms and social networks for customer traffic. As social network and e-commerce channels continueto rapidly evolve, we may be unable to develop or maintain a presence within these channels. Furthermore, we utilize online search enginesfrom time to time on an as-needed basis to generate additional traffic to our platforms through search engine optimization and postingsponsored articles. In the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we incurred approximately RMB124.0 million RMB 85.1 million andRMB74.5(approximately US$10.3 million) in sales and marketing expenses, respectively. We expect to continue to spend significant amountsto acquire additional customers and retain existing ones, which may lead to increased net losses. However, there is no assurance thatwe will be able to recover the costs of our sales and marketing activities or successfully convert users on our online community intoour customers, or that these activities will be effective in attracting new customers or retaining existing customers. If we fail to attractsufficient new customers, increase our sales per customer, generate customer traffic for our online sales platforms, generate repeat purchasesor maintain high levels of customer engagement in a cost-effective and timely manner, or at all, our revenues may decrease and our business,financial condition, and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected.
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We rely on assumptions and estimates tocalculate certain key operating metrics, such as GMV, and such measures may not be directly comparable with similarly titled operatingmetrics adopted by other companies in our industry, which may lead to inaccurate interpretation of our business operations and our marketposition.
GMV and certain other keyoperating metrics are calculated using internal company data. While these numbers are based on what we believe to be reasonable calculationsfor the applicable periods of measurement, there are inherent challenges in measuring those metrics. For example, when calculating GMV,we exclude products sold through the consignment model and the value of services offered by us. Although our management believes thatsuch metrics are defined in a way that best reflects our business operations, our operating metrics may differ from estimates publishedby third parties or from similarly titled operating metrics used by other companies in our industry due to differences in data availability,sources and methodology. If third parties do not perceive our operating metrics to be accurate representations of our business operationsor if we discover material inaccuracies in our operating metrics, our reputation may be harmed, which could adversely affect our businessand operating results.
Increasing focus with respect to environmental,social and governance matters may impose additional costs on us or expose us to additional risks. Failure to comply with the laws andregulations on environmental, social and governance matters may subject us to penalties and adversely affect our business, financial conditionand results of operations.
The PRC government and publicadvocacy groups have been increasingly focused on environment, social and governance, or ESG, issues in recent years, making our businessmore sensitive to ESG issues and changes in governmental policies and laws and regulations associated with environment protection andother ESG-related matters. Investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, investment funds, and other influential investorsare also increasingly focused on ESG practices and in recent years have placed increasing importance on the implications and social costof their investments. Regardless of the industry, increased focus from investors and the PRC government on ESG and similar matters mayhinder access to capital, as investors may decide to reallocate capital or to not commit capital as a result of their assessment of acompany’s ESG practices. Any ESG concern or issue could increase our regulatory compliance costs. If we do not adapt to or complywith the evolving expectations and standards on ESG matters from investors and the PRC government or are perceived to have not respondedappropriately to the growing concern for ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, we may suffer from reputationaldamage and the business, financial condition, and the price of Class A ordinary shares could be materially and adversely effected.
We face risks related to natural disasters,health epidemics, civil and social disruption and other outbreaks, which could significantly disrupt our operations.
We are vulnerable to naturaldisasters, other epidemics and calamities. Fire, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins, war,riots, terrorist attacks or similar events may give rise to server interruptions, breakdowns, system failures or internet failures, whichcould cause the loss or corruption of data or malfunctions of software or hardware as well as adversely affect our ability to provideour offerings.
Any harm to our brand or failure to maintainand enhance our brand recognition may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We believe that the recognitionand reputation of our brands among customers and brand partners are crucial to our business and competitiveness. Many factors, some ofwhich are beyond our control, are important to maintaining and enhancing our brands and may negatively impact our brands and reputationif not properly managed. These factors include our ability to:
| ● | maintain superior customer experience; |
| ● | maintain a diverse selection of high-quality products; |
| ● | maintain and grow our customer base, online community user base and keep our users highly active and engaged; |
| ● | maintain and grow our content offerings and ensure access to high-quality content creators, especially KOLs; |
| ● | maintain and enhance our reputation and goodwill generally and in the event of any negative publicity on product quality, customer services, internet security, or other issues affecting us or our industry in China; |
| ● | maintain our relationships with brand partners, manufacturers, physical pet stores and pet hospitals and oversee the quality of products and services provided by these third parties; and |
| ● | maintain our relationships with KOLs and ensure that their behaviors represent our brands and products. |
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We operate in a relatively new and evolving market.
Our business and prospectsprimarily depend on the continuing development and growth of China’s pet industry, which is relatively new, evolving and unproven.China’s pet industry is affected by numerous factors, including but not limited to, comprehensive consumption upgrade, governmentaland regulatory policy and expansion and diversification of pet products and services portfolio. Compared to U.S. pet parents, Chinesepet parents generally have less pet parenting experience. They are generally more price sensitive and less brand loyal. Accordingly, webelieve that first-time Chinese pet parents prefer general e-commerce platforms that offer pet products at competitive prices, and wealso believe that they have limited demand for specialized, pure-play online retail platforms with high-quality pet-focused product offerings,such as our online sales platforms. If we no longer offer competitive discounts, we may experience a decrease in the number of our customersand their orders, which materially and adversely affects our results of operations and financial condition. Pet products still representa niche market in China. If China’s pet industry does not grow or grows slower than expected, our business, financial conditionand results of operation may be materially and adversely affected.
We face intense competition. If we do notcompete successfully against existing or new competitors, we may lose customers and market share.
China’s pet industryis highly competitive and Chinese pet parents are generally price-sensitive. We compete with pet product retail stores, supermarkets,generic e-commerce platforms and other pet-focused online retail platforms. Our competitors may have more financial, technical, marketingand other resources than we do and may be more experienced and able to devote greater resources to the development, promotion and supportof their business. Specifically, they may be able to derive greater net sales and profits from their existing large customer base, acquirecustomers at lower costs or respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer preferences or habits than wecan. They may also engage in more extensive research and development efforts, undertake more far-reaching marketing campaigns and adoptmore aggressive pricing policies, including but not limited to predatory pricing policies and provision of substantial discounts, whichmay allow them to build larger customer bases and generate more net sales than we do. Increased competition may reduce our market shareand require us to increase our sales and marketing efforts and capital commitment in the future, which could negatively affect our resultsof operations or force us to incur further losses. Furthermore, any disputes with current or future competitors may lead to negative publicityrelated to us, which may cause us to incur significant costs to defend against these activities and harm our business.
We expect competition in China’s pet industry,in particular among pet-focused online retail platforms, to continue to increase. We believe that our ability to compete successfullyin this market depends on many factors both within and beyond our control, including:
| ● | the size and composition of our customer base; |
| ● | the number of brand partners and products that we feature; |
| ● | the quality and price of the products that we offer; |
| ● | our ability to customize content and product recommendations to customers tailored to their needs; |
| ● | the convenient shopping experience that we provide; |
| ● | our selling and marketing efforts, including our ability to promote the brands of our brand partners and our private label brands; and |
| ● | our reputation and brand strength. |
If we fail to compete successfullyin this market, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We may be unable to manage and expand therelationships with brand partners, or otherwise fail to cooperate with them at favorable terms, and our business and growth prospectsmay suffer as a result.
We cooperate with our brandpartners to provide a substantial majority of the products offered on our platforms. Maintaining strong relationships with our brand partnersis important to the growth of our business. If we lose our existing brand partners due to, for example, increased competition, ineffectivenessof our advertisement solutions or fulfillment process, a significant change in the business policy or operation of the relevant brandpartners, or any deterioration in our relationship with such brand partners, our business, financial condition and results of operationsmay be materially and adversely affected.
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We generally do not maintainlong-term exclusive supply contracts with our brand partners. We cannot assure you that our existing brand partners will continue to cooperatewith us on commercially attractive terms, or at all, after the term of the current agreements expire. If these brand partners choose toenter into distribution agreements with our competitors or develop and rely on their in-house e-commerce capabilities, our sales couldsuffer and our business could be adversely affected. The loss of any of our significant brand partners or the discontinuance of any preferentialpricing or supply terms they currently offer to us would have a material and negative impact on our business, financial condition, andresults of operations. Additionally, there can be no assurance that our current brand partners will be able to accommodate our requirements.An inability of our existing brand partners to provide products in a timely or cost-effective manner could also impair our business andgrowth prospects. Moreover, our principal brand partners have provided us with certain incentives, such as cash rebates and free products.A reduction or discontinuance of these incentives would increase our costs and prevent us from achieving our profitability. In addition,if one or more of our brand partners were to offer these incentives, including preferential pricing, to our competitors, our competitiveadvantage would be reduced, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Meanwhile, we are continuallyseeking to build relationships with other high-quality brand partners. If we are unable to attract or cooperate with new brand partners,or to replace the loss of any of our existing brand partners, in a timely manner, or at all, we may experience a competitive disadvantage,our business may be disrupted and our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Our private label products may not alwaysappeal to our customers, and may compete with our brand partners.
We launched our private labels,Yoken and Mocare, in 2015 and 2018, respectively. Our Yoken brand offers high value for money pet food and products, and our Mocare brandfocuses on premium freeze-dried cat food. We launched two “D-cat” labels in 2022, under which we offer (i) pet snacks andpet supplies and (ii) pet pharmaceuticals and medical care products, respectively.
However, there is no assurancethat our private label product offerings will continue to generate customer interest and cater to their needs. If we are unable to generatesufficient sales of our private label products, we may fail to cover our development, manufacturing and marketing expenses on these products,and our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Moreover, as we sell bothbranded products sourced from our brand partners and our private label products on our online sales platforms, we are likely to face competitionfrom our brand partners. Branded products may have an advantage over our private label products primarily due to name recognition, althoughprivate label products are typically more competitively priced compared to branded products. In addition, selling private label productsmay harm our relationship with our brand partners. If we lose our brand partners or if our relationships with our brand partners deteriorate,our business may be adversely affected. See “Item 3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors–We may be unable tomanage and expand the relationships with brand partners, or otherwise fail to cooperate with them at favorable terms, and our businessand growth prospects may suffer as a result.”
We outsource the manufacturing of our privatelabel products. As a result, our business, results of operations, financial conditions and reputation may be affected by issues relatingto our manufacturers.
We outsource the manufacturingof our private label products to pet food manufacturers in China. We may be unable to maintain our relationships with our manufacturingpartners or identify or enter into relationships with new manufacturing partners to meet the manufacturing needs of our private labelbusiness in a timely manner, or at all. Additionally, manufacturing at our manufacturing partners may be disrupted or delayed for a varietyof reasons, including, but not limited to, natural and man-made disasters, health epidemics, information technology system failures, commercialdisputes, labor disputes, and environmental and worker health and safety issues. As a result, we may experience shortage in supply anddelay in delivery of our private label products, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation may be materiallyand adversely affected.
Failure to maintain the quality and safetyof our products and significant merchandise returns or refunds resulting could have a material and adverse effect on our reputation, financialcondition and results of operations.
The quality and safety ofour products are critical to our business. We have implemented stringent quality control systems on our private label products. Yet, dueto the scale of our operations and rapid growth of our offline presence, maintaining consistent product quality depends significantlyon the effectiveness of our quality control system, which in turn depends on a number of factors, including the design of our qualitycontrol system and the implementation of our quality control procedures. We may not be able to fully monitor the manufacturing processof our private label products and the quality control measures taken by our manufacturers may not be effective. There can be no assurancethat our quality control system will always prove to be effective.
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We may be exposed to productrecalls and withdrawals and adverse publicity if our products are alleged to be fake or expired, or cause injury or illness or if we arealleged to have mislabeled or misbranded our products or otherwise violated governmental regulations. We may also voluntarily recall orwithdraw products that we consider below our standards, whether for taste, appearance or otherwise. Consumer concerns regarding the safetyof our products, whether justified or not, could adversely affect our brand reputation and business. A product recall or withdrawal couldresult in substantial and unexpected expenditures, destruction of product inventory and lost sales, which could reduce our cash flow andprevent us from achieving profitability. In addition, a product recall or withdrawal may have detrimental effects on our brand reputation,leading to increased scrutiny by regulatory agencies and sharp decrease in demand for our products, all of which require significant managementattention. These could negatively impact our business and, consequently, adversely affect our results of operations and reputation.
We do not carry product liabilityinsurance and may be subject to product liability claims if consumption and use of our products is alleged to cause injury or illnessto our customers and their pets. The real or perceived sale of contaminated food products by us could result in product liability claimsagainst our brand partners or us, expose us or our brand partners to governmental enforcement action or private litigation, or lead tocostly recalls and a loss of consumer confidence, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and resultsof operations. While we may attempt to seek compensation from responsible brand partners or our manufacturers in the event that we becomesubject to claims due to their misconduct, such compensation may be limited and if we cannot fully recover our damages from them, we willbe required to bear such losses at our own costs. Any material product liability claim, litigation or governmental enforcement actioncould materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even unsuccessful claims could resultin the use of funds and managerial efforts in defending them and could negatively impact on our reputation.
In addition, we allow ourcustomers to return certain products and offer refunds, subject to our return and refunds policy. If merchandise returns or refunds aresignificant or higher than anticipated and forecasted, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adverselyaffected. Furthermore, we revise our policies relating to returns or refunds from time to time, and may do so in the future, which mayresult in customer dissatisfaction and harm to our reputation or brand, or an increase in the number of product returns or the amountof refunds we make.
If we cannot manage the growth of our businessor execute our strategies effectively, our business and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
Business growth will placesignificant demands on our management, operational and financial resources. We may encounter difficulties as we expand our operations,data and technology, sales and marketing, and general and administrative functions, which may strain our ability to maintain the qualityand reliability of our platform and products and services we offer, develop and improve our operational, financial, legal and managementcontrols, and enhance our reporting systems and procedures. Our expenses may grow faster than our revenues, and our expenses may be greaterthan we anticipate. Managing our growth will require significant expenditures and allocation of valuable management resources. If we areunable to manage our growth or execute our strategies effectively, our business and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.
Diversifying our product offerings may exposeus to more risks.
Since our inception, we havefocused on selling pet food, treats and supplies, and have also expanded our product offerings to include veterinary drugs. Diversifyingour product offerings involves new risks and challenges different from those of our existing product categories. Our lack of familiaritywith and lack of relevant customer data relating to new products may make it more difficult for us to anticipate customer demand and preferences,inspect and control quality and handle and store the products. As we broaden our product offerings, we may also be required to obtainadditional licenses or permits for the sales of certain new products and subject to additional regulations by the relevant PRC governmentauthorities. There is no assurance that we will be able to acquire additional requisite licenses or permits or to comply with the relevantlegal requirements, which may materially and adversely affect our business. Moreover, as we continue to diversify our product offerings,we will need to continuously enhance and upgrade our technology, optimize our branding, sales and marketing efforts, expand our researchand development team and train our customer service staff. All these efforts will require significant managerial, financial and humanresources. At the same time, new products may have lower profit margins than our existing offerings, and we may need to price aggressivelyto gain market share or remain competitive in any new categories, which may further reduce our profit margins.
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If we fail to maintain our relationshipswith content creators, in particular KOLs, or if our KOLs fail to produce popular pet-focused contents, we may not be able to attractor retain users of our online community, and our revenues and results of operations may be harmed.
We rely on our content creators,in particular KOLs, to present popular pet-focused content on our online community and promote our products that appeal to existing andpotential customers. Hence, if we fail to maintain our relationships with KOLs, our revenues and results of operations may be materiallyand adversely affected.
We generally enter into customarycontracts with our KOLs, under which they are paid a fee for each piece of advertising post or video. We may need to offer higher compensationand incur additional recruitment costs to retain our KOLs due to increased competition for KOLs. Even so, we cannot assure you that wewill be able to control, incentivize or retain KOLs to provide popular content and stimulate purchases of our products. If our KOLs ceaseto contribute content to our online community, or their content fail to attract users and customers, we may experience a decline in usertraffic and user engagement of our online community. If we are unable to grow our user base or increase user engagement, our online communitywill become less attractive to existing and potential customers, which will have a material and adverse effect on our business and resultsof operations.
Any change, disruption, discontinuity inthe features and functions of major social networks could severely limit our ability to continue growing our customer base, and our businessmay be materially and adversely affected.
We leverage social networksas a tool for customer acquisition and engagement. Through these social networks, such as WeChat/Weixin, our customers may share productinformation and their purchase experiences with their friends, family and other social contacts, which helps us generate low-cost organictraffic and active interactions among customers. A portion of our customer traffic comes from such user recommendation or product introductionfeature on social networks. To the extent that we fail to leverage such social networks, our ability to attract or retain customers maybe severely harmed. If any of these social networks changes its features or support, such as charging fees for the current free features,or stops providing us with infrastructure support, we may not be able to locate alternative platforms of similar scale to provide similarfeatures or support on commercially reasonable terms in a timely manner, or at all. Furthermore, we may fail to establish or maintainrelationships with social network operators to support the growth of our business on economically viable terms, or at all. Any interruptionto or discontinuation of our relationships with major social network operators may severely and negatively impact our ability to continuegrowing our customer base, and any occurrence of the circumstances mentioned above may have a material adverse effect on our business,financial condition and results of operations.
We may be held liable for any false or misleadingstatements or advice given by KOLs on our online community.
We may be held liable forany false or misleading statements or advice given by KOLs on our online community. When these KOLs post pet-related content, respondto user inquiries, offer pet parenting advice or recommend products to pet parents, they may make false or misleading statements in relationto pet parenting or the suitability and effectiveness of pet products. These KOLs may be negligent in giving advice or fail to specifythat their recommendation is general in nature and may not apply to the circumstances of particular pet parents and their pets. We maynot always have appropriate disclaimers in place on our online community for such behavior.
We may be subject to legaland administrative proceedings and claims from time to time where these statements are found to result in harm to our customers or theirpets. These claims and proceedings may be expensive and time consuming to investigate and defend and may divert resources and managementattention from the operation of our business. Although these claims may not be successful, they may harm our reputation and business.
Negative media coverage could adverselyaffect our business and reputation.
Negative publicity aboutus or our business, shareholders, affiliates, directors, officers or other employees, brand partners, manufacturers, content creators,third-party platforms, delivery service providers and other third parties as well as the industry in which we operate, can harm our operationsand reputation. Such negative publicity could be related to a variety of matters, including, but not limited to:
| ● | alleged misconduct or other improper activities committed by our shareholders, affiliates, directors, officers and other employees, as well as our brand partners, manufacturers, content creators, third-party platforms, delivery service providers and other third parties; |
| ● | allegations or rumors about us or our shareholders, affiliates, directors, officers and other employees, as well as our brand partners, manufacturers, content creators, third-party platforms, delivery service providers and other third parties; |
| ● | customer complaints about the quality of products and services provided by us or third parties we cooperate with; |
| ● | infringement activities associated with counterfeit goods on our platform; |
| ● | security breaches or customer data leakage; |
| ● | governmental and regulatory investigations or penalties resulting from our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations; |
| ● | instances of product or service safety issues, even those not involving us or our business partners; and |
| ● | other lawsuits and legal proceedings, with or without merits. |
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In addition to traditionalmedia, there has been an increasing use of social media platforms and similar devices in China, including instant messaging applications,social media websites and other forms of internet-based communications that provide individuals with access to a broad audience of usersand other interested persons. The availability of information on instant messaging applications and social media platforms is virtuallyimmediate and may not afford us an opportunity for redress or correction. The opportunity for dissemination of information, includinginaccurate information, is seemingly limitless and readily available. Information concerning our company, shareholders, directors, officersand employees as well as our brand partners, manufacturers, content creators, third-party platforms and other third parties may be postedon such platforms at any time. Such negative publicity, whether valid or not, may result in a decrease in customer confidence in us andmaterially and adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our reputation, business and result of operationswould be adversely impacted by any counterfeit, unauthorized or infringing products sold on our platform that fail to meet the applicablelegal requirements sold on our platforms.
Although we have adoptedvarious measures to ensure the authenticity of products sold on our platform, these measures may not always be successful. If we wereto negligently participate or assist in infringement activities associated with counterfeit goods or failed to duly verify the qualificationsor the licenses of our brand partners, we may be subject to sanctions under PRC law, including injunctions to cease infringing activities,rectification, compensation, administrative penalties and even criminal liability, depending on the gravity of such misconduct. See “Item4.B. Business Overview-Regulation-Regulations on Consumer Protection” and “Item 4.B. Business Overview-Regulation-Regulationson E-commerce.”
We believe our brand andreputation are extremely important to our success and our competitive position. If counterfeit products were sold on our platform or wewere facing any administrative penalties against us due to products that failed to meet the applicable legal requirements, our reputationcould be severely damaged and customers may choose not to spend time on our platform. As a result, our business operations and financialresults may be negatively affected.
Our business, prospects and financial resultsmay be affected by our relationships with offline pet stores.
We sell selected productsto offline pet stores and pet hospitals as a supplement to our online sales. Offline sales to pet stores and pet hospitals are generallysteady and help us maintain a healthy inventory levels, increase our brand awareness and expand our customer reach. We intend to cooperatewith more offline pet stores and pet hospitals to expand our geographical footprint and further build up our offline network in the future.If our relationships with such businesses deteriorate or are terminated or we fail to maintain such relationships on commercially viableterms, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
If we do not successfully optimize, operateand manage our fulfillment network, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be harmed.
Failures to successfullyoptimize, operate and manage our fulfillment network result in excess or insufficient fulfillment capacity, increased costs, and impairmentcharges, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business. As of March 31, 2025, we operated one warehouse and utilizedthree fulfillment centers, and as we continue to expand our business with different requirements and add fulfillment capacity, our fulfillmentnetwork will become increasingly complex and operating them will become more challenging. We strategically closed our warehouse in HongKong in late 2019 and sought to cooperate with additional new warehouses in mainland China to better manage global macro-economic risks.If we grow faster than we anticipate, we may exceed our fulfillment capacity sooner than we anticipate, we may experience difficultiesfulfilling orders in a timely manner and our customers may experience delays in receiving their purchases, which could harm customer experienceand our reputation. As a result, we would need to increase our capital expenditures on expanding our fulfillment network sooner than weexpected. We cannot assure you that we will be able to locate suitable facilities or recruit qualified managerial and operational personnelto support the expansion our fulfillment network. Also, there can be no assurance that we will be able to operate our fulfillment networkcost effectively.
In addition, failure to optimizeinventory in our fulfillment network may increase our shipping costs and result in delayed shipment. In particular, we maintain inventoryof most of our brand partners’ products, which further complicates our inventory management. Our failure to properly handle ourinventory may result in us being unable to secure sufficient storage space or optimize the use of our warehouses or cause other unexpectedcosts and harm to our business and operations.
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Delivery is a critical part of our businessand any changes in, or disruptions to, our delivery arrangements could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and resultsof operations.
We rely on a limited numberof third-party delivery service providers, to fulfill orders to our customers. If we are unable to negotiate acceptable pricing and otherterms with these delivery service providers, our results of operations and financial condition will be negatively affected. Our deliveryservice providers may experience performance problems or other difficulties in processing orders or delivering our products to customerson time, including natural disasters, labor disputes, financial difficulties, system failures or other disruptions to their operations.We are also subject to risks of damage or loss during delivery by our delivery service providers. If the products ordered by our customersare not delivered in a timely fashion or are damaged or lost during the delivery process, our customers could become dissatisfied andcease buying products from us, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
Our results of operations are subject tofluctuations due to the seasonality of our business and other events.
We have experienced and expectto continue to experience seasonal fluctuations in our financial performance. These seasonal patterns have caused and will continue tocause fluctuations in our operating results. Historically, we have recorded stronger performance in the fourth quarter of a calendar year,primarily because consumers increase their purchases during e-commerce festivals in China, such as the periods around Double Eleven ShoppingFestival (which is an online sales promotion event that falls on November 11 of each year) and Double Twelve (which is another onlinesales promotion event that falls on December 12 of each year). In addition, we generally experience a lower level of sales activity inthe first quarter due to the Chinese New Year holiday, during which the volumes of online purchases and logistical operations drop significantlydue to vacations and business closures.
In anticipation of increasedsales activity prior to shopping festivals, we increase our inventory levels and incur additional expenses such as procuring additionalworking capital and increasing the size of our workforce on a temporary basis. If our seasonal sales patterns become more pronounced inthe future, this may strain our personnel, customer service operations, fulfillment operations and shipment activities and may cause ashortfall in revenues compared to expenses in a given period. As a result, our financial results may be materially and adversely affected.In addition to increasing our own inventory levels, we also rely on our brand partners to increase their inventory levels to match projectedseasonal demand. If we and our brand partners do not increase inventory levels for popular products in sufficient amounts or if we areunable to restock popular products from our brand partners in a timely manner, we may fail to fulfill customer demand. This may harm ourreputation and damage the trust that consumers have in our business, which is a key part of our business model. As a result, we may experiencea material and adverse effect on our financial conditions and results of operations.
Our SaaS solutions bring additional businessand operational risks, and may not be attractive to offline pet stores.
We first introduced our self-developedsoftware-as-a-service, or SaaS, to pet stores in 2015. We currently offer our SaaS solutions for free and there can be no assurance thatour SaaS solutions will be well accepted by offline pet stores or that we will be able to monetize our SaaS solutions in the future. Inaddition, we may find it difficult and costly to support our SaaS solutions, which require professional implementation and technical supportservices which we could not provide without incurring significant costs. To the extent that our SaaS solutions are defective or thereare disruptions to our services, demand for our SaaS solutions could diminish, and we would be subject to substantial liability. Specifically,if we experience security breaches and unauthorized access to our customer’s data or our data, our SaaS solutions may be perceivedas not secure. As a result, customers may stop using our SaaS solutions, leading to loss of monetization opportunities, and we may incursignificant legal and financial exposure and liabilities. Our reputation and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Our customers use third-party payment serviceproviders to make payments on our platform. If these payment services are restricted or curtailed in any way or become unavailable tous or our customers for any reason, our business may be materially and adversely affected.
Our customers make paymentsthrough a variety of methods, including payment through our third-party online payment service partners. We depend on the billing, paymentand escrow systems of these service providers to maintain accurate records of payments of sales proceeds and collect such payments. Ifthe quality, utility, convenience or attractiveness of these payment processing and escrow services declines, our platform may becomeless attractive to our customers. Moreover, certain commercial banks in China impose limits on the amounts that may be transferred byautomated payment from customers’ bank accounts to their linked accounts with third-party online payment services. We cannot predictwhether these and any additional restrictions that could be put in place would have a material adverse effect on our platform. We mayalso be subject to various rules, regulations and requirements, regulatory or otherwise, governing electronic fund transfers and onlinepayment, which could change or be reinterpreted to make it difficult or impossible for us to comply with.
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In addition, we cannot assureyou that we will be successful to enter into amicable relationships with additional online payment service providers or maintain our relationshipwith existing ones. Identifying, negotiating and maintaining relationships with these providers require significant time and resources.They could choose to terminate their relationships with us or propose terms that we cannot accept. For example, increasing costs to thesepayment service providers, including fees charged by banks to process transactions through online payment channels, would increase ourgeneral and administrative expenses. Furthermore, these service providers may not perform as expected under our agreements with them,and we may have disagreements or disputes with such payment service providers, any of which could adversely affect our brand and reputationas well as our business operations. Meanwhile, we may be subject to fraud, customer data leakage and other illegal activities in connectionwith the various payment methods we offer.
The proper functioning of our online platformsis essential to our business. Any disruption to our IT systems could materially affect our ability to maintain the satisfactory performanceof our platform and deliver consistent services to our users and customers.
The proper functioning ofour online platforms is essential to our business. The satisfactory performance, reliability and availability of our IT systems are criticalto our success, our ability to attract and retain users and customers and our ability to maintain and deliver consistent services to them.However, we may be unable to monitor and ensure high-quality maintenance and upgrade of our IT systems and infrastructure on a real-timebasis, and customers may experience service outages or delays in accessing and using our platform to place orders. Specifically, we mayexperience surges in online traffic and orders associated with promotional activities and generally as we scale, under which our platformmay be overloaded and may not be able to function properly. Our technology infrastructure may also fail to keep pace with increased salesand traffic on our online platforms, and as a result, we may be required to incur significant additional costs to upgrade the underlyingnetwork infrastructure both in terms of capacity and functionality. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in executing thesesystem upgrades in a timely manner, or at all, and the failure to do so may affect out user experiences and impede our growth.
We currently use third-partycloud services and servers to store our data, to allow us to analyze a large amount of data simultaneously and to update our user andcustomer database and profiles quickly. Servers may be vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions,which could lead to system interruptions, website or mobile app slowdown or unavailability, delays or errors in transaction processing,loss of data or the inability to accept and fulfill customer orders. We also rely on various Internet service providers and mobile networksto deliver and “push” communications to users and customers and allow them to access our online platforms. Any interruptionor delay in the functionality of these cloud service providers, servers or networks may materially and adversely affect the operationsof our business. Additionally, the costs and complexities involved in expanding and upgrading our systems may prevent us from doing soin a timely manner and may prevent us from adequately meeting the demand placed on our systems. Given that we exercise little controlover these third-party service providers, we are vulnerable to issues with the services they provide.
Furthermore, our technologyor infrastructure may not function properly at all times, and may be subject to disruptions caused by natural disasters, accidents, powerdisruptions, telecommunications failures, acts of terrorism or war, computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, or other eventsor disruptions. Any of such occurrences could lead to the unavailability of our online platforms and mobile apps, interruption of oursupply chain and delivery, leakage or permanent loss of customer data, interruptions or decreases in connection speed, or other eventswhich would affect our operations. While we have certain disaster recovery arrangements in place, such as back-up servers and data redundancyplans, our precautionary measures may be inadequate, and our business interruption insurance may not be sufficient to cover potentialloss. If any IT disruptions were to occur to our business, our reputation or relationships with our customers may be damaged and our customersmay switch to our competitors. As a result, our operations could be impaired and our business, financial condition, and results of operationsmay be materially and adversely affected.
Our business may be adversely affected ifwe are unable to provide our customers with a cost-effective platform that is able to respond and adapt to rapid changes in technology.
The number of people whoaccess the Internet through devices other than personal computers, such as mobile phones and tablets, has increased dramatically in recentyears. The versions of our website, mobile app and mini-program on Weixin developed for these devices may not be compelling to customers.Adapting our services and/or infrastructure to these devices as well as other new Internet, networking or telecommunications technologiescould be time consuming and could require us to incur substantial expenditures, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition,and results of operations.
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Additionally, as new mobiledevices and platforms are released, we may need to devote significant time and resources to the creation, support and maintenance of suchapplications. If we are unable to attract consumers to our website or mobile app through these devices or are slow to develop a versionof our website or mobile app that is more compatible with alternative devices, we may fail to capture a significant share of customersin the pet industry and or lose existing customers, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, andresults of operations.
Further, we regularly upgradeour technologies and business applications, and we will continue to implement new technologies or business applications in the future.Technology upgrades and changes require significant investments. Our financial condition and results of operations may be affected bythe timing, effectiveness and costs associated with any of these upgrades or changes to our systems and infrastructure. In the event thatit is more difficult for our customers to buy products from us on their mobile devices, or if our customers choose not to buy productsfrom us on their mobile devices or to use mobile products that do not offer access to our website, we may not be able to retain our existingcustomers or attract new customers. As a result, our customer growth could be harmed and our business, financial condition, and resultsof operations may be materially and adversely affected.
We may be subject to liability for placingadvertisements with content that is deemed inappropriate or misleading under PRC laws.
We provide online and offlineonline marketing and information services to our brand partners, helping them design and implement effective marketing strategies. PRClaws and regulations prohibit advertising companies from producing, distributing or publishing any advertisement with content that violatesPRC laws and regulations, impairs the national dignity of the PRC, involves designs of the PRC national flag, national emblem or nationalanthem or the music of the national anthem, is considered reactionary, obscene, superstitious or absurd, is fraudulent, or disparagessimilar products. We may also be subject to the administrative penalties incurred by the exaggerating or fraudulent advertisement fromtime to time. Additionally, we may be subject to claims by customers misled by information on our mobile apps, website or other portalswhere we place advertisements. We may not be able to recover such losses from brand partners by enforcing the indemnification provisionsin the contracts, which may result us in diverting our management’s time and other resources from our business and operations todefend against these infringement claims. As a result, our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation could bematerially and adversely affected.
Our business generates and processes a largeamount of data, and the improper collection, storage, use or disclosure of such data could harm our reputation as well as have a materialadverse effect on our business and prospects.
Our business generates andprocesses a large quantity of data. We face risks inherent in handling and possessing large volumes of data and in protecting the securityof such data. In particular, we face a number of challenges relating to data from transactions and other activities on our platforms,including without limitation:
| ● | protecting the data in and hosted on our system, including against attacks on our system by outside parties or fraudulent behavior or improper use by our employees; |
| ● | addressing concerns related to privacy and sharing, safety, security and other factors; and |
| ● | complying with applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the collection, use, storage, transfer, disclosure or security of personal information, including any requests from regulatory and government authorities relating to such data. |
Concerns about our practiceswith regard to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information or other privacy-related and security matters, even if unfounded,could damage our reputation and operations. On November 28, 2019, the Secretary Bureau of the Cyberspace Administration of China, theGeneral Office of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the General Office of the Ministry of Public Security and the GeneralOffice of the State Administration for Market Regulation promulgated the Identification Method of Illegal Collection and Use of PersonalInformation Through App, which provides guidance for the regulatory authorities to identify the illegal collection and use of personalinformation through mobile apps, and for the app operators to conduct self-examination and self-correction and for other participantsto voluntarily monitor compliance. Moreover, the PRC Constitution, the PRC Criminal Law, the Civil Code of the PRC and the CybersecurityLaw protect individual privacy in general, which require certain authorization or consent from internet users prior to collection, useor disclosure of their personal data and also protection of the security of the personal data of such users. In particular, Amendment7 to the PRC Criminal Law prohibits institutions, companies and their employees in the telecommunications and other industries from sellingor otherwise illegally disclosing a citizen’s personal information obtained during the course of performing duties or providingservices. While we strive to comply with all applicable data protection laws and regulations, as well as our own privacy policies, anyfailure or perceived failure to comply may result in proceedings or actions against us by government entities or private individuals,which could have an adverse effect on our business. See “Item 3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors-Risks Related to DoingBusiness in China-PRC laws and regulations regarding data security and cybersecurity are evolving. These laws and regulations could havea material impact on our business operation.” Moreover, failure or perceived failure to comply with applicable laws and regulationsrelated to the collection, use, or sharing of personal information or other privacy-related and security matters could result in a lossof confidence in us by customers and users, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Furthermore, in August 2021,the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, or the SCNPC, officially promulgated the Personal Information ProtectionLaw of the People’s Republic of China, or the Personal Information Protection Law. The Personal Information Protection Law providesa comprehensive personal information protection system, under which in case of any personal information processing, individual prior consentmust be obtained except in other circumstances stipulated therein to the contrary. No organization or individual may illegally collect,use, process or transmit the personal information of others, illegally buy or sell, provide or make public the personal information ofothers, or engage in the processing of personal information that endangers the national security or public interests. The Personal InformationProtection Law raises the protection requirements for processing personal information, and many specific requirements of the PersonalInformation Protection Law remain to be clarified by the CAC, other regulatory authorities, and courts in practice. We may be requiredto make further adjustments to our business practices to comply with the personal information protection laws and regulations. In addition,if we fail to collect, use, process or transmit the personal information properly, our reputation as well as our business and prospectsmay be affected adversely.
Failure to protect confidential informationof our users and customers and network against security breaches could damage our reputation and brand and substantially harm our businessand results of operations.
Orders for products we offerare made through our online sales platforms. Online payments for our products are settled through third-party online payment service providers.We also share certain personal information about our customers with third-party delivery service providers, such as their names, addresses,and phone numbers. In such cases, maintaining complete security for the transmission of confidential information on our platform, suchas customer names, personal information and billing addresses, is essential to maintaining customer confidence.
We have adopted securitypolicies and measures, including encryption technology, to protect our proprietary data and customer information. We do not maintain insuranceagainst damages incurred by us resulting from customer identity theft and subsequent fraudulent payments. However, advances in technology,the expertise of hackers, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other events or developments could result in a compromise orbreach of the technology that we use to protect confidential information. We may not be able to prevent third parties, especially hackersor other individuals or entities engaging in similar activities, from illegally obtaining such confidential or private information wehold as a result of our customers’ visits on our online platforms. We could therefore be exposed to litigation and regulatory actionand possible liability, causing significant legal and financial exposure, adverse publicity and a loss of confidence in our security measures,which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Such individuals orentities obtaining our users’ and customers’ confidential or private information may further engage in various other illegalactivities using such information. In addition, we have limited control or influence over the security policies or measures adopted bythird-party providers of online payment services. Our third-party delivery service providers may also violate their confidentiality obligationsand disclose or use information about our customers illegally. Any negative publicity on our platform’s safety or privacy protectionmechanism and policy could have a material and adverse effect on our public image and reputation. Any compromise of our information securityor third-party service providers’ information security measures could require us to expend significant capital and other resourcesto alleviate the problems and, despite our best remediation efforts, have a material and adverse effect on our reputation, business, prospects,financial condition and results of operations.
We have and may continue to invest in oracquire complementary assets, technologies and businesses, or enter into strategic alliances. Such efforts may fail and have in the pastresulted, and may continue to result, in equity or earnings dilution, which may materially and adversely affect our results of operationsand financial condition.
We have in the past investedin or acquired, and may continue to invest in or acquire, assets, technologies and businesses, or enter into strategic alliances, thatare complementary to our business. These investments may involve minority stakes in other companies, acquisitions of entire companiesor acquisitions of selected assets.
Risks and uncertainties associatedwith such investments, acquisitions or strategic alliances include:
| ● | acquired businesses or assets may not yield the results we expect; |
| ● | acquisitions of assets and businesses have in the past resulted, and may continue to result, in the use of substantial amounts of cash, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, significant amortization expenses related to intangible assets and exposure to potential unknown liabilities of the acquired businesses or assets; |
| ● | any future strategic alliances, investments or acquisitions and the subsequent integration of the new assets and businesses obtained or developed from such transactions into our own may divert management from their primary responsibilities and subject us to additional liabilities; |
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| ● | to the extent we fund these investment or acquisition through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interests of our shareholders could be significantly diluted; |
| ● | the cost of identifying and consummating acquisitions, and integrating the acquired businesses or assets into ours, may materially exceed our expectations, and the integration of acquired businesses or assets may be disruptive to our business operations; |
| ● | we may not be able to successfully retain the customers and key personnel of acquisitions over the longer term, which could also adversely affect our business; |
| ● | we may have to obtain approval from the relevant PRC governmental authorities or counterparts elsewhere in the world for the acquisitions and comply with any applicable PRC rules and regulations, which may be costly; and |
| ● | if we fail to integrate successfully such acquisitions, or the business associated with such acquisitions, into our company, the revenues and operating results of the combined company could be adversely affected. |
The size and complexity ofour business has increased following previous acquisitions, and may continue to increase following additional acquisitions in the future.For example, our acquisition of Xingmu allows us to leverage Xingmu’s extensive pet hospital network to develop our pet healthcarebusiness. However, our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to manage this expanded business, which also poses substantialchallenges, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new operations and sales of medical products that we didnot engage in previously. The integration of Xingmu’s business also requires significant time and resources and is associated withincreased costs and complexity. We may not successfully evaluate or utilize the acquired business and accurately forecast the financialimpact of the acquisition of Xingmu. As such, there can be no assurance that we will realize the expected benefits anticipated from ouracquisition of Xingmu. We may not ultimately strengthen our competitive position or achieve our goals from our acquisition of Xingmu,which could be viewed negatively by users, customers, business partners or investors.
We may need additional capital, and financingmay be not available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
We require additional cashresources to fund our business operations, including any marketing initiatives or investments we may decide to pursue. If these resourcesare insufficient to satisfy our cash requirements, we may seek to obtain additional credit facilities or sell additional equity or debtsecurities. The issuance and sale of additional equity securities could result in dilution of our existing shareholders. The incurrenceof indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrictour operations. It is uncertain whether financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If financing provesto be unavailable or on unacceptable terms, we may be forced to raise funds on undesirable terms, or we may be unable to maintain or growour business or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,and results of operations.
The failure of any bank in which we depositour funds could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Events involving limitedliquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties orother companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any eventsof these kinds or other similar risks, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems. Most recently, onMarch 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation,which appointed the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) as receiver. Similarly, on March 12, 2023, SignatureBank was also placed into receivership. A statement by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC indicatedthat all depositors of SVB would have access to all of their money after only one business day of closure, including funds held in uninsureddeposit accounts, however, borrowers under credit agreements, letters of credit and certain other financial instruments with SVB, SignatureBank or any other financial institution that is placed into receivership by the FDIC may be unable to access undrawn amounts thereunder.
Although we do not hold fundsat the banks described above, we have funds at other banks. As of the date of this annual report, we have not experienced any difficultyin withdrawing cash from our deposit accounts with the banks. We generally seek to diversify our cash and cash equivalents across severalfinancial institutions in an attempt to minimize exposure to any one of these entities. Nevertheless, our cash balance with a financialinstitution may exceed the amount under the deposit guarantee program in the relevant jurisdiction. To the extent any of the financialinstitutions in which we have deposited funds ultimately fails, we may lose our deposits to the extent they exceed the amount under thedeposit guarantee program in the relevant jurisdiction, and/or we may be required to move our accounts to another financial institution,which could cause operational difficulties, such as delays in making payments to third parties, which could have an adverse effect onour business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Disruption in the financial markets andeconomic conditions could affect our ability to raise capital.
Global economies could sufferdramatic downturns as the result of a deterioration in the credit markets and related financial crisis as well as a variety of other factorsincluding, extreme volatility in security prices, severely diminished liquidity and credit availability, ratings downgrades of certaininvestments and declining valuations of others. For example, the Covid-19 caused significant volatility in financial markets across theworld. In the past, governments have taken unprecedented actions in an attempt to address and rectify these extreme market and economicconditions by providing liquidity and stability to the financial markets. If these actions are not successful, the return of adverse economicconditions may cause a significant impact on our ability to raise capital, if needed, on a timely basis and on acceptable terms or atall.
Our business depends substantially on thecontinuing efforts of our senior management. If we lose their services, we could incur significant costs in finding suitable replacementsand our business may be severely disrupted.
Our business operations dependsubstantially on the continuing efforts of our senior management. If one or more members of our senior management were unable or unwillingto continue their employment with us, we might not be able to replace them in a timely manner, or at all. As qualified individuals arein high demand, we may incur additional expenses to recruit and retain qualified replacements. As a result, our business may be severelydisrupted and our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, our senior managementmay join a competitor or form a competing company. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to successfully enforce our contractualrights included in the employment agreements we have entered into with our senior management team, particularly in China, where such individualsreside. As a result, our business may be negatively affected due to the loss of one or more members of our senior management.
Employee or other business misconduct couldexpose us to monetary loss, legal liability, regulatory scrutiny, and reputational harm.
Our employees and outsourcedworkers may engage in illegal, fraudulent, corrupt or collusive activities that adversely affect our business. For example, if an employeewere to engage in illegal or suspicious activities such as fraud, theft, kickback or bribery, we could suffer direct losses, become subjectto regulatory sanctions and suffer serious harm to our financial condition and reputation. In addition, any business misconduct in violationof applicable laws and regulations could also subject us to administrative penalties or fine, or even criminal liability in extreme cases,by the competent authorities. In the past, we were fined RMB100,000 by Shanghai Internet Information Office in December 2021 for the publishingand transmission of illegal information on our Boqii Pet APP and RMB5,000 by the Shanghai Pudong New Area Market Supervision Administrationin May 2023 for the failure to update system promptly upon receiving customers’ request to unsubscribe, which resulted in resendingcommercial information to them. As the date of this annual report, we have rectified these two activities. There can be no assurance thatour internal controls and policies will prevent fraud or illegal activity or that similar incidents will not occur in the future. Anyof such activities could severely damage our brand and reputation, which could drive customers away from our platform, and materiallyand adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on proper operation and maintenanceof our platforms and internet infrastructure and telecommunications networks in China. Any deficiencies, malfunction, capacity constraintor operation interruption, any undetected programming errors or flaws or failure to maintain effective customer service could harm ourreputation, impair our platform, and may have an adverse impact on our business.
Currently, a majority ofour product sales are generated through our online sales platforms. Therefore, the satisfactory performance, reliability and availabilityof our platforms are critical to our success and our ability to attract and retain users and customers. Our business depends on the performanceand reliability of the internet infrastructure in China. The reliability and availability of our platforms depends on telecommunicationscarriers and other third-party providers for communications and storage capacity, including bandwidth and server storage. If we are unableto enter into and renew agreements with these providers on acceptable terms, or if any of our existing agreements with such providersare terminated as a result of our breach or otherwise, our ability to provide our services to our users and customers could be adverselyaffected.
Access to internet in Chinais maintained through state-owned telecommunications carriers under administrative control, and we obtain access to end-user networksoperated by such telecommunications carriers and internet service providers to give customers access to our mobile platform. The failureof telecommunications network operators to provide us with the requisite bandwidth could also interfere with the speed and availabilityof our platforms. Service interruptions prevent customers from accessing our platforms and placing orders, and frequent interruptionscould frustrate users and customers and discourage them from attempting to place orders or accessing our platforms, which could causeus to lose customers and harm our operating results.
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In addition, our platformsand internal systems rely on software that is highly technical and complex, and depend on the ability of such software to store, retrieve,process and manage immense amount of data. The software on which we rely has contained, and may now or in the future contain, undetectedprogramming errors or flaws. Some errors may only be discovered after the code has been released for external or internal use. Errorsor other design defects within the software on which we rely may result in a negative experience for customers using our platforms, delayintroductions of new features or enhancements, result in errors or compromise our ability to support effective customer service and enjoyablecustomer engagement. Any errors, bugs or defects discovered in the software on which we rely could result in harm to our reputation andloss of users and customers, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial conditions.
We may be subject to intellectual propertyinfringement claims, which may be expensive to defend and may disrupt our business and operations.
We cannot be certain thatour operations or any aspects of our business do not or will not infringe upon or otherwise violate trademarks, patents, copyrights, know-howor other intellectual property rights held by third parties. We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims relating to the intellectualproperty rights of others. In addition, there may be other third-party intellectual property that is infringed upon by our products, services,the content displayed on our platform or other aspects of our business. There could also be existing patents or other intellectual propertyrights of which we are not aware that our products or content may inadvertently infringe. We cannot assure you that holders of the relevantintellectual property rights purportedly relating to some aspect of our technology platform or business, if any such holders exist, wouldnot seek to enforce such intellectual property rights against us in China, the United States or any other jurisdictions. As of the dateof this annual report, we have not received from the proprietors or competent authorities any warning, subpoena, administrative penaltiesor fine as a result of our unauthorized use of such IT software or systems, but we cannot assure you that such actions will not be takenin the future. We strive to closely monitor the products offered on our platforms. However, we cannot be certain that these measures wouldbe effective in completely preventing the infringement of trademarks, patents, copyrights, know-how or other intellectual property rightsheld by third parties. Further, the application and interpretation of China’s intellectual property right laws and the proceduresand standards for granting trademarks, patents, copyrights, know-how or other intellectual property rights in China are still evolvingand are uncertain, and we cannot assure you that PRC courts or regulatory authorities would agree with our analysis. If we are found tohave violated the intellectual property rights of others, we may be subject to liability for our infringement activities or may be prohibitedfrom using such intellectual property, and we may incur licensing fees or be forced to develop alternatives of our own, but such alternativemay not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. In addition, we may incur significant expenses, and may be forced to divertmanagement’s time and other resources from our business and operations to defend against these third-party infringement claims,regardless of their merits. Successful infringement or licensing claims made against us may result in significant monetary liabilitiesand may materially disrupt our business and operations by restricting or prohibiting our use of the intellectual property in question.These risks have been amplified by the increase in third parties whose sole or primary business is to assert such claims.
We may not be able to prevent others fromunauthorized use of our intellectual property, which could harm our business and competitive position.
We regard our trademarks,copyrights, patents, domain names, know-how, proprietary technologies, and similar intellectual property as critical to our success, andwe rely on a combination of intellectual property laws and contractual arrangements, including confidentiality, invention assignment andnon-compete agreements with our employees and others, to protect our proprietary rights. Any of our intellectual property rights couldbe challenged, invalidated, circumvented or misappropriated, or such intellectual property may not be sufficient to provide us with competitiveadvantages. In addition, there can be no assurance that (i) our application for registration of trademarks, patents, and other intellectualproperty rights will be approved, (ii) any intellectual property rights will be adequately protected, or (iii) such intellectual propertyrights will not be challenged by third parties or found by a judicial authority to be invalid or unenforceable. Further, because of therapid pace of technological change in our industry, parts of our business rely on technologies developed or licensed by third parties,and we may not be able to obtain or continue to obtain licenses and technologies from these third parties at all or on reasonable terms.
It is often difficult toregister, maintain and enforce intellectual property rights in China. Statutory laws and regulations are subject to judicial interpretationand enforcement and may not be applied consistently due to the lack of clear guidance on statutory interpretation. Confidentiality, inventionassignment and non-compete agreements may be breached by counterparties, and there may not be adequate remedies available to us for anysuch breach. Accordingly, we may not be able to effectively protect our intellectual property rights or to enforce our contractual rightsin China. Policing any unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult and costly and the steps we take may be inadequate toprevent the infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property. For example, third parties may register trademarks or domainnames or purchase internet search engine keywords that are similar to our trademarks, brands or websites, or misappropriate our intellectualproperty or data and copy our platform, all of which could cause confusion to our users and customers, divert online customers away fromour content and products and harm our reputation. In the event that we resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights,such litigation could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management and financial resources, and could put our intellectualproperty at risk of being invalidated or narrowed in scope. We can provide no assurance that we will prevail in such litigation, and evenif we do prevail, we may not obtain a meaningful recovery. In addition, our trade secrets may be leaked or otherwise become availableto, or be independently discovered by, our competitors. Any failure in maintaining, protecting or enforcing our intellectual propertyrights could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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We may be held liable for information orcontent displayed on, retrieved from or linked to our platforms, or distributed to our users and customers, and PRC authorities may imposelegal sanctions on us, including, in serious cases, suspending or revoking the licenses necessary to operate our platforms.
The PRC government has adoptedregulations governing internet access and the distribution of news and other information over the internet. Under these regulations, internetcontent providers and internet publishers are prohibited from posting or displaying over the internet content that, among other things,violates PRC laws and regulations, impairs the national dignity of China, or is reactionary, obscene, superstitious, fraudulent or defamatory.Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the revocation of licenses to provide internet content and other licenses, andthe closure of the concerned websites. The website operator may also be held liable for such censored information displayed on or linkedto the websites. Our content creators engage in sales promotion activities through interacting and exchanging information with our usersand customers and generating and distributing content. It is possible that our users and customers, including our content creators, mayengage in illegal, obscene or incendiary conversations or activities, including displaying or publishing information or content that maybe deemed unlawful under PRC laws and regulations on our platforms. Our informative and interactive content platform, Boqii Community,also allows users to upload user-generated content on our platform, which exposes us to potential disputes and liabilities in connectionwith third-party copyrights. When users register on our platforms, they agree to our standard agreement, under which they agree not todisseminate any content infringing on third-party copyright on our platform. However, if any information or content on our platforms isdeemed illegal, obscene or incendiary, or if appropriate licenses and third-party consents have not been obtained, claims may be broughtagainst us for defamation, libel, negligence, copyright, patent or trademark infringement, other unlawful activities or other theoriesand claims based on the nature and content of the information delivered on or otherwise accessed through our platform. Defending againstany such actions could be costly and involve significant time and attention of our management and other resources.
If our platforms or contentis found to be in violation of any applicable requirements, we may be penalized by relevant authorities, or, if we are not eligible forthe safe harbor exemption, or if it is found that we have not adequately managed the information or content on our platforms, we may besubject to joint infringement liability and PRC authorities may impose legal sanctions on us, including, in serious cases, suspendingor revoking the licenses necessary to operate our platforms and our business and reputation may accordingly be adversely affected.
We may from time to time be subject to claims,controversies, lawsuits and other legal and administrative proceedings, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, resultsof operations, financial condition and reputation.
As of the date of this annualreport, we are not party to any material legal or administrative proceedings. However, in light of the nature of our business, we aresusceptible to potential claims or controversies. We have been, and may from time to time in the future be, subject to or involved invarious claims, controversies, lawsuits and other legal and administrative proceedings. Lawsuits and other administrative or legal proceedingsthat may arise in the course of our operations can involve substantial costs, including the costs associated with investigation, litigationand possible settlement, judgment, penalty or fine. In addition, lawsuits and other legal and administrative proceedings may be costlyand time consuming and may require a commitment of management and personnel resources that will be diverted from our normal business operations,which will materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our grant of share options and other formsof share based incentive awards may result in significant share based compensation expenses.
We have adopted share incentiveplans from time to time, to enhance our ability to attract and retain exceptionally qualified individuals and to encourage them to acquirea proprietary interest in the growth and performance of us. For example, we adopted the 2018 Global Share Plan in August 2018, for thepurpose of granting share-based compensation awards to employees, directors and consultants to incentivize their performance and aligntheir interests with ours. The 2018 Global Share Plan was last amended and restated in May 2022, and the total number of Class A ordinaryshares reserved for awards to be granted to the eligible participants thereunder was increased by 25,000 Class A ordinary shares, in orderto retain and attract talent to drive the long-term success of Boqii.
The maximum aggregate numberof Class A ordinary shares that may be issued under the amended and restated 2018 Global Share Plan, or the Amended and Restated 2018Global Share Plan, is 81,174. As of March 31, 2025, options to purchase a total of 81,034 Class A ordinary shares were outstanding, excludingthose that were forfeited or canceled, of which options underlying 74,906 Class A ordinary shares had become vested and exercisable. Weaccount for compensation costs for certain share options granted using a fair value-based method and recognize expenses in our consolidatedstatement of income in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe the granting of share-based compensation is of significant importance toour ability to attract and retain key personnel and employees, and we will continue to grant share-based compensation to employees inthe future. As a result, our expenses associated with share-based compensation may increase, which may have an adverse effect on our resultsof operations.
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None of the lease agreements of our leasedproperties has been registered with the relevant PRC government authorities as required by PRC law and our certain leased properties arefor industrial use, which may expose us to potential fines.
Under PRC law, lease agreementsof commodity housing tenancy are required to be registered with the local construction (real estate) departments. As of the date of thisannual report, none of our lease agreements for our leased properties in China has been registered with the relevant PRC government authorities,which may expose us to potential fines if we fail to remediate after receiving any notice from the relevant PRC government authorities.Failure to complete the lease registration will not affect the legal effectiveness of the lease agreements according to PRC law, but thereal estate administrative authorities may require the parties to the lease agreements to complete lease registration within a prescribedperiod of time, and the failure to do so may subject the parties to fines from RMB1,000 to RMB10,000 for each of such lease agreements.Furthermore, our lessors are required to comply with various laws and regulations to enable them to lease effective titles of their propertiesfor our use. Certain of our leased properties used for our warehouse are defined as the properties for industrial use only under the PRClaw. We may need to seek for an alternative lease, and our operation of business may be accordingly affected.
Failure to make adequate contributions tovarious employee benefit plans and withhold individual income tax on employees’ salaries as required by PRC regulations may subjectus to penalties.
In accordance with the PRCSocial Insurance Law and the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Fund and other relevant laws and regulations, China establishesa social insurance system and other employee benefits including basic pension insurance, basic medical insurance, work-related injuryinsurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, housing fund, and a handicapped employment security fund, or collectively theEmployee Benefits. An employer shall pay the Employee Benefits for its employees in accordance with the rates provided under relevantregulations and shall withhold the social insurance and other Employee Benefits that should be assumed by the employees. For example,an employer that has not made social insurance contributions at a rate and based on an amount prescribed by the law, or at all, may beordered to rectify the noncompliance and pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline and be subject to a late fee of 0.05%per day. If the employer still fails to rectify the failure to make social insurance contributions within the stipulated deadline, itmay be subject to a fine ranging from one to three times of the amount overdue.
Under the PRC Social InsuranceLaw and the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Fund, PRC subsidiaries shall register with local social insurance agencies andregister with applicable housing fund management centers and establish a special housing fund account in an entrusted bank. Both PRC subsidiariesand their employees are required to contribute to the Employee Benefits. Companies operating in China are also required to withhold individualincome tax on employees’ salaries based on the actual salary of each employee upon payment. We may be subject to late fees and finesin relation to the underpaid employee benefits and under-withheld individual income tax and, if so, our financial condition and resultsof operations may be adversely affected.
Non-compliance with labor-related laws andregulations of the PRC may have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operation.
We have been subject to stricterregulatory requirements in terms of entering into labor contracts with our employees and paying various statutory employee benefits, includingpensions, housing fund, medical insurance, work-related injury insurance, unemployment insurance and childbearing insurance to designatedgovernment agencies for the benefit of our employees. Pursuant to the PRC Labor Contract Law, or the Labor Contract Law, that became effectivein January 2008 and was amended in 2012 and its implementing rules that became effective in September 2008, employers are subject to stricterrequirements in terms of signing labor contracts, minimum wages, paying remuneration, determining the term of employees’ probationand unilaterally terminating labor contracts. In the event that we decide to terminate some of our employees or otherwise change our employmentor labor practices, the Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules may limit our ability to effect those changes in a desirable orcost-effective manner, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. As of the date of this annual report, we believeour current practice complies with the Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules. However, the relevant governmental authoritiesmay take a different view and impose fines on us.
As the interpretation andimplementation of labor-related laws and regulations are still evolving, we cannot assure you that our employment practice does not andwill not violate labor-related laws and regulations in China, which may subject us to labor disputes or government investigations. Ifwe are deemed to have violated relevant labor laws and regulations, we could be required to provide additional compensation to our employeesand our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
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We have identified a material weakness inour internal control over financial reporting for the year ended March 31, 2025. If we fail to adequately remediate this weakness or otherwisedevelop and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, or if we experience any additional material weaknessesin the future, we may be unable to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud, or comply with the accounting and reportingrequirements applicable to public companies, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and the market price of our shares.
In preparing our consolidatedfinancial statements for the year ended March 31, 2025, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified one materialweakness in our internal control over financial reporting. As defined in the standards established by the PCAOB, a “material weakness”is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibilitythat a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The material weakness identifiedis lack of sufficient documented financial closing policies and procedures, specifically those related to period end logistics expensescut-off and accruals and vendor rebate accruals. This material weakness, if not timely remedied, may lead to material misstatements inour consolidated financial statements in the future.
Following the identificationof the material weakness, we have taken measures and plan to continue to take measures to remedy the material weakness. We are in theprocess of implementing a number of measures to address this material weakness identified, including: (i) continuing to enhance accountingpolicies and closing procedures to improve the quality and accuracy of our period end financing closing process with respect to the preparationof U.S. GAAP financial statements and (ii) enhancing segregation of responsibilities in financial decision-making processes so that nosingle executive will have unilateral authority to approve transactions that pose potential risks to the Company’s financial healthor governance standards.
The process of designingand implementing an effective financial reporting system is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes inour business and the economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a financial reporting systemthat is adequate to satisfy our reporting obligation. However, the implementation of these measures may not fully address the materialweakness in our internal control over financial reporting, and we cannot conclude that they have been fully remedied. Our failure to correctthe material weakness or our failure to discover and address any other material weakness or control deficiencies could result in inaccuraciesin our consolidated financial statements and impair our ability to comply with applicable financial reporting requirements and relatedregulatory filings on a timely basis.
We are subject to the Sarbanes-OxleyAct of 2002. The Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, adopted rules pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002(“Section 404”) requiring every public company to include a management report on such company’s internal control overfinancial reporting in its annual report, which contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control overfinancial reporting. In addition, when we lose our status as an “emerging growth company” as such term is defined in the JOBSAct, and once we become an “accelerated filer,” as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the ExchangeAct, our independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financialreporting.
Due to the material weaknessidentified in our internal control over financial reporting, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reportingis not effective as of March 31, 2025. In the future, even if our management concludes that our internal control over financial reportingis effective, our independent registered public accounting firm, after conducting its own independent testing, may issue a report thatis qualified if it is not satisfied with our internal controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated orreviewed, or if it interprets the relevant requirements differently from us.
Furthermore, our reportingobligations may place a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources and systems for the foreseeable future.We may be unable to timely complete our evaluation testing and any required remediation.
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During the course of documentingand testing our internal control procedures, in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404, we may identify weaknesses and deficienciesin our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financialreporting, as these standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basisthat we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. Generally speaking, if we fail to achieveand maintain an effective internal control environment, we could suffer material misstatements in our consolidated financial statementsand fail to meet our reporting obligations, which would likely cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information.This could, in turn, limit our access to capital markets, harm our results of operations and lead to a decline in the trading price ofour Class A ordinary shares. Additionally, ineffective internal control over financial reporting could expose us to increased risk offraud or misuse of corporate assets and subject us to potential delisting from the stock exchange on which we list, regulatory investigationsand civil or criminal sanctions.
We are an “emerging growth company”and may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements.
We are an “emerginggrowth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various requirements applicableto other public companies that are not emerging growth companies including, most significantly, not being required to comply with theauditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for so long as we are an emerging growth company. As a result,if we elect not to comply with such auditor attestation requirements, our investors may not have access to certain information they maydeem important.
The JOBS Act also providesthat an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that aprivate company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. We do not plan to “opt out”of such exemptions afforded to an emerging growth company. As a result, our operating results and financial statements may not be comparableto the operating results and financial statements of other companies who have adopted the new or revised accounting standards.
We have incurred and will continue to incurincreased costs as a result of being a public company, particularly after we cease to qualify as an “emerging growth company.”
As a public company, we currentlyincur and expect to continue to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. TheSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the NYSE American, impose various requirements onthe corporate governance practices of public companies. Compliance with these rules and regulations has increased and will continue toincrease our legal and financial compliance costs and have made and will continue to make some corporate activities more time-consumingand costly. We currently incur and expect to continue to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuringcompliance with the requirements of Section 404 and the other rules and regulations of the SEC. For example, as we are now a public company,we have increased the number of independent directors and adopted policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures.Operating as a public company has made it more expensive for us to maintain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be requiredto accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to maintain the same or similar coverage. In addition,we are incurring and expect to continue to incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. It may alsobe more difficult for us to find qualified persons to serve on our board of directors (the “Board”) or as executive officers.We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these rules and regulations, and we cannot predict or estimatewith any degree of certainty the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs in the future.
As we completed our initial public offering inSeptember 2020, we expect to cease to qualify as an emerging growth company on March 31, 2026 under Section 404. When we lose ourstatus as an “emerging growth company,” we may incur additional expenses in connection with compliance with expanded obligationsand our management will need to devote additional time and effort to implement and comply with such requirements. However, if wecontinue to qualify as a “foreign private issuer” under the SEC rules, we may remain exempt from certain reporting and governancerequirements applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. See “Item 3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors-Risks Relating to Our Businessand Industry-We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exemptfrom certain provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.”
We have limited insurance coverage whichcould expose us to significant costs and business disruption.
We believe we have obtaineda prudent amount of insurance for the insurable risks relating to our business, including the property insurance for our warehouse, asof the date of this annual report. However, there is no assurance that the insurance policies we maintain are sufficient to cover ourbusiness operations. If we were to incur substantial liabilities that were not covered by our insurance, we could incur costs and lossesthat could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
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Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure andContractual Arrangements
There are substantial uncertainties regardingthe interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations, and rules relating to the agreements that establish theVIE structure for our operations in China, including potential future actions by the PRC government, which could affect the enforceabilityof our contractual arrangements with the VIEs and, consequently, significantly affect our financial condition and results of operations.If the PRC government finds our contractual arrangements noncompliant with relevant PRC laws, regulations, and rules, or if these laws,regulations, and rules or the interpretation thereof change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquishour interests in the VIEs.
PRC laws and regulationsimpose certain restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of companies that engage in internet and other related businesses, includingthe provision of internet content. Specifically, foreign ownership is prohibited in industries of online audio program services and internetcultural business (excluding music), foreign ownership of an internet content provider in managing value-added telecommunications businessmay not exceed 50%. Foreign investment in the value-added telecommunication services industry and certain other businesses is extensivelyregulated and subject to numerous restrictions. Pursuant to the Special Management Measures (Negative List) for the Access of ForeignInvestment (2024), published by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce and took effect on November1, 2024, with a few exceptions, foreign investors are not allowed to own more than 50% of the equity interests in a value-added telecommunicationservice provider.
There are substantial uncertaintiesregarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules. In particular, in March 2019, theNational People’s Congress of the PRC adopted the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which became effective on January 1, 2020. Among otherthings, the PRC Foreign Investment Law defines the “foreign investment” as investment activities in China by foreign investorsin a direct or indirect manner, including those circumstances explicitly listed thereunder as establishing new projects or foreign investedenterprises or acquiring shares of enterprises in China, and other approaches of investment as stipulated by laws, administrative regulationsor otherwise regulated by the State Council. The PRC Foreign Investment Law leaves uncertainty as to whether foreign investors’controlling PRC onshore variable interest entities via contractual arrangements will be recognized as “foreign investment”and thus be subject to the restrictions and/or prohibitions on foreign investments. If the PRC government finds that the VIE agreementsthat establish the structure for operating our podcasts, audio entertainment and other internet related businesses or for importing veterinarydrugs do not comply with PRC government restrictions on foreign investment in these industries, or if these regulations change or areinterpreted differently in the future, our securities may decline in value or become worthless, we could be subject to severe penalties,including being prohibited from continuing operations.
Boqii is an exempted companywith limited liability incorporated in the Cayman Islands and our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries are currently considered foreign-investedenterprises. Accordingly, our PRC subsidiaries are not eligible to provide value-added telecommunication services in China or import veterinarydrugs. To ensure strict compliance with the PRC laws and regulations, we conduct such business activities through the VIEs, includingShanghai Guangcheng, Nanjing Xingmu, Suzhou Taicheng and Suzhou Xingyun. Shanghai Xincheng, Meiyizhi WFOE and Xingmu WFOE, our whollyowned subsidiaries in China, have entered into a series of contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their respective shareholders, whichenable us to (i) direct the activities of the VIEs, (ii) receive substantially all of the economic benefits of the VIEs, and (iii) havean exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in the VIEs when and to the extent permitted by PRC law. As a resultof these contractual arrangements, our WFOEs are considered the primary beneficiary of the VIEs for accounting purposes and hence areable to consolidate their financial results as the VIEs under U.S. GAAP. This structure also provides contractual exposure to foreigninvestment in such companies. As of the date of this annual report, to our knowledge, the VIE agreements have not been tested in a courtof law in the PRC.
Our PRC counsel, Lifeng Partners,is of the opinion that (i) the ownership structures of the VIEs do not contravene any PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and(ii) the agreements under the contractual arrangements among Shanghai Xincheng, Shanghai Guangcheng and their respective shareholders,among Xingmu WFOE, Nanjing Xingmu and their respective shareholders, among Meiyizhi WFOE, Suzhou Xingyun and their respective shareholders,as well as among Shanghai Xincheng, Suzhou Taicheng and their respective shareholders governed by PRC laws are valid and binding uponeach party to such agreements and enforceable against each party thereto in accordance with their terms and applicable PRC laws and regulationscurrently in effect.
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However, there can be noassurance that the PRC government authorities will take a view that is not contrary to or otherwise different from the opinion of ourPRC counsel stated above. There is also the possibility that the PRC government authorities may adopt new laws, regulations and interpretationsthat may invalidate the contractual arrangements.
If the PRC government findsthat our contractual arrangements do not comply with its restrictions on foreign investment in the value-added telecommunication servicesindustry or certain other businesses, or if the PRC government otherwise finds that we, the VIEs, or any of their subsidiaries are inviolation of PRC laws or regulations or lack the necessary permits or licenses to operate our business, the relevant PRC regulatory authoritieswould have broad discretion in dealing with such violation or failures, including, without limitation:
| ● | revoking the business licenses and/or operating licenses of such entities; |
| ● | discontinuing or placing restrictions or onerous conditions on our operation through any transactions between our PRC subsidiaries and the VIEs; |
| ● | imposing fines on us, placing restrictions on our right to collect revenues, confiscating the income from our PRC subsidiaries or the VIEs, or imposing other requirements with which we or the VIEs may not be able to comply; |
| ● | requiring us to restructure our ownership structure or operations, including terminating the contractual arrangements with the VIEs and deregistering the equity pledges of the VIEs, which in turn would affect our ability to consolidate, derive economic interests from, or direct the activities of the VIEs; |
| ● | shutting down our servers or blocking our mobile apps and websites; |
| ● | requiring us to restructure the operations in such a way as to compel us to establish a new enterprise, reapply for the necessary licenses or relocate our businesses, staff and assets; |
| ● | imposing additional conditions or requirements with which we may not be able to comply; or |
| ● | taking other regulatory or enforcement actions against us that could be harmful to our business. |
The imposition of any ofthese penalties may result in a material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business operations. The PRC government hasbroad discretion in determining rectifiable or punitive measures for non-compliance with or violations of PRC laws and regulations. TheVIE agreements have never been tested in a court of law in China. In addition, new PRC laws, regulations, and rules may be introducedto impose additional requirements, posing additional challenges to our corporate structure and contractual arrangements. If the impositionof any of these penalties causes us to lose the rights to direct the activities of our the VIEs or the right to receive their economicbenefits, we would no longer be able to consolidate their financial results and/or claim our contractual control rights over the assetsof the VIEs that conduct substantially all of our operations in China, which could materially and adversely affect our financial conditionand results of operations and cause our securities to significantly decline in value or become worthless.
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Uncertainties exist with respect to theinterpretation and implementation of the newly enacted Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact our business, financial conditionand results of operations.
On March 15, 2019, the NationalPeople’s Congress of the PRC promulgated the Foreign Investment Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the Foreign InvestmentLaw, which came into effect on January 1, 2020 and replace the trio of existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely, theSino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the Wholly Foreign-investedEnterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. On December 26, 2019, the State Council publishedthe Implementation Rules of Foreign Investment Law, or the Implementation Rules, which came into effect on January 1, 2020. The ForeignInvestment Law and its Implementation Rules embody an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regimein line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreignand domestic investments. The enacted Foreign Investment Law and its Implementation Rules do not mention concepts such as “actualcontrol” and “controlling PRC companies by contracts or trusts” that were included in the previous drafts, nor do theyspecify regulation on controlling through contractual arrangements, and thus this regulatory topic remains unclear. However, these lawsand rules are relatively new, uncertainties still exist in relation to their interpretation and implementation. For instance, though theForeign Investment Law does not explicitly classify contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment, it contains a catch-allprovision under the definition of “foreign investment,” which includes investments made by foreign investors in China throughmeans stipulated in laws or administrative regulations or other methods prescribed by the State Council. Therefore, it still leaves leewayfor future laws, administrative regulations or provisions promulgated by the State Council to provide for contractual arrangements asa form of foreign investment. Furthermore, if future laws, administrative regulations or provisions prescribed by the State Council mandatefurther actions to be taken by companies with respect to existing contractual arrangements, such as unwinding our existing contractualarrangements and/or disposal of our related business operations, we may face substantial uncertainties as to whether we can complete suchactions in a timely manner, or at all. Failure to take timely and appropriate measures to cope with any of these or similar regulatorycompliance challenges could materially and adversely affect our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.If any of these occurrences results in our inability to direct the activities of any of the VIEs and/or our failure to receive economicbenefits from any of them, we may not be able to consolidate their results into our consolidated financial statements in accordance withU.S. GAAP.
We rely on contractual arrangements withthe VIEs and their respective shareholders for our business operations, which may not be as effective as direct ownership in providingoperational control.
We have relied and expectto continue to rely on contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their respective shareholders to operate our business in China. Thesecontractual arrangements may not be as effective as direct ownership in providing us with control over the VIEs. For example, the VIEsand their respective shareholders could breach their contractual arrangements with us by, among other things, failing to conduct theiroperations in an acceptable manner or taking other actions that are detrimental to our interests. If we had direct ownership of the VIEsin China, we would be able to exercise our rights as a shareholder to effect changes in the board of directors of the VIEs, which in turncould implement changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management and operational level. However, under thecurrent contractual arrangements, we rely on the performance by the VIEs and their respective shareholders of their obligations underthe contracts to exercise control over the VIEs. The shareholders of the VIEs may not act in the best interests of our company or maynot perform their obligations under these contracts. Such risks exist throughout the period in which we intend to operate certain portionsof our business through the contractual arrangements with the VIEs. If any dispute relating to these contracts remain unresolved, we willhave to enforce our rights under these contracts through the operations of PRC law and arbitration, litigation and other legal proceedingsand therefore will be subject to uncertainties in the PRC legal system. In the event that we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements,or if we suffer significant delays or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, we may not be able toexert substantial influence over the VIEs, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected. Therefore, our contractualarrangements with the VIEs may not be as effective in ensuring our control over the relevant portion of our business operations as directownership would be.
Any failure by any of the VIEs or theirshareholders to perform their respective obligations under our contractual arrangements with them would have a material and adverse effecton our business.
If any of the VIEs or theirshareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we may be limited in our ability to enforcethe contractual arrangements, and if we are unable to maintain such control, our ability to consolidate the financial results of the VIEswill be affected. We may also have to rely on legal remedies under PRC law, including seeking specific performance or injunctive relief,and claiming damages, which we cannot assure you will be effective sufficient or effective under PRC law. For example, if the shareholdersof any of the VIEs refuse to transfer their equity interests in such VIEs to us or our designee if we exercise the purchase option pursuantto these contractual arrangements, or if they otherwise act in bad faith toward us, then we may have to take legal actions to compel themto perform their contractual obligations. In addition, if any third parties claim any interest in such shareholders’ equity interestsin any of the VIEs, our ability to exercise shareholders’ rights or foreclose the share pledge according to the contractual arrangementsmay be impaired. If these or other disputes between the shareholders of the VIEs and third parties were to impair our control over theVIEs, our ability to consolidate the financial results of the VIEs would be affected, which would in turn result in a material adverseeffect on our business, operations and financial condition.
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In addition, the individualshareholders of the VIEs may be involved in personal disputes with third parties or other incidents that may have an adverse effect ontheir respective equity interests in the VIEs and the validity or enforceability of the contractual arrangements. For instance, in theevent that such shareholder divorces his or her spouse, the spouse may claim that the equity interest of the VIEs held by such shareholderis part of their marital or community property and should be divided between such shareholder and his or her spouse. If such claim issupported by the competent court, the relevant equity interest may be obtained by the shareholder’s spouse or another third-partywho is not bound by our contractual arrangements, which could result in our losing ability to direct the activities of the VIEs. Evenif we receive a consent letter from the spouse of an individual nominee shareholder of the VIEs where such spouse undertakes that he orshe would not take any actions to interfere with the contractual arrangements through which we control such VIEs, including by claimingthat the equity interest of the VIEs held by such shareholder is part of their marital or community property, we cannot assure you thatthese undertakings will be complied with or effectively enforced. In the event that any of them is breached or becomes unenforceable andleads to legal proceedings, it could disrupt our business, distract our management’s attention and subject us to substantial uncertaintiesas to the outcome of any such legal proceedings. Similarly, if any of the equity interests of the VIEs are inherited by a third-partyon whom the current contractual arrangements are not binding, we could lose our control over the VIEs or have to maintain such controlat unpredictable cost, which could cause significant disruption to our business operations and harm our financial condition and resultsof operations.
Our contractual arrangements are governedby PRC law. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC law, and any disputes would be resolved in accordancewith PRC legal procedures.
The legal system in the PRCis constantly evolving and may involve more uncertainty than in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a result, uncertaintiesin the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. Meanwhile, there are very few precedents andlittle formal guidance as to how contractual arrangements in the context of a VIE should be interpreted or enforced under PRC law. Thereremain significant uncertainties regarding the ultimate outcome of such arbitration should legal action become necessary. In addition,under PRC law, rulings by arbitrators are final, parties cannot appeal the arbitration results in courts, and if the losing parties failto carry out the arbitration awards within a prescribed time limit, the prevailing parties may only enforce the arbitration awards inPRC courts, which would require additional expenses and delay. In the event we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, orif we suffer significant delays or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to directthe activities of the VIEs, and our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected.
The shareholders of the VIEs may have actualor potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The shareholders of theVIEs may have actual or potential conflicts of interest with us. These shareholders may refuse to sign or breach, or cause the VIEs tobreach, or refuse to renew, the existing contractual arrangements we have with them and the VIEs, which would have a material and adverseeffect on our ability to effectively control the VIEs and receive economic benefits from them. For example, the shareholders may be ableto cause our agreements with the VIEs to be performed in a manner adverse to us by, among other things, failing to remit payments dueunder the contractual arrangements to us on a timely basis. We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise any or all ofthese shareholders will act in the best interests of our company or such conflicts will be resolved in our favor. Currently, we do nothave any arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest between these shareholders and our company. If we cannot resolve anyconflict of interest or dispute between us and these shareholders, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which could result indisruption of our business and subject us to substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.
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Contractual arrangements in relation tothe VIEs may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and they may determine that we or our VIEs owe additional taxes, whichcould negatively affect our financial condition and the value of your investment.
Under applicable PRC lawsand regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities withinten years after the taxable year when the transactions are conducted. We could face material and adverse tax consequences if the PRC taxauthorities determine that the VIE contractual arrangements were not entered into on an arm’s-length basis in such a way as to resultin an impermissible reduction in taxes under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, and adjust income of the VIEs in the form ofa transfer pricing adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could, among other things, result in a reduction of expense deductions recordedby the VIEs for PRC tax purposes, which could in turn increase the VIEs’ tax liabilities without reducing our PRC subsidiaries’tax expenses. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may impose late payment fees and other penalties on the VIEs for the adjusted but unpaidtaxes according to the applicable regulations. Our financial position could be materially and adversely affected if the VIEs’ taxliabilities increase or if the VIEs are required to pay late payment fees and other penalties.
We may lose the ability to use, or otherwisebenefit from, the licenses, approvals and assets held by the VIEs, which could severely disrupt our business, render us unable to conductsome or all of our business operations and constrain our growth.
As part of our contractualarrangements with the VIEs, the VIEs hold certain assets, licenses and permits that are material to our business operations, such as theICP License and Veterinary Drug Distribution License. The contractual arrangements contain terms that specifically obligate VIEs’shareholders to ensure the valid existence of the VIEs and restrict the disposal of material assets of the VIEs. However, in the eventthe VIEs’ shareholders breach the terms of these contractual arrangements and voluntarily liquidate the VIEs, or the VIEs declarebankruptcy and all or part of its assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, or are otherwise disposed of withoutour consent, we may be unable to conduct some or all of our business operations or otherwise benefit from the assets held by the VIEs,which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, if any of theVIEs undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, its shareholders or unrelated third-party creditors may claim rightsto some or all of the assets of such VIEs, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business as well as constrain our growth.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Changes in China’s economic, politicalor social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations.
As of the date of this annualreport, substantially all of our assets and operations are located in China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results ofoperations and prospects may be influenced to a significant degree by political, economic and social conditions in China generally. TheChinese economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including the level of government involvement,level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Although the Chinese government has implementedmeasures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets, andthe establishment of improved corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is stillowned by the government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development byimposing industrial policies. The Chinese government also exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through allocatingresources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatmentto particular industries or companies. While the Chinese economy has experienced significant growth over past decades, growth has sloweddown in recent years and has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. Any adverse changes in economicconditions in China, in the policies of the Chinese government or in the laws and regulations in China could have a material adverse effecton the overall economic growth of China. Such developments could adversely affect our business and operating results, lead to a reductionin demand for our services and adversely affect our competitive position. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourageeconomic growth and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have anegative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government controlover capital investments or changes in tax regulations. In addition, in the past the Chinese government has implemented certain measures,including interest rate adjustment, to control the pace of economic growth. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China,which may adversely affect our business and operating results.
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PRC government has significantauthority in regulating our operations and may influence our operations. It may exert more oversight and control over offerings conductedoverseas by, and/or foreign investment in, China-based issuers, which could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offeror continue to offer securities to investors. Implementation of industry-wide regulations in this nature may cause the value of such securitiesto significantly decline.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations dependon the level of consumer confidence and spending in China and may be adversely affected by the downturn in the global or Chinese economy.
Our business, financial conditionand results of operations are sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions that affect consumer spending in China. The retail industry,including the online retail sector, is highly sensitive to general economic changes. Online purchases tend to decline significantly duringrecessionary periods. Many factors outside of our control, including inflation and deflation, interest rates, volatility of equity anddebt securities markets, taxation rates, employment and other government policies can adversely affect consumer confidence and spending.While the economy in China has grown significantly over the past decades, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among varioussectors of the economy, and the rate of growth has been slowing. The online retail industry is particularly sensitive to economic downturns,and the macroeconomic environment in China may affect our business and prospects. A prolonged slowdown or deterioration in the globalor Chinese economy that may be caused by events in Ukraine or the Middle East, or higher interest rates and inflation which may lead toa reduced level of online purchasing activities, may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results ofoperations.
In addition, the domesticand international political environments, including military conflicts and political turmoil or social instability, may also adverselyaffect consumer confidence and reduce spending, which could in turn materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition,and results of operations.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legalsystem could adversely affect us.
The PRC legal system is acivil law system based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a system in which prior court decisions have limited valueas precedents. Our PRC subsidiaries and the VIEs are subject to various PRC laws and regulations generally applicable to companies inChina. However, since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, their interpretationis not always consistent and their enforcement involves uncertainties.
In 1979, the PRC governmentbegan to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The overall effect of legislationover the past four decades has significantly enhanced the protections afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. However,China has not developed a fully integrated legal system, and recently enacted laws and regulations may not sufficiently cover all aspectsof economic activities in China. In particular, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties.Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory provisions and contractualterms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy.These uncertainties may affect our judgment on the relevance of legal requirements and our ability to enforce our contractual rights ortort claims. In addition, the regulatory uncertainties may be exploited through unmerited or frivolous legal actions or threats in attemptsto extract payments or benefits from us.
The PRC government has significantoversight and discretion over the conduct of our business and may intervene with or influence our operations as the government deems appropriateto further regulatory, political and societal goals. The PRC government has recently published new policies that adversely affected ourindustry and our business, and we cannot rule out the possibility that it will in the future further release regulations or policies regardingour industry that could further adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the PRC governmenthas also recently indicated an intent to exert more oversight and control over securities offerings and other capital markets activitiesthat are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based companies like us. Any such action, once taken by the PRC government,could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value ofsuch securities to significantly decline or in extreme cases, become worthless.
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However, as there are stillregulatory uncertainties in this regard, we cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with new laws and regulations in all respects,and we may be ordered to rectify, suspend or terminate any actions or services that are deemed illegal by the regulatory authorities andbecome subject to material penalties, which may materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timelybasis or at all and may have a retroactive effect. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of any of these policies and rulesuntil sometime after the violation. In addition, any administrative and court proceedings in China may be protracted, resulting in substantialcosts and diversion of resources and management attention.
The permission and approval from the CSRCor other PRC government authorities may be required in connection with an offshore offering under PRC law, and, if required, we cannotpredict whether or for how long we will be able to obtain such permission or approval.
On February 17, 2023, theCSRC issued the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, which became effective on March 31, 2023. On the same date of the issuance of the OverseasListing Trial Measures, the CSRC circulated No.1 to No.5 Supporting Guidance Rules, the Notes on the Overseas Listing Trial Measures,the Notice on Administration Arrangements for the Filing of Overseas Listings by Domestic Enterprises and the relevant CSRC Answers toReporter Questions on the official website of the CSRC, or collectively, the Guidance Rules and Notice. Under the Overseas Listing TrialMeasures and the Guidance Rules and Notice, domestic companies conducting overseas securities offering and listing activities, eitherin direct or indirect form, shall complete filing procedures with the CSRC pursuant to the requirements of the Overseas Listing TrialMeasures within three working days following its submission of initial public offering or listing application. The companies that havealready been listed on overseas stock exchanges are not required to make immediate filings for its listing, yet need to make filings forsubsequent offerings in accordance with the Overseas Listing Trial Measures. In view of the fact that the Overseas Listing Trial Measureshave come into effect on March 31, 2023, we shall fulfill the filing procedures with the CSRC for any future offshore offering pursuantto the requirements of the Overseas Listing Trial Measures. According to CSRC’s Questions and Answers with respect to Trial AdministrativeMeasures of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies on February 17, 2023, for the filing of overseas listing ofenterprises with VIE structure, the filing procedure will adhere to the principles of market-oriented principle, rule of law, and strengthenedregulatory synergy. The CSRC will consult the relevant competent authorities, and the overseas listing of VIE structured enterprises thatmeet the compliance requirements will be filed. In addition, on February 24, 2023, the CSRC released the Provisions on Strengthening theConfidentiality and Archives Administration Related to the Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises, or, the ConfidentialityProvisions, which came into effect on March 31, 2023. Pursuant to the Confidentiality Provisions, any future inspection or investigationconducted by overseas securities regulator or the relevant competent authorities on our PRC domestic companies with respect to our overseasissuance and listing shall be carried out in the manner in compliance with PRC laws and regulations. As the Overseas Listing Trial Measuresand Confidentiality Provisions have only been recently published, there are significant uncertainties as to their implementation, interpretationand impact on our current listing and any future offerings or financings. We may not be able to complete the filing described above ifthe filing materials are incomplete or do not meet the requirements of the CSRC. Any failure to obtain or delay in obtaining the CSRC permission and approval for any of our offshore offerings, or a rescission of suchpermission and approval if obtained, may subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities, which may materiallyand adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
PRC laws and regulations regarding datasecurity and cybersecurity are evolving. These laws and regulations could have a material impact on our business operation.
PRC regulators, includingthe SCNPC, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the PRC, or the MIIT and the CAC, have been increasingly focused onregulation in the areas of data security and cybersecurity. A series of laws and regulations relating to the protection of privacy, datesecurity and cyber security have been enacted. However, such laws and regulations are currently evolving and are likely to remain uncertainfor the foreseeable future.
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On July 1, 2015, the SCNPC,promulgated the National Security Law, or the New National Security Law, which took effect on the same date and replaced the former NationalSecurity Law promulgated in 2009. The New National Security Law covers various types of national security including technology securityand information security. According to the New National Security Law, the state shall ensure that the information system and data in importantareas are secure and controllable. In addition, according to the New National Security Law, the state shall establish national securityreview and supervision policies and mechanisms, and conduct national security reviews of key technologies and IT products and servicesthat affect or may affect national security. In particular, we are obligated under the New National Security Law to safeguard nationalsecurity by, for example, providing evidence related to activities endangering national security, providing convenience and assistancefor national security work, and providing necessary support and assistance for national security institutions, public security institutionsas well as military institutions. As such, we may have to provide data to PRC government authorities and military institutions for compliancewith the New National Security Law, which may result in additional expenses to us and subject us to negative publicity which could harmour reputation with users and negatively affect the trading price of Class A ordinary shares.
On November 7, 2016, theSCNPC promulgated the Cybersecurity Law, which took effect on June 1, 2017. The Cybersecurity Law specifies requirements on user informationprotection applicable to network operators, who are prohibited from collecting or disclosing without permission or selling individualinformation with limited exceptions. When network operators become aware of any information of which the release or transmission is prohibitedby any law or administrative regulation, they are required to immediately cease transmission of such information and take measures suchas deletion of relevant information to prevent its dissemination. In addition, according to the Cybersecurity Law and relevant regulations,network operators, are obligated to take technical and other necessary measures to ensure the security and stable operation of network,maintain the integrity, confidentiality and availability of network data, and furthermore provide assistance and support in accordancewith the law for public security and national security authorities to protect national security or assist with criminal investigations.In addition, the PRC Cybersecurity Law provides that personal information and important data collected and generated by operators of criticalinformation infrastructure in the course of their operations in the PRC should be stored in the PRC, and the law imposes heightened regulationand additional security obligations on operators of critical information infrastructure. On September 12, 2022, the CAC proposed a seriesof draft amendments to the Cybersecurity Law, including raising the size of fines for some violations. Such draft amendments are releasedfor soliciting public comments until September 29, 2022, and its final form, interpretation and implementation remain substantially uncertain.
On June 10, 2021, the SCNPCpromulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which became effective in September 2021. The PRC Data Security Law imposes data security and privacyobligations on entities and individuals carrying out data activities, and introduces a data classification and hierarchical protectionsystem based on the importance of data in economic and social development, as well as the degree of harm it will cause to national security,public interests, or legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations when such data is tampered with, destroyed, leaked,or illegally acquired or used. The PRC Data Security Law also provides for a national security review procedure for data activities thatmay affect national security and imposes export restrictions on certain data and information. On December 28, 2021, the CAC, togetherwith other authorities, jointly promulgated the Revised Cybersecurity Review Measures, effective on February 15, 2022 and repeal the CybersecurityReview Measures promulgated on April 13, 2020. The Revised Cybersecurity Review Measures provide that a critical information infrastructureoperator purchasing network products and services, and platform operators carrying out data processing activities, which affect or mayaffect national security, shall apply for cybersecurity review and that a platform operator with more than one million users’ personalinformation aiming to list abroad must apply for cybersecurity review. Such measures further restate and expand the applicable scope ofthe cybersecurity review.
On July 30, 2021, the StateCouncil promulgated the Regulations on Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, which became effective on September 1, 2021.On December 31, 2021, the CAC together with other relevant administrative departments published the Administrative Provisions on InternetInformation Service Algorithm Recommendation, which became effective on March 1, 2022. This recommendation provides that, among others,that algorithm recommendation service providers shall (i) establish and improve the management systems and technical measures for algorithmmechanism and principle review, scientific and technological ethics review, user registration, information release review, data securityand personal information protection, anti-telecommunications and Internet fraud, security assessment and monitoring, and security incidentemergency response, formulate and disclose the relevant rules for algorithm recommendation services, and be equipped with professionalstaff and technical support appropriate to the scale of the algorithm recommendation service; (ii) regularly review, evaluate and verifythe principle, models, data and application results of algorithm mechanisms, (iii) strengthen information security management, establishand improve a feature database for identifying illegal and bad information, and improve entry standards, rules and procedures; (iv) strengthenthe management of user models and user labels, and improve the rules on points of interest recorded into user models and user label management,and shall not record illegal and harmful information keywords into the points of interest of users or use them as user labels to pushinformation.
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On November 14, 2021, theCAC released the Regulations on the Network Data Security (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Regulations. The Draft Regulations providethat data processors refer to individuals or organizations that have autonomy over the purpose and the manner of data processing activitiessuch as data collection, storage, utilization, transmission, publication and deletion. In accordance with the Draft Regulations, dataprocessors shall apply for a cybersecurity review for certain activities, including, among other things, (i) the listing abroad of dataprocessors that process the personal information of more than one million users and (ii) any data processing activity that affects ormay affect national security. However, there have been no clarifications from the relevant authorities as of the date of this annual reportas to the standards for determining whether an activity is one that “affects or may affect national security.” In addition,the Draft Regulations requires that data processors that process “important data” or are listed overseas must conduct an annualdata security assessment by itself or commission a data security service provider to do so, and submit the assessment report of the precedingyear to the municipal cybersecurity department by the end of January each year. The Draft Regulations was released for public commentsuntil December 13, 2021, and their respective provisions and anticipated adoption or effective date may be subject to change with substantialuncertainty.
On September 30, 2024, theState Council promulgated the Network Data Security Management Regulations, which became effective on January 1, 2025. The Network DataSecurity Management Regulations provide that network data processors whose network data processing activities affect or may affect nationalsecurity shall be subject to national security review.
On July 7, 2022, the CACpromulgated the Data Outbound Transfer Security Assessment Measures or the Security Assessment Measures, which came into effect on September1, 2022. The Security Assessment Measures provides that, among others, data processors shall apply to competent authorities for securityassessment when transferring important data abroad or when, in the case of a critical information infrastructure operator, or a personalinformation processor that has processed personal information of more than one million individuals, transferring personal informationabroad.
We are making efforts tocomply with the applicable laws, regulations and standards relating to the protection of privacy, date security and cybersecurity. Asthere remains high uncertainty in the interpretation and enforcement of relevant laws and regulations (including whether the Draft Regulationswill be implemented in the proposed form and when they will be implemented), there can be no assurance that our measures will be effectiveand sufficient, or we would be able to comply with the requirements therein in a timely manner. In addition, we procure servers and systemsfor storage, process and other aspects of business operation from time to time. It remains unclear whether such servers and systems willfall into the category of the so-called “critical network equipment” or “dedicated network security products”due to lack of specific criteria or standards in the Cybersecurity Law. As such, we cannot assure you that the servers and systems wehave procured or may procure in the future comply with relevant requirements, and we may incur additional costs to comply with such requirements.Also, as the scope of operator of critical information infrastructure is not completely clear, certain parties involved in our businessoperation (such as, our customers or suppliers) may be deemed as an operator of critical information infrastructure where the cybersecurityreview could be required before we enter into relevant business relationships with them which may have a material adverse effect on ourbusiness and prospects. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations may lead to fines, suspension of business operation, revocationof business permits or licenses and other sanctions, which may have material impact on our business operation. Newly promulgated lawsand regulations reflect PRC government further attempts to strengthen the legal protection for the national network security, data security,the security of critical information infrastructure and the security of personal information protection. For details on regulations overdata protection and privacy in the PRC, see “Item 4. Information on the Company-4.B. Business Overview-Regulation-Regulationson Cyber Security and Privacy” for details on regulations over data protection and privacy in the PRC.
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Furthermore, according torelevant PRC laws and regulations, no entities or individuals may provide internet audio-visual program services, which includes makingand editing of audio-visual programs and broadcasting such content to the general public online, without a License for Online Transmissionof Audio-Visual Programs issued by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or the SAPPRFT (currentlyknown as National Radio and Television Administration), or its local bureaus or completing the relevant registration procedures. In general,only state-owned or state-controlled entities are eligible to apply for such license. Shanghai Guangcheng may be required to obtainan Internet audio-visual program transmission license for video interaction or recorded video functions in our Boqii Pet app offered byShanghai Guangcheng. Shanghai Guangcheng, however, is not eligible to apply for such license since we are not a state-owned or state-controlledentity. See “Item 4. Information on the Company-Item 4.B. Business Overview-Regulation-Regulations on Online Transmission ofAudio-Visual Program.” As of the date of this annual report, we have not filed any application for such license, nor have wereceived any written notice of warning from, or been subject to penalties imposed by, the relevant government authorities for allegedfailure by us to comply with the Audio-Visual Program Provisions. In the event that the authorities find us in violation of the relevantlaws and regulations, we may be subject to warnings, fines or orders to rectify such non-compliance. In severe cases, we may be orderedto disable the video interaction or recorded video functions in our app and subject to a penalty equal to one to two times our total investmentin the affected business, and the devices we used for such operation may be confiscated. Furthermore, the competent authorities may orderus to close our platform, revoke the relevant license or filings for the provision of Internet information services and order the relevantnetwork operation entity to stop providing us with signal access services, which could adversely affect our business, financial conditionand results of operations.
As the internet industryin China is still at a relatively early stage of development, new laws and regulations may be adopted from time to time to address newissues that come to the authorities’ attention. Considerable uncertainties still exist with respect to the interpretation and implementationof existing and future laws and regulations governing our business activities. We cannot assure you that we will not be found in violationof any future laws and regulations or any of the laws and regulations currently in effect due to changes in or discrepancies with respectto the relevant authorities’ interpretation of these laws and regulations. Any failure to comply with such laws and regulationsor obtain such license or approvals may subject us to potential administrative penalties, fine and even suspension of our business. See“Item 4. Information on the Company-Item 4.B. Business Overview-Regulation.” We cannot assure you that we will be ableto timely obtain or maintain all the required licenses or approvals or make all the necessary filings in the future.
Should we be required toobtain additional licenses or approvals, we may not be able to do so in a timely manner or at all. If we fail to obtain or maintain anyof the required licenses or approvals or make the necessary filings, or fail to obtain required licenses or approvals in a timely manner,we may be subject to various penalties, such as confiscation of the revenues that were generated through the unlicensed activities, theimposition of fines and the termination or restriction of our operations. Any such penalties may disrupt our business operations or materiallyand adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Any failure or perceived failure by us tocomply with Anti-monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms and other anti-monopoly laws and regulations may result in governmental investigationsor enforcement actions, litigation or claims against us and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and resultsof operations.
In recent years, PRC anti-monopolyenforcement agencies have strengthened enforcement under the PRC Anti-monopoly Law. In March 2018, the State Administration for MarketRegulation, or the SAMR, was formed as a new governmental agency to take over, among other things, the anti-monopoly enforcement functionsfrom the relevant departments under the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, or the MOFCOM, the National Developmentand Reform Commission, or the NDRC, and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, or the SAIC (the predecessor of the SAMR),respectively. Since its inception, the SAMR has continued to strengthen anti-monopoly enforcement. In December 2018, the SAMR issued theNotice on Anti-monopoly Enforcement Authorization, which grants authorities to its province-level branches to conduct anti-monopoly enforcementwithin their respective jurisdictions. In November 2021, the National Anti-monopoly Bureau was inaugurated by the State Council, whichaims to further implement the fair competition policies, and strengthen anti-monopoly supervision in the PRC, especially to strengthenoversight and law enforcement in areas involving platform economy, innovation, science and technology, information security and people’slivelihood.
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The PRC anti-monopoly regulatorsmay also issue implementation rules or guidelines from time to time to reinforce their regulation on certain industrial sectors. In February2021, the Anti-monopoly Committee of the State Council published the Anti-monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms. This guideline prohibitsmonopolistic conduct such as entering into monopoly agreements, abusing market dominance and concentration of undertakings that may havethe effect to eliminate or restrict competition in the field of platform economy. More specifically, the Anti-monopoly Guidelines forInternet Platforms outlines certain practices that may, if without justifiable reasons, constitute abuse of a dominant position, includingwithout limitation, discriminating customers in terms of pricing and other transactional conditions using big data and analytics, coercingcounterparties into exclusivity arrangements, using technology means to block competitors’ interface, using bundle services to sellservices or products, and compulsory collection of users’ unnecessary data. The Anti-monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platformsfurther expressly states that concentration involving VIE will also be subject to antitrust filing requirements, and therefore will alsofall within the scope of the antitrust review. In addition, Anti-monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platforms reinforces antitrust mergerreview for internet platform related transactions to safeguard market competition. Since the Anti-monopoly Guidelines for Internet Platformsis relatively new and may be subject to interpretation by the regulators in the process of implementing such guidelines, we cannot assureyou that our business operations will comply with such regulation in all respects, and any failure or perceived failure by us to complywith such regulation may result in governmental investigations, fines and/or other sanctions on us. Furthermore, on October 23, 2021,the SCNPC issued a discussion draft of the amended Anti-monopoly Law. On June 24, 2022, the Decision of the Standing Committee of theNational People’s Congress on Revising the Anti-monopoly Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the Revised Anti- monopolyLaw was released, which became effective on August 1, 2022. According to the Revised Anti-monopoly Law, the fines for illegal concentrationof business operators have been increased to no more than ten percent of its last year’s sales revenue if the concentration of businessoperator has or may have an effect of excluding or limiting competitions; or a fine of up to RMB5 million if the concentration of businessoperator does not have an effect of excluding or limiting competition. The Revised Anti-monopoly Law also stipulates that the relevantauthority shall investigate a transaction where there is any evidence that the concentration has or may have the effect of eliminatingor restricting competitions, even if such concentration does not reach the filing threshold. And in order to adapt the Revised Anti-monopolyLaw, on March 10, 2023, the SAMR issued the Provisions on Prohibition of the Abuse of Market Dominance, which took effect on April 15,2023. See “Item 4. Information of the Company-4.B. Business Overview-Regulation-Regulations on Anti-Monopoly.”
You may experience difficulties in effectingservice of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments or bringing actions in China against us, our directors or our management named inthis annual report based on foreign laws, and the ability of U.S. authorities to bring actions in China may also be limited.
Boqii is an exempted companywith limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We conduct substantially all of our operations in China, andsubstantially all of our assets are located in China. In addition, all our senior executive officers and directors reside within Chinafor a significant portion of their time and most are PRC nationals. There are also uncertainties regarding the status of the rights ofBoqii, with respect to our contractual arrangements with the VIEs, our founders and shareholders. As a result, it may be difficult forour shareholders to effect service of process upon us or those persons inside China.
The recognition and enforcementof foreign judgments are provided for under the PRC Civil Procedures Law. PRC courts may recognize and enforce foreign judgments in accordancewith the requirements of the PRC Civil Procedures Law and other applicable laws, regulations and interpretations based either on treatiesbetween China and the country where the judgment is made or on principles of reciprocity between jurisdictions. China does not have anytreaties or other forms of reciprocity with the U.S. and many other jurisdictions that provide for the reciprocal recognition and enforcementof judgments from the U.S. and many other jurisdictions. In addition, according to the PRC Civil Procedures Law, the PRC courts will notenforce a foreign judgment against us or our directors and officers if they decide that the judgment violates the basic principles ofPRC laws or national sovereignty, security or public interest. As a result, it is uncertain whether and on what basis a PRC court wouldenforce a judgment rendered by a court in the U.S and many other jurisdictions. Moreover, the SEC, the U.S. Department of Justice andother U.S. authorities and the comparable authorities from many other jurisdictions may also have difficulties in bringing and enforcingactions against us or our directors or officers in the PRC.
You may have difficulty enforcing judgmentsin Hong Kong.
Judgment of United Statescourts will not be directly enforced in Hong Kong as there are currently no treaties or other arrangements providing for reciprocal enforcementof foreign judgments between Hong Kong and the United States. However, subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to whenthe judgment is for a fixed sum in a civil matter and not in respect of taxes, fines, penalties or similar charges, the judgment is finaland conclusive upon the merits of the claim and has not been stayed or satisfied in full, the proceedings in which the judgment was obtainedwere not contrary to natural justice, were not procured by fraud and the enforcement of the judgment is not contrary to public policyof Hong Kong, Hong Kong courts may accept such judgment obtained from a United States court as a debt due under the rules of common lawenforcement. However, a separate legal action for debt must be commenced in Hong Kong in order to recover such debt from the judgmentdebtor.
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It may be difficult for overseas regulatorsto conduct investigation or collect evidence within China.
Shareholder claims or regulatoryinvestigation that are common in the United States generally are difficult to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in China. Forexample, in China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to providing information needed for regulatory investigations or litigationinitiated outside China. Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with the securities regulatoryauthorities of another country or region to implement cross-border supervision and administration, such cooperation with the securitiesregulatory authorities in the Unities States may not be efficient in the absence of mutual and practical cooperation mechanism. Furthermore,according to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law, or Article 177, which became effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulatoris allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the territory of the PRC. While detailed interpretationof or implementation rules under Article 177 have yet to be promulgated, the inability for an overseas securities regulator to directlyconduct investigation or evidence collection activities within China may further increase difficulties faced by you in protecting yourinterests.
We may rely on dividends and other distributionson equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of ourPRC subsidiaries to make payments to us could have a material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.
Boqii is a Cayman Islandsholding company and relies principally on dividends and other distributions on equity from our PRC subsidiaries for its cash requirements,including for services of any debt it may incur. The ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends and other distributions on equity,in turn, depends on the payment they receive from the VIEs as service fees pursuant to certain contractual arrangements among our PRCsubsidiaries, the VIEs and the VIEs’ shareholders entered into to comply with certain restrictions under PRC law on foreign investment.For more information about such contractual arrangements, see “Item 3. Key Information-Contractual Arrangements with the VIEsand Their Respective Shareholders.”
Our PRC subsidiaries’ability to distribute dividends is based upon their distributable earnings. Current PRC regulations permit our PRC subsidiaries to paydividends to their respective shareholders only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accountingstandards and regulations. In addition, each of our PRC subsidiaries, the VIEs and their subsidiaries are required to set aside at least10% of its after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital.These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. If our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instrumentsgoverning the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other payments to us. Any limitation on the ability of our PRCsubsidiaries to distribute dividends or other payments to their respective shareholders could materially and adversely limit our abilityto grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay dividends or otherwise fund and conduct ourbusiness. For example, the funds in our PRC subsidiaries or the variable interest entities in mainland China may not be available to fundoperations or for other use outside of mainland China due to interventions in or the imposition of restrictions and limitations on theability of our holding company, our subsidiaries, or the VIEs by the PRC government on cash transfers. While we are not aware of any similarrestrictions under current Hong Kong laws, there is no assurance that such restrictions will not be introduced in the future or that theHong Kong government will not intervene in or impose restrictions on the ability of a Hong Kong entity to transfer cash or assets outof Hong Kong in the future.
To address the persistentcapital outflow and the Renminbi’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar in the fourth quarter of 2016, the People’s Bank ofChina and the SAFE have implemented a series of capital control measures in the subsequent months, including stricter vetting proceduresfor China-based companies to remit foreign currency for overseas acquisitions, dividend payments and shareholder loan repayments. Forinstance, the Circular on Promoting the Reform of Foreign Exchange Management and Improving Authenticity and Compliance Review, or theSAFE Circular 3, issued on January 26, 2017, provides that the banks shall, when dealing with dividend remittance transactions from domesticenterprise to its offshore shareholders of more than US$50,000, review the relevant board resolutions, original tax filing form and auditedfinancial statements of such domestic enterprise based on the principal of genuine transaction. The PRC government may continue to strengthenits capital controls and our PRC subsidiaries’ dividends and other distributions may be subject to tightened scrutiny in the future.Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and adverselylimit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fundand conduct our business.
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In addition, the EnterpriseIncome Tax Law and its implementation rules provide that a withholding tax at a rate of 10% will be applicable to dividends payable byPRC companies to non-PRC-resident enterprises unless reduced under treaties or arrangements between the PRC central government and governmentsof other countries or regions where the non-PRC resident enterprises are tax resident.
The custodians or authorized users of ourcontrolling nontangible assets, including chops and seals, may fail to fulfill their responsibilities, or misappropriate or misuse theseassets.
Under the PRC law, legaldocuments for corporate transactions, including agreements and contracts are executed using the chop or seal of the signing entity orwith the signature of a legal representative whose designation is registered and filed with relevant PRC industry and commerce authorities.
In order to secure the useof our chops and seals, we have established internal control procedures and rules for using these chops and seals. In any event that thechops and seals are intended to be used, the responsible personnel will submit the application which will then be verified and approvedby authorized employees in accordance with our internal control procedures and rules. In addition, in order to maintain the physical securityof our chops, we generally have them stored in secured locations accessible only to authorized employees. Although we monitor such authorizedemployees, the procedures may not be sufficient to prevent all instances of abuse or negligence. There is a risk that our employees couldabuse their authority, for example, by entering into a contract not approved by us or seeking to gain control of one of our subsidiariesor VIEs. If any employee obtains, misuses or misappropriates our chops and seals or other controlling nontangible assets for whateverreason, we could experience disruption to our normal business operations. We may have to take corporate or legal action, which could involvesignificant time and resources to resolve and divert management from our operations.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could havea material and adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
The value of the Renminbiagainst the U.S. dollar and other currencies has in the past fluctuated significantly and may in the future continue to do so. Since October1, 2016, the Renminbi has joined the International Monetary Fund’s basket of currencies that make up the Special Drawing Right,along with the U.S. dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen and the British pound. With the development of the foreign exchange market andprogress towards interest rate liberalization and Renminbi internationalization, the PRC government may in the future announce furtherchanges to the exchange rate system and there is no guarantee that the Renminbi will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in valueagainst the U.S. dollar in the future. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchangerate between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar in the future.
A majority of our revenueis denominated in Renminbi. Vast majority of our costs are denominated in Renminbi and a portion of them are denominated in U.S. dollarsand Hong Kong dollars as we import certain products from overseas. Boqii is a holding company and we rely on dividends paid by our operatingsubsidiaries in China for our cash needs. Any significant revaluation of Renminbi may materially and adversely affect our results of operationsand financial position reported in Renminbi when translated into U.S. dollars, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, the ClassA ordinary shares in U.S. dollars.
Very limited hedging optionsare available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnifiedby PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency.
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Governmental control of currency conversionmay limit our ability to utilize our revenues effectively and affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposescontrols on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China.We receive substantially all of our revenues in Renminbi. Under our current corporate structure, our Cayman Islands holding company primarilyrelies on dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have. Under existing PRC foreignexchange regulations, payments of current account items, including profit distributions, interest payments and trade and service-relatedforeign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval of SAFE by complying with certain procedural requirements.Specifically, under the existing exchange restrictions, without prior approval of SAFE, cash generated from the operations of our PRCsubsidiaries in China may be used to pay dividends to our company. However, approval from or registration with appropriate governmentauthorities is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of China to pay capital expenses suchas the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies. As a result, we need to obtain SAFE approval to use cash generated from theoperations of our PRC subsidiaries and the VIEs to pay off their respective debt in a currency other than Renminbi owed to entities outsideChina, or to make other capital expenditure payments outside China in a currency other than Renminbi.
The PRC government has imposedmore restrictive foreign exchange policies and scrutiny of major outbound capital movement including overseas direct investment. Morerestrictions and substantial vetting process are put in place by SAFE to regulate cross-border transactions falling under the capitalaccount. See “Item 4. Information on the Company-Item 4.B. Business Overview-Regulation-Regulations on Foreign Exchange”and “Item 4. Information on the Company-Item 4.B. Business Overview-Regulation-Regulations on Outbound Direct Investment.”
We have notified all PRCentities who directly or indirectly hold shares in our Cayman Islands holding company to complete the overseas direct investment registrationsand filings. However, we may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC entities holding direct or indirect interest in our company,nor can we compel our beneficial owners to comply with overseas direct investment registration or filing requirements as required by SAFE,NDRC and MOC regulations. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders or beneficial owners which are PRC entities havecomplied with, and will in the future make, obtain or update any applicable overseas direct investment registrations or approvals. Ifany of our shareholders regulated by such policies fails to satisfy the applicable overseas direct investment filing or approval requirementtimely or at all, it may be subject to penalties from the relevant PRC authorities, and our PRC subsidiaries may be prohibited from distributingtheir profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may be further restricted in ourability to contribute additional capital to our PRC subsidiaries. The PRC government may at its discretion further restrict access toforeign currencies for current account transactions in the future. If the foreign exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficientforeign currencies to satisfy our foreign currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our shareholders.In addition, our shareholders may be required to suspend or stop the investment and complete the registration within a specified time,and may be warned or prosecuted for criminal liability if a crime is constituted. Moreover, failure to comply with the SAFE registrationcould result in liability under PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions.
Certain PRC regulations may make it moredifficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions.
Among other things, the Regulationson Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, adopted by six PRC regulatory agenciesin 2006 and amended in 2009, established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreigninvestors more time-consuming and complex. Such regulation requires, among other things, that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-controltransaction in which a foreign investor acquires control of a PRC domestic enterprise or a foreign company with substantial PRC operations,if certain thresholds under the Provisions on Thresholds for Prior Notification of Concentrations of Undertakings, issued by the StateCouncil in 2008 and amended in 2018, are triggered. Moreover, the Anti-monopoly Law promulgated by the SCNPC was newly amended on June24, 2022, which took effect on August 1, 2022. Pursuant to the Revised Anti-monopoly Law, the relevant authority shall investigate a transactionwhere there is any evidence that the concentration has or may have the effect of eliminating or restricting competitions, even if suchconcentration does not reach the filing threshold. On February 7, 2021, the Anti-monopoly Commission of the State Council promulgatedthe Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for the Internet Platform Economy Sector that aims at specifying some of the circumstances under which anactivity of internet platforms may be identified as monopolistic act as well as clarifying that concentration of undertakings involvingVIE structure shall be subject to anti-monopoly review. In addition, the Rules of the MOFCOM on Implementation of Security Review Systemof Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors issued by MOFCOM, which became effective in September 2011 requireacquisitions by foreign investors of PRC companies engaged in military related or certain other industries that are crucial to nationalsecurity be subject to security review before consummation of any such acquisition. Further, the Measures for the Security Review of ForeignInvestments promulgated by the NDRC and MOFCOM which became effective from January 2021 requires that security review by relevant governmentalauthorities shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Measures for foreign investments that affect or may affect nationalsecurity. We may pursue potential strategic acquisitions that are complementary to our business and operations. Complying with the requirementsof these regulations to complete such transactions could be time-consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approvalor clearance from MOFCOM, may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions, which could affect our ability to expand ourbusiness or maintain our market share.
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PRC regulation of loans to and direct investmentin PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may delay us from making loans or additionalcapital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries and to make loans to the VIEs, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidityand our ability to fund and expand our business.
We conduct our operationsin China through our PRC subsidiaries, VIEs and their subsidiaries. We may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries, VIEs and their subsidiaries,or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, or we may establish new PRC subsidiaries and make capital contributionsto these new PRC subsidiaries, or we may acquire offshore entities with business operations in China in an offshore transaction.
Most of these ways are subjectto PRC regulations and approvals. For example, loans by us to our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries to finance their activities cannot exceedstatutory limits and must be registered with the local counterpart of SAFE. If we decide to finance our wholly owned PRC subsidiariesby means of capital contributions, these capital contributions are subject to the requirement of making necessary filings in the ForeignInvestment Comprehensive Management Information System and registration with other governmental authorities in China. Due to the restrictionsimposed on loans in foreign currencies extended to any PRC domestic companies, we are not likely to make such loans to our consolidatedaffiliated entities, which are PRC domestic company. Further, we are not likely to finance the activities of our consolidated affiliatedentities by means of capital contributions due to regulatory restrictions relating to foreign investment in PRC domestic enterprises engagedin value-added telecommunication services and certain other businesses.
SAFE promulgated Circularon the Reforming of the Management Method of the Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular19, effective on June 1, 2015 and recently amended on March 23, 2023, in replacement of the Circular on the Relevant Issues Concerningthe Launch of Reforming Trial of the Administration Model of the Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises,the Notice from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Relevant Issues Concerning Strengthening the Administration of ForeignExchange Businesses, and the Circular on Further Clarification and Regulation of the Issues Concerning the Administration of Certain CapitalAccount Foreign Exchange Businesses. According to SAFE Circular 19, the flow and use of the Renminbi capital converted from foreign currency-denominatedregistered capital of a foreign-invested company is regulated such that Renminbi capital may not be used for the issuance of Renminbientrusted loans, the repayment of inter-enterprise loans or the repayment of banks loans that have been transferred to a third party.Although SAFE Circular 19 allows Renminbi capital converted from foreign currency-denominated registered capital of a foreign-investedenterprise to be used for equity investments within China, it also reiterates the principle that Renminbi capital converted from the foreigncurrency-denominated capital of a foreign-invested company may not be directly or indirectly used for purposes beyond its business scope.Thus, it is unclear whether SAFE will permit such capital to be used for equity investments in China in actual practice. SAFE promulgatedthe Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Reforming and Standardizing the Foreign Exchange Settlement Management Policyof Capital Account, or SAFE Circular 16, effective on June 9, 2016, which reiterates some of the rules set forth in SAFE Circular 19,but changes the prohibition against using Renminbi capital converted from foreign currency-denominated registered capital of a foreign-investedcompany to issue Renminbi entrusted loans to a prohibition against using such capital to issue loans to nonassociated enterprises. Violationsof SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 could result in administrative penalties. SAFE Circular 19 and SAFE Circular 16 may significantlylimit our ability to transfer any foreign currency we hold, including the net proceeds from our overseas offerings, to our PRC subsidiaries,which may adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business in China.
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On October 23, 2019, SAFEpromulgated the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Promoting the Convenience of Cross-border Trade andInvestment, or SAFE Circular 28, which, among other things, allows all foreign-invested companies to use Renminbi converted from foreigncurrency-denominated capital for equity investments in China, as long as the equity investment is genuine, does not violate applicablelaws, and complies with the negative list on foreign investment. However, since SAFE Circular 28 is newly promulgated, it is unclear howSAFE and competent banks will carry this out in practice.
In light of the various requirementsimposed by PRC regulations on loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies, we cannot assure you thatwe will be able to complete the necessary government registrations or obtain the necessary government approvals on a timely basis, ifat all, with respect to future loans by us to our PRC subsidiaries or with respect to future capital contributions by us to our PRC subsidiaries.If we fail to complete such registrations or obtain such approvals, our ability to use the proceeds we received from our initial publicoffering and to capitalize or otherwise fund our PRC operations may be negatively affected, which could materially and adversely affectour liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business.
PRC regulations relating to the establishmentof offshore special purpose companies by PRC residents may subject our PRC resident beneficial owners or our PRC subsidiaries to liabilityor penalties, limit our ability to inject capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to increase theirregistered capital or distribute profits to us, or may otherwise adversely affect us.
SAFE promulgated the Circularon Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration over the Overseas Investment and Financing and Round-trip Investment by DomesticResidents via Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, in July 2014. SAFE Circular 37 requires PRC residents or entities to registerwith SAFE or its local branches in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose ofoverseas investment or financing with such PRC residents or entities’ legally owned assets or equity interests in domestic enterprisesor offshore assets or interests. In addition, such PRC residents or entities must update their SAFE registrations when the offshore specialpurpose vehicle undergoes material events relating to any change of basic information (including change of such PRC citizens or residents,name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions. Accordingto the Circular of Further Simplifying and Improving the Policies of Foreign Exchange Administration Applicable to Direct Investment releasedin February 2015 by SAFE, local banks will examine and handle foreign exchange registration for overseas direct investment, includingthe initial foreign exchange registration and amendment registration, under SAFE Circular 37 from June 2015. See “Item 4. Informationon the Company-4.B. Business Overview-Regulation-Regulations on Foreign Exchange” and “Item 4. Information on the Company-4.B.Business Overview-Regulation-Regulations on Offshore Special Purpose Companies Held by PRC Residents.”
If our shareholders who arePRC residents or entities do not complete their registration with the local SAFE, NDRC or MOC branches, our PRC subsidiaries may be prohibitedfrom distributing their profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may be restrictedin our ability to contribute additional capital to our PRC subsidiaries. In addition, our shareholders may be required to suspend or stopthe investment and complete the registration within a specified time, and may be warned or prosecuted for criminal liability if a crimeis constituted. Moreover, failure to comply with the SAFE registration described above could result in liability under PRC laws for evasionof applicable foreign exchange restrictions.
We have notified all PRCresidents or entities who directly or indirectly hold shares in our Cayman Islands holding company and who are known to us as being PRCresidents to complete the foreign exchange registrations. However, we may not be informed of the identities of all the PRC residents orentities holding direct or indirect interest in our company, nor can we compel our beneficial owners to comply with SAFE registrationrequirements. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents or entities havecomplied with, and will in the future make, obtain or update any applicable registrations or approvals required by SAFE regulations. Failureby such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE regulations, or failure by us to amend the foreign exchange registrationsof our PRC subsidiaries, could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limitour PRC subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends to us or affect our ownership structure, which could adverselyaffect our business and prospects.
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Furthermore, as these foreignexchange regulations are still relatively new and their interpretation and implementation has been constantly evolving, it is unclearhow these regulations, and any future regulation concerning offshore or cross-border transactions, will be interpreted, amended and implementedby the relevant government authorities. For example, we may be subject to a more stringent review and approval process with respect toour foreign exchange activities, such as remittance of dividends and foreign-currency-denominated borrowings, which may adversely affectour financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we decide to acquire a PRC domestic company, we cannot assure you thatwe or the owners of such company, as the case may be, will be able to obtain the necessary approvals or complete the necessary filingsand registrations required by the foreign exchange regulations. This may restrict our ability to implement our acquisition strategy andcould adversely affect our business and prospects.
Any failure to comply with PRC regulationsregarding the registration requirements for employee stock incentive plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and otherlegal or administrative sanctions.
In February 2012, SAFE promulgatedthe Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan ofOverseas Publicly Listed Company, replacing earlier rules promulgated in 2007 and 2008. Pursuant to these rules, PRC citizens and non-PRCcitizens who reside in China for a continuous period of not less than one year who participate in any stock incentive plan of an overseaspublicly listed company, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent, which couldbe the PRC subsidiaries of such overseas-listed company, and complete certain other procedures. In addition, an overseas-entrusted institutionmust be retained to handle matters in connection with the exercise or sale of stock options and the purchase or sale of shares and interests.We and our executive officers and other employees who are PRC citizens or who reside in the PRC for a continuous period of not less thanone year and who have been granted options have become subject to these regulations when our company became an overseas-listed company.As of the date of this annual report, we and some of our executive officers and employees who are subject to the registration requirementshave not completed the required registrations. We are in the process to complete and will assist such PRC option grantees to completethe required registrations and procedures. If we or any of the PRC option grantees fail to complete the SAFE registrations,we or the PRC option grantee may be subject to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions. Also, there may be additional restrictionson the ability of them to exercise their stock options or remit proceeds gained from sale of their stock into the PRC. We also face regulatoryuncertainties that could restrict our ability to adopt additional incentive plans for our directors, executive officers and employeesunder PRC law. See “Item 4. Information on the Company-4.B. Business Overview-Regulation-Regulations on Stock Incentive Plans.”
If we are classified as a PRC resident enterprisefor PRC enterprise income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.
Under the PRC EnterpriseIncome Tax Law and its implementation rules, an enterprise established outside of the PRC with its “de facto management body”within the PRC is considered a “resident enterprise” and will be subject to the enterprise income tax on its global incomeat the rate of 25%. The implementation rules define the term “de facto management body” as the body that exercises full andsubstantial control and overall management over the business, productions, personnel, accounts and properties of an enterprise. In 2009,the State Taxation Administration, or STA, issued a circular, known as STA Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determiningwhether the “de facto management body” of a PRC-controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Althoughthis circular only applies to offshore enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups, not those controlled by PRCindividuals or foreigners, the criteria set forth in the circular may reflect the STA’s general position on how the “de factomanagement body” text should be applied in determining the tax resident status of all offshore enterprises. According to STA Circular82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be regarded as a PRC tax residentby virtue of having its “de facto management body” in mainland China, and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax onits global income only if all of the following conditions are met: (i) the primary location of the day-to-day operational management isin the PRC; (ii) decisions relating to the enterprise’s financial and human resource matters are made or are subject to approvalby organizations or personnel in the PRC; (iii) the enterprise’s primary assets, accounting books and records, company seals, andboard and shareholder resolutions are located or maintained in the PRC; and (iv) at least 50% of voting board members or senior executiveshabitually reside in the PRC.
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We believe our company isnot a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes. However, the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by thePRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body.” Ifthe PRC tax authorities determine that our company is a PRC resident enterprise for enterprise income tax purposes, we will be subjectto PRC enterprise income tax on our worldwide income at the rate of 25%. Furthermore, we will be required to withhold a 10% withholdingtax from dividends we pay to our shareholders that are nonresident enterprises. In addition, nonresident enterprise shareholders may besubject to PRC tax at a rate of 10% on gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares, if such gain is treated asderived from a PRC source. Furthermore, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividends paid to our non-PRC individual shareholdersand any gain realized on the transfer of ordinary shares by such shareholders may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 20% (which, in thecase of dividends, may be withheld at source by us). These rates may be reduced by an applicable tax treaty. For example, PRC EnterpriseIncome Tax Law imposes a withholding income tax of 10% on dividends distributed by a foreign invested enterprise, or an FIE, to its immediateholding company outside of mainland China. A lower withholding income tax rate of 5% is applied if the FIE’s immediate holding companyis registered in Hong Kong or other jurisdictions that have a tax treaty arrangement with mainland China, subject to a qualification reviewat the time of the distribution. But it is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of our company would, in practice, be able to obtain thebenefits of any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the mainland China in the event that we are treated as a PRC residententerprise. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in the ordinary shares.
We face uncertainty with respect to indirecttransfers of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their non-PRC holding companies.
On February 3, 2015, theState Tax Administration, or the STA, issued the Public Notice Regarding Certain Corporate Income Tax Matters on Indirect Transfer ofProperties by Non-Tax Resident Enterprises, or STA Bulletin 7. STA Bulletin 7 extends its tax jurisdiction to transactions involving thetransfer of taxable assets through offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. In addition, STA Bulletin 7 has introducedsafe harbors for internal group restructurings and the purchase and sale of equity through a public securities market. STA Bulletin 7also brings challenges to both foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of taxableassets.
On October 17, 2017, theSTA issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding of Nonresident Enterprise IncomeTax at Source, or STA Bulletin 37, which came into effect on December 1, 2017 and amended on June 15, 2018. The STA Bulletin 37 furtherclarifies the practice and procedure of the withholding of nonresident enterprise income tax.
Where a nonresident enterprisetransfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is an Indirect Transfer,the nonresident enterprise as either transferor or transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report suchIndirect Transfer to the relevant tax authority. Using a “substance over form” principle, the PRC tax authority may disregardthe existence of the overseas holding company if it 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, andthe transferee or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer is obligated to withhold the applicable taxes, currently at arate of 10% for the transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise. Both the transferor and the transferee may be subject topenalties under PRC tax laws if the transferee fails to withhold the taxes and the transferor fails to pay the taxes.
We face uncertainties asto the reporting and other implications of certain past and future transactions where PRC taxable assets are involved, such as offshorerestructuring, sale of the shares in our offshore subsidiaries and investments. Our company may be subject to filing obligations or taxedif our company is the transferor in such transactions, and may be subject to withholding obligations if our company is the transfereein such transactions, under STA Bulletin 7 and/or STA Bulletin 37. For transfer of shares in our company by investors who are non-PRCresident enterprises, our PRC subsidiaries may be requested to assist in the filing under STA Bulletin 7 and/or STA Bulletin 37. As aresult, we may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with STA Bulletin 7 and/or STA Bulletin 37 or to request the relevanttransferors from whom we purchase taxable assets to comply with these circulars, or to establish that our company should not be taxedunder these circulars, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
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Trading in our securities will be prohibitedunder the HFCAA if the PCAOB determines that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely our registered public accounting firm andas a result, U.S. national securities exchanges, such as the NYSE American, may determine to delist our securities.
U.S. legislators and regulatorshave in recent years voiced concerns about risks associated with investing in companies that are based in or have substantial operationsin emerging markets, including China. In particular, lawmakers have highlighted the increased risks associated with companies whose independentauditors are unable to be inspected or investigated completely by the PCAOB.
As part of this continuedfocus in the United States on access to audit and other information currently protected by national law, in particular China’s,on December 18, 2020, the U.S. president signed the HFCAA into law. Among other things, the HFCAA requires the SEC to identify publiccompanies that have retained a registered public accounting firm to issue an audit report where the firm has a branch or office that:(i) is located in a foreign jurisdiction, and (ii) the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, has determined that itis unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction. On December 29,2022, the U.S. President signed the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023” into law, which, among other things, amended theHFCAA to reduce the number of consecutive years an issuer can be identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer before the SEC must imposean initial trading prohibition on the issuer’s securities from three years to two years. Therefore, if we are identified as a Commission-IdentifiedIssuer for two consecutive years, the SEC is required under the HCFAA to prohibit the trading of our securities on a U.S. national securitiesexchange and in the over-the-counter market.
On December 16, 2021, thePCAOB issued the HFCAA Determination Report, according to which registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China andHong Kong, including PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP(“PwC”), our former auditor, were subject to the determinationsthat the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely. On August 22, 2022, we were conclusively identified by the SEC under theHFCAA as having filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that cannot be inspected or investigated completelyby the PCAOB in connection with the filing of our annual report on the Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2022. The inability of thePCAOB to conduct inspections in the past also deprived our investors of the benefits of such inspections.
Our current auditor, AssentsurePAC (“Assentsure”), the independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report included elsewhere in thisannual report, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB, is subjectto laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess our auditor’s compliance with theapplicable professional standards. Our auditor is headquartered in Singapore, and is subject to inspection by the PCAOB on a regular basiswith the latest inspection in September 2024. As of the date of this annual report, our auditor is not among the firms listed onthe PCAOB Determination List issued in December 2021.
On August 26, 2022, the PCAOBsigned a Statement of Protocol with China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, and the Ministry of Finance of the People’sRepublic of China, taking the first step toward opening access for the PCAOB to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firmsheadquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. On December 15, 2022, the PCAOB announced that it was able to conduct inspections and investigationscompletely of PCAOB-registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong in 2022. The PCAOB vacated its previous2021 determinations accordingly. While vacating those determinations, each year, the PCAOB will determine whether it can inspect and investigatecompletely accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. Uncertainties exist with respect to the implementation of thisframework and there is no assurance that the PCAOB will be able to have continued access for complete inspections and investigations in2023 and beyond. If the PCAOB determines in the future that it no longer has full access to inspect and investigate completely accountingfirms in mainland China and Hong Kong and we use an accounting firm headquartered in one of these jurisdictions to issue an audit reporton our financial statements filed with the SEC, our securities would be prohibited from being traded on a national securities exchangeor in the over-the-counter trading market in the United States. The delisting of our Class A ordinary shares, or the threatof their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. The HFCAA 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 ourClass A ordinary shares could be adversely affected.
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If our Class A ordinary sharesare delisted from the NYSE American and are prohibited from trading in the over-the-counter market in the United States, there is no certaintythat we will be able to list our securities on a non-U.S. securities exchange or that a market for our securities will develop outsideof the United States. Such a delisting would significantly affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, whichwould have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Changes in U.S. and international policies,particularly with regard to China, may adversely impact our business and operating results.
Recently there have beenchanges in international trade policies and rising political tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, but also as a result ofthe war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. For instance, the U.S. government has in the past imposed, additional, new, or higher tariffson certain products imported from China to penalize China for what it characterizes as unfair trade practices. China has responded byimposing additional, new, or higher tariffs on certain products imported from the United States. Although the United States and Chinaentered into the Economic and Trade Agreement between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China as a phaseone trade deal, effective on February 14, 2020, it is uncertain whether there will be any further material changes to tariff policies.Any unfavorable government policies on international trade, such as capital controls or tariffs, may affect our business, financial conditionand results of operations. If any new tariffs, legislation and/or regulations are implemented, or if existing trade agreements are renegotiatedor, in particular, if the U.S. government takes retaliatory trade actions due to the recent U.S.-China trade tension, such changes couldhave an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to the proposedU.S. legislation and policies relating to Chinese companies’ compliance with applicable U.S. securities laws, our business and prospectmay also be negatively affected by other changes in governmental policies including sanctions and export controls administered by U.S.government authorities, including those imposed as a result of a material deterioration of the political or economic relations betweenChina and the United States and other geopolitical challenges. There is no assurance that the governmental authorities in the United Stateswill not take any such actions against us or affiliates in the event the tensions between China and the United States escalate, whichcould result in a material and adverse impact on our business and prospect.
Risks Related to our Class A Ordinary Shares
The trading price of our Class A ordinaryshares is likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.
The trading price of ourClass A ordinary shares is likely to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen becauseof broad market and industry factors, including the performance and fluctuation of the market prices of other companies with businessoperations located mainly in China that have listed their securities in the United States. In addition to market and industry factors,the price and trading volume for our Class A ordinary shares may be highly volatile for factors specific to our own operations, includingthe following:
| ● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our results of operations, e.g., net revenues, earnings and cash flows; |
| ● | the financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in these projections or our failure to meet these projections; |
| ● | announcements of significant technical innovations, new investments, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, results of operations or capital commitments by us or our competitors; |
| ● | announcements of new offerings, solutions and expansions by us or our competitors; |
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| ● | failure of securities analysts to initiate or maintain coverage of our company, changes in financial estimates or ratings by any securities analysts who follow our company or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors; |
| ● | detrimental adverse publicity about us, our services or our industry; |
| ● | announcements of new regulations, rules or policies relevant to our business; |
| ● | additions or departures of key personnel; |
| ● | release of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding equity securities or sales of additional equity securities; |
| ● | potential litigation or regulatory investigations; and |
| ● | other events or factors, including those resulting from war, epidemics, incidents of terrorism or responses to these events. |
Any of these factors may result inlarge and sudden changes in the volume and price at which our Class A ordinary shares will trade.
In addition, the stock marketin general, and the performance and fluctuation of the market prices for internet-related companies and other companies with operationsmainly in China in particular, may affect the volatility in the prices of and trading volumes for our Class A ordinary shares. The securitiesof some China-based companies that have listed their securities in the United States have experienced significant volatility that oftenhas been unrelated to the operating performance of such companies, including, in some cases, substantial declines in the trading pricesof their securities. The trading performances of these companies’ securities may affect the attitudes of investors towards Chinesecompanies listed in the United States in general, which consequently may impact the trading performance of our Class A ordinary shares,regardless of our actual operating performance. In addition, any negative news or perceptions about inadequate corporate governance practicesor fraudulent accounting, corporate structure or other matters of other Chinese companies may also negatively affect the attitudes ofinvestors towards Chinese companies in general, including us, regardless of whether we have engaged in any inappropriate activities. Inparticular, the global financial crisis, the ensuing economic recessions and deterioration in the credit market in many countries havecontributed and may continue to contribute to extreme volatility in the global stock markets. These broad market and industry fluctuationsmay adversely affect the market price of our Class A ordinary shares. Volatility or a lack of positive performance in our Class A ordinaryshare price may also adversely affect our ability to retain key employees, most of whom have been granted options or other equity incentives.
In the past, shareholdersof public companies have often brought securities class action suits against those companies following periods of instability in themarket price of their securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management’sattention and other resources from our business and operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit, whichcould harm our results of operations. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict ourability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significantdamages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our dual-class share structure with differentvoting rights will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourage others from pursuing any change of control transactionsthat holders of our Class A ordinary shares may view as beneficial.
We have adopted a dual-classshare structure such that our ordinary shares consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. In respect of matters requiringthe votes of shareholders, each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to 20 votes.Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof, while Class A ordinary sharesare not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of any ClassB ordinary shares by a holder thereof to any person who is not a Founder (as such term is defined under our MAA) or an affiliate of aFounder, or upon a change of ultimate beneficial ownership of any Class B ordinary share to a person who is not a Founder or an affiliateof a Founder, each of such Class B ordinary shares will be automatically and immediately converted into one Class A ordinary share. Thereis no limit on the circumstances where holders of Class B ordinary shares may transfer or otherwise dispose of their Class B ordinaryshares. Mr. Hao (Louis) Liang, Ms. Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang and a former director beneficially own all of our issued Class B ordinary shares.As of March 31, 2025, the Class B ordinary shares they held in the aggregate accounted for approximately 2.9% of our total issued andoutstanding share capital and 36.9% of the aggregate voting power of our total issued and outstanding shares.
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As a result of this dual-classshare structure, the holders of our Class B ordinary shares will have complete control over the outcome of matters put to a vote of shareholdersand have significant influence over our business, including decisions regarding mergers, consolidations, liquidations and the sale ofall or substantially all of our assets, election of directors and other significant corporate actions. The holders of Class B ordinaryshares control the outcome of a shareholder vote (i) with respect to matters requiring an ordinary resolution which requires the affirmativevote of a simple majority of shareholder votes, to the extent that the Class B ordinary shares represent at least 4.8% of our total issuedand outstanding share capital; and (ii) with respect to matters requiring a special resolution which requires the affirmative vote ofno less than two-thirds of shareholder votes, to the extent that the Class B ordinary shares represent at least 9.1% of our total issuedand outstanding share capital. The holders of Class B ordinary shares may take actions that are not in the best interest of us or ourother shareholders. It may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could have the effect of depriving ourother shareholders of the opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and may reduce the priceof our Class A ordinary shares. This concentrated control will limit your ability to influence corporate matters and could discourageothers from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions that holders of Class A ordinary shares mayview as beneficial.
Future issuances of our ClassB ordinary shares, which can be approved by the Board, could result in dilution to existing holders of our Class A ordinary shares. Suchissuances, or the perception that such issuances may occur, could depress the market price of our Class A ordinary shares. We may issueadditional equity securities from time to time, including Class B ordinary shares. As a result, holders of Class A ordinary shares bearthe risk that future issuances of equity securities may reduce the value of their Class A ordinary shares and dilute their ownership interests.In addition, any conversion of any Class B ordinary shares into Class A ordinary shares, at the option of any holder of Class B ordinaryshares, would dilute holders of Class A ordinary shares in terms of voting power and beneficial ownership and as a result, the marketprice of our Class A ordinary shares could be adversely affected. Furthermore, the conversion of Class B ordinary shares to Class A ordinaryshares, while increasing the absolute voting power of holders of our Class A ordinary shares, may have the effect of increasing the relativevoting power of the holders of Class B ordinary shares who retain their shares in the long term. As a result, the relative voting powerof holders of Class A ordinary shares may remain limited for a significant period of time.
The dual-class structure of our ordinaryshares may adversely affect the trading market for our Class A ordinary shares.
S&P Dow Jones and FTSERussell have announced changes to their eligibility criteria for inclusion of shares of public companies on certain indices, includingthe S&P 500, to exclude companies with multiple classes of shares and companies whose public shareholders hold no more than 5% oftotal voting power from being added to such indices. In addition, several shareholder advisory firms have announced their opposition tothe use of multiple class structures. As a result, the dual class structure of our ordinary shares may prevent the inclusion of our ClassA ordinary shares in such indices and may cause shareholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary about our corporate governancepractices or otherwise seek to cause us to change our capital structure. Any such exclusion from indices could result in a less activetrading market for our Class A ordinary shares. Any actions or publications by shareholder advisory firms critical of our corporate governancepractices or capital structure could also adversely affect the value of our Class A ordinary shares.
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If securities or industry analysts do notpublish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A ordinary shares,the market price for our Class A ordinary shares and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for ourClass A ordinary shares will be influenced by research or reports that industry or securities analysts publish about our business, ourmarket and our competitors. We do not have any control over these analysts. If one or more analysts who cover us downgrade the Class Aordinary shares or change their opinion on our Class A ordinary shares, the market price for our Class A ordinary shares would likelydecline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in thefinancial markets, which in turn could cause the market price or trading volume for our Class A ordinary shares to decline.
The sale or availability for sale of substantialamounts of Class A ordinary shares could adversely affect their market price.
Sales of substantial amountsof Class A ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market priceof our Class A ordinary shares and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future. We cannotpredict what effect, if any, market sales of securities held by our significant shareholders or any other shareholder or the availabilityof these securities for future sale will have on the market price of our Class A ordinary shares.
Techniques employed by short sellers maydrive down the market price of our Class A ordinary shares.
Short selling is the practiceof selling securities that the seller does not own but rather has borrowed from a third-party with the intention of buying identical securitiesback at a later date to return to the lender. The short seller hopes to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between thesale of the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as the short seller expects to pay less in that purchase thanit received in the sale. As it is in the short seller’s interest for the price of the security to decline, many short sellers publish,or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions regarding the relevant issuer and its business prospects in order to create negativemarket momentum and generate profits for themselves after selling a security short. These short attacks have, in the past, led to sellingof shares in the market.
Public companies that havesubstantially all of their operations in China have been the subject of short selling. Much of the scrutiny and negative publicity hascentered on allegations of a lack of effective internal control over financial reporting resulting in financial and accounting irregularitiesand mistakes, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result,many of these companies are now conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations and, in the interim, are subjectto shareholder lawsuits and/or SEC enforcement actions.
It is not clear what effectsuch negative publicity could have on us. If we were to become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations areproven to be true or untrue, we could have to expend a significant amount of resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend ourselves.While we would strongly defend against any such short seller attacks, we may be constrained in the manner in which we can proceed againstthe relevant short seller by principles of freedom of speech, applicable state law or issues of commercial confidentiality. Such a situationcould be costly and time-consuming, and could distract our management from growing our business. Even if such allegations are ultimatelyproven to be groundless, allegations against us could severely impact our business operations, and any investment in our Class A ordinaryshares could be greatly reduced or even rendered worthless.
Because we will not pay dividends in theforeseeable future, you must rely on a price appreciation of our Class A ordinary shares for a return on your investment.
We currently intend to retainmost, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, we willnot pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in our Class A ordinary shares asa source for any future dividend income.
Our Board has discretionas to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinaryresolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our Board. In either case, all dividends are subjectto certain restrictions under Cayman Islands law, namely that our company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account,and provided always that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debtsas they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our Board decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and formof future dividends, if any, will depend on our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, theamount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factorsdeemed relevant by our Board. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our Class A ordinary shares will likely depend entirely uponany future price appreciation of our Class A ordinary shares. There is no guarantee that our Class A ordinary shares will appreciate invalue or even maintain the price at which you purchased our Class A ordinary shares. You may not realize a return on your investment inour Class A ordinary shares and you may even lose your entire investment in our Class A ordinary shares.
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You may face difficulties in protectingyour interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are incorporated under Cayman Islandslaw.
Boqii is an exempted companywith limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articlesof association, as amended from time to time, the Companies Act (As Revised), or the Companies Act, of the Cayman Islands and the commonlaw of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against our directors, actions by our minority shareholders andthe 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 asfrom the common law of England and Wales, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a courtin the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearlyestablished as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the CaymanIslands have a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developedand judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have a standingto initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.
Shareholders of Cayman Islandsexempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of the registerof members of these companies (other than the memorandum and articles of association, the register of mortgages and charges and any specialresolutions passed by shareholders). The Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands shall make available the list of the names of ourcurrent directors of (and where applicable the current alternate directors of the Company) for inspection by any person upon payment ofa fee by such person. Our directors have discretion under our fourteenth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association currentlyin effect, or the MAA, to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders,but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information neededto establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.
Certain corporate governancepractices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, differ significantly from requirements for companies incorporated in otherjurisdictions such as the United States. If we choose to follow home country practice, our shareholders may be afforded less protectionthan they otherwise would under rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.
As a result of all of theabove, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by our management ormembers of the Board than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States. For a discussion of significantdifferences between the provisions of the Companies Act and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and theirshareholders, see “Item 10. Additional Information-10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association.”
Certain judgments obtained against us byour shareholders may not be enforceable.
Boqii is an exempted companylimited by shares incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. As of the date of this annual report, substantially all of our assetsare located outside of the United States. Substantially all of our current operations are conducted in China. In addition, all of ourcurrent directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. Substantially all of the assetsof these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action againstus or against these individuals in the United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the U.S.federal securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Cayman Islands andof China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. However, the depositagreement gives you the right to submit claims against us to binding arbitration, and arbitration awards may be enforceable against usand our assets in China even when court judgments are not.
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We are a foreign private issuer within themeaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to U.S. domestic public companies.
Because we qualify as a foreignprivate issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United Statesthat are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:
| ● | the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K; |
| ● | the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; |
| ● | the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and |
| ● | the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD. |
We are required to file anannual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we publish our results on a semi-annual basisas press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the NYSE American. Press releases relating to financial resultsand material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish tothe SEC will be less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers. As a result,you may not be afforded the same protections or information that would be made available to you were you investing in a U.S. domesticissuer.
In addition, the NYSE Americanrules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governancepractices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from the NYSE American corporate governance listingstandards. These practices may afford less protection to shareholders than they would enjoy if we complied fully with the NYSE Americancorporate governance listing standards.
We currently follow CaymanIslands corporate governance practices in lieu of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE American that listed companies must(i) have a majority of independent directors, (ii) have a minimum of three members at its audit committee, (iii) have a nominating committeeand a compensation committee each composed entirely of independent directors, (iv) hold an annual meeting of shareholders no later thanone year after the fiscal year end and (v) obtain shareholder approval with respect to the establishment of (or material amendment to)a stock option or equity compensation plans and (vi) obtain shareholder approval prior to an issuance of securities in any transactionor series of related transactions under Sections 712 and 713 of the NYSE American LLC Company Guide. For details, see “Item 16.G.Corporate Governance.” As we have chosen to follow home country practice as described above, our shareholders may be affordedless protection than they otherwise would enjoy under the NYSE American corporate governance listing standards applicable to U.S. domesticissuers.
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If we are classified as a passive foreign investment company,or PFIC, United States taxpayers who own our Class A ordinary shares may have adverse United States federal income tax consequences.
In general, a non-U.S. corporationis a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year in which (i) 50% or more of the average value of its assets (generallydetermined on a quarterly basis) consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income (the “assettest”), or (ii) 75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income. For purposes of the above calculations, a non-U.S. corporationthat owns (or is treated as owning for U.S. federal income tax purposes), directly or indirectly, at least 25% by value of the sharesof another corporation is treated as if it held its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation and received directly itsproportionate share of the income of the other corporation. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, rents, royalties andgains from financial investments. Cash is generally a passive asset for these purposes. Depending on the amount of cash we hold, togetherwith any other assets held for the production of passive income, it is possible that, for our current taxable year or any subsequent year,more than 50% of our assets may be assets which produce passive income. Our status as a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination made onan annual basis. We will make this determination following the end of any particular tax year. Taking into account the composition ofour income and assets, we believe it is reasonable to take the position that we were not a PFIC for our taxable year ended on March 31,2025. However, due to the uncertainty described above, as well as uncertainties regarding the characterization and value of certain ofour assets for purposes of the asset test, our PFIC status for our taxable year ended on March 31, 2025 is not entirely clear and theU.S. Internal Revenue Service may assert that we were a PFIC for that year. Moreover, it is not entirely clear how the contractual arrangementsbetween us, the VIEs and their nominal shareholders will be treated for purposes of the PFIC rules, and we may be or become a PFIC ifthe VIEs are not treated as owned by us for these purposes.
If we are a PFIC for anytaxable year during which a U.S. taxpayer holds our Class A ordinary shares, the U.S. taxpayer generally will be subject to adverse U.S.federal income tax consequences, including increased tax liability on disposition gains and “excess distributions” and additionalreporting requirements. This will generally continue to be the case even if we ceased to be a PFIC in a later taxable year, unless certainelections are made. See “Item 10.E. Taxation-Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations-Passive Foreign Investment CompanyRules.”
ITEM4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
4.A. History and Development of the Company
Corporate History
We commenced operations in2008 with the establishment of Shanghai Guangcheng Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Guangcheng Information”) in December2007. In November 2012, Shanghai Guangcheng was established in the PRC. In November 2012 and March 2013, Guangcheng Information and ShanghaiGuangcheng entered into an asset transfer agreement and a supplemental agreement thereto, respectively, pursuant to which Guangcheng Informationtransferred all of its business operations and assets to Shanghai Guangcheng.
We incorporated Boqii, anexempted company with limited liability, in the Cayman Islands, as our offshore holding company in June 2012 to facilitate offshore financingand our initial public offering. In July 2012 and August 2016, Boqii Corporation Limited and Boqii International Limited, two of our whollyowned subsidiaries, were incorporated in Hong Kong. In October 2019, Yoken International Limited (“Yoken International”),our wholly owned subsidiary, was incorporated in Hong Kong. In November 2019, we incorporated Yoken Holding Limited (“Yoken Holding”)as a wholly owned subsidiary under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and in December 2019, we transferred all of our shares in Yoken Internationalto Yoken Holding.
In November 2012, ShanghaiXincheng, our wholly owned subsidiary, was established in the PRC. In the same year, due to the restrictions imposed by PRC laws and regulationson foreign ownership of companies engaged in value-added telecommunication services, Shanghai Xincheng entered into a series of contractualarrangements, as supplemented and amended, with Shanghai Guangcheng and then shareholders of Shanghai Guangcheng, by which Shanghai Xinchengmay exert control over Shanghai Guangcheng and consolidate Shanghai Guangcheng’s financial statements under U.S. GAAP. In August2020, Shanghai Xincheng re-entered into another series of similar contractual arrangements, as supplemented and amended, with ShanghaiGuangcheng and then shareholders of Shanghai Guangcheng, which substitute for or supplement the above contractual arrangements enteredinto in 2019. For details, please refer to “Item 3. Key Information-Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs and Their RespectiveShareholders.” As of the date of this annual report, share pledge registration of the shareholders of Shanghai Guangcheng havebeen completed.
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In June 2021, Suzhou Taichengwas established in the PRC. In the same month, Shanghai Xincheng entered into a series of contractual arrangements, as supplemented andamended, with Suzhou Taicheng and then shareholders of Suzhou Taicheng, by which Shanghai Xincheng may exert control over Suzhou Taichengand consolidate Suzhou Taicheng’s financial statements under U.S. GAAP. For details, please refer to “Item 3. Key Information-ContractualArrangements with the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders.”
In August 2013, Nanjing Xingmuwas established in the PRC. In August 2019, Xingmu Group Limited (“Xingmu Group”), a third-party entity, was established,which in turn established a wholly owned subsidiary, Xingmu Holding Limited (“Xingmu Holding”). Afterwards, Xingmu Holdingestablished a wholly owned subsidiary, Xingmu International Limited (“Xingmu International”) in August 2019. Xingmu Internationalthen established Xingmu HK in August 2019, which in turn established Xingmu WFOE in September 2019. In November 2019, Xingmu Holding transferred49% of its shares of Xingmu International to Xingmu Group, and Boqii acquired the rest 51% of the equity interests in Xingmu Internationalfrom Xingmu Holding. In September 2019, Xingmu WFOE entered into a series of contractual arrangements, as supplemented and amended, withNanjing Xingmu and then shareholders of Nanjing Xingmu, by which Xingmu WFOE may exert control over Nanjing Xingmu and consolidate NanjingXingmu’s financial statements under U.S. GAAP. For details, please refer to “Item 3. Key Information-Contractual Arrangementswith the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders.”
In February 2013, ShanghaiYiqin Pet Products Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Yiqin”) was established in the PRC. In February 2020, Yoken International establishedYoken WFOE in the PRC as its wholly owned subsidiary. Following Shanghai Yiqin’s restructuring, Boqii holds 1,862,142 ordinary sharesand 2,887,858 series A ordinary shares, representing approximately 83.6% of equity interest in Yoken Holding on a fully diluted and convertedbasis. We refer to each of Shanghai Xincheng, Xingmu WFOE, Yoken WFOE, and Meiyizhi WFOE, as our wholly foreign owned entity, or WFOE,and to each of Suzhou Taicheng, Shanghai Guangcheng and Nanjing Xingmu as our variable interest entity, or VIE, in this annual report.
In October 2020, we completedan initial public offering in which we offered and sold an aggregate of 32,813 Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs. OnSeptember 30, 2020, the ADSs were listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “BQ.”
In September 2023, our shareholdersapproved our thirteenth memorandum and articles of association, under which our share capital was increased, from US$200,000 divided into200,000,000 shares of par value of US$0.001 each; comprising (a) 129,500,000 Class A ordinary shares of par value of US$0.001 each; (b)15,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of par value of US$0.001 each; and (c) 55,500,000 shares of US$0.001 each of such class or classes(however designated) as our Board may determine in accordance with our effective memorandum and articles of association, to US$20,000,000divided into 20,000,000,000 shares of par value of US$0.001 each, comprising (a) 15,000,000,000 Class A ordinary shares of par value ofUS$0.001 each; (b) 2,000,000,000 Class B ordinary shares of par value of US$0.001 each; and (c) 3,000,000,000 shares of US$0.001 eachof such class or classes (however designated) as our Board may determine in accordance with our thirteenth memorandum and articles ofassociation.
In October 2023, we transferredthe listing of our ADSs from NYSE to NYSE American, under the same ticker symbol of “BQ.”
In June 2025, our shareholdersapproved our MAA, under which (1) our issued and unissued shares were consolidated at a ratio of 160-for-1 (the “Reverse Split”)resulting in an authorized share capital of US$20,000,000, divided into 125,000,000 shares of par value of $0.16 each, comprising (a)93,750,000 Class A ordinary shares of par value of $0.16 each; (b) 12,500,000 Class B ordinary shares of par value of $0.16 each; and(c) 18,750,000 shares of par value of $0.16 each of such class or classes (however designated) as may be determined by our Board in accordancewith the MAA; and (2) the deemed service period for notice served by post was reduced from five calendar days to three calendar days countingfrom the date service is deemed to occur as provided in the MAA. The shareholders also approved the following actions relating to ourADSs upon the effectiveness of the Reverse Split (collectively referred to as the “ADS Termination”): (1) suspension of tradingof ADSs on the NYSE American; (2) termination of the deposit agreement dated September 29, 2020, in connection with our ADS program, (3)mandatory exchange of outstanding ADSs for the corresponding Class A ordinary shares; and (4) commencement of trading of Class A ordinaryshares on the NYSE American.
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On July 11, 2025, the ADSTermination took effect and our Class A ordinary shares commenced trading on a post-Reverse Split basis, of par value of $0.16 per share,on the NYSE American under the same ticker symbol of “BQ.”
Boqii is a holding companyand does not directly own any substantive business operations in the PRC. We currently focus our business operations within the PRC primarilythrough the VIEs, Suzhou Taicheng, Shanghai Guangcheng, Nanjing Xingmu and Shanghai Yiqin. See “Item 3. Key Information-3.D.Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Contractual Arrangements-We may lose the ability to use, or otherwise benefitfrom, the licenses, approvals and assets held by the VIEs, which could severely disrupt our business, render us unable to conduct someor all of our business operations and constrain our growth.”
Corporate Information
Our principal executive officesare located at Building 9, No. 388, Shengrong Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201210, People’s Republic of China. Our telephonenumber at this address is +86-21-6882 6799. Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the offices of Vistra (Cayman) Limited,P.O. Box 31119 Grand Pavilion, Hibiscus Way, 802 West Bay Road, Grand Cayman, KY1-1205, Cayman Islands. Our agent for service of processin the United States is Cogency Global Inc. located at 122 East 42nd Street, 18th Floor New York, NY 10168. Investors should contact usfor any inquiries through the address and telephone number of our principal executive office. Our principal website is www.boqii.com.The information contained on our website is not a part of this annual report.
The SEC maintains an internetsite at www.sec.gov that contains reports, information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically withthe SEC.
Recent Development
Private Placement inFebruary 2025
On February 13, 2025, weentered into securities purchase agreements (the “Private Placement SPAs”) with certain non-U.S. purchasers, each an unrelatedthird party to the Company (collectively, the “Purchasers”). Pursuant to the Private Placement SPAs, the Purchasers agreedto subscribe for and purchase, and the Company agreed to issue and sell to the Purchasers in a private placement offering, an aggregateof 2,000,000 ADSs, at a purchase price of $1.2 per ADS, and for an aggregate purchase price of $2,400,000. The ADSs had not been registeredunder the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and were not offered pursuant to the Registration Statement.These ADSs were offered pursuant to the exemption provided in Rule 903 of Regulation S under the Securities Act.
In connection with this privateplacement, the Company entered into a registration rights agreement with the Purchasers, pursuant to which, among other things, the Companyis required to prepare and file with SEC one or more registration statements to register for the resale of the ADSs no later than May31, 2025. The Company is required to use best efforts to have such registration statement(s) declared effective as promptly as possiblethereafter.
Reverse Split and ADSTermination in July 2025
On June 26, 2025, our shareholdersapproved the Reverse Split and the ADS Termination.
On July 11, 2025, the ReverseSplit was effective in the market and the ADS Termination became effective. As a result of the Reverse Split, the par value of our ordinaryshares was increased from $0.001 per share to $0.16 per share. In connection with the ADS Termination, our outstanding ADSs were automaticallycancelled and exchanged for the corresponding number of Class A ordinary shares at a rate 15/16, or 0.9375 of a Class A ordinary sharefor each ADS cancelled. All resulting fractional shares were rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares on the participant level.On July 11, 2025, trading of our ADSs was suspended, and our Class A ordinary shares commenced trading on a post-Reverse Split basis,each with a par value of $0.16, on the NYSE American under the same ticker symbol “BQ.”
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4. B. Business Overview
Our Vision
Our vision is to connectpeople and pets.
Our Mission
Boqii was founded for thelove of pets. With this belief, we are inspired to empower the pet ecosystem and instill love and trust into pet parenting.
Boqii at a Glance
Boqii is a leading pet-focusedplatform in China. We offer a truly one-stop destination that pet parents in China may go to get everything they need for their pets andshare their passion for pet parenting. They come to Boqii to discover the best pet products for their pets, share their most memorablepet raising stories, and find ways to make their pets healthier and happier. With our purpose-built platforms, we are reshaping how petparents in China engage with their pets-by educating and inspiring them to become better pet parents, helping them find what their petsneed, and bringing them a unique shopping experience. We believe you will love Boqii if you love pets. With online sales platforms atits core, we extend our reach offline to connect and empower other participants in the pet value chain, including brand partners, manufacturersof pet products, physical pet stores and pet hospitals, and pet-related content providers.
We operate a leading pet-focusedonline retail business in China’s pet market in terms of GMV. During the three years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we connecteda total of approximately 742 brand partners with pet parents in China. We are redefining e-commerce for pet parents by providing an accessible,personalized and enjoyable shopping experience based on a deep understanding of our users and customers and their pets by leveraging extensiveuser interactions and transactional behaviors we have observed over the years. We create and continue to develop our private brands, includingYoken, Mocare and two “D-cat” labels, with compelling quality and prices. Users and customers come to shop on Boqii becausewe offer them a high-quality, high-touch experience with access to approximately 21,140 SKUs as of March 31, 2025. During the three yearsended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we delivered an aggregate of approximately 21.6 million orders to our users and customers.
We have a large pet-focusedonline community in China’s pet market. We had approximately 3.7 million active buyers for the year ended March 31,2025. We deeply understand and care about our users and customers and their pets. We engage with our users and customers through shopping,content, social media, and offline events, spurring interactions in a way that traditional retailers do not. On top of extensive interactionsand transactional behaviors we have observed, we have developed a profound understanding of who our users and customers are, what theyare keen to buy for their pets, how they communicate with other pet parents, and what content they resonate with. Our rich content notonly guides users and customers along their shopping journey, but also becomes a trusted source for discovery and inspiration for allpet lovers.
We generate revenues primarilyfrom transactions completed on our online sales platforms and by supplying products to physical pet stores we cooperate with. Our totalnet revenues were approximately RMB1,092.1 million, RMB709.4 million and RMB468.9 (US$64.6 million) in the years ended March 31, 2023,2024 and 2025, respectively. Net revenues generated from the sale of products were approximately RMB1,048.5 million, RMB680.1 millionand RMB431.3 (US$59.4 million), accounting for approximately 96.0%, 95.9% and 92.0% of our total net revenues in the years ended March31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. We recorded net loss of approximately RMB106.0 million, RMB68.9 million and RMB58.6 (US$8.1 million)in the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.
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Our Business Model
Focusing on the needs ofpet parents and their pets, we have established a large pet ecosystem in China in terms of revenue and the number of customers.Through Boqii, we offer a truly one-stop destination that pet parents in China may go to for everything they need for their pets, frompet products and services to pet knowledge and parenting advice. Our online sales platforms, comprised of Boqii Mall and our flagshipstores on third-party e-commerce platforms, provides customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet productsand an engaging and personalized shopping experience. Our informative and interactive content platform, Boqii Community, allows usersto share their pet parenting experience and discover new products and ways to make their pets healthier and happier. We had cooperatedwith over 15,000 physical pet stores and pet hospitals as of March 31, 2025 to further extend our product and service offerings to connectwith users and customers in their neighborhoods.
We have a large pet-focusedonline community in China’s pet market. We had approximately 3.7 million active buyers for the year ended March 31, 2025. Wetake pride in building a vibrant online community where we lead our users through a content and product discovery journey, developinga user-centric content-driven “discover and buy” model.
Our Users
Our dynamic and growing userbase consists of pet lovers, pet parents, and KOLs. Our users come from towns and cities all over China, but are primarily concentratedin economically developed provinces and cities. Based on information voluntarily provided by our users, we believe that a majority ofour users own pets, mostly cats and dogs. We have acquired our users mainly through third-party e-commerce platforms, social media marketing,word-of-mouth referral and physical pet stores. Our users primarily access our pet-focused platform through our online sales platforms.
Mobile App
When users and customersopen our mobile app, they will immediately see the homepage of our vibrant user community with featured pet-related content, and may switchto our self-operated online sales platform, Boqii Mall, and offline pet services homepage with the navigation bar on the bottom. Usersand customers can directly browse and search for contents by topics, products by brand and category, and services by location on the respectivehomepages.
Weixin/WeChat Mini-programs
Mini-program is an innovativeplatform built into Weixin/WeChat, facilitating discovery and consumption of services and products. Our mini-programs on Weixin/WeChatinclude Boqii Flagship Store, Mini Boqii Mall, Boqii Group Buy and Mengchong Haowuguan, and they feature similar interfaces and functionsas our mobile app. Users and customers can also access our mini-programs through Weixin/WeChat. These mini-programs serve as additionalaccess points to our pet-focused platform and complement our full-function native mobile app.
Monetization Channels
Through diverse product selections,informative content offerings and fun social interactive features, we have engaged a dynamic and growing user base and developed variousmodels of monetization.
| ● | Self-operated online sales platform. Our self-operated online sales platform can be accessed by users through Boqii Mall, our mobile app and Weixin/WeChat mini-programs. We sell both branded products and private label products through our online sales platforms. We acquire branded products from our branded partners and private label products from our manufacturing partners before we sell them to our customers. We typically recognize the sales income as our revenue and product procurement costs as our cost of revenue. |
| ● | Flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms. We also sell branded products and private label products on our flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, including Tmall, JD.com and Pinduoduo. We typically pay marketing and promotion service fees and annual service fees to these third-party platforms and account for such fees as sales and marketing expenses. |
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| ● | Offline distribution network. We supply branded products and private label products, mostly in bulk, to physical pet stores and pet hospitals at discounted prices. |
| ● | Membership programs. To cultivate customer stickiness, we offer prepaid membership to users of Boqii Mall. Our prepaid membership card, Magic Black Card, requires a deposit of at least RMB500, which can be used for future purchases on Boqii Mall. We do not recognize the deposit payment as revenue, and instead we recognize revenue only upon successful sales to our customers. |
| ● | Online marketing and information services. We provide online marketing and information services to pet product brand owners, including helping them place advertisements on our online platforms and third-party platforms and organize marketing campaigns to promote their products and brands. We recognize revenue for provision of online marketing and information services over the service period pursuant to our service contracts with the brand owners. For the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we generated net revenues of approximately RMB43.6 million, RMB 29.2 million and RMB37.6(US$5.2 million) from provision of online marketing and information services. |
| ● | Content offerings. We provide users with informative, fun and interactive content. While our content offerings are free of charge, they provide us with a multitude of monetization opportunities. We engage KOLs to recommend products to our users, and integrate our curated content with relevant products to guide users along their shopping journey. Specifically, we place links to products on Boqii Mall within content to capture purchase impulse and meet user demands, delivering a seamless user experience. |
| ● | SaaS solution. We have introduced our proprietary SaaS solution, which provides inventory management, membership management, price information and other services, to offline stores. We currently provide the SaaS solution to pet stores for free. Our free SaaS solution serves as our initial contact with physical pet stores and we expect that it will open up more business opportunities with these stores. |
Our Online Sales Platforms
We operate a leading pet-focusedonline retail business in China in terms of GMV. During the three years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we connected a total ofapproximately 742 brand partners with pet parents in China. We offer branded products and private label products primarily through ourself-operated online sales platform, Boqii Mall, as well as major third-party e-commerce platforms, such as Tmall, JD.com and Pinduoduo.
The following tables setforth a breakdown of our GMV by product type and by sales channel during the specified periods.
| For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GMV generated from sales of branded products | 2,121.7 | 82.7 | 1,195.3 | 75.1 | 761.6 | 105.0 | 76.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| GMV generated from sales of our private label products | 442.3 | 17.3 | 396.5 | 24.9 | 240.9 | 33.2 | 24.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,564.0 | 100.0 | 1,591.8 | 100.0 | 1,002.5 | 138.2 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GMV generated from sales on Boqii Mall | 1,229.8 | 48.0 | 785.6 | 49.3 | 584.2 | 80.5 | 58.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| GMV generated from our sales on third-party e-commerce platforms | 1,334.3 | 52.0 | 806.2 | 50.7 | 418.3 | 57.7 | 41.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,564.1 | 100.0 | 1,591.8 | 100.0 | 1,002.5 | 138.2 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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The following tables setforth a breakdown of our net revenues by product type and by sales channel during the specified periods.
| For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues generated from sales of branded products | 839,829 | 80.1 | 483,635 | 71.1 | 299,598 | 41,286 | 69.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues generated from sales of our private label products | 208,662 | 19.9 | 196,508 | 28.9 | 131,696 | 18,148 | 30.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,048,491 | 100.0 | 680,143 | 100.0 | 431,294 | 59,434 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues generated from sales on Boqii Mall | 433,983 | 41.4 | 276,992 | 40.7 | 218,083 | 30,053 | 50.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues generated from our sales on third-party e-commerce platforms | 614,508 | 58.6 | 403,151 | 59.3 | 213,211 | 29,381 | 49.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,048,491 | 100.0 | 680,143 | 100.0 | 431,294 | 59,434 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Our Pet Product Offerings
We offer our customers, whichinclude both pet parents and small and medium pet businesses, a diverse selection of high-quality pet products at competitive prices,including food, treats, shampoos, cages, toys, apparel, OTC veterinary drugs and many more. As of March 31, 2025, we offered approximately21,140 SKUs from approximately 588 brands, including approximately 63 international brands. We are committed to offeringa comprehensive and relevant selection of product inventory so that pet parents can get everything they need for their pets at one destination.
Branded products
During the three years endedMarch 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we connected approximately 742 brand partners with pet parents in China, such as Royal Canin and Pedigree.Our brand partners together contributed approximately 16,909 SKUs to our online sales platforms, accounting for approximately 80.0% ofour total SKUs as of March 31, 2025. In addition to branded pet food and other daily supplies, we cooperate with certainbrand partners to offer OTC veterinary drugs, such as dermatology drugs and worm medications. We have designated a team with backgroundsin veterinary pharmacy to oversee the procurement of OTC veterinary drugs on our online sales platforms.
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We select our brand partnersbased on their brand reputation, product quality, manufacturing capability and prices. Before engaging a brand partner, we inspect itsbusiness licenses, permits and trademarks, perform background checks, sample products, and in certain cases conduct on-site visits.
We normally enter into one-yearnonexclusive framework agreements with our brand partners or, in most cases of foreign brand partners, their agents and renew them annuallyif we are satisfied with their performance. The key terms of our supply contracts are as follows.
| ● | Delivery and acceptance. Our brand partners are responsible for delivering products to our warehouses, and the products delivered shall conform, in form and substance, to the samples we have accepted. |
| ● | Quality. The products shall satisfy all applicable quality requirements under relevant laws and regulations, industry standards and our quality standards specified in the agreements. We may reject or return any substandard products. |
| ● | Purchase commitment. A few brand partners specify minimum purchase requirements in our supply agreements. |
Private label products
Complementary to our extensiveselection of branded products, we also offer high-quality private label products at compelling prices. Leveraging our wealth of expertisein the pet industry and deep understanding of customer needs, we developed our private label brands, Yoken and Mocare in 2015 and 2018,respectively. We launched two “D-cat” label brands in 2022. We achieved significant growth in the sales of private label productsduring the three fiscal years ended March 31, 2023. On March 31, 2025, approximately 4,231 SKUs of our private label products were offered,accounting for approximately 20.0% of our total SKUs. Moreover, as we introduce our high-quality competitively priced private label productsto physical pet stores and pet hospitals, we are able to develop close relationships with them that provide for additional business opportunities.
We had approximately 1,806SKUs under our Yoken brand for the year ended March 31, 2025. We operate two business lines under our Yoken brand, Yiqin and Youbeizi.We mainly offer competitively priced cat litter, liners, bath products, dog food, cat food, canned food, pet clothes and pet toys underYiqin, and value-for-money pet food under Youbeizi. Yoken was awarded 2020 and 2021 Annual Horse Brand, 2020 Consumers’ FavoriteCat Litter Brand and 2021 Annual Cat Litter at the Tmall Golden Cosmetics Festival.
We had approximately 56 SKUsunder our Mocare brand for the year ended March 31, 2025. Mocare focuses on premium freeze-dry cat and dog food, which is made from cookedfresh foods with nearly all of the water content removed through a special process. Freeze-dried cat and dog food is known to preservemore nutritional content compared to conventional dry food, has longer shelf life than wet food, and allows for more convenient transportationand storage than frozen food. Mocare was awarded Annual Top 10 Dark Horse Brand by Shenzhen International Pet Product Fair in 2019.
In 2022, we launched two“D-cat” label brands, under which we offer (i) pet snacks and pet supplies and (ii) pet pharmaceuticals and medical care products,respectively.
We adopt a “customer-to-manufacturer”model in developing our private label products. We identify customer needs by analyzing the massive trove of customer and transactionalbehaviors we have observed, evaluating the feasibility and profitability of developing the products that satisfy such needs and engagingmanufacturing partners to bring the products to market. For example, since 2020, we identified rapidly growing demands for pet suppliesand expand our offerings of pet suppliers catering to customer needs, such as cat litter and cat litter boxes, pet beddings, cat scratchers,airline-compliant crates, interactive pet toys and functional pet snacks. These have achieved significant popularity in the pet suppliesmarket.
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We have implemented strictquality control procedures on our private label products. Manufacturing factories for our private labels conduct pre-delivery inspectionfor each batch of products. In the case of newly developed products, our own personnel will conduct on-site inspections at manufacturingfactories to ensure compliance with our stringent quality standards. Meanwhile, we will conduct spot checks when each batch of productsis delivered to our own warehouses. Irregular inspections will also be made on site to our cooperated manufacturing factories and products,and we have the right to demand manufacturers to rectify, impose a fine thereon or request a refund or exchange of products if they failany of such inspections.
We carefully select manufacturersbased on their ability to ensure timely delivery of quality products at competitive prices. Before engaging a manufacturer, we examineits business licenses, permits and operating history, sample products and evaluate its quality control effectiveness, assess its productioncapacity and conduct on-site visits. Our manufacturing agreement generally sets out a price cap for each product category. We normallymake a lump-sum payment within an agreed timeframe following our acceptance of the products. To strengthen our relationship with QingdaoShuangan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Shuangan”), a leading pet food manufacturer in China, we made an equity investment in itin 2017. We outsource the manufacturing of the rest of our private label products to various other high-quality manufacturers in China.
Boqii Mall
Boqii Mall, our self-operatedonline sales platform, has transformed shopping for pet products from a traditional search-based experience to a personalized discoveryjourney. Users and customers can easily navigate Boqii Mall through our mobile app, website or Weixin/WeChat mini-programs.
Our users and customers maybrowse through our extensive catalog of pet products by pet species and age, and product type, flavor and brand. For example, users andcustomers may choose specialty dog food for 15 dog breeds, such as golden retrievers, Labradors, poodles and huskies, and specialty catfood for cat breeds of all ages. Such detailed search categories allow users and customers to quickly identify the most suitable productfor their pets.
When registering on our mobileapp, pet parents may create their pet profiles, entering the names, species, age and sex of their pets. Pet profiles help us better understandthe needs of pet parents and connect them with the right product at the right time throughout their pets’ lives. As we personalizepet parents’ shopping experience, we are able to further enhance customer loyalty.
Through our automated recommendationalgorithm, we study and analyze customers’ browsing and purchase history and their pet profiles to identify their needs and preferencesand recommend products of interest to them. Furthermore, we integrate our content offerings on our online community with the most relevantproducts and make customized recommendation, which create a unique and engaging experience for our users and customers. See “Item4. Information on the Company-4. B. Business Overview-Our Content Platform.” We have been constantly improving our algorithmsto more precisely target customers with smart recommendations.
We engage various third partiesto provide payment and delivery services for our customers on Boqii Mall. We require our customers to make full payment before we shipout their orders. We collaborate with YeePay, WeChat Pay, Alipay and Union Pay to offer convenient and secure payment options. We haveengaged STO Express, Yuantong and Yunda to provide fast and reliable delivery services to our customers. See “Item 4. Informationon the Company-4. B. Business Overview-Supply Chain Management.”
Flagship Stores on Third-party E-commercePlatforms
We operate flagship storeson major third-party e-commerce platforms, including Tmall, JD.com, Pinduoduo and Douyin. These third-party e-commerce platforms expandour customer reach and serve as our initial contact with customers, especially first-time pet parents who have yet to develop brand loyalty.For the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we generated revenue of approximately RMB614.5 million, RMB403.2 million, and RMB213.2(US$29.4 million), respectively, from sales on our flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms.
According to our arrangementwith third-party e-commerce platforms, we are responsible for product selection and display, product delivery, warehousing and customersupport services, while e-commerce platforms provide online marketing and information services, payment processing services and customerrelationship management system. We typically pay annual fees for basic store operations on third-party e-commerce platforms, and we alsoneed to pay for additional services, such as technical service surcharges, online marketing and information services, and payment processingservices.
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Offline Distribution Network
We have developed a proprietarySaaS solution which provides inventory management, membership management, price information and other services to offline pet stores.We first introduced this SaaS solution to pet stores for free in December 2015. Our free SaaS solution serves as our initial contact withphysical pet stores.
With our SaaS system, petstore owners may access their inventory status, view real-time analysis of sales status, keep tabs on upcoming re-order needs, and trackshipping status anytime and anywhere. They may also easily replenish their stock with our products at competitive prices and manage theirbusiness more efficiently. Our SaaS system reminds pet store owners to re-order when their stock level is low and offers them an easyordering process. Additionally, pet store owners may integrate their membership program with our SaaS system for easy management of theirmember profiles and interactions.
We supply a variety of brandedproducts and private label products to physical pet stores and pet hospitals in bulk at discounted prices, which diversify their storeproduct portfolio. With our valuable data insights, we identify unique needs of local pet stores, and recommend high-quality and value-for-moneyproducts to them accordingly. In certain cases, we coordinate with our brand partners to offer free samples to pet stores before theydecide to make bulk purchases. We enter into customary supply agreements with physical pet stores and pet hospitals, pursuant to whichthe physical pet stores or pet hospitals may not sell our products at a price lower than specified in the agreements unless otherwiseagreed. For the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we generated revenue of approximately RMB190.4 million, RMB 178.0 million,and RMB65.2 (US$9.0 million) from sales through our offline distribution network, accounting for approximately 17.4%, 25.1% and 13.9%of our total net revenues during the same periods, respectively.
Our offline distributionnetwork also extends our brand partners’ customer reach to pet parents who frequently visit physical pet stores and pet hospitals.We help our brand partners design tailored offline marketing strategies. For example, we promote their branded products to and displaytheir marketing campaigns at physical pet stores we cooperate with and during trade fairs.
Customer Services
Our professional customerservices distinguish us from generic retailers and add a personal touch to the customer shopping experience. Unlike shopping for personalgoods, shopping for pet products can be more challenging and requires professional guidance. We maintain a dedicated team of customerservices staff, including our four employees and 19 outsourced workers. Pet parents can reach our knowledgeable customerservices staff and our intelligent customer service system every day. Our responsive and experienced customer services team achieved anaverage satisfaction rate of approximately 4.74 out of five points for service attitude on our Taobao online shop for the year ended March31, 2025.
Most of the products offeredon our platform can be exchanged or returned with a full refund within seven days of receipt of shipment, and we provide a full refundto our customers if there is a product quality issue. We normally pay for shipping expenses to facilitate successful return or exchangeof defective products. Meanwhile, we cooperate with third-party insurance companies which provide our customers with shipping return andexchange insurance that cover their return or exchange shipping expenses incurred by the orders with our stores at Tmall and JD.com.
Supply Chain Management
We have an integrated supplychain management system covering everything from inventory management to order fulfillment. Our integrated system aims to ensure thatwe maintain appropriate inventory levels at our warehouses and that we can optimize order routing, which helps us reduce inventory risks,shipping time and transportation costs.
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We have adopted three inventorymodels-distribution model, consignment model and drop shipping model-and had an average inventory turnover days of approximately 47 daysfor the year ended March 31, 2025. Average annual inventory turnover days are calculated by dividing the ending inventory balance by costof product sales and multiplying by 365.
| ● | Distribution model. Distribution model is the most common inventory model in our operations. Under this model, we purchase products from our brand partners before selling them to customers and take inventory. |
| ● | Consignment model. We initially partnered with some emerging brand partners, using a consignment model where ownership of the products remained with such brand partners until the products were sold. We believed this model allowed us to minimize inventory and working capital risks. Since early 2019, we have started to substantially reduce product sales through the consignment model as we strategically reduced the sales volume of certain long-tail, less popular products offered by emerging brand partners. |
| ● | Drop shipping model. Only a few of our manufacturers have chosen the drop shipping model. Under this model, we take inventory although our manufacturers ship the products directly to the customers under this model. |
As of March 31, 2025, weoperated one warehouse and utilized three fulfillment centers across China, and maintained a fulfilment team of nine employees and 24outsourced workers. We store our inventories, and sort, package and ship products to customers from our warehouses. We also utilize fulfillmentcenters at free trade-zones where certain brand partners we cooperate with ship their products to us or our customers directly. As ofMarch 31, 2025, we also partnered with three delivery service providers to ensure fast and reliable delivery to our customers. Our expansivefulfillment network enables us to reach certain parts of China in 24 hours or less, providing customers with a convenient click-to-doorshopping experience.
Membership Programs
We have established prepaidand free membership programs to enhance customer loyalty. As of March 31, 2025, we had approximately 44,444 prepaid members. Our prepaidmembers on average deposited approximately RMB1,726 each year in their membership cards during the three years ended March 31, 2023, 2024and 2025.
| ● | Prepaid membership. Prepaid membership is only available to users of Boqii Mall. Our prepaid membership card, Magic Black Card, requires a deposit of at least RMB500, which can be used for purchases on Boqii Mall. Our Magic Black Card holders receive discounts on all purchases made on Boqii Mall, access to limited-time offers, birthday coupons, free shipping twice a month, VIP customer service and other value-added services. |
| ● | Free membership. Free membership is only available to users of our flagship stores on Tmall, JD.com and Pinduoduo. Users earn points for visiting, making purchases or drawing lotteries on our flagship stores, and points can be then used for deducting the order amounts in future purchases on these stores. Free members enjoy discount offers at our flagship stores from time to time and one-to-one customer service. |
Our Content Platform
Boqii Community providesan interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets. We strive to provide our users with a variety ofhigh-quality and engaging original content.
When users open the “Community”feature on our mobile app, they will immediately see our recommended content based on their initial indication of interests upon registrationand their reading, social and purchase behavior. They may browse posts from other community members they follow, latest updates, videosand news by sliding through the top navigation bar. By clicking on the navigation buttons in the middle of the page, users can explorehot topics, KOLs, Q&As and product reviews. Users may also post questions and share their informative pet parenting experience, memorablepet raising stories, favorite pet photos and short videos on our mobile app.
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Content Creation
Our users and customers constantlycontribute to our diverse, high-quality and engaging content. Among them, some have attracted a significant number of followers and grownto become KOLs. We have also engaged a number of KOLs, who are particularly active in creating and sharing content on pet parenting andpet products. They encourage social interactions among our users and customers and help shape their purchasing decisions. As of March31, 2025, we had over approximately 270 KOLs on our platform and approximately 837 KOL accounts on social media platforms. We continuouslymonitor user activities and original content creation on our platform to discover potential KOLs and encourage them to partner with us.
We offer KOLs access to broaduser base, and help them monetize their content offerings. KOLs earn commissions from us for actively promoting branded products and ourprivate label products. At the same time, we depend on KOLs’ content creation capabilities to invigorate Boqii Community, and capitalizeon their marketing skills which lead to enhanced product sales on our online sales platforms. We typically pay KOLs a fee for each pieceof their advertising post or video on a per case basis.
Our diverse, engaging andoriginal content is available in various formats, including articles, photographs, and short videos.
Content Monitoring
We place strong emphasison content screening and monitoring content posted on our platform to ensure that they do not infringe copyright and other intellectualproperty rights, and that they fully comply with applicable laws and regulations. Our online content screening and monitoring proceduresconsist of automated screening performed by an automated filtering system as well as a set of manual review procedures conducted by oureditors. We maintain a dedicated team of content editors and hold regular internal trainings on latest compliance requirements and development.
Monetization through Content Offerings
Our rich and informativecontent provides us with a multitude of monetization opportunities. We recommend relevant content to users and customers based on theirpet profiles, initial indication of interests upon registration and their reading, social and purchase behavior. In addition to facilitatingusers and customers in content discovery, we also leverage our automated recommendation algorithm to integrate our curated content withrelevant products and make customized product recommendations. We place links to products on Boqii Mall within content to capture purchaseimpulse and meet user demands, delivering a seamless user experience. From time to time, our customer service staff mail free samplesand make phone calls to our users and customers to provide offer updates and promote our products.
Social Media
Through interactive socialnetwork platforms, we bring our dynamic community and their diverse and engaging content offerings to life. We distribute content throughsubstantially all major social communications and social media platforms in China, including Weixin/WeChat, Weibo, Red and Douyin. Ourcontent offerings on these platforms have attracted a large number of loyal fans. As of March 31, 2025, we managed over 750 Weixin/WeChatgroups, most of which are under our direct management.
We leverage these major socialmedia platforms for viral and interactive marketing. Such platforms enable our users and customers to make purchases as part of theirsocial networking and entertainment, boosting the frequency and value of their purchases.
Our Offline Network
Despite the convenience ofonline sales platforms, we believe physical pet stores and pet hospitals are still an integral part of the pet industry. Certain services,such as pet care, training and grooming, are only available offline. Offline store settings provide us with an opportunity to interactwith pet parents face-to-face and offer more value-added products and services.
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We began cooperating withphysical pet stores and pet hospitals in 2013. As of March 31, 2025, we had cooperated with over 15,000 physical pet stores and pet hospitals,spanning over 250 cities in China. Our offline network increases our brand awareness and presents a complementary source of user traffic.By making pet products and services more accessible and appealing to pet parents, we are able to drive customer acquisition and customerloyalty in a more cost-effective manner. Through our brand influence and proprietary technology, we have also begun to digitally connectand empower an extensive, growing network of physical pet stores and pet hospitals through our SaaS solutions.
Our mobile app allows usersand customers to quickly and accurately locate nearby pet stores and pet hospitals we cooperate with. We host a homepage for each storewe cooperate with on our mobile app, where users and customers may view store photos, browse the type of services provided, review staffbackgrounds and access and provide store reviews.
Acquisition of Xingmu International
To further our presence inthe pet healthcare market, we acquired 51% equity ownership in Xingmu International in November 2019 and have since consolidated resultsof Xingmu International. As a competitive veterinary drug distributor in China, Xingmu has regional exclusive distribution rights to eightveterinary drug brands and close relationships with approximately 1,300 pet hospitals in China as of March 31, 2025. Our acquisition ofXingmu allows us to leverage Xingmu’s extensive pet hospital network to develop our pet healthcare business. We are a leading onlineUGC audio community, interactive audio entertainment platform and online audio platform in China.
Partnership with PetDog
In an effort to expand ouroffline presence and enhance pet service offerings, we made an approximately 23.6% equity investment in Beijing PetDog Technology DevelopmentCo., Ltd. (“PetDog”) in 2019. PetDog offers a variety of courses on pet beauty, pet training, pet store management and petnutrition management to train and prepare students to become licensed pet professionals, expanding the talent pool in the pet industry.According to Frost & Sullivan, PetDog is the largest pet store franchise in terms of number of pet stores and the largest trainingcenter for pet service professionals in terms of training service revenue in China as of 2019. We equip PetDog stores with smart inventorymanagement through our SaaS solution, and diversify its product portfolio with our wide selection of high-quality and value-for-moneypet products.
Through our investment inPetDog, we have also successfully expanded the outreach of professional trainings to more offline pet stores to improve the quality oftheir services. With more licensed pet professionals available, pet stores are able to offer more varieties of high-quality services topet parents.
Our Marketing Services
We offer our brand partnersas well as other brand owners tailored marketing and information services and distribution support to promote their brands and increaseproduct sales. We charge our marketing service clients a service fee for our online marketing and information services, which was settledaccording to the overall service price in the contracts. Our vibrant online community and extensive offline network give our brand partnersand brand owners wide access to targeted and high-quality user traffic.
With valuable datainsights on user behavior, we also help our brand partners and brand owners design and implement effective marketing strategies, andguide them in offering more relevant products and optimizing pricing strategies. In 2013, we started to provide online marketing andinformation services to Chuncui Pet Products (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, a new Chinese pet product brand and have since expanded ourservice client base to include additional clients.
Sales and Marketing
Our diverse and high-qualityproduct offerings, rich and engaging content, and personalized user experience have contributed to our expanding user base and increasinguser engagement, leading to a strong word-of-mouth effect that strengthens our brand awareness.
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Additionally, we promoteour platform and enhance our brand awareness through a variety of online and offline marketing activities. We cooperate with third-partye-commerce platforms, social media platforms, and popular search engines for online and mobile marketing. We also conduct offline marketingby attending leading trade fairs and exhibits in the industry, such as Chengdu International Pet Fair and China Pet Fair.
Competition
The pet industry is highlycompetitive in China. We mainly compete with online and physical pet product retail stores, pet product sections in supermarkets, generale-commerce platforms and other pet-focused online retail platforms.
We have a large pet ecosystemin China in terms of revenue and the number of customers. We believe we differentiate ourselves from our competitors by our significantbrand awareness, transformative retail model, content-driven marketing approach, diverse and high-quality product offerings, rich andengaging content offerings, smart recommendations, personalized customer service and reliable fulfillment services.
Licenses and Approvals
The following table setsforth a list of material licenses and approvals, subject to further renewal, that our PRC subsidiaries and the VIEs are required to obtainto carry out our operations in China, in addition to business licenses that are required for each company operating in the PRC.
| License | Entity Holding the License | Type of the Entity | Regulatory Authority | |||
| ICP License | Shanghai Guangcheng | VIE | Shanghai Communication Administration | |||
| Veterinary Drug Operation Permit | Shanghai Guangcheng | VIE | Shanghai Pudong Agricultural Committee | |||
| Veterinary Drug Operation Permit | Shanghai Xincheng | WFOE | Shanghai Pudong Agricultural Committee | |||
| Veterinary Drug Operation Permit | Shanghai Guangcheng Wuhu Branch | Branch of VIE | Wuhu Economic Technology Development District Social Affair Bureau | |||
| Veterinary Drug Operation Permit | Suzhou Taicheng | VIE | Suzhou Agriculture and Country Bureau | |||
| Veterinary Drug Operation Permit | Nanjing Xingmu | VIE | Nanjing Yuhua District Agricultural Bureau | |||
| Veterinary Drug Operation Permit | Taizhou Xinmu Biotechnology Co., Limited | Subsidiary of VIE | Taizhou Hailing District Agriculture and Country Bureau | |||
Our Technology
Our strong technology anddata capabilities enable us to deliver superior user experience and increase our operational efficiency. As of March 31, 2025, we hada four-member research and development team dedicated to the design and development of algorithm and the upgrades and maintenance of ourtechnology infrastructure.
Data Analytics
With access to a massivetrove of customer and transaction data, we have built our big data analytics capabilities upon detailed user tagging and third-party computinginfrastructure that can efficiently process complex analytical computing tasks. We have created approximately 16 different user purchasebehavior tags by studying user interactions and purchase behaviors. With such user and transactional behaviors we have observed, we leveragebig data analytics and artificial intelligence technology to enhance the accuracy of user behavior predictions and user profiling, andhence customize our content and product recommendation to optimize user experience.
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Data Privacy and Security
We believe data securityis critical to our business operation. Users must acknowledge the terms and conditions of the user agreement before registering an accountwith us, pursuant to which they consent to our collection, use and disclosure of their data in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.To protect users’ information, we have internal rules and policies governing how we may use and share personal information, andprotocols, technologies and systems guarding against improper access or disclosure of personal information. We collect personal informationand data only with users’ prior consent. We have also adopted a strict data protection policy to ensure the security of our proprietarydata, and back up the important information we gather from our platform. The use of data within our various departments is under our strictsupervision and management. We have outsourced some of our data security work, including cloud storage and anti-hacking, to certain third-partytechnological service providers.
To ensure data security andavoid data leakage, we limit access to our servers that store our user information and internal data on a “need-to-know” basisby establishing stringent internal protocols under which we grant classified access to confidential personal data only to limited employeeswith strictly defined and layered access authority. We have also adopted a data encryption system intended to ensure secure storage andtransmission of data, and to prevent any unauthorized access to use of our data. Furthermore, we implement comprehensive data maskingto fend off potential hacking and security attacks.
In addition, we back up ourdata on a daily basis in various separate secured data back-up systems to minimize the risk of data loss. We also conduct frequent reviewsof our back-up systems to ensure that they are well maintained and function properly.
Inventory Management
We have adopted a smart ERPinventory management system that enables real-time inventory tracking and sales analysis, which helps us monitor and administer warehouseoperations and forecast demand. In addition, our drop shipping system is able to connect our manufacturers to the third-party deliveryservice providers to ensure efficient order shipment.
Moreover, we provide ourinventory management system to physical pet stores and pet hospitals as a SaaS solution and help them manage their business more efficiently.See “Item 4. Information on the Company-4. B. Business Overview-Our Business Model -Offline Distribution Network.”
Intellectual Property
Our trademarks, copyrights,domain names, trade names, trade secrets, patents and other proprietary rights are critical to our success. As of March 31, 2025, we hadfive registered patents, 287 registered trademarks, 49 registered copyrights and 23 registered domain names in China. We rely on patent,trademark, copyright and trade secret protection laws in China and enter into standard confidentiality agreements with all of our employeesto protect our intellectual properties.
Seasonality
We experience seasonalityin our business, primarily as a result of seasonal fluctuations in personal consumption needs and patterns. We typically record highernet revenues in the fourth calendar quarters, primarily because consumers tend to increase their purchases during e-commerce festivalsin China, such as the periods around Double Eleven Shopping Festival (which is an online sales promotion event that falls on November11 of each year) and Double Twelve (which is another online sales promotion event that falls on December 12 of each year). In addition,we typically experience a lower level of sales activity in the first calendar quarters due to the Chinese New Year holiday, during whichthe volumes of online purchases and logistical operations may drop significantly due to vacations and business closures. As a result,we generally generate higher net revenues in quarters ended December 31. Similar to the trends in our net revenues, our cost of revenuesand to a lesser extent, fulfillment expenses, sales and marketing expenses, and general and administrative expenses generally also experienceseasonal fluctuations. Due to our limited operating history, the seasonal trends that we have experienced in the past may not apply to,or be indicative of, our future operating results. See “Item 3. Key Information-Item 3.D. Risk Factors-Risks Related to Our Businessand Industry-Our results of operations are subject to fluctuations due to the seasonality of our business and other events.”
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Regulations
This section sets forth asummary of the most significant rules and regulations that affect our business activities in China.
Regulations on Foreign Investment
The Foreign InvestmentLaw of the PRC, or the Foreign Investment Law, was formally adopted by the National People’s Congress on March 15, 2019 andbecame effective on January 1, 2020. The Foreign Investment Law is formulated to further expand opening-up, vigorously promote foreigninvestment and protect the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investors. According to the Foreign Investment Law, foreign investmentsare entitled to pre-entry national treatment and are subject to negative list management system. The pre-entry national treatment meansthat the treatment given to foreign investors and their investments at the stage of investment access is not lower than that of domesticinvestors and their investments. The negative list management system means that the state implements special administrative proceduresfor access of foreign investment in specific fields. Foreign investors shall not invest in any forbidden fields stipulated in the negativelist and shall meet the conditions stipulated in the negative list before investing in any restricted fields.
Foreign investors’investment, earnings and other legitimate rights and interests within the territory of China shall be protected in accordance with thelaw, and all national policies on supporting the development of enterprises shall equally apply to foreign-invested enterprises. The stateguarantees that foreign-invested enterprises participate in the formulation of standards in an equal manner. The state guarantees thatforeign-invested enterprises participate in government procurement activities through fair competition in accordance with the law. TheState shall not expropriate any foreign investment except under special circumstances. In special circumstances, the state may levy orexpropriate the investment of foreign investors in accordance with the law for the needs of the public interest. The expropriation andrequisition shall be conducted in accordance with legal procedures and timely and reasonable compensation shall be given. In carryingout business activities, foreign-invested enterprises shall comply with relevant provisions on labor protection, social insurance, tax,accounting, foreign exchange and other matters stipulated in laws and regulations.
On December 19, 2020, theNDRC and the MOFCOM jointly promulgated the Measures on the Security Review of Foreign Investment, effective on January 18, 2021,which sets forth provisions concerning the security review mechanism on foreign investment, including the types of investments subjectto review, review scopes and procedures, among others. The Office of the Working Mechanism of the Security Review of Foreign Investment,or the Office of the Working Mechanism, will be established under the NDRC, who will carry out routine work of security review on foreigninvestment. Foreign investor or relevant parties in China must declare the security review to the Office of the Working Mechanism priorto (i) the investments in the military industry, military industrial supporting industry and other fields relating to the security ofnational defense, and investments in areas surrounding military facilities and military industry facilities; and (ii) investments in importantagricultural products, important energy and resources, important equipment manufacturing, important infrastructure, important transportservices, important cultural products and services, important information technology and internet products and services, important financialservices, key technologies and other important fields relating to national security, and obtain control in the target enterprise. Controlexists when the foreign investor (i) holds over 50% equity interests in the target, (ii) has voting rights that can materially impacton the resolutions of the board of directors or shareholders meeting of the target even when it holds less than 50% equity interests inthe target, or (iii) has material impact on the target’s business decisions, human resources, accounting and technology, etc.
From January 1, 2020, theWholly Foreign-Owned Enterprises Law of the PRC, together with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Sino-ForeignEquity Joint Ventures and the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Sino-Foreign Cooperative Joint Ventures shallbe abolished. The organization form, organization and activities of foreign-invested enterprises shall be governed by the laws of theCompany Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Partnership Enterprise Law of the People’s Republic of China.Foreign-invested enterprises established before the implementation of the Foreign Investment Law may retain the original business organizationand so on within five years after the implementation of the Foreign Investment Law.
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On December 26, 2019, theState Council promulgated the Implementation Regulations on the Foreign Investment Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2020,and it further requires that foreign-invested enterprises and domestic enterprises shall be treated equally with respect to policy makingand implementation. Pursuant to the Implementation Regulations on the Foreign Investment Law, if the existing foreign-investedenterprises fail to change their original forms as of January 1, 2025, the relevant market regulation departments will not process otherregistration matters for the enterprises, and may disclose their relevant information to the public.
On December 30, 2019, theMOFCOM and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly issued the Measures for Reporting of Foreign Investment Information,or the Foreign Investment Information Measures, which came into effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced the Interim Administrative Measuresfor the Record-filing of the Establishment and Modification of Foreign-invested Enterprises. Since January 1, 2020, for foreign investorscarrying out investment activities directly or indirectly in the PRC, foreign investors or foreign-invested enterprises shall submit investmentinformation through the Enterprise Registration System and the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System operated by theState Administration for Market Regulation. Foreign investors or foreign-invested enterprises shall disclose their investment informationby submitting reports for their establishments, modifications and cancelations and their annual reports in accordance with the ForeignInvestment Information Measures. If a foreign-invested enterprise investing in the PRC has finished submitting its reports for its establishment,modifications and cancelation and its annual reports, the relevant information will be shared by the competent market regulation departmentto the competent commercial department, and does not require such foreign-invested enterprise to submit the reports separately.
Foreign Investment Industrial Policy
Investment in the PRC conductedby foreign investors and foreign-owned enterprises shall comply with the Catalog for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries,or the Catalog, which was first issued in 1995 and amended from time to time. The most updated Catalog was promulgated by the MOFCOM andthe NDRC, on June 28, 2017 and became effective on July 28, 2017, and contains specific provisions guiding market access of foreign capitaland stipulates in detail the areas of entry pertaining to the categories of encouraged foreign investment industries, restricted foreigninvestment industries and prohibited foreign investment industries. On October 26, 2022, the MOFCOM and the NDRC promulgated the Catalogof Industries for Encouraged Foreign Investment (2022 Edition), or the Encouraging Catalog, which became effective on January1, 2023, to replace the previous Encouraging Catalog. On September 6,2024, the MOFCOM and the NDRC released the SpecialAdministrative Measures for Access of Foreign Investments (2024 Edition), or the Negative List 2024, which became effective on November1, 2024, to replace the previous Negative List. According to the current regulation, any industry not listed in the Negative List 2024is a permitted industry and generally open to foreign investment unless specifically prohibited or restricted by PRC laws and regulations.According to the Negative List 2024, the foreign investment in value-added telecommunications services shall not exceed 50% (excludinge-commerce, domestic multi-party telecommunication, storage and forwarding business, and call center).
Regulations on Value-added TelecommunicationsServices
Foreign Investment in Value-Added Telecommunications
Foreign direct investmentin telecommunications companies in China is regulated by the Administrative Provisions of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises,or the FITE Regulation, which was issued by the State Council on December 11, 2001 and recently amended on March 29, 2022 and effectivefrom May 1, 2022, respectively. The FITE Regulation stipulates that a foreign-invested telecommunications enterprise in the PRC, or theFITE, must be established as a sino-foreign equity joint venture for operations in the PRC. Under the FITE Regulation and in accordancewith WTO-related agreements, the foreign party investing in a FITE engaging in value-added telecommunications services may hold up to50% of the ultimate equity interests of the FITE. The FITE must obtain approvals from the MIIT and the MOFCOM or their authorized localcounterparts, which retain considerable discretion in granting approvals. Furthermore, the foreign party investing in e-commerce business,as a type of value-added telecommunications services, has been allowed to hold up to 100% of the equity interests of the FITE based onthe Circular of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Removing the Restrictions on Shareholding Ratio Held by ForeignInvestors in Online Data Processing and Transaction Processing (Operating E-commerce) Business issued on June 19, 2015 and the currenteffective Catalog of Telecommunications Services, or the Telecom Catalog.
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On July 13, 2006, the Ministryof Information Industry of the PRC, or the MII (which is the predecessor of the MIIT) promulgated the Notice of the Ministry of InformationIndustry on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-added Telecommunications Services, or the MII Notice,which reiterates certain requirements of the FITE Regulations and strengthens the administration by the MII. Under the MII Notice, ifa foreign investor intends to invest in PRC value-added telecommunications business, the FITE must be established to apply for the relevanttelecommunications business licenses. In addition, a domestic company that holds a license for the provision of value-added telecommunicationsservices is prohibited from leasing, transferring or selling the license to foreign investors in any form, and from providing any assistance,including providing resources, sites or facilities, to foreign investors to conduct value-added telecommunications businesses illegallyin China. Trademarks and domain names that are used in the provision of value-added telecommunications services must be owned by the licenseholder or its shareholders. The MII Notice also requires that each value-added telecommunications services license holder have appropriatefacilities for its approved business operations and to maintain such facilities in the business regions covered by its license. The value-addedtelecommunications services license holder shall perfect relevant measures for safeguarding the network and information, establish relevantadministrative system for information safety, set up the procedures for handling emergencies of network and information safety and implementthe liabilities of information safety.
Telecommunications Regulations
The TelecommunicationsRegulations of the People’s Republic of China, or the Telecom Regulations, promulgated on September 25, 2000 and amended onJuly 29, 2014 and February 6, 2016 respectively, are the primary PRC laws governing telecommunications services, and set out the generalframework for the provision of telecommunications services by domestic PRC companies. The Telecom Regulations require that telecommunicationsservice providers shall obtain operating licenses prior to commencing operations. The Telecom Regulations draw a distinction between basictelecommunications services and value-added telecommunications services. The Telecom Catalog, promulgated by MII onFebruary 21, 2003 and issued as an attachment to the Telecom Regulations and amended by the MIIT on December 28, 2015 and June 6, 2019,identifies Internet information services and online data processing and transaction processing as value-added telecommunications services.
On July 3, 2017, the MIITissued the revised Administrative Measures for the Licensing of Telecommunications Business, or the Telecom License Measures, whichbecame effective on September 1, 2017, to supplement the Telecom Regulations. The Telecom License Measures require that an operator ofvalue-added telecommunications services obtain a value-added telecommunications business operating license from the MIIT or its provinciallevel counterparts. The term of a value-added telecommunications business license is five years and subject to annual inspection.
Internet Information Services
The Administrative Measuresfor Internet Information Services, or the Measures for Internet, was promulgated by State Council on September 25, 2000, most recentlyamended on December 6, 2024 and became effective on January 20, 2025. Pursuant to the Measures for Internet, the Internet informationservices providers, also referred to as Internet content providers, or ICPs, that provide commercial services are required to obtain theICP License from the MIIT or its provincial counterpart before engaging in any commercial Internet information service operations in thePRC.
Internet information serviceproviders are required to monitor their websites. They may not post or disseminate any content that falls within prohibited categoriesprovided by laws or administrative regulations and must stop providing any such content on their websites. The PRC government may orderICP License holders that violate the content restrictions to correct those violations and revoke their ICP Licenses under serious conditions.
The MIIT released the Circularon Regulating the Use of Domain Names in Internet Information Services on November 27, 2017, effective from January 1, 2018, whichprovides that the domain names used by the Internet information service provider in providing Internet information services shall be registeredand owned by such Internet information service provider, and if the Internet information service provider is a legal entity, the domainname registrant shall be the legal entity (or any of its shareholders), or its principal or senior manager.
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Mobile Internet Applications Information Services
On June 28, 2016, the CAC,promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet Applications Information Services, or the APP Provisions, which wasamended on June 14, 2022 and took effect on August 1, 2022. Under the APP Provisions, mobile application providers are prohibited fromengaging in any activity that may endanger national security, disturb the social order, or infringe the legal rights of third parties,and may not produce or disseminate through internet mobile applications any content prohibited by laws and regulations. The APP Provisionsalso require application providers to procure relevant qualifications required by laws and regulations to provide services through suchapplications and require application distribution platforms to file a record with local branches of the CAC within 30 days after theironline operation.
Furthermore, on December16, 2016, the MIIT promulgated the Interim Measures on the Administration of Pre-Installation and Distribution of Applications forMobile Smart Terminals, which took effect on July 1, 2017 and requires, among others, that internet information service providersshould ensure that a mobile application, as well as its ancillary resource files, configuration files and user data can be uninstalledby a user on a convenient basis, unless it is a basic function software, which refers to a software that supports the normal functioningof hardware and operating system of a mobile smart device.
Regulations on Online Transmission of Audio-VisualProgram
On December 20, 2007, theState Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or the SARFT (which is the predecessor of State Administration of Press, Publication,Radio, Film and Television, or the SAPPRFT) and the MII, jointly promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Audio-visualProgram Service, or the Audio-visual Program Provisions, effective January 31, 2008 and amended on August 28, 2015. The Audio-visualProgram Provisions apply to the provision of audio-visual program services to the public via internet (including mobile network) withinChina. Providers of internet audio-visual program services are required to obtain a License for Online Transmission of Audio-visual Programsissued by the SARFT or complete certain registration procedures with the SARFT. Providers of internet audiovisual program services aregenerally required to be either state-owned or state-controlled by the PRC government, and the business to be carried out by such providersmust satisfy the overall planning and guidance catalog for internet audio-visual program service determined by the SARFT. In a press conferencejointly held by the SARFT and MII in 2008, the SARFT and MII clarified that providers of internet audio-visual program services who hadengaged in such services prior to the promulgation of the Audio-visual Program Provisions shall be eligible to register their businessesand continue their operations of internet audio-visual program services so long as those providers have not been in violation of the lawsand regulations.
On April 8, 2008, the SARFTissued the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Application and Approval of License for Online Transmission of Audio-visual Programs,as amended on August 28, 2015, which further sets forth detailed provisions concerning the application and approval process regardingthe License for Online Transmission of Audio-visual Programs. The notice also provides that providers of internet audio-visual programservices who engaged in such services prior to the promulgation of the Audio-visual Program Provisions shall also be eligible to applyfor the license so long as their violation of the laws and regulations is minor and can be rectified timely and they have no records ofviolation during the latest three months prior to the promulgation of the Audio-visual Program Provisions. The SARFT further issued theNotice on Strengthening the Administration of Television Drama and Films Transmitted via Internet on December 28, 2007 and theNotice on Further Implementing the Administration of Overseas Television Drama and Films Transmitted via Internet on September2, 2014. According to these notices, the audio-visual programs of film and drama category published to the public through informationnetwork shall be television drama under the Permit for Issuance of Television Drama, films under the Permit for Public Projection of Films,cartoons under the Permit for Issuance of Cartoons or academic literature movies and television plays under the Permit for Public Projectionof Academic Literature Movies and Television Plays. Providers of such services shall obtain the prior consents from copyright owners ofall such audio-visual programs.
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The Classified Categoriesof the Internet Audio-Video Program Services (for Trial Implementation), or the Audio-video Program Categories, promulgated by theSAPPRFT on March 10, 2017, classifies internet audio/video program services into detailed categories.
On October 31, 2018, theNational Radio and Television Administration issued the Notice on Further Strengthening the Management of Radio and Television andNetwork Audiovisual Programs, or the Notice 60. According to Notice 60, all radio and television broadcasting institutes, networkaudiovisual program service institutes and program production institutes shall stick to the right political direction and strengthen valueguidance; pursue people-centered creative orientation to curb bad tendencies such as pursuing celebrities, pan-entertainment and so on;persist in providing high-quality content, constantly innovate programs, and strictly control the remuneration of guests.
Regulations on Feeds and Feed Additives
The State Council promulgatedthe Administrative Regulations on Feed and Feed Additives on May 29, 1999, as amended on November 29, 2001, November 3, 2011, December7, 2013, February 6, 2016 and March 1, 2017. Pursuant to the Administrative Regulations on Feed and Feed Additives, the operatorsof feed and feed additives shall inspect product labels, product quality inspection certificates and the corresponding licensing documentswhen purchasing such products and no operator of feed or feed additives may unpack or repack any feed or feed additives or reprocess oradd any other substance into any feed or feed additives.
On April 27, 2018, the Ministryof Agriculture and Rural Affairs promulgated a series of announcements, including the Administrative Measures for Pet Feed, thePermit Conditions for Pet Feed Manufacturers, the Pet Feed Labeling Regulations, the Pet Feed Hygienic Regulations, theRequirements for Pet Compound Feed Production Licensing Application Materials and the Requirements for Pet AdditivePremix Feed Production License Application Materials, which further set forth detailed provisions concerning the production, operationand usage of animal feed and feed additives.
Regulations on Veterinary Drugs
On April 9, 2004, State Councilpromulgated the Regulation on Veterinary Drug Administration, which was amended on July 29, 2014, February 6, 2016 and March 27,2020. Pursuant to the Regulation on Veterinary Drug Administration, the distribution of veterinary drug requires a Veterinary DrugDistribution License. The Veterinary Drug Distribution License shall indicate such details as the scope of business, place of business,validity period, name of the legal representative, and domicile. The validity period of a Veterinary Drug Distribution License is fiveyears.
The veterinary drug distributorsin the PRC shall also comply with the Norms for the Business Operation and Quality Management of Veterinary Drugs, or the GSP,which was promulgated by the Ministry of Agriculture on January 15, 2010 and amended on November 30, 2017. GSP is a set of standards relatingto the quality management in the distribution of veterinary drugs in the PRC. It sets standards regulating veterinary drug distributorswith respect to distribution sites, equipment, personnel, bylaws, purchases, warehousing, distribution and freight.
On July 31, 2007, the Ministryof Agriculture and the General Administration of Customs promulgated the Administrative Measures for the Import of Veterinary Drugs,or the Veterinary Drugs Import Measures, which was amended on April 25, 2019 and January 7, 2022. Pursuant to the Veterinary Drugs ImportMeasures, the Customs Clearance Document for Imported Veterinary Drugs shall be obtained for the import of veterinary drugs. The CustomsClearance Document for Imported Veterinary Drugs shall be applied for by a Chinese domestic agent to the veterinary administrative departmentunder the provincial people’s government at the locality of the veterinary drug import port. The Veterinary Drugs Import Measuresalso stipulates that no overseas enterprise may directly sell veterinary drugs within the territory of China. The imported veterinarybiological products shall be sold by a veterinary drug enterprise within the territory of China as an agent; but no wholly foreign-investedenterprise, sino-foreign equity joint venture or sino-foreign contractual joint venture may sell the imported veterinary biological products.
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Regulations on E-Commerce
On January 26, 2014, theSAIC (which is the predecessor of the State administration for Market Regulation) promulgated the Administrative Measures for OnlineTrading, or the Online Trading Measures, which became effective on March 15, 2014, to regulate all operating activities for productsales and services provision via the internet (including mobile internet). It stipulates the obligations of online products operatorsand services providers and certain special requirements applicable to third-party platform operators. On March 15, 2021, the State Administrationfor Market Regulation promulgated the Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Online Trading, which was latest promulgatedon March 18, 2025, became effective on May 1, 2025, and totally replaced the Online Trading Measures. Furthermore, the MOFCOM promulgatedthe Provisions on the Procedures for Formulating Transaction Rules of Third-Party Online Retail Platforms (Trial) on December 24,2014, which became effective on April 1, 2015, to guide and regulate the formulation, revision and enforcement of transaction rules byonline retail third-party platforms operators. These measures impose more stringent requirements and obligations on third-party platformoperators. For example, third-party platform operators are obligated to make public and file their transaction rules with MOFCOM or theirrespective provincial counterparts, examine and register the legal status of each third-party merchant selling products or services ontheir platforms and display on a prominent location on a merchant’s webpage the information stated in the merchant’s businesslicense or a link to its business license. Where third-party platform operators also conduct self-operation of products or services onthe platform, these third-party platform operators must make a clear distinction between their online direct sales and sales of third-partymerchant products on their third-party platforms to avoid misleading the consumers.
On August 31, 2018, the SCNPCpromulgated the E-Commerce Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the E-Commerce Law, which became effective on January1, 2019. The promulgation of the E-Commerce Law established the basic legal framework for the development of China’s E-Commercebusiness and clarified the obligations of the operators of E-Commerce platforms and the possible legal consequences if operators of E-commerceplatforms are found to be in violation of legally prescribed obligations. For example, pursuant to the E-Commerce Law, all e-commerceoperators shall (i) register themselves as market subjects according to the law, except for individuals selling self-produced agriculturaland sideline products or family handicrafts, applying their own skills in labor activities that are exempted from registration, or engagedin odd small-amount transaction activities that do not require any license under the law; (ii) fulfill their tax obligations and enjoytax incentives in accordance with the law; (iii) always have information about its own business license, the administrative license issuedfor its business, and its status as a party that is not required to register itself as a market subject, or the link to a webpage withsuch information published in a prominent position on its homepage; (iv) bear the likely risks and responsibilities when commodities arein transit, except when consumers select separate express logistics service providers; and (v) provide clear notice to consumers for tie-insales and shall not set tie-in commodities or services as the default option. Further, e-commerce operators that possess dominant marketpositions shall not abuse their market dominance to eliminate or restrict competition.
In addition, the E-commerceLaw provides that platform operators shall (i) verify and register the identity, address, contact and administrative license of e-commerceoperators applying to sell commodities or provide services on its platform, establish registration archives and have them verified andupdated regularly; (ii) record and save information released on its platform about commodities and services and deals concluded for aperiod of three years (unless otherwise stipulated), and ensure the completeness, confidentiality and availability of such information;(iii) use noticeable labels to clearly identify any business that it conducts on its own platform. A platform operator shall not imposeunreasonable restrictions over or add unjustified conditions to transactions concluded on its platform by e-commerce operators, nor shalla platform operator charge e-commerce operators on its platform any unreasonable fees.
Violation of the provisionsof the E-Commerce Law may entail being ordered to make corrections within a prescribed period of time, confiscation of gains illegallyobtained, fines, suspension of business, inclusion of such violations in the credit records and possible civil liabilities. If a platformoperator knows, or should have known, that an e-commerce operator has conducted acts infringing on the legitimate rights and interestsof consumers, but the platform operator fails to take any necessary measure, the platform operator shall be held jointly and severallyliable with the e-commerce operator. Where a platform operator fails to examine the qualifications of the e-commerce operators on itsplatform or fails to protect the safety of its consumers in respect of goods or services that may affect the consumer’s health,the platform operator shall bear corresponding liability to the consumers. Where a platform operator fails to take necessary measuresagainst violations of intellectual property rights by e-commerce operators on its platform, the relevant administrative departments ofintellectual property may order the platform operator to make corrections within the required time limit; where it fails to make correctionswithin the required time limit, the platform operator may face administrative fines of up to RMB2,000,000.
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Regulations on Product Quality
According to the ProductQuality Law of the People’s Republic of China, which was effective as from September 1, 1993 and amended by the SCNPC on July8, 2000, August 27, 2009 and December 29, 2018, respectively, products for sale must satisfy relevant safety standards and sellers shalladopt measures to maintain the quality of products for sale. Sellers may not mix impurities or imitations into products, or pass counterfeitgoods off as genuine ones, or defective products as good ones or substandard products as standard ones. For sellers, any violation ofstate or industrial standards for health and safety or other requirements may result in civil liabilities and administrative penalties,such as compensation for damages, fines, confiscation of products illegally manufactured or sold and the proceeds from the sales of suchproducts illegally manufactured or sold and even revoking business license; in addition, severe violations may subject the responsibleindividual or enterprise to criminal liabilities.
In addition to ProductQuality Law of the People’s Republic of China, there are also other PRC laws that apply to the product liability. Under theCivil Code of the People’s Republic of China, which became effective on January 1, 2021, if a substandard product causesproperty damage or physical injury to others, the producer or seller shall bear civil liability according to Law. If the transporter orstorekeeper is responsible for the matter, the producer or seller shall have the right to demand compensation for its losses.
Regulations on Consumer Protection
According to the ConsumersRights and Interests Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the Consumers Rights and Interests Protection Law,which became effective on January 1, 1994 and was amended by the SCNPC on August 27, 2009 and October 25, 2013 respectively, businessoperators should guarantee that the products and services they provide satisfy the requirements for personal or property safety, and provideconsumers with authentic information about the quality, function, usage and term of validity of the products or services. The consumerswhose interests have been damaged due to the products or services that they purchase or accept on the internet trading platforms may claimdamages to sellers or service providers. Where the operators of the online trading platforms are unable to provide the real names, addressesand valid contact details of the sellers or service providers, the consumers may also claim damages to the operators of the online tradingplatforms. Operators of online trading platforms that clearly knew or should have known that sellers or service providers use their platformsto infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of consumers but fail to take necessary measures must bear joint and several liabilitieswith the sellers or service providers. Moreover, if business operators deceive consumers or knowingly sell substandard or defective products,they should not only compensate consumers for their losses, but also pay additional damages equal to three times the price of the goodsor services.
On January 6, 2017, the SAICissued the Interim Measures for Seven-day Unconditional Return of Online Purchased Goods, which became effective on March 15, 2017and amended on October 23, 2020, further clarifying the scope of consumers’ rights to make returns without a reason, including exceptions,return procedures and online trading platform operators’ responsibility to formulate seven-day unconditional return rules and relatedconsumer protection systems, and supervise the merchants for compliance with these rules.
Regulations on Pricing
In China, the prices of asmall number of products and services are guided or fixed by the government. According to the Pricing Law of the People’s Republicof China, or the Pricing Law, promulgated by the SCNPC on December 29, 1997 and became effective on May 1, 1998, business operatorsmust, as required by the government departments in charge of pricing, mark the prices explicitly and indicate the name, origin of production,specifications and other related particulars clearly. Business operators may not sell products at a premium or charge any fees that arenot explicitly indicated. Business operators must not commit the specified unlawful pricing activities, such as colluding with othersto manipulate the market price, using false or misleading prices to deceive consumers to transact, or conducting price discriminationagainst other business operators. Failure to comply with the Pricing Law may subject business operators to administrative sanctions suchas warning, ceasing unlawful activities, compensation, confiscating illegal gains and fines. The business operators may be ordered tosuspend business for rectification or have their business licenses revoked under severe circumstances.
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Regulations on Advertising
In 1994, the SCNPC promulgatedthe Advertising Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the Advertising Law, which was recently revised on April 29, 2021and became effective on the same date. The Advertising Law regulates commercial advertising activities in the PRC and sets out the obligationsof advertisers, advertising operators, advertising publishers and advertisement endorser, and prohibits any advertisement from containingany obscenity, pornography, gambling, superstition, terrorism or violence-related content. Any advertiser in violation of such requirementson advertisement content will be ordered to cease publishing such advertisements and imposed a fine, the business license of such advertisermay be revoked, and the relevant authorities may revoke the approval document for advertisement examination and refuse to accept applicationssubmitted by such advertiser for one year. In addition, any advertising operator or advertising publisher in violation of such requirementswill be imposed a fine, and the advertisement fee received will be confiscated; in severe circumstances, the business license of suchadvertising operator or advertising publisher may be revoked.
The Measures for the Administrationof Internet Advertising, or the Internet Advertising Measures, regulating the internet-based advertising activities were promulgatedby the SAMR on February 25, 2023 and became effective on May 1, 2023. According to the Internet Advertising Measures, internet advertisersare responsible for the authenticity of the advertisements content and all online advertisements must be marked “Advertisement”so that viewers can easily identify them as such. Publishing and circulating advertisements through the Internet shall not affect thenormal use of the Internet by users. It is not allowed to induce users to click on the content of advertisements by any fraudulent means,or to attach advertisements or advertising links in the emails without permission.
Regulations on Cyber Security and Privacy
The PRC Constitution statesthat the PRC laws protect the freedom and privacy of communications of citizens and prohibit infringement of such rights. PRC governmentauthorities have enacted laws and regulations with respect to internet information security and protection of personal information fromany abuse or unauthorized disclosure, and which includes the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congresson Internet Security Protection enacted and amended by the SCNPC on December 28, 2000 and August 27, 2009, respectively, the Provisionson the Technical Measures for Internet Security Protection issued by the Ministry of Public Security on December 13, 2005 and tookeffect on March 1, 2006, the Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Strengthening Network InformationProtection promulgated by the SCNPC on December 28, 2012, the Several Provisions on Regulating the Market Order of Internet InformationServices promulgated by the MIIT on December 29, 2011, and the Provisions on Protection of Personal Information of Telecommunicationand Internet Users released by the MIIT on July 16, 2013. Internet information in China is regulated and restricted from a nationalsecurity standpoint.
The Provisions on Protectionof Personal Information of Telecommunication and Internet Users regulate the collection and use of users’ personal informationin the provision of telecommunications services and Internet information services in the PRC. Telecommunication business operators andInternet service providers are required to institute and disclose their own rules for the collecting and use of users’ information.Telecommunication business operators and Internet service providers must specify the purposes, manners and scopes of information collectionand uses, obtain consent of the relevant citizens, and keep the collected personal information confidential. Telecommunication businessoperators and Internet service providers are prohibited from disclosing, tampering with, damaging, selling or illegally providing otherswith, collected personal information. Telecommunication business operators and Internet service providers are required to take technicaland other measures to prevent the collected personal information from any unauthorized disclosure, damage or loss. Once users terminatethe use of telecommunications services or Internet information services, telecommunications business operators and Internet informationservice providers shall stop the collection and use of the personal information of users and provide the users with services for deregisteringtheir account numbers.
The Provisions on ProtectingPersonal Information of Telecommunication and Internet Users further define the personal information of user to include user name,birth date, identification number, address, phone number, account number, passcode, and other information that may be used to identifythe user independently or in combination with other information and the timing, places, etc. of the use of services by the users. Furthermore,according to the Interpretations on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Handling of Criminal Cases Involving Infringementof Citizens’ Personal Information, or the Interpretations, issued by the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’sProcuratorate on May 8, 2017 and took effect on June 1, 2017, personal information means various information recorded electronically orthrough other manners, which may be used to identify individuals or activities of individuals, including but not limited to the name,identification number, contact information, address, user account number and passcode, property ownership and whereabouts.
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On November 1, 2015, theNinth Amendment to the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China issued by the SCNPC became effective, pursuant to which,any internet service provider that fails to comply with obligations related to internet information security administration as requiredby applicable laws and refuses to rectify upon order is subject to criminal penalty for (i) any large-scale dissemination of illegal information;(ii) any severe consequences due to the leakage of the user information; (iii) any serious loss of criminal evidence; or (iv) other severecircumstances. Furthermore, any individual or entity that (i) sells or distributes personal information in a manner which violates relevantregulations, or (ii) steals or illegally obtains any personal information is subject to criminal penalty in severe circumstances.
On June 1, 2017, the CyberSecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the Cyber Security Law, promulgated by SCNPC took effect, which is formulatedto maintain the network security, safeguard the cyberspace sovereignty, national security and public interests, protect the lawful rightsand interests of citizens, legal persons and other organizations, and requires that a network operator, which includes, among others,internet information services providers, take technical measures and other necessary measures to safeguard the safe and stable operationof the networks, effectively respond to the network security incidents, prevent illegal and criminal activities, and maintain the integrity,confidentiality and availability of network data. The Cyber Security Law reaffirms the basic principles and requirements set forth inother existing laws and regulations on personal information protections and strengthens the obligations and requirements of internet serviceproviders, which include but are not limited to: (i) keeping all user information collected strictly confidential and setting up a comprehensiveuser information protection system; (ii) abiding by the principles of legality, rationality and necessity in the collection and use ofuser information and disclosure of the rules, purposes, methods and scopes of collection and use of user information; and (iii) protectingusers’ personal information from being leaked, tampered with, destroyed or provided to third parties. Any violation of the provisionsand requirements under the Cyber Security Law and other related regulations and rules may result in administrative liabilities such aswarnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses, suspension of business, and shutting down of websites, or, insevere cases, criminal liabilities. After the release of the Cyber Security Law, on April 13, 2020, the CAC together with other relevantadministrative departments jointly promulgated Cybersecurity Review Measures, which was subsequently amended on December 28, 2021and became effective on February 15, 2022.
The recommended nationalstandard, Information Security Technology Personal Information Security Specification, puts forward specific refinement requirementson the collection, preservation, use and commission processing, sharing, transfer, public disclosure, etc. Although it is not mandatory,in the absence of clear implementation rules and standards for the law on Cyber security and other personal information protection, itwill be used as the basis for judging and making determinations.
On August 20, 2021, the SCNPCpromulgated the Personal Information Protection Law of People’s Republic of China, which became effective on November 1,2021. It stipulates the scope of personal information and the ways of processing personal information, establishes rules for processingpersonal information and for transfer offshore, and clarifies the individual’s rights and the processor’s obligations in theprocessing of personal information.
On June 10, 2021, the SCNPCpromulgated the Data Security Law of People’s Republic of China, which became effective on September 1, 2021. It is formulatedso as to regulate the handling of data, ensure data security, promote the development and exploitation of data, protect the legitimaterights and interests of citizens and organizations, and preserve state sovereignty, security, and development interests. The law stipulatesthat the carrying out of data handling activities shall obey laws and regulations, respect social mores and ethics, comply with commercialethics and professional ethics, be honest and trustworthy, perform obligations to protect data security, and undertake social responsibility;it must not endanger national security, the public interest, or individuals’ and organizations’ lawful rights and interests.Furthermore, the Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities in Accordance with the Law, or the Opinionson Strictly Cracking Down on Illegal Securities Activities, which were issued by the General Office of the State Council and another authorityon July 6, 2021, require the speedup of the revision of the provisions on strengthening the confidentiality and archives coordinationbetween regulators related to overseas issuance and listing of securities, and improvement to the laws and regulations related to datasecurity, cross-border data flow, and management of confidential information.
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On September 24, 2024, theCAC released the Regulations for the Administration of Network Data Security, which became effective on January 1, 2025, pursuantto which, data processors shall adopt backup, encryption, access control or other necessary measures to protect data from leakage, theft,tampering with, damage, loss and illegal use, to respond to data security incidents, and to guard against illegal and criminal activitiestargeting or using data, in order to maintain the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data. On July 7, 2022, the CAC promulgatedthe Data Outbound Transfer Security Assessment Measures or the Security Assessment Measures, which took effect on September 1,2022. The Security Assessment Measures provides that, among others, data processors shall apply to competent authorities for securityassessment when transferring important data abroad or when, in the case of a critical information infrastructure operator, or a personalinformation processor that has processed personal information of more than one million individual, transferring personal information abroad.
Regulations on Intellectual Property
China has adopted comprehensivelegislation governing intellectual property rights, including copyrights, trademarks, patents and domain names. China is a signatory tothe primary international conventions on intellectual property rights and has been a member of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspectsof Intellectual Property Rights since its accession to the World Trade Organization on December 11, 2001.
Copyright
On September 7, 1990, theSCNPC promulgated the Copyright Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the Copyright Law, effective on June 1, 1991 andamended on October 27, 2001, February 26, 2010 and November 11, 2020, respectively. The amended Copyright Law extends copyright protectionto internet activities, products disseminated over the Internet and software products. In addition, there is a voluntary registrationsystem administered by the Copyright Protection Center of China. According to the Copyright Law, Chinese citizens, legal persons, or otherorganizations shall, whether published or not, own copyright in their copyrightable works, which include, among others, works of literature,art, natural science, social science, engineering technology and computer software. Copyright owners enjoy certain legal rights, includingright of publication, right of authorship and right of reproduction. An infringer of the copyrights shall be subject to various civilliabilities, which include ceasing infringement activities, apologizing to the copyright owners and compensating the loss of copyrightowner. Infringers of copyright may also be subject to fines and/or administrative or criminal liabilities in severe situations.
Under the Regulationson the Protection of the Right to Network Dissemination of Information that took effect on July 1, 2006 and was amended on January30, 2013, it is further provided that an Internet information service provider may be held liable under various situations, includingthat if it knows or should reasonably have known a copyright infringement through the Internet and the service provider fails to takemeasures to remove or block or disconnect links to the relevant content, or, although not aware of the infringement, the Internet informationservice provider fails to take such measures upon receipt of the copyright holder’s notice of such infringement.
In order to further implementthe Regulations on Computer Software Protection, promulgated by the State Council on June 4, 1991 and recently amended on January30, 2013, the National Copyright Administration issued the Measures for the Registration of Computer Software Copyright on February20, 2002, which specify detailed procedures and requirements with respect to the registration of software copyrights.
Trademark
According to the TrademarkLaw of the People’s Republic of China promulgated by the SCNPC on August 23, 1982, and amended on February 22, 1993, October27, 2001, August 30, 2013 and April 23, 2019 respectively, the Trademark Office of the SAIC is responsible for the registration and administrationof trademarks in China. The SAIC under the State Council has established a Trademark Review and Adjudication Board for resolving trademarkdisputes. Registered trademarks are valid for ten years from the date the registration is approved. A registrant may apply to renew aregistration within 12 months before the expiration date of the registration. If the registrant fails to apply in a timely manner, a graceperiod of six additional months may be granted. If the registrant fails to apply before the grace period expires, the registered trademarkshall be deregistered. Renewed registrations are valid for ten years. On April 29, 2014, the State Council issued the revised ImplementingRegulations of the Trademark Law of the People’s Republic of China, which specified the requirements of applying for trademarkregistration and renewal.
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Patent
According to the PatentLaw of the People’s Republic of China, or the Patent Law, promulgated by the SCNPC on March 12, 1984 and amended on September4, 1992, August 25, 2000, December 27, 2008 and October 17, 2020, respectively, and the Implementation Rules of the Patent Law of thePeople’s Republic of China, or the Implementation Rules of the Patent Law, promulgated by the State Council on June 15, 2001and revised on December 28, 2002 and January 9, 2010, the patent administrative department under the State Council is responsible forthe administration of patent-related work nationwide and the patent administration departments of provincial or autonomous regions ormunicipal governments are responsible for administering patents within their respective administrative areas. The Patent Law and ImplementationRules of the Patent Law provide for three types of patents, namely “inventions,” “utility models” and “designs.”Invention patents are valid for twenty years, while utility model patents are valid for ten years, and design patents are valid for fifteenyears, in each case from the date of application. The Chinese patent system adopts a “first come, first file” principle, whichmeans that where more than one person files a patent application for the same invention, a patent will be granted to the person who filesthe application first. An invention or a utility model must possess novelty, inventiveness and practical applicability to be patentable.Third Parties must obtain consent or a proper license from the patent owner to use the patent. Otherwise, the unauthorized use constitutesan infringement on the patent rights.
Domain Names
On May 29, 2012, the ChinaInternet Network Information Center, or the CNNIC, issued the Implementing Rules for Domain Name Registration, which took effecton May 29, 2012, setting forth the detailed rules for registration of domain names. On June 18, 2019, the CNNIC promulgated the ImplementingRules for the Registration of National Top-level Domain Names, which became effective on the same day and totally replaced the ImplementingRules for Domain Name Registration. On August 24, 2017, the MIIT promulgated the Administrative Measures for Internet Domain Names,or the Domain Name Measures, which became effective on November 1, 2017. The Domain Name Measures regulate the registration of domainnames, such as the China’s national top-level domain name “.CN”. According to the Domain Name Measures, the MIIT isin charge of the administration of PRC internet domain names. The domain name registration follows a first-to-file principle. Applicantsfor registration of domain names shall provide the true, accurate and complete information of their identities to domain name registrationservice institutions. The applicants will become the holder of such domain names upon the completion of the registration procedure. Accordingto the Implementing Rules for the Registration of National Top-level Domain Names, if any entity or person considers that a domainname registered by any other person conflicts with its or his lawful rights or interests, it or he may file a complaint with a disputeresolution service provider.
Regulations on Foreign Exchange
The principal regulationsgoverning foreign currency exchange in China are the Administrative Regulations on Foreign Exchange of the People’s Republicof China, or the Foreign Exchange Administrative Regulation, which were promulgated by the State Council on January 29, 1996, becameeffective on April 1, 1996 and was subsequently amended on January 14, 1997 and August 5, 2008 and the Administrative Regulations onForeign Exchange Settlement, Sales and Payment which was promulgated by the People’s Bank of China, or the PBOC, on June 20,1996 and became effective on July 1, 1996. Under these regulations, payments of current account items, such as profit distributions andtrade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from State Foreign ExchangeAdministration of the People’s Republic of China, or the SAFE, by complying with certain procedural requirements. By contrast, approvalfrom or registration with appropriate government authorities is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remittedout of China to pay capital account items such as the repayment of foreign currency denominated loans, direct investment overseas andinvestments in securities or derivative products outside of the PRC. FIEs are permitted to convert their after tax dividends into foreignexchange and to remit such foreign exchange out of their foreign exchange bank accounts in the PRC.
On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgatedthe Notice on Reforming the Administration of Foreign Exchange Settlement of Capital of Foreign-invested Enterprises, or the SAFECircular 19, which took effect on June 1, 2015. According to SAFE Circular 19, the foreign currency capital contribution to an FIE inits capital account may be converted into RMB on a discretional basis.
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On June 9, 2016, the SAFEpromulgated the Circular on Reforming and Regulating Policies on the Management of the Settlement of Foreign Exchange of Capital Accounts,or the SAFE Circular 16. The SAFE Circular 16 unifies the discretional foreign exchange settlement for all the domestic institutions.The Discretional Foreign Exchange Settlement refers to the foreign exchange capital in the capital account which has been confirmed bythe relevant policies subject to the discretional foreign exchange settlement (including foreign exchange capital, foreign loans and fundsremitted from the proceeds from the overseas listing) can be settled at the banks based on the actual operational needs of the domesticinstitutions. The proportion of Discretional Foreign Exchange Settlement of the foreign exchange capital is temporarily determined as100%. Violations of SAFE Circular 19 or SAFE Circular 16 could result in administrative penalties in accordance with the Foreign ExchangeAdministrative Regulation and relevant provisions.
Furthermore, SAFE Circular16 stipulates that the use of foreign exchange incomes of capital accounts by FIEs shall follow the principles of authenticity and self-usewithin the business scope of the enterprises. The foreign exchange incomes of capital accounts and capital in RMB obtained by the FIEfrom foreign exchange settlement shall not be used for the following purposes: (i) directly or indirectly used for the payment beyondthe business scope of the enterprises or the payment prohibited by relevant laws and regulations; (ii) directly or indirectly used forinvestment in securities or financial schemes other than bank guaranteed products unless otherwise provided by relevant laws and regulations;(iii) used for granting loans to nonaffiliated enterprises, unless otherwise permitted by its business scope; and (iv) used for the constructionor purchase of real estate that is not for self-use (except for the real estate enterprises).
On October 23, 2019, theSAFE promulgated the Notice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Promoting the Convenience of Cross-border Tradeand Investment, or the SAFE Circular 28. The SAFE Circular 28 stipulates that non-investment FIEs may use capital to carry out domesticequity investment in accordance with the law under the premise of not violating the Negative list and the projects invested are true andin compliance with laws and regulations.
On December 4, 2023, SAFEpromulgated the Notice on Further Deepening the Reform to Facilitate Cross-border Trade and Investment, which relaxed restrictions onthe scale of preliminary expenses for overseas direct investment, and facilitated the payment and use of funds obtained from equity transfersunder domestic reinvestment and funds raised from overseas listing of foreign direct investment.
Regulations on Dividend Distributions
The principal regulationsgoverning distribution of dividends of wholly foreign-owned enterprise, or the WFOE, include the PRC Company Law. Under these regulations,WFOEs in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with the PRC accounting standardsand regulations. In addition, FIEs in the PRC are required to allocate at least 10% of their accumulated profits each year, if any, tofund certain reserve funds unless these reserves have reached 50% of the registered capital of the enterprises. These reserves are notdistributable as cash dividends.
Regulations on Foreign Debts
A loan made by foreign investorsas shareholders in a foreign-invested enterprise is considered to be foreign debt in the PRC and is regulated by various laws and regulations,including the Foreign Exchange Administrative Regulation, the Interim Provisions on the Management of Foreign Debts promulgatedby SAFE, the NDRC and the Ministry of Finance, or the MOF, and took effect on March 1, 2003 and the Administrative Measures for Registrationof Foreign Debts promulgated by SAFE on April 28, 2013 and amended by the Notice of the SAFE on Abolishing and Amending the NormativeDocuments Related to the Reform of the Registered Capital Registration System on May 4, 2015. Under these rules, a shareholder loanin the form of foreign debt made to a Chinese entity does not require the prior approval of SAFE. However, such foreign debt must be registeredwith and recorded by local banks. The SAFE Circular 28 provides that a nonfinancial enterprise in the pilot areas may register the permittedamounts of foreign debts, which is as twice of the nonfinancial enterprise’s net assets, at the local foreign exchange bureau. Suchnonfinancial enterprise may borrow foreign debts within the permitted amounts and directly handle the relevant procedures in banks withoutregistration of each foreign debt. However, the nonfinancial enterprise shall report its international income and expenditure regularly.
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Regulations on Offshore Special Purpose Companies Held by PRCResidents
SAFE promulgated Noticeon Issues Relating to Foreign Exchange Administration over the Overseas Investment and Financing and Round-trip Investment by DomesticResidents via Special Purpose Vehicles, or the SAFE Circular 37, on July 4, 2014 that requires PRC residents or entities to registerwith SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseasinvestment or financing. In addition, such PRC residents or entities must update their SAFE registrations when the offshore special purposevehicle undergoes material events relating to any change of basic information (including change of such PRC citizens or residents, nameand term of operation), capital increase or capital reduction, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions. SAFE Circular37 was issued to replace the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC Residents Engaging in Financingand Roundtrip Investments via Overseas Special Purposes Vehicles.
SAFE further enacted theNotice of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Further Simplifying and Improving the Foreign Exchange Management Policiesfor Direct Investment, or the SAFE Circular 13, which allows PRC residents or entities to register with qualified banks in connectionwith their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas investment or financing. However, remedialregistration applications made by PRC residents that previously failed to comply with the SAFE Circular 37 continue to fall under thejurisdiction of the relevant local branch of SAFE. In the event that a PRC shareholder holding interests in a special purpose vehiclefails to fulfill the required SAFE registration, the PRC subsidiaries of that special purpose vehicle may be prohibited from distributingprofits to the offshore parent and from carrying out subsequent cross-border foreign exchange activities, and the special purpose vehiclemay be restricted in its ability to contribute additional capital into its PRC subsidiary.
On January 26, 2017, SAFEissued the Notice on Improving the Check of Authenticity and Compliance to Further Promote Foreign Exchange Control, or the SAFECircular 3, which stipulates several capital control measures with respect to the outbound remittance of profit from domestic entitiesto offshore entities, including (i) under the principle of genuine transaction, banks shall check board resolutions regarding profit distribution,the original version of tax filing records and audited financial statements; and (ii) domestic entities shall hold income to account forprevious years’ losses before remitting the profits. Moreover, pursuant to SAFE Circular 3, domestic entities shall make detailedexplanations of the sources of capital and utilization arrangements, and provide board resolutions, contracts and other proof when completingthe registration procedures in connection with an outbound investment.
Regulations on Stock Incentive Plans
According to the Noticeof the State Administration of Foreign Exchange on Issues Relating to the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participatingin Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Listed Company, or the Share Option Rules, which was issued on February 15, 2012 and other regulations,directors, supervisors, senior management and other employees participating in any share incentive plan of an overseas publicly listedcompany who are PRC citizens or non-PRC citizens residing in China for a continuous period of not less than one year, subject to certainexceptions, are required to register with the SAFE. All such participants need to authorize a qualified PRC agent, such as a PRC subsidiaryof the overseas publicly listed company to register with the SAFE and handle foreign exchange matters such as opening accounts, transferringand settlement of the relevant proceeds. The Share Incentive Rules further require an offshore agent to be designated to handle mattersin connection with the exercise of share options and sales of proceeds for the participants of the share incentive plans. Failure to completethe said SAFE registrations may subject our participating directors, supervisors, senior management and other employees to fines and legalsanctions.
In addition, the STA, hasissued certain circulars concerning employee stock options and restricted shares. Under these circulars, employees working in the PRCwho exercise stock options or are granted restricted shares will be subject to PRC individual income tax. The PRC subsidiaries of an overseaslisted company are required to file documents related to employee stock options and restricted shares with relevant tax authorities andto withhold individual income taxes of employees who exercise their stock option or purchase restricted shares. If the employees failto pay or the PRC subsidiaries fail to withhold income tax in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries mayface sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC governmental authorities.
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Regulations on Outbound Direct Investment
On December 26, 2017, theNDRC promulgated the Administrative Measures on Overseas Investments of Enterprises, or NDRC Order No. 11, which took effect onMarch 1, 2018. According to NDRC Order No. 11, non-sensitive overseas investment projects are required to make record filings with thelocal branch of the NDRC. On September 6, 2014, MOFCOM promulgated the revised Administrative Measures on Overseas Investments,which took effect on October 6, 2014. According to such regulations, overseas investments of PRC enterprises that involve non-sensitivecountries and regions and non-sensitive industries must make record filings with a local branch of MOFCOM. The Notice of the StateAdministration of Foreign Exchange on Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies for Direct Investment wasissued by SAFE on November 19, 2012 and amended on May 4, 2015, October 10, 2018, and December 30, 2019, respectively, under which PRCenterprises must register for overseas direct investment with local banks. The shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC entitiesare required to be in compliance with the related overseas investment regulations. If they fail to complete the filings or registrationsrequired by overseas direct investment regulations, the relevant authority may order them to suspend or cease the implementation of suchinvestment and make corrections within a specified time.
Regulations on Taxation
Income tax
According to the EnterpriseIncome Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the EIT Law, which was promulgated on March 16, 2007, became effectiveas from January 1, 2008 and was amended on February 24, 2017 and December 29, 2018, an enterprise established outside the PRC with defacto management bodies within the PRC is considered a resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes and is generally subjectto a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. The Implementing Rules of the Enterprise Income Law of the People’sRepublic of China, or the Implementing Rules of the EIT Law, defines a de facto management body as a managing body that in practiceexercises “substantial and overall management and control over the production and operations, personnel, accounting, and properties”of the enterprise. Non-PRC resident enterprises without any branches in the PRC pay an enterprise income tax in connection with theirincome originating from the PRC at the tax rate of 10%.
Enterprises that are recognizedas high and new technology enterprises in accordance with the Administrative Measures for the Determination of High and New Tech Enterprisesissued by the Ministry of Science, the Ministry of Finance and the STA are entitled to enjoy a preferential enterprise income taxrate of 15%. The validity period of the high and new technology enterprise qualification shall be three years from the date of issuanceof the certificate. An enterprise can reapply for such recognition as a high and new technology enterprise before or after the previouscertificate expires.
On February 3, 2015, theSTA issued the Announcement on Several Issues Concerning the Enterprise Income Tax on Indirect Transfer of Assets by Nonresident Enterprises,or the STA Circular 7. The STA Circular 7 repeals certain provisions in the Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on Strengtheningthe Administration of Enterprise Income Tax on Income from Equity Transfer by Nonresident Enterprises, or the STA Circular 698, issuedby STA on December 10, 2009 and the Announcement on Several Issues Relating to the Administration of Income Tax on Nonresident Enterprisesissued by STA on March 28, 2011 and clarifies certain provisions in the STA Circular 698. The STA Circular 7 provides comprehensiveguidelines relating to, and heightening the Chinese tax authorities’ scrutiny on, indirect transfers by a nonresident enterpriseof assets (including assets of organizations and premises in PRC, immovable property in the PRC, equity investments in PRC resident enterprises)or the PRC Taxable Assets. For instance, when a nonresident enterprise transfers equity interests in an overseas holding company thatdirectly or indirectly holds certain PRC Taxable Assets and if the transfer is believed by the Chinese tax authorities to have no reasonablecommercial purpose other than to evade enterprise income tax, the STA Circular 7 allows the Chinese tax authorities to reclassify theindirect transfer of PRC Taxable Assets into a direct transfer and therefore impose a 10% rate of PRC enterprise income tax on the nonresidententerprise. The STA Circular 7 lists several factors to be taken into consideration by tax authorities in determining if an indirect transferhas a reasonable commercial purpose. However, regardless of these factors, the overall arrangements in relation to an indirect transfersatisfying all the following criteria will be deemed to lack a reasonable commercial purpose: (i) 75% or more of the equity value of theintermediary enterprise being transferred is derived directly or indirectly from PRC Taxable Assets; (ii) at any time during the one-yearperiod before the indirect transfer, 90% or more of the asset value of the intermediary enterprise (excluding cash) is composed directlyor indirectly of investments in the PRC, or during the one-year period before the indirect transfer, 90% or more of its income is deriveddirectly or indirectly from the PRC; (iii) the functions performed and risks assumed by the intermediary enterprise and any of its subsidiariesand branches that directly or indirectly hold the PRC Taxable Assets are limited and are insufficient to prove their economic substance;and (iv) the foreign tax payable on the gain derived from the indirect transfer of the PRC Taxable Assets is lower than the potentialPRC tax on the direct transfer of those assets. On the other hand, indirect transfers falling into the scope of the safe harbors underthe STA Circular 7 may not be subject to PRC tax under the STA Circular 7. The safe harbors include qualified group restructurings, publicmarket trades and exemptions under tax treaties or arrangements.
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On October 17, 2017, STAissued the Announcement on Issues Relating to Withholding at Source of Income Tax of Nonresident Enterprises, or the STA Circular37, which took effect on December 1, 2017. Certain provisions of the STA Circular 37 were repealed by the Announcement of the StateAdministration of Taxation on Revising Certain Taxation Normative Documents. According to the STA Circular 37, the balance after deductingthe equity net value from the equity transfer income shall be the taxable income amount for equity transfer income. Equity transfer incomeshall mean the consideration collected by the equity transferor from the equity transfer, including various income in monetary form andnonmonetary form. Equity net value shall mean the tax computation basis for obtaining the said equity. The tax computation basis for equityshall be: (i) the capital contribution costs actually paid by the equity transferor to a Chinese resident enterprise at the time of investmentand equity participation, or (ii) the equity transfer costs actually paid at the time of acquisition of such equity to the original transferorof the said equity. Where there is reduction or appreciation of value during the equity holding period, and the gains or losses may beconfirmed pursuant to the rules of the finance and tax authorities of the State Council, the equity net value shall be adjusted accordingly.When an enterprise computes equity transfer income, it shall not deduct the amount in the shareholders’ retained earnings such asundistributed profits etc., of the investee enterprise, which may be distributed in accordance with the said equity. In the event of partialtransfer of equity under multiple investments or acquisitions, the enterprise shall determine the costs corresponding to the transferredequity in accordance with the transfer ratio, out of all costs of the equity.
Under the STA Circular 7and the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Administration of Tax Collection promulgated by the SCNPC on September4, 1992 and newly amended on April 24, 2015, in the case of an indirect transfer, entities or individuals obligated to pay the transferprice to the transferor shall act as withholding agents. If they fail to make withholding or withhold the full amount of tax payable,the transferor of equity shall declare and pay tax to the relevant tax authorities within seven days from the occurrence of tax paymentobligation. Where the withholding agent does not make the withholding, and the transferor of the equity does not pay the tax payable amount,the tax authority may impose late payment interest on the transferor. In addition, the tax authority may also hold the withholding agentsliable and impose a penalty of ranging from 50% to 300% of the unpaid tax on them. The penalty imposed on the withholding agents may bereduced or waived if the withholding agents have submitted the relevant materials in connection with the indirect transfer to the PRCtax authorities in accordance with the STA Circular 7.
Withholding tax on dividend distribution
The EIT Law prescribes astandard withholding tax rate of 20% on dividends and other China-sourced income of non-PRC resident enterprises which have no establishmentor place of business in the PRC, or if established, the relevant dividends or other China-sourced income are in fact not associated withsuch establishment or place of business in the PRC. However, the Implementing Rules of the EIT Law reduced the rate from 20% to 10%, effectivefrom January 1, 2008. However, a lower withholding tax rate might be applied if there is a tax treaty between China and the jurisdictionof the foreign holding companies. For example, pursuant to the Arrangement Between the Mainland of China and the Hong Kong SpecialAdministrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income, or the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement, and other applicablePRC laws, if a Hong Kong resident enterprise is determined by the competent PRC tax authority to have satisfied the relevant conditionsand requirements under the Double Tax Avoidance Arrangement and other applicable laws, the 10% withholding tax on the dividends that theHong Kong resident enterprise receives from a PRC resident enterprise may be reduced to 5% upon receiving approval from the tax authorityin charge.
Based on the Notice onRelevant Issues Relating to the Enforcement of Dividend Provisions in Tax Treaties issued on February 20, 2009 by the STA, if therelevant PRC tax authorities determine, at their discretion, that a company benefits from such reduced income tax rate due to a structureor arrangement that is primarily tax-driven, such PRC tax authorities may adjust the preferential tax treatment. The Announcement ofthe State Administration of Taxation on Issues concerning “Beneficial Owners” in Tax Treaties, which was promulgated bythe STA on February 3, 2018 and took effect on April 1, 2018, further clarified the analysis standard when determining one’s qualificationfor beneficial owner status.
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Value-Added Tax
Pursuant to the InterimRegulations on Value-Added Tax of the People’s Republic of China, which was promulgated by the State Council on December 13,1993 and amended on November 5, 2008, February 6, 2016 and November 19, 2017, and the Implementation Rules for the Interim Regulationson Value-Added Tax of the People’s Republic of China, which was promulgated by the MOF, and STA on December 15, 2008 and becameeffective on January 1, 2009 and as amended on October 28, 2011, entities or individuals engaging in sale of goods, provision of processingservices, repairs and replacement services or importation of goods within the territory of the PRC shall pay value-added tax, or the VAT.Unless provided otherwise, the rate of VAT is 17% on sales and 6% on services. On April 4, 2018, MOF and STA jointly promulgated the Circularof the Ministry of Finance and the State Administration of Taxation on Adjustment of Value-Added Tax Rates, or the Circular 32, accordingto which (i) for VAT taxable sales acts or import of goods originally subject to VAT rates of 17% and 11% respectively, such tax ratesshall be adjusted to 16% and 10%, respectively; (ii) for purchase of agricultural products originally subject to tax rate of 11%, suchtax rate shall be adjusted to 10%; (iii) for purchase of agricultural products for the purpose of production and sales or consigned processingof goods subject to tax rate of 16%, such tax shall be calculated at the tax rate of 12%; (iv) for exported goods originally subject totax rate of 17% and export tax refund rate of 17%, the export tax refund rate shall be adjusted to 16%; and (v) for exported goods andcross-border taxable acts originally subject to tax rate of 11% and export tax refund rate of 11%, the export tax refund rate shall beadjusted to 10%. Circular 32 became effective on May 1, 2018 and shall supersede existing provisions which are inconsistent with Circular32.
Since November 16, 2011,the MOF and the STA have implemented the Pilot Plan for Imposition of Value-Added Tax to Replace Business Tax, or the VAT PilotPlan, which imposes VAT in lieu of business tax for certain “modern service industries” in certain regions and eventuallyexpanded to nation-wide application in 2013. According to the Implementation Rules for the Pilot Plan for Imposition of Value-AddedTax to Replace Business Tax released by the MOF and the STA on the VAT Pilot Program, the “modern service industries”include research, development and technology services, information technology services, cultural innovation services, logistics support,lease of corporeal properties, attestation and consulting services. The Notice on Comprehensively promoting the Pilot Plan of the Conversionof Business Tax to Value-Added Tax, which was promulgated on March 23, 2016, became effective on May 1, 2016 and amended on July 11,2017 and March 20, 2019, sets out that VAT in lieu of business tax be collected in all regions and industries.
On March 20, 2019, MOF, STAand the General Administration of Customs jointly promulgated the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-Added Tax Reform,which became effective on April 1, 2019 and provides that (i) with respect to VAT taxable sales acts or import of goods originally subjectto VAT rates of 16% and 10% respectively, such tax rates shall be adjusted to 13% and 9%, respectively; (ii) with respect to purchaseof agricultural products originally subject to tax rate of 10%, such tax rate shall be adjusted to 9%; (iii) with respect to purchaseof agricultural products for the purpose of production or consigned processing of goods subject to tax rate of 13%, such tax shall becalculated at the tax rate of 10%; (iv) with respect to export of goods and services originally subject to tax rate of 16% and exporttax refund rate of 16%, the export tax refund rate shall be adjusted to 13%; and (v) with respect to export of goods and cross-bordertaxable acts originally subject to tax rate of 10% and export tax refund rate of 10%, the export tax refund rate shall be adjusted to9%.
On December 25, 2024, TheSCNPC promulgated PRC Value-added Tax Law, which will came into effect on January 1, 2026. According to the PRC Value-added Tax Law, theVAT rate for general VAT taxpayers engaging in sale of goods, services, lease of tangible and movable goods or importation of goods wasadjusted to 13%, the VAT rate for general VAT taxpayers engaging in, among others, the sale of transportation services, postal services,basic telecommunications services, construction services, the lease and sale of real properties, and the transfer of land use rights wasadjusted to 9%. From the effective date of the PRC Value-added Tax Law, which will be January 1, 2026, the Interim Regulations on Value-addedTax of the PRC will be repealed.
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Regulations on Employment and Social Welfare
According to the LaborContract Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the Labor Contract Law, promulgated by the SCNPC on June 29, 2007 and amendedon December 28, 2012, and the Implementation Rules of the Labor Contract Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the ImplementationRules of the Labor Contract Law, promulgated by the State Council on September 18, 2008, a written employment contract shall be concludedin the establishment of an employment relationship. If an employer fails to enter into a written employment contract with an employeewithin one year from the date on which the employment relationship is established, the employer must rectify the situation by enteringinto a written employment contract with the employee and pay the employee twice the employee’s salary for the period from the dayfollowing the lapse of one month from the date of establishment of the employment relationship to the day prior to the execution of thewritten employment contract. The Labor Contract Law and its implementation rules also require compensation to be paid upon certain terminations.In addition, if an employer intends to enforce a non-compete provision in an employment contract or noncompetition agreement with an employee,it has to compensate the employee on a monthly basis during the term of the restriction period after the termination or expiry of thelabor contract. Employers in most cases are also required to provide severance payment to their employees after their employment relationshipsare terminated.
Pursuant to the SocialInsurance Law of the People’s Republic of China, which was promulgated by the SCNPC on October 28, 2010, effective on July 1,2011 and last amended on December 29, 2018, the Interim Regulations on the Collection of Social Insurance Fees, issued by the StateCouncil on January 22, 1999 and last amended on March 24, 2019, and the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Provident Funds,issued by the State Council on April 3, 1999 and last amended on March 24, 2019, enterprises in China are required to participate in certainemployee benefit plans, including social insurance funds, namely a pension plan, a medical insurance plan, an unemployment insurance plan,a work-related injury insurance plan and a maternity insurance plan, and a housing provident fund, and contribute to the plans or fundsin amounts equal to certain percentages of salaries, including bonuses and allowances, of the employees as specified by the local governmentfrom time to time at locations where they operate their businesses or where they are located.
Regulations on Overseas Listing and M&A
On August 8, 2006, six PRCregulatory agencies, including the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, promulgated the Rules on the Merger and Acquisitionof Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, which became effective on September 8, 2006 and were amended onJune 22, 2009. The M&A Rules, among other things, require offshore special purpose vehicles formed for overseas listing purposes throughacquisitions of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC domestic enterprises or individuals to obtain the approval of the CSRC priorto the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. In September 2006, the CSRCpublished on its official website procedures regarding its approval of overseas listings by special purpose vehicles. The CSRC approvalprocedures require the filing of a number of documents with the CSRC. Although (i) the CSRC currently has not issued any definitive ruleor interpretation concerning whether offerings like ours under this annual report are subject to the M&A Rules, (ii) the company establishedthe WFOEs by means of direct investment and not through a merger or acquisition of the equity or assets of a “PRC domestic company”as such term is defined under the M&A Rules; and (iii) no provision in the M&A Rules classifies the contractual arrangements underthe VIE Agreements as a type of acquisition transaction falling under the M&A Rules, the interpretation and application of the regulationsremain unclear. The M&A Rules, and other regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional proceduresand requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time consuming and complex. For example,the M&A Rules require that MOFCOM be notified in advance of any change-of-control transaction in which a foreign investor takes controlof a PRC domestic enterprise, if (i) any important industry is concerned, (ii) such transaction involves factors that impact or may impactnational economic security, or (iii) such transaction will lead to a change in control of a domestic enterprise which holds a famous trademarkor PRC time-honored brand.
In addition, according tothe Notice on Establishing the Security Review System for Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors issuedby the General Office of the State Council on February 3, 2011 and which became effective on March 4, 2011, the Rules on Implementationof Security Review System for the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors issued by the MOFCOM on August25, 2011 and which became effective on September 1, 2011, mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors that raise “national defenseand security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions through which foreign investors may acquire de facto control over domestic enterprisesthat raise “national security” concerns are subject to strict review by the MOFCOM, and the regulations prohibit any activitiesattempting to bypass such security review, including by structuring the transaction through a proxy or contractual control arrangement.
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On February 17, 2023, theCSRC, as approved by the State Council, released the Overseas Listing Trial Measures. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures,domestic companies in the Chinese mainland that directly or indirectly offer or list their securities in an overseas market, are requiredto file with the CSRC. Specifically, the securities under the Overseas Listing Trial Measures refer to stocks, depositary receipts, convertiblecorporate bonds, exchangeable bonds and other equity-linked securities to be issued and offered in overseas markets by domestic companiesdirectly or indirectly, while a direct offering and listing refers to the overseas offering and listing of a joint-stock company incorporatedin the Chinese mainland, and an indirect offering and listing refers to the overseas offering and listing of a domestic company whichconducts its business operations primarily in the Chinese mainland, in the name of an offshore company and based on the underlying equities,assets, earnings or similar interests of the domestic company. In particular, the determination of an indirect offering and listing willbe conducted on a “substance over form” basis, and an offering and listing should be considered as an indirect overseas offeringand listing by a domestic company if the issuer meets both of the following conditions: (i) any of the revenue, profits, total assetsor net assets of such domestic company in the most recent financial year account for more than 50% of the corresponding data in the issuer’saudited consolidated financial statements for the same period; and (ii) the majority of its business operations are conducted in the Chinesemainland or its principal place of business is located in the Chinese mainland, or the majority of senior management in charge of businessoperations are Chinese citizens or have domicile in the Chinese mainland. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, an overseasoffering and listing is prohibited under any of the following circumstances: (i) if the intended securities offering and listing is specificallyprohibited by the laws, administrative regulations and relevant national provisions; (ii) if the intended securities offering and listingmay constitute a threat to or endangers national security as reviewed and determined by competent authorities under the State Councilin accordance with law; (iii) the domestic companies or their controlling shareholders or actual controllers have committed corruption,bribery, embezzlement, misappropriation of property, or other criminal offenses disruptive to the order of the socialist market economyin the past three years; (iv) the domestic companies are currently under investigations in connection with suspicion of having committedcriminal offenses or material violations of applicable laws and regulations, and there is still no explicit conclusion; (v) there arematerial ownership disputes over the shareholdings held by the controlling shareholder or the shareholder under the control of the controllingshareholder or the actual controllers. According to the Overseas Listing Trial Measures, the issuer or its affiliated domestic company,as the case may be, is required to file with the CSRC (i) with respect to its initial public offering and listing and its subsequent securitiesoffering in an overseas market different from the market where it has listed, within three business days after its submission of listingapplication documents to the relevant regulator in the place of intended listing, (ii) with respect to its follow-on offering in the sameoverseas market where it has listed (including issuance of any corporate convertible bonds, exchangeable bonds and other equity-linkedsecurities, but excluding the offering for employees incentive, dividend distribution by shares and share split), within three businessdays after completion of such follow-on offering, (iii) with respect to listing by means of single or multiple acquisitions, share swap,transfers of shares and similar transactions, within three business days after its initial filing of the listing application or the firstpublic announcement of the transaction, as case may be. Failure to comply with the filing requirements may result in an order of rectification,a warning and fines up to RMB10 million to the non-compliant domestic companies, and the directly responsible persons of the companieswill be warned and fined between RMB500,000 and RMB5 million. Furthermore, if the controlling shareholder and the actual controller ofthe non-compliant companies organizes or instigates the breach, they will be fined between RMB1 million and RMB10 million. In additionto above filing requirements, the Filings Rules also requires an issuer to report to the CSRC within three business days after occurrenceof any the following events: (i) its change of control; (ii) its being subject to investigation or sanctions by any overseas securitiesregulators or overseas authorities; (iii) its change of listing status or listing segment; (iv) voluntary or mandatory delisting; and(v) material change of its principal business operations to the extent that it ceases to be subject to the filing requirements of theOverseas Listing Trial Measures.
Furthermore, on February24, 2023, the CSRC released the Provisions on Strengthening the Confidentiality and Archives Administration Related to the Overseas SecuritiesOffering and Listing by Domestic Enterprises, or, the Confidentiality Provisions, which came into effect on March 31, 2023. Pursuant tothe Confidentiality Provisions, any future inspection or investigation conducted by overseas securities regulator or the relevant competentauthorities on our PRC domestic companies with respect to our overseas issuance and listing shall be carried out in the manner in compliancewith PRC laws and regulations.
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Regulations on Anti-Monopoly
The Anti-Monopoly Lawpromulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress which became effective on August 1, 2008 and the Provisionson the Review of Concentrations of Undertakings promulgated by the SAMR which became effective on April 15, 2023 require that transactionswhich are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified turnover thresholds must be cleared by the SAMR before they can becompleted. Where the participation in concentration of undertakings by way of foreign-funded merger and acquisition of domestic enterprisesor any other method which involves national security, the examination of concentration of undertakings shall be carried out pursuant tothe provisions of this law and examination of national security shall be carried out pursuant to the relevant provisions of the state.Failure to comply with above regulations may result in an order to stop concentration, dispose the shares/assets or transfer the operationwithin a stipulated period, or adopt other necessary measures to reinstate the preconcentration status, or fines.
On October 23, 2021, theSCNPC issued a draft of the amended Anti-Monopoly Law for public comments. On June 24, 2022, the Decision of the Standing Committeeof the National People’s Congress on Revising the Anti-monopoly Law of the People’s Republic of China, or the RevisedAnti-monopoly Law was released, which became effective on August 1, 2022. According to the Revised Anti-monopoly Law, the fines for illegalconcentration of business operators have been increased to no more than ten percent of its last year’s sales revenue if the concentrationof business operator has or may have an effect of excluding or limiting competitions; or a fine of up to RMB5 million if the concentrationof business operator does not have an effect of excluding or limiting competition. The Revised Anti-monopoly Law also stipulates thatthe relevant authority shall investigate a transaction where there is any evidence that the concentration has or may have the effect ofeliminating or restricting competitions, even if such concentration does not reach the filing threshold. And in order to adapt the RevisedAnti-monopoly Law, on March 10, 2023, the SAMR issued the Provisions on Prohibition of the Abuse of Market Dominance,which took effect on April 15, 2023.
On February 7, 2021, theAnti-Monopoly Commission of the State Council issued the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for the Internet Platform Economy Sector thataims to specify some of the circumstances under which an activity of internet platforms may be identified as monopolistic as well as toclarify that concentration of undertakings involving VIE structure shall also be subject to anti-monopoly review.
Regulations on Anti-Long-Arm Jurisdiction
The MOFCOM issued the Provisionson the List of Unreliable Entities, or the MOFCOM Order No. 4 of 2020, on September 19, 2020. Pursuant to the MOFCOM Order No. 4 of2020, the working mechanism shall, according to the investigation results and by taking the following factors into comprehensive consideration,decide whether or not to include a foreign entity concerned in the list of unreliable entities, and make an announcement on such inclusion:(i) the extent of damage caused to China’s sovereignty, security and development interests; (ii) the extent of the damage to thelegitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, other organizations or individuals; (iii) whether or not the international economicand trade rules are followed; (iv) other factors that shall be taken into consideration. If a foreign entity is included in the list ofunreliable entities, the working mechanism may decide to take one or more of the following measures: (i) restricting or prohibiting theforeign entity from engaging in import or export activities related to China; (ii) restricting or prohibiting the foreign entity’sinvestment within the territory of China; (iii) restricting or prohibiting the entry of the foreign entity’s relevant personnelor transport vehicles into the territory of China; (iv) restricting or canceling the work permit, stay or residence qualification of theforeign entity’s relevant personnel in China; (v) imposing a fine corresponding to the seriousness of the case against the foreignentity; and (vi) other necessary measures.
On January 9, 2021, the MOFCOMpromulgated the Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extra-Territorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures, orthe MOFCOM Order No. 1 of 2021. Pursuant to the MOFCOM Order No. 1 of 2021, where a citizen, legal person or other organization of Chinais prohibited or restricted by foreign legislation and other measures from engaging in normal economic, trade and related activities witha third state (or region) or its citizens, legal persons or other organizations, he/she/it shall truthfully report such matters to thecompetent department of commerce of the State Council within 30 days. The working mechanism will take the following factors into overallaccount when assessing whether there exists unjustified extra-territorial application of foreign legislation and other measures: (i) whetherinternational law or the basic principles of international relations are violated; (ii) potential impact on China’s national sovereignty,security and development interests; (iii) potential impact on the legitimate rights and interests of the citizens, legal persons or otherorganizations of China; (iv) other factors that shall be taken into account. If the working mechanism determines that there exists unjustifiedextra-territorial application of foreign legislation and other measures, MOFCOM may issue an injunction that the relevant foreign legislationand other measures shall not be accepted, executed or observed. A citizen, legal person or other organization in China may apply for exemptionfrom compliance with an injunction.
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4.C. Organizational Structure
The following diagram illustratesour corporate structure, including our principal subsidiaries and VIEs, as of the date of this annual report.
Notes:
| Equity interest | ||
| | Contractual arrangements, including the exclusive technical consulting and service agreement, intellectual property license agreement, equity pledge agreement, exclusive call option agreement, shareholders’ voting rights proxy agreement and loan agreement. See “Item 3. Key Information-Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders.” |
4.D. Property, Plant and Equipment
We are headquartered in Shanghai.As of March 31, 2025, we did not have any self-owned properties, and we leased 12 properties with an aggregate gross floor area of approximately14,912 square meters in China, which are primarily used as office building and warehouse. We believe our existing properties are adequatefor current operational needs, but we expect to seek additional space to accommodate our future growth.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
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ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
You should read the followingdiscussion together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. This discussionmay contain forward-looking statements about our business and operations. Our actual results may differ materially from those we currentlyanticipate as a result of many factors, including those we describe under “Item 3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors”and elsewhere in this annual report. For the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on the company, and the extent to which foreign currencynet investments are hedged by currency borrowing and other hedging instruments, please refer to, “Item 11. Quantitative and QualitativeDisclosures about Market Risk-Foreign exchange risk.”
5.A. Operating Results
General Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Our business and operating results are affectedby a number of general factors in China’s pet industry, including:
| ● | China’s overall economic growth, level of urbanization and level of per capita disposable income; |
| ● | China’s demographic shift in terms of rising numbers of no-kid families and aging population; |
| ● | Development of China’s online retail market, such as the growing number of online shoppers, improved logistics infrastructure and increasing adoption of mobile payment; |
| ● | Seasonality of China’s online retail market with increasing sales during the fourth quarter of each year; |
| ● | Growing population of pets and pet parents and demand for quality pet products and services; |
| ● | Increase in pet parents’ expenditure on pets, pet products and pet services; and |
| ● | Market competition. |
Unfavorable changes in any of these general factorscould materially and adversely affect our business and our results of operations.
Specific Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
Our ability to diversify product offerings and promote privatelabel products
We will continue to diversifyour product offerings and optimize our product mix catering to customers’ demands and drive profitability. For the year ended March31, 2025, our GMV from sales of (i) pet staple food, (ii) snacks and wet food, (iii) supplies and (iv) heath care products accounted for47.2%, 9.1%, 15.9% and 27.7% of our total GMV, compared to 32.5%, 11.6%, 21.4% and 34.5% for the year ended March 31, 2024. Throughdiversifying our product source, we will continue to support the growth of emerging brands with attractive margin profiles, providingthem with access to our broad user base and reliable fulfillment infrastructure. At the same time, we tend to have greater pricing powerover these emerging brands compared to more established brands. During the three years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we connecteda total of approximately 742 brand partners with pet parents in China, and realized a GMV of approximately RMB 1,002.5 million fromsales of branded products for the year ended March 31, 2025.
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In addition to third-partybrands, we will further promote private label products and expand our product portfolio, from which we can realize higher gross margincompared to third-party brands. We have launched a number of private labels, including Yoken, Mocare, and two “D-cat” labels,and will continue to accumulate data insights on customer behavior and tailor our private label product offerings accordingly. As of March31, 2025, approximately 4,231 SKUs of private label products were offered, accounting for approximately 20.0% of our total SKUs, comparedto approximately 3,433 private label SKUs, accounting for approximately 17.3% of our total SKUs on March 31, 2024. For the year endedMarch 31, 2025, we realized a GMV of RMB 240.9 million from sales of our private label products, accounting for 24.0% of our total GMV,compared to a GMV of RMB 396.5 million from sales of our private label products, accounting for 24.9% of our total GMV for the year endedMarch 31, 2024. Through working closely with our manufacturing partners, we expect to further improve the profitability of our privatelabel products.
Our ability to expand and engage our user base
We will continue to expandour user base and strengthen user engagement to achieve sustainable growth. We aim to attract more users and maintain our vibrant communitywith rich and informative content offerings, intelligent content recommendation, and superior user experience. For example, we continuouslyattract more KOLs and produce more professionally generated pet-related content to diversify our content offerings. In addition, our usersmay interact with one another with the support of our platform’s wide array of innovative and appealing social functions. Such real-timeinteractions on our platform cultivate a strong sense of belonging, which we believe effectively increases our user stickiness. A large,engaging and loyal user base not only contributes to our diverse content offerings, but also brings us more business opportunities. Throughdiverse and informative content and interesting social interactions, we are able to incentivize more users to shop on our online salesplatforms.
Our ability to use content to drive sales
We focus on developing ouruser-centric content-driven “discover and buy” model, and our results of operations in part depend on our ability to educateour users and convert users to buyers. With the help of social media tools and advanced data analytics, we are able to identify user preferences,new trends, unmet demands, and emerging brands, and create curated content accordingly. We then make customized product recommendationsby linking the curated content to the relevant product page. We believe this content-driven approach will allow us to drive buyer engagementand recurring purchases.
Our ability to diversify our service offerings through strategicacquisitions and investments
We envision fostering a petecosystem around online sales platforms and expanding offline network and have made strategic acquisitions and investments to expand ourproduct and service offerings. Through our acquisition of Xingmu, a veterinary drug distributor in China, we have entered into China’spet healthcare industry. In 2019, we invested in PetDog, a large pet store franchise in China, to expand the outreach of professionalpet service trainings to offline stores to improve the of their services. The business or financial performance of the companies we haveacquired or invested in as well as our ability to successfully integrate these acquired businesses or investments with our existing businesswould impact our results of operations and financial conditions. See “Item 3. Key Information—3.D. Risk Factors—RisksRelated to Our Business and Industry—We have and may continue to invest in or acquire complementary assets, technologies and businesses,or enter into strategic alliances. Such efforts may fail and have in the past, and may continue to, result in equity or earnings dilutionand materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.”
Key Components of Results of Operations
Net revenues
The following table setsforth a breakdown of our net revenues, in absolute amounts and as percentages of total net revenues, for the periods indicated.
| For the Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | US$ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product sales | 1,048,491 | 96.0 | 680,143 | 95.9 | 431,294 | 59,434 | 92.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Online marketing and information services and other revenue | 43,603 | 4.0 | 29,209 | 4.1 | 37,600 | 5,181 | 8.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | 1,092,094 | 100.0 | 709,352 | 100.0 | 468,894 | 64,615 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Product sales. Weoffer a diverse selection of branded and private label pet food and other pet products. Net revenues from product sales are recognizedupon customers’ receipt of the products. We generate a substantial majority of product sales revenues from sales of branded products.We also generate product sales revenues from sales of our private label products, including Yoken, Mocare, Dokete and D-cat. We generateda substantial majority of our product sales revenues from sales to retail customers. As we continued to expand our offline network, wealso generated an increasing portion of our total product sales revenues from sales to offline pet stores and pet hospitals.
Online marketing and informationservices and other revenue. We generate net revenues of online marketing and information and other services through the provisionof online marketing and information and other services to brand owners. We help brand owners place advertisements and organize onlineand offline marketing campaigns featuring KOLs. We primarily charge our brand owners service fees for our online marketing and informationservices. Net revenues from online marketing and information services are recognized over the service period.
Cost of revenue
Our cost of revenue consistsof cost of product sales and cost of services. Cost of product sales comprises the purchase price of products, vendor rebates and inventorywrite-downs, which together accounted for 98.2%, 98.5% and 97.8% of our total cost of revenue for the years ended March 31, 2023,2024 and 2025, respectively. Cost of services consists of the advertising and promotion costs, employee wages and benefits in connectionwith our provision of marketing and information services including the fees that we paid to third party for advertising and promotionon various online and offline channels.
Gross profit and gross margin
We recorded gross profitof RMB233.5 million, RMB140.7 million RMB100.7 million (US$13.9 million) for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025,respectively.
In the years ended March31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, our overall gross margin was 21.4%, 19.8% and 21.5%, respectively. During the same period, the gross margin ofproduct sales was 19.6%, 17.6% and 16.5%, and the gross margin of online marketing and information services was 63.6%, 71.0% and 78.2%,respectively.
We have endeavored to diversifyour product offerings and promote private label products, which we believe generally had higher gross margin compared to that of brandedproducts. Moreover, we plan to further improve the gross margin of private label products as our private label brands become more established.We are gradually making strategic adjustments to our product mix by reducing sales of certain products with high fulfillment expenses,such as the branded ones, to improve our net profit margin, and have offered private label products at discount to promote brand awarenessand cultivate customer loyalty. Last but not least, as we continue to expand our pet-based ecosystem by driving sales to small and mediumpet businesses, our gross margin may experience a short-term downward pressure as sales to such businesses typically carry a bigger ticketsize per order and a lower gross margin profile.
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Operating expenses
The following table setsforth a breakdown of our operating expenses, in absolute amounts and as percentages of our total operating expenses and as percentagesof our total net revenues, for the periods indicated.
| For the Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMB | % of total operating expenses | % of total revenue | RMB | % of total operating expenses | % of total revenue | RMB | US$ | % of total operating expenses | % of total revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fulfillment expenses | 126,295 | 42.5 | 11.6 | 59,506 | 29.2 | 8.4 | 35,571 | 4,902 | 22.1 | 7.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing expenses | 124,007 | 41.8 | 11.4 | 85,091 | 41.7 | 12.0 | 74,531 | 10,271 | 46.4 | 15.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 46,554 | 15.7 | 4.3 | 59,265 | 29.1 | 8.4 | 50,609 | 6,974 | 31.5 | 10.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 296,856 | 100.0 | 27.3 | 203,862 | 100.0 | 28.8 | 160,711 | 22,147 | 100.0 | 34.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fulfillment expenses.Our fulfillment expenses consist primarily of warehousing, shipping and handling expenses for dispatching and delivering productsto consumers, employee wages and benefits for the relevant personnel, customs clearance expenses and other related transaction costs.We will continue to improve our fulfillment and warehousing capabilities and reduce sales of certain products with high fulfillment expensesto improve our net profit margin. Moreover, with our increasing scale, we are able to gain more bargaining power with our brand partners,warehouse fulfillment centers, and delivery service providers, which will further improve the cost efficiency of our fulfillment process.
Sales and marketing expenses.Our sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising expenses, third-party platforms commission fee, employee wages,rental expenses and benefits for sales and marketing staff, depreciation expenses and other daily expenses which are related to the salesand marketing functions. We expect to explore and leverage new cost-effective sales and marketing channels with high conversion rate,such as Red and Douyin.
General and administrativeexpenses. Our general and administrative expenses consist primarily of employee wages and benefits for corporate employees and otherexpenses which are related to the general corporate functions. We are incurring and expect to continue to incur additional costs as aresult of operating as a public company.
Taxation
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands currentlylevies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the natureof inheritance tax or estate duty.
There are no other taxeslikely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instrumentsexecuted in, or after execution brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. In addition, the Cayman Islands does not imposewithholding tax on dividend payments.
British Virgin Islands
Under the current laws ofthe British Virgin Islands, entities incorporated in the British Virgin Islands are exempted from income tax on their foreign-derivedincomes in the British Virgin Islands. There are no withholding taxes in the British Virgin Islands.
Hong Kong
Under the current Hong KongInland Revenue Ordinance, our subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to a two-tiered profits tax rate of 8.25% and 16.5% onits taxable income generated from operations in Hong Kong. Additionally, payments of dividends by the subsidiaries incorporated in HongKong to us are not subject to any income tax.
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PRC
Generally, our PRC subsidiaries,the VIEs and their subsidiaries are subject to enterprise income tax on their taxable income in the PRC at a rate of 25%. The enterpriseincome tax is calculated based on the entity’s global income as determined under PRC tax laws and accounting standards. Boqii (Shanghai)Information Technology Co., Ltd. obtained High and New Technology Enterprises, or HNTE, status in 2019 and is thus eligible to enjoy apreferential tax rate of 15% from 2019 to 2022, to the extent it has taxable income under the Enterprise Income Tax Law of the PRC, orEIT Law. On July 25, 2018, Boqii (Shanghai) Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Boqii”) was entitled to be “SoftwareEnterprises.” According to the Enterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) Law and relevant regulations in the PRC, from the yearof 2018, Shanghai Boqii could enjoy a tax holiday of 2-year EIT exemption and subsequently 3-year 12.5% preferential tax rate and thecertificate expired until October 2023. For the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, Shanghai Boqii was subject to EIT rate at 12.5%,25%and 25%, respectively.
Since April 1, 2019,our pet product sales revenues have been subject to value-added tax at a rate of 13% and our pet foods sales revenues have been subjectto value-added tax at a rate of 9%. Our services revenues are subject to value-added tax at a rate of 6%.
Under the EIT Law and itsimplementation rules, subject to any applicable tax treaty or similar arrangement between the PRC and the jurisdiction where the shareholdersof our PRC subsidiaries reside that provides for a different income tax arrangement, PRC withholding tax at the rate of 10% is normallyapplicable to dividends from PRC sources payable to shareholders that are non-PRC resident enterprises, which do not have an establishmentor place of business in the PRC, or which have such establishment or place of business if the relevant income is not effectively connectedwith the establishment or place of business. Under the PRC Individual Income Tax Law and its implementation rules, dividends from sourceswithin the PRC paid to foreign individual shareholders who are not PRC residents are generally subject to a PRC withholding tax at a rateof 20%, subject to any reduction or exemption set forth in applicable tax treaties and PRC laws. Although majority of our business operationsare based in the PRC, it is unclear whether dividends we pay with respect to our ordinary shares would be treated as income derived fromsources within the PRC and as a result be subject to PRC income tax if we were considered a PRC resident enterprise, as described below.See “Item 3. Key Information—3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—If we are classifiedas a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequencesto us and our non-PRC shareholders.”
If we or any of our subsidiariesoutside of the PRC was deemed to be a “resident enterprise” under the EIT Law, it would be subject to enterprise income taxon its worldwide income at a rate of 25%. See “Item 3. Key Information—3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Businessin China—If we are classified as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, such classification could resultin unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRC shareholders.”
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Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our consolidatedresults of operations both in absolute amounts and as percentages of our total net revenues for the periods presented. The operating resultsin any historical period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
| For the Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMB | % of total net revenues | RMB | % of total net revenues | RMB | US$ | % of total net revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands, except for share and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Product sales | 1,048,491 | 96.0 | 680,143 | 95.9 | 431,294 | 59,434 | 92.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Online marketing and information services and other revenue | 43,603 | 4.0 | 29,209 | 4.1 | 37,600 | 5,181 | 8.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total net revenues | 1,092,094 | 100.0 | 709,352 | 100.0 | 468,894 | 64,615 | 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of revenues | (858,608 | ) | (78.6 | ) | (568,615 | ) | (80.2 | ) | (368,240 | ) | (50,745 | ) | (78.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 233,486 | 21.4 | 140,737 | 19.8 | 100,654 | 13,870 | 21.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fulfillment expenses | (126,295 | ) | (11.6 | ) | (59,506 | ) | (8.4 | ) | (35,571 | ) | (4,902 | ) | (7.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing expenses | (124,007 | ) | (11.4 | ) | (85,091 | ) | (12.0 | ) | (74,531 | ) | (10,271 | ) | (15.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | (46,554 | ) | (4.3 | ) | (59,265 | ) | (8.4 | ) | (50,609 | ) | (6,974 | ) | (10.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | (40,684 | ) | (3.7 | ) | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 286 | 0.0 | 2,966 | 0.4 | 736 | 101 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (103,768 | ) | (9.5 | ) | (60,159 | ) | (8.5 | ) | (59,321 | ) | (8,176 | ) | (12.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 7,420 | 0.7 | 2,638 | 0.4 | 972 | 135 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (13,350 | ) | (1.2 | ) | (7,326 | ) | (1.0 | ) | (6,506 | ) | (897 | ) | (1.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Other gains/(loss), net | 5,159 | 0.5 | (3,994 | ) | (0.6 | ) | (236 | ) | (33 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Fair value change of derivative liabilities | (2,266 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (1,034 | ) | (0.1 | ) | 5,716 | 788 | 1.2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss before income tax expenses | (106,805 | ) | (9.8 | ) | (69,875 | ) | (9.8 | ) | (59,375 | ) | (8,183 | ) | (12.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | 911 | 0.1 | 927 | 0.1 | 801 | 110 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Share of results of equity investee | (82 | ) | 0.0 | 50 | 0.0 | (22 | ) | (3 | ) | 0.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | (105,976 | ) | (9.7 | ) | (68,898 | ) | (9.7 | ) | (58,596 | ) | (8,076 | ) | (12.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Less: Net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest shareholders | (3,177 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (5,234 | ) | (0.7 | ) | (4,471 | ) | (615 | ) | (1.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited | (102,799 | ) | (9.4 | ) | (63,664 | ) | (9.0 | ) | (54,125 | ) | (7,461 | ) | (11.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value | (675 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (766 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (841 | ) | (116 | ) | (0.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited’s ordinary shareholders | (103,474 | ) | (9.5 | ) | (64,430 | ) | (9.1 | ) | (54,966 | ) | (7,577 | ) | (11.7 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss per share attributable to Boqii Holding Limited’s ordinary shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | (1.50 | ) | (0.64 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | (1.50 | ) | (0.64 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 68,858,823 | 100,637,760 | 192,878,814 | 192,878,814 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 68,858,823 | 100,637,760 | 192,878,814 | 192,878,814 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Year Ended March 31, 2025 Compared to Year Ended March 31, 2024
Net revenues
Our net revenues decreasedby 33.9% from RMB709.4 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 to RMB RMB468.9 million (US$64.6 million) for the year ended March 31,2025. Net revenues generated from product sales decreased by 36.6% from RMB680.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 to RMB431.3million (US$59.4 million) for the year ended March 31, 2025. Net revenues generated from our online marketing and information servicesincreased by 28.7% from RMB29.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 to RMB37.6 million (US$5.2 million) for the year ended March31, 2025. The decrease in net revenues for product sales was a result of our business strategy to focus more on increasing profitabilityinstead of volume of sales. The increase in net revenues from online marketing and information services and other was due to expansionof services to existing customers and addition of new customers.
Cost of revenue
Our cost of revenue was RMB368.2million (US$50.7 million) for the year ended March 31, 2025, representing a decrease of 35.2% from RMB568.6 million for the year endedMarch 31, 2024, in line with our decreased revenue.
Gross profit
Our overall gross profitdecreased by 28.5% from RMB140.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 to RMB100.7 million (US$13.9 million) for the year ended March31, 2024. Our overall gross margin increased from 19.8 % for the year ended March 31, 2024 to 21.5 % for the year ended March 31, 2025.The increase in gross margin was primarily attributed to the increase in service revenues, which traditionally carry higher gross margins.
Operating expenses
Our operating expenses decreasedby 21.2% from RMB203.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 to RMB160.7 million (US$22.1 million) for the year ended March 31, 2024,for the following reasons:
Fulfillment expenses
Our fulfillment expensesdecreased by 40.2 % from RMB59.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 to RMB35.6 million (US$ 4.9 million) for the year ended March31, 2025. Fulfillment expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 7.6%, down from 8.4% in the year ended March 31, 2024, which isprimarily due to the decrease in shipping and warehousing expenses, resulting from more utilization of fulfillment centers.
Sales and marketing expenses
Our sales and marketing expensesdecreased by 12.4% from RMB85.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 to RMB74.5 million (US$10.3 million) for the year ended March31, 2025. The decrease was primarily due to (i) the decrease in salary and benefits of RMB9.3 million due to employee layoffs; and (ii)the decrease in third-party platform commission fees of RMB3.6 million due to decrease in revenues.
General and administrative expenses
Our general and administrativeexpenses were RMB50.6 million (US$7.0 million), decreased by 14.6%, as compared to RMB59.3 million in the fiscal year 2024. The decreasewas primarily due to (i) the decrease in salary and benefits of RMB5.2 million due to employee layoffs; and (ii) the decrease in allowancefor expected credit losses of RMB2.7 million from the receivables due from third parties.
Other income, net
We had other income, netof RMB3.0 million and RMB0.7 million (US$0.1 million) for the year ended March 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively, which was mainly attributableto government subsidies received in the respective periods.
Loss from operations
As a result of the foregoing,our loss from operations decreased by 1.4% from RMB60.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 to RMB59.3 million (US$8.2 million)for the year ended March 31, 2025.
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Interest income
Our interest income was RMB1.0million (US$0.1 million) for the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to RMB2.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2024. The decreasewas primarily attributable to a lower balance of bank deposits.
Interest expense
Our interest expense wasRMB6.5 million (US$0.9 million) for the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to RMB7.3 million for the year ended March 31, 2024. The decreasewas primarily attributable to a decrease in the bank loans.
Other loss, net
We recorded other losses,net of RMB0.2 million (US$0.03 million) for the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to other losses, net of RMB4.0 million for the yearended March 31, 2024.
Net loss
As a result of the foregoing,our net loss decreased by 15.0% from RMB68.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2024 to RMB58.6 million (US$8.1 million) for the yearended March 31, 2025.
Year Ended March 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended March 31,2023
For a detailed descriptionof the comparison of our operating results for the year ended March 31, 2024 to the year ended March 31, 2023, see “Item 5. Operatingand Financial Review and Prospects—5.A. Operating Results—Year ended March 31, 2024 Compared to Year ended March 31,2023” beginning on page 104 of our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended March 31, 2024 initially filed with the SECon October 29, 2024 (File No. 001-39547).
5.B Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flows and working capital
The following table sets forth a summary of ourcash flows for the periods indicated:
| For the Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net cash flows used in operating activities | (54,069 | ) | (25,428 | ) | (66,832 | ) | (9,210 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash flows (used in)/generated from investing activities | 46,496 | 47,814 | 24,599 | 3,389 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash flows generated from/(used in) financing activities | (76,656 | ) | (33,132 | ) | 8,150 | 1,124 | ||||||||||
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (84,229 | ) | (10,746 | ) | (34,083 | ) | (4,697 | ) | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year | 162,855 | 89,850 | 72,722 | 10,021 | ||||||||||||
| Effects of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 11,224 | (6,382 | ) | 20 | 3 | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | 89,850 | 72,722 | 38,659 | 5,327 | ||||||||||||
Historically, we have notbeen profitable or generated positive operating cash flows. Our principal source of liquidity has been cash generated from financing activities.As of March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, we had RMB89.9 million, RMB72.7 million and RMB38.7 million (US$5.3 million)in cash and cash equivalents, respectively. Our cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of cash on hand and demand deposits placedwith banks and third-party payment processors, which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use, have original maturities of three monthsor less at the time of purchase and are readily convertible to known amounts of cash. Our cash and cash equivalents are primarily denominatedin Renminbi.
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We had a positiveworking capital, representing the difference between total current assets and total current liabilities, of RMB210.0 million, RMB206.2 millionand RMB176.5 million (US$24.3 million) as of March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. As of March 31, 2025, our total currentliabilities were RMB45.9 million (US$6.3 million), which primarily included short-term borrowings, accounts payable, accrued liabilitiesand other current liabilities and derivative liabilities. We recorded RMB9.1 million (US$1.2 million) in short-term borrowings as of March31, 2025. The RMB5.06 million in short-term borrowings outstanding as of March 31, 2025, has been settled as of the date of this report.We recorded RMB19.6 million (US$2.7 million) in accounts payable as of March 31, 2025. A substantial majority of our accounts payableis due to brand partners, with a credit period between 30 to 60 days. We recorded RMB11.9 million (US$1.6 million) in accrued liabilitiesand other current liabilities as of March 31, 2025, which primarily included logistics expenses payable, refund obligation of sales returns,advances from customers and payable for investment. We recorded RMB0.005 million (US$0.0001 million) in derivative liabilities as of March31, 2025. We assessed the embedded warrants along with the conversion features of Yoken Series A-1 Warrant, and concluded that this isrequired to be bifurcated and accounted for separately as derivative liabilities.
Despite the fact that wehad a positive working capital as of March 31, 2025, working capital constraints have in the past limited, and may continue to limit,our ability to grow revenues, especially with emerging brands that generally require larger inventory investments during their early commercialdevelopment. Working capital deficits will restrict our liquidity position and have a negative impact on our ability to repay currentliabilities. Our inability to take actions that address our working capital deficit in a timely and efficient manner, including prudentlymanaging our working capital, or raising additional equity or debt financing on terms that are acceptable to us when necessary, couldmaterially adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and ability to operate. We believe that our currentcash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and borrowings will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs, including ourcash needs for working capital and capital expenditures, for at least the next 12 months.
We may, however, requireadditional cash due to changing business conditions or other future developments, including any investments or acquisitions we may decideto pursue. If our existing cash is insufficient to meet our requirements, we may seek to issue debt or equity securities or obtain additionalcredit facilities. Financing may be unavailable in the amounts we need or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Issuance of additionalequity securities, including convertible debt securities, would dilute our earnings per share. The incurrence of debt would divert cashfor working capital and capital expenditures to service debt obligations and could result in operating and financial covenants that restrictour operations and our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders. If we are unable to obtain additional equity or debt financing asrequired, our business operations and prospects may suffer.
Operating activities
Net cash used in operatingactivities was RMB66.8 million (US$9.2 million) for the year ended March 31, 2025. The difference between our net loss of RMB58.6 million(US$8.1 million) and the net cash used in operating activities for the year ended March 31, 2025 was primarily attributable to (i) anincrease in prepayments and other current assets of RMB26.7 million (US$3.7 million),(ii) an increase in due from related parties of RMB13.3million (US$1.8 million) and (iii) a decrease in operating lease liabilities of RMB10.1 million (US$1.4 million), partially offset by(i) a decrease in inventories of RMB15.1 million (US$2.1 million), (ii) a decrease in accounts receivable of RMB21.3 million (US$2.9 million),and (iv) amortization of right-of-use assets of RMB9.5 million (US$1.3 million) in the year ended March 31, 2025.
Net cash used in operatingactivities was RMB25.4 million (US$3.5 million) for the year ended March 31, 2024. The difference between our net loss of RMB68.9 million(US$9.5 million) and the net cash used in operating activities for the year ended March 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to (i) a decreasein accounts payable of RMB31.5 million (US$4.4 million), and (ii) a decrease in operating lease liabilities of RMB18.0 million (US$2.5million), partially offset by (i) a decrease in prepayments and other current assets of RMB11.5 million (US$1.6 million), (ii) a decreasein accounts receivable of RMB27.2 million (US$3.8 million), (iii) a decrease in inventories of RMB26.5 million (US$3.7 million), and (iv)amortization of right-of-use assets of RMB17.9 million (US$2.5 million) in the year ended March 31, 2024.
Net cash used in operatingactivities was RMB54.1 million (US$7.9 million) for the year ended March 31, 2023. The difference between our net loss of RMB106.0 million(US$15.4 million) and the net cash used in operating activities for the year ended March 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to (i) adecrease in accounts payable of RMB36.3 million (US$5.3 million), (ii) a decrease in operating lease liabilities of RMB26.4 million (US$3.8million), and (iii) an increase in accounts receivable of RMB27.5 million (US$4.0 million), partially offset by (i) a decrease in prepaymentsand other current assets of RMB47.8 million (US$7.0 million), (ii) impairment of goodwill of RMB40.7 million (US$5.9 million) in theyear ended March 31, 2023 and (iii) amortization of right-of-use assets of RMB24.6 million (US$3.6 million) in the year ended March 31,2023.
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Investing activities
Net cash generated from investingactivities was RMB24.6 million (US$3.4 million) for the year ended March 31, 2025, which was primarily attributable to an increasein short-term investments of RMB4.0 million (US$0.6 million), partially offset by recovery of deposits used in connection with futureacquisitions of RMB29.1 million (US$4.0 million).
Net cash generated from investingactivities was RMB47.8 million (US$6.6 million) for the year ended March 31, 2024, which was primarily attributable to a decreasein short-term investments of RMB69.8 million (US$9.7 million), partially offset by deposits to be used in connection with future acquisitionsof RMB29.1 million (US$4.0 million).
Net cash generated from investingactivities was RMB46.5 million (US$6.8 million) for the year ended March 31, 2023, which was primarily attributable to an increasein short-term investments of RMB58.3 million (US$8.5 million), partially offset by loan receivables advanced to a third party of RMB7.9million (US$1.1 million).
Financing activities
Net cash generated from financingactivities was RMB8.2 million (US$1.1 million) for the year ended March 31, 2025, which was primarily attributable to (i) repaymentsof short-term and long-term borrowings of RMB37.7 million (US$5.2 million), and(ii) repayments of other debts of RMB10.0 million (US$1.4million), partially offset by (i) proceeds from short-term and long-term borrowings of RMB31.5 million (US$4.3 million), (ii) proceedsfrom issuance of other debts of RMB9.8 million (US$1.4 million), and (iii) proceeds from issuance of ADSs and ordinary shares, net ofissuance costs of RMB14.5 million (US$2.0 million).
Net cash used in financingactivities was RMB33.1 million (US$4.6 million) for the year ended March 31, 2024, which was primarily attributable to repaymentsof short-term and long-term borrowings of RMB86.0 million (US$11.9 million), partially offset by proceeds from issuance of ADSs and ordinaryshares, net of issuance costs of RMB35.9 million (US$5.0 million).
Net cash used in financingactivities was RMB76.7 million (US$11.2 million) for the year ended March 31, 2023, which was primarily attributable to repaymentsof short-term and long-term borrowings of RMB187.2 million (US$27.3 million), partially offset by proceeds from short-term and long-termborrowings of RMB110.6 million (US$16.1 million).
Material Cash Requirements
Other than the ordinary cashrequirements for our operations, our material cash requirements as of March 31, 2024 and any subsequent interim period primarily includeour capital expenditures and contractual obligations.
Capital Expenditures
Our capital expendituresare incurred primarily in connection with purchase of fixed assets, including electronic equipment, office equipment and vehicles, andintangible assets. Our capital expenditures were RMB1.9 million, RMB0.6 million and RMB3.3 million (US$0.5 million)for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. We intend to fund our future capital expenditures with our existingcash balance and proceeds from our bank loans and equity or debt offerings.
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Contractual Obligations
As of March 31, 2025, wehad borrowings of RMB9.1 million (US$1.2 million), interest payable of RMB0.16 million (US$0.02 million), which are to be paid withinone year. The borrowings and interest payable represent our borrowings from commercial banks or other financial institutions for our workingcapital and the corresponding interests payable.
As of the same date, we alsohad operating lease commitments of RMB2.3 million (US$0.3 million) and RMB0.9 million (US$0.1 million), which are to be paid withinone year and between one to three years, respectively. Our operating lease commitments relate to our leases of offices and warehouses.
We intend to fund our existingand future material cash requirements with our existing cash balance and other financing alternatives. We will continue to make cash commitments,including capital expenditures to support the short-term and/or long-term growth of our business.
Holding Company Structure
Boqii is a holding companywith no material operations of its own. We conduct our operations primarily through our subsidiaries and the VIEs and their subsidiariesin the PRC. For the year ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the amount of revenues generated by the VIEs accounted for 79.9%, 71.2%and 55.3%, respectively, of our total net revenues.
We are permitted under PRClaws and regulations to provide funding to our PRC subsidiaries in China through capital contributions or loans, subject to the approvalof government authorities and limits on the amount of capital contributions and loans. In addition, our subsidiaries in China may provideRenminbi funding to the VIEs only through loans. As a result, there is uncertainty with respect to our ability to provide prompt financialsupport to our PRC subsidiaries and VIEs when needed. See “Item 3. Key Information—3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Relatedto Doing Business in China—PRC regulation of loans to and direct investment in PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmentalcontrol of currency conversion may delay us from using the proceeds of our initial public offering to make loans or additional capitalcontributions to our PRC subsidiaries and to make loans to the VIEs, which could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and ourability to fund and expand our business.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, our PRC subsidiaries may use their own retained earnings(rather than Renminbi converted from foreign currency-denominated capital) to provide financial support to the VIEs either through loansfrom our PRC subsidiaries or direct loans to the VIEs’ nominee shareholders, which would be contributed to the VIEs as capital injections.Such direct loans to the nominee shareholders of the VIEs would be eliminated in our consolidated financial statements against such VIEs’share capital. For more information, see “Item 3. Key Information—Condensed Consolidating Schedule” and consolidatedfinancial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
Our ability to pay dividendsdepends upon dividends paid by our subsidiaries which, in turn, depends on the payment of the service fees to our PRC subsidiaries bythe VIEs in the PRC pursuant to certain contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, the VIEs and the VIEs’ shareholders.Considering the future operating and cash flow needs of the VIEs, for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, no service feeswere charged to the VIEs by the WFOEs, and no payments were made by the VIEs. The ability of our subsidiaries in China to make dividendsor other cash payments to us is subject to various restrictions under PRC laws and regulations. Our subsidiaries in China are permittedto pay dividends to us only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with the Accounting Standards for BusinessEnterprise as promulgated by the Ministry of Finance of the PRC, or PRC GAAP. In accordance with PRC company laws and the Foreign InvestmentLaw, the VIEs and subsidiaries in China must make appropriations from their after-tax profit to non-distributable reserve fundsincluding (i) the statutory surplus fund and (ii) the discretionary surplus fund. The appropriation to the statutory surplusfund must be at least 10% of the after-tax profits calculated in accordance with PRC GAAP. Appropriation is not required ifthe statutory surplus fund has reached 50% of the registered capital of the VIEs. Appropriation to the discretionary surplus fund ismade at the discretion of the VIEs. For associated risks, see “Item 3. Key Information—3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Relatedto Doing Business in China—We may rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund anycash and financing requirements we may have, and any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to make payments to us could havea material and adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.” Additionally, if our subsidiaries or any newly formedsubsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividendsto us.
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5.C. Research and Development
We have been focusing onand will continue to invest in and enhance our technology systems, which support all key aspects of our online platforms and are designedto optimize for scalability and flexibility. We believe strong technology and data capabilities help achieve our long-term strategic goals.Therefore, we conduct our research and development according to our strategic objectives, market trends, and customer needs.
Our research and developmentactivities primarily focus on enhancing the performance of our online platforms, making them more efficient, user-friendly, and responsive.In March 2022, we integrated a payment and collection system for our sales on WeChat mini program to fulfill our business needs. Additionally, we have developed new features and integrated with multiple payment platforms for our online platforms to further enhanceuser convenience. We aim to enhance our platforms that not only meet current needs of pet parents and provide them with the best possibleexperience, but also have the ability to adapt and expand as we grow.
Our strong technology anddata capabilities enable us to deliver superior user experience and increase our operational efficiency. See “Item 4. Informationon the Company-4.B. Business Overview-Our Technology.”
5.D. Trend Information
Other than as disclosed elsewherein this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the year ended March 31, 2025that are reasonably likely to have a material and adverse effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources,or that would cause the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future results of operations or financialcondition.
5.E. Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financialstatements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect thereported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent liabilities in the consolidatedfinancial statements and accompanying notes.
Our estimates are based onhistorical experience and various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Given that changes in circumstances,facts and experience may cause us to revise our estimates, actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Our critical accountingestimates are described below.
Allowance for expected credit losses
Prior to April 1, 2023, theCompany monitors the collection of its receivables and records allowance for specifically identified non-recoverable amounts, If the economicsituation and the financial condition of a customer deteriorate resulting in an impairment of the customer’s ability to make payments,additional allowances might be required. Receivable balances are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible.
Starting from April 1, 2023,the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on FinancialInstruments” (“ASC Topic 326”), which creates an impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurredlosses. To estimate the allowance for current expected credit losses (“CECL”). the Company has identified the relevant riskcharacteristics of its customers and the related receivables and other receivables which include but are not limited to geographic regionand industry. Receivables with similar risk characteristics have been grouped into pools. For each pool, the Company considers the pastcollection history, future forecasts and macroeconomic factors. Other key factors that influence the CECL, analysis include industry-specificfactors and certain qualitative adjustments that could impact the Company’s receivables. This is assessed at each period end basedon the Company’s specific facts and circumstances.
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Inventories
Inventories are stated atthe lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost elements of our inventories comprise the purchase price of products, vendor rebates,shipping charges to receive products from the suppliers when they are embedded in the purchase price. Cost is determined using the first-infirst-out method. Provisions are made for excessive, slow moving, expired and obsolete inventories as well as for inventories with carryingvalues in excess of market. Certain factors could impact the realizable value of inventory, so we continually evaluate the recoverabilitybased on assumptions about customer demand and market conditions. The evaluation may take into consideration historical usage, inventoryaging, expiration date, expected demand, anticipated sales price, new product development schedules, the effect new products might haveon the sale of existing products, product obsolescence, customer concentrations, and other factors. The reserve or write-down is equalto the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand andmarket conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory reserves orwrite-downs may be required that could negatively impact our gross margin and operating results. If actual market conditions are morefavorable, we may have higher gross margin when products that have been previously reserved or written down are eventually sold.
Impairment of long-lived assets other thangoodwill
Long-lived assets (includingproperty and equipment and amortizable intangible assets) are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (suchas a significant adverse change to market conditions that will impact the future use of the assets) indicate that the carrying amountmay not be fully recoverable or that the useful life is shorter than we had originally estimated. When these events occur, we evaluatethe impairment by comparing carrying value of the assets to an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated fromthe use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carryingvalue of the assets, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the carrying value of the assets over the fair value of theassets. No impairment charges were recognized for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excessof the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is notamortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis, and in between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change thatcould indicate that the asset might be impaired.
In accordance with ASU No.2017-04, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”),which removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwillimpairment test. Management conducts the goodwill impairment assessment as of March 31 annually or more frequently if events or changesin circumstances indicate that it may be impaired. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than notthat the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill, so as to perform the quantitative goodwillimpairment test. If determined to be necessary, the quantitative impairment test is used to identify goodwill impairment by comparingthe fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carryingamount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated tothat reporting unit.
There is only one reportingunit in our company. Therefore, the goodwill assessment was performed for our company on consolidated level as one reporting unit. Asof March 31, 2025, there was no goodwill recorded.
Long-term investments
Our investments include equitymethod investments, equity securities with readily determinable fair values and available-for-sale securities.
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We apply the equity methodof accounting to account for an equity investment, in common stock or in-substance common stock, according to ASC 323 “Investment-EquityMethod and Joint Ventures,” over which it has significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control.Under the equity method, our share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the equity investees are recorded in share of resultsof equity investees in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The excess of the carrying amount of the investment over theunderlying equity in net assets of the equity investee, if any, represents goodwill and intangible assets acquired. When our share oflosses in the equity investee equals or exceeds its interest in the equity investee, we don’t recognize further losses, unless wehave incurred obligations or made payments or guarantees on behalf of the equity investee.
Equity securities with readilydeterminable fair values are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis with changes in fair value, whether realized orunrealized, recorded through the income statement.
Debt securities that we have the intent to holdthe security for an indefinite period or may sell the security in response to the changes in economic conditions are classified as available-for-salesecurities and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses (other than impairment losses) are reported, net of the related taxeffect, in other comprehensive income. Upon sale, realized gains and losses are reported in net income.
We continually review ourinvestments to determine whether a decline in fair value to below the carrying value is other-than-temporary. The primary factors we considerin our determination are the duration and severity of the decline in fair value; the financial condition, operating performance and theprospects of the equity investee; and other company specific information such as recent financing rounds. If the decline in fair valueis deemed to be other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
6.A. Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth information regardingour executive officers and directors as of the date of this annual report.
| Directors and Executive Officers | Age | Position/Title | ||
| Hao (Louis) Liang | 46 | Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang | 45 | Director, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer | ||
| Guangyu Luo | 46 | Independent Director | ||
| Su Zhang | 52 | Independent Director | ||
| Chao Guo | 41 | Senior Vice President |
Hao (Louis) Liang hasserved as our Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 2012, and is currently in charge of our overall strategic planningand management. Mr. Liang has 15 years of experience in management and strategy, and deep understanding of internet, pet and media industries.Prior to joining us, Mr. Liang was the chief operational officer of PPLive Inc., director of Tencent Video and one of the earliest productmanagers of QQ. Mr. Liang obtained his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Guilin Electronic Technology University.
Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang hasserved as our Director and our co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer since 2012, and is currently in charge of our privatelabels business, online community, MCN & content marketing, external cooperation and human resources management. Ms. Tang has 14 yearsof experience in internet, pet, media industries and expertise in financial investment and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joiningus, Ms. Tang was the marketing director of PPLive Inc. and the head of Tencent’s business services department. Ms. Tang obtainedher bachelor’s degree in computer science from Tongji University.
Guangyu Luo has servedas our Independent Director since January 2025. Mr. Luo has worked in enterprise management, artificial intelligence, technology architecture,and financial management industries for more than 20 years. He currently serves as the founder, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief FinancialOfficer of Shenzhen JuShu Network Group (“JuShu Group”), a company mainly featuring construction and implementation of technologyprojects, where Mr. Luo is responsible for JuShu Group's operations and finance. Prior to JuShu Group, Mr. Luo founded Shenzhen ZhonglianUnlimited Co., Ltd., a technology development platform company, in 2013 and served as the Chief Technology Officer and Financial Controllerfrom 2013 to 2017. Prior to Shenzhen Zhonglian, Mr. Luo served at Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. from 2001 to 2013, as a project manager,system architect, and overall domain architect. Mr. Luo graduated from Guilin Institute of Electronic Technology with a Bachelor's degreein Computer Software in 2001.
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Su Zhang has servedas our Independent Director since May 2023. Mr. Zhang, with over 28 years of experience in the technology and internet industry, has workedat international well-known technology enterprises for more than 20 years. Mr. Zhang obtained his bachelor’s degree in automaticcontrol in Information and Control Engineering from Xi’an Jiaotong University in 1995.
Chao Guo has servedas our Senior Vice President since 2019, and is currently in charge of management of Nanjing Xingmu. Mr. Guo has 16 years of experiencein pet healthcare industry. Prior to joining us, Mr. Guo served as the technician of Qianyuanhao Nanjing Biopharmaceutical Factory, salesmanof Zhongmu Nanjing Animal Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Mr. Guo serves as the general manager of Nanjing Xingmu since 2013. Mr. Guo obtainedhis bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Jiangsu Ocean University.
6.B. Compensation
For the year ended March31, 2025, we paid an aggregate of approximately RMB1.3 million (US$0.2 million) in cash to our executive officers, and we paid an aggregateof approximately RMB0.3 million (US$0.04 million) to our non-executive directors. We have not set aside or accrued any amount to providepension, retirement or other similar benefits to our directors and executive officers. Our PRC subsidiaries and the VIEs are requiredby law to make contributions equal to certain percentages of each employee’s salary for his or her pension insurance, medical insurance,unemployment insurance and other statutory benefits and a housing provident fund. For share incentive grants to our directors and executiveofficers, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees-6.B. Compensation-Share Incentive Plan.”
Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into an employmentagreement with each of our executive officers. Each of our executive officers is employed for a specified time period. We may terminateemployment for cause, at any time, without advance notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the executive officer. We may also terminatean executive officer’s employment without cause upon advance written notice. In such case of termination by us other than for cause,we will pay an additional amount to the executive officer as provided by applicable law. The executive officer may resign at any timewith an advance written notice.
Each executive officer hasagreed to hold, both during and after the termination or expiry of his or her employment agreement, in strict confidence and not to useall nonpublic information relating to the business, financial condition and other aspects of us and our customers, users and suppliers,and may not disclose such nonpublic information for any purpose other than to fulfill his or her responsibilities in the best interestof the Company except otherwise authorized by us. In addition, each executive officer has agreed to be bound by noncompetition and nonsolicitationrestrictions during the term of his or her employment and typically for one year following the last date of employment.
We have also entered intoan indemnification agreement with each of our directors and executive officers. Under these agreements, we agree to indemnify our directorsand executive officers against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by such persons in connection with claims made by reason of theirbeing a director or officer of our company.
Share Incentive Plan
Amended and Restated 2018 Global Share Plan
We adopted the 2018 GlobalShare Plan in August 2018, for the purpose of granting share-based compensation awards to employees, directors and consultants to incentivizetheir performance and align their interests with ours. The 2018 Global Share Plan was last amended and restated in May 2022, and the totalnumber of Class A ordinary shares reserved for awards to be granted to the eligible participants thereunder was increased by 25,000 ClassA ordinary shares, in order to retain and attract talent to drive the long-term success of Boqii. After the increase, the maximum aggregatenumber of Class A ordinary shares that may be issued under the amended and restated 2018 Global Share Plan, or the Amended and Restated2018 Global Share Plan, is 81,174.
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The following paragraphs summarize the key termsof the Amended and Restated 2018 Global Share Plan.
Types of Awards.The Amended and Restated 2018 Global Share Plan permits the awards of options, including incentive stock option and nonstatutory stockoption and rights to purchase restricted shares, including Reg S share purchase right and share purchase right other than a Reg S sharepurchase right.
Plan Administration.The Amended and Restated 2018 Global Share Plan shall be administered by the Board or our chief executive officer. Subject to applicablelaw, the administrator may delegate limited authority to specified officers of our company to execute on behalf of the Company any instrumentrequired to effect an award previously granted by the administrator.
Eligibility.Our employees, directors and consultants (together, as “service providers”) are eligible to participate in the Amended andRestated 2018 Global Share Plan. Generally, only service providers that are not U.S. persons, or trusts established in connection withany of our employee benefit plans for the benefit of such a service provider, shall be eligible for the grant of Reg S options and RegS share purchase rights. Non-statutory stock options that are not designated as Reg S options and share purchase rights that are not designatedas Reg S share purchase rights may be granted to service providers only. Incentive stock options may be granted to employees only. Anyawards granted to consultants that are intended to comply with and qualify under Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act may onlybe granted to natural persons who meet the applicable requirements under the Securities Act. A service provider who owns more than 10%of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding securities of Boqii or any of its parent or subsidiary shall not be eligiblefor the grant of an incentive stock option unless otherwise specified under the Amended and Restated 2018 Global Share Plan, and notwithstandingany contrary provision of Amended and Restated 2018 Global Share Plan, a service provider located in California is eligible to receiveonly awards that comply with certain requirements under the Amended and Restated 2018 Global Share Plan.
Designation of Award.Each award under the Amended and Restated 2018 Global Share Plan is designated in an award agreement, which is a written agreement evidencingthe grant of an award executed by our company and the grantee, including any amendments thereto.
Conditions of Award.The Board or the chief executive officer shall determine the terms and conditions of each award including, but not limited to, the exerciseprice, the purchase price, the exercise conditions, the repurchase or redemption rights, vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiturerestrictions, and restriction or limitation regarding any award or shares relating thereto.
Terms of Award. Theterm of each award is stated in the award agreement between our company and the grantee of such award, and shall not exceed ten yearsfrom the date of grant.
Transfer Restrictions. Unlessotherwise determined by the administrator and so provided in the applicable award agreement (or be amended to provide), no award shallbe sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner (whether by operation of law or otherwise) other thanby will or applicable laws of descent and distribution or (except in the case of an incentive stock option) pursuant to a domestic relationsorder, and shall not be subject to execution, attachment, or similar process, and each award may be exercised, during the lifetime ofthe participant only by the participant.
Change in Control.In the event that our company is a party to a change in control (whether structured as a merger, share purchase, scheme of arrangementor other similar transaction), outstanding awards and shares acquired under the Amended and Restated 2018 Global Share Plan shall be subjectto the definitive agreement covering such change in control, which need not treat all outstanding awards in an identical manner.
Amendment or Termination.The administrator of the Amended and Restated 2018 Global Share Plan may at any time amend, alter, suspend, or terminate the Amended andRestated 2018 Global Share Plan.
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As of March 31, 2025, optionsto purchase a total of 81,034 Class A ordinary shares were outstanding, excluding those that were forfeited or canceled, of which optionsto purchase 74,906 Class A ordinary shares had become vested and exercisable. The following table summarizes the number of ordinary sharesunderlying outstanding options that we granted to our directors and executive officers but have not been exercised under the Amended andRestated 2018 Global Share Plan as of the same date.
| Class A Ordinary Shares Underlying Options Granted | Exercise Price (US$/Share) | Date of Grant | Date of Expiration | |||||||||
| Hao (Louis) Liang | 4,946 | 16 to 660.8 | Various dates from September 27, 2012 to April 12, 2023 | Various dates from September 26, 2022 to April 11, 2033 | ||||||||
| Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang | 2,372 | 16 to 660.8 | Various dates from September 27, 2012 to April 12, 2023 | Various dates from September 26, 2022 to April 11, 2033 | ||||||||
| Guangyu Luo | - | - | - | - | ||||||||
| Su Zhang | - | - | - | - | ||||||||
| Chao Guo | 313 | 660.8 | May 17, 2021 | May 16, 2031 | ||||||||
| All directors and executive officers as a group | 7,631 | |||||||||||
As of March 31, 2025, therewere outstanding options to purchase 65,280 ordinary shares that were granted to our employees, other than members of our seniormanagement, with exercise prices ranging from US$0.016 per share to US$660.8 per share.
6.C. Board Practices
Board of Directors
Our Board consist of fourdirectors, including two independent directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in our company to qualify to serve as adirector. A director may vote with respect to any contract, proposed contract or arrangement notwithstanding that he may be interestedtherein, and if he or she does so his or her vote shall be counted and he or she may be counted in the quorum at any meeting of our directorsat which any such contract or proposed contract or arrangement is considered, provided that (i) such director declares the nature of hisinterest at the meeting of the Board at which the question of entering into the contract or arrangement is first considered, if he knowshis or her interest then exists, or in any other case at the first meeting of the Board after he or she knows that he is or has becomeso interested, and (ii) if such contract or arrangement is a transaction with a related party, such transaction has been approved by theaudit committee. The directors may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money, to mortgage or charge its undertaking, propertyand uncalled capital, and to issue debentures or other securities whenever money is borrowed or as security for any debt, liability orobligation of the company or of any third party. None of our non-executive directors has a service contract with us that provides forbenefits upon termination of service.
Committees of the board of directors
We have established an auditcommittee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee under our Board and have adopted a charter foreach of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions are described below.
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Audit Committee.Our audit committee consists of Mr. Guangyu Luo and Mr. Su Zhang. Mr. Guangyu Luo is the chairman of our audit committee. We have determinedthat each of Mr. Guangyu Luo and Mr. Su Zhang satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 803 of the NYSE AmericanLLC Company Guide and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We have determined that Mr. Guangyu Luo qualifies as an “auditcommittee financial expert.” The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of theconsolidated financial statements of our company. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things:
| ● | selecting the independent registered public accounting firm and preapproving all auditing and nonauditing services permitted to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm; |
| ● | reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response; |
| ● | reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions; |
| ● | discussing the annual audited consolidated financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm; |
| ● | reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies; |
| ● | annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter; |
| ● | meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent registered public accounting firm; and |
| ● | reporting regularly to the board of directors. |
Compensation Committee.Our compensation committee consists of Mr. Hao (Louis) Liang, Mr. Guangyu Luo and Ms. Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang, and is chaired by Mr. Hao (Louis)Liang. We have determined that Mr. Guangyu Luo satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 803 of the NYSE AmericanLLC Company Guide. The compensation committee assists the Board in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all formsof compensation, relating to our executive officers. Our executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which suchexecutive officer’s performance or compensation is deliberated upon. The compensation committee is responsible for, among otherthings:
| ● | reviewing and approving the compensation for our executive officers; |
| ● | reviewing and evaluating periodically the management succession plan in consultation with the chief executive officer; |
| ● | reviewing any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements; |
| ● | selecting compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser only after taking into consideration of all factors relevant to that person’s independence from management; and |
| ● | reporting periodically to the board of directors. |
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Nominating and CorporateGovernance Committee. Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Mr. Hao (Louis) Liang andMr. Su Zhang and is chaired by Mr. Hao (Louis) Liang. We have determined that Mr. Su Zhang satisfies the “independence” requirementsof Section 803 of the NYSE American LLC Company Guide. The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the Board in selectingindividuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the Board and its committees. The nominating and corporategovernance committee is responsible for, among other things:
| ● | recommending nominees to the Board for membership on the Board and its committees pursuant to the terms of the MAA; |
| ● | leading and overseeing self-evaluation of the Board at least annually to determine whether it and its committees are functioning effectively; |
| ● | recommending criteria for the selection of candidates to the Board and its committees; |
| ● | selecting and recommending to the Board the names of directors to serve as members of the audit committee and the compensation committee, as well as of the nominating and corporate governance committee itself; |
| ● | developing and recommending to the Board the code of business conduct and ethics; and |
| ● | overseeing and setting compensation for our directors. |
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Duties and Functions of Directors
Under Cayman Islands law,our directors owe fiduciary duties to our company, including a duty of loyalty, a duty to act honestly and a duty to act in what theyconsider in good faith to be in our best interests. Our directors must also exercise their powers only for a proper purpose. Our directorsalso owe to our company a duty to exercise the skill they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonable prudent personwould exercise in comparable circumstances. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his dutiesa greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his knowledge and experience. However, English and Commonwealthcourts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followedin the Cayman Islands. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles ofassociation, as amended and restated from time to time. Our company has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached.In limited exceptional circumstances, a shareholder may have the right to seek damages in our name if a duty owed by our directors isbreached. In accordance with our MAA, the functions and powers of our Board include, among others, (i) convening shareholders’ annualgeneral meetings and extraordinary general meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings, (ii) declaring dividends,(iii) appointing officers and determining their terms of offices and responsibilities, and (iv) approving the transfer of shares of ourcompany, including the registering of such shares in our register of members.
Terms of Directors and Officers
Our officers are electedby and serve at the discretion of the Board. Each director is not subject to a term of office and holds office until such time as hissuccessor takes office or until the earlier of his death, resignation or removal from office by ordinary resolution or the affirmativevote of a simple majority of the other directors present and voting at a board meeting. In accordance with our MAA, a director will beremoved from office automatically if, among other things, the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition withhis creditors generally; (ii) dies or is found by our company to be or become of unsound mind; (iii) resigns by notice in writing to ourcompany; (iv) is prohibited by law or NYSE American rules from being a director; or (v) is removed from office pursuant to any other provisionsof our MAA.
Interested Transactions
A director may, subject toany separate requirement for audit committee approval under applicable law or applicable NYSE American rules, vote in respect of any contractor transaction in which he or she is interested, provided that the nature of the interest of any directors in such contract or transactionis disclosed by him or her at or prior to its consideration and any vote in that matter.
6.D. Employees
We had 256, 241 and 158 full-timeemployees as of March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively. The following table sets forth the number of our full-time employees by functionas of March 31, 2025, and all of these full-time employees are based in China.
| Function | Number of employees | |||
| Fulfillment | 9 | |||
| Sales and marketing | 87 | |||
| General and administrative | 62 | |||
| Total | 158 | |||
Additionally, we also had83 outsourced workers as of March 31, 2025, of whom 19 primarily support our customer services and 24 primarily support our fulfillmentservices.
Our success depends on ourability to attract, motivate, train and retain qualified personnel. We have fostered a friendly and productive work culture that encouragesself-development and collaboration. We believe we offer our employees competitive compensation packages consisting of base salary andvarious performance bonuses. As a result, we have generally been to attract and retain qualified personnel and maintain a stable coremanagement team.
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As required by regulationsin China, we participate in housing fund and various employee social security plans that are organized by applicable local governments,including medical insurance, childbirth insurance, workplace injury insurance, unemployment benefit plans and pension benefit plans, underwhich we make contributions at specified percentages of the salaries of our employees.
Some of our employees arerepresented by labor unions. We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees and labor unions. As of the dateof this annual report, we have not experienced any material labor disputes.
6.E. Share Ownership
The following table setsforth information concerning the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares as of July 17, 2025 by:
| ● | each of our directors and executive officers; and |
| ● | each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our ordinary shares. |
The calculations in the tablebelow are based on 2,879,614 ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of July 17, 2025, comprising (i) 2,798,128 Class A ordinaryshares and (ii) 81,486 Class B ordinary shares.
Beneficial ownership is determinedin accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentageownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days of July 17, 2025, includingthrough the exercise of any option, warrant, or other right or the conversion of any other security. These shares, however, are not includedin the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person.
| Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned as of July 17, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Class A ordinary shares | Class B ordinary shares | Total ordinary shares on an as- converted basis | % of beneficial ownership** | % of aggregate voting power*** | ||||||||||||||||
| Directors and Executive Officers: † | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Hao (Louis) Liang(1)(3) | 6,861 | 51,964 | 58,825 | 2.0 | % | 23.6 | % | |||||||||||||
| Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang(2)(3) | 3,373 | 27,159 | 30,532 | 1.1 | % | 12.3 | % | |||||||||||||
| Guangyu Luo | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Su Zhang | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| Chao Guo(4) | 1,755 | - | 1,755 | * | * | |||||||||||||||
| All directors and executive officers as a group | 11,989 | 79,123 | 91,112 | 3.2 | % | 36.0 | % | |||||||||||||
| Principal Shareholder(s): | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Merchant Tycoon Limited(5) | 3,002 | 81,486 | 84,488 | 2.9 | % | 36.9 | % | |||||||||||||
Notes:
| * | Less than 1%. |
| ** | For each person and group included in this column, percentageof beneficial ownership is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person or group by the sum of (i) 2,879,614,being the number of ordinary shares on an as-converted basis issued and outstanding as of July 17, 2025, and (ii) the number of ordinaryshares underlying share options held by such person or group that are exercisable within 60 days of July 17, 2025. |
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| *** | For each person and group includedin this column, percentage of voting power is calculated by dividing the voting power beneficially owned by such person or group by thevoting power of all of our ordinary shares as a single class. Each holder of Class A ordinary shares is entitled to one vote per shareand each holder of our Class B ordinary shares is entitled to 20 votes per share on all matters submitted to them for a vote. Our ClassA ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders,except as may otherwise be required by law. Our Class B ordinary shares are convertible at any time by the holder thereof into ClassA ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. |
| † | Except as otherwise indicatedbelow, the business address of our directors and executive officers is Building 9, No. 388, Shengrong Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai201210, People’s Republic of China. |
| (1) | Represents an aggregate of approximately58,825 ordinary shares, consisting of (i) 63.77% of the 81,486 Class B ordinary shares (which is approximately 51,964 Class B ordinaryshares) held of record by Merchant Tycoon Limited (“MTL”), a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of theBritish Virgin Islands; (ii) 63.77% of the 3,002 Class A ordinary shares (which is approximately 1,915 Class A ordinary shares)indirectly held by MTL through its 51% ownership of XINGMU Holding Limited (see Note (5) below); and (iii) 4,946 Class A ordinary sharesunderlying share options held by Hao (Louis) Liang that are exercisable within 60 days of July 17, 2025. Hao (Louis) Liang holds 63.77%of equity interest in MTL, which indirectly holds 3,002 Class A ordinary shares and directly holds 81,486 Class B ordinary shares intotal. Therefore, Mr. Liang has the voting and investment power with respect to 63.77% of the ordinary shares that MTL beneficially owns.The registered address of MTL is Trinity Chambers, PO Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Based on the terms of governingdocuments of MTL, Hao (Louis) Liang disclaims beneficial ownership of the ordinary shares beneficially owned by Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang anda former director through their respective shareholdings in MTL. |
| (2) | Represents an aggregate of approximately 30,532 ordinary shares, consisting of (i) 33.33% of the 81,486 Class B ordinary shares (which is approximately 27,159 Class B ordinary shares) held of record by MTL; (ii) 33.33% of the 3,002 Class A ordinary shares (which is approximately 1,001 Class A ordinary shares) indirectly held by MTL through its 51% ownership of XINGMU Holding Limited (see Note (5) below); and (iii) 2,372 Class A ordinary shares underlying share options held by Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang that are exercisable within 60 days of July 17, 2025. Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang holds 33.33% of equity interest in MTL, which indirectly holds 3,002 Class A ordinary shares and directly holds 81,486 Class B ordinary shares in total. Therefore, Ms. Tang has the voting and investment power with respect to 33.33% of the ordinary shares that MTL beneficially owns. The registered address of MTL is Trinity Chambers, PO Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Based on the terms of governing documents of MTL, Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang disclaims beneficial ownership of the ordinary shares beneficially owned by Hao (Louis) Liang and a former director through their respective shareholdings in MTL. |
| (3) | Mr. Hao (Louis) Liang and Ms. Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang are spouses. Each of them disclaims beneficial ownership of all the ordinary shares beneficially owned by the other. |
| (4) | Represents an aggregate of approximately1,755 ordinary shares, consisting of (i) approximately 1,442 Class A ordinary shares held by XINGMU Holding Limited, which is 49% ownedby XINGMU Group Limited, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. Mr. Guo holds a 50% ownershipof XINGMU Group Limited and has the voting and investment power with respect to 24.5% of the 5,887 Class A Shares held by XINGMU HoldingLimited; and (ii) 313 Class A ordinary shares underlying share options directly held by Chao Guo that are exercisable within 60 daysof July 17, 2025. The registered address of XINGMU Group Limited is Craigmuir Chambers, Roan Town, Tortola, VG 1110,British Virgin Islands. Chao Guo disclaims beneficial ownership of the Class A ordinary shares beneficially owned by the other 50% holderof XINGMU Group Limited through their respective shareholdings in XINGMU Group Limited. |
| (5) | Represents an aggregate of approximately84,488 ordinary shares, consisting of (i) approximately 3,002 Class A ordinary shares indirectly held by MTL through its 51% ownershipof XINGMU Holding Limited; and (ii) 81,486 Class B ordinary shares held of record by MTL. MTL is a limited liability company incorporatedunder the laws of the British Virgin Islands. Each of Hao (Louis) Liang, Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang and a former director holds 63.77%, 33.33%and 2.9% of the equity interest in MTL, and beneficially owns approximately 51,964, 27,159 and 2,363 Class B ordinary shares directlyheld by MTL. The registered address of MTL is Trinity Chambers, PO Box 4301, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. |
To our knowledge, as of July17, 2025, we had one holder of record of our Class A ordinary shares inthe United States, Cede & Co., the nominee of the Depositary Trust Company, which held 702,240 Class A ordinary shares, representingapproximately 25.1% of our outstanding Class A ordinary shares. The number of holders of record and the shares they held is based exclusivelyupon the certified shareholder list provided by our transfer agent and does not address whether a share or shares may be held by the holderof record on behalf of more than one person or institution who may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of a share or shares in the Company.We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.
6.F. Disclosure of a Registrant’s Action to Recover ErroneouslyAwarded Compensation
Not applicable.
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ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
7.A. Major Shareholders
Please refer to “Item 6. Directors, SeniorManagement and Employees-6.E. Share Ownership.”
7.B. Related Party Transactions
In January 2023 and June2024, we made an advance payment of RMB 5.5 million and RMB 14.4 million, respectively, to Superb Origin International Limited for purchaseof goods. As of March 31, 2024 and 2025, the balance of the advance payment was approximately RMB 4.1 million and RMB 18.7 million, respectively.
Contractual Arrangements
See “Item 3. KeyInformation-Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders.”
Shareholders Agreement
Our currently effective shareholdersagreement was entered into on August 19, 2020 by and among us, our shareholders, and certain other parties named therein. Except for theregistration rights described below, all of the preferential rights, including the provisions governing the Board, has automatically terminatedupon the completion of our initial public offering.
Registration Rights
Pursuant to the current shareholdersagreement, prior to the consummation of a qualified initial public offering, the company shall extend to the shareholders registrationrights with respect to the shares held by them with terms and conditions customary for a transaction of similar type and size, includingdemand registration rights, piggyback registration rights and Form F-3 or Form S-3 registration rights. For details regarding such registrationrights, see the shareholders agreement filed as an exhibit to this annual report.
Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Managementand Employees-6.B. Compensation-Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements.”
Share Incentive Plan
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Managementand Employees-6.B. Compensation-Share Incentive Plan.”
7.C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
8.A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
We have appended consolidated financial statementsfiled as part of this annual report.
Legal and Administrative Proceedings
From time to time, we maybe subject to legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of our business. As of the date of this annual report, we werenot involved in any litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings pending or, to our knowledge, threatened against us that couldhave a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Dividend Policy
We have not previously declaredor paid cash dividends and we have no plan to declare or pay any dividends in the near future on our ordinary shares. We currently intendto retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to operate and expand our business.
We rely principally on dividendsfrom our PRC subsidiaries for our cash requirements, including any payment of dividends to our shareholders. PRC regulations may restrictthe ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. See “Item 4. Information on the Company-4.B. Business Overview-Regulation-RegulationsRelated to Dividend Distribution.”
Our Board has discretionas to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of Cayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinaryresolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our Board. Under Cayman Islands law, a Cayman Islandsexempted company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend bepaid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if ourBoard decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirementsand surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that our Board may deem relevant.
8.B. Significant Changes
Except as otherwise disclosedin this report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial statements includedherein.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
9.A. Offering and Listing Details
Our ADSs were listed on NYSEsince September 30, 2020 under the symbol “BQ.” On October 2, 2023, we transferred the listing of our ADSs from NYSE to NYSEAmerican, under the same ticker symbol of “BQ.” Each ADS represents one hundred and fifty (150) Class A ordinary shares.
On July 11, 2025, tradingof our ADSs was suspended, and our Class A ordinary shares commenced trading on the NYSE American under the same ticker symbol “BQ.”
9.B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
9.C. Markets
Our Class A ordinary sharesare listed on the NYSE American under the symbol “BQ.”
9.D. Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
9.E. Dilution
Not applicable.
9.F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
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ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
10.A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
10.B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
Boqii is an exempted companywith limited liability incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and our affairs are governed by our MAA, as amended and restatedfrom time to time, the Companies Act, and the common law of the Cayman Islands.
We incorporate by referenceinto this annual report our MAA, which was filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our report on Form 6-K filed with the SEC on July 11, 2025.
Registered Office and Objects
Our registered office inthe Cayman Islands is at the offices of Vistra (Cayman) Limited, P.O. Box 31119 Grand Pavilion, Hibiscus Way, 802 West Bay Road, GrandCayman, KY1-1205, Cayman Islands
According to Clause 3 ofour MAA, the objects for which the Company is established are unrestricted and the Company shall have full power and authority to carryout any object not prohibited by any law as provided by the Companies Act or as the same may be revised from time to time, or any otherlaw of the Cayman Islands.
Board of Directors
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Managementand Employees.”
Ordinary Shares
See Exhibit 2.4 to this annual report.
Differences in Corporate Law
See Exhibit 2.4 to this annual report.
10.C. Material Contracts
Securities Purchase Agreements and RegistrationRight Agreement dated February 13, 2025
For a description of theterms of these agreements, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—4.A. History and Development of the Company—RecentDevelopment—Private Placement in February 2025.”
Other than those set forthabove and those described elsewhere in this annual report, we have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinarycourse of business.
10.D. Exchange Controls
The Cayman Islands currentlyhas no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions. See “Item 4. Information of the Company-4.B. Business Overview-Regulation-RegulationsRelated to Foreign Exchange.”
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10.E. Taxation
Cayman Islands Taxation
According to Maples and Calder(Hong Kong) LLP, our Cayman Islands legal counsel, the Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based uponprofits, income, gains or appreciation, and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. The Cayman Islands isnot party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control regulationsor currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
In terms of material taxconsequences in the Cayman Islands, there are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the government of the Cayman Islands,except for stamp duties which may be applicable on instruments executed in, or after execution brought within the jurisdiction of theCayman Islands. Payments of dividends and capital in respect of the ordinary shares will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islandsand no withholding will be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of the ordinary shares, nor will gains derivedfrom the disposal of the ordinary shares be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporate tax.
People’s Republic of China Taxation
Under the PRC EIT Law, whichbecame effective on January 1, 2008 and was most recently amended on December 29, 2018, an enterprise established outside the PRC with“de facto management bodies” within the PRC is considered a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income taxpurposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. Under the implementation regulationsto the PRC EIT Law, a “de facto management body” is defined as a body that has material and overall management and controlover the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and properties of an enterprise.
In addition, the STA Circular82 issued by the STA in April 2009 specifies that certain offshore incorporated enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprisegroups will be classified as PRC resident enterprises if the following are located or resident in the PRC: (a) senior management personneland departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; (b) financial and personnel decision making bodies;(c) key properties, accounting books, company seal, minutes of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings; and (d) half or more ofthe senior management or directors having voting rights. Further to STA Circular 82, the STA issued the STA Bulletin 45, which took effectin September 2011, to provide more guidance on the implementation of STA Circular 82. STA Bulletin 45 provides for procedures and administrationdetails of determination on resident status and administration on post-determination matters. Our company is a company incorporated outsidethe PRC. As a holding company, its key assets are its ownership interests in its subsidiaries, and its key assets are located outsidethe PRC. As such, we do not believe that our company meets all of the conditions above or is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes.For similar reasons, we believe our other entities outside of China are also not PRC resident enterprises. However, the tax resident statusof an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation ofthe term “de facto management body.” There can be no assurance that the PRC government will ultimately take a view that isconsistent with us.
In terms of material taxconsequences to shareholders, if the PRC tax authorities determine that our Cayman Islands holding company is a PRC resident enterprisefor PRC enterprise income tax purposes, a 10% withholding tax would be imposed on dividends we pay to our non-PRC enterprise shareholders.In addition, nonresident enterprise shareholders may be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 10% on gains realized on the sale or other dispositionof ordinary shares, if such gains are treated as derived from a PRC source. Furthermore, if we are deemed a PRC resident enterprise, dividendspaid to our non-PRC individual shareholders and any gain realized on the transfer of ordinary shares by such shareholders may be subjectto PRC individual income tax at a rate of 20% (which, in the case of dividends, may be withheld at source by us). These rates may be reducedby an applicable tax treaty, but it is unclear whether non-PRC shareholders of our company would be able to in practice, obtain the benefitsof any tax treaties between their country of tax residence and the PRC in the event that we are treated as a PRC resident enterprise.See “Item 3. Key Information-3.D.Risk Factors-Risks Related to Doing Business in China-If we are classified as a PRC residententerprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, such classification could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our non-PRCshareholders.”
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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following are materialU.S. federal income tax consequences to the U.S. Holders described below of owning and disposing of our Class A ordinary shares, but thisdiscussion does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular person’sdecision to own our A ordinary shares.
The following applies onlyto a U.S. Holder that holds the Class A ordinary shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, it does notaddress all of the tax consequences that may be relevant in light of a U.S. Holder’s particular circumstances, including the alternativeminimum tax, the Medicare contribution tax on net investment income and tax consequences applicable to U.S. Holders subject to specialrules, such as:
| ● | certain financial institutions; |
| ● | insurance companies; |
| ● | regulated investment companies; |
| ● | dealers or traders in securities that use a mark-to-market method of tax accounting; |
| ● | persons holding Class A ordinary shares as part of a straddle, integrated or similar transaction; |
| ● | persons whose functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not the U.S. dollar; |
| ● | entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and their partners; |
| ● | tax-exempt entities, “individual retirement accounts” or “Roth IRAs”; |
| ● | persons that acquired Class A ordinary shares as compensation; |
| ● | persons that own or are deemed to own Class A ordinary shares representing 10% or more of our voting power or value; or |
| ● | persons holding Class A ordinary shares in connection with a trade or business outside the United States. |
If a partnership (or otherentity that is classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) owns Class A ordinary shares, the U.S. federal incometax treatment of a partner will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships owning Class Aordinary shares and their partners should consult their tax advisers as to their particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of owningand disposing of Class A ordinary shares.
The following is based onthe Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions, final, temporary and proposedTreasury Regulations, and the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC, or the Treaty, all as of the date hereof, any ofwhich is subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The following assumes that each obligation under the deposit agreement andany related agreement will be performed in accordance with its terms.
As used herein, a “U.S.Holder” is a person that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a beneficial owner of the Class A ordinary shares and:
| ● | a citizen or individual resident of the United States; |
| ● | a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state therein or the District of Columbia; |
| ● | an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or |
| ● | a trust (A) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that has otherwise elected to be treated as a United States person under the Code. |
U.S. Holders should consulttheir tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax consequences of owning and disposing of Class A ordinaryshares in their particular circumstances.
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Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
In general, a non-U.S. corporationis a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any taxable year in which (i) 50% or more of the average value of its assets (generallydetermined on a quarterly basis) consists of assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income (the “assettest”), or (ii) 75% or more of its gross income consists of passive income. For purposes of the above calculations, a non-U.S. corporationthat owns (or is treated as owning for U.S. federal income tax purposes), directly or indirectly, at least 25% by value of the sharesof another corporation is treated as if it held its proportionate share of the assets of the other corporation and received directly itsproportionate share of the income of the other corporation. Passive income generally includes dividends, interest, rents, royalties andgains from financial investments. Cash is generally a passive asset for these purposes. Depending on the amount of cash we hold, togetherwith any other assets held for the production of passive income, it is possible that, for our current taxable year or any subsequent year,more than 50% of our assets may be assets which produce passive income. Our status as a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination made onan annual basis. We will make this determination following the end of any particular tax year. Taking into account the composition ofour income and assets, we believe it is reasonable to take the position that we were not a PFIC for our taxable year ended on March 31,2025. However, due to the uncertainty described above, as well as uncertainties regarding the characterization and value of certain ofour assets for purposes of the asset test, our PFIC status for our taxable year ended on March 31, 2025 is not entirely clear and theInternal Revenue Service may assert that we were a PFIC for that year. Moreover, it is not entirely clear how the contractual arrangementsbetween us, the VIEs and their nominal shareholders will be treated for purposes of the PFIC rules, and we may be or become a PFIC ifthe VIEs are not treated as owned by us for these purposes.
If we are a PFIC for anytaxable year and any entity in which we own or are deemed to own equity interests (including our subsidiaries and the VIEs) is also aPFIC (any such entity, a “Lower-tier PFIC”), U.S. Holders will be deemed to own a proportionate amount (by value) of the sharesof each Lower-tier PFIC and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax according to the rules described in the next paragraph on (i) certaindistributions by a Lower-tier PFIC and (ii) dispositions of shares of Lower-tier PFICs, in each case as if the U.S. Holders held suchshares directly, even though the U.S. Holder did not receive any proceeds of those distributions or dispositions.
If we are a PFIC for anytaxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns Class A ordinary shares, and unless the mark-to-market election described in the subsequentparagraph applies, gain recognized by such U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition (including certain pledges) of its Class A ordinaryshares will be allocated ratably over its holding period. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or disposition and toany year before we became a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year will be subject totax at the highest rate in effect for individuals or corporations, as appropriate, for that taxable year, and an interest charge willbe imposed on the resulting tax liability for each such year. Furthermore, to the extent that distributions received by a U.S. Holderin any taxable year on its Class A ordinary shares exceed 125% of the average of the annual distributions on the Class A ordinary sharesreceived during the preceding three taxable years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter, such excess distributionswill be subject to taxation in the same manner. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns Class A ordinaryshares, we will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to the U.S. Holder for all succeeding years during which the U.S. Holderowns the Class A ordinary shares, even if we cease to meet the threshold requirements for PFIC status, unless the U.S. Holder makes atimely “deemed sale” election, in which case any gain on the deemed sale will be taxed under the PFIC rules described above.U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the advisability of making a deemed sale election in the event that we are aPFIC for any taxable year and cease to be a PFIC thereafter.
Alternatively, if we area PFIC and if the Class A ordinary shares are “regularly traded” on a “qualified exchange,” a U.S. Holder of ClassA ordinary shares may be able to make a mark-to-market election that would result in tax treatment different from the general tax treatmentfor PFICs described in the preceding paragraph. The Class A ordinary shares will be treated as regularly traded for any calendar yearin which more than a de minimis quantity of the Class A ordinary shares are traded on a qualified exchange on at least 15 daysduring each calendar quarter. The NYSE American, where the Class A ordinary shares are listed, is a qualified exchange for this purpose,but there is no assurance that our Class A ordinary shares will be regularly traded. If a U.S. Holder of Class A ordinary shares makesthe mark-to-market election, the U.S. Holder will recognize as ordinary income any excess of the fair market value of the Class A ordinaryshares at the end of each taxable year over their adjusted tax basis, and will recognize an ordinary loss in respect of any excess ofthe adjusted tax basis of the Class A ordinary shares over their fair market value at the end of the taxable year to the extent of thenet amount of income previously included as a result of the mark-to-market election. If a U.S. Holder makes the election, the U.S. Holder’stax basis in the Class A ordinary shares will be adjusted to reflect the income or loss amounts recognized. Any gain recognized on thesale or other disposition of Class A ordinary shares in a year in which we are a PFIC will be treated as ordinary income and any losswill be treated as an ordinary loss (but only to the extent of the net amount of income previously included as a result of the mark-to-marketelection, with any excess treated as capital loss). If a U.S. Holder makes the mark-to-market election, distributions paid on Class Aordinary shares will be treated as discussed under “-Taxation of Distributions” below. U.S. Holders should consult their taxadvisers regarding the availability and advisability of making a mark-to-market election in their particular circumstances. In particular,U.S. Holders should consider carefully the impact of a mark-to-market election with respect to their Class A ordinary shares given thatwe may have Lower-tier PFICs, and there is no provision in the Code, Treasury Regulations or other official guidance that would permitU.S. Holders to make a mark-to-market election with respect to any Lower-tier PFIC, the shares of which are not regularly traded. Therefore,if we are a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder could be subject to the general PFIC rules described in the preceding paragraph withrespect to any Lower-tier PFIC, even if the U.S. Holder makes a mark-to-market election with respect to us. A mark-to-market electionwill not be available for Class A ordinary shares unless they are regularly traded on a qualified exchange. Our Class A ordinary sharescurrently are not listed on any exchange and therefore, if our Class A ordinary shares are delisted from trading on the NYSE American,a mark-to-market election will not be available.
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If we are a PFIC (or withrespect to a particular U.S. Holder are treated as a PFIC) for a taxable year of ours in which we pay a dividend or for the prior taxableyear, the favorable tax rate described below with respect to dividends paid to certain non-corporate U.S. Holders will not apply.
We do not intend to provideinformation necessary for U.S. Holders to make qualified electing fund elections which, if available, would result in tax treatment differentfrom the general tax treatment for PFICs described above.
If we are a PFIC for anytaxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns any Class A ordinary shares, subject to certain limited exceptions set forth in applicableTreasury Regulations the U.S. Holder will be required to file annual reports with the Internal Revenue Service. U.S. Holders should consulttheir tax advisers regarding the determination of whether we are a PFIC for any taxable year and the potential application of the PFICrules to their ownership of Class A ordinary shares.
Taxation of Distributions
The following is subject to the discussion under“-Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules” above.
Distributions paid on theClass A ordinary shares, other than certain pro rata distributions of Class A ordinary shares, will be treated as dividends tothe extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Becausewe do not maintain calculations of our earnings and profits under U.S. federal income tax principles, it is expected that distributionswill be reported by financial intermediaries to U.S. Holders as dividends. Dividends will not be eligible for the dividends-received deductiongenerally available to U.S. corporations under the Code. Subject to applicable limitations, dividends paid on our Class A ordinary sharesto certain non-corporate U.S. Holders may be taxable at a favorable rate, provided that we are not a PFIC for our taxable year in whichthe dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year. Furthermore, assuming we are not entitled to the benefits of the Treaty (which isthe position we have taken), the favorable tax rate will not apply if our Class A ordinary shares are delisted from trading on the NYSEAmerican. Non-corporate U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers to determine whether the favorable rate may apply to dividends,if any, and whether they are subject to any special rules that limit their ability to be taxed at this favorable rate.
Dividends will be includedin a U.S. Holder’s income on the date of the U.S. Holder’s. The amount of any dividend income paid in non-U.S. currency willbe the U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the spot rate in effect on the date of receipt, regardless of whether the paymentis in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder should notbe required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the amount received. A U.S. Holder may have foreign currency gainor loss if the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars after the date of receipt.
Dividends will be treatedas foreign-source income for foreign tax credit purposes. As described in “-People’s Republic of China Taxation,”dividends paid by us may be subject to PRC withholding tax. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of the dividend income willinclude any amounts withheld in respect of PRC withholding tax. Subject to applicable limitations, which vary depending upon the U.S.Holder’s circumstances, and the discussion below regarding certain Treasury Regulations, PRC taxes withheld from dividend payments(at a rate not exceeding any applicable Treaty rate) will be creditable against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.The rules governing foreign tax credits are complex. For example, Treasury Regulations provide that, in the absence of an election toapply the benefits of an applicable income tax treaty, in order for foreign income taxes to be creditable, the relevant foreign incometax rules must be consistent with certain U.S. federal income tax principles, and we have not determined whether the PRC income tax systemmeets these requirements. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the creditability of foreign taxes in their particularcircumstances. In lieu of claiming a credit, a U.S. Holder may elect to deduct creditable PRC taxes in computing its taxable income, subjectto applicable limitations. An election to deduct foreign taxes instead of claiming foreign tax credits applies to all creditable foreigntaxes paid or accrued in the relevant taxable year.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Class A Ordinary Shares
The following is subject to the discussion under“-Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules” above.
A U.S. Holder will recognizecapital gain or loss on a sale or other taxable disposition of Class A ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between theamount realized on the sale or disposition and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the Class A ordinary shares disposed of, in each caseas determined in U.S. dollars. Such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of the sale or disposition theU.S. Holder has owned the Class A ordinary shares for more than one year. Long-term capital gains recognized by non-corporate U.S. Holdersare subject to tax rates that are lower than those applicable to ordinary income. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
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As described in “-People’sRepublic of China Taxation”, gains on the sale of Class A ordinary shares may be subject to PRC taxes. Under the Code, capitalgains of U.S. persons are generally treated as U.S. source income. However, a U.S. Holder that is eligible for Treaty benefits may beable to elect to treat the gain as foreign-source income under the Treaty and claim foreign tax credit in respect of any PRC tax on dispositions.Under certain Treasury Regulations, a U.S. Holder generally will be precluded from claiming a foreign tax credit with respect to PRC incometaxes on gains from dispositions of Class A ordinary shares if the U.S. Holder unless the U.S. Holder is eligible for Treaty benefitsand elects to apply them. However, if a U.S. Holder is so precluded from claiming a foreign tax credit, it is possible that any PRC taxeson disposition gains may either be deductible or reduce the amount realized on the disposition. The rules governing foreign tax creditsand deductibility of foreign taxes are complex. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding the consequences of the impositionof any PRC tax on disposition gains, including the Treaty’s resourcing rule, the eligibility for the benefits of the Treaty in theU.S. Holders’ circumstances, the obligation to report a Treaty-based return position and any limitation on the creditability ordeductibility of any PRC tax on disposition gains in their particular circumstances.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Payments of dividends andsales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries may be subject to informationreporting and backup withholding, unless (i) the U.S. Holder is a corporation or other “exempt recipient” and (ii) in thecase of backup withholding, the U.S. Holder provides a correct taxpayer identification number and certifies that it is not subject tobackup withholding. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against its U.S.federal income tax liability and may entitle it to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the InternalRevenue Service.
Certain U.S. Holders whoare individuals (or certain specified entities) may be required to report information relating to their ownership of Class A ordinaryshares or non-U.S. accounts through which Class A ordinary shares are held. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisers regarding theirreporting obligations with respect to Class A ordinary shares.
10.F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
10.G. Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
10.H. Documents on Display
We are subject to the periodicreporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act as applicable to foreign private issuers. Under the Exchange Act, weare required to file reports and other information with the SEC. Specifically, we are required to file annually a Form 20-F within fourmonths after the end of each fiscal year. We have filed this annual report on Form 20-F, including exhibits, with the SEC. As allowedby the SEC, we incorporate by reference certain information we filed with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important informationto you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered tobe part of this annual report.
All information filed withthe SEC can be obtained over the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or inspected and copied at the public reference facilitiesmaintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of documents, upon payment of a duplicatingfee, by writing to the SEC.
As a foreign private issuer,we are exempt from the rules of the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, andour executive officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisionscontained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financialstatements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.
10.I Subsidiary information
Not applicable.
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ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Foreign currency exchange rate risk
The appreciation of RMB againstUS$ was approximately 8.5% in 2023. The depreciation of RMB against US$ was approximately 1.7% in 2024. The depreciation of RMB againstUS$ was approximately 1.5% in 2025. It is difficult to predict how market forces or the PRC or the U.S. government policy may impact theexchange rate between RMB and US$ in the future.
To the extent that we needto convert U.S. dollars into RMB for our operations, appreciation of RMB against the U.S. dollar would reduce the RMB amount we receivefrom the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on ourordinary shares, servicing our outstanding debt, or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB wouldreduce the U.S. dollar amounts available to us.
As of March 31, 2025, wehad RMB-denominated cash and cash equivalents of approximately RMB13.3 million (US$1.9 million). A 10% depreciation of RMB against U.S.dollar based on the foreign exchange rate on March 31, 2025 would result in a decrease of approximately US$0.2 million in cash and cashequivalents. A 10% appreciation of RMB against U.S. dollar based on the foreign exchange rate on March 31, 2025 would result in an increaseof approximately US$0.2 million in cash and cash equivalents.
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is therisk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Ourinterest rate risk arises primarily from long-term borrowings. As of March 31, 2025, we had not obtained long-term bank borrowings. Borrowingsissued at variable rates and fixed rates expose us to cash flow interest rate risk and fair value interest rate risk respectively. Wehave not been exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates, and we have not used any derivative financial instruments tomanage our interest risk exposure.
Concentration of credit risk
Financial instruments thatpotentially subject us to the concentration of credit risks consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investment, accounts receivableand amounts due from related parties. The maximum exposures of such assets to credit risk are their carrying amounts as of the balancesheet dates. We deposit our cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment with financial institutions located in jurisdictions wherethe subsidiaries are located. We believe that no significant credit risk exists as these financial institutions have high credit quality.
Accounts receivables aretypically unsecured and are derived from revenue earned through third-party consumers. We conduct credit evaluations of third-party customersand related parties, and generally do not require collateral or other security from its third-party customers and related parties. Weestablish an allowance for expected credit loss primarily based upon the age of the receivables and factors surrounding the credit riskof specific third-party customers and related parties.
Concentration of customers and suppliers
Substantially all revenuewas derived from customers located in China. There are no customers from whom revenues individually represent greater than 10% of thetotal revenues of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2023. Revenues from Zhejiang HaoChao Network Technology Co., Ltd accounts forapproximately 11.4% and 28.0% of the total revenues of the Company for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively. Royal CaninChina Co., Ltd. contributed to approximately 22%, 26%, and 33% of our total purchases as for the year ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025,respectively.
There were nocustomers from whom accounts receivable individually represented greater than 10% of the total accounts receivable of the Company as ofMarch 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.
As of March 31, 2023, therewere no supplier’s accounts payable that exceeded 10% of the Company’s total accounts payable;
As of March 31, 2024, accountspayable to Heze Jianuojia Pet Products Co., Ltd accounted for approximately 10% of the Company’s aggregate accounts payable;
As of March 31, 2025, accountspayable to Heze Jianuojia Pet Products Co., Ltd and Royal Canin China Co., Ltd accounted for approximately 10% and 17% of the Company’saggregate accounts payable, respectively.
Inflation risk
Since our inception, inflationin China has not materially impacted our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the year-over-yearpercent changes in the consumer price index for March 2023, 2024, and 2025 were increases of approximately 0.7%, 0.1%, and decrease of0.1%, respectively. Although we have not in the past been materially affected by inflation since our inception, we can provide no assurancethat we will not be affected in the future by higher rates of inflation in China.
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ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
12.A. Debt Securities
Not applicable.
12.B. Warrants and Rights
Not applicable.
12.C. Other Securities
Not applicable.
12.D. American Depositary Shares
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 13. ITEM DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERSAND USE OF PROCEEDS
14.A. - 14.D. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders
See “Item 10. Additional Information”for a description of the rights of shareholders, which remains unchanged.
14.E. Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with theparticipation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosurecontrols and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report,as required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act.
Based upon that evaluation,our management has concluded that, as of March 31, 2025, due to the outstanding material weakness described below, our disclosure controlsand procedures were not effective. We started to undertake steps to remediate the material weakness in our disclosure controls and proceduresas set forth below under “Internal Control over Financial Reporting.”
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In preparing our consolidatedfinancial statements for the year ended March 31, 2025, we and our independent registered public accounting firm identified one materialweakness in our internal control over financial reporting. As defined in the standards established by the PCAOB, a “material weakness”is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibilitythat a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The material weakness identifiedis lack of sufficient documented financial closing policies and procedures, specifically those related to period end logistics expensescut-off and accruals and vendor rebate accruals.
We are in the process ofimplementing a number of measures to address this material weakness identified, including: (i) continuing to enhance accounting policiesand closing procedures to improve the quality and accuracy of our period end financing closing process with respect to the preparationof U.S. GAAP financial statements, and (ii) enhancing segregation of responsibilities in financial decision-making processes so that nosingle executive will have unilateral authority to approve transactions that pose potential risks to the Company’s financial healthor governance standards.
The process of designingand implementing an effective financial reporting system is a continuous effort that requires us to anticipate and react to changes inour business and the economic and regulatory environments and to expend significant resources to maintain a financial reporting systemthat is adequate to satisfy our reporting obligation. See “Item 3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors-Risks Relating to Our Businessand Industry-We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting for the year ended March 31, 2025.If we fail to adequately remediate those weaknesses or otherwise develop and maintain an effective system of internal control over financialreporting, or if we experience additional material weaknesses in the future, we may be unable to accurately report our financial resultsor prevent fraud, or comply with the accounting and reporting requirements applicable to public companies, which may adversely affectinvestor confidence in us and the market price of our shares.” and “Item 3. Key Information-3.D. Risk Factors-RisksRelating to Our Business and Industry-If we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of internal control, we may be unable toaccurately report our operating results, meet our reporting obligations or prevent fraud.”
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As a company with less thanUS$1.235 billion in revenue for our last fiscal year, we qualify as an “emerging growth company” pursuant to the JOBS Act.An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generallyto public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-OxleyAct of 2002 in the assessment of the emerging growth company’s internal control over financial reporting. The JOBS Act also providesthat an emerging growth company does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that aprivate company is otherwise required to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. We have elected to take advantage of suchexemptions.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over FinancialReporting
Our management is responsiblefor establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) underthe Exchange Act. Our management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Rule 13a-15(c)of the Exchange Act, based on criteria established in the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committeeof Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal controlover financial reporting was not effective as of March 31, 2025 due to the material weakness identified in our internal control over financialreporting as described above.
Because of its inherent limitations,internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectivenessof our internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate becauseof changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
Since we are an “emerginggrowth company” as defined under the JOBS Act, we are exempt from the requirement to comply with the auditor attestation requirementsthat our independent registered public accounting firm attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financialreporting.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Other than as described above,there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the ExchangeAct) during the period covered by this annual report on Form 20-F that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materiallyaffect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16. [RESERVED]
None.
ITEM 16.A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our audit committee consistsof Mr. Guangyu Luo and Mr. Su Zhang. Mr. Guangyu Luo is the chairman of our audit committee. We have determined that each of Mr. GuangyuLuo and Mr. Su Zhang satisfies the “independence” requirements of Section 803 of the NYSE American LLC Company Guide and Rule10A-3 under the Exchange Act. We have determined that Mr. Guangyu Luo qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.”
ITEM 16.B. CODE OF ETHICS
Our Board has adopted a codeof business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers, employees, including certain provisions that specificallyapply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller and any other personswho perform similar functions for us. We have filed our code of business conduct and ethics as Exhibit 99.1 of our registration statementon Form F-1, as amended (File No. 333-248641), initially filed with the SEC on September 8, 2020, and posted a copy of our code of businessconduct and ethics on our website at https://ir.boqii.com/. We hereby undertake to provide to any person without charge, a copy of ourcode of business conduct and ethics within ten business days after we receive such person’s written request.
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ITEM 16.C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The following table setsforth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by PwC, our former independentregistered public accounting firm until our termination on July 26, 2024 (see “Item 16.F. Change in Registrant’s CertifyingAccountant” below for details) and Assentsure, our current independent registered public accounting firm, for the periods indicated.
| Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | US$ | ||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Audit Fees(1) | 9,437 | 2,163 | 298 | |||||||||
| Audit-related fees | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Tax fees | - | - | - | |||||||||
| All Other Fees | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Total | 9,437 | 2,163 | 298 | |||||||||
Notes:
| (1) | Audit Fees. Audit fees mean the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal periods listed for professional services rendered by our former and current principal auditors for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC. |
The policy of our audit committeeis to preapprove all audit and non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm, including audit servicesand audit-related services as described above, other than those for de minimis services which are approved by the audit committeeprior to the completion of the audit.
ITEM 16.D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16.E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATEDPURCHASERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 16.F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
On July 26, 2024, the Companyappointed Assentsure as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statementsas of and for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022. On such date, the Company also dismissed PwC as the independent registeredpublic accounting firm, effective immediately. The dismissal of PwC and the appointment of Assentsure were approved by the Board and theaudit committee of the Board.
The audit reports of PwCon the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 did not contain anyadverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
In connection with PwC’saudit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 and the subsequent interimperiod through July 26, 2024, there were no disagreements (as that term is used in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F) with PwC on any mattersof accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures which, if not resolved to the satisfactionof PwC, would have caused PwC to make reference to the subject matters of the disagreements in connection with its reports. There wereno reportable events (as that term is described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F) during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and 2022or in the subsequent interim period through July 26, 2024, other than as disclosed in the Company’s Form 20-F for the fiscal yearended March 31, 2024.
In the same periods, theCompany was advised by PwC of the following outstanding material weaknesses in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting:(i) the Company’s lack of sufficient and competent financial reporting and accounting personnel with appropriate knowledge of U.S.GAAP and SEC reporting and compliance requirements, and (ii) lack of sufficient documented financial closing policies and procedures,specifically those related to period end logistics expenses cut-off and accruals and vendor rebate accruals, which were disclosed in theCompany’s Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023.
131
In addition, during the courseof PwC’s audit procedures, performed prior to its dismissal, of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscalyear ended March 31, 2024, PwC informed the Company of issues it had identified relating to the payments in the following transactions.Between September and November 2023, the Company’s Hong Kong subsidiary wired to a financial advisor an aggregate of approximatelyUS$4.1 million as a deposit pursuant to an Asset Merger and Acquisition Deposit Agreement entered into with this financial advisor. InFebruary 2024, the Company’s subsidiary extended an interest free loan of RMB 3 million (approximately US$ 0.4 million) to an individual.Subsequently in March 2024, the borrower transferred RMB 2 million to one of the Company’s executive’s bank account (PwC hasnot verified such money transfer), and in March and April 2024, the executive transferred RMB 2 million to the Company. In January andFebruary 2024, the Company paid an aggregate of US$1.5 million to a financial advisor under a financial advisory agreement in connectionwith the Company’s issuance of equity securities throughout September 2023 to March 2024 with aggregate proceeds of US$6.8 million.
PwC has informed the Companyof its concern over the substance of the above payments with the aggregate amount of approximately US$6 million. PwC has further advisedthe Company to carry out an investigation into the substance of the payments above, and advised the Company that it would have been necessaryto expand significantly the scope of the audit for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and if PwC had expanded the scope of that audit,information may have come to its attention that, if further investigated, may have materially impacted the fairness or reliability ofthe consolidated financial statements to be issued. By reason of the dismissal of PwC, PwC did not expand the scope of its audit or conductfurther investigation.
The matters described aboveconstitute reportable events. The audit committee of the Board has discussed the reportable events described above with PwC, and the Companyhas requested PwC to respond fully to the inquiries made by Assentsure concerning the reportable events.
The Company provided PwCwith a copy of the forgoing disclosure and requested PwC to furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the SEC stating whether ornot PwC agrees with the above statements. A copy of PwC’s letter, dated October 29, 2024, is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Company’sannual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
During the two fiscal yearsended March 31, 2023 and 2024 and in the subsequent interim period through July 26, 2024, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalfconsulted Assentsure with respect to (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed;or (ii) the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and neither a writtenreport nor oral advice was provided to the Company by Assentsure that was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching adecision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue. Additionally, during the two fiscal years ended March 31, 2023 and2024 and in the subsequent interim period through July 26, 2024, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf consulted Assentsure withrespect to any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as that term is used in Item 16F(a)(1)(iv) of Form 20-F) or a reportableevent (as that term is described in Item 16F(a)(1)(v) of Form 20-F).
ITEM 16.G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We are a “foreign privateissuer” (as such term is defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act), and our Class A ordinary shares are listed on the NYSE American.We are therefore required to comply with certain of the NYSE American’s corporate governance listing standards, or the NYSE AmericanStandards. As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to follow home country practice in lieu of NYSE American Standards with limitedexceptions.
Our corporate governancepractices differ in certain significant respects from those that U.S. companies must adopt in order to maintain NYSE American listingand, in accordance with Section 110 of the NYSE American LLC Company Guide, a brief, general summary of those differences is providedas follows.
Director independence
The NYSE American Standardsrequire a majority of the membership of NYSE American-listed company boards to be composed of independent directors, which is not requiredunder Cayman Islands law, the law of our country of incorporation. As of the date of this annual report, our Board consists of four members,two of whom are independent directors.
Non-management directors’ executive sessions
The NYSE American Standardsrequire non-management directors of NYSE American-listed companies to meet at regularly, and at least annually, scheduled executive sessionswithout management. We are not subject to this requirement under the Cayman Islands law.
132
Committee member composition
Nominating Committee; Compensation Committee
The NYSE American Standardsrequire NYSE American-listed companies with a nominating committee and a compensation committee to have these committees composed entirelyof independent directors. Cayman Islands law does not impose similar requirements. As of the date of this annual report, our nominatingand corporate governance committee consists of two members, only one of whom is an independent director. As of the same date, our compensationcommittee consists of three members, only one of whom is an independent director.
Audit Committee
The NYSE American Standardsrequire NYSE American-listed companies to have an audit committee with a minimum of three members, all of whom are independent. CaymanIslands law does not impose similar requirements. As of the date of this annual report, our audit committee only consists of two members,who are all independent directors.
Shareholder approval
Cayman Islands law does notrequire shareholder approval with respect to the establishment of (or material amendment to) our stock option or equity compensation plans.In March 2024, we formally adopted home country practice and opted out of the NYSE American rule that would otherwise require us to obtainshareholder approval with respect to the establishment of (or material amendment to) our stock option or equity compensation plans.
In addition, the NYSE AmericanStandards require NYSE American-listed companies to obtain shareholder approval prior to an issuance of securities in any transactionor series of related transactions under Sections 712 and 713 of the NYSE American LLC Company Guide. Cayman Islands law does not requireshareholder approval prior to an issuance of securities to the extent the securities are authorized. We intend to rely on the foreignprivate issuer exemption with respect to the forgoing shareholder approval requirements under the NYSE American LLC Company Guide.
Annual meeting of shareholders
Under Cayman Islands law,we may, but are not obliged, to call shareholders’ annual general meetings. Our MAA provides that we may, but are not obliged to,hold a general meeting each year as our annual general meeting. In March 2024, we started to follow our home country practice and optedout of the NYSE American rule that would otherwise require us to hold an annual meeting of shareholders no later than one year after theend of our fiscal year.
ITEM 16.H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 16.I. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENTINSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
ITEM 16.J. INSIDER TRADING POLICIES
We have implemented an insidertrading policy and procedures governing the purchase, sale, and/or other dispositions of our securities by directors, officers and employees,which are reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and applicable NYSE American listingstandards (the “Insider Trading Policy”).
The foregoing descriptionof the Insider Trading Policy does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the terms and conditions of the InsiderTrading Policy, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 11.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.
133
ITEM 16.K. CYBERSECURITY
Risk Management and Strategy
We have developed a comprehensivecybersecurity threat defense system to address both internal and external threats. This system encompasses various levels, including network,host and application security and incorporates systematic security capabilities for threat defense, monitoring, analysis, response, deceptionand countermeasures. We strive to manage cybersecurity risks and protect sensitive information through various means, such as technicalsafeguards, procedural requirements, an intensive program of monitoring on our corporate network, continuous testing of aspects of oursecurity posture internally, a robust incident response program and regular cybersecurity awareness training for employees. Besides, weengage
As of the date of this annualreport, we have not experienced any material cybersecurity incidents or identified any material cybersecurity threats that have affectedor are reasonably likely to materially affect us, our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition.
Governance
At management level, ourchief executive officer, chief financial officer and cybersecurity officer, which are collectively referred to as our Cybersecurity RiskManagement Officers, are responsible for assessing, identifying and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats to our companyand monitoring the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of material cybersecurity incidents. Our Cybersecurity Risk ManagementOfficers report to our Board (i) on a quarterly basis on updates to the status of any material cybersecurity incidents or materialrisks from cybersecurity threats to our company, and the relevant disclosure issues, if any, and (ii) on disclosure concerning cybersecuritymatters in our annual report on Form 20-F. Our cybersecurity officer is familiar with our company’s operational and data collectionpractice. Our cybersecurity officer also possesses thorough knowledge of the relevant information security and data compliance regulations.
If a cybersecurity incidentoccurs, our Cybersecurity Risk Management Officers will promptly organize relevant personnel for internal assessment and if it is determinedthat the incident could potentially be a material cybersecurity event, our Cybersecurity Risk Management Officers will promptly reportthe incident and assessment results to our disclosure committee, our Board, and other members of senior management and external legalcounsel, to the extent appropriate. Our Cybersecurity Risk Management Officers shall prepare disclosure material on the cybersecurityincident for review and approval by the Board, and other members of senior management (if necessary), before it is disseminated to thepublic.
134
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We have elected to provide financial statementspursuant to Item 18.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our consolidated financial statements are includedat the end of this annual report.
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
135
136
| * | Filed herewith |
| ** | Furnished herewith |
137
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifiesthat it meets all of the requirements for filing its annual report on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersignedto sign this annual report on its behalf.
| BOQII HOLDING LIMITED | ||
| By: | /s/ Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang | |
| Name: | Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang | |
| Title: | Director, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer | |
Date: July 18, 2025
138
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Boqii Holding Limited
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidatedbalance sheets of Boqii Holding Limited and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2024 and 2025, the related consolidatedstatements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years inthe period ended March 31, 2025 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion,the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial positions of the Company as of March 31,2024, and 2025, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statementsare the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financialstatements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)(the “PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the United States federalsecurities laws. and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our auditin accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assuranceabout whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required tohave, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are requiredto obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectivenessof the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performingprocedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing proceduresthat respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in thefinancial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis forour opinion.
| /s/ | |
| July 18, 2025 | |
| PCAOB ID number: |
We have served as theCompany’s auditor since 2024.
F-2
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF MARCH 31, 2024 AND 2025
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| As of March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| Note | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | US$ (Note 2(f)) | ||||||||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 4 | |||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | 24 | |||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 5 | |||||||||||||||
| Inventories, net | 6 | |||||||||||||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | 7 | |||||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties | 26 | |||||||||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-current assets: | ||||||||||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 8 | |||||||||||||||
| Intangible assets | 9 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 14 | |||||||||||||||
| Long-term investments | 10 | |||||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties, non-current | 26 | |||||||||||||||
| Other non-current asset | 12 | |||||||||||||||
| Total non-current assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | ||||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
| Short-term borrowings (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB | 20 | |||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable (including accounts payable of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB | ||||||||||||||||
| Salary and welfare payable (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB | ||||||||||||||||
| Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB | 13 | |||||||||||||||
| Contract liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB | 14 | |||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of as of March 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively) | 20 | |||||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
F-3
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)
AS OF MARCH 31, 2024 AND 2025
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| As of March 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| Note | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | US$ (Note 2(f)) | ||||||||||||||
| LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED) | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of as of March 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively) | 17 | |||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, non-current (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB | 14 | |||||||||||||||
| Other debts, non-current (including amounts of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries without recourse to the Company of RMB | 20 | |||||||||||||||
| Total non-current liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 27) | ||||||||||||||||
| Mezzanine equity: | ||||||||||||||||
| Redeemable non-controlling interests | 19 | |||||||||||||||
| Total mezzanine equity | ||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity: | ||||||||||||||||
| Class A ordinary shares (US$ | 18 | |||||||||||||||
| Class B ordinary shares (US$ | 18 | |||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||||||||||
| Statutory reserves | ||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Receivable for issuance of ordinary shares | 21 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||
| Total Boqii Holding Limited shareholders’ equity | ||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interests | ||||||||||||||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity | ||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part ofthese consolidated financial statements.
F-4
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVELOSS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023, 2024AND 2025
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Note | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ (Note 2(f)) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Product sales | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Online marketing and information services and other revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total cost of revenue | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Gross profit | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Fulfillment expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | 11 | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Interest income | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 15 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||
| Other gains/(loss), net | 16 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Fair value change of derivative liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss before income tax expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit | 17 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Share of results of equity investees | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Net loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Less: Net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest shareholders | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value | 19 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited’s ordinary shareholders | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of Nil tax | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized securities holding losses/(gains) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Less: Total comprehensive loss attributable to non- controlling interests shareholders | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net loss per share attributable to Boqii Holding Limited’s ordinary shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||
| — basic | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| — diluted | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | ||||||||||||||||||||
| — basic | ||||||||||||||||||||
| — diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part ofthese consolidated financial statements.
F-5
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023, 2024AND 2025
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| Class A Ordinary Shares (US$0.001 per value) | Class B Ordinary Shares (US$0.001 per value) | Additional | Accumulated other | Non- | Receivable for issuance of | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares | Amount | Number of Shares | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Statutory reserves | comprehensive loss | Accumulated deficit | controlling interests | ordinary shares | Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of March 31, 2022 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Receivable for issuance of ordinary shares (Note 21) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized securities holding losses, net of tax | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of ordinary shares for the exercise of stock options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appropriations to statutory reserves | - | - | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of March 31, 2023 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
F-6
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’EQUITY (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023, 2024AND 2025
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| Class A Ordinary Shares (US$0.001 per value) | Class B Ordinary Shares (US$0.001 per value) | Additional | Accumulated other | Non- | Receivable for issuance of | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares | Amount | Number of Shares | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Statutory reserves | comprehensive loss | Accumulated deficit | controlling interests | ordinary shares | Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of March 31, 2023 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in Accounting Policy* | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of March 31, 2023 (adjusted) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Receivable for issuance of ordinary shares (Note 21) | - | - | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized securities holding losses, net of tax | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of ordinary shares for the exercise of stock options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt waive of Chong Li | - | - | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of ordinary shares for the public offering and private placement | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of March 31, 2024 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
F-7
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’EQUITY (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023, 2024AND 2025
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| Class A Ordinary Shares (US$0.001 per value) | Class B Ordinary Shares (US$0.001 per value) | Additional | Accumulated other | Non- | Receivable for issuance of | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of Shares | Amount | Number of Shares | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Statutory reserves | comprehensive loss | Accumulated deficit | controlling interests | ordinary shares | Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of March 31, 2024 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Receivable for issuance of ordinary shares (Note 21) | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized securities holding gains, net of tax | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of ordinary shares for the private placement (Note 18) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of March 31, 2025 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| * |
The accompanying notes arean integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED March 31, 2023, 2024AND 2025
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Note | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for inventories obsolescence/(reversal) | 6 | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for expected credit loss/(reversal) | 5 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense of other debts | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest receivable for issuance of ordinary shares | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use assets | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest of lease liabilities | 14 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Investment income/(loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Share of results of equity investees | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Discount on the ordinary shares issued by public offering | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss/(gain) on disposal of property and equipment and intangible assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on disposal of other debts | 20 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gain from disposal of a subsidiary | 16 | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation expense | 22 | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Fair value change of derivative liabilities | 24 | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Deferred tax expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of businesses acquired: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Inventories | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 14 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Salary and welfare payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Amounts due to related parties | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Contract liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other non-current assets | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan advanced to third parties | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Repayments on loan receivables from third parties | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan advanced to related parties | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Repayments on loan receivables from related parties | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Decrease/(increase) in short-term investments, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of intangible assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits to be used in connection with future acquisitions | 7e | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||
| Disposal of long-term investments | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash generated from investing activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
F-9
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED March 31, 2023, 2024AND 2025
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Note | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | US$ (Note 2(f)) | |||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from short-term and long-term borrowings | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repayments of short-term and long-term borrowings | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of other debts, net of issuance costs | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Repayments of other debts | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of share option | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares, net of issuance costs | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash flows (used in) /generated from financing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Effects of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Accretion on redeemable non-controlling interests | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Unpaid cash consideration for business acquisitions | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Additional ASC 842 supplemental disclosure: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for fixed operating lease costs included in the measurement of lease obligations in operating activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations | ||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notesare an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-10
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 1. | Organization and principal activities |
| (a) | Principal activities |
Boqii Holding Limited (“BoqiiHolding”, or the “Company”), was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands in June 2012, as an exempted companywith limited liability. In these consolidated financial statements, where appropriate, the term “Company” also refers to itssubsidiaries, the VIEs and the VIEs’ subsidiaries as a whole.
The Company operates as an onlineone-stop destination for users to shop for a variety of pet products and interact with other users in its online pet community in thePeople’s Republic of China (the “PRC”), through its online platforms (Boqii.com and Boqii application, collectively “BoqiiMarketplace”), branded stores on third-party online platforms (the “Online Branded Stores”) and its online pet community(“Boqii Community”). In addition to online business, the Company provides pet products to offline pet stores and hospitals.
The Company’s consolidated financialstatements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries.
As of March 31, 2025, the Company’sprincipal subsidiaries, consolidated VIEs and major VIEs’ subsidiaries are as follows:
| Name of subsidiaries and VIE | Place of incorporation | Date of or acquisition | Percentage of direct or indirect | Principal activities | ||||||
| Subsidiaries: | ||||||||||
| Boqii Corporation Limited (“Boqii Corporation”) | % | |||||||||
| Boqii International Limited | % | |||||||||
| Xingmu International Limited | % | |||||||||
| Xingmu HK Limited | % | |||||||||
| Nanjing Xinmu Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Xingmu WFOE”) | % | |||||||||
| Xincheng (Shanghai) Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Xincheng”) | % | |||||||||
| Shanghai Yiqin Pets Products Co., Ltd. | % | |||||||||
| Consolidated VIEs | ||||||||||
| Guangcheng (Shanghai) Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Guangcheng”) | % | |||||||||
| Nanjing Xingmu Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“Nanjing Xingmu”) | % | |||||||||
| Suzhou Taicheng Supply Chain Co., Ltd. (“Suzhou Taicheng”) | % | |||||||||
| Suzhou Xingyun Yueming Supply Chain Co., Ltd. (“Suzhou Xingyun”) | % | |||||||||
| Subsidiaries of VIEs | ||||||||||
| Boqii (Shanghai) Information Technology Co., Ltd. | % | |||||||||
F-11
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 1. | Organization and principal activities (continued) |
| (b) | Consolidated variable interest entities |
In order to comply with the PRC lawsand regulations which prohibit or restrict foreign investments into companies involved in restricted businesses, the Company operatesonline platforms that provide internet information services and engages in other foreign-ownership-restricted businesses through certainPRC domestic companies (the PRC Domestic Companies, or the “VIEs”). The equity interests of the PRC Domestic Companies areheld by certain management members of the Company or onshore nominees of certain investors of the Company (“Nominee Shareholders”),who act as nominee equity holders of the PRC Domestic Companies on behalf of Shanghai Xincheng and Xingmu WFOE, the Company’s whollyowned subsidiaries in the PRC (the “WFOEs”). The WFOEs entered into a series of contractual arrangements with the PRC DomesticCompanies and their respective Nominee Shareholders (the “Contractual Arrangements”). These Contractual Agreements cannotbe unilaterally terminated by the Nominee Shareholders or the PRC Domestic Companies. Through the Contractual Arrangements, the NomineeShareholders have granted all their legal rights including voting rights and disposition rights of their equity interests in the PRC DomesticCompanies to the WFOEs. The Nominee Shareholders do not have the power to direct the activities of the PRC Domestic Companies that mostsignificantly impact their economic performance. The Nominee Shareholders do not have the obligation to absorb losses of the PRC DomesticCompanies that could potentially be significant to them or the right to receive benefits from the PRC Domestic Companies that could potentiallybe significant to them. Accordingly, the PRC Domestic Companies are considered as variable interest entities of the Company, through theWFOEs.
In accordance with Accounting StandardsCodification (“ASC”) 810-10-25-38A, the Company, through its WFOEs, has a controlling financial interest in theVIEs because the WFOEs have the power to direct activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact the economic performance of theVIEs. In addition, under the terms of the Contractual Arrangements, the WFOEs have (i) the right to receive economic benefits thatcould potentially be significant to the VIEs in the form of service fees under the Exclusive Consultation and Service Agreements; (ii) theright to receive all dividends declared by the VIEs and the right to all undistributed earnings of the VIEs; and (iii) the obligationto absorb the substantially expected losses and the right to receive the residual benefits of the VIEs through its exclusive option toacquire
Based on the above, the Company, throughthe WFOEs, is the ultimate primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Accordingly, the financial statements of the VIEs and their subsidiaries areconsolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Loan Agreements
Pursuant to the relevant loan agreements,the WFOEs have granted interest-free loans to the relevant Nominee Shareholders of the relevant VIEs with the sole purpose of providingfunds necessary for the capital injection to the relevant VIEs.
The loans can only be repaid by transferof the equity interests of the relevant VIEs held by the Nominee Shareholders, and shall be repaid upon the occurrence of, among otherevents, the WFOEs exercise of their options to purchase the relevant VIEs’ equity interests under the Exclusive Option Agreements(refer to following section for further details). Any proceeds received by the Nominee Shareholders from transfer of the equity interestsshall also be repaid to the WFOEs as part of the loan repayments.
F-12
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 1. | Organization and principal activities (continued) |
| (b) | Consolidated variable interest entities (continued) |
Loan Agreements (continued)
Other events that will lead to loanrepayments include: the Nominee Shareholders receiving a written notice from the relevant PRC subsidiaries requesting loan repayments;the death or loss of capacity for civil conduct of the Nominee Shareholders; the Nominee Shareholders no longer acting as shareholdersof the relevant VIEs or employees of the relevant VIEs, PRC subsidiaries or their related parties; the Nominee Shareholders being involvedin criminal activities; or, any third party making a claim in an amount over RMB
The loans shall be considered fullyrepaid when the Nominee Shareholders have transferred all equity interests held by them to the WFOEs or a party designated by the WFOEs.The Loan Agreements shall remain valid until the Nominee Shareholders repaid the relevant loans to the WFOEs.
Exclusive Option Agreements
The Nominee Shareholders of the VIEshave granted the WFOEs the exclusive and irrevocable right to purchase or to designate one or more person(s) at their discretion to purchasepart or all of the equity interests in the VIEs from the Nominee Shareholders for a purchase price at any time, subject to the lowestprice permitted by PRC laws and regulations. The VIEs and their Nominee Shareholders have agreed that without prior written consent ofthe WFOEs, their respective Nominee Shareholders cannot sell, transfer, pledge or dispose their equity interests, and the VIEs cannotsell, transfer, pledge or dispose, but not limit to, the equity interests, significant assets, significant revenue and significant business.Also as agreed, the VIEs cannot declare any dividend or change capitalization structure of the VIEs and cannot enter into any loan orinvestment agreements. Furthermore, the Nominee Shareholders have agreed that any proceeds but not limited to the sales of the NomineeShareholders’ equity interest in relevant VIEs should be gratuitously paid to the WFOEs or one or more person(s) at their discretion.The Exclusive Option Agreement will remain effective until all equity options in VIEs held by such Nominee Shareholders are transferredor assigned to the WFOEs or their designated representatives.
Proxy Agreement and Power of Attorney
Pursuant to the irrevocable powerof attorney, each of the Nominee Shareholders appointed the WFOEs as their attorney-in-fact to exercise all shareholder rights under PRClaw and the relevant articles of association, including but not limited to, attending shareholders meetings, voting on their behalf onall matters requiring shareholder approval, including but not limited to sale, transfer, pledge, or disposition of all or part of theNominee Shareholders’ equity interests, and designation and appointing the legal representative, directors, supervisors, chief executiveofficer and other senior management members of the VIEs. Each power of attorney will remain in force during the period when the NomineeShareholders continues to be shareholders of the VIEs. Each Nominee Shareholder has waived all the rights which have been authorized tothe person designated by the WFOEs under each power of attorney.
Exclusive Consultation and ServiceAgreements
Pursuant to the Exclusive ConsultationService Agreements, the WFOEs have agreed to provide to the VIEs services, including, but not limited to, design and maintenance of theE-Commerce platform, consulting services, technical training, research, planning and development of the market and customer support. TheVIEs shall pay to the WFOEs service fees determined based on the complexity and difficulty of the services, title of and time consumedby employees, contents and value of the services, operation conditions and market price of the service provided. The Exclusive Consultationand Service Agreements will be in effect permanent unless terminated by the WFOEs. The WFOEs have the exclusive ownership of all the intellectualproperty rights created as a result of the performance of the agreements.
F-13
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 1. | Organization and principal activities (continued) |
| (b) | Consolidated variable interest entities (continued) |
Intellectual Property License Agreements
Pursuant to the intellectual propertylicense agreements, the WFOEs have granted a non-exclusive and non-transferable license, without sublicensing rights, to the VIEs to useits intellectual property. The VIEs may only use the licenses in its own business operations. The VIEs agree to pay the WFOEs a quarterlyservice fee at an amount that is equal to the VIEs’ revenue for the relevant quarter with a certain percentage or an amount adjustedat the WFOEs’ sole discretion for the relevant quarter, which should be paid within
Equity Interest Pledge Agreements
Pursuant to the relevant equity interestpledge agreements, the Nominee Shareholders of the VIEs have pledged
One set of existing Contractual Agreementswere initially entered into in September 2012 by Shanghai Xincheng (one of the Company’s WFOEs), Shanghai Guangcheng (oneof the Company’s VIEs) and its nominee shareholders, was subsequently amended and restated on substantially similar terms in September2017, October 2019, August 2020 and September 2022, respectively. One set of existing Contractual Agreements were entered into in September2019 by Xingmu WFOE (one of the Company’s WFOEs), Nanjing Xingmu (one of the Company’s VIEs) and its Nominee Shareholders. One set of Contractual Agreements were entered into in June 2021 by Shanghai Xincheng (one of the Company’s WFOEs), Suzhou Taicheng(one of the Company’s VIEs) and its Nominee Shareholders, was subsequently amended and restated on substantially similar terms inFebruary 2023. A new set of Contractual Agreements were entered into in April 2022 by Shanghai Meiyizhi Supply Chain Co,Ltd (oneof the Company’s WFOEs), Suzhou Xingyun (one of the Company’s VIEs) and its Nominee Shareholders. The Loan Agreements, ExclusiveOption Agreements, Proxy Agreement and Power of Attorney, Exclusive Consultation and Service Agreements, Intellectual Property LicenseAgreements and Equity Interest Pledge Agreements were amended to reflect the changes of shareholders’ holding in the VIE in theirrespective dates. No other material terms or conditions of these agreements were changed or altered. There was no impact to the Company’scontrol over the VIEs and the Company continues to consolidate the VIEs.
| (c) | Risks in relations to the VIE structure |
Under the Contractual Agreements withthe consolidated VIEs, the Company has the power to direct activities of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries through theCompany’s relevant PRC subsidiaries, and can have assets transferred freely out of the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiarieswithout restrictions. Therefore, the Company considers that there is no asset of the consolidated VIEs that can only be used to settleobligations of the respective consolidated VIEs, except for the registered capital of the consolidated VIEs amounting to RMB
F-14
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 1. | Organization and principal activities (continued) |
| (c) | Risks in relations to the VIE structure (continued) |
The Company believes that the Company’srelevant PRC subsidiaries’ Contractual Arrangements with the consolidated VIEs and the Nominee Shareholders are in compliance withPRC laws and regulations, as applicable, and are legally binding and enforceable. However, uncertainties in the PRC legal system couldlimit the Company’s ability to enforce these contractual arrangements.
In addition, ifthe current structure or any of the contractual arrangements were found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC law, the Companymay be subject to penalties, which may include but not be limited to, the cancellation or revocation of the Company’s business andoperating licenses, being required to restructure the Company’s operations or terminate the Company’s operating activities.The imposition of any of these or other penalties may result in a material and adverse effect on the Company’s ability to conductits operations. In such case, the Company may not be able to operate or control the VIEs, which may result in deconsolidation of the VIEs.
The following table set forth theassets, liabilities, results of operations and changes in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of the consolidated VIEs and theirsubsidiaries taken as a whole, which were included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements with intercompany transactionseliminated (RMB in thousands):
| As of March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||
| Short-term investments | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | ||||||||
| Amounts due from related parties | ||||||||
| Inventories, net | ||||||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | ||||||||
| Inter-company receivables | ||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | ||||||||
| Intangible assets | ||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | ||||||||
| Long-term investments | ||||||||
| Other non-current asset | ||||||||
| Total assets | ||||||||
| As of March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Short-term borrowings | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | ||||||||
| Salary and welfare payable | ||||||||
| Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities | ||||||||
| Contract liabilities | ||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current | ||||||||
| Inter-company payables | ||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, non-current | ||||||||
| Other debts, non-current | ||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||
F-15
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 1. | Organization and principal activities (continued) |
| (c) | Risks in relations to the VIE structure (continued) |
| Year Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Net revenues: | ||||||||||||
| Third-party revenues | ||||||||||||
| Inter-company revenues | ||||||||||||
| Total revenues | ||||||||||||
| Cost of revenues: | ||||||||||||
| Third-party cost of revenues | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Inter-company cost of revenues | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Total cost of revenues | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Gross profit | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
| Third-party operating expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Inter-company operating expenses | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Impairment of goodwill | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Other income, net | ||||||||||||
| Profit/(Loss) from operations | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Non-operating expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Profit/(Loss) before income tax expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Income tax benefits | ||||||||||||
| Share of results of equity investees | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Net profit/(loss) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by transactions with external parties | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in transactions with the Company’s entities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash generated from/ (used in) operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||
| Other investing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash (used in) / generated from investing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||
| Other financing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Cash flows of loan funding received from the Company’s entities, net of repayments made | ||||||||||||
| Net cash (used in)/generated from financing activities | ( | ) | ||||||||||
F-16
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies |
| (a) | Basis of preparation |
The accompanying consolidated financialstatements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”).Significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements are summarizedbelow.
| (b) | Basis of consolidation |
The Company’s consolidated financialstatements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries for whichthe Company is the primary beneficiary.
A subsidiary is an entity in whichthe Company, directly or indirectly, controls more than one half of the voting power, has the power to appoint or remove the majorityof the members of the board of directors, to cast a majority of votes at the meeting of the board of directors or to govern the financialand operating policies of the investee under a statute or agreement among the shareholders or equity holders.
A consolidated VIE is an entity inwhich the Company, or its subsidiaries, through Contractual Agreements, bears the risks of, and enjoys the rewards normally associatedwith, ownership of the entity, and therefore the Company or its subsidiaries are the primary beneficiary of the entity.
All transactions and balances amongthe Company, its subsidiaries, the consolidated VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries have been eliminated upon consolidation.
| (c) | Business combination and non-controlling interests |
The Company accounts for its businesscombinations using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805,Business Combinations. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the acquisition date fair values of the assetstransferred and liabilities incurred by the Company to the sellers and equity instruments issued. Transaction costs directly attributableto the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets and liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at theirfair values as of the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interests. The excess of (i) the total costsof acquisition, fair value of the non-controlling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest inthe acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisitionis less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the consolidated statementsof operations and comprehensive loss as a bargain purchase gain. During the measurement period, which can be up to one year from the acquisitiondate, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill or bargainpurchase gain. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed,whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
In a business combination achievedin stages, the Company re-measures the previously held equity interest in the acquiree immediately before obtaining control at its acquisition-datefair value and the re-measurement gain or loss, if any, is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
When there is a change in ownershipinterests or a change in contractual arrangements that results in a loss of control of a subsidiary or consolidated VIE, the Company deconsolidatesthe subsidiary or consolidated VIE from the date control is lost. Any retained non-controlling investment in the former subsidiary orconsolidated VIE is measured at fair value and is included in the calculation of the gain or loss upon deconsolidation of the subsidiaryor consolidated VIE.
For the Company’s consolidatedsubsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries, non-controlling interests are recognized to reflect the portion of their equity thatis not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Company as the controlling shareholder. Non-controlling interests are classified asa separate line item in the equity section of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and have been separately disclosed in theCompany’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss to distinguish the interests from that of the Company.
F-17
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies (continued) |
| (d) | Use of estimates |
The preparation of the Company’sconsolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect thereported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statementsand the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
The Company believes that assessmentfor impairment of long-lived assets, valuation of available-for-sale investment, discounted cash flow, useful lives of property and equipment, useful lives of intangible assetsand allowance for expected credit loss require significant judgments and estimates usedin the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.
Management basesthe estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions as discussed elsewhere to the consolidated financial statementsthat are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities.On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates based on information that is currently available. Changes in circumstances, factsand experience may cause the Company to revise its estimates. Changes in estimates are recorded in the period in which they become known.Actual results could materially differ from these estimates.
| (e) | Functional currency and foreign currency translation |
The Company’s reporting currencyis Renminbi (“RMB”). The functional currency of the Company’s entities incorporated in Cayman Islands, British VirginIslands and Hong Kong is the United States dollars (“US$”). The Company’s PRC subsidiaries, consolidated VIEs and VIEs’subsidiaries determined their functional currency to be RMB. The determination of the respective functional currency is based on the criteriaof ASC 830, Foreign Currency Matters.
Transactions denominated in otherthan the functional currencies are translated into the functional currency of the entity at the exchange rates prevailing on the transactiondates. Financial assets and liabilities denominated in other than the functional currency are translated at the balance sheet date exchangerate. The resulting exchange differences are included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss as other gains,net.
The financial statements of the Companyare translated from the functional currency into RMB. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into RMBusing the applicable exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Equity accounts other than earnings generated in current period are translatedinto RMB at the appropriate historical rates. Revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated into RMB using the periodic averageexchange rates. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a componentof shareholders’ equity.
The exchange rates used for translationon March 31, 2024 and 2025 were US$
| (f) | Convenience translation |
Translations of the consolidated balancesheets, the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and the consolidated statements of cash flows from RMB into US$as of and for the year ended March 31, 2025 are solely for the convenience of the readers and were calculated at the rate of US$
| (g) | Fair value of financial instruments |
Accounting guidance defines fair valueas the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participantsat the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recordedat fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers assumptionsthat market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
F-18
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies (continued) |
| (g) | Fair value of financial instruments (continued) |
The established fair value hierarchyrequires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financialinstrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fairvalue measurement.
The three levels of inputs that maybe used to measure fair value:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted)in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable, market-basedinputs, other than quoted prices, in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs to thevaluation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Accounting guidance also describesthree main approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: (1) market approach; (2) income approach and (3) costapproach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated from market transactions involving identical or comparableassets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. The measurementis based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount thatwould currently be required to replace an asset.
Financial assets and liabilities ofthe Company mainly consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accountsreceivable, amounts due from related parties, prepayments and other current assets, available-for-sale investments, accounts payable,short-term borrowings, derivative liabilities, accrued liabilities and other current liabilities, amounts due to related parties, andother debts.
As of March 31,2024 and 2025, except for available-for-sale investments and derivative liabilities, carrying values of cash and cash equivalents,short-term investments, accounts receivable, amounts due from related parties, certain prepaymentsand other current assets, accounts payable, short-term borrowings, certain accrued liabilities and other current liabilities, amountsdue to related parties and current portion of other debts approximated their fair values reported in the consolidated balance sheets dueto the short-term maturities of these instruments. The carrying value of long-term loan receivable, long-term borrowings and non-currentportion of other debts approximated their fair values as of March 31, 2024 and 2025 as the interest rates and credit risk they bear reflectthe current market yield for comparable instruments. The Company reports derivative liabilities at fair value at each balance sheet dateand change in fair value is reflected in “Fair value change of derivative liabilities” in the consolidated statements of operationsand comprehensive loss. The Company reports available-for-sale investments at fair value at each balance sheet date with theaggregate unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reflected in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the consolidatedbalance sheets.
| (h) | Cash and cash equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents includecash on hand and time deposits placed with banks and third-party payment processors, which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use, haveoriginal maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase and are readily convertible to known amounts of cash.
| (i) | Short-term investments |
Short-term investments comprise primarilyof (i) cash deposits at fixed rates with original maturities of greater than three months, but less than 12 months and; (ii) theinvestments issued by commercial banks or other financial institutions with a variable interest rate indexed to the performance of underlyingassets within one year. As of March 31, 2024 and 2025, there was short-term investments of and , respectively, to be usedas collateral of the short-term borrowings.
F-19
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies (continued) |
| (j) | Accounts receivable, net |
Accounts receivables are statedat the amount management expects to collect from customers based on their outstanding invoices. Credit terms granted to businesscustomers range from 30 to 360 days.
Prior to April 1, 2023, the Companymonitors the collection of its receivables and records allowance for specifically identified non-recoverable amounts, If the economicsituation and the financial condition of a customer deteriorate resulting in an impairment of the customer’s ability to make payments,additional allowances might be required. Receivable balances are written off when they are determined to be uncollectible.
Starting from April 1, 2023, the Companyadopted ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”(“ASC Topic 326”), which creates an impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. To estimatethe allowance for current expected credit losses (“CECL”). the Company has identified the relevant risk characteristics ofits customers and the related receivables and other receivables which include but are not limited to geographic region and industry. Receivableswith similar risk characteristics have been grouped into pools. For each pool, the Company considers the past collection history, futureforecasts and macroeconomic factors. Other key factors that influence the CECL, analysis include industry-specific factors and certainqualitative adjustments that could impact the Company’s receivables. This is assessed at each period end based on the Company’s specificfacts and circumstances.
As of April 1, 2023, the Company useda modified retrospective approach to adopt ASC Topic 326, and the cumulative-effect to retained earnings was RMB
| (k) | Inventories |
Inventories are stated at the lowerof cost and net realizable value. Cost elements of our inventories comprise the purchase price of products, vendor rebates, shipping chargesto receive products from the suppliers when they are embedded in the purchase price. Cost is determined using the first-in first-out method.Provisions are made for excessive, slow moving, expired and obsolete inventories as well as for inventories with carrying values in excessof market. Certain factors could impact the realizable value of inventory, so the Company continually evaluates the recoverability basedon assumptions about customer demand and market conditions. The evaluation may take into consideration historical usage, inventory aging,expiration date, expected demand, anticipated sales price, new product development schedules, the effect new products might have on thesale of existing products, product obsolescence, customer concentrations, and other factors. The reserve or write-down is equal to thedifference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and marketconditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory reserves or write-downsmay be required that could negatively impact the Company’s gross margin and operating results. If actual market conditions are morefavorable, the Company may have higher gross margin when products that have been previously reserved or written down are eventually sold.
| (l) | Property and equipment, net |
Property and equipment are carriedat cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the following estimateduseful lives.
The estimated useful lives are as follows:
| Useful years | ||
| Warehouse equipment | ||
| Furniture, computer and office equipment | ||
| Vehicles | ||
| Machinery and Equipment | ||
| Software | ||
| Leasehold improvements | leasehold improvements or the lease term |
Expenditures for maintenance and repairsare expensed as incurred. The gain or loss on the disposal of property and equipment is the difference between the net sales proceedsand the carrying amount of the relevant assets and is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
F-20
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies (continued) |
| (m) | Intangible assets, net |
Intangible assets purchased from thirdparties are initially recorded at cost. The Company performs valuation of the intangible assets arising from business combinations todetermine the relative fair value to be assigned to each asset acquired. The intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line methodover the estimated useful lives of the assets.
The estimated useful lives of intangible assets are as follows:
| Useful years | ||
| Trademark | ||
| Dealership | ||
| License |
The estimated life of amortized intangiblesis reassessed if circumstances occur that indicate the life has changed.
| (n) | Goodwill |
Goodwill represents the excess ofthe purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is notamortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis as of March 31, and in between annual tests when an event occurs, or circumstanceschange that could indicate that the asset might be impaired.
In accordance with ASU No. 2017-04,“Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”),which removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwillimpairment test. Management conducts its goodwill impairment assessment as of March 31 annually or more frequently if events or changesin circumstances indicate that it may be impaired. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likelythan not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill, so as to perform the quantitativegoodwill impairment test. If determined to be necessary, the quantitative impairment test is used to identify goodwill impairment by comparingthe fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carryingamount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated tothat reporting unit.
There is only
| (o) | Long-term investments |
The Company’s investments include equity method investments,equity securities with readily determinable fair values and available-for-sale securities.
The Company applies the equity methodof accounting to account for an equity investment, in common stock or in-substance common stock, according to ASC 323 “Investment—EquityMethod and Joint Ventures”, over which it has significant influence but does not own a majority equity interest or otherwise control.Under the equity method, the Company’s share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the equity investees are recorded in shareof results of equity investees in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The excess of the carrying amountof the investment over the underlying equity in net assets of the equity investee, if any, represents goodwill and intangible assets acquired.When the Company’s share of losses in the equity investee equals or exceeds its interest in the equity investee, the Company doesnot recognize further losses, unless the Company has incurred obligations or made payments or guarantees on behalf of the equity investee.
Equity securities with readily determinablefair values are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis with changes in fair value, whether realized or unrealized, recordedthrough the income statement.
F-21
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies (continued) |
| (o) | Long-term investments (continued) |
Debt securities that the Company hasthe intent to hold the security for an indefinite period or may sell the security in response to the changes in economic conditions areclassified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses (other than impairment losses)are reported, net of the related tax effect, in other comprehensive loss. Upon sale, realized gains and losses are reported in net income(loss).
The Company continually reviews itsinvestments to determine whether a decline in fair value to below the carrying value is other than temporary. The primary factors theCompany considers in its determination are the duration and severity of the decline in fair value; the financial condition, operatingperformance and the prospects of the equity investee; and other company specific information such as recent financing rounds. If the declinein fair value is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value.
| (p) | Impairment of long-lived assets other than goodwill |
Long-lived assets are evaluated forimpairment whenever events or changes in circumstances (such as a significant adverse change to market conditions that will impact thefuture use of the assets) indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable or that the useful life is shorter than the Companyhad originally estimated. When these events occur, the Company evaluates the impairment by comparing the carrying value of the assetsto an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. Ifthe sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the assets, the Company recognizes an impairmentloss based on the excess of the carrying value of the assets over the fair value of the assets.
| (q) | Revenue recognition |
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09,“Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”) and subsequently, the FASB issued severalamendments which amends certain aspects of the guidance in ASC 2014-09 (ASU No. 2014-09 and the related amendments are collectivelyreferred to as “ASC 606”). According to ASC 606, revenue is recognized when control of the promised good or service is transferredto the customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
Consistent with the criteria of Topic606, the Company follows five steps for its revenue recognition: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identifythe performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to theperformance obligations in the contract, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Revenuearrangements with multiple performance obligations are divided into separate distinct goods or services. The Company allocates the transactionprice to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling price of the goods or services provided. The Company’srevenues are primarily derived from (i) product sales and (ii) online marketing and information services and other revenue.
When either party to a contract hasperformed, the Company presents the contract in the statement of financial position as a contract asset or a contract liability, dependingon the relationship between the entity’s performance and the customer’s payment. A receivable is recorded when the Companyhas an unconditional right to consideration. A right to consideration is unconditional if only the passage of time is required beforepayment of that consideration is due. A contract asset is recorded when the Company has transferred products or services to the customerbefore payment is received or is due, and the Company’s right to consideration is conditional on future performance or other factorsin the contract. No contract asset was recorded as of March 31, 2024 and 2025. The Company’s contract liabilities consist of paymentsreceived or awards to customers (in the form of Boqii Beans) related to unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of the period.As of April 1, 2023 and 2024, the Company’s total contract liabilities were RMB
Revenueis recorded net of value-added tax.
F-22
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies (continued) |
| (q) | Revenue recognition (continued) |
Revenue recognitionpolicies for each type of revenue steam are as follows:
Sales of merchandise
TheCompany primarily sells pet products through online stores to individual online customers.Besides online sales, the Company also sells products through offline channels to its business customers and pet stores across the country.The Company recognizes the product revenues from products sales on a gross basis as the Company is acting as a principal in these transactions.The Company has obtained control of the products before they are transferred to customers. The Company is primarily obligated in thesetransactions, is subject to inventory risk or has the ability to direct the use of inventory, and has latitude in establishing pricesand selecting suppliers. Revenue is recognized when consumers physically accept the products after delivery, which is when thecontrol of products is transferred, and is recorded net of return allowances and rebates to pet stores.
The Company also enters into arrangementswith its business partners to sell their products on the Company’s online stores. TheCompany considers the arrangements meet the indicators of consignment arrangement under ASC 606-10-55-80, because (i) the businesspartners do not relinquish control of the products, even though the Company has physical possession of the goods. The Company doesnot control the underlying products, which are considered to be the business partners’ inventory until they are sold to theend consumers; (ii) the business partner retains the right to require the return of the goods held by the Company; (iii) theCompany has no obligation to pay for the products that are in its physical possession; and (iv) theCompany has no discretion in establishing prices of the products provided by its business partners. Upon successful sales, the Companywill charge the business partners a negotiated amount or a fixed rate commission fee based on the sales amount. Commission revenues arerecognized on a net basis at the point of consumers’ acceptance of products, net of return allowance.
Online marketingand information services and other revenue
TheCompany provides online marketing and information services to third-party on the Company’s various channels and third-party platforms,including but not limited to advertising placements, organizing online and offline marketing campaigns featuring social media influencersand circulating marketing messages to end consumers. With respect to the Company’s marketing services, length of the periods overwhich services are provided are generally within months or less, revenue from such arrangements is recognized ratably over the serviceperiod, as the third-party simultaneously consumes the benefits when the advertisement is displayed or the campaign is ongoing.
The Company also provides warehouseservices. The warehouse services include warehousing, packaging, dispatching and other services. Revenue is primarily recognized whenthe services are rendered.
| (r) | Sales returns |
The Companyoffers online consumers an unconditional right of return for a period of seven days upon receipt of products. Return allowances, whichreduce revenue and cost of sales, are estimated by categories of return policies offered to online customers, based on historical datathe Company has maintained, and subject to adjustments to the extent that actual returns differ or are expected to differ.
| (s) | Sales incentives |
The Companyadopted a customer reward program, under which the Company grants certain units (“Boqii Bean”) to its customers at its discretionin different situations. Boqii Beans are not redeemable for cash and can be used as a coupon for the customer’s future purchaseon the Boqii Marketplace and Boqii.com. The value of ten units of Boqii Bean is equivalent to one RMB yuan before taking into accountthe impact of breakage.
F-23
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies (continued) |
| (s) | Sales incentives (continued) |
For the BoqiiBeans that are granted with concurrent revenue transactions, the allocated transaction price based on its relative standalone sellingprice are recognized as reduction of the revenue and accrued for as contract liabilities. As customers redeem awards, the accrued liabilityis reduced correspondingly. For the Boqii Beans that are granted without concurrent revenue transactions, they are not accounted for whengranted and are recognized as a reduction of revenue when they are applied in future sales.
The Companyalso has a coupon program, through which the Company grants coupons to online customers when they make a successful purchase order, finishfirst registration on Boqii Marketplace or comment on products. When a coupon is granted concurrent with a revenue transaction, the Companyaccounts for the estimated cost of future usage of the coupon as reduction of the revenue. When a coupon is not granted concurrent witha revenue transaction, they are not accounted for when they are granted and are recognized as a reduction of revenue when they are appliedin future sales.
| (t) | Cost of revenue |
Cost of revenueconsist of cost of product sales of RMB
| (u) | Vendor rebates |
The Companyperiodically receives consideration from certain vendors, representing rebates for products sold over a period of time. The Company accountsfor the rebates received from its vendors as a reduction to the price it pays for the products purchased. Rebates are earned based onreaching minimum purchased thresholds for a specified period. When volume rebates can be reasonably estimated based on the Company’spast experience, current forecasts and purchase volume, a portion of the rebate is recognized as the Company makes progress towards thepurchase threshold.
| (v) | Fulfillment expenses |
Fulfillmentcosts primarily represent warehousing, shipping and handling expenses for dispatching and delivering products to consumers, employee wagesand benefits for the relevant personnel, customs clearance expenses and other related transaction costs.
| (w) | Sales and marketing expenses |
Sales andmarketing expenses comprise primarily of advertising expenses, third-party platforms commission fee, employee wages, rental expenses andbenefits for sales and marketing staff, depreciation expenses and other daily expenses which are related to the sales and marketing functions.
Advertisingexpenses consist primarily of customer acquisition cost and costs for the promotion of corporate image and product marketing. The Companyexpenses all advertising costs as incurred and classifies these costs under sales and marketing expenses. For the years ended March 31,2023, 2024 and 2025, the advertising expenses were RMB
F-24
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies (continued) |
| (x) | General and administrative expenses |
General and administrative expensesconsist of employee wages and benefits for corporate employees, research and development expenses and other expenses which are relatedto the general corporate functions, including accounting, finance, tax, legal and human resources, costs associated with use by thesefunctions of facilities and equipment, such as depreciation expenses, rental and other general corporate related expenses. For the yearsended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the research and development were RMB
| (y) | Leases |
The Company applied ASC 842, “Leases”,by using the optional transition method at the adoption date without recasting comparative periods. The Company determines if an arrangementis a lease at inception. Operating leases are primarily for office and warehouse space and are included in operating lease right-of-use(“ROU”) assets, operating lease liabilities, current and operating lease liabilities, non-current on its consolidated balancesheets.
ROU assets represent the Company’sright to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease paymentsarising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of leasepayments over the lease term. When determining the lease term, the Company includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it isreasonably certain that it will exercise that option, if any. As the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Companyuses its incremental borrowing rate, which it calculates based on the credit quality of the Company and by comparing interest rates availablein the market for similar borrowings, and adjusting this amount based on the impact of collateral over the term of each lease. Lease expensefor lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
For operating leases with a term ofone year or less, the Company has elected to not recognize a lease liability or ROU asset on its consolidated balance sheet. Instead,it recognizes the lease payments as expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Short-term lease costs are immaterial to itsconsolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and cash flows.
| (z) | Government grants |
The Company’s PRC based subsidiariesreceived government subsidies from certain local governments. The government subsidies are granted from time to time at the discretionof the relevant government authorities. These subsidies are granted for general corporate purposes and to support the Company’s ongoingoperations in the region. Cash subsidies are recorded in other income, net on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensiveloss when received and when all conditions for their receipt have been satisfied. The Company recognized government subsidies of RMB
| (aa) | Income taxes |
Current incometaxes are recorded in accordance with the regulations of the relevant tax jurisdiction. The Company accounts for income taxes under theasset and liability method in accordance with ASC 740, Income Tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities arerecognized for the tax consequences attributable to differences between carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities in the financialstatements and their respective tax basis, and operating loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured usingenacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recoveredor settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensiveloss in the period of change. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets if it isconsidered more likely than not that amount of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
F-25
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies (continued) |
| (aa) | Income taxes (continued) |
Uncertain tax positions
The Company recognizes in its consolidatedfinancial statements the benefit of a tax position if the tax position is “more likely than not” to prevail based on the factsand technical merits of the position. Tax positions that meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold are measuredat the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement. The Company estimatesits liability for unrecognized tax benefits which are periodically assessed and may be affected by changing interpretations of laws, rulingsby tax authorities, changes and/or developments with respect to tax audits, and expiration of the statute of limitations. The ultimateoutcome for a particular tax position may not be determined with certainty prior to the conclusion of a tax audit and, in some cases,appeal or litigation process. The actual benefits ultimately realized may differ from the Company’s estimates. As each audit isconcluded, adjustments, if any, are recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in the period in which the auditis concluded. Additionally, in future periods, changes in facts, circumstances and new information may require the Company to adjust therecognition and measurement estimates with regard to individual tax positions. Changes in recognition and measurement estimates are recognizedin the period in which the changes occur. As of March 31, 2024 and 2025, the Company did not have any material unrecognized uncertaintax positions.
| (ab) | Share-based compensation |
The Company follows ASC 718 to determinewhether a share option should be classified and accounted for as a liability award or equity award. All grants of share-based awards toemployees, management and nonemployees classified as equity awards are recognized in the financial statements based on their grant datefair values which are calculated using an option pricing model.
Employees’ share-based compensationawards are measured at the grant date fair value of the awards and recognized as expenses (a) immediately at the grant date if no vestingconditions are required; or (b) for share-based awards granted with only service conditions, using the graded vesting method, net of estimatedforfeitures, over the vesting period; or (c) for share-based awards granted with service conditions and the occurrence of an initial publicoffering (“IPO”) as performance condition, cumulative share-based compensation expenses for the options that have satisfiedthe service condition should be recorded upon the completion of the IPO, using the graded vesting method.
Under ASC 718, the Company appliesthe Binominal option pricing model in determining the fair value of options granted. ASC 718 requires forfeiture rates to be estimatedat the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates. Share-basedcompensation expense is recorded net of estimated forfeitures such that expense is recorded only for those share-based awards that areexpected to vest.
| (ac) | Net loss per share |
Basic loss per share is computed bydividing net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during theyear using the two-class method. Using the two-class method, net profit/loss is allocated between ordinary shares and other participatingsecurities (i.e. preferred shares) based on their participating rights.
Diluted loss per share is calculatedby dividing net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders as adjusted for the effect of dilutive ordinary equivalent shares, if any,by the weighted average number of ordinary and dilutive ordinary equivalents shares outstanding during the year/period. Ordinary shareequivalents consist of the ordinary shares issuable in connection with the Company’s convertible redeemable preferred shares usingthe if-converted method, and ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of the share options, using the treasury stock method. Ordinaryequivalent shares are not included in the denominator of the diluted earnings per share calculation when inclusion of such shares wouldbe anti-dilutive.
F-26
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies (continued) |
| (ad) | Comprehensive loss |
Comprehensive loss is defined as thechanges in shareholders’ equity of the Company during a period transactions and other events and circumstances excluding transactionsresulting from investments from shareholders, distributions to shareholders, accretions on convertible redeemable preferred shares andmodification and extinguishment of convertible redeemable preferred shares. Comprehensive loss for the periods presented includes netloss, foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized securities holding gain losses.
| (ae) | Segment reporting |
ASC 280, SegmentReporting, establishes standards for companies to report in their financial statement information about operating segments, products,services, geographic areas, and major customers. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financialinformation is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessingperformance.
The Company’schief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the Chief Executive Officer. The CODM reviews the consolidated net loss that isreported on the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss to assess performance and make decisions about allocating resources forthe Company’s single reportable segment. This segment is engaged in pet products sales and online marketing and information servicesand other revenue, The Company derives revenue in the PRC and manages the business activities on a consolidated basis.
The primarymeasure of segment profitability for the Company operating segment is consolidated net loss. Consolidated net loss is used by the CODMto monitor budget versus actual results as well as comparation with the Company’s competitors, which are used in assessing performanceof the segment. Significant segment expenses reviewed by the CODM on a regular basis included within net loss include cost of revenues,fulfillment expenses, sales and marketing expenses, and general and administrative expenses which are consistent with those presentedon the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Other segment items within consolidated net loss include impairmentof goodwill, other income, net, interest income, interest expense, other gains/(loss), net and fair value change of derivative liabilities.
The Companymanages assets on a consolidated basis as reported on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s long-lived assets are substantiallyall located in the PRC and substantially all the Company’s revenues are derived from within the PRC, therefore, no geographicalsegments are presented.
| (af) | Recent accounting pronouncements |
The Company qualifies as an “emerginggrowth company”, or EGC, pursuant to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended, or the JOBS Act. As an EGC, theCompany does not need to comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards until such date that a private company is otherwiserequired to comply with such new or revised accounting standards. The Company adopts the following standards based on extended transitionperiod provided to private companies or early adopts as necessary as permitted by the respective standards.
Newand Amended Standards Adopted by the Company:
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, “BusinessCombinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers”, which requirethat an entity (acquirer) recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination in accordancewith Topic 606. At the acquisition date, an acquirer should account for the related revenue contracts in accordance with Topic 606 asif it had originated the contracts. The amendments in this Update also provide certain practical expedients for acquirers when recognizingand measuring acquired contract assets and contract liabilities from revenue contracts in a business combination. The standard is effectivefor interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this updatein the first quarter of 2023 and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s disclosures.
F-27
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 2. | Principal Accounting Policies (continued) |
| (af) | Recent accounting pronouncements (continued) |
New and Amended Standards Adoptedby the Company (continued):
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU2022-02, Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. This ASU eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructuringsby creditors that have adopted ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This ASU also enhances the disclosurerequirements for certain loan refinancing and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. In addition,the ASU amends the guidance on vintage disclosures to require entities to disclose current period gross write-offs by year of originationfor financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of ASC 326-20. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginningafter December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of the ASU would be applied prospectively. TheCompany adopted this update in the first quarter of 2023 and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’sdisclosures.
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU2022-03 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions. Theupdate clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of theequity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The update also clarifies that an entity cannot, as a separateunit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. The update also requires certain additional disclosures for equitysecurities subject to contractual sale restrictions. For public business entities, the Board decided that the amendments in this Updateare effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities,the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlyadoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. TheCompany adopted this ASU from April 1, 2024, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issuedASU No. 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280). This ASU updates reportable segment disclosure requirementsby requiring disclosures of significant reportable segment expenses that are regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker(“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of a segment’s profit or loss. This ASU also requires disclosureof the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of asegment’s profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The ASU is effective for annualperiods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Adoption of theASU should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is also permitted. ThisASU will likely result in the Company including the additional required disclosures when adopted. The Company adopted this ASU beginningApril 1, 2024 on a retrospective basis for all periods presented, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidatedfinancial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issuedASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740). The ASU requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’seffective tax rate reconciliation as well as additional information on income taxes paid. For public business entities, the amendmentsin this Update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. For entities other than public business entities, theamendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is also permitted for annual financial statementsthat have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the new guidanceon its consolidated financial statement.
F-28
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 3. | Risks and Concentration |
| (a) | Foreign currency exchange rate risk |
The Company may experience economiclosses and negative impacts on earnings and equity as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate between the US$ and the RMB. The appreciationof RMB against US$ was approximately
| (b) | Interest rate risk |
Interest rate risk is the risk thatthe fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company’sinterest rate risk arises primarily from long-term borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates and fixed rates expose the Companyto cash flow interest rate risk and fair value interest rate risk respectively.
| (c) | Concentration of credit risk |
Financial instruments that potentiallysubject the Company to the concentration of credit risks consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investment, accounts receivableand amounts due from related parties. The maximum exposures of such assets to credit risk are their carrying amounts as of the balancesheet dates. The Company deposits its cash and cash equivalents and short-term investment with financial institutions located in jurisdictionswhere the subsidiaries are located. The Company believes that no significant credit risk exists as these financial institutions have highcredit quality.
Accounts receivables are typicallyunsecured and are derived from revenue earned through third-party consumers. The Company conducts credit evaluations of third-party customersand related parties, and generally does not require collateral or other security from its third-party customers and related parties. TheCompany establishes an allowance for expected credit loss primarily based upon the age of the receivables and factors surrounding thecredit risk of specific third-party customers and related parties.
| (d) | Concentration of customers and suppliers |
Substantially all revenue was derivedfrom customers located in China. There are customers from whom revenues individually represent greater than 10% of the total revenuesof the Company for the years ended March 31, 2023. Revenues from Zhejiang HaoChao Network Technology Co., Ltd accounted for
The information of the supplier withgreater than 10% of the total purchases of the Company for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025 was as follows:
| Year Ended March 31, 2023 | Year Ended March 31, 2024 | Year Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Royal Canin China Co., Ltd. | % | % | % | |||||||||
There are no customers from whom accountsreceivable individually represent greater than
As of March 31, 2023, there are nosupplier's accounts payable exceeded
As of March 31, 2024, accounts payableto Heze Jianuojia Pet Products Co., Ltd accounted for
As of March 31, 2025, accounts payableto Heze Jianuojia Pet Products Co., Ltd and Royal Canin China Co., Ltd accounted for
F-29
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 4. | Cash and cash equivalents |
Cash and cash equivalents representcash on hand and demand deposits placed with banks and third party-payment processors, which are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use.
| As of March 31, 2024 | As of March 31, 2025 | |||||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | equivalent | Amount | equivalent | |||||||||||||
| RMB | ||||||||||||||||
| US$ | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||
| 5. | Accounts receivable, net |
Accounts receivable consist of thefollowing:
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Accounts receivable - Product sales | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable - Online marketing and information service and other service | ||||||||
| Allowance of expected credit loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total | ||||||||
Movement of allowance for expectedcredit loss:
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | As of March 31, | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| At beginning of year | ||||||||||||
| Addition/(reversal) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| At end of year | ||||||||||||
| 6. | Inventories |
Inventories, net of inventory reservesconsist of the following:
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Products | ||||||||
| Packaging materials and others | ||||||||
| Total inventories, net of inventory reserves | ||||||||
F-30
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 6. | Inventories (continued) |
Movement of inventory provision /(reversal):
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | As of March 31, | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| At beginning of year | ||||||||||||
| Provision/(reversal) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| At end of year | ||||||||||||
The total amounts charged to theconsolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for provision/(reversal) of inventory reserves amounted toapproximately RMB
| 7. | Prepayments and other current assets |
The prepayments and other current assets consistof the following:
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Prepayments for purchases of products (a) | ||||||||
| Vendor rebate receivables (b) | ||||||||
| Value-added tax (“VAT”) deductible (c) | ||||||||
| Loan receivables (d) | ||||||||
| Sales return assets | ||||||||
| Deposits (e) | ||||||||
| Others | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
| (a) |
| (b) |
| (c) |
| (d) |
| (e) |
F-31
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 8. | Property and equipment, net |
Property and equipment consist of the following:
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Cost: | ||||||||
| Warehouse equipment | ||||||||
| Furniture, computer and office equipment | ||||||||
| Vehicles | ||||||||
| Leasehold improvement | ||||||||
| Software | ||||||||
| Machinery and equipment | ||||||||
| Total cost | ||||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Property and equipment, net | ||||||||
The total amounts charged to the consolidated statementsof operations and comprehensive loss for depreciation expenses amounted to approximately RMB
F-32
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 9. | Intangible assets, net |
Intangibleassets of the Company were mainly as follows:
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Cost: | ||||||||
| Trademark | ||||||||
| License | ||||||||
| Dealership | ||||||||
| Total cost | ||||||||
| Less: Accumulated amortization | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
Licenseand dealership resulting from the business combinations completed during the year ended March 31,2021 havebeen allocated to the single reporting unit of the Company. The total carrying amount of intangible assets resulting from the businesscombinations were RMB
The total amortization expenses ofthe intangible assets charged to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss amounted to approximately RMB
Theannual estimated amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for the succeeding five years is as follows:
| As of March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
F-33
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 10. | Long-term investments |
TheCompany’s long-term investments consist of the following:
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Equity method investments | ||||||||
| Available-for-sale investments | ||||||||
| Equity securities with readily determinable fair values | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
Equitymethod investments
The Company appliesequity method in accounting for its investments in entities in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence butdoes not have control. As of March 31, 2024 and 2025, the carrying value of the equity methodinvestments were RMB
TheCompany had
Available-for-sale investments
Thefollowing table summarizes the Company’s available-for-sale investments as of March 31, 2024:
| Cost | Gross unrealized gains | Gross unrealized losses | Disposal of Long-term investments | Fair value | ||||||||||||||||
| Unlisted debt securities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Thefollowing table summarizes the Company’s available-for-sale investments as of March 31, 2025:
| Cost | Gross unrealized gains | Gross unrealized losses | Disposal of Long-term investments | Fair value | ||||||||||||||||
| Unlisted debt securities | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
F-34
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 10. | Long-term investments (continued) |
The Company held
InOctober 2019, the Company purchased
InJuly and November 2021, the Company entered into investment agreements with Nanjing Animal Pharmaceutical. The Company provided NanjingAnimal Pharmaceutical one-year loans amounting to RMB
Equitysecurities with readily determinable fair values
Thefollowing table summarizes the Company’s equity securities with readily determinable fair values as of March 31, 2024:
| Cost | Gross unrealized gains | Gross unrealized losses | Fair value | |||||||||||||
| Listed company | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
Thefollowing table summarizes the Company’s equity securities with readily determinable fair values as of March 31, 2025:
| Cost | Gross unrealized gains | Gross unrealized losses | Fair value | |||||||||||||
| Listed company | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
InJune 2021, the Company purchased
F-35
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 11. | Goodwill |
Thechanges in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2025 were as follows:
| Total | ||||
| RMB | ||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2023 | ||||
| Goodwill | ||||
| Accumulated impairment loss | ( | ) | ||
| Transaction during the year | ||||
| Impairment | ||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2024 | ||||
| Goodwill | ||||
| Accumulated impairment loss | ( | ) | ||
| Balance as of March 31, 2025 | ||||
| Goodwill | ||||
| Accumulated impairment loss | ( | ) | ||
In the second half of fiscal year2023, the Covid-19 resurgence in certain areas of China and the market downturn impact on our operations caused a triggering event forpossible impairment of goodwill. Together with other indicators such as history of net losses and low market capitalization of us, asa result, management concluded the existence of the impairment indicator which required the Company to perform a quantitative goodwillimpairment test as of March 31, 2023. Since there is only one reporting unit in the Company, management used the market capitalizationto determine the reporting unit’s fair value. Based on quantitative goodwill impairment test, the fair value of the reporting unitwas RMB
| 12. | Other non-current Assets |
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Deposits (a) | ||||||||
| Long-term loan receivables | ||||||||
| (a) |
F-36
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 13. | Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities |
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities consistof the following:
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Logistics expenses payables | ||||||||
| Advances from customers | ||||||||
| Payable for investment | ||||||||
| Refund obligation of sales returns | ||||||||
| Professional service fee accruals | ||||||||
| Others | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
| 14. | Leases |
Asof March 31, 2024 and 2025, the Company has operating leases recorded on its consolidatedbalance sheet for certain office spaces and facilities that expire on various dates through 2028. The Company does not plan to cancelthe existing lease agreements for its existing facilities prior to their respective expiration dates. When determining the lease term,the Company considers options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise or not exercise thatoption.
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | ||||||||
| Liabilities | ||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, current | ||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities, non-current | ||||||||
| Total operating lease liabilities | ||||||||
| Weighted average remaining lease term (years) | ||||||||
| Weighted average discount rate | % | % | ||||||
Informationrelated to operating lease activity during the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025 are as follows:
Yearended | Yearended | Yearended | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations | ||||||||||||
| Operating lease related expenses | ||||||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use assets | ||||||||||||
| Interest of lease liabilities | ||||||||||||
F-37
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 14. | Leases (continued) |
Yearended | Yearended | Yearended | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Operating lease payments (included in measurement of lease liabilities) | ||||||||||||
Maturitiesof lease liabilities were as follows:
Year ended March 31, 2025 | ||||
| RMB | ||||
| For the year ending March 31, | ||||
| 2026 | ||||
| 2027 | ||||
| 2028 | ||||
| Total lease payments | ||||
| Less: imputed interest | ( | ) | ||
| Total | ||||
| 15. | Interest expense |
Yearended | Yearended | Yearended | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Amortization charges on promissory notes | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense on borrowings | ||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||
| 16. | Other gains/(loss), net |
Yearended | Yearended | Yearended | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Foreign exchange losses, net | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Loss on disposal of other debts (Note 20) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Investment (loss)/gain | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Gain on disposal of a subsidiary (a) | ||||||||||||
| Discount on the ordinary shares issued by public offering (Note 18) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Others | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Total | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| (a) |
F-38
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 17. | Income taxes |
Cayman Islands
Under the current tax laws of CaymanIslands, the Company and its subsidiaries incorporated in the Cayman Islands are not subject to tax on income or capital gain. Additionally,the Cayman Islands does not impose a withholding tax on payments of dividends to shareholders.
Hong Kong
Under the current Hong Kong InlandRevenue Ordinance, the Company’s subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to a two-tiered profits tax rate of 8.25% and16.5% on its taxable income generated from operations in Hong Kong. Additionally, payments of dividends by the subsidiaries incorporatedin Hong Kong to the Company are not subject to income tax.
China
On July 25, 2018, Boqii (Shanghai)Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Boqii”) was entitled to be “Software Enterprises”. According to theEnterprise Income Tax (“EIT”) Law and relevant regulations in the PRC, from the year of 2018,
In addition, Shanghai Boqii was alsoqualified as a “High and New Technology Enterprise (“HNTE”) on October 28, 2019, and is eligible to enjoy a preferentialtax rate of 15% from 2019 to 2022 to the extent it has taxable income under the EIT Law, as long as it maintains the HNTE qualificationand duly conducts relevant EIT filing procedures with the relevant tax authority. Shanghai Boqii can re-apply for the HNTE certificatewhen the prior certificate expires. Whilst Shanghai Boqii was entitled to the tax preferential treatments under both “HNTE”and “Software Enterprises”, Shanghai Boqii chose to apply the preferential tax rate of “Software Enterprises”.For the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, Shanghai Boqii was subject to EIT rate at
The Company’s other subsidiaries,VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries established in the PRC are subject to the PRC general income tax rate of
Reconciliations of the differencesbetween the income tax expenses of the Company and the PRC statutory EIT rate applicable to losses of the consolidated entities are asfollows:
Yearended | Yearended | Yearended | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Loss before income taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Income tax computed at respective applicable tax rates | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Effect of different tax jurisdiction | ||||||||||||
| Super deduction for research and development expenses (a) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Non-deductible expenses | ||||||||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | ||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||
| (a) |
F-39
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 17. | Income taxes (continued) |
The provisions for income taxes forthe years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025 differ from the amounts computed by applying the EIT primarily due to change in valuationallowance provided and tax differential from certain subsidiaries with preferential tax rates of the Company.
The following table sets forth theeffect of tax holiday effect on China operations:
Yearended | Yearended | Yearended | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Tax holiday effect | ||||||||||||
Reconciliations between the effective income taxrate and the PRC statutory income tax rates are as follows:
Yearended | Yearended | Yearended | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| PRC statutory income tax rates | % | % | % | |||||||||
| Tax holiday effect | ( | )% | ( | )% | ( | )% | ||||||
| Difference in tax rates of subsidiaries outside PRC | ( | )% | ( | )% | ( | )% | ||||||
| Super deduction for research and development expenses | % | % | % | |||||||||
| Non-deductible expenses | % | % | % | |||||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | ( | )% | ( | )% | ( | )% | ||||||
| Effective income tax rate | % | % | % | |||||||||
Composition of income tax expenses
The current and deferred portions ofincome tax expenses included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss are as follows:
Yearended | Yearended | Yearended | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Current income tax expense/(benefit) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Deferred tax benefit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Income tax credit, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
F-40
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 17. | Income taxes (continued) |
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities
Deferred taxes were measured usingthe enacted tax rates for the periods in which they are expected to be reversed.
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Deferred tax assets: | ||||||||
| Net accumulated loss-carry forward | ||||||||
| Deferred deductible advertising expense | ||||||||
| Allowance | ||||||||
| Contract liabilities | ||||||||
| Accruals | ||||||||
| Fair Value Change | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
| Less: Valuation allowance | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net deferred tax asset | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||||||||
| Recognition of intangible assets arising from asset acquisition and business combination | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net deferred tax liabilities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
As of March 31, 2024 and 2025,the PRC entities of the Company had tax loss carryforwards of approximately RMB
Valuation allowance is provided againstdeferred tax assets when the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be utilized in thefuture. In making such determination, the Company considered factors including future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporarydifferences and tax loss carry forwards. If events occur in the future that allow the Company to realize part or all of its deferred incometax, an adjustment to the valuation allowances will result in a decrease in tax expense when those events occur. As of March 31,2024 and 2025, valuation allowances of RMB
Movement of valuation allowance is as follows:
Yearended | Yearended | Yearended | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Beginning balance | ||||||||||||
| Change of valuation allowance | ||||||||||||
| Written-off for expiration of net operating losses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Decrease of valuation allowances related to the disposal of a subsidiary | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Ending balance | ||||||||||||
F-41
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 18. | Ordinary Share |
As of March31, 2024, the Company had
Initial public offering
InOctober 2020, the Company completed its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange of
Upon the completionof the IPO, all series of redeemable convertible preferred shares of the Company were converted and designated as Class A ordinaryshares with a par value of US$
In respectof all matters subject to shareholders’ vote,
In February2021, the Company repurchased
Public offering
On July28, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement, as amended on August 16, 2023 with VG Master Fund SPC(“VG”), under which, subject to specified terms and conditions, the Company may sell and issue in its discretion, (i) upto $
Private placement
In September2023, the Company entered into an agreement with certain non-U.S. investors to sell an aggregate of
OnFebruary, 2025, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements with multiple unrelated third parties to sell an aggregateof
F-42
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 19. | Redeemable non-controlling interests |
Yoken Holding Limited (“Yoken”),a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company issued
For the years ended March 31, 2023,2024 and 2025, the Company recognized accretion of RMB
The following tables provides detailsof the redeemable non-controlling interests activity for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025:
| Year Ended March 31, 2023 | Year Ended March 31, 2024 | Year Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Beginning balance | ||||||||||||
| Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests | ||||||||||||
| Ending balance | ||||||||||||
| 20. | Borrowings, other debts and derivative liabilities |
Short-term borrowings
The following table presents short-termborrowings from commercial banks, other institutions and individuals as of March 31, 2024 and 2025. Short-term borrowings include borrowingswith maturity terms shorter than one year:
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Bank borrowings | ||||||||
Bank borrowings
As of March 31, 2024 and 2025, theCompany obtained short-term bank borrowings of RMB
Future principal maturities of short-termborrowings as of March 31, 2024 and 2025 are as followings:
| Year ended March 31, 2024 | Year ended March 31, 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| For the year ending March 31, | ||||||||
| - Within 1 year | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
The RMB
F-43
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 20. | Borrowings, other debts and derivative liabilities (continued) |
Other debts
Other debts – non-current consist of the following:
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Loan from Chong Li (a) | ||||||||
| Loan for Yoken Series A-1 Warrant (b) | ||||||||
| Payable for investment | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
(a)Loan from Chong Li
Shanghai Guangcheng signed loan agreementwith Chong Li in March 2020 (“Loan from Chong Li”). The loan was interest-free with a principal amount of RMB
The Company issued preferred sharesto be settled by Superb Origin International Limited (“Superb Origin”, Chong Li is the
InSeptember 2023, Shanghai Guangcheng entered into a debt waiver agreement with Chong Li, which provided that Chong Li waiveredRMB
(b) Yoken Series A-1 Warrant
On March 2, 2020, Yoken Holding Limited(“Yoken”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a share purchase agreement with three investors (“YokenSeries A-1 SPA”). According to the Yoken Series A-1 SPA, Yoken will issue each investor a warrant (“Yoken Series A-1 Warrant”)to purchase certain quantity of Yoken’s Series A-1 Preferred Shares (“Yoken Series A-1 Preferred Shares”).As the consideration for each Yoken Series A-1 Warrant, the respective investor shall provide a loan (“Loan for Yoken Series A-1Warrant”) carrying a simple interest of
F-44
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 20. | Borrowings, other debts and derivative liabilities (continued) |
Other debts (continued)
(b) Yoken Series A-1 Warrant(continued)
On October 23, 2020, one of the investorsterminated and entered into a new share purchase agreement with Yoken, pursuant to which
Derivative liabilities
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| RMB | RMB | |||||||
| Conversion feature of Yoken Series A-1 Warrant (a) | ||||||||
| Total | ||||||||
For the initial recognition of eachdebt instrument that has a bifurcated derivative liability (i.e., embedded warrant or conversion feature), out of the total considerationreceived, the derivative liability is recognized at fair value and the remaining consideration (net of issuance costs) is then allocatedto the host debt instrument. The derivative liability is subsequently carried at fair value with any changes in fair value recognizedcurrently in the income statement. The host debt instrument is subsequently amortized using the effective interest rate method. Upon conversionof the host debt instrument into the Preferred Shares or debt repayment, both the host debt instrument and the respective derivative liabilityare subject to extinguishment accounting with a gain or loss recognized from the difference between the recoded values of both liabilitiesand the fair value of consideration given by the Company (i.e., the Preferred Shares or cash).
(a)
The Company assessed the embedded warrantalong with the conversion features in Yoken Series A-1 Warrant and concluded that it is required to be bifurcated and accounted for separatelyas derivative liabilities. This is because (1) the embedded warrant or conversion feature, as an equity-linked feature, is not consideredclearly and closely related to its debt host instrument, and (2) the redemption rights of the convertible Preferred Shares could giverise to net settlement of the conversion feature of the Preferred Shares.
F-45
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 21. | Receivable for issuance of ordinary shares |
The Companyissued preferred shares to investors, which to be settled by the investors after Shanghai Guangcheng repaid the Loan from CMB and Loanfrom Chong Li to the investors. The Company recorded a receivable for issuance of preferred shares in mezzanine equity for the considerationof the preferred shares not yet received from the investors. After the completion of the IPO in October 2020, the preferred shares wereautomatically converted into Class A ordinary shares. The Company accounted for the consideration of such-converted ordinary shares asreceivable for issuance of ordinary shares under shareholders’ equity.
InSeptember 2023, Shanghai Guangcheng entered into a debt waiver agreement with Chong Li, which provided that Chong Li waiveredRMB
During theyears ended March 31, 2024 and 2025, the Company received RMB
F-46
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 22. | Share-based compensation |
OnSeptember 27, 2012, the Company adopted 2012 Global Share Plan (the “2012 Plan”) and reserved
Exceptfor share options granted to certain senior management personnel during the years ended March 31, 2015 and 2016, which were immediatelyfully vested and exercisable once granted, other share options granted to employees and non-employees under the 2012 and 2018 Plans wouldgenerally be exercisable upon the Company’s completion of a Qualified IPO or a definedcorporate transactions (i.e. change of control, etc.) and the employees render services to the Company in accordance with the stipulatedservice schedules. The employee participants are generally subject to a four-year service schedule, under which the employees earn anentitlement to vest in
Forthe years ended March 31, 2024 and 2025,
Thefollowing table sets forth the share options activity for the years ended March 31, 2024 and 2025:
| Number of shares | Weighted average exercise price | Weighted average remaining contractual term | Aggregate intrinsic value | Weighted average fair value | ||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable as of March 31, 2023 | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable as of March 31, 2024 | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding as of March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable as of March 31, 2025 | - | |||||||||||||||||||
Theaggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the options and the estimated fair value of theunderlying shares of US$
Asof March 31, 2024 and 2025, there were US$
F-47
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 22. | Share-based compensation (continued) |
Optionsgranted to the Participants were measured at fair value on the dates of grant using the Binomial Option Pricing Model.
| Year ended March 31, 2024 | ||
| Expected volatility | ||
| Risk-free interest rate | ||
| Exercise multiple | ||
| Expected dividend yield | ||
| Contractual term (in years) |
Theexpected volatility was estimated based on the historical volatility of comparable peer public companies with a time horizon close tothe expected term of the Company’s options. The risk-free interest rate was estimated based on the yield to maturity of U.S. treasurybonds denominated in US$ for a term consistent with the expected term of the Company’s options in effect at the option valuation date.The expected exercise multiple was estimated as the average ratio of the stock price to the exercise price of when employees would decideto voluntarily exercise their vested options. As the Company did not have sufficient information of past employee exercise history, itwas estimated by referencing to a widely-accepted academic research publication. The expected dividend yield is zero as the Company hasnever declared or paid any cash dividends on its shares, and the Company does not anticipate any dividend payments in the foreseeablefuture. The expected term is the contract life of the option.
For the Company’s share options grantedto the Participants, the completion of a Qualified IPO is considered to be a performance condition of the awards. A Qualified IPO is notconsidered to be probable until it is completed. Under ASC 718, compensation cost should be accrued if it is probable that the performancecondition will be achieved. As a result, no compensation expense will be recognized related to these options until the completion of aQualified IPO, and hence no share-based compensation expense was recognized for the year ended March 31, 2020. For the year ended March31, 2021, upon the completion of the IPO in October 2020, the Company recorded RMB
The fair value of options granted to the Participants forthe years ended March 31, 2024 and 2025 was amounting to US$
| 23. | Employee benefits |
The full-time employees of the Company’ssubsidiaries and VIEs that are incorporated in the PRC are entitled to staff welfare benefits including medical insurance, basic pensions,unemployment insurance, work injury insurance, maternity insurance and housing funds. These companies are required to contribute to thesebenefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries in accordance with the relevant regulations and charge the amountcontributed to these benefits to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The Company has no legal obligationfor the benefits beyond the contribution made. The PRC government is responsible for the welfare and medical benefits and ultimate pensionliability to these employees. The total amounts charged to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss for such employeebenefits amounted to RMB
F-48
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 24. | Fair value measurements |
The Company measured its short-terminvestments, available-for-sale investments, equity securities with readily determinable fair values and derivative liabilities at fairvalue on a recurring basis. Equity securities classified within Level 1 are valued using quotedmarket prices that currently available on a securities exchange registered on NYSE American. Short-term investments classified withinLevel 2 are valued using directly or indirectly observable inputs in the marketplace. As the Company’s available-for-saleinvestments and derivative liabilities are not traded in an active market with readily observable prices, the Company uses significantunobservable inputs to measure the fair value of available-for-sale investments and derivative liabilities. These instruments are categorizedin the Level 3 valuation hierarchy based on the significance of unobservable factors in the overall fair value measurement. The Companydid not transfer any assets or liabilities in or out of level 3 during the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The following table summarizes the Company’s financialassets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value on recurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and 2025:
| Fair value measurement at reporting date using | ||||||||||||||||
| Description | Fair value as of March 31, 2024 | Quoted price in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Significant other observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale investments | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities with readily determinable fair values | ||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
| Fair value measurement at reporting date using | ||||||||||||||||
| Description | Fair value as of March 31, 2025 | Quoted price in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Significant other observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | RMB | |||||||||||||
| Assets: | ||||||||||||||||
| Short-term investments | ||||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale investments | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities with readily determinable fair values | ||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
F-49
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 24. | Fair value measurements (continued) |
The roll forward of major Level 3 investments are as following:
| Derivative liabilities | Available- for-sale investments | |||||||
| Fair value of Level 3 investments as at March 31, 2022 | ||||||||
| Reclassification of forward exchange contracts | ( | ) | ||||||
| Unrealized fair value change of the derivative liabilities | ||||||||
| Unrealized fair value change of the available-for-sale investments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Disposal of available-for-sale investments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Fair value of Level 3 investments as at March 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Reclassification of forward exchange contracts | ( | ) | ||||||
| Unrealized fair value change of the derivative liabilities | ||||||||
| Unrealized fair value change of the available-for-sale investments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Disposal of available-for-sale investments | ( | ) | ||||||
| Fair value of Level 3 investments as at March 31, 2024 | ||||||||
| Unrealized fair value change of the derivative liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Unrealized fair value change of the available-for-sale investments | ||||||||
| Fair value of Level 3 investments as at March 31, 2025 | ||||||||
The Company determined the fairvalue of their investments by using equity allocation model, market approach and binomial model. The determination of the fair value wasbased on estimates, judgments and information of other comparable public companies.
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||
| Implied price to sales after discount for lack of marketability | ||||
| Weighted average cost of capital | ||||
| Lack of marketability discount | ||||
| Risk-free rate | ||||
| Expected volatility | ||||
| Probability | Redemption scenario: 40%,35% IPO scenario: 20%,30% | Redemption scenario: 40%,35% IPO scenario: 20%,30% |
The significant unobservable inputsused in the fair value measurement of the fair value of the investments include weighted average cost of capital, implied price to salesafter discount for lack of marketability, lack of marketability discount, risk-free rate, expected volatility and probabilities of differentscenarios. Significant increases in lack of marketability discount and risk-free rate would result in a significantly lower fair valuemeasurement. Significant decreases in expected volatility would result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. If the probabilitiesof redemption and liquidation scenarios are assumed to keep equal, significant increases in the probability of IPO scenario would resultin a significantly lower fair value measurement.
F-50
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 24. | Fair value measurements (continued) |
The Company determined the fair valueof their derivative liabilities by using binominal model. The determination of the fair value was based on estimates, judgments and informationof other comparable public companies.
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2025 | |||||||
| Spot price (US$) | ||||||||
| Risk-free rate | % | % | ||||||
| Expected volatility | % | % | ||||||
| Expected expiry years (in years) | ||||||||
The significant unobservable inputsused in the fair value measurement of the derivative liabilities include spot price, risk-free rate, expected volatility and expectedexpiry years. Significant decreases in spot price, risk-free rate, expected volatility and expected expiry years would result in a significantlylower fair value measurement.
| 25. | Net Loss per share |
Basic loss per share and diluted loss per share have beencalculated in accordance with ASC 260 on computation of earnings per share for the years ended March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively,as follows:
| Year Ended March 31, 2023 | Year Ended March 31, 2024 | Year Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Numerator: | ||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Boqii Holding Limited | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accretion on the Redeemable non-controlling interests to redemption value (Note 19) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Denominator: | ||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted (Note (a)) | ||||||||||||
| Net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders: | ||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||
| Note (a): | |
For the years ended March 31, 2024and 2025, assumed share options have not been reflected in the dilutive calculations pursuant to ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share,”due to the anti-dilutive effect.
The following ordinary shares equivalentwere excluded from the computation of diluted loss per ordinary share for the periods presented because including them would have hadan anti-dilutive effect:
| Year Ended March 31, 2023 | Year Ended March 31, 2024 | Year Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||
| Share options - weighted average | ||||||||||||
F-51
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 26. | Related party transactions |
The table below sets forth the major related parties andtheir relationships with the Company as of March 31, 2023, 2024 and 2025:
| Name of related parties | Relationship with the Company | |
| Nanjing Animal Pharmaceutical | ||
| Wuhan Chunzhijin | ||
| Weishi Network | ||
| Beijing Petdog | ||
| Shanghai Chalin Information Technology Center (limited partnership) (“Shanghai Chalin Information”) | ||
| MERCHANT TYCOON LIMITED | ||
| SUPERB ORIGIN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED | ||
| Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang | ||
| Yan Jiang |
Details of related party transactions are as follows:
| Year Ended March 31, 2023 | Year Ended March 31, 2024 | Year Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Purchase of merchandise | ||||||||||||
| Nanjing Animal Pharmaceutical | ||||||||||||
F-52
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 26. | Related party transactions (continued) |
| Year Ended March 31, 2023 | Year Ended March 31, 2024 | Year Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Loans granted to related parties | ||||||||||||
| Wuhan Chunzhijin (a) | ||||||||||||
| MERCHANT TYCOON LIMITED | ||||||||||||
| (a) | The Company entered into a loan agreement with Wuhan Chunzhijinto provide Wuhan Chunzhijin with an interest-free loan of up to RMB |
| Year Ended March 31, 2023 | Year Ended March 31, 2024 | Year Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Advances provided to related parties | ||||||||||||
| SUPERB ORIGIN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (a) | ||||||||||||
| Nanjing Animal Pharmaceutical (b) | ||||||||||||
| (a) |
| (b) |
F-53
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 26. | Related party transactions (continued) |
Details of related party balances are as follows:
Amounts due from related parties
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | As of March 31, | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Prepayments to related parties | ||||||||||||
| SUPERB ORIGIN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED | ||||||||||||
| Nanjing Animal Pharmaceutical | ||||||||||||
| Weishi Network | ||||||||||||
| Other receivables from related parties | ||||||||||||
| Wuhan Chunzhijin | ||||||||||||
| Loans to related parties | ||||||||||||
| Yan Jiang | ||||||||||||
| Shanghai Guangcheng Information | ||||||||||||
| MERCHANT TYCOON LIMITED | ||||||||||||
F-54
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 26. | Related party transactions (continued) |
Amounts due to related parties
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | As of March 31, | ||||||||||
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | ||||||||||
| RMB | RMB | RMB | ||||||||||
| Trade payables to related parties | ||||||||||||
| Nanjing Animal Pharmaceutical | - | |||||||||||
| 28. | Commitments and contingencies |
| (a) | Capital commitments |
As of March 31, 2024 and 2025, no capital commitmentwas related to leasehold improvement and purchase of equipment.
| (b) | Contingencies |
The Company is subject to legal proceedingsand regulatory actions in the ordinary course of business. The results of such proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, but theCompany does not anticipate that the final outcome arising out of any such matter will have a material adverse effect on our consolidatedfinancial position, cash flows or results of operations on an individual basis or in the aggregate. As of March 31, 2024 and 2025, theCompany is not a party to any material legal or administrative proceedings.
| 29. | Subsequent events |
In July 2025, we ceased the listing of our ADSs representing ClassA ordinary shares on the NYSE American and listed our Class A ordinary shares, on a post-reverse stock split basis, for trading on theNYSE American in substitution for the ADSs. Trading of the ADSs ended after market close on July 10, 2025, and the ADS Facility was terminatedbefore market opened on July 11, 2025. The Bank of New York Mellon, as Depositary, notified all ADS holders of the termination of thedeposit agreement, which became effective on July 11, 2025. Immediately following this, we implemented a reverse stock split, consolidatingevery
F-55
BOQII HOLDING LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All amounts in thousands, except for shareand per share data, unless otherwise noted)
| 30. | Restricted net assets |
The Company’s ability to paydividends may depend on the Company receiving distributions of funds from the Company’s subsidiariesand the VIEs incorporated in the PRC. Relevant PRC statutory laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the Company’sPRC subsidiaries only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations.The results of operations reflected in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP differ from those reflectedin the statutory financial statements of the Company’s PRC subsidiary.
In accordance with the Company lawof the PRC, a domestic enterprise is required to provide statutory reserves of at least
For the years ended March 31, 2023,2024 and 2025, appropriation to statutory reserves was made because two PRC subsidiaries had generated profits for these periods.
As a result of these PRC laws and regulationssubject to the limit discussed above that require annual appropriations of
Foreign exchange and other regulationsin the PRC further restrict the Company’s PRC subsidiaries from transferring funds to the Company in the form of dividends, loansand advances.
As of March 31, 2025, the totalrestricted net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries and the VIEs incorporated in the PRC and subjected to restriction amounted to.
Rules 12-04(a) and 4-08(e)(3) of RegulationS-X require condensed financial information as to the financial position, cash flows and results of operations of a parent company asof and for the same periods for which the audited consolidated financial statements have been presented when the restricted net assetsof the consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries together exceed
F-56
Exhibit 2.1
Boqii Holding Limited
| Number | Class A Ordinary Share(s) |
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Share capital is US$20,000,000divided into 125,000,000 shares of par value of US$0.16 each; comprising
(a) 93,750,000 Class A OrdinaryShares of par value of US$0.16 each,
(b) 12,500,000 Class B OrdinaryShares of par value of US$0.16 each, and
(c) 18,750,000 shares of par value of US$0.16 eachof such Class or Classes (however designated)
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT IS THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF CLASS A ORDINARYSHARES IN THE ABOVE-NAMED COMPANY SUBJECT TO THE FOURTEENTH AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION THEREOF.
EXECUTED ON BEHALF OF THE SAID COMPANY OF THE DAY OF:
BY:
DIRECTOR
Exhibit 2.2
Description of Rightsof Each Class of Securities
Registered under Section12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, As Amended
Class A ordinary shares,par value $0.16 per share (“Class A ordinary shares”), of Boqii Holding Limited (“we,” “our,” “ourcompany,” or “us”), are listed and traded on the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American”) and are registeredunder Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). This exhibit contains a descriptionof the rights of the holders of Class A ordinary shares. Terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in theMemorandum and Articles of Association (defined below).
Description of Class A Ordinary Shares
The following is a summaryof material provisions of our currently effective fourteenth amended and restated memorandum and articles of association (the “Memorandumand Articles of Association”), as well as the Companies Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “Companies Act”)insofar as they relate to the material terms of the Class A ordinary shares. Notwithstanding this, because it is a summary, it may notcontain all the information that you may otherwise deem important. For more complete information, you should read the entire Memorandumand Articles of Association, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as Exhibit 3.1 toour report on Form 6-K on July 11, 2025.
Type and Class of Securities (Item 9.A.5of Form 20-F)
The number of Class A ordinaryshares that have been issued as of the last day of the financial year ended March 31, 2025 is provided on the cover of our annual reporton Form 20-F (the “Form 20-F”). Our Class A ordinary shares may be held in either certificated or uncertificated form.
Preemptive Rights (Item 9.A.3 of Form 20-F)
Our shareholders do nothave preemptive rights.
Limitations or Qualifications (Item 9.A.6of Form 20-F)
We have adopted a dual-classshare structure such that our ordinary shares consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. In respect of matters requiringthe votes of shareholders, each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to 20 votes.Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares shall, at all times, vote together as one class on all matters submittedto a vote by the members. Due to the super voting power of Class B ordinary shareholder, the voting power of the Class A ordinary sharesmay be materially limited. See also “—Variations of Rights of Shares.”
Rights of Other Types of Securities (Item9.A.7 of Form 20-F)
Not applicable.
Rights of Class A Ordinary Shares (Item10.B.3 of Form 20-F)
General
Holders of ordinary shareswill have the same rights except for voting and conversion rights. Our ordinary shares are issued in registered form and are issued whenregistered in our register of members (shareholders). We may not issue share to bearer. Our shareholders who are non-residents of theCayman Islands may freely hold and transfer their ordinary shares.
Dividends
The holders of our ordinaryshares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors subject to our Memorandum and Articles of Associationand the Companies Act. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amountrecommended by our directors. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that dividends may be declared and paid out of our profits,realized or unrealized, or out of the share premium account or as otherwise permitted by the Statute, provided that in no circumstancesmay a dividend be paid if this would result in our company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business.
Classes of Ordinary Shares
Our ordinary shares are dividedinto Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares have the samerights except for voting and conversion rights.
Conversion
Each Class B ordinary shareis convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into ClassB ordinary shares under any circumstances. Upon any sale, transfer, assignment or disposition of any Class B ordinary shares by a holderthereof to any person who is not a founder or an affiliate of a founder, or upon a change of beneficial ownership of any Class B ordinaryshares as a result of which any person who is not a founder or an affiliate of a founder becomes a beneficial owner of such Class B ordinaryshares, each of such Class B ordinary shares will be automatically and immediately converted into one Class A ordinary share.
Voting Rights
Holders of Class A ordinaryshares and Class B ordinary shares shall, at all times, vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote by the members.Each Class A ordinary share shall be entitled to one vote on all matters subject to vote at general and special meetings of our companyand each Class B ordinary share shall be entitled to 20 votes on all matters subject to vote at general and special meetings of our company.
A quorum required for ameeting of shareholders consists of one or more shareholders holding a majority of all votes attaching to the issued and outstandingshares entitled to vote at general meetings, which shall include Merchant Tycoon Limited and any other entity that holds shares on behalfof and is jointly controlled by our Founders present in person or by proxy or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its dulyauthorized representative. As an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, we are not obliged by the Companies Act to callshareholders’ annual general meetings. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that we may (but are not obliged to)in each year hold a general meeting as our annual general meeting in which case we will specify the meeting as such in the notices callingit, and the annual general meeting will be held at such time and place as may be determined by our board of directors. We, however, willhold an annual shareholders’ meeting during each fiscal year, as required by the Listing Rules at the NYSE American. Each generalmeeting, other than an annual general meeting, shall be an extraordinary general meeting. Shareholders’ annual general meetingsand any other general meetings of our shareholders may be called by a majority of our board of directors or our chairman or upon a requisitionof any one or more of our shareholders who together hold shares which carry in aggregate not less than one-third of all votes attachingto the issued and outstanding shares of our company entitled to vote at general meetings, in which case the directors are obliged tocall such meeting and to put the resolutions so requisitioned to a vote at such meeting; however, our Memorandum and Articles of Associationdo not provide our shareholders with any right to put any proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetingsnot called by such shareholders. Advance notice of at least thirty (30) calendar days is required for the convening of our annual generalmeeting and other general meetings unless such notice is waived in accordance with our articles of association.
An ordinary resolution tobe passed at a meeting by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching to the ordinary sharescast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy at a general meeting, while a special resolution alsorequires the affirmative vote of no less than two-thirds of the votes attaching to the ordinary shares cast by those shareholders entitledto vote who are present in person or by proxy at a general meeting. A special resolution will be required for important matters such asa change of name or making changes to our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
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Transfer of Ordinary Shares
Subject to the restrictionsin our Memorandum and Articles of Association as set out below, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her ordinaryshares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board of directors.
Our board of directors may,in its absolute discretion, decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully paid up or on which we have a lien.Our board of directors may also decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless:
| ● | the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the ordinary shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer; |
| ● | the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of shares; |
| ● | the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required; |
| ● | in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the ordinary share is to be transferred does not exceed four; and |
| ● | a fee of such maximum sum as the NYSE American may determine to be payable or such lesser sum as our directors may from time to time require is paid to us in respect thereof. |
If our directors refuseto register a transfer they shall, within two months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to each of thetransferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.
The registration of transfersmay, after compliance with any notice required of the NYSE American, be suspended and the register closed at such times and for suchperiods as our board of directors may, in their absolute discretion, from time to time determine, provided always that the registrationof transfers shall not be suspended nor the register closed for more than 30 days in any year.
Liquidation
On a return of capital onwinding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of ordinary shares), if the assets available for distributionamongst our shareholders shall be more than sufficient to repay the whole of the share capital at the commencement of the winding up,the surplus shall be distributed amongst our shareholders in proportion to the par value of the shares held by them at the commencementof the winding up, subject to a deduction from those shares in respect of which there are monies due, of all monies payable to our companyfor unpaid calls or otherwise. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid up share capital, theassets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders in proportion to the par value of the shares held by them.Any distribution of assets or capital to a holder of ordinary share will be the same in any liquidation event.
Calls on Ordinary Shares and Forfeitureof Ordinary Shares
Our board of directors mayfrom time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their ordinary shares in a notice served to such shareholdersat least 14 calendar days prior to the specified time of payment. The ordinary shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid aresubject to forfeiture.
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Redemption, Repurchase and Surrender ofOrdinary Shares
We may issue shares on termsthat such shares are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders thereof, on such terms and in such manner asmay be determined, before the issue of such shares, by our board of directors or by or by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders.Our company may also repurchase any of our shares provided that the manner and terms of such purchase have been approved by our boardof directors or by ordinary resolution of our shareholders, or are otherwise authorized by our Memorandum and Articles of Association.Under the Companies Act, the redemption or repurchase of any share may be paid out of our company’s profits or out of the proceedsof a fresh issue of shares made for the purpose of such redemption or repurchase, or out of capital (including share premium accountand capital redemption reserve) if the company can, immediately following such payment, pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinarycourse of business. In addition, under the Companies Act no such share may be redeemed or repurchased (a) unless it is fully paid up,(b) if such redemption or repurchase would result in there being no shares outstanding, or (c) if we have has commenced liquidation.In addition, our company may accept the surrender of any fully paid share for no consideration.
Requirements to Change the Rights of Holdersof Class A Ordinary Shares (Item 10.B.4 of Form 20-F)
Variations of Rights of Shares
If at any time our sharecapital is divided into different classes or series of shares (and as otherwise determined by the directors), the rights attached toany class or series of shares may, subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to any class or series of shares,only be materially adversely varied or abrogated with the consent in writing of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the issuedshares of that class or series or with the sanction of a special resolution at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of theclass or series by two-thirds of the votes cast at such a meeting. The rights conferred upon the holders of the shares of any class issuedshall not, unless otherwise expressly provided by the terms of issue of the shares of that class, be deemed to be varied by the creationor issue of further shares ranking pari passu with such existing class of shares.
Limitations on the Rights to Own ClassA Ordinary Shares (Item 10.B.6 of Form 20-F)
There are no limitationsunder the laws of the Cayman Islands or under the Memorandum and Articles of Association that limit the right of non-resident or foreignowners to hold or vote Class A ordinary shares.
Provisions Affecting Any Change of Control(Item 10.B.7 of Form 20-F)
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Some provisions of our Memorandumand Articles of Association may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or management that shareholders may considerfavorable, including provisions that authorize our board of directors to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to designatethe price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of such preferred shares without any further vote or action by our shareholders.
Ownership Threshold (Item 10.B.8 of Form20-F)
There are no provisionsunder the Memorandum and Articles of Association that require our company to disclose shareholder ownership above any particular ownershipthreshold.
Differences between the Law of DifferentJurisdictions (Item 10.B.9 of Form 20-F)
The Companies Act is derived,to a large extent, from the older Companies Acts of England, but does not follow many recent English law statutory enactments. In addition,the Companies Act differs from laws applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of thesignificant differences between the provisions of the Companies Act applicable to us and the laws applicable to companies incorporatedin the State of Delaware.
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Mergers and Similar Arrangements
The Companies Act permitsmergers and consolidations between Cayman Islands companies and between Cayman Islands companies and non-Cayman Islands companies. Forthese purposes, (a) “merger” means the merging of two or more constituent companies and the vesting of their undertaking,property and liabilities in one of such companies as the surviving company, and (b) a “consolidation” means the combinationof two or more constituent companies into a consolidated company and the vesting of the undertaking, property and liabilities of suchcompanies to the consolidated company. In order to effect such a merger or consolidation, the directors of each constituent company mustapprove a written plan of merger or consolidation, which must then be authorized by (a) a special resolution of the shareholders of eachconstituent company, and (b) such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company’s articles of association.The written plan of merger or consolidation must be filed with the Registrar of Companies of the Cayman Islands together with a declarationas to the solvency of the consolidated or surviving company, a declaration as to the assets and liabilities of each constituent companyand an undertaking that a copy of the certificate of merger or consolidation will be given to the members and creditors of each constituentcompany and that notification of the merger or consolidation will be published in the Cayman Islands Gazette. Court approval is not requiredfor a merger or consolidation which is effected in compliance with these statutory procedures.
A merger between a Caymanparent company and its Cayman subsidiary or subsidiaries does not require authorization by a resolution of shareholders of that Caymansubsidiary if a copy of the plan of merger is given to every member of that Cayman subsidiary to be merged unless that member agrees otherwise.For this purpose a company is a “parent” of a subsidiary if it holds issued shares that together represent at least ninetypercent (90%) of the votes at a general meeting of the subsidiary.
The consent of each holderof a fixed or floating security interest over a constituent company is required unless this requirement is waived by a court in the CaymanIslands.
Save in certain limited circumstances,a shareholder of a Cayman constituent company who dissents from the merger or consolidation is entitled to payment of the fair value ofhis shares (which, if not agreed between the parties, will be determined by the Cayman Islands court) upon dissenting to the merger orconsolidation, provide the dissenting shareholder complies strictly with the procedures set out in the Companies Act. The exercise ofdissenter rights will preclude the exercise by the dissenting shareholder of any other rights to which he or she might otherwise be entitledby virtue of holding shares, save for the right to seek relief on the grounds that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.
Separate from the statutoryprovisions relating to mergers and consolidations, the Companies Act also contains statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstructionand amalgamation of companies by way of schemes of arrangement, provided that the arrangement is approved by (i) 75% in value ofthe shareholders or class of shareholders, as the case may be, or (ii) a majority in number representing 75% in value of the creditorsor each class of shareholders and creditors, as the case may be, with whom the arrangement is to be made, that are, in each case, presentand voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings, convened for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequentlythe arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder has the right to express tothe court the view that the transaction ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it determinesthat:
| ● | the statutory provisions as to the required majority vote have been met; |
| ● | the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question and the statutory majority are acting bona fide without coercion of the minority to promote interests adverse to those of the class; |
| ● | the arrangement is such that may be reasonably approved by an intelligent and honest man of that class acting in respect of his interest; and |
| ● | the arrangement is not one that would more properly be sanctioned under some other provision of the Companies Act. |
The Companies Act also containsa statutory power of compulsory acquisition which may facilitate the “squeeze out” of a dissenting minority shareholder upona tender offer. When a tender offer is made and accepted by holders of 90.0% of the shares affected within four months, the offeror may,within a two-month period commencing on the expiration of such four-month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfersuch shares to the offeror on the terms of the offer. An objection can be made to the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands but this is unlikelyto succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.
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If an arrangement and reconstructionis thus approved, or if a tender offer is made and accepted, a dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights,which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of Delaware corporations, providing rights to receive paymentin cash for the judicially determined value of the shares.
Shareholders’ Suits
In principle, we will normallybe the proper plaintiff to sue for a wrong done to us as a company, and as a general rule a derivative action may not be brought by aminority shareholder. However, based on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority in the Cayman Islands,the Cayman Islands court can be expected to follow and apply the common law principles (namely the rule in Foss v. Harbottle and the exceptionsthereto) which permit a minority shareholder to commence a class action against or derivative actions in the name of the company to challengeactions where:
| ● | a company acts or proposes to act illegally or ultra vires; |
| ● | the act complained of, although not ultra vires, could only be effected duly if authorized by more than a simple majority vote that has not been obtained; and |
| ● | those who control the company are perpetrating a “fraud on the minority.” |
Indemnification of Directors and ExecutiveOfficers and Limitation of Liability
Cayman Islands law does notlimit the extent to which a company’s memorandum and articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors,except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnificationagainst civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Our Memorandum and Articles of Association provides that we shall indemnifyour officers and directors against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustainedby such directors or officer, other than by reason of such person’s dishonesty, willful default or fraud, in or about the conductof our company’s business or affairs (including as a result of any mistake of judgment) or in the execution or discharge of hisduties, powers, authorities or discretions, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, lossesor liabilities incurred by such director or officer in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerningour company or its affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere. This standard of conduct is generally the same aspermitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law for a Delaware corporation.
In addition, we have enteredinto indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers that provide such persons with additional indemnification beyondthat provided in our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Insofar as indemnificationfor liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us under the foregoingprovisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the SecuritiesAct and is therefore unenforceable.
Directors’ Fiduciary Duties
Under Delaware corporatelaw, a director of a Delaware corporation has a fiduciary duty to the corporation and its shareholders. This duty has two components:the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires that a director act in good faith, with the care that an ordinarilyprudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Under this duty, a director must inform himself of, and disclose to shareholders,all material information reasonably available regarding a significant transaction. The duty of loyalty requires that a director acts ina manner he reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. He must not use his corporate position for personal gainor advantage. This duty prohibits self-dealing by a director and mandates that the best interest of the corporation and its shareholderstake precedence over any interest possessed by a director, officer or controlling shareholder and not shared by the shareholders generally.In general, actions of a director are presumed to have been made on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that theaction taken was in the best interests of the corporation. However, this presumption may be rebutted by evidence of a breach of one ofthe fiduciary duties. Should such evidence be presented concerning a transaction by a director, the director must prove the proceduralfairness of the transaction, and that the transaction was of fair value to the corporation.
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As a matter of Cayman Islandslaw, a director of a Cayman Islands company is in the position of a fiduciary with respect to the company and therefore it is consideredthat he owes the following duties to the company—a duty to act bona fide in the best interests of the company, a duty not to makea profit based on his position as director (unless the company permits him to do so), a duty not to put himself in a position where theinterests of the company conflict with his personal interest or his duty to a third party, and a duty to exercise powers for the purposefor which such powers were intended. A director of a Cayman Islands company owes to the company a duty to act with skill and care. Itwas previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonablybe expected from a person of his knowledge and experience. However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standardwith regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands.
Controlling Shareholders’ FiduciaryDuties
Under Delaware law, controllingshareholders owe fiduciary duties to the companies they control and their minority shareholders. As a matter of Cayman Islands law andin contrast to the position under Delaware law, controlling shareholders of Cayman Islands companies do not owe any such fiduciary dutiesto the companies they control or to the minority shareholders of such companies under Cayman Islands law. Controlling shareholders ofCayman Islands companies may exercise their powers as shareholders, including the exercise of voting rights in respect of their shares,in such manner as they think fit, subject only to very limited equitable constraints, including that the exercise of voting rights toamend the memorandum or articles of association of a Cayman Islands company must be exercised bona fide for the benefit of the companyas a whole.
Shareholder Action by Written Consent
Under the Delaware GeneralCorporation Law, a corporation may eliminate the right of shareholders to act by written consent by amendment to its certificate of incorporation.The Companies Act and our Memorandum and Articles of Association provide that our shareholders may approve corporate matters by way ofa unanimous written resolution signed by or on behalf of each shareholder who would have been entitled to vote on such matter at a generalmeeting without a meeting being held.
Shareholder Proposals
Under the Delaware GeneralCorporation Law, a shareholder has the right to put any proposal before the annual meeting of shareholders, provided it complies withthe notice provisions in the governing documents. A special meeting may be called by the board of directors or any other person authorizedto do so in the governing documents, but shareholders may be precluded from calling special meetings.
The Companies Act provideshareholders with only limited rights to requisition a general meeting, and does not provide shareholders with any right to put any proposalbefore a general meeting. However, these rights may be provided in a company’s articles of association. Our Memorandum and Articlesof Association allow our shareholders holding in aggregate not less than one-third of all votes attaching to the issued and outstandingshares of our company entitled to vote at general meetings to requisition an extraordinary general meeting of our shareholders, in whichcase our board is obliged to convene an extraordinary general meeting and to put the resolutions so requisitioned to a vote at such meeting.Other than this right to requisition a shareholders’ meeting, our Memorandum and Articles of Association do not provide our shareholderswith any other right to put proposals before annual general meetings or extraordinary general meetings not called by such shareholders.As an exempted Cayman Islands company, we may, but are not obliged by law to call shareholders’ annual general meetings.
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Cumulative Voting
Under the Delaware GeneralCorporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation’s certificate of incorporationspecifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders on a board of directorssince it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled on a single director, which increasesthe shareholder’s voting power with respect to electing such director. There are no prohibitions in relation to cumulative votingunder the laws of the Cayman Islands but our Memorandum and Articles of Association do not provide for cumulative voting. As a result,our shareholders are not afforded any less protections or rights on this issue than shareholders of a Delaware corporation.
Removal of Directors
Under the Delaware GeneralCorporation Law, a director of a corporation with a classified board may be removed only for cause with the approval of a majority ofthe outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under our Memorandum and Articlesof Association, directors may be removed with or without cause, by an ordinary resolution of our shareholders. A director shall hold officeuntil the expiration of his or her term or his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified, or until his or her office is otherwisevacated. In addition, a director’s office shall be vacated if the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or compositionwith his creditors generally; (ii) is found to be or becomes of unsound mind or dies; (iii) resigns his office by notice in writing tothe company; (iv) without special leave of absence from our board of directors, is absent from three consecutive meetings of the boardand the board resolves that his office be vacated; (v) is prohibited by law or NYSE American rules from being a director; or (vi) is removedfrom office pursuant to any other provisions of our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Transactions with Interested Shareholders
The Delaware General CorporationLaw contains a business combination statute applicable to Delaware corporations whereby, unless the corporation has specifically electednot to be governed by such statute by amendment to its certificate of incorporation, it is prohibited from engaging in certain businesscombinations with an “interested shareholder” for three years following the date that such person becomes an interested shareholder.An interested shareholder generally is a person or a group who or which owns or owned 15% or more of the target’s outstanding votingshare within the past three years. This has the effect of limiting the ability of a potential acquirer to make a two-tiered bid for thetarget in which all shareholders would not be treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date onwhich such shareholder becomes an interested shareholder, the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transactionwhich resulted in the person becoming an interested shareholder. This encourages any potential acquirer of a Delaware corporation to negotiatethe terms of any acquisition transaction with the target’s board of directors.
Cayman Islands law has nocomparable statute. As a result, we cannot avail ourselves of the types of protections afforded by the Delaware business combination statute.However, although Cayman Islands law does not regulate transactions between a company and its significant shareholders, the directorsof our Company are required to comply with fiduciary duties which they owe to our Company under Cayman Islands laws, including the dutyto ensure that, in their opinion, any such transactions must be entered into bona fide in the best interests of the Company, and are enteredinto for a proper corporate purpose and not with the effect of constituting a fraud on the minority shareholders.
Restructuring
A company may present a petitionto the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands for the appointment of a restructuring officer on the grounds that the company:
(a) is or is likely to becomeunable to pay its debts; and
(b) intends to present acompromise or arrangement to its creditors (or classes thereof) either pursuant to the Companies Act, the law of a foreign country orby way of a consensual restructuring.
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The Grand Court may, amongother things, make an order appointing a restructuring officer upon hearing of such petition, with such powers and to carry out such functionsas the court may order. At any time (i) after the presentation of a petition for the appointment of a restructuring officer but beforean order for the appointment of a restructuring officer has been made, and (ii) when an order for the appointment of a restructuring officeris made, until such order has been discharged, no suit, action or other proceedings (other than criminal proceedings) shall be proceededwith or commenced against the company, no resolution to wind up the company shall be passed, and no winding up petition may be presentedagainst the company, except with the leave of the court. However, notwithstanding the presentation of a petition for the appointment ofa restructuring officer or the appointment of a restructuring officer, a creditor who has security over the whole or part of the assetsof the company is entitled to enforce the security without the leave of the court and without reference to the restructuring officer appointed.
Dissolution; Winding up
Under the Delaware GeneralCorporation Law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolution must be approved by shareholders holding100% of the total voting power of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directors may it be approved bya simple majority of the corporation’s outstanding shares. Delaware law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its certificateof incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board.
Under Cayman Islands law,a company may be wound up by either an order of the courts of the Cayman Islands or by a special resolution of its members or, if thecompany is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, by an ordinary resolution of its members. The court has authority to order windingup in a number of specified circumstances including where it is, in the opinion of the court, just and equitable to do so. Under the CompaniesAct and our Memorandum and Articles of Association, our company may be dissolved, liquidated or wound up by a special resolution of ourshareholders.
Variation of Rights of Shares
Under the Delaware GeneralCorporation Law, a corporation may vary the rights of a class of shares with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of suchclass, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under our Memorandum and Articles of Association, if our share capitalis divided into more than one class of shares, we may vary the rights attached to any class with the written consent of the holders representingnot less than two-thirds of the issued shares of that class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a general meeting ofthe holders of the shares of that class.
Amendment of Governing Documents
Under the Delaware GeneralCorporation Law, a corporation’s governing documents may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitledto vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Under the Companies Act and our Memorandum and Articles of Association,our memorandum and articles of association may only be amended by a special resolution of our shareholders.
Rights of Non-resident or Foreign Shareholders
There are no limitationsimposed by our Memorandum and Articles of Association on the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise votingrights on our shares. In addition, there are no provisions in our Memorandum and Articles of Association that require our Company to discloseshareholder ownership above particular ownership threshold.
Changes in Capital (Item 10.B.10 of Form20-F)
The requirements of the Memorandumand Articles of Association regarding changes in capital are not more stringent than the requirements of Cayman Islands law.
Debt Securities (Item 12.A of Form 20-F)
Not applicable.
Warrants and Rights (Item 12.B of Form 20-F)
Not applicable.
Other Securities (Item 12.C of Form 20-F)
Not applicable.
Description of American Depositary Shares(Items 12.D of Form 20-F)
Not applicable.
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Exhibit 12.1
Certification by the Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Hao (Louis) Liang, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Boqii HoldingLimited (the “Company”); |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untruestatement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances underwhich such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financialinformation included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cashflows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsiblefor establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internalcontrol over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have: |
| (a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or causedsuch disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company,including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in whichthis report is being prepared; |
| (b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, orcaused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regardingthe reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generallyaccepted accounting principles; |
| (c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosurecontrols and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures,as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
| (d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internalcontrol over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonablylikely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed,based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committeeof the Company’s board of directors: |
| (a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in thedesign or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’sability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
| (b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves managementor other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
| Date: | July 18, 2025 | |
| By: | /s/ Hao (Louis) Liang | |
| Name: | Hao (Louis) Liang | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 12.2
Certification by the Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
I, Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang, certify that:
| 1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Boqii Holding Limited (the “Company”); |
| 2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
| 3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
| 4. | The Company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Company and have: |
| (a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
| (b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
| (c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
| (d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and |
| 5. | The Company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Company’s auditors and the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors: |
| (a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
| (b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. |
| Date: | July 18, 2025 | |
| By: | /s/ Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang | |
| Name: | Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang | |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit 13.1
Certification by the Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the annual report of Boqii Holding Limited(the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commissionon the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Hao (Louis) Liang, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
| (1) | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
| (2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: July 18, 2025
| By: | /s/ Hao (Louis) Liang | |
| Name: | Hao (Louis) Liang | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
Exhibit 13.2
Certification by the Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the annual report of Boqii Holding Limited(the “Company”) on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commissionon the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
| (1) | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
| (2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: July 18, 2025
| By: | /s/ Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang | |
| Name: | Yingzhi (Lisa) Tang | |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |
Exhibit 15.1
| Our ref | SQG/675098-000007/32635811v2 |
Boqii Holding Limited
Building 9, No. 388, Shengrong Road
Pudong New District, Shanghai 201210
People’s Republic of China
July 18, 2025
Dear Sirs
Boqii Holding Limited
We have acted as Cayman Islands legal advisersto Boqii Holding Limited (the “Company”) in connection with the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for thefiscal year ended 31 March 2025 (“Form 20-F”), being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”).
We hereby consent to the filing of this consentas an exhibit to the Form 20-F and to the reference to our name under the heading “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation”included in the Form 20-F, and further consent to the incorporation by reference into the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-256675),Form S-8 (No. 333-265313) and Form F-3 (No. 333-267919).
In giving such consent, we do not thereby admitthat we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended,or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
Yours faithfully
/s/ Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Maples and Calder (Hong Kong) LLP
Exhibit 15.2
July 18, 2025
| To: | Boqii Holding Limited Building 9, No. 388, Shengrong Road Pudong New District Shanghai 201210 People’s Republic of China |
Dear Sir/Madam,
We hereby consentto the references to our firm’s name under the headings “Item 3. Key Information—Contractual Arrangements with the VIEsand Their Respective Shareholders,” “Item 3. Key Information—Permits and Permission Required from the PRC Authoritiesfor Our Operations” and “Item 3. Key Information—3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure andContractual Arrangements” in the annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 of Boqii Holding Limited (the“Annual Report”), which will be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)on the date hereof. We also consent to the filing of this consent letter with the SEC as an exhibit to the Annual Report, and furtherconsent to the incorporation by reference into the Registration Statement on the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-256675),Form S-8 (No. 333-265313) and Form F-3 (No. 333-267919) of Boqii Holding Limited of the summary ofour opinion under the heading “Item 3. Key Information—Contractual Arrangements with the VIEs and Their Respective Shareholders,”“Item 3. Key Information—Permits and Permission Required from the PRC Authorities for Our Operations” and “Item3. Key Information—3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Contractual Arrangements” in the AnnualReport.
In giving such consent, we do not thereby admitthat we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, or under the SecuritiesExchange Act of 1934, in each case, as amended, or the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Yours sincerely,
/s/ Lifeng Partners
Lifeng Partners
Exhibit 15.3
| | Assentsure PAC 180B Bencoolen Street #03-01 The Bencoolen Singapore 189648 |
Consent of Independent Registered PublicAccounting Firm
We hereby consent to the incorporation by referencein the Registration Statements on Form F-3 (No. 333-267919) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-256675 and 333-265313) of our report dated July 18,2025, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Boqii Holding Limited (the “Company”) which is included in thisForm 20-F of the Company for the years ended March 31, 2025, and for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2025.
/s/ Assentsure PAC
Singapore
July 18, 2025