INTRODUCTION
In this annual report, except where the context otherwise requires and for purposes of this annual report only:
“$,” “dollars,” “US$” or “U.S. dollars” refers to the legal currency of the United States;
“ADSs” refers to our American depositary shares, each representing two Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share;
“China” or the “PRC” refers to the People’s Republic of China, and solely for the purpose of this annual report, excludes Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan;
“MAUs” refers to monthly active users. We define Momo MAUs during a given calendar month as Momo users who were daily active users for at least one day during the
30-day
period counting back from the last day of such calendar month. Momo daily active users are users who accessed our platform through mobile devices and utilized any of the functions on our platform on a given day.“Momo Inc.,Hello Group,” “we,” “us,” “our company,” or “our” refers to our holding company MomoHello Group Inc., previously named “Momo Inc.,” its subsidiaries and itsin the context of describing our operations and consolidated financial information, the consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries;
“ordinary shares” refers to our Class A and Class B ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share; and
“RMB” or “Renminbi” refers to the legal currency of China.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This annual report on Form
20-F
contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and views of future events. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to,” “project,” “continue,” “potential” or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:our goals and strategies;
our future business development, financial condition and results of operations;
the expected growth of mobile social networking platforms, live video services, mobile marketing services, mobile games and online entertainment services in China;
our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our services;
our expectations regarding our user base and level of user engagement;
our monetization strategies;
our plans to invest in our technology infrastructure;
competition in our industry; and
relevant government policies and regulations relating to our industry.
You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and you should read these statements in conjunction other sections of this annual report, in particular the risk factors disclosed in “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors.” These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a rapidly evolving environment. New risks emerge from time to time and it is impossible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements made in this annual report relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this annual report. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements except as required under applicable law.
1
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 RMB | 2016 RMB | 2017 RMB | 2018 RMB | 2019 RMB | 2019 US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and share-related data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selected Data of Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Revenues (1) | 843,119 | 3,707,358 | 8,886,390 | 13,408,421 | 17,015,089 | 2,444,065 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost and expenses (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | (190,900 | ) | (1,619,327 | ) | (4,373,377 | ) | (7,182,897 | ) | (8,492,096 | ) | (1,219,813 | ) | ||||||||||||
Research and development expenses | (146,292 | ) | (208,647 | ) | (346,144 | ) | (760,644 | ) | (1,095,031 | ) | (157,291 | ) | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses | (330,883 | ) | (647,238 | ) | (1,467,376 | ) | (1,812,262 | ) | (2,690,824 | ) | (386,513 | ) | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (144,135 | ) | (259,712 | ) | (422,005 | ) | (640,023 | ) | (1,527,282 | ) | (219,380 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total cost and expenses | (812,210 | ) | (2,734,924 | ) | (6,608,902 | ) | (10,395,826 | ) | (13,805,233 | ) | (1,982,997 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other operating income | 4,474 | 2,659 | 156,764 | 253,697 | 344,843 | 49,534 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations | 35,383 | 975,093 | 2,434,252 | 3,266,292 | 3,554,699 | 510,602 | ||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 RMB | 2016 RMB | 2017 RMB | 2018 RMB | 2019 RMB | 2019 US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and share-related data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 49,037 | 54,603 | 145,568 | 272,946 | 407,542 | 58,540 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | — | — | — | (56,503 | ) | (78,611 | ) | (11,292 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Impairment loss on long-term investments | — | (39,283 | ) | (30,085 | ) | (43,200 | ) | (15,711 | ) | (2,257 | ) | |||||||||||||
Income before income tax and share of income on equity method investments | 84,420 | 990,413 | 2,549,735 | 3,439,535 | 3,867,919 | 555,593 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expenses | (561 | ) | (34,638 | ) | (445,001 | ) | (699,648 | ) | (883,801 | ) | (126,950 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income before share of income (loss) on equity method investments | 83,859 | 955,775 | 2,104,734 | 2,739,887 | 2,984,118 | 428,643 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share of income (loss) on equity method investments | 2,375 | 23,194 | 39,729 | 48,660 | (23,350 | ) | (3,354 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | 86,234 | 978,969 | 2,144,463 | 2,788,547 | 2,960,768 | 425,289 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest | — | — | (3,635 | ) | (27,228 | ) | (10,122 | ) | (1,454 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Momo Inc. | 86,234 | 978,969 | 2,148,098 | 2,815,775 | 2,970,890 | 426,743 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders | 86,234 | 978,969 | 2,148,098 | 2,815,775 | 2,970,890 | 426,743 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 0.23 | 2.54 | 5.44 | 6.92 | 7.15 | 1.03 | ||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 0.21 | 2.41 | 5.17 | 6.59 | 6.76 | 0.97 | ||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares used in computing net income per ordinary share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 342,646,282 | 377,335,923 | 394,549,323 | 407,009,875 | 415,316,627 | 415,316,627 | ||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 401,396,548 | 407,041,165 | 415,265,078 | 433,083,643 | 451,206,091 | 451,206,091 | ||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 RMB | 2016 RMB | 2017 RMB | 2018 RMB | 2019 RMB | 2019 US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Live video service | 7,846 | 2,534,604 | 7,429,906 | 10,709,491 | 12,448,131 | 1,788,062 | ||||||||||||||||||
Value-added service | 367,405 | 449,781 | 695,798 | 1,883,150 | 4,105,963 | 589,785 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile marketing | 245,337 | 441,644 | 514,279 | 500,321 | 331,822 | 47,663 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile games | 195,411 | 236,238 | 241,388 | 130,392 | 92,451 | 13,280 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other services | 27,120 | 45,091 | 5,019 | 185,067 | 36,722 | 5,275 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | 843,119 | 3,707,358 | 8,886,390 | 13,408,421 | 17,015,089 | 2,444,065 | ||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 RMB | 2016 RMB | 2017 RMB | 2018 RMB | 2019 RMB | 2019 US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 5,772 | 18,521 | 13,547 | 21,661 | 23,972 | 3,443 | ||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses | 22,046 | 37,455 | 59,190 | 152,806 | 175,053 | 25,145 | ||||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses | 23,767 | 39,139 | 79,032 | 142,927 | 196,311 | 28,198 | ||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 57,857 | 115,724 | 183,204 | 263,419 | 1,012,896 | 145,493 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | 109,442 | 210,839 | 334,973 | 580,813 | 1,408,232 | 202,279 | ||||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 RMB | 2016 RMB | 2017 RMB | 2018 RMB | 2019 RMB | 2019 US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 1,097,783 | 1,788,268 | 4,462,194 | 2,468,034 | 2,612,743 | 375,297 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 3,511,985 | 5,344,283 | 8,471,188 | 18,965,538 | 22,483,681 | 3,229,577 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 477,871 | 942,289 | 1,719,088 | 7,942,679 | 8,764,899 | 1,258,997 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total equity | 3,034,114 | 4,401,994 | 6,752,100 | 11,022,859 | 13,718,782 | 1,970,580 | ||||||||||||||||||
Current period amounts in this annual report are translated into U.S. dollars for the convenience of the readers. The conversion of RMB into U.S. dollars in this annual report is based on the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in RMB as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Board. Unless otherwise stated, all translations of RMBRenminbi into U.S. dollars were made at the rate at RMB6.9618RMB6.3726 to US$1.0000, the exchange rate as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in effect as of December 31, 2019.30, 2021. We make no representation that any RMB or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, or at all. The PRC government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct regulation of the conversion of RMB into foreign exchange and through restrictions on foreign trade.
PART I
Item 1. |
Not applicable.
Item 2. |
Not applicable.
Item 3. |
holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands.
Our subsidiaries, the consolidated affiliated entities and wireless access andtheir shareholders have entered into a series of contractual agreements. These contractual arrangements enable us to:
receive the distribution of informationeconomic benefits that could potentially be significant to the consolidated affiliated entities in consideration for the services provided by our subsidiaries;
exercise effective control over the internetconsolidated affiliated entities; and wireless telecommunications networks. Under these regulations, internet content providers and internet publishers are prohibited from posting
hold an exclusive option to purchase all or displaying over the internet or wireless networks content that, among other things, violates the principlepart of the equity interests in the consolidated affiliated entities when and to the extent permitted by PRC constitution, lawslaw.
A series of contractual agreements, including business operation agreement, exclusive call option agreement, equity interest pledge agreement, exclusive cooperation agreement, power of attorney and regulations, impairsspousal consent letter, have been entered into by and among our subsidiaries, the national dignityconsolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders. Terms contained in each set of China orcontractual arrangements with the public interest, orconsolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders are substantially similar. Despite the lack of legal majority ownership, our Cayman Island holding company is obscene, superstitious, fraudulent or defamatory. Furthermore, internet content providers are also prohibited from displaying content that may be deemed by relevant government authorities as instigating ethnical hatred and harming ethnical unity, harmingconsidered the national religious policy, “socially destabilizing” or leaking “state secrets”primary beneficiary of the PRC. Failure to comply with these requirements may resultconsolidated affiliated entities and consolidates the consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“”) topic 810,. Accordingly, we treat the consolidated affiliated entities as the consolidated entities under the accounting principles generally accepted in the revocation of licenses to provide internet contentUnited States, or other licenses,U.S. GAAP, and we consolidate the closurefinancial results of the concerned platformsconsolidated affiliated entities in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For more details of these contractual arrangements, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and reputational harm. The operator may also be held liable for any censored information displayed on or linked to their platform.
ASC
Consolidation
There are also substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules regarding the status of the rights of our Cayman Islands holding company with respect to its contractual arrangements with the consolidated affiliated entities and their nominee shareholders. It is uncertain whether any new PRC laws or regulations relating to variable interest entity structures will be adopted or if adopted, what they would provide. If we or any of the consolidated affiliated entities is found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities would have broad discretion to take action in dealing with such violations or failures. If the PRC government deems that our contractual arrangements with the consolidated affiliated entities do not comply with PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investment in the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change or are interpreted differently in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations. Since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory provisions and contractual terms, it may violatebe difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy. Our Cayman Islands holding company, our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities, and investors of our company face uncertainty about potential future actions by the PRC government that could affect the enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the consolidated affiliated entities and, consequently, significantly affect the financial performance of the consolidated affiliated entities and our company as a whole. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating certain of our operations in China do not comply with PRC regulations relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations” and “—We face uncertainties with respect to the implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.”
3
Our corporate structure is subject to risks associated with our contractual arrangements with the consolidated affiliated entities. The company and its investors may never have a direct ownership interest in the businesses that are conducted by the consolidated affiliated entities. Uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements, and these contractual arrangements have not been tested in a court of law. If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our business in China do not comply with PRC laws and regulations, or third-party intellectual property rights. Evenif these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change or are interpreted differently in the future, we and the consolidated affiliated entities could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations. This would result in the consolidated affiliated entities being deconsolidated. The majority of our assets, including the necessary licenses to conduct business in China, are held by the consolidated affiliated entities. A significant part of our revenues are generated by the consolidated affiliated entities. An event that results in the deconsolidation of the consolidated affiliated entities would have a material effect on our operations and result in the value of the securities of our company diminish substantially or even become worthless. Our company, our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities, and investors of our company face uncertainty about potential future actions by the PRC government that could affect the enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the consolidated affiliated entities and, consequently, significantly affect the financial performance of the consolidated affiliated entities and our company as a whole. Hello Group Inc. may not be able to repay its indebtedness, and the Class A ordinary shares or ADSs of our company may decline in value or become worthless, if we manageare unable to identifyassert our contractual control rights over the assets of our PRC subsidiaries and remove offensive content, we may still be held liable.consolidated affiliated entities that conduct all or substantially all of our operations. For a detailed description of the risks associated with our corporate structure, please refer to risks disclosed under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure.”
We face various risks and uncertainties related to doing business in China. Our business operations are primarily conducted in China, and we are subject to complex and evolving PRC laws and regulations. For example, we face risks associated with regulatory approvals on offshore offerings, anti-monopoly regulatory actions, and oversight on cybersecurity and data privacy, which may impact our ability to conduct certain businesses, accept foreign investments or financing, or list on a United States exchange. In addition, since our auditor is located in China, a jurisdiction where the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or the PCAOB, has been unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities, our auditor is currently not inspected by the PCAOB. As a result, our ADSs may be delisted under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, or the HFCA Act. The delisting of our ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment. Additionally, the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections deprives our investors with the benefits of such inspections. These risks could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs, significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer securities to investors, or cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless. For a detailed description of risks related to doing business in China, “Item 3.D. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China.”
PRC government’s significant authority in regulating our operations and its oversight and control over offerings conducted overseas by, and foreign investment in, China-based issuers could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors. Implementation of industry-wide regulations in this nature may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless. For more details, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The PRC government’s significant oversight and discretion over our business operations could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs.”
Risks and uncertainties arising from the legal system in China, including risks and uncertainties regarding the enforcement of laws and quickly evolving rules and regulations in China, could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs. For more details, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China— Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us.”
4
The HFCA Act was enacted on December 18, 2020. The HFCA Act states that if the SEC determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspection by the PCAOB for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, the SEC shall prohibit our shares or ADSs from being traded on a national securities exchange. Since our auditor is located in China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB has been unable to conduct inspections without the approval of Tantan, and the subsequent integration of Tantan intoChinese authorities, our business, creates significant challengesauditor is not currently inspected by the PCAOB, which may affectimpact our ability to realizeremain listed on a United States or other foreign exchange. The related risks and uncertainties could cause the value of our ADSs to significantly decline. For more details, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The PCAOB is currently unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial statements and the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections over our auditor deprives our investors with the benefits of such inspections” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China— Our ADSs will be prohibited from trading in the acquisitionUnited States under the HFCA Act in 2024 if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or fully investigate auditors located in China, or in 2023 if proposed changes to the law are enacted. The delisting of our ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and haveadversely affect the value of your investment.”
Furthermore, on December 2, 2021, the SEC adopted final amendments implementing the disclosure and submission requirements under the HFCA Act, pursuant to which the SEC will identify a material adverse effect“Commission-Identified Issuer” if an issuer has filed an annual report containing an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that the PCAOB has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction, and will then impose a trading prohibition on our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.an issuer after it is identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for three consecutive years.
Cash Flow through Our Organization
Hello Group Inc. is a holding company with no operations of its own. We conduct our operations primarily through our PRC subsidiaries, the consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries in China. As a result, Hello Group Inc.’s ability to pay dividends depends upon dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries. If our existing PRC subsidiaries or any newly formed ones incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends to us. In May 2018, we completed the acquisitionaddition, current PRC regulations permit our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to their respective shareholders only out of Tantan, a Chinese socialtheir accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and dating app for approximately 5.3 million newly issued Class A ordinary sharesregulations. Furthermore, each of our companyPRC subsidiaries and US$613.2 millionthe consolidated affiliated entities is required to set aside at least 10% of itscash. While we currently expect TantanChina is also required to remainfurther set aside a stand-alone brandportion of itslargely operate independently,distribute dividends is based upon their distributable earnings.
after-tax
profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of its registered capital. Each of such entities in after-tax
profits to fund the employee welfare fund, although the amount to be set aside, if any, is determined at the discretion of its board of directors. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends. For more details, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Holding Company Structure.” Our subsidiaries’ ability to Under PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities are subject to certain restrictions with respect to paying dividends or otherwise transferring any of their net assets to us. Remittance of dividends by a wholly foreign-owned enterprise out of China is also subject to examination by the processbanks designated by State Administration of integrating certain aspects of Tantan’s operations into our own operations is still continuingForeign Exchange, or SAFE. The amounts restricted include thecould result in unforeseen operating difficulties, divert significant management attention and require significant resources that would otherwise have been available for the ongoing developmentstatutory reserve funds of our existing operations. ChallengesPRC subsidiaries and the net assets of the consolidated affiliated entities in which we have no legal ownership, totaling RMB1.5 billion, RMB1.5 billion and RMB1.5 billion (US$0.2 billion) as of December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. For risks fromrelating to the Tantan acquisition include, among others:
paid-up
capital and For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the Company declared and distributed cash dividends with amount of US$128.6 million, US$158.6 million and US$132.0 million to its investors, respectively, which was funded by surplus cash on our balance sheet.
5
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, Hello Group Inc. provided loans with principal amount of RMB nil, RMB118.2 million and RMB820.9 million (US$128.8 million), respectively, to its subsidiaries, and there was no repayment from the subsidiaries to Hello Group Inc.
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, Hello Group Inc. provided capital contributions with the amount of RMB70,000.0, RMB142,000.0 and RMB nil, respectively, to its subsidiaries.
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the subsidiaries of Hello Group Inc. provided loans with principal amount of RMB15.2 million, RMB nil and RMB nil, respectively, to Hello Group Inc., and there was no repayment from Hello Group Inc. to its subsidiaries
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, subsidiaries of Hello Group Inc. provided loans with principal amount of RMB nil, RMB nil and RMB799.8 million (US$125.5 million), respectively, to the consolidated affiliated entities and there was no repayment from the consolidated affiliated entities to our platformsubsidiaries.
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the consolidated affiliated entities provided loans with principal amount of RMB65.3 million., RMB71.9 million and RMB nil, respectively, to our PRC subsidiaries and there was no repayment from our PRC subsidiaries to the consolidated affiliated entities.
The consolidated affiliated entities may adversely impact our brand image,transfer cash to the subsidiaries of Hello Group Inc. by paying service fees and license fees pursuant to certain contractual arrangements among them, and we may be held liableintend to settle the services fees and license fees through such contractual arrangements going forward. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, subsidiaries of Hello Group Inc. received license fee, technical service fees and
non-technical
services fees with amount of RMB8,975.3 million, RMB6,317.8 million and RMB5,616.2 million (US$881.3 million), respectively, from the consolidated affiliated entities.For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, cash paid by the consolidated affiliated entities to other subsidiaries for information or content displayed on, retrieved from or linkedother operation service fees were RMB88.9 million, RMB23.0 million and RMB64.5 million (US$10.1 million), respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, cash paid by other subsidiaries to our platform, which may materiallyconsolidated affiliated entities for other operation service fees were RMB43.9 million, RMB12.0 million and adversely affect our business and operating results.
Our platform allows mobile usersPRC subsidiaries may charge the consolidated affiliated entities for services provided to freely contactthe consolidated affiliated entities. These service fees shall be recognized as expenses of the consolidated affiliated entities, with a corresponding amount as service income by our PRC subsidiaries and communicate with people nearby,eliminate in consolidation. For income tax purposes, our PRC subsidiaries and our live video service allows users to host and view live shows. Because we do not have full control over how and what users will use our platform to communicate, our platform may be misused by individuals or groups of individuals to engage in immoral, disrespectful, fraudulent or illegal activities. For example,the consolidated affiliated entities file income tax returns on a daily basis we detect spam accounts through which illegal or inappropriate content is posted and illegal or fraudulent activitiesseparate company basis. The service fees paid are conducted. Media reports and internet forums have covered some of these incidents, which have in some cases generated negative publicity about our brand and platform. We have implemented control procedures to detect and block illegal or inappropriate content and illegal or fraudulent activities conducted through the misuse of our platform, but such procedures may not prevent all such content from being broadcasted or posted or activities from being carried out. Moreover,recognized as we have limited control over real-time and offline behaviors of our users, to the extent such behaviors are associated with our platform, our ability to protect our brand image and reputation may be limited. Our business and the public perception of our brand may be materially and adversely affected by misuse of our platform.
Permissions Required from the PRC Authorities for Our Operations
We conduct our business primarily through our platform or any negative media coverage about us, PRC government authorities may intervenesubsidiaries and hold us liable fornon-compliancewith PRC laws and regulations concerning the dissemination of information on the internet and subject us to administrative penalties or other sanctions, such as requiring us to restrict or discontinue some of the features and services provided on our mobile application. Therefore, our business may be subject to investigations or subsequent penalties if contents generatedconsolidated affiliated entity in China. Our operations in China are governed by our users are deemed to be illegal or inappropriate under PRC laws and regulations. See “—As of the date of this annual report, our PRC subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entity and its subsidiaries have obtained the requisite licenses and permits from the PRC government authorities that are material for the business operations of our holding company, the consolidated affiliated entity in China, including, among others, the Value-added Telecommunications Business Operation License for information services via internet, or ICP License, and the internet culture operation license and the internet audio/video program transmission license. Given the uncertainties of interpretation and implementation of relevant laws and regulations and the enforcement practice by relevant government authorities, we may be required to obtain additional licenses, permits, filings or approvals for the functions and services of our platform in the future, and may not be able to maintain or renew our current licenses, permits, filings or approvals. For more detailed information, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to DoingOur Business in China—and Industry—If we fail to obtain and maintain the requisite licenses and approvals required under the complex regulatory environment applicable to our businesses in China, or if we are required to take compliance actions that are time-consuming or costly, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.”
6
Furthermore, under current PRC laws, regulations and regulatory rules, we, our PRC subsidiaries and the consolidated affiliated entities may be required to obtain permissions from the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC, and may be required to go through cybersecurity review by the Cyberspace Administration of China, or the CAC, in connection with any future offering and listing in an overseas market. As of the date of this annual report, we have not been subject to any cybersecurity review made by the CAC. If we fail to obtain the relevant approval or complete other review or filing procedures for any future offshore offering or listing, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities, which may include fines and penalties on our operations in China, limitations on our operating privileges in China, restrictions on or prohibition of the payments or remittance of dividends by our subsidiaries in China, restrictions on or delays to our future financing transactions offshore, or other actions that could have a result,material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs. For more detailed information, see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—The approval of the CSRC or other PRC government authorities may suffer,be required in connection with our offshore offerings under PRC law, and, if required, we cannot predict whether or for how long we will be able to obtain such approval” and “—PRC regulation of loans to, and direct investment in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may restrict or prevent us from using offshore funds to make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries, or to make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries.”
Financial Information Related to the Consolidated Affiliated Entity
The following table presents the condensed consolidating schedule of financial position for the consolidated affiliated entity and other entities as of the dates presented.
Selected Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Information
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Hello Group Inc. | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Subsidiaries | Eliminating Adjustments | Consolidated Totals | ||||||||||||||||
| (in RMB thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Third-party revenues | — | 239,180 | 14,336,539 | — | 14,575,719 | |||||||||||||||
Inter-company revenues (1) | — | 5,100,060 | 1,352 | (5,101,412 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses | (248,609 | ) | (8,283,022 | ) | (13,711,014 | ) | 5,101,412 | (17,141,233 | ) | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from subsidiaries and VIEs (2) | (2,629,002 | ) | 587,881 | — | 2,041,121 | — | ||||||||||||||
Other income (loss) | (36,876 | ) | 324,513 | 182,813 | — | 470,450 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax expense and share of loss on equity method investments | (2,914,487 | ) | (2,031,388 | ) | 809,690 | 2,041,121 | (2,095,064 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income tax expenses | — | (597,628 | ) | (224,928 | ) | — | (822,556 | ) | ||||||||||||
Share of income (loss) on equity method investments | 779 | — | (8,863 | ) | — | (8,084 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (2,913,708 | ) | (2,629,016 | ) | 575,899 | 2,041,121 | (2,925,704 | ) | ||||||||||||
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | — | (14 | ) | (11,982 | ) | — | (11,996 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Hello Group’s shareholders | (2,913,708 | ) | (2,629,002 | ) | 587,881 | 2,041,121 | (2,913,708 | ) | ||||||||||||
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Hello Group Inc. | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Subsidiaries | Eliminating Adjustments | Consolidated Totals | ||||||||||||||||
| (in RMB thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Third-party revenues | — | 121,497 | 14,902,691 | — | 15,024,188 | |||||||||||||||
Inter-company revenues (1) | — | 6,257,010 | 6,580 | (6,263,590 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses | (340,519 | ) | (4,253,075 | ) | (14,391,526 | ) | 6,263,590 | (12,721,530 | ) | |||||||||||
Income from subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities (2) | 2,467,172 | 501,180 | — | (2,968,352 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other income (loss) | (23,169 | ) | 367,236 | 251,809 | — | 595,876 | ||||||||||||||
Income before income tax expense and share of loss on equity method investments | 2,103,484 | 2,993,848 | 769,554 | (2,968,352 | ) | 2,898,534 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax expenses | — | (526,922 | ) | (228,698 | ) | — | (755,620 | ) | ||||||||||||
Share of income (loss) on equity method investments | — | 233 | (42,755 | ) | — | (42,522 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net income | 2,103,484 | 2,467,159 | 498,101 | (2,968,352 | ) | 2,100,392 | ||||||||||||||
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | — | (13 | ) | (3,079 | ) | — | (3,092 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Hello Group’s shareholders | 2,103,484 | 2,467,172 | 501,180 | (2,968,352 | ) | 2,103,484 | ||||||||||||||
7
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Hello Group Inc. | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Subsidiaries | Eliminating Adjustments | Consolidated Totals | ||||||||||||||||
| (in RMB thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Third-party revenues | — | 13,752 | 17,001,337 | — | 17,015,089 | |||||||||||||||
Inter-company revenues (1) | — | 7,807,851 | 36,786 | (7,844,637 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses | (109,066 | ) | (5,267,956 | ) | (16,272,848 | ) | 7,844,637 | (13,805,233 | ) | |||||||||||
Income from subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities (2) | 3,070,794 | 750,887 | — | (3,821,681 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other income | 9,162 | 300,146 | 348,755 | — | 658,063 | |||||||||||||||
Income before income tax expense and share of loss on equity method investments | 2,970,890 | 3,604,680 | 1,114,030 | (3,821,681 | ) | 3,867,919 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax expenses | — | (534,047 | ) | (349,754 | ) | — | (883,801 | ) | ||||||||||||
Share of loss on equity method investments | — | — | (23,350 | ) | — | (23,350 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net income | 2,970,890 | 3,070,633 | 740,926 | (3,821,681 | ) | 2,960,768 | ||||||||||||||
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | — | (161 | ) | (9,961 | ) | — | (10,122 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Hello Group’s shareholders | 2,970,890 | 3,070,794 | 750,887 | (3,821,681 | ) | 2,970,890 | ||||||||||||||
Selected Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Information
As of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Hello Group Inc. | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Subsidiaries | Eliminating Adjustments | Consolidated Totals | ||||||||||||||||
| (in RMB thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 876,917 | 2,218,672 | 2,474,974 | — | 5,570,563 | |||||||||||||||
Short-term deposits | — | 2,310,000 | 550,000 | — | 2,860,000 | |||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | — | 28,916 | 176,309 | — | 205,225 | |||||||||||||||
Amounts due from Group companies (3) | 1,523,429 | — | — | (1,523,429 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other current assets | 16,875 | 344,484 | 413,713 | — | 775,072 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term deposits | — | 6,450,000 | 750,000 | — | 7,200,000 | |||||||||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities (2) | 11,751,913 | 3,085,888 | — | (14,837,801 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Long-term investments | 415,482 | — | 404,524 | — | 820,006 | |||||||||||||||
Other non-current assets | 76,471 | 362,401 | 241,500 | — | 680,372 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets | 14,661,087 | 14,800,361 | 5,011,020 | (16,361,230 | ) | 18,111,238 | ||||||||||||||
Accounts payable | — | 90,572 | 635,635 | — | 726,207 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred revenue | — | 20,730 | 519,237 | — | 539,967 | |||||||||||||||
Amount due to Group companies (3) | — | 1,103,742 | 419,687 | (1,523,429 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other current liabilities | 77,958 | 771,947 | 399,686 | — | 1,249,591 | |||||||||||||||
Non-current liabilities | 4,588,608 | 358,173 | 63,095 | — | 5,009,876 | |||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 4,666,566 | 2,345,164 | 2,037,340 | (1,523,429 | ) | 7,525,641 | ||||||||||||||
Total shareholders’ equity | 9,994,521 | 12,455,197 | 2,973,680 | (14,837,801 | ) | 10,585,597 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | 14,661,087 | 14,800,361 | 5,011,020 | (16,361,230 | ) | 18,111,238 | ||||||||||||||
8
As of December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Hello Group Inc. | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Subsidiaries | Eliminating Adjustments | Consolidated Totals | ||||||||||||||||
| (in RMB thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 715,359 | 1,336,870 | 1,311,713 | — | 3,363,942 | |||||||||||||||
Short-term deposits | 1,761,750 | 5,200,000 | 604,500 | — | 7,566,250 | |||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | — | 9,697 | 191,134 | — | 200,831 | |||||||||||||||
Amounts due from Group companies (3) | 733,265 | — | — | (733,265 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other current assets | 87,916 | 174,429 | 353,481 | — | 615,826 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term deposits | — | 4,600,000 | 950,000 | — | 5,550,000 | |||||||||||||||
Investment in subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities (2) | 15,724,370 | 2,483,672 | — | (18,208,042 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Long-term investments | — | — | 454,996 | — | 454,996 | |||||||||||||||
Other non-current assets | — | 5,203,886 | 264,825 | — | 5,468,711 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets | 19,022,660 | 19,008,554 | 4,130,649 | (18,941,307 | ) | 23,220,556 | ||||||||||||||
Accounts payable | — | 91,964 | 607,430 | — | 699,394 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred revenue | — | 9,922 | 501,695 | — | 511,617 | |||||||||||||||
Amount due to Group companies (3) | — | 552,479 | 180,786 | (733,265 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other current liabilities | 97,784 | 805,680 | 402,265 | — | 1,305,729 | |||||||||||||||
Non-current liabilities | 4,684,632 | 1,124,871 | 58,984 | — | 5,868,487 | |||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 4,782,416 | 2,584,916 | 1,751,160 | (733,265 | ) | 8,385,227 | ||||||||||||||
Total shareholders’ equity | 14,240,244 | 16,423,638 | 2,379,489 | (18,208,042 | ) | 14,835,329 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | 19,022,660 | 19,008,554 | 4,130,649 | (18,941,307 | ) | 23,220,556 | ||||||||||||||
Selected Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows Information
For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Hello Group Inc. | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Subsidiaries | Eliminating Adjustments | Consolidated Totals | ||||||||||||||||
| (in RMB thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (4) | 25,346 | 1,683,825 | (149,973 | ) | — | 1,559,198 | ||||||||||||||
Loans to Hello Group companies | (820,897 | ) | (799,794 | ) | — | 1,620,691 | — | |||||||||||||
Cash dividends received from subsidiaries | 1,153,506 | — | — | (1,153,506 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Purchase of short-term deposits | (516,688 | ) | (3,910,000 | ) | (550,000 | ) | — | (4,976,688 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash received on maturity of short-term deposits | 2,263,070 | 6,800,000 | 604,500 | — | 9,667,570 | |||||||||||||||
Purchase of long-term deposits | — | (1,850,000 | ) | — | — | (1,850,000 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other investing activities | (115,052 | ) | (375,081 | ) | 199,593 | — | (290,540 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 1,963,939 | (134,875 | ) | 254,093 | 467,185 | 2,550,342 | ||||||||||||||
Borrowings under loan from Hello Group companies | — | 820,897 | 799,794 | (1,620,691 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Dividends payment to Hello Group Inc. | — | (1,153,506 | ) | — | 1,153,506 | — | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase of ordinary shares | (862,865 | ) | — | — | — | (862,865 | ) | |||||||||||||
Dividends payment to Hello Group’s shareholders | (852,743 | ) | — | — | — | (852,743 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other financing activities | (12,181 | ) | (59,120 | ) | — | — | (71,301 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (1,727,789 | ) | (391,729 | ) | 799,794 | (467,185 | ) | (1,786,909 | ) | |||||||||||
9
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Hello Group Inc. | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Subsidiaries | Eliminating Adjustments | Consolidated Totals | ||||||||||||||||
| (in RMB thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (4) | (70,022 | ) | 2,409,483 | 741,428 | — | 3,080,889 | ||||||||||||||
Loans to Hello Group companies | (118,159 | ) | — | (71,860 | ) | 190,019 | — | |||||||||||||
Capital injection to subsidiaries | (142 | ) | (1,000 | ) | — | 1,142 | — | |||||||||||||
Cash dividends received from subsidiaries | 1,976,631 | — | — | (1,976,631 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Purchase of short-term deposits | (1,890,665 | ) | (12,444,500 | ) | (614,500 | ) | — | (14,949,665 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash received on maturity of short-term deposits | 2,272,659 | 16,494,500 | 810,000 | — | 19,577,159 | |||||||||||||||
Purchase of long-term deposits | — | (4,300,000 | ) | (950,000 | ) | — | (5,250,000 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other investing activities | — | (122,511 | ) | (3,449 | ) | — | (125,960 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 2,240,324 | (373,511 | ) | (829,809 | ) | (1,785,470 | ) | (748,466 | ) | |||||||||||
Borrowings under loan from Hello Group companies | — | 190,019 | — | (190,019 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Capital injection from parent company | — | 142 | 1,000 | (1,142 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Dividends payment to Hello Group Inc. | — | (1,976,631 | ) | — | 1,976,631 | — | ||||||||||||||
Repurchase of ordinary shares | (330,207 | ) | — | — | — | (330,207 | ) | |||||||||||||
Dividends payment to Hello Group’s shareholders | (1,123,983 | ) | — | — | — | (1,123,983 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other financing activities | (18,128 | ) | (25,832 | ) | — | — | (43,960 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (1,472,318 | ) | (1,812,302 | ) | 1,000 | 1,785,470 | (1,498,150 | ) | ||||||||||||
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Hello Group Inc. | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Subsidiaries | Eliminating Adjustments | Consolidated Totals | ||||||||||||||||
| (in RMB thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (4) | (3,222 | ) | 4,032,402 | 1,419,706 | — | 5,448,886 | ||||||||||||||
Loans to Hello Group companies | — | (15,182 | ) | (65,275 | ) | 80,457 | — | |||||||||||||
Capital injection to subsidiaries | (70 | ) | — | — | 70 | — | ||||||||||||||
Purchase of short-term deposits | (2,000,130 | ) | (19,005,005 | ) | (1,146,000 | ) | — | (22,151,135 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash received on maturity of short-term deposits | 2,985,425 | 15,355,005 | 346,000 | — | 18,686,430 | |||||||||||||||
Other investing activities | — | (483,386 | ) | (81,828 | ) | — | (565,214 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 985,225 | (4,148,568 | ) | (947,103 | ) | 80,527 | (4,029,919 | ) | ||||||||||||
Borrowings under loan from Hello Group companies | 15,182 | 65,275 | — | (80,457 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Capital injection from parent company | — | 70 | — | (70 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Deferred payment for business acquisition | (379,507 | ) | — | — | — | (379,507 | ) | |||||||||||||
Dividends payment to Hello Group’s shareholders | (877,346 | ) | — | — | — | (877,346 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other financing activities | 187 | (28,114 | ) | 11,000 | — | (16,927 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (1,241,484 | ) | 37,231 | 11,000 | (80,527 | ) | (1,273,780 | ) | ||||||||||||
Notes:
| (1) | Represents the elimination of the intercompany service charge at the consolidation level. |
| (2) | Represents the elimination of the investment among Hello Group Inc., other subsidiaries, and consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries. |
| (3) | Represents the elimination of intercompany balances among Hello Group Inc., other subsidiaries, and consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries. |
10
| (4) | For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, cash paid by the consolidated affiliated entities to other subsidiaries for license fee, technical service fees and non-technical service fees were RMB8,975.3 million, RMB6,317.8 million and RMB5,616.2 million (US$881.3 million), respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, cash paid by the consolidated affiliated entities to other subsidiaries for other operation service fee were RMB88.9 million, RMB23.0 million and RMB64.5 million (US$10.1 million), respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, cash paid by other subsidiaries to consolidated affiliated entities for other operation service fees were RMB43.9 million, RMB12.0 million and RMB nil, respectively. |
Selected Consolidated Financial Data
The following table presents the selected consolidated financial information of our company. The selected consolidated statements of comprehensive income data for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2020 and 2021 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report beginning on page
F-1.
The selected consolidated statements of comprehensive income data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 and the selected consolidated balance sheets data as of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this annual report. Our audited consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our historical results do not necessarily indicate results expected for any future period. You should read the following selected financial data in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” included elsewhere in this annual report.Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 RMB | 2018 RMB | 2019 RMB | 2020 RMB | 2021 RMB | 2021 US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and share-related data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selected Data of Consolidated Statements of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Revenues (1) | 8,886,390 | 13,408,421 | 17,015,089 | 15,024,188 | 14,575,719 | 2,287,248 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost and expenses (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | (4,373,377 | ) | (7,182,897 | ) | (8,492,096 | ) | (7,976,781 | ) | (8,383,431 | ) | (1,315,543 | ) | ||||||||||||
Research and development expenses | (346,144 | ) | (760,644 | ) | (1,095,031 | ) | (1,167,677 | ) | (1,131,781 | ) | (177,601 | ) | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses | (1,467,376 | ) | (1,812,262 | ) | (2,690,824 | ) | (2,813,922 | ) | (2,604,309 | ) | (408,673 | ) | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (422,005 | ) | (640,023 | ) | (1,527,282 | ) | (763,150 | ) | (624,700 | ) | (98,029 | ) | ||||||||||||
Impairment loss on goodwill and intangible assets | — | — | — | — | (4,397,012 | ) | (689,987 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total cost and expenses | (6,608,902 | ) | (10,395,826 | ) | (13,805,233 | ) | (12,721,530 | ) | (17,141,233 | ) | (2,689,833 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other operating income | 156,764 | 253,697 | 344,843 | 228,777 | 175,947 | 27,610 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 2,434,252 | 3,266,292 | 3,554,699 | 2,531,435 | (2,389,567 | ) | (374,975 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 145,568 | 272,946 | 407,542 | 444,471 | 384,279 | 60,302 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | — | (56,503 | ) | (78,611 | ) | (78,872 | ) | (73,776 | ) | (11,577 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other gain or loss, net | (30,085 | ) | (43,200 | ) | (15,711 | ) | 1,500 | (16,000 | ) | (2,511 | ) | |||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax and share of income on equity method investments | 2,549,735 | 3,439,535 | 3,867,919 | 2,898,534 | (2,095,064 | ) | (328,761 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax expenses | (445,001 | ) | (699,648 | ) | (883,801 | ) | (755,620 | ) | (822,556 | ) | (129,077 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) before share of income (loss) on equity method investments | 2,104,734 | 2,739,887 | 2,984,118 | 2,142,914 | (2,917,620 | ) | (457,838 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Share of income (loss) on equity method investments | 39,729 | 48,660 | (23,350 | ) | (42,522 | ) | (8,084 | ) | (1,269 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 2,144,463 | 2,788,547 | 2,960,768 | 2,100,392 | (2,925,704 | ) | (459,107 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Less: net loss attributable to non-controlling interest | (3,635 | ) | (27,228 | ) | (10,122 | ) | (3,092 | ) | (11,996 | ) | (1,882 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to Hello Group Inc. | 2,148,098 | 2,815,775 | 2,970,890 | 2,103,484 | (2,913,708 | ) | (457,225 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
11
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 RMB | 2018 RMB | 2019 RMB | 2020 RMB | 2021 RMB | 2021 US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except share and share-related data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to ordinary shareholders | 2,148,098 | 2,815,775 | 2,970,890 | 2,103,484 | (2,913,708 | ) | (457,225 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share attributable to ordinary shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 5.44 | 6.92 | 7.15 | 5.05 | (7.20 | ) | (1.13 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 5.17 | 6.59 | 6.76 | 4.83 | (7.20 | ) | (1.13 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares used in computing net income per ordinary share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 394,549,323 | 407,009,875 | 415,316,627 | 416,914,898 | 404,701,910 | 404,701,910 | ||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 415,265,078 | 433,083,643 | 451,206,091 | 452,081,642 | 404,701,910 | 404,701,910 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Components of our net revenues are presented in the following table: |
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 RMB | 2018 RMB | 2019 RMB | 2020 RMB | 2021 RMB | 2021 US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Live video service | 7,429,906 | 10,709,491 | 12,448,131 | 9,637,579 | 8,378,945 | 1,314,839 | ||||||||||||||||||
Value-added service | 695,798 | 1,883,150 | 4,105,963 | 5,112,182 | 5,971,792 | 937,104 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile marketing | 514,279 | 500,321 | 331,822 | 198,197 | 159,010 | 24,952 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile games | 241,388 | 130,392 | 92,451 | 39,564 | 47,712 | 7,487 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other services | 5,019 | 185,067 | 36,722 | 36,666 | 18,260 | 2,866 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | 8,886,390 | 13,408,421 | 17,015,089 | 15,024,188 | 14,575,719 | 2,287,448 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (2) | Share-based compensation expenses were allocated in cost and expenses as follows: |
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 RMB | 2018 RMB | 2019 RMB | 2020 RMB | 2021 RMB | 2021 US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | 13,547 | 21,661 | 23,972 | 18,449 | 17,941 | 2,815 | ||||||||||||||||||
Research and development expenses | 59,190 | 152,806 | 175,053 | 175,870 | 139,571 | 21,902 | ||||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses | 79,032 | 142,927 | 196,311 | 158,902 | 70,821 | 11,113 | ||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | 183,204 | 263,419 | 1,012,896 | 325,465 | 247,438 | 38,828 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | 334,973 | 580,813 | 1,408,232 | 678,686 | 475,771 | 74,658 | ||||||||||||||||||
The following table presents our selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
As of December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 RMB | 2018 RMB | 2019 RMB | 2020 RMB | 2021 RMB | 2021 US$ | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 4,462,194 | 2,468,034 | 2,612,743 | 3,363,942 | 5,570,563 | 874,143 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 8,471,188 | 18,965,538 | 22,483,681 | 23,220,556 | 18,111,238 | 2,842,048 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 1,719,088 | 7,942,679 | 8,764,899 | 8,385,227 | 7,525,641 | 1,180,937 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total equity | 6,752,100 | 11,022,859 | 13,718,782 | 14,835,329 | 10,585,597 | 1,661,111 | ||||||||||||||||||
B. | Capitalization and Indebtedness |
Not applicable.
C. | Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds |
Not applicable.
12
D. | Risk Factors |
Summary of Risk Factors
An investment in our ADSs or Class A ordinary shares involves significant risks. Below is a summary of material risks we face, organized under relevant headings. These risks are discussed more fully in Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
If we fail to retain our existing users, further grow our user base, revenues and profitability may be materially and adversely affected, and the price ofor if user engagement on our ADSs may decline.
We operate in a highly dynamic market, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, evolving industry standards, new product and service announcements, new generations of product enhancements and changing user expectations. Accordingly,which makes it difficult to evaluate our performance and the ability to further monetize the services on our platform will depend on our ability to adapt to these rapidly changing technologies and industry standards, and our ability to continually innovate in response to both evolving demands of the marketplace and competitive services. There may be occasions when we may not be as responsive as our competitors in adapting our services to changing industry standards and the needsfuture prospects;
We currently generate a substantial majority of our users. Historically, new features may be introduced by one player in the industry, and if they are perceived as attractive to users, they are often quickly copied and improved upon by others.
We have experienced rapid growth in our business and operations and expansion of our platform since our inception in 2011, which placesincurred significant demands on our management, operational and financial resources. However, given the rapidly evolving market in which we compete, we may encounter difficulties as we establish and expand our operations, product development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative capabilities. We face significant competition for talented employees from other high-growth companies, which include both publicly traded and privately held companies, and we may not be able to hire new talents quickly enough to meet our needs and support our operations. If we fail to effectively manage our hiring needs and successfully integrate our new hires, our efficiency and ability to meet our forecasts and our employee morale, productivity and retention could suffer, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected.losses;
We may not be able to remain profitable,successfully maintain and increase the consolidationnumber of paying users for the results of operations of Tantan with ours may negatively impactvarious services we offer on our financial performance and results of operations.
platform;Our business is subject to complex and other personal data from our users in order to better understand our usersevolving Chinese and their needs and to support our social interest graph engine and our big data analytical capabilities for more targeted services such as interest- or location-based user groups and mobile marketing services. Concerns about the collection, use, disclosure or security of personal information, chat history or other privacy-related matters, even if unfounded, could damage our reputation, cause us to lose users, customers and platform partners and subject us to regulatory investigations, all of which may adversely affect our business. While we strive to comply with applicable data protectioninternational laws and regulations as well as our privacy policies pursuant to our terms of use and other obligations we may have with respect toregarding cybersecurity, information security, privacy and data protection,protection. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and any failure or perceived failure to comply with these laws regulations or policies may result, and in some cases have resulted, in inquiries and other proceedings or actions against us by government agencies or others, as well as negative publicity and damage to our reputation and brand, each of which could cause us to lose users, customers and platform partners and have an adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Content posted or displayed on our mobile applications,social networking platform, including Momothe live video shows hosted by us or our users, has been and Tantan, in their current versions or any future updates to our mobile applications willmay again be considered compliant withfound objectionable by PRC data privacy laws. If any of our mobile applications is ultimately considered not compliant with PRC data privacy laws, we shall update such mobile application,regulatory authorities and may further be subject us to penalties and other administrative actions, and our reputation may be harmed, which may negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. For example, in July 2019, the Personal Information Protection Task Force on Apps, an administrative task force in the PRC founded to review mobile apps for their compliance with PRC data privacy laws, issued a notice of criticism directed at several mobile apps including our Tantan mobile application. The notice of criticism stated that our Tantan mobile application violated Article 41 of the PRC Cyber Security Law by demanding users to grant authority to access excessive amount of personal information in exchange for being allowed to install and use the mobile app. Since the publication of the notice of criticism, we have updated our Tantan mobile application to address all of the issues brought up in the notice.serious consequences;
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
We are a Cayman Islands holding company with no equity ownership in the consolidated affiliated entities and we conduct our operations in China through (i) our PRC subsidiaries and (ii) the consolidated affiliated entities with which we have maintained contractual arrangements and their subsidiaries. Investors in our Class A ordinary shares or the ADSs thus are not purchasing equity interest in the consolidated affiliated entities in China but instead are purchasing equity interest in a Cayman Islands holding company. If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating certain of our businessesoperations in China do not comply with PRC regulations on foreign investment in internet and other related businesses,relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or theirthe interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.
We rely on contractual arrangements with ourthe consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders for our operations in China, which may not be as effective in providing operational control as direct ownership.ownership; and
We may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by ourthe consolidated affiliated entities that are important to the operation of our business if the consolidated affiliated entities declare bankruptcy or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
The PCAOB is currently unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial statements and the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections over our auditor deprives our investors with the benefits of such inspections;
Our ADSs will be prohibited from trading in the United States under the HFCA Act in 2024 if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or fully investigate auditors located in China, or in 2023 if proposed changes to the law are enacted. The delisting of our ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment;
The PRC government’s significant oversight and discretion over our business operations could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs.
Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us;
We face uncertainties with respect to the implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations;
China’s M&A Rules and certain other PRC regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China; and
The approval of the CSRC or other PRC government authorities may be required in connection with our offshore offerings under PRC law, and, if required, we cannot predict whether or for how long we will be able to obtain such approval.
Risks Related to our ADSs
The trading price of our ADSs is likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors;
We believe that we were a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ended December 31, 2021, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders of our ADSs or ordinary shares;
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our ADSs, the market price for our ADSs and trading volume could decline; and
Substantial future sales or the expectation of substantial sales of our ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
If we fail to retain our existing users, further grow our user base, or if user engagement on our platform declines, our business and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
The size of our user base and the level of our user engagement are critical to our success. There have been times when our user base failed to grow. There is no guarantee that our MAUs will grow at a desirable rate or at all. Growing our user base and increasing the overall level of user engagement on our social networking platform and in particular our live video service, which currently contributes a majority of our revenues, are critical to our business. If our user growth rate slows down or becomes negative, our success will become increasingly dependent on our ability to retain existing users and enhance user engagement on our platform. If our Momo and Tantan mobile applications are no longer one of the social networking tools that people frequently use, or if people do not perceive our services to be interesting or useful, we may not be able to attract users or increase the frequency or degree of their engagement. A number of user-oriented instant communication products that achieved early popularity have since seen the size of their user base or level of user engagement decline, in some cases precipitously. There is no guarantee that we will not experience a similar erosion of our user base or user engagement level in the future. A number of factors could negatively affect user retention, growth and engagement, including if:
we are unable to attract new users to our platform or retain existing ones;
14
we fail to introduce new and improved services, or if we introduce services that are not favorably received by users;
we are unable to combat spam on or inappropriate or abusive use of our platform, which may lead to negative public perception of us and our brand;
technical or other problems prevent us from delivering our services in a rapid and reliable manner or otherwise adversely affect the user experience;
we suffer from negative publicity, fail to maintain our brand or if our reputation is damaged;
we fail to address user concerns related to privacy and communication, safety, security or other factors;
there are adverse changes in our services that are mandated by, or that we elect to make to address, legislation, regulations or government policies; and
the growth of the number of smartphone users in China stalls.
If we are unable to grow our user base or enhance user engagement, our platform will become less attractive to our users, customers and platform partners, which would have a material and adverse impact on our business and operating results.
We cannot guarantee that the monetization strategies we have adopted will be successfully implemented or generate sustainable revenues and profits.
As the online social networking industry in China is relatively young, prevailing monetization models similar to ours have yet to be proven to be sustainable, and it may be more difficult to predict user and customer behaviors and demands compared to other established industries. Our monetization model has been evolving. We began to generate revenues in the second half of 2013 primarily through membership subscriptions and also game publishing and other services, but we continue to explore and implement new monetization models. While membership subscriptions contributed a majority of our revenues prior to 2016, live video service, which we launched in September 2015 and adopted a virtual items-based revenue model, has replaced membership subscription as our major source of revenues in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. The services that we currently provide, including live video service, value-added service (comprising membership subscriptions and virtual gift service), mobile marketing services, mobile games, and other services, contributed approximately 57.5%, 41.0%, 1.1%, 0.3% and 0.1%, respectively, of our net revenues in 2021. Apart from live video services, from time to time we have launched new services on our platform, explored new monetization models and broadened our revenue sources, and we expect to continue to do so. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2016, we launched a virtual gift service which allows our users to purchase and send virtual gifts to other users outside of live video service. In 2018, webasis. In 2019, Tantan introduced Quick Chat, which has services based on both the subscription model and themodel. In 2020, Tantan launched its live video services with a virtual item-based revenue model. However, there is no assurance that any of these and other new monetization models would be profitable or sustainable. If our strategic initiatives do not enhance our ability to monetize our existing services or enable us to develop new approaches to monetization, we may not be able to maintain or increase our revenues and profits or recover any associated costs.
co-produced
a TV variety show. In addition, compared to Momo, Tantan is at an earlier stage of monetization. In 2018, Tantan launched membership subscriptions and some other premium features on apay-per-use
pay-per-use
We may in the future introduce new services to further diversify our revenue streams, including services with which we have little or no prior development or operating experience. If these new or enhanced services fail to engage users, customers or platform partners, we may fail to attract or retain users or to generate sufficient revenues to justify our investments, and our business and operating results may suffer as a result.
15
We operate in a highly dynamic market, which makes it difficult to evaluate our future prospects.
The market for social networking platforms is relatively new, highly dynamic and may not develop as expected. Our users, customers and platform partners may not fully understand the value of our services, and potential new users, customers and platform partners may have difficulty distinguishing our services from those of our competitors. Convincing potential users, customers and platform partners of the value of our services is critical to the growth of our user base and the success of our business.
We launched our Momo mobile application in August 2011 and acquired our Tantan mobile application in May 2018. The operating history, the recency of our Tantan acquisition and our evolving monetization strategies make it difficult to assess our future prospects or forecast our future results. You should consider our business and prospects in light of the risks and challenges we encounter or may encounter in this developing and rapidly evolving market. These risks and challenges include our ability to, among other things:
expand our paying user base for the various services offered by our platform, including live video service, value-added service, mobile games and others;
develop and deploy diversified and distinguishable features and services for our users, customers and platform partners;
convince customers of the benefits of our marketing services compared to alternative forms of marketing, and continue to increase the efficiency of our mobile marketing solutions and expand our network of marketers;
develop or implement strategic initiatives to monetize our platform;
develop beneficial relationship with key strategic partners, talented broadcasters and talent agencies for our live video service;
develop a reliable, scalable, secure, high-performance technology infrastructure that can efficiently handle increased usage;
successfully compete with other companies, some of which have substantially greater resources and market power than us, that are currently in, or may in the future enter, our industry, or duplicate the features of our services;
attract, retain and motivate talented employees; and
defend ourselves against litigation, regulatory, intellectual property, privacy or other claims.
If we fail to educate potential users, customers and platform partners about the value of our services, if the market for our platform does not develop as we expect or if we fail to address the needs of this dynamic market, our business will be harmed. Failure to adequately address these or other risks and challenges could harm our business and cause our operating results to suffer.
We currently generate a substantial majority of our revenues from our live video service. We may not be able to continue to grow or continue to achieve profitability from such service.
In September 2015, Momo launched our live video service with a virtual items-based revenue model, whereby users can enjoy live performances and interact with the broadcasters for free, and have the option of purchasing
in-show
virtual items. In 2020, Tantan launched its live video services and contributed to our live video service revenue. While we had initial success with this service, which contributed RMB7,429.9 million, RMB10,709.5 million and RMB12,448.1 million to, or 83.6%, 79.9% and 73.2% of, our net revenues in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively, this contribution dropped to RMB9,637.6 million and RMB8,378.9 million (US$1,314.8 million) in 2020 and 2021, respectively, or 64.1% and 57.5% of our net revenues, respectively. While we plan to continue to invest significantly in expanding our live video service, we may not be able to continue to achieve our historical levels of profitability based on the virtual items-based revenue model. In addition, popular broadcasters or talent agencies may cease to use our service and we may be unable to attract new talents that can attract users or cause such users to increase the amount of time spent on our platform or the amount of money spent onin-show
virtual items.16
Although we believe we have a large and diversified pool of talented broadcasters, talent agencies as well as paying users and have entered into multi-year exclusivity agreements with popular broadcasters and talent agencies, if a large number of our broadcasters, particularly popular broadcasters, were to leave our platform for competing platforms at the same time, if we are unable to negotiate acceptable business terms with popular broadcasters or talent agencies, or if a large number of our users decided to use live video services provided by our competitors, we might not be able to expand the user base of our live video service and achieve or maintain the level of revenues and profitability as we currently anticipate. Broadcasters provide live video service on our platform as an individual or as a member of a talent agency. The talent agencies recruit, train and retain the broadcasters. We are committed to provide strong support and resources to broadcasters and talent agencies to offer high-quality content. We are also committed to closely cooperate and develop long-term relationship with broadcasters and talent agencies. However, under our current arrangements with our broadcasters and talent agencies, we share with them a portion of the revenues we derive from the sales of
in-show
virtual items in our live video service. Payments of revenue sharing to broadcasters and talent agencies for our live video service constitute a major portion of our cost of revenues. If we are required to share a larger portion of our revenues with the broadcasters and talent agencies for competition purpose, our results of operations may be adversely impacted.We have incurred significant losses.
In 2021, we had a net loss of RMB2,925.7 million (US$459.1 million) and a loss from operations of RMB2,389.6 million (US$375.0 million), primarily due to the goodwill and intangible assets impairment of RMB4,397.0 million (US$690.0 million) mainly in connection with our acquisition of Tantan in 2018. In May 2018, we completed the acquisition of Tantan, a Chinese social and dating app for approximately 5.3 million newly issued Class A ordinary shares of our company and US$613.2 million in cash. As of December 31, 2021, as part of our annual impairment testing and based on (i) a decline in our share price which caused our market capitalization to drop significantly below our net book value of equity and (ii) the adjustment in the monetization approach of Tantan to improve user experience and retention which has further caused Tantan’s near term revenue to decrease and net loss to widen, we determined that it was more likely than not that goodwill was impaired. Accordingly, we determined the fair value of each respective reporting unit using the income-based approach, such that Tantan’s cash flows forecasts mainly factored in the lower-than-projected business outlook. As a result, the fair value of the reporting units was estimated to be below the carrying value and therefore indicated an impairment.
We may not be able to successfully maintain and increase the number of paying users for the various services we offer on our platform.
Our future growth depends on our ability to convert our users into paying users of our services, including live video service, value-added service, mobile games and other services, and our ability to retain our existing paying users. However, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in any of the foregoing initiatives, nor can we assure you that we will be able to successfully compete with current and new competitors on attracting paying users. Our efforts to provide greater incentives for our users to pay for our various services may not continue to succeed. Our paying users may discontinue their spending on our services because they may no longer serve our paying users’ needs, or simply because the interests and preferences of these users shift. If we cannot successfully maintain or increase the number of our paying users, our business, results of operations and prospects will be adversely affected.
Our business is dependent on the strength of our brands and market perception of our brand.
In China, we market our services primarily under the brands “陌陌” or “Momo” and “探探” or “Tantan.” Our business and financial performance are highly dependent on the strength and the market perception of our brands and services. A well-recognized brand is critical to increasing our user base and, in turn, facilitating our efforts to monetize our services and enhancing our attractiveness to customers. From time to time, we conduct marketing activities across various media to enhance our brands and to guide public perception of our brands and services. In order to create and maintain brand awareness and brand loyalty, to influence public perception and to retain existing and attract new mobile users, customers and platform partners, we may need to substantially increase our marketing expenditures. We cannot assure you, however, that these activities will be successful or that we will be able to achieve the brand promotion effect we expect.
In addition, people may not understand the value of our platform, and there may be a misperception that Momo is used solely as a tool to randomly meet or date strangers. Convincing potential new users, customers and platform partners of the value of our services is critical to increasing the number of our users, customers and platform partners and to the success of our business.
17
Our business is subject to complex and evolving Chinese and international laws and regulations regarding cybersecurity, information security, privacy and data protection. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and any failure or perceived failure to comply with these laws and regulations could result in claims, changes to our business practices, negative publicity, legal proceedings, increased cost of operations, or declines in user base or engagement, or otherwise harm our business.
Our business generates and processes a large quantity of data. We face risks inherent in handling and protecting large volume of data. In particular, we face a number of challenges relating to data from transactions and other activities on our platforms, including:
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 and security of personal information, including any requests from regulatory and government authorities relating to these data.
In general, we expect that data security and data protection compliance will receive greater attention and focus from regulators, both domestically and globally, as well as attract continued or greater public scrutiny and attention going forward, which could increase our compliance costs and subject us to heightened risks and challenges associated with data security and protection. If we are unable to manage these risks, we could become subject to penalties, including fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, and our reputation and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
The PRC regulatory and enforcement regime with regard to data security and data protection is evolving and may be subject to different interpretations or significant changes. Moreover, different PRC regulatory bodies, including the Standing Committee of the NPC, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or the MIIT, the CAC, the Ministry of Public Security, or the MPS, and the State Administration for Market Regulation, or the SAMR, have enforced data privacy and protections laws and regulations with varying standards and applications. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations Relating to Internet Information Security” and “—Regulations Relating to Privacy Protection.” The following are examples of certain recent PRC regulatory activities in this area:
Data Security
In June 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took effect in September 2021. The PRC Data Security Law, among other things, provides for security review procedure for data-related activities that may affect national security. In July 2021, the State Council promulgated the Regulations on Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, which became effective on September 1, 2021. Pursuant to this regulation, critical information infrastructure means key network facilities or information systems of critical industries or sectors, such as public communication and information service, energy, transportation, water conservation, finance, public services,
e-government
affairs and national defense science, the damage, malfunction or data leakage of which may endanger national security, people’s livelihoods and the public interest. In December 2021, the CAC, together with other authorities, jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February 15, 2022 and replaces its predecessor regulation. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, critical information infrastructure operators that procure internet products and services, and operators of network platforms conducting data processing activities must be subject to the cybersecurity review if their activities affect or may affect national security. The Cybersecurity Review Measures further stipulates that network platform operators that hold personal information of over one million users shall apply with the Cybersecurity Review Office for a cybersecurity review before any initial public offering at a foreign stock exchange. Given that the Cybersecurity Review Measures was recently promulgated, there are substantial uncertainties as to its interpretation, application, and enforcement. On November 14, 2021, the CAC published a draft of the Administrative Measures for Internet Data Security, or the Draft Data Security Regulations, for public comments. The Draft Data Security Regulations provides that data processors conducting the following activities must apply for cybersecurity review: (i) merger, reorganization, or division of internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development, or public interests, which affects or may affect national security; (ii) a foreign listing by a data processor processing personal information of over one million users; (iii) a listing in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. There have been no further clarifications from the authorities as of the date of this annual report as to the standards for determining such activities that “affects or may affect national security.” The period for which the CAC solicited comments on this draft ended on December 13, 2021, but there is no timetable as to when the draft regulations will be enacted. As such, substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the enactment timetable, final content, interpretation, and implementation of the draft regulations, including the standards for determining activities that “affects or may affect national security.” As the Draft Data Security Regulations have not been adopted and it remains unclear whether the formal version adopted in the future will have any further material changes, it is uncertain how the draft regulations will be enacted, interpreted or implemented and how they will affect us.18
In November 2021, the CAC released the Administrative Regulations on the Internet Data Security (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Regulations. The Draft Regulations provide that data processors refer to individuals or organizations that, during their data processing activities such as data collection, storage, utilization, transmission, publication and deletion, have autonomy over the purpose and the manner of data processing. In accordance with the Draft Regulations, data processors shall apply for a cybersecurity review for certain activities, including, among other things, (i) the listing abroad of data processors that process the personal information of more than one million users and (ii) any data processing activity that affects or may affect national security. However, there have been no clarifications from the relevant authorities as of the date of this annual report as 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 annual data security assessment by itself or commission a data security service provider to do so, and submit the assessment report of the preceding year to the municipal cybersecurity department by the end of January each year. As of the date of this annual report, the Draft Regulations was released for public comment only, and their respective provisions and anticipated adoption or effective date may be subject to change with substantial uncertainty.
Personal Information and Privacy
The Anti-monopoly Guidelines for the Platform Economy Sector published by the Anti-monopoly Committee of the State Council, effective on February 7, 2021, prohibits collection of user information through coercive means by online platforms operators.
In August 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Personal Information Protection Law, which integrates the scattered rules with respect to personal information rights and privacy protection and took effect on November 1, 2021. We update our privacy policies from time to time to meet the latest regulatory requirements of PRC government authorities and adopt technical measures to protect data and ensure cybersecurity in a systematic way. Nonetheless, the PRC Personal Information Protection Law elevates the protection requirements for personal information processing, and many specific requirements of this law remain to be clarified by the CAC, other regulatory authorities, and courts in practice. We may be required to make further adjustments to our business practices to comply with the personal information protection laws and regulations.
Many of the data-related legislations are relatively new and certain concepts thereunder remain subject to interpretation by the regulators. If any data that we possess belongs to data categories that are subject to heightened scrutiny, we may be required to adopt stricter measures for protection and management of such data. The Cybersecurity Review Measures and the Draft Regulations remain unclear on whether the relevant requirements will be applicable to companies that are already listed in the United States, such as us, if we were to pursue another listing outside of the PRC. We cannot predict the impact of the Cybersecurity Review Measures and the Draft Regulations, if any, at this stage, and we will closely monitor and assess any development in the rule-making process. If the Cybersecurity Review Measures and the enacted version of the Draft Regulations mandate clearance of cybersecurity review and other specific actions to be taken by issuers like us, we face uncertainties as to whether these additional procedures can be completed by us timely, or at all, which may delay or disallow our future listings (should we decide to pursue them), subject us to government enforcement actions and investigations, fines, penalties, suspension of our
non-compliant
operations, or removal of our apps from the relevant application stores, and materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. As of the date of this annual report, we have not been involved in any formal investigations on cybersecurity review made by the CAC on such basis.19
In general, compliance with the existing PRC laws and regulations, as well as additional laws and regulations that PRC regulatory bodies may enact in the future, related to data security and personal information protection, may be costly and result in additional expenses to us, and subject us to negative publicity, which could harm our reputation and business operations. There are also uncertainties with respect to how such laws and regulations will be implemented and interpreted in practice.
Our practices may become inconsistent with new laws or regulations concerning data protection, or the interpretation and application of existing consumer and data protection laws or regulations, which is often uncertain and in flux. If so, in addition to the possibility of fines, this could result in an order requiring that we change our practices, which could have an adverse effect on our business and operating results. For example, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which came into effect on May 25, 2018, includes operational requirements for companies that receive or process personal data of residents of the European Economic Area. The GDPR establishes new requirements applicable to the processing of personal data, affords new data protection rights to individuals and imposes penalties for serious data breaches. Individuals also have a right to compensation under the GDPR for financial orengaging in any transaction for the purpose of financial or pecuniary gain or profit.” We are currently not actively doing business in California, and thus, there is still uncertainty regarding whether the CCPA will apply to us. If further interpretations or court decisions render us “doing business in California,” the CCPA will apply to us and it may increase our compliance costs and potential liability. Some observers have noted that the CCPA could mark the beginning of a trend toward more stringent privacy legislation in the U.S., which could increase our potential liability and adversely affect our business.
non-financial
losses. Although we do not conduct any business in the European Economic Area, in the event that residents of the European Economic Area access our platform and input protected information, we may become subject to provisions of the GDPR. Additionally, California recently enacted legislation that has been dubbed the first “GDPR-like” law in the U.S. Known as the California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA, it creates new individual privacy rights for consumers (as that word is broadly defined in the law) and places increased privacy and security obligations on entities handling personal data of consumers or households. The CCPA, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, requires covered companies to provide new disclosures to California consumers, and provides such consumers new ways toopt-out
of certain sales of personal information. The CCPA provides for civil penalties for violations, as well as a private right of action for data breaches that is expected to increase data breach litigation. With some other conditions, the CCPA requires companies “doing business in California” to follow the CCPA. However, the phrase “doing business in California” is not defined in the CCPA. With reference to the California tax code, the phrase “doing business in California” is described as “actively
Intensified government regulations, rules or guidelines of the internet industry in China could restrict our ability to maintain or increase the level of user traffic to, and user willingness to spend on, our platform as well as our ability to tap into other market opportunities, and negatively impact our businesses, results of operations, or financial condition.
The PRC government has promulgated, in recent years, intensified regulations, rules, or guidelines on various aspects of the internet industry in China. For example, in August 2018, the National Office of Anti-Pornography and Illegal Publication, or the NOAPIP, the MIIT, the MPS, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, or MCT (previously known as the Ministry of Culture), the NRTA and the CAC jointly issued the Notice on Strengthen the Management of Online Live Broadcast Service, which required the real-name registration system for users to be put in place by online live broadcast service providers. On November 12, 2020, the NRTA promulgated the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of the Online Show Live Broadcast and Online
E-commerce
Live Broadcast (“Notice 78”), which sets forth registration requirements for platforms providing online show live broadcast or onlinee-commerce
live broadcast to have their information and business operations registered by November 30, 2020. Notice 78 also sets forth requirements for certain online live broadcast businesses with respect to real-name registration, limits on user spending on virtual gifting, restrictions on minors on virtual gifting, online live broadcast review personnel requirements, content tagging requirements, and other requirements. For example, Notice 78 requires online live broadcast platforms to set a limit to the amount of virtual gifts a user can send per day and per month, as well as the amount that can be gifted at any one time. However, there is currently no clear guidance as to what limits on virtual gifting spending will be imposed by the NRTA pursuant to Notice 78 and it is unclear how and to what degree any such limits would be imposed on different platforms.20
Furthermore, on February 9, 2021, the NOAPIP, the MIIT, the MPS, the MCT, the NRTA, the CAC and the SAMR jointly issued the Guiding Opinions on Strengthening the Administration of Online Live Broadcast (“Opinions 3”), which strengthens the positive guidance and management of the online broadcast industry, including standardizing the behavior of virtual gifting and promoting the classification of the online live broadcast accounts. For example, Opinions 3 requires online live broadcast platforms to reasonably limit the maximum amount of a single virtual gift and a single virtual gifting per time to remind the users whose daily consumption amount has triggered the corresponding threshold, and to set necessary cooling off period and deferred payment period. We are still in the process of obtaining further guidance from regulatory authorities and evaluating the applicability and effect of the various requirements under Notice 78 and Opinions 3 on our business. Any limits on user spending on virtual gifting ultimately imposed may negatively impact our revenues derived from virtual gifting and our results of operations. Any further rulemaking under Notice 78, Opinions 3 or other intensified regulation with respect to online live broadcast may increase our compliance burden, and may have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations. On March 25, 2022, the CAC, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT, and the SAMR jointly issued the Opinions on Further Rectifying the Profit-making Online Live Broadcast to Promote the Healthy Development of the Industry, which enhances the online live broadcast accounts registration management, strengthens tax collection and punishes tax evasions and frauds in connection with online live broadcast.
In addition, as the internet industry in China is still at a relatively early stage of development, new laws and regulations, rules or guidelines may be adopted from time to time to address new issues that come to the authorities’ attention. Some new laws, regulations, rules, or guidelines have or may in the future put additional restrictions on our users, broadcasters, content, product or service offerings, and may negatively impact our businesses, results of operations, or financial condition. For example, we are subject to a variety of regulatory restrictions concerning the age limit for broadcasters, as well as restrictions on our products’ features. The existing and future regulations rules and guidelines that could affect us are beyond our control, and their potential impact on us is difficult to predict. We may incur substantial financial, operational and managerial costs in response to and in anticipation to the relevant regulatory and policy risks, and we may not be able to effectively predict, estimate or manage those risks in a timely and cost-efficient manner. Furthermore, we may not timely obtain or maintain all the required licenses or approvals or to satisfy all the requirements posed by the authorities in the future. We also cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain the required licenses or approvals or to satisfy all the requirements posed by the authorities if we plan to expand into other internet businesses. If we fail to timely obtain or maintain any of the required licenses or approvals, we may be subject to various penalties, which may disrupt our business operations or derail our business strategy, and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Content posted or displayed on our social networking platform, including the live video shows hosted by us or our users, has been and may again be found objectionable by PRC regulatory authorities and may subject us to penalties and other serious consequences.
The PRC government has adopted regulations governing internet and wireless access and the distribution of information over the internet and wireless telecommunications networks. Under these regulations, internet content providers and internet publishers are prohibited from posting or displaying over the internet or wireless networks content that, among other things, violates the principle of the PRC constitution, laws and regulations, impairs the national dignity of China or the public interest, or is obscene, superstitious, fraudulent or defamatory. Furthermore, internet content providers are also prohibited from displaying content that may be deemed by relevant government authorities as instigating ethnical hatred and harming ethnical unity, harming the national religious policy, “socially destabilizing” or leaking “state secrets” of the PRC. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the revocation of licenses to provide internet content or other licenses, the closure of the concerned platforms and reputational harm. The operator may also be held liable for any censored information displayed on or linked to their platform.
On December 15, 2019, the CAC released the Provisions on Ecological Governance of Network Information Content, or PEGNIC, which came into force on March 1, 2020. The PEGNIC is one of the latest regulations governing the distribution of information over the internet and wireless telecommunications networks in which it classifies the network information into three categories, namely the “encouraged information,” the “illegal information” and the “undesirable information.” While illegal information is strictly prohibited from distribution, the internet content providers are required to take relevant measures to prevent and resist the production and distribution of undesirable information. PEGNIC further clarifies the duties owed by the internet content providers in preventing the display of content that against the PEGNIC, such as obligations to improve the systems for users registration, accounts management, information release review,
follow-up
comments review, websites ecological management, real-time inspection, emergency response and disposal mechanism for cyber rumor and black industry chain information.21
We have designed and implemented procedures to monitor content on our social networking platform, including the live video shows hosted by us or our users, in order to comply with relevant laws and regulations. However, it may not be possible to determine in all cases the types of content that could result in our liability as a distributor of such content and, if any of the content posted or displayed on our social networking platform is deemed by the PRC government to violate any content restrictions, we would not be able to continue to display such content and could become subject to penalties, including confiscation of income, fines, suspension of business and revocation of required licenses, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulatory authorities may conduct various reviews and inspections on our business operations, especially those related to content distribution, from time to time. If any
non-compliance
incidents in our business operations are identified, we may be required to take certain rectification measures in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, or we may be subject to other regulatory actions such as administrative penalties. We have been subject to administrative measures for the content posted or displayed on our platforms, which has negatively affected our business operations and financial results. During the period from late April to early May 2019, several mobile application stores in China removed the Tantan mobile application on direction of governmental authorities in China. In response, we communicated with the relevant government authorities and conducted a comprehensive internal review of the content in the Tantan mobile application and undertook other measures necessary to stay in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. As a result, Tantan’s download and payment services were fully restored by July 15, 2019. We cannot guarantee that such inspections and administrative measures will not happen again in the future, the occurrence of which will adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.We may also be subject to potential liability for any unlawful actions by our users on our platform. It may be difficult to determine the type of content or actions that may result in liability to us and, if we are found to be liable, we may be prevented from operating our business in China. Moreover, staying in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements may result in limitation to our scope of service, reduction in user engagement or loss of users, diversion of our management team’s attention and increased operational costs and expenses. The costs of compliance with these regulations may continue to increase as a result of more content being made available by an increasing number of users of our social networking platform, which may adversely affect our results of operations. In order to comply with relevant regulatory requirements, we temporarily suspended the ability of users to post social newsfeeds on our platforms between May 11, 2019 and June 11, 2019 as part of our internal measures to strengthen our content screening efforts. Such service suspension has negatively affected our business operations. Although we have adopted internal procedures to monitor content and to remove offending content once we become aware of any potential or alleged violation, we may not be able to identify all the content that may violate relevant laws and regulations or third-party intellectual property rights. Even if we manage to identify and remove offensive content, we may still be held liable.
Our acquisition of Tantan, and the subsequent integration of Tantan into our business, creates significant challenges which may affect our ability to realize the benefits of the acquisition and have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.
In May 2018, we completed the acquisition of Tantan, a Chinese social and dating app for approximately 5.3 million newly issued Class A ordinary shares of our company and US$613.2 million in cash. While we currently expect Tantan to remain a stand-alone brand and to largely operate independently, the process of integrating certain aspects of Tantan’s operations into our own operations is still continuing and could result in unforeseen operating difficulties, divert significant management attention and require significant resources that would otherwise have been available for the ongoing development of our existing operations. Challenges and risks from the Tantan acquisition include, among others:
the difficulty in retaining Tantan’s users following the acquisition;
the need to integrate certain operations, systems, technologies, and personnel of Tantan, the inefficiencies that may result if such integration is delayed or not implemented as expected, and unforeseen difficulties and expenditures that may arise in connection with such integration;
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the difficulty in successfully evaluating and utilizing Tantan’s technology and features;
the difficulty in integrating potentially contrasting corporate cultures and management philosophies;
diversion of our management’s and personnel’s attention from our existing businesses and initiatives;
the difficulty in retaining employees following the acquisition;
the difficulties relating to achieving the expected synergies of the transaction;
the incurrence of unforeseen obligations or liabilities, which may entail significant expense; and
the difficulty in integrating Tantan’s financial reporting, which may affect our ability to maintain effective controls and procedures over the consolidated financial reporting.
Moreover, we may not be able to achieve our intended strategic goals or attain the synergies from the transaction. If we are unable to successfully integrate Tantan and manage the larger business, or are unable to achieve the expected benefits of the transaction, we may be required to record substantial impairment charges to goodwill. As of December 31, 2021, as part of our annual impairment testing and based on (i) a decline in our share price which caused our market capitalization to drop significantly below our net book value of equity and (ii) the adjustment in the monetization approach of Tantan to improve user experience and retention which has further caused Tantan’s near term revenue to decrease and net loss to widen, we determined that it was more likely than not that goodwill was impaired. Accordingly, we determined the fair value of each respective reporting unit using the income-based approach, such that Tantan’s cash flows forecasts mainly factored in the lower-than-projected business outlook. As a result, the fair value of the reporting units was estimated to be below the carrying value and therefore indicated an impairment. In 2021, we recorded an impairment loss of RMB4,397.0 million (US$690.0 million) relating to our Tantan acquisition. Any such negative development could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.
The mobile social and dating industry is an evolving and competitive market, with low switching costs and a consistent stream of new products and entrants, and innovation by Tantan’s competitors may disrupt its business.
The mobile social and dating industry in China is evolving and competitive, and has experienced a consistent stream of new products and market entrants within recent years. Tantan’s competitors may hold stronger competitive positions in certain geographical regions or with certain user demographics that we currently serve or may serve in the future. These advantages could enable these competitors to offer features and services that are more appealing to current users and potential users than our features and services or to respond more quickly and/or cost-effectively than us to new or changing opportunities.
In addition, within the mobile social and dating industry generally, costs for consumers to switch between products and apps are low, and consumers have demonstrated a propensity to try new approaches to connecting with people. As a result, new products, entrants and business models are likely to continue to emerge. It is possible that a new app could gain rapid scale at the expense of existing brands through harnessing a new technology or distribution channel, creating a new approach to connecting people or some other means. If we are not able to compete effectively against our current or future competitors and other apps, products and services that may emerge, the size and level of engagement of our user base may decrease, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be unsuccessful in monetizing Tantan’s social and dating services.
Tantan is a relatively new mobile social and dating app with a limited operating history and track record of monetization of its services. The success of the Tantan acquisition will be significantly affected by our ability to continue to grow the monetization of Tantan. However, we may be unable to do so due to, among other reasons,
COVID-19’s
negative impact on Tantan’s user retention and engagement, Tantan’s users ceasing to use mobile technology for dating and socializing, Tantan’s users opting to forgo paid services on the app, perceived or actual privacy concerns, the introduction of new regulations on the use and monetization of user data, any interruption of Tantan’s business operations from the inspection and administrative measures taken by relevant governmental authorities, and the introduction of competition offering services at lower cost or additional or different features. If we are unable to successfully monetize Tantan’s business, we may be unable to achieve the expected benefits of the Tantan acquisition, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.23
Tantan’s growth and profitability rely, in part, on its ability to attract and retain users, which involves considerable expenditure. Any failure in these efforts could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Tantan commenced monetization of its business in July 2017, and historically has not been profitable. In order to continue to grow its business and eventually become profitable, Tantan will need to continue to attract and retain users for Tantan’s app, which will involve considerable expenditures and possibly the complete containment of
COVID-19.
Historically, Tantan has had to increase its selling and marketing expenses over time in order to attract and retain users and sustain its growth in users.Tantan’s marketing expenditures consist primarily of investments in paid marketing channels to acquire more users and drive traffic to the app. To continue to reach potential users and grow the Tantan business, we must identify and devote more of Tantan’s overall marketing expenditures to new and evolving marketing channels, which may include mobile and virtual platforms. The opportunities in and sophistication of newer marketing channels generally are relatively undeveloped and unproven, making it difficult to assess returns on investment associated with such channels, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to appropriately manage and fine-tune our marketing efforts in response to these and other trends in the industry. Any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Negative publicity may harm our brand and reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Negative publicity involving us, our users, our management, our social networking platform or our business model may tarnish our reputation and materially and adversely harm our brand and our business. We cannot assure you that we will be able to defuse negative publicity about us, our management and/or our services to the satisfaction of our investors, users, customers and platform partners. There has been negative publicity about our company and the misuse of our services, which has adversely affected our brand, public image and reputation. Such negative publicity, especially when it is directly addressed against us, may also require us to engage in defensive media campaigns. This may cause us to increase our marketing expenses and divert our management’s attention and may adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Any legal action, regardless of its merits, could be time consuming and could divert the attention of our management away from our business and a failure of any legal action may bring negative impact on our reputation and cause a loss of our brand equity, which would reduce the use of our platform and demand for our services. Moreover, any attempts to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand may be costly and time consuming, and such efforts may not ultimately be successful.
User misconduct and misuse of our platform may adversely impact our brand image, and we may be held liable for information or content displayed on, retrieved from or linked to our platform, which may materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
Our platform allows mobile users to freely contact and communicate with people nearby, and our live video service allows users to host and view live shows. Because we do not have full control over how and what users will use our platform to communicate, our platform may be misused by individuals or groups of individuals to engage in immoral, disrespectful, fraudulent or illegal activities. For example, on a daily basis we detect spam accounts through which illegal or inappropriate content is posted and illegal or fraudulent activities are conducted. Media reports and internet forums have covered some of these incidents, which have in some cases generated negative publicity about our brand and platform. We have implemented control procedures to detect and block illegal or inappropriate content and illegal or fraudulent activities conducted through the misuse of our platform, but such procedures may not prevent all such content from being broadcasted or posted or activities from being carried out. Moreover, as we have limited control over real-time and offline behaviors of our users, to the extent such behaviors are associated with our platform, our ability to protect our brand image and reputation may be limited. Our business and the public perception of our brand may be materially and adversely affected by misuse of our platform.
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In addition, if any of our users suffers or alleges to have suffered physical, financial or emotional harm following contact initiated on our platform, we may face civil lawsuits or other liabilities initiated by the affected user, or governmental or regulatory actions against us. For example, we are or may continue to be involved in disputes relating to refunding to users’ spouses all or part of funds consumed by users for purchase of
in-show
virtual items in our mobile applications based on claim of unauthorized disposition of commonwealth property. We believe such type of claims is groundless and lacks merit, because from a contractual perspective, users purchase and send virtual gifts to broadcasters in exchange for the live performance delivered to them or for the interaction between them and the broadcasters, and it is entirely up to the users to purchasein-show
virtual items. We therefore will defend against such claims vigorously.In response to allegations of illegal or inappropriate activities conducted through our platform or any negative media coverage about us, PRC government authorities may intervene and hold us liable for
non-compliance
with PRC laws and regulations concerning the dissemination of information on the internet and subject us to administrative penalties or other sanctions, such as requiring us to restrict or discontinue some of the features and services provided on our mobile application. Therefore, our business may be subject to investigations or subsequent penalties if contents generated by our users are deemed to be illegal or inappropriate under PRC laws and regulations. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—If we fail to obtain and maintain the requisite licenses and approvals required under the complex regulatory environment applicable to our businesses in China, or if we are required to take compliance actions that are time-consuming or costly, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.” As a result, our business may suffer, our user base, revenues and profitability may be materially and adversely affected, and the price of our ADSs may decline.The market in which we operate is fragmented and highly competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively for users or user engagement, our business and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
As a social networking platform that provides multiple services, including live video service, value-added service, mobile marketing services and other services, we are subject to intense competition from providers of similar services, as well as potential new types of online services. Our competitors may have substantially more cash, traffic, technical, broadcasters, business networks and other resources, as well as broader product or service offerings and can leverage their relationships based on other products or services to gain a larger share of marketing budgets. We may be unable to compete successfully against these competitors or new market entrants, which may adversely affect our business and financial performance.
We believe that our ability to compete effectively depends upon many factors both within and beyond our control, including:
the popularity, usefulness, ease of use, performance and reliability of our services compared to those of our competitors, and the research and development abilities of us and our competitors;
changes mandated by, or that we elect to make to address, legislation, regulations or government policies, some of which may have a disproportionate effect on us;
acquisitions or consolidation within our industry, which may result in more formidable competitors;
our ability to monetize our services;
our ability to attract, retain, and motivate talented employees;
our ability to manage and grow our operations cost-effectively; and
our reputation and brand strength relative to our competitors.
If we fail to keep up with technological developments and evolving user expectations, we may fail to maintain or attract users, customers or platform partners, and our business and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
We operate in a market characterized by rapidly changing technologies, evolving industry standards, new product and service announcements, new generations of product enhancements and changing user expectations. Accordingly, our performance and the ability to further monetize the services on our platform will depend on our ability to adapt to these rapidly changing technologies and industry standards, and our ability to continually innovate in response to both evolving demands of the marketplace and competitive services. There may be occasions when we may not be as responsive as our competitors in adapting our services to changing industry standards and the needs of our users. Historically, new features may be introduced by one player in the industry, and if they are perceived as attractive to users, they are often quickly copied and improved upon by others.
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Introducing new technologies into our systems involves numerous technical challenges, substantial amounts of capital and personnel resources and often takes many months to complete. For example, the market for mobile devices in China is highly fragmented, and the lower resolution, functionality, operating system compatibility and memory currently associated with the kaleidoscopic models of mobile devices in the Chinese marketplace may make the use of our services through these devices more difficult and impair the user experience. We intend to continue to devote resources to the development of additional technologies and services. We may not be able to effectively integrate new technologies on a timely basis or at all, which may decrease user satisfaction with our services. Such technologies, even if integrated, may not function as expected or may be unable to attract and retain a substantial number of mobile device users to use our Momo mobile application. We also may not be able to protect such technology from being copied by our competitors. Our failure to keep pace with rapid technological changes may cause us to fail to retain or attract users or generate revenues, and could have a material and adverse effect on our business and operating results.
If we fail to effectively manage our growth and control our costs and expenses, our business and operating results could be harmed.
Given the rapidly evolving market in which we compete, we may encounter difficulties as we establish and expand our operations, product development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative capabilities. We face significant competition for talented employees from other high-growth companies, which include both publicly traded and privately held companies, and we may not be able to hire new talents quickly enough to meet our needs and support our operations. If we fail to effectively manage our hiring needs and successfully integrate our new hires, our efficiency and ability to meet our forecasts and our employee morale, productivity and retention could suffer, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
We expect our costs and expenses to continue to increase in the future as we seek to broaden our user base and increase user engagement, and develop and implement new features and services. Continued growth could also strain our ability to maintain reliable service levels for our users and customers, develop and improve our operational, financial, legal and management controls, and enhance our reporting systems and procedures. If we are unable to generate adequate revenues and to manage our expenses, we may again incur significant losses in the future and may not be able to regain profitability. Our expenses may grow faster than our revenues, and our expenses may be greater than we anticipate. Managing our growth will require significant expenditures and the allocation of valuable management resources. If we fail to achieve the necessary level of efficiency in our organization as we grow, our business, operating results and financial condition could be harmed.
We may not be able to regain profitability, and the consolidation of the results of operations of Tantan with ours may negatively impact our financial performance and results of operations.
We believe that our future revenue growth will depend on, among other factors, the popularity of social networking applications and our ability to attract new users, increase user engagement, effectively design and implement monetization strategies, develop new services and compete effectively and successfully, as well as our ability to successfully monetize Tantan’s operations. In addition, our ability to sustain profitability is affected by various factors, many of which are beyond our control, such as the continuous development of social networking, live video services, mobile marketing services, and mobile games in China. We may again incur losses in the near future due to our continued investments in services, technologies, research and development and our continued sales and marketing initiatives. Changes in the macroeconomic and regulatory environment or competitive dynamics and our inability to respond to these changes in a timely and effective manner may also impact our profitability. Furthermore, we completed our acquisition of Tantan in May 2018, and consolidated Tantan’s results starting in the second quarter of 2018. Tantan commenced monetization of its business in July 2017 and has not been profitable historically. If Tantan continues to incur losses, this may also affect our ability to remain at our current profitability level. Accordingly, you should not rely on the revenues of any prior quarterly or annual period as an indication of our future performance.
Techniques employed by short sellers may drive down the market price of our listed securities.
Short selling is the practice of selling securities that a seller does not own but rather has borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying identical securities back at a later date to return to the lender. Short sellers hope to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as short sellers expect to pay less in that purchase than they received in the sale. As it is in short sellers’ interest for the price of the security to decline, many short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions and allegations regarding the relevant issuer and its business prospects in order to create negative market momentum and generate profits for themselves after selling a security short. These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market.
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Public companies listed in the United States that have substantially all of their operations in China have been the subject of short selling. Much of the scrutiny and negative publicity has centered on allegations of a lack of effective internal control over financial reporting resulting in financial and accounting irregularities and 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 subject to shareholder lawsuits and/or SEC enforcement actions.
Any allegations or reports published by short sellers against our company may be followed by periods of instability in the market price of our ADSs and negative publicity. Regardless of whether such allegations and information in the such reports are proven to be true or untrue, we may have to expend a significant amount of resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend ourselves against negative information in such reports, including in connection with class actions or regulatory enforcement actions derivative of such allegations. While we would strongly defend against any such short seller attacks, we may be constrained in the manner in which we can proceed against the relevant short sellers by principles of freedom of speech, applicable state law or issues of commercial confidentiality. Such a situation could be costly and time-consuming, and could divert management’s attention from theoperations of our company. Even if such allegations are ultimately proven to be groundless, allegations against us could severely impact the market price of our securities and our business operations.
day-to-day
The continuing and collaborative efforts of our senior management and key employees are crucial to our success, and our business may be harmed if we were to lose their services.
We depend on the continued contributions of our senior management, especially the executive officers listed in “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—A. Directors and Senior Management” section of this annual report, and other key employees, many of whom are difficult to replace. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key employees could materially harm our business. Competition for qualified talents in China is intense. Our future success is dependent on our ability to attract a significant number of qualified employees and retain existing key employees. If we are unable to do so, our business and growth may be materially and adversely affected and the trading price of our ADSs could suffer. Our need to significantly increase the number of our qualified employees and retain key employees may cause us to materially increase compensation-related costs, including stock-based compensation.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could cause us to be less competitive and third-party infringements of our intellectual property rights may adversely affect our business.
We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. See also “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview.” Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, third parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our intellectual property or seek court declarations that they do not infringe upon our intellectual property rights. Monitoring unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult and costly, and we cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent misappropriation of our intellectual property. From time to time, we may have to resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources. The legal regime relating to the recognition and enforcement of intellectual property rights in China is particularly limited, and does not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as federal and state laws in the United States. Legal proceedings to enforce our intellectual property in China may progress slowly, during which time infringement may continue largely unimpeded.
We have been and may be subject to intellectual property infringement claims or other allegations by third parties for information or content displayed on, retrieved from or linked to our platform, or distributed to our users, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and prospects.
We have been, and may in the future be, subject to intellectual property infringement claims or other allegations by third parties for services we provide or for information or content displayed on, retrieved from or linked to our platform, or distributed to our users, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and prospects.
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Companies in the internet, technology and media industries are frequently involved in litigation based on allegations of infringement of intellectual property rights, unfair competition, invasion of privacy, defamation and other violations of other parties’ rights. The validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights in internet-related industries, particularly in China, are uncertain and still evolving. We have faced, from time to time, and expect to face in the future, allegations that we have infringed the trademarks, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property rights of third parties, including our competitors, or allegations that we are involved in unfair trade practices. See “Item 8. Financial Information— A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings.” As we face increasing competition and as litigation becomes a more common method for resolving commercial disputes in China, we face a higher risk of being the subject of intellectual property infringement claims.
We allow users to upload text, graphics, audio, video and other content to our platform and download, share, link to and otherwise access games and other content on our platform. We have procedures designed to reduce the likelihood that content might be used without proper licenses or third-party consents. However, these procedures may not be effective in preventing the unauthorized posting of copyrighted content. Therefore, we may face liability for copyright or trademark infringement, defamation, unfair competition, libel, negligence, and other claims based on the nature and content of the materials that are delivered, shared or otherwise accessed through our platform.
Defending intellectual property litigation is costly and can impose a significant burden on our management and employees, and there can be no assurances that favorable final outcomes will be obtained in all cases. Such claims, even if they do not result in liability, may harm our reputation. Any resulting liability or expenses, or changes required to our platform to reduce the risk of future liability, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and prospects.
User base and engagement depend upon effective interoperation with mobile operating systems, networks, mobile devices and standards that we do not control.
We make our services available across a variety of mobile operating systems and devices. We are dependent on the interoperability of our services with popular mobile devices and mobile operating systems that we do not control, such as Android, iOS and Windows. Any changes in such mobile operating systems or devices that degrade the functionality of our services or give preferential treatment to competitive services could adversely affect usage of our services. Further, if the number of platforms for which we develop our services increases, which is typically seen in a dynamic and fragmented mobile services market such as China, it will result in an increase in our costs and expenses. In order to deliver high-quality services, it is important that our services work well across a range of mobile operating systems, networks, mobile devices and standards that we do not control. We may not be successful in developing relationships with key participants in the mobile industry or in developing services that operate effectively with these operating systems, networks, devices and standards. In the event that it is difficult for our users to access and use our services, particularly on their mobile devices, our user base and user engagement could be harmed, and our business and operating results could be adversely affected.
Our operations depend on the performance of the internet infrastructure and fixed telecommunications networks in China.
Almost all access to the internet in China is maintained through state-owned telecommunication operators under the administrative control and regulatory supervision of the MIIT. Moreover, we primarily rely on a limited number of telecommunication service providers to provide us with data communications capacity through local telecommunications lines and internet data centers to host our servers. We have limited access to alternative networks or services in the event of disruptions, failures or other problems with China’s internet infrastructure or the fixed telecommunications networks provided by telecommunications service providers. Web traffic in China has experienced significant growth during the past few years. Effective bandwidth and server storage at internet data centers in large cities such as Beijing are scarce. With the expansion of our business, we may be required to upgrade our technology and infrastructure to keep up with the increasing traffic on our platform. We cannot assure you that the internet infrastructure and the fixed telecommunications networks in China will be able to support the demands associated with the continued growth in internet usage. If we cannot increase our capacity to deliver our online services, we may not be able to keep up with the increases in traffic we anticipate from our expanding user base, and the adoption of our services may be hindered, which could adversely impact our business and our ADS price.
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In addition, we have no control over the costs of the services provided by telecommunications service providers. If the prices we pay for telecommunications and internet services rise significantly, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, if internet access fees or other charges to internet users increase, some users may be prevented from accessing the mobile internet and thus cause the growth of mobile internet users to decelerate. Such deceleration may adversely affect our ability to continue to expand our user base.
Our business and operating results may be harmed by service disruptions, cybersecurity related threats or by our failure to timely and effectively scale and adapt our existing technology and infrastructure.
People use our platform for real-time communication, socializing, entertainment and information. We have experienced, and may in the future experience, service disruptions, outages and other performance problems due to a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes and cybersecurity related threats as follows:
our technology, system, networks and our users’ devices have been subject to, and may continue to be the target of, cyber-attacks, computer viruses, malicious code, phishing attacks or information security breaches that could result in an unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of confidential, proprietary and other information of ours, our employees or sensitive information provided by our users, or otherwise disrupt our, our users’ or other third parties’ business operations;
we periodically encounter attempts to create false accounts or use our platform to send targeted and untargeted spam messages to our users, or take other actions on our platform for purposes such as spamming or spreading misinformation, and we may not be able to repel spamming attacks;
the use of encryption and other security measures intended to protect our systems and confidential data may not provide absolute security, and losses or unauthorized access to or releases of confidential information may still occur;
our security measures may be breached due to employee error, malfeasance or unauthorized access to sensitive information by our employees, who may be induced by outside third parties, and we may not be able to anticipate any breach of our security or to implement adequate preventative measures; and
we may be subject to information technology system failures or network disruptions caused by natural disasters, accidents, power disruptions, telecommunications failures, acts of terrorism or war, computer viruses, physical or electronic
break-ins,
or other events or disruptions.Any disruption or failure in our services and infrastructure could also hinder our ability to handle existing or increased traffic on our platform or cause us to lose content stored on our platform, which could significantly harm our business and our ability to retain existing users and attract new users.
As the number of our users increases and our users generate more content on our platform, we may be required to expand and adapt our technology and infrastructure to continue to reliably store and analyze this content. It may become increasingly difficult to maintain and improve the performance of our services, especially during peak usage times, as our services become more complex and our user traffic increases. If our users are unable to access our mobile application in a timely fashion, or at all, our user experience may be compromised and the users may seek other mobile social networking tools to meet their needs, and may not return to our platform or use our services as often in the future, or at all. This would negatively impact our ability to attract users and maintain the level of user engagement.
Existing or future strategic alliances, long-term investments and acquisitions may have a material and adverse effect on our business, reputation and results of operations.
We have made and intend to continue to make long-term investments in third-party companies. From time to time we evaluate and enter into discussions regarding potential long-term investments. Our existing and any future long-term investments could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. If our long-term investments are unable to implement or remediate the necessary controls, procedures and policies, do not perform as we have expected or become less valuable to our business due to a change in our overall business strategy or other reasons, we may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits of investments and we may have to incur unanticipated liabilities, expenses, impairment charges or write-offs.
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We may also in the future enter into strategic alliances with various third parties. Strategic alliances with third parties could subject us to a number of risks, including risks associated with sharing proprietary information,
non-performance
by a counterparty and an increase in expenses incurred in establishing new strategic alliances, any of which may materially and adversely affect our business. We may have little ability to control or monitor their actions and to the extent strategic third parties suffer negative publicity or harm to their reputation from events relating to their business, we may also suffer negative publicity or harm to our reputation by virtue of our association with such third parties.In addition, we may acquire additional assets, technologies or businesses that are complementary to our existing business. Future acquisitions and the subsequent integration of new assets and businesses into our own would require significant attention from our management and could result in a diversion of resources from our existing business, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our business operations. Acquired assets or businesses may not generate the financial or operating results we expect. Moreover, the costs of identifying and consummating acquisitions may be significant. In addition to possible shareholders’ approval, we may also have to obtain approvals and licenses from the governmental authorities in the PRC for the acquisitions and comply with applicable PRC laws and regulations, which could result in increased costs and delays. Acquisitions could result in the use of substantial amounts of cash, potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities, the incurrence of debt, the incurrence of significant goodwill impairment charges, amortization expenses for other intangible assets and exposure to potential unknown liabilities of the acquired business. Such use of cash may add significant liquidity pressure on us by materially reducing our existing cash balance and adversely affecting our working capital. The sale of equity or equity linked securities may further dilute our existing shareholders. Debt financings may subject us to restrictive covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends.
We rely on assumptions and estimates to calculate certain key operating metrics, and real or perceived inaccuracies in such metrics may harm our reputation and negatively affect our business.
The respective number of monthly active users and paying users of Momo and Tantan is calculated using internal company data that has not been independently verified. While these metrics are based on what we believe to be reasonable calculations for the applicable periods of measurement, there are inherent challenges in measuring usage and user engagement across our large user base. For example, there exist a number of false or spam accounts on our platforms. Although we constantly combat spam by suspending or terminating these accounts, our active user number may include a number of false or spam accounts and therefore may not accurately represent the actual number of active accounts. In addition, we treat each account as a separate user for the purposes of calculating our active and paying users, because it may not always be possible to identify people that have set up more than one account. Accordingly, the calculations of our monthly active users and paying users may not accurately reflect the actual number of people using Momo and Tantan, or paying for their services.
Our measures of user base and user engagement may differ from estimates published by third parties or from similarly titled metrics used by our competitors due to differences in methodology. If customers or platform partners do not perceive our user metrics to be accurate representations of our user base or user engagement, or if we discover material inaccuracies in our user metrics, our reputation may be harmed and customers and platform partners may be less willing to allocate their resources or spending to Momo or Tantan, which could negatively affect our business and operating results.
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We have granted, and expect to continue to grant, share options under our share incentive plans, which may result in increased share-based compensation expenses.
We have adopted several share incentive plans as of the date of this annual report for the purpose of granting share-based compensation awards to employees, directors and consultants to incentivize their performance and align their interests with ours. In November 2012, we adopted a share incentive plan, or the 2012 Plan, which was amended and restated in October 2013. In November 2014, we adopted the 2014 share incentive plan, or the 2014 Plan, pursuant to which a maximum aggregate of 14,031,194 Class A ordinary shares may be issued pursuant to all awards granted thereunder. Beginning in 2017, the number of shares reserved for future issuances under the 2014 Plan would be increased by a number equal to 1.5% of the total number of outstanding shares on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year, or such lesser number of Class A ordinary shares as determined by our board of directors on the first day of each calendar year during the term of the 2014 Plan. With the adoption of the 2014 Plan, we will no longer grant any incentive shares under the 2012 Plan. In March 2015, Tantan adopted the 2015 Share Incentive Plan, or the Tantan 2015 Plan, and in July 2018, Tantan adopted the 2018 Share Incentive Plan, or the Tantan 2018 Plan. With the adoption of the Tantan 2018 Plan, we will no longer grant any incentive awards under the Tantan 2015 Plan. As of March 31, 2022, options to purchase 28,769,414 Class A ordinary shares (excluding those already forfeited) had been granted under the 2012 Plan, 3,746,048 of which remained outstanding. In addition, as of March 31, 2022, options to purchase 40,582,610 Class A ordinary shares (excluding those already forfeited and cancelled) and 830,001 restricted share units had been granted under the 2014 Plan, of which 24,253,381 options remained outstanding and 250,000 restricted share units remained outstanding. As of March 31, 2022, options to purchase 1,617,413 ordinary shares of Tantan (adjusted retrospectively for share split and excluding those that have been forfeited or redeemed) remained outstanding under the Tantan 2015 Plan and options to purchase 3,312,894 ordinary shares of Tantan (adjusted retrospectively for share split and excluding those that have been forfeited or redeemed) remained outstanding under the Tantan 2018 Plan. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation” for a detailed discussion. We expect to incur share-based compensation expenses of RMB365.4 million, RMB227.1 million and RMB149.1 million in 2022, 2023, and after 2023, respectively, in connection with the currently outstanding share-based awards, and we may grant additional share-based awards under our share incentive plans, which will further increase our share-based compensation expenses. We believe the granting of share-based awards is of significant importance to our ability to attract and retain our employees, and we will continue to grant share-based awards to employees in the future. As a result, our expenses associated with share-based compensation may increase, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
If we fail to implement and maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may be unable to accurately report our results of operations or prevent fraud or fail to meet our reporting obligations, and investor confidence and the market price of our ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.
We are subject to reporting obligations under the U.S. securities laws. The Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, has adopted rules requiring every public company to include a report of management in its annual report that contains management’s assessment of the effectiveness of such company’s internal controls over financial reporting. In addition, an independent registered public accounting firm must attest to and report on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Our management has concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2021. Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report, which has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective in all material aspects as of December 31, 2021. However, if we fail to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in the future, our management and our independent registered public accounting firm may not be able to conclude that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting at a reasonable assurance level. This could result in a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial conditions which in turn could negatively impact the trading price of our ADSs and result in lawsuits being filed against us by our shareholders or otherwise harm our reputation. Furthermore, we have incurred and anticipate that we will continue to incur considerable costs and use significant management time and other resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 and other requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by the ongoing
COVID-19
pandemic.The
COVID-19
pandemic has created unique global and industry-wide challenges, including challenges to many aspects of our business.New COVID-19 variants
have also emerged across the globe, potentially extending the period duringwhich COVID-19 will
negatively impact the global economy.31
The vast majority of our revenues and workforce are concentrated in China. Our operating metrics, financial position, results of operations and cash flows are therefore affected by the trajectory oforders. If the impact of
COVID-19,
including its impact on the online social networking industry and the Chinese economy in general. In early 2020, to contain the spread ofCOVID-19,
the Chinese government had taken certain emergency measures, including extension of the Lunar New Year holidays, implementation of travel bans, blockade of certain roads and suspension of operation factories and businesses. These emergency measures have been significantly relaxed by the Chinese government as of the date of this annual report. However, there has been an increasing number ofCOVID-19
cases, including theCOVID-19
Delta and Omicron variant cases, in various cities in China, and the Chinese local authorities have reinstated certain measures to keepCOVID-19
in check, including travel restrictions andstay-at-home
COVID-19,
including subsequent outbreaks driven by new variants ofCOVID-19,
is prolonged or worsens further, it may continue to disrupt our business, which will in turn adversely affect our operating metrics, revenue and financial conditions. For example, if aCOVID-19
variant strikes in a future wave, the prolonged social distancing control and the associated decline in outdoor activities may significantly limit our users’ urge to use services from social network platforms, such as our Momo and Tantan mobile applications, and some of our users may not be able to leave their hometown or may delay the time they get back to the big cities for work due to quarantine measures. Consequently, our user base may be depressed and our user retention and engagement may be negatively impacted under such as scenario. In addition, the economic impact ofCOVID-19
may also cause the sentiment, willingness and ability to spend of our paying users, especially our high paying users, to deteriorate. All of these factors may lead to a negative impact on our financial performance generally.Our headquarter is located in Beijing, and we have offices in various parts of China to support our operations. This outbreak of communicable disease has caused, and may cause again in the future, companies, including us and certain of our business partners, to implement temporary adjustment of work schemes allowing employees to work from home and adopt remote collaboration. We have taken measures to reduce the impact of this epidemic outbreak, including upgrading our telecommuting system, monitoring our employees’ health on a daily basis, arranging shifts of our employees working onsite and from home to avoid infection transmission and optimizing our technology system to support potential growth in user traffic.
There remain significant uncertainties surrounding
COVID-19
and its further development as a global pandemic, including the effectiveness of vaccine programs against existing and any new variants ofCOVID-19,
and their impacts on our users’ activities and spending more broadly. The extent to whichCOVID-19,
including subsequent outbreaks driven by new variants ofCOVID-19,
impacts our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in the future therefore will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.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 and regulations on environmental, social and governance matters may subject us to penalties and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The PRC government and public advocacy groups have been increasingly focused on environment, social and governance, or ESG, issues in recent years, making our business more sensitive to ESG issues and changes in governmental policies and laws and regulations associated with environment protection and other
ESG-related matters.
Investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, investment funds, and other influential investors are also increasingly focused on ESG practices and in recent years have placed increasing importance on the implications and social cost of their investments. Regardless of the industry, increased focus from investors and the PRC government on ESG and similar matters may hinder access to capital, as investors may decide to reallocate capital or to not commit capital as a result of their assessment of a company’s ESG practices. Any ESG concern or issue could increase our regulatory compliance costs. If we do not adapt to or comply with the evolving expectations and standards on ESG matters from investors and the PRC government or are perceived to have not responded appropriately to the growing concern for ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, we may suffer from reputational damage and the business, financial condition, and the price of our ADSs could be materially and adversely effected.We face risks related to health epidemics and natural disasters.
In addition to the impact of
COVID-19,
our business could be adversely affected by the effects of natural disasters, other health epidemics or other public safety concerns affecting the PRC. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of epidemics in China and globally. Our business operations could be disrupted if one of our employees is suspected of havingCOVID-19,
H1N1 flu, H7N9 flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS, Zika virus, Ebola virus, avian flu or another epidemic, since it could require our employees to be quarantined and/or our offices to be disinfected. In addition, our results of operations could be adversely affected to the extent that the epidemic outbreaks harm the Chinese economy in general and the mobile internet industry in particular.32
We are also vulnerable to natural disasters and other calamities. Although we have servers that are hosted in an offsite location, our backup system does not capture data on a real-time basis and we may be unable to recover certain data in the event of a server failure. We cannot assure you that any backup systems will be adequate to protect us from the effects of fire, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, power loss, telecommunications failures,
break-ins,
war, riots, terrorist attacks or similar events. Any of the foregoing events may give rise to server interruptions, breakdowns, system failures, technology platform failures or internet failures, which could cause the loss or corruption of data or malfunctions of software or hardware as well as adversely affect our ability to provide services on our platform.We have limited insurance coverage.
The insurance industry in China is still at an early stage of development and business and litigation insurance products offered in China are limited. Other than the directors and officers liability insurance, we do not maintain any third-party liability, property, business interruption or
key-man
life insurance. The costs of insuring for these risks and the difficulties associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical for us to have such insurance. In addition, any insurance policies that we maintain may not adequately cover our actual loss and we may not be able to successfully claim our losses under the insurance policies at all or on a timely basis. Any business disruption, litigation or natural disaster may cause us to incur substantial costs and divert our resources.Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating certain of our operations in China do not comply with PRC regulations relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.
Foreign ownership of telecommunication businesses and certain other businesses, such as provision of internet video and online game services, is subject to restrictions under current PRC laws and regulations. For example, foreign investors are generally not allowed to own more than 50% of the equity interests in a commercial internet content provider or other value-added telecommunication service provider (other than operatingand call center).
e-commerce,
domestic multi-party communication,store-and-forward,
In addition, foreign investors are prohibited from investing in companies engaged in internet video, culture (other than music) and publishing business and film/radio and television drama production and operation (including importation) business. We are a Cayman Islands company and our PRC subsidiaries are considered foreign-invested enterprises. Accordingly, none of our PRC subsidiaries are eligible to operate internet video and other businesses which foreign-owned companies are prohibited or restricted from conducting in China. To comply with PRC laws and regulations, we conduct such business activities through the consolidated affiliated entities in China, including Beijing Momo, Tantan Culture, Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer, Tianjin QOOL Media, Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match and SpaceTime Beijing, and their respective subsidiaries.Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Beijing Momo IT, QOOL Media Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., Beijing Yiliulinger Information Technology Co., Ltd. and Tantan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. have entered into contractual arrangements with the consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders, and such contractual arrangements enable us to exercise effective control over, receive substantially all of the economic benefits of, and have an exclusive option to purchase all or part of the equity interest and assets in the consolidated affiliated entities when and to the extent permitted by PRC law. Because of these contractual arrangements, we are the primary beneficiary of the consolidated affiliated entities in China and hence consolidate their financial results as our variable interest entities under U.S. GAAP. We conduct our operations in China through (i) our PRC subsidiaries and (ii) the consolidated affiliated entities with which we maintained these contractual arrangements and their subsidiaries in China. Investors in our ADSs thus are not purchasing equity interest in the consolidated affiliated entities in China but instead are purchasing equity interest in a Cayman Islands holding company with no equity ownership in the consolidated affiliated entities.
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Our holding company in the Cayman Islands, the consolidated affiliated entities, and investments in our Company face uncertainty about potential future actions by the PRC government that could affect the enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the consolidated affiliated entities and, consequently, the business, financial condition, and results of operations of the consolidated affiliated entities and our Company as a group. In addition, our ADSs may decline in value or become worthless if we are unable to assert our contractual control rights over the assets of the consolidated affiliated entities which contributed 98.4% of our revenues in 2021. If the PRC government finds that our contractual arrangements do not comply with its restrictions on foreign investment in internet content and online game providers and other foreign-restricted services, or if the PRC government otherwise finds that we, the consolidated affiliated entities, or any of their subsidiaries are in violation of PRC laws or regulations or lack the necessary permits or licenses to operate our business, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities, including but not limited to the CAC, the MIIT, the National Radio and Television Administration, or the NRTA, the State Film Bureau, or the SFB, the National Press and Publication Administration, or the NPPA (formerly known as the General Administration of Press and Publication, or GAPP), the MCT and the MOFCOM, would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations or failures.
In the opinion of our PRC counsel, Han Kun Law Offices, the ownership structure of our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities are in compliance with existing PRC laws, rules and regulations.There are, however, substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC laws and regulations. Thus, we cannot assure you that the PRC government will not ultimately take a view contrary to the opinion of our PRC counsel. If we are found to be in violation of any PRC laws or regulations or if the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, the consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders are determined to be illegal or invalid by the PRC court, arbitral tribunal or regulatory authorities, the relevant governmental authorities would have broad discretion in dealing with such violation, including, without limitation:
revoke our business and operating licenses;
require us to discontinue or restrict operations;
restrict our right to collect revenues;
block our websites;
require us to restructure the operations in such a way as to compel us to establish a new enterprise,
re-apply
for the necessary licenses or relocate our businesses, staff and assets;requiring us to restructure our ownership structure or operations, including terminating the contractual arrangements with the consolidated affiliated entities and deregistering the equity pledges of the consolidated affiliated entities, which in turn would affect our ability to consolidate, derive economic interests from, or exert effective control over the consolidated affiliated entities;
restricting or prohibiting our use of the proceeds of any of our offshore financings to finance our business and operations in China;
impose additional conditions or requirements with which we may not be able to comply; or
take other regulatory or enforcement actions against us that could be harmful to our business.
If the PRC government determines that the contractual arrangements constituting part of our ownership structure do not comply with PRC regulations, or if these regulations change or are interpreted differently in the future, our ADSs may decline in value if we are unable to assert our contractual control rights over the assets of the consolidated affiliated entities, which conducts substantially all our business operations that generate external revenues. Our holding company in the Cayman Islands, the consolidated affiliated entities, and investors of our company face uncertainty about potential future actions by the PRC government that could affect the enforceability of the contractual arrangements with the consolidated affiliated entities and, consequently, significantly affect the financial performance of our company.
Any of the aforementioned events or penalties could cause significant disruption to our business operations and severely damage our reputation, which would in turn materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. If occurrences of any of these events results in our inability to direct the activities of the consolidated affiliated entities in China that most significantly impact their economic performance, or our failure to receive the economic benefits from the consolidated affiliated entities, we may not be able to consolidate the entity in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
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We rely on contractual arrangements with the consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders for our operations in China, which may not be as effective in providing operational control as direct ownership.
Due to the PRC restrictions or prohibitions on foreign ownership of internet and other related businesses in China, we operate our business in China through a number of the consolidated affiliated entities, in which we have no ownership interest. We rely on a series of contractual arrangements with the consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders, including the powers of attorney, to control and operate the business.
Our ability to control the consolidated affiliated entities depends on the powers of attorney, pursuant to which our PRC subsidiaries can vote on all matters requiring shareholder approval in the consolidated affiliated entities. We believe these powers of attorney are legally enforceable but may not be as effective as direct equity ownership. These contractual arrangements are intended to provide us with effective control over the consolidated affiliated entities and allow us to obtain economic benefits from them. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Respective Shareholders” for more details about these contractual arrangements.
Although we have been advised by our PRC counsel, Han Kun Law Offices, that these contractual arrangements are valid, binding and enforceable under existing PRC laws and regulations, these contractual arrangements may not be as effective in providing control over the consolidated affiliated entities as direct ownership. If the consolidated affiliated entities or their respective shareholders fail to perform their respective obligations under the contractual arrangements, we may incur substantial costs and expend substantial resources to enforce our rights. All of these contractual arrangements are governed by and interpreted in accordance with PRC law, and disputes arising from these contractual arrangements will be resolved through arbitration in China. However, the legal system in China, particularly as it relates to arbitration proceedings, is not as developed as in other jurisdictions, such as the United States. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us.” There are very few precedents and little official guidance as to how contractual arrangements in the context of a variable interest entity, or a consolidated affiliated entity, should be interpreted or enforced under PRC law. There remain significant uncertainties regarding the ultimate outcome of arbitration should legal action become necessary. These uncertainties could limit our ability to enforce these contractual arrangements. In addition, arbitration awards are final and can only be enforced in PRC courts through arbitration award recognition proceedings, which could cause additional expenses and delays. In the event we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements or we experience significant delays or other obstacles in the process of enforcing these contractual arrangements, we may not be able to exert effective control over the consolidated affiliated entities and may lose control over the assets owned by the consolidated affiliated entities. As a result, we may be unable to consolidate the consolidated affiliated entities in the consolidated financial statements, our ability to conduct our business may be negatively affected, and our business operations could be severely disrupted, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We may lose the ability to use and enjoy assets held by the consolidated affiliated entities that are important to the operation of the business if the consolidated affiliated entities declare bankruptcy or become subject to a dissolution or liquidation proceeding.
The consolidated affiliated entities hold certain assets that are important to our business operations, including the ICP license, the internet culture operation license and the internet audio/video program transmission license. Under our contractual arrangements, the respective shareholders of the consolidated affiliated entities may not voluntarily liquidate the consolidated affiliated entities or approve them to sell, transfer, mortgage or dispose of their respective assets or legal or beneficial interests exceeding certain threshold in the business in any manner without our prior consent. However, in the event that the shareholders breach this obligation and voluntarily liquidate the consolidated affiliated entities, or the consolidated affiliated entities declare bankruptcy, or all or part of their assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business operations, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, if the consolidated affiliated entities undergo a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, their respective shareholders or unrelated third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of its assets, thereby hindering our ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
35
Contractual arrangements we have entered into with the consolidated affiliated entities may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities. A finding that we owe additional taxes could significantly reduce the consolidated net income and the value of your investment.
Pursuant to applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. We may be subject to adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine that the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, the consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders are not on an arm’s length basis and therefore constitute favorable transfer pricing. As a result, the PRC tax authorities could require that the consolidated affiliated entities adjust their taxable income upward for PRC tax purposes. Such an adjustment could adversely affect us by increasing the consolidated affiliated entities’ tax expenses without reducing the tax expenses of our PRC subsidiaries, subjecting the consolidated affiliated entities to late payment fees and other penalties for under-payment of taxes, and resulting in our PRC subsidiaries’ loss of their preferential tax treatment. The consolidated results of operations may be adversely affected if the consolidated affiliated entities’ tax liabilities increase or if they are subject to late payment fees or other penalties.
If the chops of our PRC subsidiaries and the consolidated affiliated entities are not kept safely, are stolen or are used by unauthorized persons or for unauthorized purposes, the corporate governance of these entities could be severely and adversely compromised.
In China, a company chop or seal serves as the legal representation of the company towards third parties even when unaccompanied by a signature. Each legally registered company in China is required to maintain a company chop, which must be registered with the local Public Security Bureau. In addition to this mandatory company chop, companies may have several other chops which can be used for specific purposes. The chops of our PRC subsidiaries and the consolidated affiliated entities are generally held securely by personnel designated or approved by us in accordance with our internal control procedures. To the extent those chops are not kept safe, are stolen or are used by unauthorized persons or for unauthorized purposes, the corporate governance of these entities could be severely and adversely compromised and those corporate entities may be bound to abide by the terms of any documents so chopped, even if they were chopped by an individual who lacked the requisite power and authority to do so.
The shareholders of the consolidated affiliated entities may have potential conflicts of interest with us, which may materially and adversely affect our business.
Some of the shareholders of the consolidated affiliated entities are also our directors or officers. Conflicts of interest may arise between the roles of these individuals as directors or officers of our company and as shareholders of the consolidated affiliated entities. We rely on these individuals to abide by the laws of the Cayman Islands, which provide that directors and officers owe a fiduciary duty to our company to act in good faith and in the best interest of our company and not to use their positions for personal gain. The shareholders of the consolidated affiliated entities have executed powers of attorney to appoint our PRC subsidiaries, or a person designated by our PRC subsidiaries to vote on their behalf and exercise voting rights as shareholders of the consolidated affiliated entities. We cannot assure you that when conflicts arise, shareholders of the consolidated affiliated entities will act in the best interest of our company or that conflicts will be resolved in our favor. If we cannot resolve any conflicts of interest or disputes between us and these shareholders, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, which may be expensive, time-consuming and disruptive to our operations. There is also substantial uncertainty as to the outcome of any such legal proceedings.
We may rely on dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund cash and financing requirements. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business and to pay dividends to holders of the ADSs and our ordinary shares.
We are a holding company, and we may rely on dividends to be paid by our PRC subsidiaries for our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to the holders of the ADSs and our ordinary shares and service any debt we may incur. If our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to us.
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Under PRC laws and regulations, a foreign-invested enterprise in the PRC, such as Beijing Momo Information Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Momo IT, may pay dividends only out of its accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, any company, including a foreign-invested enterprise is required to set aside 10% of its
after-tax
profits each year to fund certain statutory common reserve funds, until the aggregate amount of such funds reach 50% of its registered capital. If the statutory common reserve funds are not sufficient to make up its losses in previous years (if any), the company shall use the profits of the current year to make up the losses before accruing the statutory common reserve funds. At the discretion of the shareholders of a foreign-invested enterprise, it may, after accruing the statutory common reserve funds, allocate a portion of itsafter-tax
profits based on PRC accounting standards to discretionary common reserve funds. These statutory common reserve funds and discretionary common reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends. Any limitation on the ability of our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions to us could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our business, pay dividends, or otherwise fund and conduct our business.Risks Related to Doing Business in China
The PCAOB is currently unable to inspect our auditor in relation to their audit work performed for our financial statements and the inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections over our auditor deprives our investors with the benefits of such inspections.
Our auditor, the independent registered public accounting firm that issues the audit report included elsewhere in this annual report, as an auditor of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and a firm registered with the PCAOB is subject to laws in the United States pursuant to which the PCAOB conducts regular inspections to assess its compliance with the applicable professional standards. Since our auditor is located in China, a jurisdiction where the PCAOB has been unable to conduct inspections without the approval of the Chinese authorities, our auditor is not currently inspected by the PCAOB. As a result, we and investors in our ADSs are deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our independent registered public accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to the PCAOB inspections, which could cause investors and potential investors in our ADSs to lose confidence in our audit procedures and reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.
Our ADSs will be prohibited from trading in the United States under the HFCA Act in 2024 if the PCAOB is unable to inspect or fully investigate auditors located in China, or in 2023 if proposed changes to the law are enacted. The delisting of our ADSs, or the threat of their being delisted, may materially and adversely affect the value of your investment.
The HFCA Act was signed into law on December 18, 2020. The HFCA Act states if the SEC determines that we have filed audit reports issued by a registered public accounting firm that has not been subject to inspection for the PCAOB for three consecutive years beginning in 2021, the SEC shall prohibit our shares or ADSs from being traded on a national securities exchange or in thetrading market in the United States. On December 16, 2021, the PCAOB issued a report to notify the SEC of its determination that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. The PCAOB identified our auditor as one of the registered public accounting firms that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely.
over-the-counter
Whether the PCAOB will be able to conduct inspections of our auditor before the issuance of our financial statements on Form
20-F
for the year ending December 31, 2023 which is due by April 30, 2024, or at all, is subject to substantial uncertainty and depends on a number of factors out of our, and our auditor’s, control. If our shares and ADSs are prohibited from trading in the United States, there is no certainty that we will be able to list on anon-U.S.
exchange or that a market for our shares will develop outside of the United States. Such a prohibition would substantially impair your ability to sell or purchase our ADSs when you wish to do so, and the risk and uncertainty associated with delisting would have a negative impact on the price of our ADSs. Also, such a prohibition would significantly affect our ability to raise capital on terms acceptable to us, or at all, which would have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and prospects.37
On June 22, 2021, the U.S. Senate passed a bill which would reduce the number of consecutive
non-inspection
years required for triggering the prohibitions under the HFCA Act from three years to two. On February 4, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill which contained, among other things, an identical provision. If this provision is enacted into law and the number of consecutivenon-inspection
years required for triggering the prohibitions under the HFCA Act is reduced from three years to two, then our shares and ADSs could be prohibited from trading in the United States in 2023.Furthermore, on December 2, 2021, the SEC adopted final amendments implementing the disclosure and submission requirements under the HFCA Act, pursuant to which the SEC will identify a “Commission-Identified Issuer” if an issuer has filed an annual report containing an audit report issued by a registered public accounting firm that the PCAOB has determined it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction, and will then impose a trading prohibition on an issuer after it is identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for three consecutive years. Therefore, we expect to be identified as a “Commission Identified Issuer” shortly after the filing of this annual report on Form 20-F.
The PRC government’s significant oversight and discretion over our business operations could result in a material adverse change in our operations and the value of our ADSs.
We conduct our business primarily in China. Our operations in China are governed by PRC laws and regulations. The PRC government has significant oversight and discretion over the conduct of our business, and may intervene or influence our operations. The PRC government has recently published new policies that significantly affected certain industries, and we cannot rule out the possibility that it will in the future release regulations or policies that directly or indirectly affect our industry or require us to seek additional permission to continue our operations, which could result in a material adverse change in our operation and/or the value of our ADSs. Therefore, investors of our company and our business face potential uncertainty from actions taken by the PRC government affecting our business.
Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us.
The PRC legal system is based on written statutes and court decisions have limited precedential value. The PRC legal system evolves rapidly, and the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules may contain inconsistencies and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involves uncertainties.
From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights. However, since PRC judicial and administrative authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to predict the outcome of a judicial or administrative proceeding than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based, in part, on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published in a timely manner, or at all, but whichthey may have retroactive effect. As a result, we may not always be aware of any potential violation of these policies and rules. Such unpredictability towards our contractual, property (including intellectual property) and procedural rights could adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.
We face uncertainties with respect to the implementation of the PRC Foreign Investment Law and how it may impact the viability of our current corporate structure, corporate governance and business operations.
On March 15, 2019, the National People’s Congress, or the NPC, approved the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which took effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced the Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the Sino-Foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the Foreign Owned Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations, to become the legal foundation for foreign investment in the PRC. Further to the PRC Foreign Investment Law, on December 26, 2019, the State Council of the PRC passed the Regulation for Implementing the PRC Foreign Investment Law, of the People’s Republic of China, which took effect on January 1, 2020. The PRC Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations embody an expected PRC regulatory trend to rationalize its foreign investment regulatory regime in line with prevailing international practice and the legislative efforts to unify the corporate legal requirements for both foreign and domestic investments. Under the PRC Foreign Investment Law, “foreign investment” refers to the investment activities in China directly or indirectly conducted by foreign individuals, enterprises or other entities. The PRC Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations stipulate three forms of foreign investment, and does not explicitly stipulate contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment. However, the PRC Foreign Investment Law provides a
catch-all
provision under the definition of “foreign investment” to include investments made by foreign investors in China through means stipulated by laws or administrative regulations, or other methods prescribed by the State Council. Therefore, there are possibilities that future laws, administrative regulations or provisions prescribed by the State Council may regard contractual arrangements as a form of foreign investment, at which time it would be uncertain as to whether foreign investment via contractual arrangements would be deemed to be in violation of the foreign investment access requirements and how the above-mentioned contractual arrangements would be regulated. There is no guarantee that the contractual arrangements and our business will not be materially and adversely affected in the future due to changes in PRC laws and regulations. If future laws, administrative regulations or provisions prescribed by the State Council mandate further actions to be completed by companies with existing contractual arrangements, we may face substantial uncertainties as to whether such actions can be timely completed, or at all. Failure to take timely and appropriate measures to cope with any of these or similar regulatory compliance challenges could materially and adversely affect our current corporate structure and business operations.China’s M&A Rules and certain other PRC regulations establish complex procedures for some acquisitions of Chinese companies by foreign investors, which could make it more difficult for us to pursue growth through acquisitions in China.
The Regulations on Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, and other recently adopted regulations and rules concerning mergers and acquisitions established additional procedures and requirements that could make merger and acquisition activities by foreign investors more time consuming and complex. For example, the M&A Rules require that the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM, be notified in advance of anytransaction in which a foreign investor takes control of a PRC domestic enterprise, if (i) any important industry is concerned, (ii) such transaction involves factors that impact or may impact national economic security, or (iii) such transaction will lead to a change in control of a domestic enterprise which holds a famous trademark or PRC time-honored brand. Moreover, the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC on August 30, 2007 and effective as of August 1, 2008 and the Provisions of the State Council on the Standard for Declaration of Concentration of Business Operators, promulgated on August 3, 2008 and amended on September 18, 2018, require that transactions which are deemed concentrations and involve parties with specified turnover thresholds (i.e., during the previous fiscal year, (i) the total global turnover of all operators participating in the transaction exceeds RMB10 billion and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China, or (ii) the total turnover within China of all the operators participating in the concentration exceeds RMB2 billion, and at least two of these operators each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China) must be cleared by the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law enforcement authority of the State Council before they can be completed. In addition, on February 3, 2011, the General Office of the State Council promulgated a Notice on Establishing the Security Review System for Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the Circular 6, which officially established a security review system for mergers and acquisitions of domestic enterprises by foreign investors. Further, on August 25, 2011, MOFCOM promulgated the Regulations on Implementation of Security Review System for the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the MOFCOM Security Review Regulations, which became effective on September 1, 2011, to implement the Circular 6. Under Circular 6, a security review is required for mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors having “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions by which foreign investors may acquire the “de facto control” of domestic enterprises with “national security” concerns. Under the MOFCOM Security Review Regulations, MOFCOM focused on the substance and actual impact of the transaction when deciding whether a specific merger or acquisition was subject to security review. If MOFCOM decided that a specific merger or acquisition is subject to security review, it would submit it to the Inter-Ministerial Panel, an authority established under the Circular 6 led by the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC, and MOFCOM under the leadership of the State Council, to carry out security review. The regulations prohibit foreign investors from bypassing the security review by structuring transactions through trusts, indirect investments, leases, loans, control through contractual arrangements or offshore transactions. There is no explicit provision or official interpretation stating that the merging or acquisition of a company engaged in the social network, live video, or mobile games business requires security review, and there is no requirement that acquisitions completed prior to the promulgation of the Circular 6 are subject to review. On April 30, 2019, the NDRC issued an announcement, i.e., 2019 Announcement 4, stating that the security review is now subject to its review because of the government reformation. In December 2020, the NDRC and the MOFCOM promulgated the Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investment, which came into effect on January 18, 2021. The NDRC and the MOFCOM will establish a working mechanism office in charge of the security review of foreign investment. Investment in certain key areas with bearing on national security, such as important cultural products and services, important information technology and internet services and products, key technologies and other important areas with bearing on national security which results in the acquisition of de facto control of investee companies, shall be filed with a specifically established office before such investment is carried out.
change-of-control
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In the future, we may grow our business by acquiring complementary businesses. Complying with the requirements of the above-mentioned regulations and other relevant rules to complete such transactions could be time consuming, and any required approval processes, including obtaining approval from the NDRC or its local counterparts may delay or inhibit our ability to complete such transactions. It is unclear whether our business would be deemed to fall into the industry that raises “national defense and security” or “national security” concerns. However, NDRC or other government agencies may publish explanations in the future determining that our business is in an industry subject to the security review, in which case our future acquisitions in the PRC, including those by way of entering into contractual control arrangements with target entities, may be closely scrutinized or prohibited.
The approval of the CSRC or other PRC government authorities may be required in connection with our offshore offerings under PRC law, and, if required, we cannot predict whether or for how long we will be able to obtain such approval.
The M&A Rules requires an overseas special purpose vehicle formed for listing purposes through acquisitions of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC persons or entities to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to the listing and trading of such special purpose vehicle’s securities on an overseas stock exchange. The interpretation and application of the regulations remain unclear, and our offshore offerings may ultimately require approval of the CSRC. If the CSRC approval is required, it is uncertain whether we can or how long it will take us to obtain the approval and, even if we obtain such CSRC approval, the approval could be rescinded. Any failure to obtain or delay in obtaining the CSRC approval for any of our offshore offerings, or a rescission of such approval if obtained by us, would subject us to sanctions imposed by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities, which could include fines and penalties on our operations in China, restrictions or limitations on our ability to pay dividends outside of China, and other forms of sanctions that may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The relevant PRC government authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in accordance with the Law around July 2021. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to deal with the risks and incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies. On December 24, 2021, the CSRC released the Provisions of the State Council on the Administration of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Administrative Provisions, and the Administrative Measures for the Filing of Overseas Securities Offering and Listing by Domestic Companies (Draft for Comments), or the Draft Filing Measures, both of which were open for public comments until January 23, 2022. Under these draft new rules, a filing-based regulatory system will be applied to “indirect overseas offering and listing” of PRC domestic companies, which refers to such securities offering and listing in an overseas market made in the name of an offshore entity, but based on the underlying equity, assets, earnings or other similar rights of a domestic company which operates its main business domestically. It is still uncertain when the final versions of these new provisions and measures will be issued and take effect, how they will be enacted, interpreted or implemented, and whether they will affect us. Assuming the Draft Administrative Provisions and the Draft Filing Measures become effective in their current forms, any of our offering and listing in an overseas market in future may be subject to the filing with the CSRC. Furthermore, according to the Negative List promulgated by the MOFCOM and the NDRC that became effective on January 1, 2022, domestic enterprises engaged in activities in any field prohibited from foreign investment under the Negative List shall be subject to review and approval by the relevant authorities of the PRC when listing and trading overseas. If it is determined that any approval, filing or other administrative procedure from the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities is required for any future offering or listing, we cannot assure that we can obtain the required approval or accomplish the required filings or other regulatory procedures in a timely manner, or at all. If we fail to obtain the relevant approval or complete the filings and other relevant regulatory procedures, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies, which may include fines and penalties on our operations in China, limitations on our operating privileges in China, restrictions on or prohibition of the payments or remittance of dividends by our subsidiaries in China, or other actions that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities also may take actions requiring us, or making it advisable for us, to halt our offerings before settlement and delivery of the shares offered. Consequently, if investors engage in market trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to settlement and delivery, they do so at the risk that settlement and delivery may not occur. In addition, if the CSRC or other regulatory authorities later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals or accomplish the required filing or other regulatory procedures for our prior offshore offerings, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of such approval requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties or negative publicity regarding such approval requirement could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, reputation, and the trading price of our ADSs.
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In December 2021, the CAC, together with other authorities, jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February 15, 2022 and replaces its predecessor regulation. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, critical information infrastructure operators that procure internet products and services, and operators of network platforms conducting data processing activities must be subject to the cybersecurity review if their activities affect or may affect national security. The Cybersecurity Review Measures further stipulates that network platform operators that hold personal information of over one million users shall apply with the Cybersecurity Review Office for a cybersecurity review before any initial public offering at a foreign stock exchange. Given that the Cybersecurity Review Measures was recently promulgated, there are substantial uncertainties as to its interpretation, application, and enforcement. On November 14, 2021, the CAC published a draft of the Administrative Measures for Internet Data Security, or the Draft Data Security Measures, for public comments. The Draft Data Security Measures provides that data processors conducting the following activities must apply for cybersecurity review: (i) merger, reorganization, or division of internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development, or public interests, which affects or may affect national security; (ii) a foreign listing by a data processor processing personal information of over one million users; (iii) a listing in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. There have been no further clarifications from the authorities as of the date of this annual report as to the standards for determining such activities that “affects or may affect national security.” The period for which the CAC solicited comments on this draft ended on December 13, 2021, but there is no timetable as to when the draft regulations will be enacted. As such, substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the enactment timetable, final content, interpretation, and implementation of the Draft Data Security Measures, including the standards for determining activities that “affects or may affect national security.” As the Draft Data Security Measures have not been adopted and it remains unclear whether the formal version adopted in the future will have any further material changes, it is uncertain how the draft regulations will be enacted, interpreted or implemented and how they will affect us.
Any failure or perceived failure by us to comply with the Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for Platforms Economy Sector and other PRC 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.
The PRC anti-monopoly enforcement agencies have strengthened enforcement under the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law in recent years. On December 28, 2018, the SAMR, issued the Notice on Anti-monopoly Enforcement Authorization, pursuant to which its provincial-level branches are authorized to conduct anti-monopoly enforcement within their respective jurisdictions. On September 11, 2020, the Anti-Monopoly Committee of the State Council issued Anti-monopoly Compliance Guideline for Operators, which requires operators to establish anti-monopoly compliance management systems under the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law to manage anti-monopoly compliance risks. On February 7, 2021, the Anti-Monopoly Committee of the State Council published Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for the Platform Economy Sector that specified circumstances where an activity of an internet platform will be identified as monopolistic act as well as concentration filing procedures for business operators, including those involving variable interest entities. On March 12, 2021, the SAMR published several administrative penalty cases about concentration of business operators that violated PRC Anti-Monopoly Law in the internet sector.
On October 23, 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC issued a discussion draft of the amended PRC Anti-Monopoly Law, which proposes to increase the fines for illegal concentration of business operators to “no more than ten percent of its last year’s turnover if the concentration of business operator has or may have an effect of excluding or limiting competition; or a fine of up to RMB5 million if the concentration of business operator does not have an effect of excluding or limiting competition.” The draft also proposes for the relevant authority to investigate transaction where there is evidence that the concentration has or may have the effect of excluding or limiting competition, even if such concentration does not reach the filing threshold.
On December 24, 2021, nine authorities, including the NDRC, jointly issued the Opinions on Promoting the Healthy and Sustainable Development of Platform Economy, which provides that, among others, monopolistic agreements, abuse of dominant market position and illegal concentration of business operators in the field of platform economy will be strictly investigated and punished in accordance with the relevant laws.
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The strengthened enforcement of the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law could result in investigations on our acquisition transactions conducted in the past and make our acquisition transactions in the future more difficult due to the prior filing requirement. The PRC anti-monopoly laws may increase our compliance burden, particularly in the context of relevant PRC authorities recently strengthening supervision and enforcement of the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law against internet platforms. There are significant uncertainties associated with the evolving legislative activities and varied local implementation practices of anti-monopoly and competition laws and regulations in China, especially with respect to the enactment timetable, final content, interpretation and implementation of the amended PRC Anti-Monopoly Law. If it is enacted as proposed, it will be more difficult to complete the acquisition transaction. It will be costly for us to adjust our business practices in order to comply with these evolving laws, regulations, rules, guidelines and implementations. Any
non-compliance
or associated inquiries, investigations and other governmental actions may divert significant management time and attention and our financial resources, lead to negative publicity, liabilities or administrative penalties, therefore materially and adversely affect our financial conditions, operations and business prospects. If we are required to take any rectifying or remedial measures or are subject to any penalties, our reputation and business operations may be materially and adversely affected.If we fail to obtain and maintain the requisite licenses and approvals required under the complex regulatory environment applicable to our businesses in China, or if we are required to take compliance actions that are time-consuming or costly, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
The internet and mobile industries in China are highly regulated. Beijing Momo Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Momo, and its subsidiariesWe are required to obtain and maintain applicable licenses and approvals from different regulatory authorities in order to provide their current services. Under the current PRC regulatory scheme, a number of regulatory agencies, including but not limited to, the National Radio and Television Administration, or NRTA, the General Administration of Press and Publication, or GAPP,NPPA, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, or MCT the MIIT, and the State Council Information Office, or SCIO,MIIT jointly regulate all major aspects of the internet industry, including the mobile internet and mobile games businesses. Operators must obtain various government approvals and licenses for relevant mobile business.
We have obtained the ICP licenses for provision of internet information services and operation of online games and the internet audio/video program transmission license for our live video service. These licenses are essential to the operation of our business and are generally subject to regular government review or renewal. However, we cannot assure you that we can successfully renew these licenses in a timely manner or that these licenses are sufficient to conduct all of our present or future business. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to secure any additional licenses that we may need to conduct our operations.
We are also required to obtain an internet publishing license from GAPPNPPA in order to publish online games through the mobile networks. As of the date of this annual report, we have yet to obtain an internet publishing license, and are in the process of preparing the application documents. We have entered into several cooperation agreements with entities holding the internet publishing license in order to publish online games. Each mobile game is also required to be approved by GAPPNPPA prior to the commencement of its operations in China. As of the date of this annual report, we have obtained approvalsapproval from the GAPPNPPA for allone of the 5 games. In the event of any failure to meet the above-mentioned requirements, we may no longer be able to offer games on our platform, which would have an adverse effect on our business. If we fail to complete, obtain or maintain any of the required licenses or approvals, we may be subject to various penalties, such as confiscation of the net revenues that were generated through online games, the imposition of fines and the discontinuation or restriction of our operations of online games.
Failure to complete, obtain or maintain any of the required licenses or approvals has resulted in, and may in the future result in, us being subjected to various penalties, such as confiscation of the net revenues that were generated through the unlicensed internet or mobile activities, the imposition of fines and the discontinuation or restriction of our operations. Any such penalties may disrupt our business operations and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulation and censorship of information disseminated over the mobile and internet in China may adversely affect our business and subject us to liability for content posted on our platform.
Internet companies in China are subject to a variety of existing and new rules, regulations, policies, and license and permit requirements. In connection with enforcing these rules, regulations, policies and requirements, relevant government authorities may suspend services by, or revoke licenses of, any internet or mobile content service provider that is deemed to provide illicit or pornographic information or content online or on mobile devices, and such activities may be intensified in connection with any ongoing government campaigns to eliminate prohibited content online. The competent government authorities, including the Cyberspace Administration of China,CAC, the MIIT and the Ministry of Public Security,MPS, may crack down on illicit and pornographic information and content in the internet information services industry from time to time. Applicable sanctions, including fines, revocation of online publishing and online video licenses, and criminal prosecution, may be imposed on the provider of such information or content or its responsible officers.
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We endeavor to eliminate illicit and pornographic information and content from our platform. We have made substantial investments in resources to monitor content that users post on our platform and the way in which our users engage with each other through our platform. Since our inception, we have terminated tens of million user accounts because we viewed content generated by those users to be indecent and we terminated a substantial percentage of new user accounts in order to eliminate spam, fictitious accounts and indecent content from our platform. We use a variety of methods to ensure our platform remains a healthy and positive experience for our users, including a designated content management team, licensed third-party software, and our own data analytics software. Although we employ these methods to filter our users and content posted by our users, we cannot be sure that our internal content control efforts will be sufficient to remove all content that may be viewed as indecent or otherwise
non-compliant
with PRC law and regulations. Government standards and interpretations as to what constitutes illicit and pornographic online information, content or behavior are subject to interpretation and may change. Government standards and interpretations may change in a manner that could render our current monitoring efforts insufficient. The Chinese government has wide discretion in regulating online activities and, irrespective of our efforts to control the content on our platform, government campaigns and other actions to reduce illicit and pornographic content and activities could subject us to negative press or regulatory challenges and sanctions, including fines, the suspension or revocation of our licenses to operate in China or a ban of our platform, including closure of one or more parts of or our entire business. Further, our senior management could be held criminally liable if we are deemed to be profiting from illicit and pornographic content on our platform. We cannot assure you that our business and operations will be immune from government actions or sanctions in the future. If government actions or sanctions are brought against us, or if there are widespread rumors that government actions or sanctions have been brought against us, our reputation could be harmed, we may lose users, customers or platform partners, our revenues and results of operation may be materially and adversely affected and the price of our ADSs could be dramatically reduced.Adverse changes in economic and political policies of the PRC government could have a material and adverse effect on overall economic growth in China, which could materially and adversely affect our business.
Our revenues are substantially generated in China. Accordingly, our results of operations, financial condition and prospects are influenced by economic, political and legal developments in China. Economic reforms begun in the late 1970s have resulted in significant economic growth. However, any economic reform policies or measures in China may from time to time be modified or revised. China’s economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including with respect to the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. While the PRC economy has experienced significant growth in the past 30 years, growth has been uneven across different regions and between economic sectors. The PRC government exercises significant control over China’s economic growth through strategically allocating resources, controlling the payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. Although the Chinese economy has grown significantly in the past decade, that growth may not continue, as evidenced by the slowing of the growth of the Chinese economy since 2012. In addition, theofCOVID-19on the Chinese economy in 2020 is likely to be severe.2022. Any adverse changes in economic conditions in China, in the policies of the Chinese government or in the laws and regulations in China could have a material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China. Such developments could adversely affect our business and operating results, lead to reduction in demand for our services and adversely affect our competitive position.
COVID-19
may continue to have a material impact A severe or prolonged downturn in the Chinese or global economy could materially and adversely affect our business and financial condition.
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Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be classified as a PRC “resident enterprise,” which could result in unfavorable tax consequences to us and our shareholders and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, as amended on February 24, 2017 and further 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 tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. In 2009, the State Administration of Taxation, or the SAT issued the Notice Regarding the Determination of Chinese-Controlled Overseas Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprise on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies, or SAT Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de facto management body” of a
PRC-controlled
enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Further to SAT Circular 82, on July 27, 2011, the SAT issued the Administrative Measures for Enterprise Income Tax of Chinese-Controlled Offshore Incorporated Resident Enterprises (Trial), or SAT Bulletin 45, to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82; the bulletin became effective on September 1, 2011. SAT Bulletin 45 clarified certain issues in the areas of resident status determination, post-determination administration and competent tax authorities’ procedures.According to SAT Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be considered as a PRC tax resident enterprise by virtue of having its “de facto management body” in China and will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax on its worldwide income only if all of the following conditions are met: (a) the senior management and core management departments in charge of its daily operations function have their presence mainly in the PRC; (b) its financial and human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies in the PRC; (c) its major assets, accounting books, company seals, and minutes and files of its board and shareholders’ meetings are located or kept in the PRC; and (d) more than half of the enterprise’s directors or senior management with voting rights habitually reside in the PRC. SAT Bulletin 45 specifies that when provided with a copy of Chinese tax resident determination certificate from a resident Chinese controlled offshore incorporated enterprise, the payer should not withhold 10% income tax when paying the Chinese-sourced dividends, interest, royalties, among others, to the Chinese controlled offshore incorporated enterprise.
Although SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 only apply to offshore incorporated enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups and not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the determination criteria set forth therein may reflect the SAT’s general position on how the term “de facto management body” could be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises, individuals or foreigners.
If the PRC tax authorities determine that we or any of our
non-PRC
subsidiaries is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, then we or any suchnon-PRC
subsidiary could be subject to PRC tax at a rate of 25% on its world-wide income, which could materially reduce our net income. In addition, we will also be subject to PRC enterprise income tax reporting obligations.If the PRC tax authorities determine that our company is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares may be subject to PRC tax, at a rate of 10% in the case of
non-PRC
enterprise holders or 20% in the case ofnon-PRC
individual holders, if such gains are deemed to be from PRC sources. In addition, any payments of dividends or interest on the ADSs, ordinary shares may be subject to PRC withholding tax at a rate of 10% in the case ofnon-PRC
enterprise holders or 20% in the case ofnon-PRC
individual holders, if such dividends or interest payments are deemed to be from PRC sources. Any PRC tax liability may be reduced under applicable tax treaties. However, it is unclear whether if we are considered a PRC resident enterprise, holders of our ADSs, ordinary shares will be able to claim the benefit of income tax treaties between China and other countries.44
Further, if we are required to withhold PRC tax from interest payments on the ADSs, we may be required, subject to certain exceptions, to pay additional amounts as will result in receipt by holders of ADSs of such amounts as would have been received had no such withholding been required. The requirement to pay additional amounts will increase the cost of servicing interest payments on the ADSs and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition.
If our PRC subsidiaries declare and distribute dividends to their respective offshore parent companies, we will be required to pay more taxes, which could have a material and adverse effect on our result of operations.
Under the EIT Law and related regulations, dividends, interests, rent or royalties payable by a foreign-invested enterprise, such as our PRC subsidiaries, to any of its foreign
non-resident
enterprise investors, and proceeds from any such foreign enterprise investor’s disposition of assets (after deducting the net value of such assets) are subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless the foreign enterprise investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a reduced rate of withholding tax. The Cayman Islands does not have such a tax treaty with China. Hong Kong has a tax arrangement with China that provides for a 5% withholding tax on dividends subject to certain conditions and requirements, such as the requirement that the Hong Kong resident enterprise own at least 25% of the PRC enterprise distributing the dividend at all times within the12-month
period immediately preceding the distribution of dividends and be a “beneficial owner” of the dividends. For example, Momo Technology HK Company Limited, which directly owns our PRC subsidiary Beijing Momo Information Technology Co., Ltd., is incorporated in Hong Kong. However, if Momo Technology HK Company Limited is not considered to be a Hong Kong tax resident enterprise or the beneficial owner of dividends paid or to be paid to it by Beijing Momo Information Technology Co., Ltd., such dividends would be subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10%. If our PRC subsidiaries further declare and distribute profits to us in the future, such payments will be subject to withholding tax, which will further increase our tax liability and reduce the amount of cash available to our company. During the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, Beijing Momo Information Technology Co., Ltd. paid RMB220.0 million and RMB130.0 million (US$20.4 million), respectively, withholding tax when it paid special dividends to its parent company, Momo Technology HK Company Limited. Except for the withholding tax paid in 2021, we have accrued additional withholding tax of RMB207.4 million (US$32.5 million) on retained earnings generated in 2021 by Beijing Momo Information Technology Co., Ltd., because Beijing Momo Information Technology Co., Ltd.’s earnings is to be remitted to its offshore parent company in the foreseeable future to fund its demand on US dollar in business operations, payments of dividends, potential investments, etc. Since the first quarter of 2022 and going forward in the foreseeable future, we will continue to accrue the withholding tax of 10% of the net income generated by Beijing Momo Information Technology Co. and record as income tax expenses each quarter.We face uncertainty with respect to indirect transfer of equity interests in PRC resident enterprises by their
non-PRC
holding companies.We face uncertainties regarding the reporting on and consequences of previous private equity financing transactions involving the transfer and exchange of shares in our company by Moreover, the Notice on Strengthening Administration of Enterprise Income Tax for Share Transfers byNon-PRCResident Enterprises issued by the SAT on December 10, 2009, with retroactive effect from January 1, 2008, or SAT Circular 698, provides that, where anon-residententerprise transfers the equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise indirectly through a disposition of equity interests in an overseas holding company (other than a purchase and sale of shares issued by a PRC resident enterprise in public securities market), or an Indirect Transfer, and such overseas holding company is located in a tax jurisdiction that: (a) has an effective tax rate less than 12.5% or (b) does not tax foreign income of its residents, thenon-residententerprise, as the seller, shall report such Indirect Transfer to the competent tax authority of the PRC resident enterprise within 30 days of execution of the equity transfer agreement for such Indirect Transfer. The PRC tax authority will examine the true nature of the Indirect Transfer, and if the tax authority considers that the foreign investor has adopted an abusive arrangement without reasonable commercial purposes and for the purpose of avoiding or reducing PRC tax, they will disregard the existence of the overseas holding company that is used for tax planning purposes andre-characterizethe Indirect Transfer. As a result, gains derived from such Indirect Transfer may be subject to PRC withholding tax at the rate of up to 10%. SAT Circular 698 also points out that when anon-residententerprise transfers its equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise to its related parties at a price lower than the fair market value, the competent tax authorities have the power to make a reasonable adjustment on the taxable income of the transaction.
non-resident
investors. On April 30, 2009, the Ministry of Finance, or the MOF, and the SAT jointly issued the Notice on Issues Concerning Process of Enterprise Income Tax in Enterprise Restructuring Business, or Circular 59, to enhance the scrutiny over the direct or indirect transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise by anon-resident
enterprise.On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued a Public Notice 2015 No. 7, or Public Notice 7, to supersede existing provisions in relation to the Indirect Transfer as set forth in Circular 698, while the other provisions of Circular 698 remain in force. Public Notice 7 introduces a new tax regime that is significantly different from that under Circular 698. Public Notice 7which extends its tax jurisdiction to capture not only Indirect Transfer as set forth under Circular 698indirect transfers but also transactions involving transfer of immovable property in China and assets held under the establishment and place in China of a foreign company through the offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. Public Notice 7 also addresses the transfer of the equity interest in a foreign intermediate holding company widely. In addition, Public Notice 7 provides clearerclear criteria than Circular 698 on how to assess reasonable commercial purposes and introduces safe harbor scenarios applicable to internal group restructurings. However, it also brings challenges to both the foreign transferor and transferee (or other person who is obligated to pay for the transfer) of the Indirect Transferindirect transfers as they have to make self-assessment on whether the transaction should be subject to PRC tax and to file or withhold the PRC tax accordingly. In October 2017, the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding ofonin December 1, 2017.2017 and was amended in June 2018. The Bulletin 37 replaced and superseded, among other circulars, Circular 698, and further clarifies the practice and procedures of the withholding ofIndirect Transfer,indirect transfer, theIndirect Transferindirect transfer to the relevant tax authority.
Non-resident
Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or Bulletin 37, which came into effect non-resident
enterprise income tax. Where anon-resident
enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which constitutes an non-resident
enterprise as either the transferor or the transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such Where
non-resident
investors were involved in our private equity financing, if such transactions were determined by the tax authorities to lack reasonable commercial purpose, we and ournon-resident
investors may become at risk of being taxed under Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 and may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 or to establish that we should not be taxed under Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or thenon-resident
investors’ investments in us.The PRC tax authorities have the discretion under SAT Circular 59, Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 to make adjustments to the taxable capital gains based on the difference between the fair value of the equity interests transferred and the cost of investment. We may pursue acquisitions in the future that may involve complex corporate structures. If we are considered a
non-resident
enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and if the PRC tax authorities make adjustments to the taxable income of the transactions under SAT Circular 59, Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7, our income tax costs associated with such potential acquisitions will be increased, which may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.PRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to increase its registered capital or distribute profits to us or otherwise expose us to liability and penalties under PRC law.
The State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or the SAFE promulgated the Circular on Relevant Issues Relating to Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Resident’s Offshore Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 37, in July 2014 that requires PRC residents or entities to register with SAFE or its local branch in connection with their establishment or control of an offshore entity established for the purpose of overseas investment or financing. In addition, such PRC residents or entities must update their SAFE registrations when the offshore special purpose 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. SAFE Circular 37 has been issued to replace the Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC Residents Engaging in Financing and Roundtrip Investments via Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles, or SAFE Circular 75.
If our shareholders who are PRC residents or entities do not complete their registration with the local SAFE branches, our PRC subsidiaries may be prohibited from distributing their profits and proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation to us, and we may be restricted in our ability to contribute additional capital to our PRC subsidiaries. Moreover, failure to comply with the SAFE registration described above could result in liability under PRC laws for evasion of applicable foreign exchange restrictions.
To our knowledge, Messrs. Yan Tang, Yong Li, Zhiwei Li and Xiaoliang Lei have completed SAFE registration in connection with our financings and share transfer. However, we cannot compel all of our beneficial owners to comply with SAFE registration requirements. As a result, we cannot assure you that all of our shareholders or beneficial owners who are PRC residents or entities have complied with, and will in the future make or obtain any applicable registrations or approvals required by, SAFE regulations. Failure by such shareholders or beneficial owners to comply with SAFE regulations, or failure by us to amend the foreign exchange registrations of our PRC subsidiaries, could subject us to fines or legal sanctions, restrict our overseas or cross-border investment activities, limit our subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions or pay dividends or affect our ownership structure, which could adversely affect our business and prospects.
Failure to comply with PRC regulations regarding the registration requirements for employee stock ownership plans or share option plans may subject the PRC plan participants or us to fines and other legal or administrative sanctions.
In February 2012, SAFE promulgated the Notices on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies, or Circular 7, which replaced the Application Procedures of Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Ownership Plans or Stock Option Plans of Overseas Publicly-Listed Companies issued by SAFE on March 28, 2007.7. Under the Circular 7 and other relevant rules and regulations, PRC residents who participate in stock incentive plan in an overseas publicly-listed company are required to register with SAFE or its local branches and complete certain other procedures. Participants of a stock incentive plan who are PRC residents must retain a qualified PRC agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas publicly listed company or another qualified institution selected by such PRC subsidiary, to conduct the SAFE registration and other procedures with respect to the stock incentive plan on behalf of its participants. Such participants must also retain an overseas entrusted institution to handle matters in connection with their exercise of stock options, the purchase and sale of corresponding stocks or interests and fund transfers. In addition, the PRC agent is required to amend the SAFE registration with respect to the stock incentive plan if there is any material change to the stock incentive plan, the PRC agent or the overseas entrusted institution or other material changes. We and our PRC employees who have been granted stock options are subject to these regulations. Failure of our PRC stock option holders to complete their SAFE registrations may subject these PRC residents to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our PRC subsidiaries, limit our PRC subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to us, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business.
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PRC regulation of loans to, and direct investment in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may restrict or prevent us from using offshore funds to make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries, or to make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries.
We are an offshore holding company conducting our operations in China through our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries. We may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries, or we may establish new PRC subsidiaries and make capital contributions to these new PRC subsidiaries, or we may acquire offshore entities with business operations in China in an offshore transaction.
Most of these ways are subject to PRC regulations and approvals. For example, loans by us to our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries to finance their activities cannot exceed statutory limits and must be registered with the local counterpart of SAFE. If we decide to finance our wholly-owned PRC subsidiaries by means of capital contributions, these capital contributions must be filed with the local counterpart of the State Administration for Market Regulation.SAMR. Due to the restrictions imposed on loans in foreign currencies extended to any PRC domestic companies, we are not likely to make such loans to Beijing Momo, which is PRC domestic company. Further, we are not likely to finance the activities of Beijing Momo by means of capital contributions due to regulatory restrictions relating to foreign investment in PRC domestic enterprises engaged in mobile internet services, online games and related businesses.
On August 29, 2008, SAFE promulgated the Circular on the Relevant Operating Issues Concerning the Improvement of the Administration of the Payment and Settlement of Foreign Currency Capital of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, or SAFE Circular 142, regulating the conversion by a foreign-invested enterprise of foreign currency registered capital into Renminbi by restricting how the converted Renminbi may be used. SAFE Circular 142 provides that Renminbi capital converted from foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested enterprise may only be used for purposes within the business scope approved by the applicable governmental authority and may not be used for equity investments within the PRC. In addition, SAFE strengthened its oversight of the flow and use of the Renminbi capital converted from the foreign currency registered capital of a foreign-invested company. The use of such Renminbi capital may not be altered without SAFE approval, and such Renminbi capital may not in any case be used to repay Renminbi loans if the proceeds of such loans have not been used. Violations of SAFE Circular 142 could result in severe monetary or other penalties. Furthermore, SAFE promulgated a circular on November 9, 2010, known as Circular 59, which tightens the examination of the authenticity of settlement of net proceeds from overseas offerings. SAFE further promulgated the Circular on Further Clarification and Regulation of the Issues Concerning the Administration of Certain Capital Account Foreign Exchange Businesses, or Circular 45, on November 9, 2011, which expressly prohibits foreign-invested enterprises from using registered capital settled in Renminbi converted from foreign currencies to grant loans through entrustment arrangements with a bank, repay inter-company loans or repay bank loans that have been transferred to a third party. Circular 142, Circular 59 and Circular 45 may significantly limit our ability to transfer the net proceeds from our overseas offerings, including our initial public offering consummated in December 2014, to our PRC subsidiaries and to convert such proceeds into Renminbi, which may adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to fund and expand our business in the PRC.
On June 9, 2016, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming and RegulationRegulating of Administrative Policy on Settlement of Foreign Exchange of Capital Account, or SAFE Circular 16, which became effective on June 9, 2016. According to SAFE Circular 16, the foreign exchange capital of foreign-invested enterprises, or FIEs, foreign debt and funds raised through offshore listings may be settled on a discretionary basis, and can be settled at banks. The proportion of such discretionary settlement is temporarily determined as 100%. The RMB converted from relevant foreign exchange shall be kept in a designated account, and if a domestic enterprise needs to make further payment from such account, it still must provide supporting documents and go through the review process with the banks.
On October 23, 2019, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Promoting the Facilitation of Cross-border Trade and Investment, or SAFE Circular 28. On the basis of continuing to allow investment FIEs (including foreign investment companies, foreign-funded venture capital enterprises and foreign-funded equity investment enterprises) to use the registered capital for domestic equity investment in accordance with the laws and regulations, SAFE Circular 28 cancelled the restriction on the“negative list”“Negative List” and the authenticity and compliance of the domestic equity investment.investment projects. SAFE Circular 28 further clarifies the two ways of using the foreign currency registered capital of298 loosed the regulatory restrictions but there is still uncertainty regarding how the SAFE and banks will interpret and implement these regulations and whether SAFE or other government authorities will continue to promulgate new regulations that may substantially influence our ability to transfer the net proceeds from our overseas offerings to our PRC subsidiaries and to convert such proceeds into Renminbi, which may adversely impact our ability to fund and expand our business in the PRC.
non-investment
FIEs and allows thenon-investment
FIEs (like Beijing Momo IT) to use the registered capital for domestic equity investment under the premise of not violating the existing non-investment
FIEs for domestic equity investment, i.e., by way of transfer of the foreign currency registered capital in its original currency and by way of foreign exchange settlement of the foreign currency registered capital. On October 23, 2019, the same date, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reducing Foreign Exchange Accounts, or SAFE Circular 29, which became effective on March 2, 2020. The Appendix B of SAFE Circular 29 provides operational guidance for SAFE Circular 28. SAFE Circular 29 further specifies that the domestic equity investment set forth in Circular 28 is not limited to direct investment in a domestic enterprise but also includes equity investment conducted in the form of “equity transfer.” According to the Circular on Improving Administration of Foreign Exchange to Support the Development of Foreign-related Business, or the SAFE Circular 8, issued by the SAFE on April 10, 2020, eligible enterprises are allowed to make domestic payments by using their capital funds, foreign credits and the income under capital accounts of overseas listing without submitting the evidentiary materials concerning authenticity of such capital to banks in advance, provided that their capital use is authentic and in compliance with administrative regulations on the use of income under capital accounts. The bank in charge shall conduct spot checking in accordance with the relevant requirements. Although SAFE Circular 19, SAFE Circular 16, SAFE Circular 28, SAFE Circular 29 and SAFE Circular 47
Litigation and negative publicity surrounding China-based companies listed in the U.S. may result in increased regulatory scrutiny of us and negatively impact the trading price of the ADSs and could have a material adverse effect upon our business, including our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.
We believe that litigation and negative publicity surrounding companies with operations in China that are listed in the U.S. have negatively impacted stock prices for such companies. Various equity-based research organizations have published reports on China-based companies after examining, among other things, their corporate governance practices, related party transactions, sales practices and financial statements that have led to special investigations and stock suspensions on national exchanges. Any similar scrutiny of us, regardless of its lack of merit, could result in a diversion of management resources and energy, potential costs to defend ourselves against rumors, decreases and volatility in the ADS trading price, and increased directors and officers insurance premiums and could have a material adverse effect upon our business, including our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment.
The conversion of RMB into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, is based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China. The RMB has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. The value of RMB against the U.S. dollar and other currencies is affected by changes in China’s political and economic conditions and by China’s foreign exchange policies, among other things. We cannot assure you that RMB will not appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against 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 exchange rate between RMB and the U.S. dollar in the future.
Any significant appreciation or depreciation of RMB may materially and adversely affect our revenues, earnings and financial position, and the value of, and any dividends payable on, our ADSs in U.S. dollars. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into RMB for capital expenditures and working capital and other business purposes, appreciation of RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the RMB amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs, strategic acquisitions or investments or other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. In addition, a significant depreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar may significantly reduce the U.S. dollar equivalent of our earnings, which in turn could adversely affect the price of our ADSs.
Very limited hedging options are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to adequately hedge our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert RMB into foreign currency. As a result, fluctuations in exchange rates may have a material adverse effect on your investment.
Our leased property interests may be defective and our right to lease the properties affected by such defects may be challenged, which could cause significant disruption to our business.
Under PRC laws, all lease agreements are required to be registered with the local housing authorities. We presently lease 2939 premises in China, and all the landlords of these premises have completed the registration of their ownership rights, andbut none of the landlords of two of these premises have completed the registration of our lease with the relevant authority.
Failure to complete these required registrations may expose our landlords, lessors and us to potential monetary fines. If these registrations are not obtained in a timely manner or at all, we may be subject to monetary fines or may have to relocate our offices and incur the associated losses.
Risks Related to Our ADSs
The trading price of our ADSs is likely to be volatile, which could result in substantial losses to investors.
The price of our ADSs has been and is likely to continue to be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of broad market and industry factors, like the performance and fluctuation of the market prices of other companies with business operations located mainly in China that have listed their securities in the United States. A number of Chinese companies have listed their securities on U.S. stock markets. The securities of somemany of these companies have experienced significant volatility, including price declines in connection with their initial public offerings.volatility. The trading performances of these Chinese companies’ securities after their offerings may affect the attitudes of investors toward Chinese companies listed in the United States in general and consequently may impact the trading performance of our ADSs, regardless of our actual operating performance. Furthermore, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies like us. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our ADSs. Volatility or a lack of positive performance in our ADS price may also adversely affect our ability to retain key employees, most of whom have been granted options or other equity incentives.
In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for our ADSs may be highly volatile for factors specific to our own operations, including the following:
variations in our revenues, earnings, cash flow and data related to our user base or user engagement;
announcements of new investments, acquisitions, strategic partnerships or joint ventures by us or our competitors;
announcements of new products, services and expansions by us or our competitors;
changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;
detrimental adverse publicity about us, our services or our industry;
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; andpotential litigation or regulatory investigations.
Any of these factors may result in large and sudden changes in the volume and price at which our ADSs will trade.
In the past, shareholders of public companies have often brought securities class action suits against those companies following periods of instability in the market price of their securities. We have been named as a defendant in a putative shareholder class action lawsuit which could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and other resources from our business and operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit, which could harm our results of operations. Please see “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Legal Proceedings” for description of the putative shareholder class action lawsuit. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We believe that we were a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ended December 31, 2021, which could result in adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders of our ADSs or ordinary shares.
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Based upon the nature and composition of our assets (in particular, the retention of substantial amounts of cash, deposits and investments), and the market price of our ADSs, we believe that we were a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ended December 31, 2021, and we will likely be a PFIC for our current taxable year unless the market price of our ADSs increases and/or we invest a substantial amount of the cash and other passive assets we hold in assets that produce or are held for the production of active income.
If we are classified as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder (as defined in “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations”) will generally be subject to reporting requirements and may incur significantly increased U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares and on the receipt of distributions on the ADSs or ordinary shares to the extent such gain or distribution is treated as an “excess distribution” under the U.S. federal income tax rules. Further, if we are a PFIC for any year during which a U.S. Holder held our ADSs or ordinary shares, we generally would continue to be treated as a PFIC for all succeeding years during which such U.S. Holder held our ADSs or ordinary shares. You are urged to consult your tax advisor concerning the U.S. federal income tax considerations of holding and disposing of ADSs or ordinary shares if we are or become classified as a PFIC. For more information see “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our ADSs, the market price for our ADSs and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our ADSs will be influenced by research or reports that industry or securities analysts publish about our business. If one or more analysts who cover us downgrade our ADSs, the market price for our ADSs would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to cover us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the market price or trading volume for our ADSs to decline.
Substantial future sales or the expectation of substantial sales of our ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.
Sales of our ADSs in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our ADSs to decline. Such sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate. If any existing shareholder or shareholders sell a substantial amount of ADSs, the prevailing market price for our ADSs could be adversely affected. In addition, if we pay for our future acquisitions in whole or in part with additionally issued ordinary shares, your ownership interests in our company would be diluted and this, in turn, could have a material and adverse effect on the price of our ADSs.
Because we may not continue to pay dividends in the foreseeable future, you must rely on price appreciation of our ADSs for return on your investment.
Although we declared special cash dividends to holders of our ordinary shares in the past, we may not continue to do so regularly, or at all. Therefore, you may need to rely on price appreciation of our ADSs as the sole source for return on your investment.
Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends subject to our memorandum and articles of association and certain restrictions under Cayman Islands law. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our ADSs. There is no guarantee that our ADSs will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased the ADSs. You may not realize a return on your investment in our ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in our ADSs.
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Your interests may not always align with those of our shareholders, including our principal shareholder.
You are also reminded that your interests may not always align with those of other shareholders, including our principal shareholders. Mr. Yan Tang, ourchairman and chief executive officer,chairman, has considerable influence over important corporate matters. We have adopted a dual-class voting structure in which our ordinary shares consist of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share in respect of matters requiring the votes of shareholders, while holders of Class B ordinary shares are entitled to ten votes per share. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time by the holder thereof, while Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances. Due to the disparate voting powers associated with our two classes of ordinary shares, Mr. Tang beneficially owned a total of 70.6%71.9% of the aggregate voting power of our company as of March 31, 2020.2022. As a result of his majority voting power, Mr. Tang has considerable influence over matters such as electing directors and approving material mergers, acquisitions or other business combination transactions. This concentrated control will limit the ability of holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs to influence corporate matters and could also discourage others from pursuing any potential merger, takeover or other change of control transactions, which could have the effect of depriving the holders of our Class A ordinary shares and our ADSs of the opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over the prevailing market price. We cannot assure you that actions taken by our principal shareholders will completely align with your interests, or that any conflicts of interest will be resolved in a way beneficial to you.
co-founder
Our memorandum and articles of association contain anti-takeover provisions that could have a material adverse effect on the rights of holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs.
Our currently effective second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association contain provisions to limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company or cause us to engage intransactions. These provisions could have the effect of depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a tender offer or similar transaction. Our dual-class voting structure gives disproportionate voting power to the Class B ordinary shares held by Gallant Future Holdings Limited and New Heritage Global Limited, both of which are wholly owned by a family trust controlled by Yan Tang, ourchairman and chief executive officer.chairman. In addition, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by our shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix their designations, powers, preferences, privileges, and relative participating, optional or special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights associated with our Class A ordinary shares, in the form of ADS or otherwise. Preferred shares could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue preferred shares, the price of our ADSs may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Class A ordinary shares and ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.
change-of-control
co-founder
Provisions of our convertible senior notes could discourage an acquisition of us by a third party.
In July 2018, we issued US$725 million principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2025. Certain provisions of our convertible senior notes could make it more difficult or more expensive for a third party to acquire us. The indenture for our convertible senior notes define a “fundamental change” to include, among other things: (i) any person or group becoming a direct or indirect beneficial owner of our company’s ordinary share capital (including ordinary share capital held in the form of ADSs) representing more than 50% of the voting power of our ordinary share capital or more than 50% of our issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares (including Class A ordinary shares held in the form of ADSs); (ii) any recapitalization, reclassification or change of our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs as a result of which these securities would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets or any share exchange, consolidation or merger of our company pursuant to which our Class A ordinary shares or ADSs will be converted into cash, securities or other property or any sale, lease or other transfer in one transaction or a series of transaction of all or substantially all of our consolidated assets, taken as a whole, to any person other than one of our subsidiaries; (iii) the approval of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of our company by our shareholders; (iv) our ADSs ceasing to be listed or quoted on any of The New York Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Global Select Market or The Nasdaq Global Market (or any of their respective successors); or (v) any change in or amendment to the laws, regulations and rules in the PRC or the official interpretation or official application thereof that prohibits us from operating substantially all of our business operations and prevents us from continuing to derive substantially all of the economic benefits from our business operations. Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change, holders of these notes will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase all of their notes or any portion of the principal amount of such notes in principal amounts of US$1,000 or integral multiples thereof. In the event of a fundamental change, we may also be required to issue additional ADSs upon conversion of our convertible notes.
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You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through U.S. courts may be limited, because we are registered by way of continuation under Cayman Islands law.
We are an exempted company limited by shares registered under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law (2020 Revision)Act (As Revised) of the Cayman Islands (the “Companies Law”Act”) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.
Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records (except for our memorandum and articles of association)association, our register of mortgages and charges and special resolutions of our shareholders) or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association 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 needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.
As a result of all of the above, shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as public shareholders of a company incorporated in the United States.
Certain judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.
We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and most of our assets are located outside of the United States. Substantially all of our current operations are conducted in China. In addition, a majority of our current directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. Most of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to effect service of process within the United States upon us or these persons or to bring an action against us 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 and of China may render you unable to enforce a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. There is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the federal or state courts of the United States (and the Cayman Islands are not a party to any treaties for the reciprocal enforcement or recognition of such judgments), a judgment obtained in such jurisdiction will be recognized and enforced in the courts of the Cayman Islands at common law, without any
re-examination
of the merits of the underlying dispute, by an action commenced on the foreign judgment debt in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, provided such judgment (a) is given by a foreign court of competent jurisdiction, (b) imposes on the judgment debtor a liability to pay a liquidated sum for which the judgment has been given, (c) is final, (d) is not in respect of taxes, a fine or a penalty, and (e) was not obtained in a manner and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. However, the Cayman Islands courts are unlikely to enforce a judgment obtained from the U.S. courts under civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities law if such judgment is determined by the courts of the Cayman Islands to give rise to obligations to make payments that are penal or punitive in nature. Because such a determination has not yet been made by a court of the Cayman Islands, it is uncertain whether such civil liability judgments from U.S. courts would be enforceable in the Cayman Islands.52
We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States domestic public companies.
Because we are a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including:
the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing of quarterly reports on Form
10-Q
or current reports on Form8-K
with the SEC;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.FD; and
certain audit committee independence requirements in Rule
10A-3
of the Exchange Act.We are required to file an annual report on FormWe follow home country practice with respect to annual shareholders meetings and did not hold an annual meeting of shareholders in 2019. In addition, we followed home country practice with respect to the adoption of the Tantan 2018 Plan in July 2018 and did not seek shareholder approval pursuant to Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5635(c). As a result, you may not be afforded the same protections or information, which would be made available to you, were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer.
20-F
within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we intend to publish our results on a quarterly basis through press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will also be furnished to the SEC on Form6-K.
However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the 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, which would be made available to you, were you investing in a U.S. domestic issuer. As a Cayman Islands company listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, we are subject to the Nasdaq Global Select Market corporate governance listing standards. However, Nasdaq Global Select Market rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from the Nasdaq Global Select Market corporate governance listing standards. To the extent that we choose to utilize the home country exemption for corporate governance matters, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under the Nasdaq Global Select Market corporate governance listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers. We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and, as a result, may rely on certain exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that provide protection to shareholders of other companies.
We are a “controlled company” as defined under the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules because Yan Tang, ourchairman and chief executive officer,chairman, beneficially owns more than 50% of our total voting power. For so long as we remain a controlled company under that definition, we are permitted to elect to rely, and may rely, on certain exemptions from corporate governance rules. As a result, you may not have the same protection afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to these corporate governance requirements.
co-founder
The voting rights of holders of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement, and you may not be able to exercise your right to vote your underlying Class A ordinary shares.
As a holder of our ADSs, you will only be able to exercise the voting rights with respect to the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Under the deposit agreement, you must vote by giving voting instructions to the depositary. Upon receipt of your voting instructions, the depositary will vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs in accordance with these instructions. You will not be able to directly exercise your right to vote with respect to the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs unless you register thesuch underlying Class A ordinary shares in your own name. Under our currently effective second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the minimum notice period required for convening a general meeting is 10 days, exclusive of the day on which notice is given and the day of the meeting. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient advance notice to register the underlying classClass A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs in your own name to allow you to vote with respect to any specific matter. If we ask for your instructions, the depositary will notify you of the upcoming vote and will arrange to deliver our voting materials to you. We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote the underlying classClass A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs. In addition, the depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for their manner of carrying out your voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may have no legal remedy if the underlying classClass A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs are not voted as you requested.
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The depositary for our ADSs will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs if you do not instruct the depositary to vote your shares, except in limited circumstances, which could adversely affect your interests.
Under the deposit agreement for the ADSs, if you do not instruct the depositary to vote the underlying classClass A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to vote the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs at shareholders’ meetings unless:
we have failed to timely provide the depositary with notice of meeting and related voting materials;
we have instructed the depositary that we do not wish a discretionary proxy to be given;
we have informed the depositary that there is substantial opposition as to a matter to be voted on at the meeting;
a matter to be voted on at the meeting would have a material adverse impact on shareholders; or
the voting at the meeting is to be made on a show of hands.
The effect of this discretionary proxy is that if you do not instruct the depositary to vote the underlying classClass A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs, you cannot prevent the underlying Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs from being voted, except under the circumstances described above. This may make it more difficult for holders of ADSs to influence the management of our company. Holders of our Class A ordinary shares are not subject to this discretionary proxy.
You may not receive dividends or other distributions on our Class A ordinary shares and you may not receive any value for them, if it is illegal or impractical to make them available to you.
The depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities underlying our ADSs, after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of Class A ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act but that are not properly registered or distributed under an applicable exemption from registration. The depositary may also determine that it is not feasible to distribute certain property through the mail. Additionally, the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may determine not to distribute such property. We have no obligation to register under U.S. securities laws any ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or other securities received through such distributions. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs. This means that you may not receive distributions we make on our Class A ordinary shares or any value for them if it is illegal or impractical for us to make them available to you. These restrictions may cause a material decline in the value of our ADSs.
You may experience dilution of your holdings due to inability to participate in rights offerings.
We may, from time to time, distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire securities. Under the deposit agreement, the depositary will not distribute rights to holders of ADSs unless the distribution and sale of rights and the securities to which these rights relate are either exempt from registration under the Securities Act with respect to all holders of ADSs, or are registered under the provisions of the Securities Act. The depositary may, but is not required to, attempt to sell these undistributed rights to third parties, and may allow the rights to lapse. We may be unable to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, and we are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to these rights or underlying securities or to endeavor to have a registration statement declared effective. Accordingly, holders of ADSs may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution of their holdings as a result.
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You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close its books from time to time for a number of reasons, including in connection with corporate events such as a rights offering, during which time the depositary needs to maintain an exact number of ADS holders on its books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on weekends and public holidays. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of our ADSs generally when our share register or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary thinks it is advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.
Item 4. | Information on the Company |
A. | History and Development of the Company |
We started our operations in July 2011 when our founders established Beijing Momo Technology Co., Ltd., or Beijing Momo, in China. In order to facilitate foreign investment in our company, we incorporated our holding company under the name of Momo Technology Company Limited in the British Virgin Islands in November 2011. In July 2014, Momo Technology Company Limited was redomiciled in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company registered under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and was renamed Momo Inc. The following outlines other major changes to our corporate structure in recentthe last three years.
In August 2019, we established SpaceCape Inc. in Cayman Islands, or SpaceCape Cayman, a company which is 100% owned by us.
In August 2019, we established SpaceCape Technology Pte. Ltd. in Singapore, or SpaceCape Singapore, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of SpaceCape Cayman.
From May 2018 to April 2019, we entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Tantan Culture Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd., or Tantan Culture, Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer, Beijing Fancy Reader and QOOL Media (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., or Tianjin QOOL Media, and their respective shareholders, through which we exert control over these entities and their subsidiaries and consolidate their operating results in our financial statements.
From April 2019 to October 2019, we entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Beijing Perfect Match and Beijing Fancy Reader, adjusted one shareholder of Beijing Fancy Reader shareholders and registered capital of Tantan Culture, through which we exert control over these entities and their subsidiaries and consolidate their operating results in our financial statements.
From April 2020 to March 2021, we entered into a series of contractual arrangements with Beijing Momo and SpaceTime Beijing, and adjusted two shareholders of Beijing Top Maker shareholders.
From April 2021 to March 2022, we restarted a series of contractual arrangements with Beijing Momo and Beijing Top Maker shareholders and adjusted one shareholder of Beijing Top Maker.
See “—C. Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities.” See “—C. Organizational Structure—Contractual Arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities.the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Respective Shareholders.”
In December 2014, we completed our initial public offering and listed our ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “MOMO.”
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On August 2, 2021, our name change from “Momo Inc.” to “Hello Group Inc.” became effective.
Our principal executive offices are located at 20th Floor, Block B, Tower 2, Wangjing SOHO, No. 1 Futongdong Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100102, People’s Republic of China. Our telephone number at this address isOur registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at P.O. Box 309, Ugland House, Grand Cayman
+86-10-5731-0567.
KY1-1104,
Cayman Islands. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Law Debenture Corporate Services Inc., 801 2nd Avenue, Suite 403, New York, NY 10017.SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC on. You can also find information on our websitehttp:https://ir.immomo.comir.hellogroup.com. The information contained on our website is not a part of this annual report.
www.sec.gov
B. | Business Overview |
We are a leading player in China’s online social and entertainmentnetworking space. Through Momo, Tantan and other properties within our product portfolio, we enable users to discover new relationships, expand their social connections and build meaningful interactions. Momo is a mobile application that connects people and facilitates social interactions based on location, interests and a variety of online recreational activities including live talent shows, short videos, social games as well as other video- and audio-based interactive experiences, such as live chats and mobile karaoke experience.activities. Tantan, which was added into our family of applications through acquisition in May 2018, is a leading social and dating application for the younger generation.application. Tantan is designed to help its users find and establish romantic connections as well as meet interesting people. Starting from 2019, we have incubated a number of other new apps, such as Hertz, Soulchill and Duidui, which target more niche markets and more selective demographics. Hertz, launched in January 2019, is a voice-based social app that primarily serves Generation Z. Soulchill, launched in October 2019, is a voice based social app targeting the overseas market. Duidui, launched in January 2020, is a video match making app helping users seek new relationships mainly in lower tier cities.
We have built a large user base on Momo since its launch in 2011. Momo’s MAUs increased to 114.1 million in December 2021 from 113.8 million in December 2020, which decreased from 114.5 million in December 2019 from 113.3 million in December 2018 and 99.1 million in December 2017.2019. The increase of Momo’s MAUs in 20192021 was primarily attributable to the enriched product and content offerings andrefinement of our marketing activities. Weapproach and product innovations. The decrease of Momo’s MAUs in 2020 was primarily attributable to the5.527.0 million paying users onMAUs in December 2021.
COVID-19
pandemic as well as relevant measures to keep it under control. Tantan had Momo, Tantan and other mobile applications within our Tantan application in 2019.
in-show
virtual gifts to other users hosting live shows, and it currently contributes the largest share of our revenues, generating 2021.
The Momo Platform
Our Momo platform includes our Momo mobile application and a variety of related properties, features, functionalities, tools and services. The Momo platform enables users to discover new relationships, expand their social connections and build meaningful interactions. We connect people and facilitate interactions over a rich collection of social experiences based on location, interests, content sharing and a variety of recreational activities including live talent shows, short videos, social games as well as other video- and audio-based interactive experiences, such as live chats andonline parties, mobile karaoke experience. Momo offers a personal and lively way for users to discover interesting people, and facilitates the communicating, interacting, and content sharing with others.user participated reality shows. Communications within our platform are supported by multi-media instant messaging tools and other audio- and video-based communication tools and services.
The Tantan Platform
Tantan is a leading social and dating application, in China. Tantan, whose primary users consist of young mobile internet users,which is designed to help its users find and establish romantic connections, as well as meet interesting people. Tantan has become one of the leading choices for young mobile internet users in China to discover new relationships. InTantan’s users can enjoy many of the core features of Tantan for free. For example, Tantan users can swipe through a pool of people to find potential matches and communicate with the matches through the instant messaging tool on the Tantan app. Tantan users can also create and share content or discover new connections via contents shared by other users. However, to enjoy certain premium features, a user must pay a monthly subscription fee or purchase the premium features on an à la carte basis. Starting from 2019, Tantan accumulated 5.5 million paying users.
We believe that Tantan strategically complements the Momo platform. First, Tantan’s users are younger on average than Momo’s users, allowing us to expand our footprint among younger demographics. Second, whereas the Momo platform has been primarily focused on connecting people in a broader sense among larger groups and communities, Tantan is primarily focused onone-to-onematching connecting people for romantic purposes. Additionally, compared to Momo, Tantan is a younger brand with strong potential to grow its user base and revenues. We believe that our acquisition of Tantan helps us enrich our product line, expand our user base, broaden our social scenarios and strengthen our leading position in China’s open social market.
Monetization Opportunities
We currentlyoffer a wide variety of products that capture the needs of users from all demographics and socioeconomic statuses. Throughout the years, we continue to create new products and services by closely following the market dynamics and users’ evolving social needs. In real life, people bond more easily and effectively by playing games together. Using a gamified experience to facilitate relationship building and enhance social experience is one of the key ideas behind our product design. Through constant product and operational innovations, we have effectively monetized through a wide variety of virtual gift experiences which not only generate revenues primarily fromrevenue, but also encourage interactions among the users. We implemented two major business lines for monetization: live video service and value-added service (social experiences outside of live video service). In addition, we also generate revenues from mobile marketing services, mobile games, and other services.
Live Video Service
Our live video service in September 2015, allowingallows Momo and Tantan users to purchaselivestream a variety of content and sendin-showvirtual gifts to other users hosting liveactivities including talent shows such as singing, dancing and talk shows, as broadcasters. Initially, the service adopted an online live concert format whereby certain talented performers were invited to put on live music shows in a professional studio environment. Such shows were broadcasted live in one to four sessions on a daily basiswell as casual chatting and atpre-announcedtimes. In the fourth quarterother form of 2015, we opened more live channels in order to enable more performers to put on talent shows to entertaininteractions between broadcasters and interact with their audience.viewers. The broadcasters are able to “go live” and connect with their audience via their mobile phones as well as PC, while audience members are able to interact on a real time basis with the broadcasters and other fellow viewers by texting for free or purchasing and sending virtual gifts. We share a portion of the revenues generated with the broadcasters or the talent agencies. Until April 2016, we only offered the service to a limited number of talented performerspre-selectedcarefully by us. In April 2016, we opened up the service to all the users of our platform so that each one of them can become a broadcaster if they wish. Broadcasters provide live video service on our platformplatforms as an individual or as a member of a talent agency. Certain broadcasters are also paying users on our platform.platforms. The talent agencies recruit, train and retain the broadcasters. We are committed to provide strong support and resources to broadcasters and talent agencies to offer high-quality content. We are also committed to closely cooperate and develop long-term relationship with broadcasters and talent agencies.monetize live video service via virtual gifts. Currently, live video service contributes the largest share of our revenues, generating 83.6%73.2%, 79.9%64.1% and 73.2%57.5% of our net revenues in 2017, 20182019, 2020 and 2019,2021, respectively.
Value-added Service
Our value-added service primarily consists of subscription services that provide paying users with additional features and functions as well as privileges on our Momo and Tantan platforms and, starting in the fourth quarter of 2016, virtual gift services, which allow Momoour users to purchase and send virtual gifts to other users outside of the live video service. We also introduced virtual item sales in our virtual community services in 2019. We generated 7.8%24.1%, 14.0%34.0% and 24.1%41.0% of our net revenues from value-added services in 2017, 20182019, 2020 and 2019,2021, respectively.
Value-added Service on Momo
Membership Subscription
non-members.
Additional privileges for our premium members include the abilities to check out visitors to their message boards and Virtual Gift Service.
Virtual Item Sales.
non-synchronously
via mini game experiences, and users feel less pressured during these interactions as they are interacting with a virtual identity.Value-added Service on Tantan
Tantan offers a variety of premium features and services that users can purchase either through a subscription package or on abasis. For example, a Tantan user can pay to subscribe to the VIP membership to enjoy certain privileges, such as using unlimited number of the “right swipe” feature, access to “Super Likes,” special badge and location roaming. In addition,July 2018, we launched a Tantan user can pay to subscribe to thepaying feature called “See Who Liked Me” feature,, which gives the user access to a list of users who have “swiped right” on that user. Tantan users and subscribers may also purchase, on apay-per-usebasis, certain other premium features, such as Super Exposure and Super Likes, which all aim at increasing the paying users’ exposure to other Tantan users. In November 2019, we launched a new paying feature called “Quick Chat” on Tantan, where users get instantly matched with each other based on factors such as their age and location, and they can start a conversation with each other with their photos blurred and complete profile locked. While theexchange 20 messages normally,reach a certain level of interaction, a Tantan user can pay to unlock the photos in advance. In late 2020, we introduced SVIP membership, which includes existing features such as “See Who Liked Me,” “Quick Chat” and a complete set of VIP privileges, as well as a number of new premium features such as “advanced filters” and “recover the unmatched”. Tantan users and subscribers may also purchase, on abasis, certain other premium features, such as Turbo and Super Likes, which all aim at increasing the paying users’ exposure to other Tantan users.
pay-per-use
un-blurred
photos and complete profiles will only be available after the users pay-per-use
Mobile Marketing Services
We seek to provide advertising and marketing solutions to enable our customers to promote their brands and conduct effective marketing activities. We provide our customers with analytical tools to enable them to track and improve the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns on our platform. Our advertising and marketing customers include brand marketers, local merchants, application developers and publishers as well as other small andmedium-sizedbusinesses and individuals. Our mobile marketing services currently include the following:
Mobile Games
As a social networking platform, we intend to offer games that have strong features which we believe will not only increase the interactions between users, but also broaden our revenue sources. Such games may be developed by third parties, with whom we share revenues generated bya location-basedan open social platform. Mobile games contributed 2.7%0.5%, 1.0%0.3% and 0.5%0.3% of our revenues in 2017, 20182019, 2020 and 2019,2021, respectively.
in-game
purchases of virtual items or virtual currencies, or developedin-house.
We have been scaling back from jointly operated mobile games and instead focusing on self-developed games in order to better align the games offered on our platform with the positioning and strength of Momo as 58
Other Services
Our other services have mainly included a TV variety show that we0.1%0.2%, 1.4%0.2% and 0.2%0.1% of our revenues in 2017, 20182019, 2020 and 2019,2021, respectively.
co-produced.
Other services have also included other revenue generating services that are immaterial in revenue contribution, or are not considered as part of our strategic focus. Other services contributed Technology
Our research and development efforts focus on product development, architecture and technological infrastructures, as well as the security and integrity of our platform to protect the security and privacy of our user data.
users. Our product development endeavors revolve around continuous innovations to help users discover and make new connections as well as building meaningful interactions. As our user base continues to expand and consumer behaviors constantly evolve, the social demands from the users become increasingly diversified. We make significant investments in technology to optimize our existing products and services and to develop new ones so that we can expand the social product offerings to satisfy the diversifying user demands.
In addition, we are also investing in building and maintaining the technological infrastructures to support the delivery and usage of our products and services in a fast and efficient manner within a safe and secured environment.
Content Management and MonitoringModeration
As an operator of social platforms, we view content management and monitoring as a critical part of our operations. As of the date of this annual report, Momo and Tantan collectively have a dedicated team of over 1,570990 personnel reviewing and handling content on our mobile platform for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. They are aided by both proprietary and third-party software and technologies to sweep our platforms and the data being transmitted on a real-time basisWe monitor and screen user information and user generated content against a spam list, which is a list of content and behaviors that we have determined are likely to be indicative of inappropriate or illegal content or illegal activities. In addition, we take self-inspection measures to strengthen our content screening efforts and cooperate with relevant governmental authorities to stay compliant with applicable laws and regulations. ForAs an example of such self-inspection measures, during theTantan’s download service was also suspended from the application stores in China around the self-inspection period. Additionally, our users can also easily report fraud if they come across suspicious content, and each user complaint is processed by our content management and monitoring system.system and personnel.
around-the-clock.
one-month
period from May 11, 2019 to June 11, 2019, we temporarily suspended the ability of users to post social newsfeeds on the Momo platform pursuant to directives of relevant governmental authority. Branding and Marketing
Our brand building activities generally comprise purchasing online advertising in the form of texts, banners and videos, placing TV commercials via offline media networks and public relations efforts. We also conduct branding and promotional activities through offline events. In addition, we acquire users for our platforms directly through online marketing channels including mobile advertising platforms such as ByteDance, application stores, search engines and other online advertising networks.
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. As of December 31, 2019,2021, we (i) had 246 patents and 42 pending patent applications filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of the PRC. WePRC; (ii) had registered 626937 trademarks and had applied for 146864 trademarks with the Trademark Office of the National Intellectual Property Administration of the PRC. WePRC and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; (iii) had registered 145180 software copyrights and 7288 other copyrights with the PRC National Copyright Administration. WeAdministration; and (iv) had also registered 126or acquired 241 domain names, including,wemomo.com,immomogame.comandmomocdn.com.
immomo.com, wemomo.com, immomogame.com and momocdn.com.
Seasonality
Historically, there were noticeable downward trends in user activities on our Momo platformand Tantan platforms as well as revenue growth in the weeks prior to and after the Chinese Lunar New Year. However, 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.
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Our Approach to Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability
We take our environmental responsibility very seriously, beyond our own consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, which like much of our industry, are relatively low. We seek means to advance environmental best practices by aligning ourselves with positive role models and support for environmental initiatives undertaken by government and civil society organizations. A big focus of our corporate social responsibility is to support training and development of our employees so that they can reach their individual goals as well as align their achievements with our corporate goals. Finally, we have an active program of corporate philanthropy aimed at better contributing to the society and fulfilling our corporate responsibilities.
Environment
As a mobile-based social and entertainmentnetworking company, our environmental footprint is small. Our Beijing headquarters are located in a building with LEED certification at the silver level, and we encourage our employees to be environmentally friendly. We provide recycling systems in our headquarters office, including a direct drinking water system in order to reduce bottled water consumption.
Human Capital
Compensation and Benefits
Engagement and Recognition
full-day
orientation program, which helps them better understand the value of our business and learn our corporate culture. We allocate budget for department team building on a quarterly basis and organize company outings annually.Training and Development
Health and Safety
COVID-19
Corporate Philanthropy
Since 2015, we have participated in various charitable initiatives including establishing an information system platform for missing children, making donations to regions damaged by natural disasters in Hunan province and setting up an education fund to support students and teachers in China. In 2018, we established the Momo Foundation, a private charitable fund that focuses on supporting elementary education and poverty alleviation in China. In 2019,the subsequent years, the Momo Foundation donated RMB37.7 million to charitable causes. Since inception, we have donated over RMB54.0RMB20.0 million to charitable causes. In 2021, 19 Hello Hope Elementary Schools donated by us were completed and put into use. In 2020, in response to theoutbreak,pandemic, we set up a medical research fund and committed RMB10RMB10.0 million to aid frontline medical staff and vaccine research and development. In 2021, we donated RMB20.0 million to flood relief efforts in Henan and Shanxi provinces. Collectively, we have donated over RMB94.5 million to charitable causes.
COVID-19
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Competition
As a mobile social networking platform that also provides live video service, we are subject to intense competition from providers of similar services, as well as potential new types of online services.
Our competitors may have substantially more cash, traffic, technical, performer and other resources, as well as broader product or service offerings and can leverage their relationships based on other products or services to gain a larger share of marketing budgets from customers. We believe that our ability to compete effectively depends upon many factors, including the size, composition and engagement of our user base, our ad targeting capabilities, our pool of popular live broadcasters, market acceptance of our mobile marketing services and online entertainment services, our marketing and selling efforts, and the strength and reputation of our brand. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—The market in which we operate is fragmented and highly competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively for users or user engagement, our business and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.” We also experience significant competition for highly skilled personnel, including management, engineers, designers and product managers. Our growth strategy depends in part on our ability to retain our existing personnel and add additional highly skilled employees. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—The continuing and collaborative efforts of our senior management and key employees are crucial to our success, and our business may be harmed if we were to lose their services.”
Insurance
We do not maintain property insurance, business interruption insurance or general third-party liability insurance, nor do we maintain
key-man
life insurance.Regulations
This section sets forth a summary of the most significant rules and regulations that affect our business activities in China or our shareholders’ rights to receive dividends and other distributions from us.
Corporate Laws and Foreign Investment Law
The establishment, operation and management of corporate entities in China are governed by the PRC Company Law, of the PRC, or the Company Law, effective in 1994, as amended in 1999, 2004, 2005, 2013 and 2018, respectively. The Company Law is applicable to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities unless the PRC Foreign Investment Law and its implementation regulations have stipulated otherwise.
On March 15, 2019, the National People’s CongressNPC approved the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which took effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced the trio of existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely,
the PRC Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law,
the PRC Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law
the PRC Foreign Owned Enterprise Law,
According to the PRC Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations, the State Council will publish a catalogue for special administrative measure, or the “negative list,”Negative List, to provide the scope of “restricted” or “prohibited” industries that have certain restrictions on foreign investment such as market entry clearance. Foreign investment activities in industries not included in the “negative list”Negative List are granted national treatment. The currently effective “negative list”Negative List has become effective on JulyJanuary 1, 2022.
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On February 3, 2011, the General Office of the State Council promulgated a Notice on Establishing the Security Review System for Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the Circular 6, which officially established a security review system for mergers and acquisitions of domestic enterprises by foreign investors. Further, on August 25, 2011, MOFCOM promulgated the Regulations on Implementation of Security Review System for the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the MOFCOM Security Review Regulations, which became effective on September 1, 2011, to implement the Circular 6. Under Circular 6, a security review is required for mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors having “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions by which foreign investors may acquire the “de facto control” of domestic enterprises with “national security” concerns. Under the MOFCOM Security Review Regulations, MOFCOM focused on the substance and actual impact of the transaction when deciding whether a specific merger or acquisition was subject to security review. If MOFCOM decided that a specific merger or acquisition is subject to security review, it would submit it to the Inter-Ministerial Panel, an authority established under the Circular 6 led by the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC, and MOFCOM under the leadership of the State Council, to carry out security review. The regulations prohibit foreign investors from bypassing the security review by structuring transactions through trusts, indirect investments, leases, loans, control through contractual arrangements or offshore transactions. There is no explicit provision or official interpretation stating that the merging or acquisition of a company engaged in the social network, live video, or mobile games business requires security review, and there is no requirement that acquisitions completed prior to the promulgation of the Circular 6 are subject to review. On April 30, 2019.2019, the NDRC issued an announcement, i.e., 2019 Announcement 4, stating that the security review is now subject to its review because of the government reformation.
In December 2020, the NDRC and the MOFCOM promulgated the Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investment, which came into effect on January 18, 2021. The NDRC and the MOFCOM will establish a working mechanism office in charge of the security review of foreign investment. Such measures define foreign investment as direct or indirect investment by foreign investors in the PRC, which includes (i) investment in new onshore projects or establishment of wholly foreign owned onshore companies or joint ventures with foreign investors; (ii) acquiring equity or asset of onshore companies by merger and acquisition; and (iii) onshore investment by and through any other means. Investment in certain key areas with bearing on national security, such as important cultural products and services, important information technology and internet services and products, key technologies and other important areas with bearing on national security which results in the acquisition of de facto control of investee companies, shall be filed with a specifically established office before such investment is carried out. What may constitute “onshore investment by and through any other means” or “de facto control” could be broadly interpreted under such measures. It is likely that control through contractual arrangement be regarded as de facto control based on provisions applied to security review of foreign investment in the free trade zone. Failure to make such filing may subject such foreign investor to rectification within prescribed period, and will be recorded as negative credit information of such foreign investor in the relevant national credit information system, which would then subject such investors to joint punishment as provided by relevant rules. If such investor fails to or refuses to undertake such rectification, it would be ordered to dispose of the equity or asset and to take any other necessary measures so as to return to the status quo and to erase the impact to national security.
We operate our businesses in China through a number ourthe consolidated affiliated entities which are controlled by our PRC subsidiaries through a series of contractual arrangements. OurThe consolidated affiliated entities hold internet content provider, or ICP, licenses to provide value-added telecommunication services, which is an industry in which foreign investment is “restricted” under the currently effective “negative list.”Negative List.
Regulations Relating to Telecommunications Services
In September 2000, the State Council issued the Regulations on Telecommunications of China, or the Telecommunications Regulations, to regulate telecommunication activities in China, which was further amended in July 2014 and February 2016, respectively. The telecommunications industry in China is governed by a licensing system based on the classifications of the telecommunications services set forth under the Telecommunications Regulations.
The MIIT, together with the provincial-level communications administrative bureaus, supervises and regulates the telecommunications industry in China. The Telecommunications Regulations divide the telecommunications services into two categories: infrastructure telecommunications services and value-added telecommunications services. The operation of value-added telecommunications services is subject to the examination, approval and licenses granted by the MIIT or its provincial-level communications administrative bureaus. According to the Catalog of Classification of Telecommunications Businesses effective in March 2016 and amended on June 6, 2019, provision of information services through the internet, such as the operation of ourwebsite, is classified as value-added telecommunications services.
immomo.com
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Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment in Value-Added Telecommunications Industry
According to the Administrative Rules for Foreign Investment in Telecommunications Enterprises issued by the State Council effective in January 2002, as amended in September 2008 and February 2016, a foreign investorinvestors may hold no more than a 50% equity interest in a value-added telecommunications services provider in China, and effective from May 1, 2022, such foreign investor mustwill no longer be required to have experience in providing value-added telecommunications services overseas and maintain a good track record. Due to these regulations, we operate our website through Beijing Momo and its subsidiaries. The most updated version of the “negative list”,Negative List, which was promulgated by the MOFCOM and the NDRC and became effective from July 30, 2019,January 1, 2022, imposes the 50% restrictions on foreign ownership in value-added telecommunications business except for
e-commerce
business, domestic multiparty communications, storage and forwarding and call center services as well.The Circular on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in and Operation of Value-addedValue-Added Telecommunications Business, or the Circular, issued by the Ministry of Information Industry in July 2006, reiterated the regulations on foreign investment in telecommunications businesses, which require foreign investors to set up FIEs and obtain an internet content provider, or ICP license to conduct any value-added telecommunications business in China. Under the Circular, a domestic company that holds an ICP license 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 that conduct value-added telecommunications business illegally in China. Furthermore, certain relevant assets, such as the relevant trademarks and domain names that are used in the value-added telecommunications business must be owned by the local ICP license holder or its shareholders. The Circular further requires each ICP license holder to have the necessary sites and facilities for its approved business operations and to maintain such sites and facilities in the regions covered by its license. In addition, all value-added telecommunications service providers are required to maintain network and information security in accordance with the standards set forth under the relevant PRC regulations. If an ICP license holder fails to comply with the requirements in the Circular and also fails to remedy such
non-compliance
within a specified period of time, the MIIT or its local counterparts have the discretion to take administrative measures against such license holder, including revoking its ICP license. Beijing Momo, the operator of our website, owns the relevant domain names and registered trademarks and has the necessary personnel to operate the website.Regulations on Broadcasting Audio/Video Programs through the Internet and Online Live Broadcasting
On July 6, 2004, the State Administration of Radio Film and Television, or SARFT, promulgated Administrative Measures for the Broadcast of Audio/Video Programs via Such Information Networks such as the Internet, or the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules, which came into effect as of October 11, 2004 and was amended on August 28, 2015. According to the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules, enterprises intend to engage in the business of broadcast of audio/video programs via information networks must obtain a permit from the SARFT.
On April 13, 2005, the State Council announced Several Decisions on Investment by
Non-state-owned
Companies in Culture-related Business in China. These decisions encourage and supportnon-state-owned
companies to enter certain culture-related business in China, subject to restrictions and prohibitions for investment in audio/video broadcasting, website news and certain other businesses bynon-state-owned
companies. These decisions authorize the SARFT, the NPPA and the Ministry of Culture, or the MOC, to adopt detailed implementing rules according to these decisions.On December 20, 2007, the SARFT and the Ministry of Information Industry jointly issued the Rules for the Administration of Internet Audio and Video Program Services, commonly known as Circular 56, which came into effect as of January 31, 2008 and was amended on August 28, 2015. Circular 56 reiterates the requirement set forth in the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules that online audio/video service providers must obtain a license from the SARFT. Furthermore, Circular 56 requires all online audio/video service providers to be either wholly state-owned or state-controlled. According to relevant official answers to press questions published on the SARFT’s website dated February 3, 2008, officials from the SARFT and the Ministry of Information Industry clarified that online audio/video service providers that already had been operating lawfully prior to the issuance of Circular 56 mayprogramprograms transmission license.
re-register
and continue to operate without becoming state-owned or controlled, provided that such providers have not engaged in any unlawful activities. This exemption will not be granted to online audio/video service providers established after Circular 56 was issued. Such policies have been reflected in the application procedure for audio/video 63
On April 1,March 17, 2010, the SARFT issued the Internet Audio/Video Program Services Categories (Provisional), or the Provisional Categories, as further amended on March 10, 2017, which classified internet audio/video programs into four categories.
In 2009, the SARFT released a Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Online Audio/Video Content. This notice reiterated, among other things, that all movies and television shows released or published online must comply with relevant regulations on the administration of radio, film and television. In other words, these movies and television shows, whether produced in the PRC or overseas, must beState Internet Information Office of the PRCCAC issued a Notice on Improving the Administration of Online Audio/Video Content Including Internet Drama and Micro Films. In 2014, the Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or SAPPRFT released a Supplemental Notice on Improving the Administration of Online Audio/Video Content Including Internet Drama and Micro Films. This notice stresses that entities producing online audio/video content, such as internet dramas and micro films, must obtain a permit for radio and television program production and operation, and that online audio/video content service providers should not release any internet dramas or micro films that were produced by any entity lacking such permit. For internet dramas or micro films produced and uploaded by individual users, the online audio/video service providers transmitting such content will be deemed responsible as a producer. Further, under this notice, online audio/video service providers can only transmit content uploaded by individuals whose identity has been verified and such content shall comply with the relevant content management rules. This notice also requires that online audio/video content, including internet drama and micro films, be filed with the relevant authorities before release.
pre-approved
by SARFT, and the distributors of these movies and television shows must obtain an applicable permit before releasing any such movie or television show. In 2012, the SARFT and the On April 25, 2016, the SAPPRFT promulgated the Provisions on the Administration of Private Network and Targeted Transmission Audio/Video Program Services to replace the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules, which became effective as of June 1, 2016 and applies to the provision of radio, TV programs and other audio/video programs to targeted audience on fixed or mobile electronic equipment such as TV and all types of handheld electronic equipment.mobile phone, which was further revised on March 23, 2021. The Provision covers the internet and other information networks as targeted transmission channels, including the provision of content, integrated broadcast control, transmission and distribution and other activities conducted in such forms as Internet protocol television (IPTV), private network mobile TV and Internet TV. Anyone who provides private network and targeted transmission audio/video program services must obtain an audio/video program transmission license, with a term of three years, issued by the SARFTSAPPRFT and operate its business pursuant to the scope as provided in such license. If a service provider intends to provide new products or engage in new services which are not specified in the business guidance catalogue for private network and targeted transmission audio/video program service, it shall finish the security assessment of the NRTA in advance. FIEs are not allowed to engage in the above referenced business.
On July 1, 2016, the MOC promulgated Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Network Performance, which regulates the behavior of entities operating network performance and performers. Entities operating network performance shall be responsible for the service and content post on their website which are provided by performers, perfect the content management mechanism, and shut down the channel and stop the spreading as soon as realizerealizing any network performance in violation of relevant laws and regulations. Network performers shall be responsible for their performances and shall not perform any program containing violence, pornography, or other similarly prohibited elements. The cultural administration authorities or cultural market enforcement authorities of relevant government supervise entities operating network performance and shall investigate all entities operating network performance in their jurisdiction thoroughly and publish any fine or action results or blacklist in time.
On September 2, 2016, the SAPPRFT issued a Notice on ProblemsIssues regarding Strengthening the Administration of Internet Audio/Video Programs Live Broadcasting Services, which provides that the provision of audio/video live broadcasting of important political, military, economic, social, cultural, sports and other activities and events requires an audio/video program transmission license which covers item (5) under internet audio/video program services category I, and the provision of audio/video live broadcasting of cultural activities by general social organizations, sports events and like activities requires an audio/video program transmission license which covers item (7) under internet audio/video program services category II.
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On November 4, 2016, the Cyberspace Administration of ChinaCAC promulgated the Provisions on the Administration of Online Live Broadcasting Services, which became effective as of December 1, 2016. Such Provisions provides that anyone who provides online live broadcasting services through online performances, internet video/audio programs and so forth, shall obtain relevant qualifications as required by laws and regulations.
In December 2016, the SAPPRFT issued a Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Audio/Video Programs Transmission on Weibo, WeChat and Other Internet Social Networking Platforms, which further clarifies that anyone who operates internet audio/video services through Weibo, WeChat and other internet social networking platforms must obtain an audio/video program transmission license and other licenses as required by laws and regulations and operate its business pursuant to the scope as provided in such license.
On November 18, 2019, the Cyberspace Administration of China,CAC, the MCT and the NRTA jointly announced a Notice of Issuing the Provisions on the Administration of Internet Audio and Video Information Services, which became effective as of January 1, 2020. The internet audio and video information services as set forth therein refer to services provision of producing, issuing and disseminating audio and video information to the public through internet websites, apps, and other network platforms. Such notice reiteratesprovisions reiterate that internet audio and video information services providers shall obtain relevant qualifications required by laws and administrative regulations, and further provides that the systems for usersusers’ registration, information issuance examination and information security management shall be established and enhanced.
On February 9, 2021, the CAC and other five departments jointly issued the Guiding Opinions on Strengthening of Administration of Online Live Broadcast, which became effective on the same day. The guidance opinions clarified various regulatory license requirements applicable to online live broadcast platforms, and provided additional compliance requirements on broadcast platform management. As these guidance opinions are not PRC laws or regulations, it may be expected that relevant governmental authority may enact applicable rules and regulations to implement.
On April 23, 2021, the CAC and six other departments jointly issued the Administration Measures on Online Live Broadcast Marketing Activities (Trial), which became effective on May 25, 2021, to strengthen the administration of online live broadcast performance for marketing activities. Based on the Measures, the online live broadcast marketing platforms shall go through filing procedures, carry out safety assessment and acquire necessary licenses in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, and they shall also strengthen the management of online live broadcast marketing accounts, information security, marketing behavior and network and data security, while improving the protection of minors, consumer rights and interests and personal information and establishing the mechanism of registration and
de-registration
of online live broadcast marketing functions. Those who violate the Measures and cause damage to others shall bear civil, administrative or criminal liability in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.On August 8, 2021, the Administrative Provisions on Minor-oriented Programs was revised by the NRTA and has become effective on the same date. According to these provisions, network audio/video programs with minors as their main participants or recipients shall not contain any contents which are harmful to the minors, such as violence, pornography, heresy, superstition, drug taking and other illegal contents.
On March 12, 2022, the NDRC and the MOC issued the Negative List for Market Access (2022 Version), which provides that, among others,
non-state
capital shall not engage in online live broadcasting of events and activities involving politics, economy, military affairs, diplomatic affairs, major social events, culture, science and technology, public health, education and sports and such other activities and events related to political direction, public opinion orientation and value orientation. The scope of these restricted subject matters for online live broadcasting is relatively broad and vague, and is subject to further clarifications and interpretations by the regulator.On March 25, 2022, the CAC, SAT and SAMR jointly issued Opinions on Further Rectifying the Profit-making Online Live Broadcast to Promote the Healthy Development of the Industry, which requires the online broadcast platforms to improve the hierarchical and classified management of broadcasting accounts and the registration of new accounts, and platforms should also cooperate with the administrations of authorities. Besides, platforms and broadcasters shall together build impartial competition environment, and the rights and interests of the customers and businesses shall be protected during online live broadcast marketing activities. Tax compliance should be emphasized and cooperation of authorities shall also be enhanced to improve the quality of governance on the online live broadcast industry.
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As of the date of this annual report, we hold an internet audio/video program transmission license through Zhejiang Shengdian, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Beijing Momo that we acquired in March 2017.
Regulations on Online Comics and Internet Cultural Products
The Interim Administrative Provisions on Internet Culture was promulgated by MOC on February 17, 2011, became effective on April 1, 2011 and further amended on December 15, 2017. Pursuant to the Interim Administrative Provisions on Internet Culture, online comics are deemed to be online culture products, and any entity engaged in producing, transmitting and distributing online culture products shall apply for an internet culture operation license that includes the business scope of actual online activities. As of the date of this annual report, we have obtained fourseven internet culture operation licenses and received the approval to expand the scope of the license to cover the operation of comic and animation products.licenses.
Regulations on Internet Publication and Cultural Products
The Administrative Measures for Internet Publication Service, or Internet Publication Measures, were jointly promulgated by the SARFTSAPPRFT and the MIIT on February 4, 2016 and became effective on March 10, 2016. The Internet Publication Measures superseded the Tentative Measures for Internet Publication Administration, which were jointly promulgated by the SARFT and the Ministry of Information Industry in 2002. The Internet Publication Measures define internet publication service and internet publication item, and publication of internet publication item via the internet requires an internet publishing license. Pursuant to the Internet Publication Measures, online game constitutes an internet publication item and therefore, an online game operator shall obtain an internet publishing license so that it can directly offer its online games to the public in the PRC. As of the date of this annual report, we have not yet obtained an internet publishing license, and are in the process of preparing the application documents.
Regulations on Online Games and Foreign Ownership Restrictions
Pursuant to the “negative list”,Negative List, the internet culture business (other than online music business) falls within the category of industries prohibiting foreign investment.
On September 28, 2009, the GAPP,NPPA, the National Copyright Administration and the National Working Group to Eliminate Pornography and Illegal PublicationsNOAPIP jointly issued the Circular on Consistent Implementation of the Stipulation on the Three ProvisionsAspects of the State Council and the Relevant Interpretations of the State Commission forof Public Sector Reform and the Further Strengthening the Administration of theapprovalApproval of Online Games and the Approval and Examination of Imported Online Games, or the GAPPNPPA Notice. The GAPPNPPA Notice explicitly prohibits foreign investors from directly or indirectly engaging in online game business in China, including through consolidated affiliated entities. Foreign investors are not allowed to indirectly control or participate in PRC operating companies’ online game operations, whether (i) by establishing other joint ventures, entering into contractual arrangements or providing technical support for such operating companies; or (ii) in a disguised form such as by incorporating or directing user registration, user account management or game card consumption into online game networks or platforms that are ultimately controlled or owned by foreign companies. The GAPPNPPA Notice provides that the GAPPNPPA is responsible for the examination and approval of the import and publication of online games and states that providing downloading services of the online game contents to the public through the internet is considered a publication activity, which is subject to approval from the GAPP.NPPA. Violations of the GAPPNPPA Notice will result in severe penalties. For detailed analysis, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating certain of our businessesoperations in China do not comply with PRC regulations on foreign investment in internet and other related businesses,relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or theirthe interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.”
Pre-examination
and On May 24, 2016, the SAPPRFT promulgated the Circular on the Administration over Mobile Game Publishing Services, which became effective as of July 1, 2016. The Circular provides that game publishing service entities shall be responsible for examining the contents of their games and applying for game publication numbers. To apply for publication of domestically-developed mobile puzzle games that are not related to political, military, national or religious topics or contents and have no or simple story lines, entities shall submit the required documents to provincial publication administrative departments at least 20 working days prior to the expected date of online publication (public beta). Entities applying for publication of domestically-developed mobile games that are not included in abovementioned category shall go through stricter procedures, including submitting manager accounts for content review and testing accounts for game anti-indulgence system. Game publishing service entities must set up a specific page to display the information approved by the SARPPFT, including copyright owner of the game, publishing service entity, approval number, publication number and others, and shall take charge of examining and recording daily updates of the game. For mobile games (including
pre-installed
mobile games) that have been published and operated online before implementation of this Circular, to maintain the publication and operation of such games online, relevant approval procedures shall be made up by the game publishing service entities and enterprises with the provincial publication administrative departments before December 31, 2016 as required by this Circular. Otherwise, they shall cease to be published or operated online.66
On August 30, 2021, the NPPA issued the Circular of the NPPA on Further Strengthening Regulation to Effectively Prevent Online Gaming Additions among Minors, which became into effect on September 1, 2021. According to this Circular, online game companies shall provide minors only with one hour of online game services at prescribed periods, namely between 8 pm and 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Circular reinstates that online game companies shall strictly implement the real-name registration and login requirements for online game user accounts. All online games shall be connected to the NPPA’s real-name verification system for anti-online game addiction purpose. Online game users shall use real and valid identity information to register for game accounts and log in to online games. Online game companies shall not provide gaming services in any form (including visitor experience mode) to users who have not registered or logged in with their real names.
Regulation on Information Security
On March 13, 2019, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and the SAMR jointly issued the Notice on App Security Certification and the Implementation Rules on Security Certification of Mobile Internet Application, which encourages mobile application operators to voluntarily obtain app security certification, and order. Pursuantsearch engines and app stores are encouraged to recommend certified applications to users.
The PRC Civil Code promulgated in 2020 also provides specific provisions regarding the protection of personal information. According to the CyberPRC Civil Code, any organization or individual shall legally obtain such personal information of others when necessary and ensure the safety of such information, and shall not illegally collect, use, process or transmit personal information of others, or illegally purchase or sell, provide or make public personal information of others.
On July 22, 2020, the MPS published the Guiding Opinions on the Implementation of Cybersecurity Hierarchical Protection System and Critical Information Infrastructure Security Protection System, which require, among others, to determine the cybersecurity protection level in a scientific manner based on the importance of network (including network facilities, information system, and data resources) in national security, economic construction, and social life, as well as factors such as the degree of harm after its destruction, to implement hierarchical protection and supervision, with emphasis on ensuring the security of critical information infrastructure and networks at or above the third level.
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In June 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, anywhich took effect in September 2021. The PRC Data Security Law, among other things, provides for security review procedure for data-related activities that may affect national security. The PRC Data Security Law provides a national data security review system, under which data processing activities that affect or may affect national security shall be reviewed. In addition, it clarifies the data security protection obligations of organizations and individuals carrying out data activities and implementing data security protection responsibility, data processors shall establish and improve the whole-process data security management rules, organize and implement data security trainings as well as take appropriate technical measures and other necessary measures to protect data security. Any organizational or individual data processing activities that violate the PRC Data Security Law shall bear the corresponding civil, administrative or criminal liabilities depending on specific circumstances.
On July 12, 2021, the MIIT and two other authorities jointly issued the Provisions on the Administration of Security Vulnerabilities of Network Products. The Provisions state that, no organization usingor individual may abuse the security vulnerabilities of network must comply with the constitution and the applicable laws, follow the public order and respect social moralities, and must not endanger cyber security, orproducts to engage in activities by making usethat endanger network security, or to illegally collect, sell, or publish the information on such security vulnerabilities. Anyone who is aware of the aforesaid offences shall not provide technical support, advertising, payment settlement and other assistance to the relevant offenders. According to the Provisions, network product providers, network operators, and platforms collecting network product security vulnerabilities shall establish and improve channels for receiving network product security vulnerability information and keep such channels available, and retain network product security vulnerability information reception logs for at least six months. The Provisions also bans provision of undisclosed vulnerabilities to overseas organizations or individuals other than to the product providers.
On July 30, 2021, the State Council promulgated the Regulations on Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, which became effective on September 1, 2021, referring “critical information infrastructures” as important network facilities and information systems in important industries including public communications and information services, as well as those that may seriously endanger the national security, honornational economy, people’s livelihood, or public interests in the event of damage, loss of function, or data leakage.
On September 30, 2021, the MIIT issued the Measures for Data Security Administration in the Industry and interests, or infringeInformation Technology Field (Trial Implementation) (Draft for Comments) for public comments and on February 10, 2022, the MIIT issued again the Measures for public comments. In accordance with the draft measures, the industrial and telecommunication data processors shall classify data firstly based on the fame, privacy, intellectual propertydata’s category and then based on its security level on a regular basis, to classify and identify data based on the industry requirements, business needs, data sources and purposes and other legitimate rightsfactors, and intereststo make a data classification list. In addition, the industrial and telecommunication data processors shall establish and improve a sound data classification management system, take measures to protect data based on the levels, carry out key protection of others.critical data, implement stricter management and protection of core data on the basis of critical data protection, and implement the protection with the highest level of requirement if different levels of data are processed at the same time. The Cyber Security Law sets forth various security protectiondraft measures also impose certain obligations for network operators, which are defined as “ownerson industrial and administrators of networks and network service providers,” including,telecommunication data processors in relation to, among others, complying withimplementation of data security work system, administration of key management, data collection, data storage, data usage, data transmission, provision of data, publicity of data, data destruction, safety audit and emergency plans, etc. As of the date of this annual report, the draft measures have not been formally adopted.
On October 29, 2021, the CAC issued the Measures for Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer (Draft for Comment). According to these measures, in addition to the self-risk assessment requirement for provision of any data outside China, a seriesdata processor shall apply to the competent cyberspace department for data security assessment and clearance of requirementsoutbound data transfer in any of tiered cyber protection systems; verifying users’ real identity; localizing the following events: (i) outbound transfer of personal information and important data gatheredcollected and producedgenerated by keyan operator of critical information infrastructure; (ii) outbound transfer of important data; (iii) outbound transfer of personal data by a data processor which has processed more than one million users’ personal data; (iv) outbound transfer of more than one hundred thousand users’ personal information or more than ten thousand users’ sensitive personal information cumulatively; (v) such other circumstances where
ex-ante
security assessment and evaluation of cross-border data transfer is required by the CAC.On November 14, 2021, the CAC released the Administrative Regulations on the Internet Data Security (Draft for Comments), providing that data processors conducting the following activities shall apply for cybersecurity review: (i) merger, reorganization or division of internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development or public interests affects or may affect national security; (ii) listing in a foreign country of data processors processing over one million users’ personal information; (iii) listing in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. The draft Regulations provide that data processors refer to individuals or organizations that, during their data processing activities such as data collection, storage, utilization, transmission, publication and deletion, have autonomy over the purpose and the manner of data processing. However, there have been no clarifications from the relevant authorities as of the date of this annual report as 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 annual data security assessment by itself or commission a data security service provider to do so, and submit the assessment report of the preceding year to the municipal cybersecurity department by the end of January each year. The CAC solicited comments until December 13, 2021, but there is no timetable as to when it will be enacted.
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On December 28, 2021, the CAC, the NDRC, the MIIT, and several other PRC governmental authorities jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which took effect on February 15, 2022 and replaced the Measures for Cybersecurity Review promulgated in April 2020 and effective in June 2020. According to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, critical information infrastructure operators during operations within the PRC;that intend to purchase internet products and providing assistanceservices and support to government authorities where necessary for protectinginternet platform operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security must be subject to the cybersecurity review, and investigating crimes. To comply with these lawsan internet platform operator possessing personal information of over one million users and regulations, we have adopted security policies and measuresintending to protect our cyber system and user information.be listed on a foreign stock exchange must be subject to the cybersecurity review.
Regulations Relating to Internet Content and Information Security
The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services specify that internet information services regarding news, publications, education, medical and health care, pharmacy and medical appliances, among other things, are to be examined, approved and regulated by the relevant authorities. Internet information providers are prohibited from providing services beyond those included in the scope of their ICP licenses or filings. Furthermore, these measures clearly specify a list of prohibited content. Internet information providers are prohibited from producing, copying, publishing or distributing information that is humiliating or defamatory to others or that infringes the lawful rights and interests of others. Internet information providers that violate the prohibition may face criminal charges or administrative sanctions by the PRC authorities. Internet information providers must monitor and control the information posted on their websites. If any prohibited content is found, they must remove the offensive content immediately, keep a record of it and report it to the relevant authorities. OurThe consolidated affiliated entities holding ICP licenses or filings are subject to these measures.
Internet information in China is also regulated and restricted from a national security standpoint. The Standing Committee of the National People’s CongressNPC has enacted the Decisions on Maintaining Internet Security on December 28, 2000, which may subject violators to criminal punishment in China for any effort to: (i) gain improper entry into a computer or system of strategic importance; (ii) disseminate politically disruptive information; (iii) leak state secrets; (iv) spread false commercial information; or (v) infringe intellectual property rights. The Ministry of Public SecurityMPS has promulgated measures that prohibit use of the internet in ways which, among other things, result in a leakage of state secrets or a spread of socially destabilizing content. OurThe consolidated affiliated entities holding ICP licenses or filings are subject to the laws and regulations relating to information security.
In August 2013, the MOC issued the Administration Measures on Content ReviewSelf-Review by Internet Culture Operating Entities, or the Content Review Measures, which became effective on December 1, 2013. According to the Content Review Measures, an internet culture operating entity shall censor and review its products and services to be provided to the public to ensure that such products and services do not contain any content prohibited by law, and the censor record shall be kept for at least two years. Internet culture operating entities shall adopt technical measures to conduct real-time censor over the products and services, set up internal content control department and establish content control policies. If the internet culture operating entity identifies any illegal content, it shall immediately suspend the products or services containing such content and preserve relevant record, and, in the event that such illegal content might lead toconstitute material issues, report to provincial branch of MOC.
On September 15, 2021, the CAC promulgated the Opinions on Further Enforcing Responsibilities on Website Platforms as the Main Responsible Party for Information Content Management. In accordance with the Opinions, website platforms are required to perform specific responsibilities as the main responsible party for information content management, including, among others, enhancing the platform community rules, strengthening the regulation and management of accounts, improving the content vetting mechanism, improving the quality of information content, managing the dissemination of information content, and strengthening the management of key functions.
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On March 2, 2022, the CAC issued the Administrative Provisions on Internet
Pop-up
Window Information Push Services (Draft for Comments), which provides that the internetpop-up
window information push services shall be in compliance with laws and regulations, adhere to the correct political direction, public opinion guidance and value orientation, carry forward the socialist core values, push upward good-qualitypop-up
window information contents that are uplifting, and develop an active and healthy cyber culture. The providers of internetpop-up
window information push services shall fulfill the primary responsibility for information content security management, and establish management systems for information content censorship, ecological governance, cyber security, data security, and protection of personal information protection and minors.Regulations on Anti-monopoly and Anti-unfair Competition
On September 2, 1993, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress adopted the PRC Anti-unfair Competition Law, which took effect on December 1, 1993, and was amended on April 23, 2019. According to the Anti-unfair Competition Law, unfair competition refers to that the operator disrupts the market competition order and damages the legitimate rights and interests of other operators or consumers in violation of the provisions of the Anti-unfair Competition Law in the production and operating activities. Operators shall abide by the principle of voluntariness, equality, impartiality, integrity and adhere to laws and business ethics during market transactions. Operators in violation of the Anti-unfair Competition Law shall bear corresponding civil, administrative or criminal liabilities depending on the specific circumstances.
The PRC Anti-monopoly Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC, which became effective on August 1, 2008, and the Rules of the State Council on Filing Threshold for Concentration of Undertakings promulgated by the State Council on August 3, 2008, and amended on September 18, 2018, require that where a concentration reaches one of the following thresholds, a filing must be completed in advance with the anti-monopoly law enforcement agency under the State Council, or otherwise the concentration shall not be implemented: (i) during the previous fiscal year, the total global turnover of all undertakings participating in the concentration exceeded RMB10 billion, and at least two of these undertakings each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China; or (ii) during the previous fiscal year, the total turnover within China of all the undertakings participating in the concentration exceeded RMB2 billion, and at least two of these undertakings each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China. If a business operator carries out a concentration in violation of the law, the relevant authority shall order the business operator to terminate the concentration, dispose of the shares or assets or transfer the business within a specified time limit, or take other measures to restore to the
pre-concentration
status, and impose a fine of up to RMB500,000.On October 23, 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC issued a discussion draft of the amended PRC Anti-Monopoly Law, which proposes to increase the fines for illegal concentration of business operators to no more than ten percent of its last year’s turnover if the concentration of business operator has or may have an effect of excluding or limiting competitions; or a fine of up to RMB5 million if the concentration of business operator does not have an effect of excluding or limiting competition. The draft also proposes that the relevant authority shall investigate a transaction where there is any evidence that the concentration has or may have the effect of excluding or limiting competitions, even if such concentration does not reach the filing threshold.
On August 17, 2021, the SAMR issued a discussion draft of Provisions on the Prohibition of Unfair Competition on the Internet, under which business operators should not use data or algorithms to hijack traffic or influence users’ choices, or use technical means to illegally capture or use other business operators’ data. Furthermore, business operators are not allowed to (i) fabricate or spread misleading information to damage the reputation of competitors, or (ii) employ marketing practices such as fake reviews or use coupons or “red envelopes” to entice positive ratings.
On September 11, 2020, the Anti-Monopoly Committee of the State Council issued Anti-Monopoly Compliance Guideline for Operators, which requires operators to establish anti-monopoly compliance management systems under the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law to manage anti-monopoly compliance risks.
On February 7, 2021, the Anti-Monopoly Committee of the State Council published Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for the Platform Economy Sector that specified circumstances where an activity of an internet platform will be identified as monopolistic act as well as concentration filing procedures for business operators, including those involving variable interest entities.
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On December 24, 2021, the NDRC together with other eight governmental authorities jointly issued the Opinions on Promoting the Healthy and Sustainable Development of the Platform Economy, which provides that, among others, monopolistic agreements, abuse of market dominant position and illegal concentration of business operators in the platform economy will be strictly investigated and punished in accordance with the laws.
Regulations on Anti-fatigue Compliance System and Real-name Registration System
On April 15, 2007, eight PRC government authorities, including the GAPP, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public SecurityMPS and the Ministry of Information Industry, jointly issued the Notice on Protecting Minors Mental and Physical Health and Implementation of Online Game Anti-fatigue System, which requires the implementation of an anti-fatigue compliance system and a real-name registration system by all PRC online game operators. Under the anti-fatigue compliance system, three hours or less of continuous playing by minors, defined as game players under 18 years of age, is considered to be “healthy,” three to five hours is deemed “fatiguing,” and five hours or more is deemed “unhealthy.” Game operators are required to reduce the value of
in-game
benefits to a game player by half if it discovers that the amount of a time a game player spends online has reached the “fatiguing” level, and to zero in the case of the “unhealthy” level.To identify whether a game player is a minor and thus subject to the anti-fatigue compliance system, a real-name registration system should be adopted to require online game players to register their real identity information before playing online games. Pursuant to a notice issued by the relevant eight government authorities on July 1, 2011, online game operators must submit the identity information of game players to the National Citizen Identity Information Center, a subordinate public institution of the Ministry of Public Security,MPS, for verification as of October 1, 2011.
On October 25, 2019, the GAPPNPPA issued the Notice of Preventing Minors from Being Addicted to Online Games, which reiterates the requirement to implement a real-name registration system by all PRC online game operators. Within two months as of such notice, online game operators are required to have all existing users to complete with the real-name registration for each of their online games account. Moreover, the duration of online games played by minors shall be strictly controlled. From 22:00 to 8:00 the next day, online game operators shall not provide online game services in any form for minors. The duration for an online game operator to provide the minors with online game services shall not exceed three hours per day on any statutory holiday or one and half hours per day on any other day. In addition, online games operators must take effective measures to restrict minors from using paid services that are incompatible with their civil capacity. Failure to comply with the aforesaid requirements may subject the online games operator concerned to taking rectification measures untiltill revocation of relevant licenses.
On October 17, 2020, the Standing Committee of the NPC revised and promulgated the Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision), which took effect on June 1, 2021. Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision) added a new section entitled “Online Protections” which stipulates a series of provisions to further protect minors’ interests on the internet, among others, (i) online product and service providers are prohibited from providing minors with products and services that would induce minors to indulge, (ii) online service providers for products and services such as online games, live broadcasting, audio/video, and social networking are required to establish special management systems of user session duration, access authority and consumption for minors, (iii) online games service providers must request minors to register and log into online games with their valid identity information, (iv) online games service providers must categorize games according to relevant rules and standards, notify users about the appropriate ages for the players of the games, and take technical measures to keep minors from accessing inappropriate online games functions, and (v) online games service providers may not provide online games services to minors from 22:00 to 8:00.
On August 30, 2021, the NPPA issued the Circular of the NPPA on Further Strengthening Regulation to Effectively Prevent Online Gaming Additions among Minors, which became into effect on September 1, 2021. According to this Circular, online game companies shall provide minors only with one hour of online game services at prescribed periods, namely between 8 pm and 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Circular reinstates that online game companies shall strictly implement the real-name registration and login requirements for online game user accounts. All online games shall be connected to the NPPA’s real-name verification system for anti-online game addiction purpose. Online game users shall use real and valid identity information to register for game accounts and log in to online games. Online game companies shall not provide gaming services in any form (including visitor experience mode) to users who have not registered or logged in with their real names.
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On March 14, 2022, the CAC issued Regulations on Internet Protection of Minors (Draft for Comments). According to the draft regulations, online live broadcast service providers shall not provide account registration services for minors under the age of 16; those who provide account registration services for minors over the age of 16 shall check their identity information and obtain the consent of their guardians. Online live broadcast service providers shall establish a dynamic verification mechanism for the real identity information of the broadcasters, and shall not provide online live broadcast services for those who do meet the above requirements.
Regulations Relating to Internet Information Services and Content of Internet Information
In September 2000, the State Council issued the Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services, or the Internet Measures, which was amended on January 8, 2011, to regulate the provision of information services to online users through the internet. According to the Internet Measures, internet information services are divided into two categories: services of an operative nature and services of aJanuary 2022.December 2026.
non-operative
nature. Our business conducted through our immomo.com website and Momo application involves operating internet information services, which requires us to obtain an ICP license. If an internet information service provider fails to obtain an ICP license, the relevant local branch of the MIIT may levy fines, confiscate its illegal income or even block its website. When the ICP service involves areas of news, publication, education, medical treatment, health, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, and if required by law or relevant regulations, specific approval from the respective regulatory authorities must be obtained prior to applying for the ICP license from the MIIT or its provincial level counterpart. Our affiliated PRC entity, Beijing Momo, currently holds an ICP license issued by Beijing Communications Administration, a local branch of the MIIT. Our ICP license will expire in According to the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of the Online Show Live Broadcast and Online
E-commerce
Live Broadcast issued by the NRTA on November 12, 2020, platforms providing online show live broadcast or onlinee-commerce
live broadcast services shall register their information and business operations by November 30, 2020. The overall ratio of front-line content analysts to online live broadcast rooms shall be 1:50 or higher on such platforms. The training for content analysts shall be strengthened and content analysts who have passed the training shall be registered in the system. A platform shall report the number of its online live broadcast rooms, broadcasters and content analysts to the provincial branch of the NRTA on a quarterly basis. Online show live broadcast platforms shall tag content and broadcasters by category. A broadcaster cannot change the category of the programs offered in his or her online live broadcast room without prior approval from the platform. Users that are minors or without real-name registration are forbidden from virtual gifting, and platforms shall limit the maximum amount of virtual gifting per time, per day, and per month. When the virtual gifting by a user reaches half of the daily/monthly limit, a consumption reminder from the platform and a confirmation from the user by text messages or other means are required before the next transaction. When the amount of virtual gifting by a user reaches the daily/monthly limit, the platform shall suspend the virtual gifting function for such user for that day or month.According to the Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision), which took effect on June 1, 2021, among others, online live broadcasting service providers are not allowed to provide minors under age sixteen with online live broadcasting publisher account registration service, and must obtain the consent from parents or guardians and verify the identity of the minors before allowing minors aged sixteen or above to register online live broadcasting publisher accounts.
Regulations Relating to Privacy Protection
As an internet content provider, we are subject to regulations relating to protection of privacy. In recent years, PRC government authorities have enacted laws and regulations on internet use to protect personal information from any unauthorized disclosure. The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services prohibit ICP service operators from producing, copying, publishing or distributing information that is insulting or slandering a third party or infringing upon the lawful rights and interests of a third party. Under the Several Provisions on Regulating the Market Order of Internet Information Services, issued by the MIIT in 2011, an ICP service operator may not collect any user personal information or provide such information to third parties without the consent of a user. An ICP service operator must expressly inform the users of the method, content and purpose for the collection and processing of such user personal information and may only collect such information necessary for the provision of its services. An ICP service operator is also required to properly keep the user personal information, and in case of any leak or likely leak of the user personal information, the ICP service operator must take immediate remedial measures and, in severe circumstances, to make an immediate report to the telecommunications regulatory authority. In addition, pursuant to the Decision on Strengthening the Protection of Online Information issued by the Standing Committee of the National People’s CongressNPC in December 2012 and the Order for the Protection of Telecommunication and Internet User Personal Information issued by the MIIT in July 2013, any collection and use of user personal information must be subject to the consent of the user, abide by the principles of legality, rationality and necessity and be within the specified purposes, methods and scopes. An ICP service operator must also keep such information strictly confidential, and is further prohibited from divulging, tampering or destroying of any such information, or selling or illegally providing such information to other parties. Any violation of the above decision or order may subject the ICP service operator to warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses, cancelation of filings, closedown of websites or even criminal liabilities. We are subject to these regulations as an online business operator.
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On February 4, 2015, the CAC promulgated the Provisions on the Administrative of Account Names of Internet Users, which became effective as of March 1, 2015, setting forth the authentication requirement for the real identity of internet users by requiring users to provide their real names during the registration process. In addition, these provisions specify that internet information service providers are required by these provisions to accept public supervision, and promptly remove illegal and malicious information in account names, profile photos, introductions and other registration-related information reported by the public in a timely manner. On October 26, 2021, the CAC published the Provisions on the Administrative of Account Names Information of Internet Users (Draft for Comments) for public comments. Pursuant to these provisions, internet user account service platforms shall, among others, establish, improve and strictly implement account name information management system, information content security system, and personal information protection system, and establish an account name information dynamic check patrol system for the verification of real identity information, improve their technical measures for purposes of account information legal compliance, and support account name authenticity checks.
On January 23, 2019, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the MIIT, the MPS, and the SAMR jointly issued the Notice on Special Governance of Illegal Collection and Use of Personal Information via Apps, which restates the requirement of legal collection and use of personal information, encourages app operators to conduct security certifications, and encourages search engines and app stores to clearly mark and recommend those certified Apps.
On August 22, 2019, the CAC issued the Regulation on Cyber Protection of Children’s Personal Information, effective on October 1, 2019. Network operators are required to establish special policies and user agreements to protect children’s personal information, and to appoint special personnel in charge of protecting children’s personal information. Network operators who collect, use, transfer or disclose personal information of children are required to, in a prominent and clear way, notify and obtain consent from children’s guardians.
On November 28, 2019, the CAC, MIIT, the MPS and SAMR jointly issued the Measures to Identify Illegal Collection and Usage of Personal Information by Apps, which lists six types of illegal collection and usage of personal information, including “not publishing rules on the collection and usage of personal information” and “not providing privacy rules.”
In addition, on May 28, 2020, the NPC adopted the PRC Civil Code, or the Civil Code, which came into effect on January 1, 2021. Pursuant to the Civil Code, the personal information of a natural person shall be protected by the law. Any organization or individual shall legally obtain such personal information of others when necessary and ensure the safety of such information, and shall not illegally collect, use, process or transmit personal information of others, or illegally purchase or sell, provide or make public personal information of others.
The MIIT issued the Notice on the Further Special Rectification of App Infringing upon Users’ Personal Rights and Interests on July 22, 2020, which requires that certain conducts of App service providers should be inspected, including, among others, (i) collecting or using personal information without the user’s consent, collecting or using personal information beyond the necessary scope of providing services, and forcing users to receive advertisements; (ii) requesting user’s permission in a compulsory and frequent manner, or frequently launching third- parties Apps; and (iii) deceiving and misleading users into downloading Apps or providing personal information. It also sets forth that the period for the regulatory specific inspection on Apps and that the MIIT will order the
non-compliant
entities to modify their business within five business days, or otherwise the MIIT will make public announcement, remove the Apps from the Appstores or impose other administrative penalties.73
On March 12, 2021, the CAC and three other authorities jointly issued the Rules on the Scope of Necessary Personal Information for Common Types of Mobile Internet Apps. The Rules specifies the scope of necessary personal information to be collected each for a variety of common mobile internet apps, such as online live broadcast Apps, instant messaging Apps, online game Apps. Operators of such Apps shall not refuse to provide basic services to users on the ground of users’ refusal to provide their personal
non-essential
information.On April 26, 2021, the MIIT issued the Interim Administrative Provisions on Personal Information Protection in Internet Mobile Apps (Draft for Comment). The draft of the Interim Administrative Provisions on Personal Information Protection in Internet Mobile Apps sets forth two principles of collection and utilization of personal information, namely “explicit consent” and “minimum necessity.”
According to the Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision), which took effect on June 1, 2021, information processors must follow the principles of legality, legitimacy and necessity when processing personal information of minors via internet, and must obtain consent from minors’ parents or other guardians when processing personal information of minors under age of 14. In addition, internet service providers must promptly alert upon the discovery of publishing private information by minors via the internet and take necessary protective measures.
On August 20, 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Personal Information Protection Law, which became effective on November 1, 2021. The PRC Personal Information Protection Law specifically specifies the rules for processing sensitive personal information, i.e., personal information that, once leaked or illegally used, may easily cause harm to the dignity of natural persons or grave harm to personal or property security, including information on biometric characteristics, financial accounts, individual location tracking, etc., as well as the personal information of minors under the age of 14. Personal information processors shall bear responsibility for their personal information processing activities and adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the security of the personal information they process. Otherwise, the personal information processors will be ordered to correct or suspend or terminate the provision of services, confiscation of illegal income, fines or other penalties.
On September 17, 2021, the CAC, together with eight other government authorities, jointly issued the Guidelines on Strengthening the Comprehensive Regulation of Algorithms for Internet Information Services. The guidelines provide that daily monitoring of data use, application scenarios, and effects of algorithms must be carried out by the relevant regulators, and relevant regulators should conduct security assessments of algorithms. The guidelines also provide that an algorithm filing system should be established, and classified security management of algorithms should be promoted.
On December 31, 2021, the CAC, the MIIT, the MPS, and the SAMR jointly promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Information Service Algorithm Recommendation, which took effect on March 1, 2022. The Administrative Provisions on Internet Information Service Algorithm Recommendation, among others, implements classification and hierarchical management for algorithm recommendation service providers based on various criteria, requires algorithm recommendation service providers to inform users of their provision of algorithm recommendation services in a conspicuous manner, and publicize the basic principles, purpose intentions, and main operating mechanisms of algorithm recommendation services in an appropriate manner, and requires such service providers to provide users with options that are not specific to their personal profiles, or convenient options to cancel algorithmic recommendation services.
Regulations on Mobile Internet Applications
In June 2016, the CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet App Information Services, or the Mobile App Administrative Provisions, which became effective on August 1, 2016. Pursuant to the Mobile App Administrative Provisions, a mobile internet app refers to an App software that runs on mobile smart devices providing information services after being
pre-installed,
downloaded or embedded through other means. Mobile internet app providers refer to the owners or operators of mobile internet apps.Pursuant to the Mobile App Administrative Provisions, an internet App program provider must verify a user’s mobile phone number and other identity information under the principle of mandatory real name registration at the back-office end and voluntary real name display at the front-office end. An internet app provider must not enable functions that can collect a user’s geographical location information, access user’s contact list, activate the camera or recorder of the user’s mobile smart device or other functions irrelevant to its services, nor is it allowed to conduct bundle installations of irrelevant App programs, unless it has clearly indicated to the user and obtained the user’s consent on such functions and App programs. If an App provider violates the regulations, the internet Appstore service provider must take measures to stop the violations, including giving a warning, suspension of release, withdrawal of the App from the platform, keeping a record of the incident and reporting the incident to the relevant governmental authorities.
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On January 5, 2022, the CAC issued a draft of Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet app Information Services, or the Draft Mobile Application Administrative Provisions, for public comments, which will replace the current Mobile App Administrative Provisions after it becomes effective. According to the Draft Mobile App Administrative Provisions, App providers shall formulate and publish the administrative rules and platform conventions, and enter into the services agreements with their users, which shall specify the rights and obligations of both parties and require the users to abide by the laws and regulations. In addition, App providers are also required to (i) establish management mechanism on the examination of information and contents, (ii) enhance management measures regarding user registration, management of accounts, examination of information, and emergency response, and (iii) equip itself with sufficient professional personnel and technical capacity commensurate with the scale of its services.
Regulations Relating to Taxation
In January 2008, the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law took effect. The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law applies a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate to both FIEs and domestic enterprises, except where tax incentives are granted to special industries and projects. Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation regulations, dividends generated from the business of a PRC subsidiary after January 1, 2008 and payable to its foreign investor may be subject to a withholding tax rate of 10% if the PRC tax authorities determine that the foreign investor is a
non-resident
enterprise, unless there is a tax treaty with China that provides for a preferential withholding tax rate. Distributions of earnings generated before January 1, 2008 are exempt from PRC withholding tax.Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, an enterprise established outside China with “de facto management bodies” within China is considered a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. A circular issued by the SAT in April 2009 regarding the standards used to classify certain Chinese-invested enterprises controlled by Chinese enterprises or Chinese enterprise groups and established outside of China as “resident enterprises” clarified that dividends and other income paid by such PRC “resident enterprises” will be considered
PRC-source
income and subject to PRC withholding tax, currently at a rate of 10%, when paid tonon-PRC
enterprise shareholders. This circular also subjects such PRC “resident enterprises” to various reporting requirements with the PRC tax authorities. Under the implementation regulations to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, a “de facto management body” is defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and properties of an enterprise. In addition, the tax circular mentioned above specifies that certainPRC-invested
overseas enterprises controlled by a Chinese enterprise or a Chinese enterprise group in the PRC will be classified as PRC resident enterprises if the following are located or resided in the PRC: senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; financial and personnel decision making bodies; key properties, accounting books, the company seal, and minutes of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings; and half or more of the senior management or directors who have the voting rights.Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, the withholding tax rate in respect to the payment of dividends by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong enterprise is reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly holds at least 25% of the PRC enterprise. Pursuant to the Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on the Issues concerning the Application of the Dividend Clauses of Tax Agreements, or Circular 81, a Hong Kong resident enterprise must meet the following conditions, among others, in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax: (i) it must be a company; (ii) it must directly own the required percentage of equity interests and voting rights in the PRC resident enterprise; and (iii) it must have directly owned such required percentage in the PRC resident enterprise throughout the 12 months prior to receiving the dividends. Furthermore, the Measures for the Administration of
Non-resident
Taxpayers’ Enjoyment of Treaty Benefits, which became effective in January 2020, provide thatnon-resident
taxpayers’ enjoyment of treaty benefits shall be handled in the manner of “self-assessment, claim for and enjoyment of treaty benefits and retention of relevant materials for review,” thus, wherenon-resident
taxpayers determine on their own that the conditions for them to enjoy the treatments under tax treaties are meet, may enjoy treatments under tax treaties on their own during the tax filings by themselves or through withholding agents, and shall collect and retain relevant materials for future inspection, and be subject to administration by relevant tax authorities afterwards. There are also other conditions for enjoying the reduced withholding tax rate according to other relevant tax rules and regulations. Accordingly, Momo Technology HK Company Limited may be able to benefit from the 5% withholding tax rate for the dividends it receives from Beijing Momo IT, if it satisfies the conditions prescribed under Circular 81 and other relevant tax rules and regulations, and obtain the approvals as required. However, according to Circular 81, if the relevant tax authorities consider the transactions or arrangements we have are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment, the relevant tax authorities may adjust the favorable withholding tax in the future.75
In January 2009, the SAT promulgated the Provisional Measures for the Administration of Withholding of Enterprise Income Tax for On December 10, 2009, the SAT issued the Notice on Strengthening the Administration of the Enterprise Income Tax concerning Proceeds from Equity Transfers byNon-residentEnterprises, or Circular 698. Both Circular 59 and Circular 698 became effective retroactively as of January 1, 2008. By promulgating and implementing these two circulars, the PRC tax authorities have enhanced their scrutiny over the direct or indirect transfer of equity interests in a PRC resident enterprise by anon-residententerprise.
Non-resident
Enterprises, or theNon-resident
Enterprises Measures, pursuant to which entities that have direct obligation to make certain payments to anon-resident
enterprise shall be the relevant tax withholders for suchnon-resident
enterprise. Further, theNon-resident
Enterprises Measures provides that, in case of an equity transfer between twonon-resident
enterprises which occurs outside China, thenon-resident
enterprise which receives the equity transfer payment shall, by itself or engage an agent to, file tax declaration with the PRC tax authority located at place of the PRC company whose equity has been transferred, and the PRC company whose equity has been transferred shall assist the tax authorities to collect taxes from the relevantnon-resident
enterprise. On April 30, 2009, the MOF and the SAT jointly issued the Notice on Issues Concerning Process of Enterprise Income Tax in Enterprise Restructuring Business, or Circular 59.On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued a Public Notice on Several Issues Relating to Enterprise Income Tax on Transfer of Assets between7, to supersede existing provisions in relation to the Indirect Transfer as set forth in Circular 698, while the other provisions of Circular 698 remain in force.7. Public Notice 7 introduces a new tax regime, that is significantly different from that under Circular 698. Public Noticeand extends its tax jurisdiction to capture not only Indirect Transfer as set forth under Circular 698indirect transfers but also transactions involving transfer of immovable property in China and assets held under the establishment and place, in China of a foreign company through the offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. Public Notice 7 also addresses transfer of the equity interest in a foreign intermediate holding company widely. In addition, Public Notice 7 provides clearerclear criteria than Circular 698 on how to assess reasonable commercial purposes and introduces safe harbor scenarios applicable to internal group restructurings. However, it also brings challenges to both the foreign transferor and transferee of the Indirect Transferindirect transfers as they have to make self-assessment on whether the transaction should be subject to PRC tax and to file or withhold the PRC tax accordingly. In October 2017, the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding ofonin December 1, 2017.2017 and was amended in June 2018. The Bulletin 37 replaced and superseded, among other circulars, theNon-residentEnterprises Measures and Circular 698, and further clarifies the practice and procedures of the withholding ofIndirect Transfer,indirect transfer, theIndirect Transferindirect transfer to the relevant tax authority.
Non-resident
Enterprises, or Public Notice Non-resident
Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or Bulletin 37, which came into effect non-resident
enterprise income tax. Where anon-resident
enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is an non-resident
enterprise as either the transferor or the transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such Where
non-resident
investors were involved in our private equity financing, if such transactions were determined by the tax authorities to lack reasonable commercial purpose, we and ournon-resident
investors may become at risk of being taxed under Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 and may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 or to establish that we should not be taxed under Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7.The PRC tax authorities have the discretion under SAT Circular 59, Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 to make adjustments to the taxable capital gains based on the difference between the fair value of the equity interests transferred and the cost of investment.
Value Added Tax
On January 1, 2012, the ChinesePRC State Council officially launched a pilot value-added tax (“VAT”) reform program, or Pilot Program, applicable to businesses in selected industries. Businesses in the Pilot Program would pay VAT instead of business tax. The pilot industries in Shanghai included industries involving the leasing of tangible movable property, transportation services, research and development and technical services, information technology services, cultural and creative services, logistics and ancillary services, certification and consulting services. Revenues generated by advertising services, a type of “cultural and creative services,” are subject to the VAT tax rate of 6%. According to official announcements made by competent authorities in Beijing and Guangdong province, Beijing launched the same Pilot Program on September 1, 2012, and Guangdong province launched it on November 1, 2012. On May 24, 2013, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on Tax Policies in the Nationwide Pilot Collection of Value Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax in the Transportation Industry and Certain Modern Services Industries, or the Circular 37. The scope of certain modern services industries under the Circular 37 extends to the inclusion of radio and television services. On August 1, 2013, the Pilot Program was implemented throughout China. On December 12, 2013, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on the Inclusion of the Railway Transport Industry and Postal Service Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or Circular 106. Among the other things, Circular 106 abolished Circular 37, and refined the policies for the Pilot Program. On April 29, 2014, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on the Inclusion of Telecommunications Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or Circular 43. On March 23, 2016, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on Comprehensively Promoting the Pilot Program of the Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, which replaced and superseded Circular 106 and Circular 43. Effective from May 1, 2016, the PRC tax authorities collect VAT in lieu of Business Tax in all regions and industries. All of our entities were subject to VAT at the rate of 6% for services provided and 16% for goods sold, as adjusted to 13% starting from April 1, 2019, which are not listed in Article 22019.2020. On March 20, 2019, the MOF, the SAT and the General Administration of Customs jointly issued the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-added Tax Reform, or the Announcement 39, which took effect as of April 1, 2019. In accordance with the Announcement 39, with effect from April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021, taxpayers in service industry relating to production and life-support services are allowed to deduct additional 10% of the deductible input tax for the current period. The Announcement 39 further illustrates that a taxpayer in service industry relating to production and life-support services refer to taxpayer whose sales generated from postal services, telecommunications services, modern services and life-support services account for more than 50% of its total sales.
Sub-article
2 of the Provisional Regulations on Value Added Tax of the PRC as of December 31, 76
Regulations Relating to Copyright and Trademark Protection
China has adopted legislation governing intellectual property rights, including copyrights and trademarks. China is a signatory to major international conventions on intellectual property rights and is subject to the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights as a result of its accession to the World Trade Organization in December 2001.
Copyright
On December 20, 2001, the State Council promulgated the new Regulations on Computer Software Protection, effective from January 1, 2002 and as amended in 2011 and 2013, which are intended to protect the rights and interests of the computer software copyright holders and encourage the development of software industry and information economy. In the PRC, software developed by PRC citizens, legal persons or other organizations is automatically protected immediately after its development, without an application or approval. Software copyright may be registered with the designated agency and if registered, the certificate of registration issued by the software registration agency will be the primary evidence of the ownership of the copyright and other registered matters. On February 20, 2002, the National Copyright Administration of the PRC introduced the Measures on Computer Software Copyright Registration, which outline the operational procedures for registration of software copyright, as well as registration of software copyright license and transfer contracts. The Copyright Protection Center of China is mandated as the software registration agency under the regulations.
The State Council and the National Copyright Administration have promulgated various rules and regulations and rules relating to protection of software in China, including the aforementioned Regulations on Protection of Computer Software and the Measures on Computer Software Copyright Registration. According to these rules and regulations, software owners, licensees and transferees may register their rights in software with the National Copyright Administration or its local branches and obtain software copyright registration certificates. Although such registration is not mandatory under PRC law, software owners, licensees and transferees are encouraged to go through the registration process and registered software rights may be entitled to better protections. As of December 31, 2019,2021, we had registered 145180 software copyrights in China.
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Trademark
Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange
Pursuant to the Regulations on the Administration of Foreign Exchange issued by the State Council and effective in 1996, as amended in January 1997 and August 2008, respectively, current account transactions, such as the sale or purchase of goods, are not subject to PRC governmental approvals. Certain organizations in the PRC, including FIEs, may purchase, sell and/or remit foreign currencies at certain banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange business upon providing valid commercial documents. However, approval of the SAFE is required for capital account transactions.
In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment which substantially amends and simplifies the current foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts (e.g.
pre-establishment
expenses account, foreign exchange capital account, guarantee account), the reinvestment of RMB proceeds by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and dividends by a FIE to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible before. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming the Management Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-invested Enterprises, which has, upon its effective date as of June 1, 2015, superseded the SAFE Circular 142.2015. This circular provides that, among other things, the foreign-invested company may convert the foreign currency in its capital account into RMB on a “at will” basis and the RMB funds so converted can be used for equity investments provided that equity investment is included in the business scope of such foreign-invested company.
On June 9, 2016, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming and Regulation of Administrative Policy on Settlement of Foreign Exchange of Capital Account, or SAFE Circular 16, which became effective on the same date. According to SAFE Circular 16, the foreign exchange capital of FIEs, foreign debt and funds raised through offshore listing may be settled on a discretionary basis, and can be settled at the banks. The proportion of such discretionary settlement is temporarily determined as 100%. The RMB converted from relevant foreign exchange will be kept in a designated account, and if a domestic enterprise needs to make further payment from such account, it still must provide supporting documents and go through the review process with the banks.
Furthermore, SAFE Circular 16 reiterates that the use of capital by domestic enterprises must adhere to the principles of authenticity andprovided by relevant laws and regulations;explicitly provided; (iii) directly or indirectly for extending entrusted loans to
self-use
within the business scope of enterprises. The foreign exchange income of capital account and RMB obtained by domestic enterprise from foreign exchange settlement must not be used (i) directly or indirectly for payment beyond the business scope of the enterprises or payment prohibited by relevant laws and regulations; (ii) directly or indirectly for investment in securities and investment in wealth management products except for principal-guaranteed bank wealth management products, unless otherwise non-affiliate
enterprises, unless permitted by the scope of business; and/or (iv) for construction or purchase of real estate that is not forself-use,
except for foreign-invested real estate enterprises.78
On October 23, 2019, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Promoting the Facilitation of Cross-border Trade and Investment, or SAFE Circular 28. On the basis of continuing to allow investment FIEs (including foreign investment companies, foreign-funded venture capital enterprises and foreign-funded equity investment enterprises) to use the registered capital for domestic equity investment in accordance with the laws and regulations, SAFE Circular 28 cancelled the restriction on theinvestment.investment projects. SAFE Circular 28 further clarifies the two ways of using the foreign currency registered capital of
non-investment
FIEs and allows thenon-investment
FIEs (like Beijing Momo IT) to use the registered capital for domestic equity investment under the premise of not violating the existing “negative list” and the authenticity and compliance of the domestic equity non-investment
FIEs for domestic equity investment, i.e., by way of transfer of the foreign currency registered capital in its original currency and by way of foreign exchange settlement of the foreign currency registered capital. On October 23, 2019, the same date, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reducing Foreign Exchange Accounts, or SAFE Circular 29, which became effective on March 2, 2020. The Appendix B of SAFE Circular 29 provides operational guidance for SAFE Circular 28. SAFE Circular 29 further specifies that the domestic equity investment set forth in Circular 28 is not limited to direct investment in a domestic enterprise but also includes equity investment conducted in the form of “equity transfer.”According to the Circular on Improving Administration of Foreign Exchange to Support the Development of Foreign-related Business, issued by the SAFE on April 10, 2020, eligible enterprises are allowed to make domestic payments by using their capital funds, foreign credits and the income under capital accounts of overseas listing, without submitting the evidentiary materials concerning authenticity of such capital for banks in advance; provided that their capital use is authentic and in compliance with administrative regulations on the use of income under capital accounts. The bank in charge shall conduct post spot checking in accordance with the relevant requirements.
Regulations Relating to Labor
Pursuant to the PRC Labor Law effective in 1995, as amended in 2009 and 2018, and the PRC Labor Contract Law effective in 2008, as amended in 2012, a written labor contract is required when an employment relationship is established between an employer and an employee. Other labor-related regulations and rules of the PRC stipulate the maximum number of working hours per day and per week as well as the minimum wages. An employer is required to set up occupational safety and sanitation systems, implement the national occupational safety and sanitation rules and standards, educate employees on occupational safety and sanitation, prevent accidents at work and reduce occupational hazards.
In the PRC, workers dispatched by an employment agency are normally engaged in temporary, auxiliary or substitute work. Pursuant to the PRC Labor Contract Law, an employment agency is the employer for workers dispatched by it and shall perform an employer’s obligations toward them. The employment contract between the employment agency and the dispatched workers and the placement agreement between the employment agency and the company that receives the dispatched workers shall be in writing. Furthermore, the company that accepts the dispatched workersemployment agencies shall be jointly and severally liable for any damage caused to the dispatched workers due to violation of the PRC Labor Contract Law by the employment agencies arising from their contracts withcompany that accepts the dispatched workers. An employer is obligated to sign an indefinite term labor contract with an employee if the employer continues to employ the employee after two consecutive fixed-term labor contracts. The employer also has to pay compensation to the employee if the employer terminates an indefinite term labor contract. Except where the employer proposes to renew a labor contract by maintaining or raising the conditions of the labor contract and the employee is not agreeable to the renewal, an employer is required to compensate the employee when a definite term labor contract expires. Furthermore, under the Regulations on Paid Annual Leave for Employees issued by the State Council in December 2007 and effective as of January 2008, an employee who has served an employer for more than one year and less than ten years is entitled to a
five-day
paid vacation, those whose service period ranges from 10 to 20 years is entitled to a10-day
paid vacation, and those who has served for more than 20 years is entitled to a15-day
paid vacation. An employee who does not use such vacation time at the request of the employer shall be compensated at three times their normal salaries for each waived vacation day.Pursuant to the Regulations on Occupational InjuryPRC Social Insurance Law, effective in 2004,2011, as amended in 2010, and the Interim Measures concerning the Maternity Insurance for Enterprise Employees effective in 1995, PRC companies must pay2018, basic pension insurance, basic medical insurance, occupational injury insurance, premiums and maternity insurance premiums for their employees. Pursuant to the Interim Regulations on the Collection and Payment of Social Insurance Premiums effective in 1999, as amended in 2019, basic pension insurance, medical insurance and unemployment insurance are collectively referred to as social insurance. Both PRC companies and their employees are required to contribute to the social insurance plans. Pursuant to the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Fund effective in 1999, as amended in 2002 and 2019 respectively, PRC companies must register with applicable housing fund management centers and establish a special housing fund account in an entrusted bank. Both PRC companies and their employees are required to contribute to the housing funds.
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According to the PRC Social Insurance Law, an employer that fails to make social insurance contributions may be ordered to pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline and be subject to a late fee. If the employer still fails to rectify the failure to make social insurance contributions within the stipulated deadline, it may be subject to a fine ranging from one to three times the amount overdue. According to the Regulations on Administration of Housing Fund, an enterprise that fails to make housing fund contributions may be ordered to rectify the noncompliance and pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline; otherwise, an application may be made by housing fund management centers to a local court for compulsory enforcement.
Regulations Relating to Dividend Distribution
FIEs in the PRC may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits after tax as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards. Remittance of dividends by a FIE out of China is subject to examination by the banks designated by SAFE. FIEs may not pay dividends unless they set aside 10% of their respective accumulated profits after tax each year, if any, to fund certain statutory common reserve funds, until such time as the accumulative amount of such funds reach 50% of the FIE’s registered capital. If the statutory common reserve funds are not sufficient to make up their losses in previous years (if any), the FIEs shall use the profits of the current year to make up the losses before accruing the statutory common reserve funds. At the discretion of the shareholders of the FIEs, it may, after accruing the statutory common reserve funds, allocate a portion of its
after-tax
profits based on PRC accounting standards to discretionary common reserve funds. These statutory common reserve funds and discretionary common reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends.SAFE Regulations on Offshore Special Purpose Companies Held by PRC Residents or Citizens
SAFE Circular on Relevant Issues Relating to Domestic Resident’s Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or Circular 37, issued by SAFE and effective in July 2014, regulates foreign exchange matters in relation to the use of special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, by PRC residents or entities to seek offshore investment and financing and conduct round trip investment in China. Under Circular 37, a SPV refers to an offshore entity established or controlled, directly or indirectly, by PRC residents or entities for the purpose of seeking offshore financing or making offshore investment, using legitimate domestic or offshore assets or interests, while “round trip investment” refers to the direct investment in China by PRC residents or entities through SPVs, namely, establishing FIEs to obtain the ownership, control rights and management rights. Circular 37 requires that, before making contribution into an SPV, PRC residents or entities are required to complete foreign exchange registration with the SAFE or its local branch. SAFE Circular 37 further provides that option or share-based incentive tool holders of a
non-listed
SPV can exercise the options or share incentive tools to become a shareholder of suchnon-listed
SPV, subject to registration with SAFE or its local branch.PRC residents or entities who have contributed legitimate domestic or offshore interests or assets to SPVs but have yet to obtain SAFE registration before the implementation of the Circular 37 shall register their ownership interests or control in such SPVs with SAFE or its local branch. An amendment to the registration is required if there is a material change in the SPV registered, such as any change of basic information (including change of such PRC residents, name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions. Failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in Circular 37, or making misrepresentation on or failure to disclose controllers of FIE that is established through round-trip investment, may result in restrictions on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant FIEs, including payment of dividends and other distributions, such as proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation, to its offshore parent or affiliate, and the capital inflow from the offshore parent, and may also subject relevant PRC residents or entities to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations.
We have completed the foreign exchange registration of PRC resident shareholders for Mr. Yan Tang, Mr. Yong Li, Mr. Zhiwei Li, and Mr. Xiaoliang Lei with respect to our financings and share transfer.
M&A Rules and Overseas Listing
In August 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, jointly adopted the Provisions Regarding Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the M&A Rules, which became effective in September 2006 and was further amended by MOFCOM on June 22, 2009. This M&A Rule purports to require, among other things, offshore SPVs, formed for listing purposes through acquisition of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC companies or individuals, to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to publicly listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange.
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We believe that CSRC approval is not required in the context of our initial public offering as we are not a special purpose vehicle formed for listing purpose through acquisition of domestic companies that are controlled by our PRC individual shareholders, as we acquired contractual control rather than equity interests in our domestic affiliated entities.
However, we cannot assure you that the relevant PRC government agency, including the CSRC, would reach the same conclusion as we do. If the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agency subsequently determines that we need to obtain the CSRC’s approval for our initial public offering or if CSRC or any other PRC government authorities will promulgate any interpretation or implementing rules before our listing that would require CSRC or other governmental approvals for our initial public offering, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. In such event, these regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from our initial public offering into the PRC, or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs.
The relevant PRC government authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in accordance with the Law around July 2021. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to deal with the risks and incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies.
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In December 2021, the CAC, together with other authorities, jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February 15, 2022 and replaces its predecessor regulation. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, critical information infrastructure operators that procure internet products and services and operators of network platforms conducting data processing activities must be subject to the cybersecurity review if their activities affect or may affect national security. The Cybersecurity Review Measures further stipulates that network platform operators that hold personal information of over one million users shall apply with the Cybersecurity Review Office for a cybersecurity review before any initial public offering at a foreign stock exchange. Given that the Cybersecurity Review Measures was recently promulgated, there are substantial uncertainties as to its interpretation, application, and enforcement. On November 14, 2021, the CAC published a draft of the Administrative Measures for Internet Data Security, or the Draft Data Security Measures, for public comments. The Draft Data Security Measures provides that data processors conducting the following activities must apply for cybersecurity review: (i) merger, reorganization, or division of internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development, or public interests, which affects or may affect national security; (ii) a foreign listing by a data processor processing personal information of over one million users; (iii) a listing in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. There have been no further clarifications from the authorities as of the date of this annual report as to the standards for determining such activities that “affects or may affect national security.” The period for which the CAC solicited comments on this draft ended on December 13, 2021, but there is no timetable as to when the draft regulations will be enacted. As such, substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the enactment timetable, final content, interpretation, and implementation of the Draft Data Security Measures, including the standards for determining activities that “affects or may affect national security.” As the Draft Data Security Measures have not been adopted and it remains unclear whether the formal version adopted in the future will have any further material changes, it is uncertain how the draft regulations will be enacted, interpreted or implemented and how they will affect us.
SAFE Regulations on Employee Share Options
Pursuant to the Notice on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly Listed Company, or Circular 7, issued by SAFE in February 2012, employees, directors, supervisors and other senior management participating in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company who are PRC citizens or who arewholly -ownedwholly-owned subsidiaries in China and limit these subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to us.
non-PRC
citizens residing in China for a continuous period of not less than one year, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company, and complete certain other procedures. Failure to complete the SAFE registrations may subject them to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our In addition, the SAT has issued certain circulars concerning employee share options or restricted shares. Under these circulars, the employees working in the PRC who exercise share options or are granted restricted shares will be subject to PRC individual income tax. The PRC subsidiaries of such overseas listed company have obligations to file documents related to employee share options or restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of those employees who exercise their share options. If the employees fail to pay or the PRC subsidiaries fail to withhold their income taxes according to relevant laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries may face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC government authorities. These registrations and filings are a matter of foreign exchange control and tax procedure and the grant of share incentive awards to employees is not subject to the government’s discretionary approval. Compliance with PRC regulations on employee incentive plans has not had, and we believe will not in the future have, any material adverse effect on the implementation of our 2012 Plan and 2014 Plan.
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C. | Organizational Structure |
The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our principal subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries as of the date of this annual report.
Notes:
| (1) | We exercise effective control over Beijing Momo through contractual arrangements among Beijing Momo IT, Beijing Momo and Messrs. Yan Tang, Yong Li, Xiaoliang Lei and Zhiwei Li, each of whom holds 72.0%, 16.0%, 6.4% and 5.6% of the equity interest in Beijing Momo, respectively. Except for Zhiwei Li and Xiaoliang Lei, the shareholders of Beijing Momo are our shareholders |
| (2) |
| We exercise effective control over Tantan Culture through contractual arrangements among Tantan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., or Tantan Technology, Tantan Culture and Beijing Momo. |
We exercise effective control over Hainan Miaoka through contractual arrangements among Beijing Yiliulinger, Hainan Miaoka and Messrs. Xiaoliang Lei and Li Wang, each of whom holds 50% and 50% of the equity interest in Hainan Miaoka, respectively. The shareholders of Hainan Miaoka are our |
| QOOL Media (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. was established in November 2016. We exercise effective control over Tianjin QOOL Media through contractual arrangements among Tianjin QOOL Media, QOOL Media Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., Beijing Momo and Tianjin Mingqiao Media Partnership (Limited Partner), or Tianjin Mingqiao, each of which holds 70% and 30% of the equity interest in Tianjin QOOL Media, respectively. Mr. Chen Feng and Mr. Ridan Da are two partners of Tianjin Mingqiao. |
Beijing Top Maker was established in March 2019, and changed to its current name in March 2021. We exercise effective control over Beijing Top Maker through contractual arrangements among Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Momo IT, and Messrs. Kuan He and Luyu Fan, each of whom holds 99% and 1% of the equity interest in Beijing Top Maker, respectively. |
| (6) | Beijing Perfect Match |
| (7) | We exercise effective control over Spacetime Beijing, through contractual arrangements among Beijing Momo, Spacetime Beijing and Ms. Minyan Wang and Messrs. Yu Dong, each of whom holds 90% and 10% of the equity interest in SpaceTime Beijing, respectively. |
Contractual Arrangements with Ourthe Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Respective Shareholders
PRC laws and regulations place certain restrictions on foreign investment in and ownership of internet-based businesses. Accordingly, we conduct our operations in China principally through Beijing Momo and its subsidiaries, Tantan Culture, Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer, Beijing Fancy Reader, Tianjin QOOL Media, andBeijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match.Match and SpaceTime Beijing. Beijing Momo IT entered into contractual arrangements with Beijing Momo, Beijing Fancy Reader,Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match and SpaceTime Beijing, and their respective shareholders. Beijing Yiliulinger, a wholly owned subsidiary of Beijing Momo IT, entered into contractual arrangements with Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer and their respective shareholders. QOOL Media Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. entered into contractual arrangements with Tianjin QOOL Media and its shareholders. Tantan Technology entered into contractual arrangements with Tantan Culture and its shareholder. Beijing Momo, Tantan Culture, Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer Beijing Fancy Reader,and Tianjin QOOL Media, andBeijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match and SpaceTime Beijing are all of ourthe consolidated affiliated entities.
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The contractual arrangements allow us to:
exercise effective control over ourthe consolidated affiliated entities;
receive substantially all of the economic benefits of ourthe consolidated affiliated entities; and
have an option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in ourthe consolidated affiliated entities when and to the extent permitted by PRC law.
As a result of these contractual arrangements, we are the primary beneficiary of ourthe consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries, and, therefore, have consolidated the financial results of ourthe consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The following is a summary of the currently effective contractual arrangements by and among our wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing Momo IT, Beijing Momo and the shareholders of Beijing Momo. We also entered into contractual arrangements with Tantan Culture, Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer, Beijing Fancy Reader, Tianjin QOOL Media, andBeijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match.Match and SpaceTime Beijing. The contractual arrangements entered into by our other PRC subsidiaries with our other consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders contain substantially the same terms as described below.
Business operation agreement
day-to-day
ten-year
term, unless objected by Beijing Momo IT. Beijing Momo IT may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a prior written notice to Beijing Exclusive call option agreements
Equity interest pledge agreements
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Powers of attorney
attorney-in-fact
Spousal consent letters
Exclusive cooperation agreements
Pursuant to the aforesaid exclusive cooperation agreements, each as amended, Beijing Momo IT, and its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch have the exclusive right to provide, among other things, licenses, copyrights, technical andand Loudi Momo and Hainan Miaoka and receive service fees and license fees as consideration. Tantan Technology have the exclusive right to provide licenses, copyrights, technical andand Loudi Momo, Hainan Miaoka, Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo will maintain aand its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch as consideration for the licenses, copyrights, technical andand its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch. Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo will remit any excess operating profit to Tantan Technology as consideration for the licenses, copyrights, technical and
non-technical
services to Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, non-technical
services to Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo, and receive service fees and license fees as consideration. Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, pre-determined
level of operating profit as routine profit, and may maintain a residual profit as an arm’s length compensation for their unique and valuable contributions, if any. Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer , Loudi Momo and Hainan Miaoka will remit any excess operating profit to Beijing Momo IT, non-technical
services provided by Beijing Momo IT, non-technical
services provided by Tantan Technology.Each agreement has an initial term of ten years from the date of execution, and may be extended at the sole discretion of Beijing Momo IT and(with its Chengdu branch.branch and Hainan branch) and Tantan Technology. Beijing Momo IT and(with its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch) and Tantan Technology may terminate the agreement at any time with aand Loudi Momo, Hainan Miaoka, Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo, as applicable, but Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, and Loudi Momo, Hainan Miaoka, Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo, may not terminate the agreement.
30-day
notice to Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, In the opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC counsel:
the ownership structures of Beijing Momo IT and Beijing Momo will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and
85
the contractual arrangements among Beijing Momo IT, Beijing Momo and the shareholders of Beijing Momo governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable, and do not and will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect.
We are further advised by Han Kun Law Offices that the ownership structures of our other wholly-owned entities in China and our other consolidated affiliated entities in China do not violate any applicable PRC law, regulation or rule currently in effect, and the contractual arrangements among our other wholly-owned entities in China, our other consolidated affiliated entities in China and their respective shareholders governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and applicable PRC laws and regulations currently in effect. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules. Accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may in the future take a view that is contrary to the above opinion of our PRC counsel. If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our business do not comply with PRC government restrictions on foreign investment in our businesses, we could be subject to severe penalties, including being prohibited from continuing operations. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating certain of our businessesoperations in China do not comply with PRC Foreign Investment Law or other regulations on foreign investment in internet and other related businesses,relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or theirthe interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations,” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us.”
D. | Property, Plant and Equipment |
Our headquarters and our principal service development facilities are located in Beijing. We leased an aggregate of approximately 40,76442,343 square meters of office space in Beijing, Chengdu, Tianjin, Shanghai,Haikou and Guangzhou Kuala Lumpur and San Jose as of March 31, 2020.2022. These leases vary in duration from one year to five years.
The servers that we use to provide our services are primarily maintained at various third-party internet data centers in Beijing.
Item 4A. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
None.
Item 5. | Operating and Financial Review and Prospects |
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this annual report on Form
20-F.
This report contains forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Information.” In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information provided under the caption “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form20-F.
We caution you that our businesses and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties.A. | Operating Results |
Major Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
User GrowthBase
86
Our revenues are driven by the number of our paying users and average revenue per paying user for the various services we offer to users, including live video service and value-added service. For 2019,2021, we generated our revenues primarily from live video service, value-added service and mobile marketing. The numbers of Momo MAUs, quarterly paying users for our live video service and value-added services on our Momo application, without double counting the overlap (Momo Paying Users), and the numbers of quarterly paying users on our Tantan application (Tantan Paying Users) are presented by the charts below for the periods indicated. The number of our paying users is affected by the growth in our active user base, our ability to convert a greater portion of our users into paying users, and the strategies we pursue to achieve active user growth at reasonable costs and expenses.
User Engagement
Monetization
in-feed
marketing solutions and live video service and in the fourth quarter of 2016, we launched a virtual gift service which allows our users to purchase and send virtual gifts to other users outside of live video service, which all contributed to our revenue growth. In 2018, we produced a television program. Our live video service currently contributes to the largest share of our revenues, generating Investment in Technology Infrastructure and Talent
Marketing and Brand Promotion.
88
Taxation
Cayman Islands
We are registered by way of continuation into the Cayman Islands. Under the current law of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to income or capital gains tax in the Cayman Islands. In addition, our payment of dividends to our shareholders, if any, is not subject to withholding tax in the Cayman Islands.
British Virgin Islands
Our subsidiaries incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and all dividends, interest, rents, royalties, compensation and other amounts paid by such subsidiaries to persons who are not resident in the British Virgin Islands and any capital gains realized with respect to any shares, debt obligations, or other securities of our company by persons who are not resident in the British Virgin Islands are exempt from all provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance in the British Virgin Islands.
No estate, inheritance, succession or gift tax, rate, duty, levy or other charge is payable by persons who are not resident in the British Virgin Islands with respect to any shares, debt obligation or other securities of such subsidiaries.
All instruments relating to transfers of property to or by such subsidiaries and all instruments relating to transactions in respect of the shares, debt obligations or other securities of such subsidiaries and all instruments relating to other transactions relating to the business of our company are exempt from payment of stamp duty in the British Virgin Islands. This assumes that such subsidiaries does not hold an interest in real estate in the British Virgin Islands.
There are currently no withholding taxes or exchange control regulations in the British Virgin Islands applicable to such subsidiaries or its members.
Hong Kong
Our subsidiaries domiciled in Hong Kong are subject to a2017, 2018 and 2019, no provision for Hong Kong tax was made in our consolidated financial statements, as our Hong Kong subsidiaries had not generated any assessable income.
two-tiered
income tax rate for taxable income earned in Hong Kong effectively since April 1, 2018. The first 2 million Hong Kong dollars of profits earned by the company are subject to be taxed at an income tax rate of 8.25%, while the remaining profits will continue to be taxed at the existing tax rate, 16.5%. In addition, to avoid abuse of thetwo-tiered
tax regime, each group of connected entities can nominate only one Hong Kong entity to benefit from thetwo-tiered
income tax rate. In In 2020, Momo HK received special dividends of RMB2,200.0 million. Withholding taxes of RMB220.0 million in connection with the dividends were fully paid during the years ended December 31, 2020. In 2021, Momo HK received special dividends of RMB1,300.0 million (US$204.0 million). Withholding taxes of RMB130.0 million (US$20.4 million) in connection with the dividends were fully paid during the years ended December 31, 2021. Except for the withholding tax paid in 2021, we have accrued additional withholding tax of RMB207.4 million (US$32.5 million) on retained earnings generated in 2021 by Beijing Momo IT, because Beijing Momo IT’s earnings are to be remitted to Momo HK in the foreseeable future to fund its demand on US dollar in business operations, payments of dividends, potential investments, etc.
Singapore
Our subsidiary domiciled in Singapore is subject to tax rate of 17% on its taxable income.
People’s Republic of China
Pursuant to the EIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, FIEs and domestic companies are subject to enterprise income tax at a uniform rate of 25%. In August 2014, Beijing Momo IT qualified as a software enterprise. As such, Beijing Momo IT was exempt from income taxes for two years beginning in its first profitable year (i.e. 2015 and 2016) followed by a tax rate of 12.5% for the succeeding three years (i.e. from 2017 to 2019). Beijing Momo IT applied for the qualification of Key Software Enterprise (“KSE”) for calendar year 2019 and was approved in 2020. Therefore, Beijing Momo IT was entitled to a preferential tax rate of 10% for the year 2019. Going forward, Beijing Momo IT will apply for KSE every year. Beijing Momo IT was qualified “High and New Technology Enterprises” (“HNTEs”) in 2020 and was accordingly entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% from 2020 to 2022. If Beijing Momo IT does not meet the requirements of KSE, it will be entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% as a high and new technology enterprise. Chengdu Momo was qualified as a Western China Development Enterprise and the income tax rate applicable to it was 15% in 2015, 2016 and 2017. According to No. 23 announcement of the SAT of PRC in April 2018, Chengdu Momo was no longer required to submit the preferential tax rate application to the tax authority, but only required to keep the relevant materials for future tax inspection instead. Based on experience, we believe Chengdu Momo will most likely continue to qualify as a Western China Development Enterprise and accordingly be entitled to a preferential income tax rate of 15%, because Chengdu Momo’s business nature has no significant changes. Therefore, we applied an enterprise income tax rate of 15% to determine the tax liabilities for Chengdu Momo in the years ended December 31, 20182019, 2020 and 2019.2021. In July 2019, Tantan Technology qualified as a high and new technology enterprise, and is accordingly entitled to a preferential enterprise income tax rate of 15% from 2019 to 2021. In October 2018, Beijing Santi Cloud UnionTantan Technology Co., Ltd.applied for Software Enterprise (“Santi Cloud Union”SE”) qualified as a highstatus for fiscal year 2020 and new technology enterprise. As such, Santi Cloud Union enjoyed awas approved in 2021, which entitled Tantan Technology to enjoy an income tax exemption in 2020. Accordingly, in 2021 Tantan Technology recorded the preferential tax rate adjustment from 15% to 0% for income tax expense of 15% from 2018 tothe fiscal year of 2020. Santi Cloud Union was in accumulated loss position for the year ended December 31, 2019. The other entities incorporated in the PRC were subject to an enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% for the yearyears ended December 31, 2019.2020 and 2021.
89
We have recognized income tax expense of RMB445.0RMB883.8 million, RMB699.6RMB755.6 million and RMB883.8RMB822.6 million (US$127.0129.1 million) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20182019, 2020 and 2019,2021, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2012, the MOF and the SAT launched a Business Tax to Value-Added Tax Transformation Pilot Program, or the VAT Pilot Program, which imposes VAT in lieu of business tax for certain “modern service industries” in certain regions and eventually expands to nation-wide in 2013. According to the implementation circulars released by the MOF and the SAT 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. Effective from May 1, 2016, PRC tax authorities collect VAT in lieu of business tax in all regions and industries. All of our entities were subject to VAT at rate of 6% for services provided and 16% for goods sold, as adjusted to 13% starting from April 1, 2019, which are not listed in Article 22019.2020. With the imposition of VAT in lieu of business tax, our revenues are subject to VAT payable on goods sold or taxable services provided by a general VAT taxpayer for a taxable period, which is the net balance of the output VAT for the period after crediting the input VAT for the period. Hence, the amount of VAT payable does not result directly from output VAT generated from goods sold or taxable services provided. In addition, according to the prevailing PRC tax regulations, the input VAT caused by purchasing goods or services can be credited against output VAT by general taxpayer when calculating VAT payable, provided that the general taxpayer obtained and verified the relevant VAT special invoices corresponding to the cost or expenditures within a defined time period. On March 20, 2019, the MOF, the SAT and the General Administration of Customs jointly issued the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-added Tax Reform, or the Announcement 39, which took effect as of April 1, 2019. In accordance with the Announcement 39, with effect from April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021, taxpayers in service industry relating to production and life-support services are allowed to deduct additional 10% of the deductible input tax for the current period. The Announcement 39 further illustrates that a taxpayer in service industry relating to production and life-support services refers to a taxpayer whose sales generated from postal services, telecommunications services, modern services and life-support services account for more than 50% of its total sales. All of our entities have obtained the VAT special invoices as the deduction vouchers, and therefore, we have adopted the net presentation of VAT.
Sub-article
2 of the Provisional Regulations on Value Added Tax of the PRC as of December 31, Pursuant to applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. We may be subject to adverse tax consequences and our consolidated results of operations may be adversely affected if the PRC tax authorities determine that the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities and their shareholders or their subsidiaries are not on an arm’s length basis and therefore constitute favorable transfer pricing. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—Contractual arrangements we have entered into with ourthe consolidated affiliated entities may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities. A finding that we owe additional taxes could significantly reduce our consolidated net income and the value of your investment.”
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated, both in absolute amounts and as percentages of our total net revenues. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. The results of operations in any period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | % | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues | 8,886,390 | 100.0 | 13,408,421 | 100.0 | 17,015,089 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Live video service | 7,429,906 | 83.6 | 10,709,491 | 79.9 | 12,448,131 | 73.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Value-added service | 695,798 | 7.8 | 1,883,150 | 14.0 | 4,105,963 | 24.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile marketing services | 514,279 | 5.8 | 500,321 | 3.7 | 331,822 | 2.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile games | 241,388 | 2.7 | 130,392 | 1.0 | 92,451 | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other services | 5,019 | 0.1 | 185,067 | 1.4 | 36,722 | 0.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost and expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | (4,373,377 | ) | (49.2 | ) | (7,182,897 | ) | (53.6 | ) | (8,492,096 | ) | (49.9 | ) | ||||||||||||
Research and development expenses | (346,144 | ) | (3.9 | ) | (760,644 | ) | (5.7 | ) | (1,095,031 | ) | (6.4 | ) | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses | (1,467,376 | ) | (16.5 | ) | (1,812,262 | ) | (13.5 | ) | (2,690,824 | ) | (15.8 | ) | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (422,005 | ) | (4.7 | ) | (640,023 | ) | (4.8 | ) | (1,527,282 | ) | (9.0 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total cost and expenses | (6,608,902 | ) | (74.3 | ) | (10,395,826 | ) | (77.6 | ) | (13,805,233 | ) | (81.1 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other operating income | 156,764 | 1.8 | 253,697 | 1.9 | 344,843 | 2.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations | 2,434,252 | 27.4 | 3,266,292 | 24.4 | 3,554,699 | 20.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 145,568 | 1.6 | 272,946 | 2.0 | 407,542 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | — | — | (56,503 | ) | (0.4 | ) | (78,611 | ) | (0.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Impairment loss on long-term investments | (30,085 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (43,200 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (15,711 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income before income tax and share of income on equity method investments | 2,549,735 | 28.7 | 3,439,535 | 25.7 | 3,867,919 | 22.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (445,001 | ) | (5.0 | ) | (699,648 | ) | (5.2 | ) | (883,801 | ) | (5.2 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income before share of income (loss) on equity method investments | 2,104,734 | 23.7 | 2,739,887 | 20.4 | 2,984,118 | 17.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share of income (loss) on equity method investments | 39,729 | 0.4 | 48,660 | 0.4 | (23,350 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | 2,144,463 | 24.1 | 2,788,547 | 20.9 | 2,960,768 | 17.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
90
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | % | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues | 17,015,089 | 100.0 | 15,024,188 | 100.0 | 14,575,719 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Live video service | 12,448,131 | 73.2 | 9,637,579 | 64.1 | 8,378,945 | 57.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Value-added service | 4,105,963 | 24.1 | 5,112,182 | 34.0 | 5,971,792 | 41.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile marketing services | 331,822 | 2.0 | 198,197 | 1.4 | 159,010 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile games | 92,451 | 0.5 | 39,564 | 0.3 | 47,712 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other services | 36,722 | 0.2 | 36,666 | 0.2 | 18,260 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost and expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | (8,492,096 | ) | (49.9 | ) | (7,976,781 | ) | (53.1 | ) | (8,383,431 | ) | (57.5 | ) | ||||||||||||
Research and development expenses | (1,095,031 | ) | (6.4 | ) | (1,167,677 | ) | (7.8 | ) | (1,131,781 | ) | (7.8 | ) | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses | (2,690,824 | ) | (15.8 | ) | (2,813,922 | ) | (18.7 | ) | (2,604,309 | ) | (17.9 | ) | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (1,527,282 | ) | (9.0 | ) | (763,150 | ) | (5.1 | ) | (624,700 | ) | (4.3 | ) | ||||||||||||
Impairment loss on goodwill and intangible assets | — | — | — | — | (4,397,012 | ) | (30.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total cost and expenses | (13,805,233 | ) | (81.1 | ) | (12,721,530 | ) | (84.7 | ) | (17,141,233 | ) | (117.6 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other operating income | 344,843 | 2.0 | 228,777 | 1.5 | 175,947 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 3,554,699 | 20.9 | 2,531,435 | 16.8 | (2,389,567 | ) | (16.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 407,542 | 2.4 | 444,471 | 3.0 | 384,279 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (78,611 | ) | (0.5 | ) | (78,872 | ) | (0.5 | ) | (73,776 | ) | (0.5 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other gain or loss, net | (15,711 | ) | (0.1 | ) | 1,500 | 0.0 | (16,000 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income before income tax and share of income on equity method investments | 3,867,919 | 22.7 | 2,898,534 | 19.3 | (2,095,064 | ) | (14.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (883,801 | ) | (5.2 | ) | (755,620 | ) | (5.0 | ) | (822,556 | ) | (5.6 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income before share of income on equity method investments | 2,984,118 | 17.5 | 2,142,914 | 14.3 | (2,917,620 | ) | (20.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Share of income (loss) on equity method investments | (23,350 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (42,522 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (8,084 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 2,960,768 | 17.4 | 2,100,392 | 14.0 | (2,925,704 | ) | (20.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 20182019, 2020 and 20192021
Net revenues
We currently generate revenues primarily from live video service, value-added service, mobile marketing services, mobile games, and other services. Revenues from live video service, value-added service and other services are presented net of value-added taxes and surcharges. Mobile marketing services are presented net of agency rebates, value-added taxes and surcharges. Mobile games revenues include revenues generated from self-developed mobile games and licencedlicensed mobile game. Net revenues increaseddecreased from RMB8,886.4RMB17,015.1 million in 20172019 to RMB13,408.4RMB15,024.2 million in 2018, and further to RMB17,015.1 million (US$2,444.1 million) in 2019,2020, primarily driven by the significant increasedecrease in net revenues from live video service as a result of the negative impact from thevalue-added service.
COVID-19
pandemic during the first half of 2020 and Live video service
We started to offer live video services on our Momo platform in September 2015.2015 and on our Tantan platform in early 2020. We generate revenues when users purchase and send Initially, the service adopted an online live concert format whereby we invited certain talented performers to put on live music shows in a professional studio environment. Such shows were broadcasted live in one to four sessions on a daily basis and atpre-announcedtimes. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we opened more live channels in order to enable more performers to put on talent shows to entertain and interact with their audience. Until April 2016, we only offered the service to a limited number of talented performerspre-selectedcarefully by us. In April 2016, we opened up the service to all the users of our platform so that each one of them can become a broadcaster if they wish.
in-show
virtual items to broadcasters.91
2021 compared to 20182020
COVID-19
adversely affecting the sentiment of our paying users, Value-added service
Value-added service primarily comprises virtual gift service and membership subscription. We started to offer virtual gift service on our Momo platform in the fourth quarter of 2016 to enhance users’ interaction and social networking with each other. Both Momo and Tantan users can become members by paying membership fees per contract period, which ranges from one month to one year. Both Momo and Tantan members are entitled to additional functionalities and privileges on Momo and Tantan mobile applications, respectively.
2020 compared to 2019
Mobile marketing services
Our mobile marketing services currently include
in-feed
marketing solutions powered by a proprietary self-serve advertising system, brand-oriented display ads, and advertising services provided through third-party partnerships.Mobile games
As of December 31, 2019,2021, we had self-developed mobile game and licensed mobile game. Our revenues from mobile games depend on the number of paying users.
2021 compared to 2020
92
2020 compared to 20182019
Other services
Our other services mainly include television content production service and film and television series investment and distribution promotion business.business, music service and peripheral products.
Cost and expenses
Cost of revenues
Cost of revenues consists primarily of costs associated with the operation and maintenance of our platform, including revenue sharing, production costs in connection with television content, commission fees, bandwidth costs, labor costs, depreciation and other costs.
Revenue sharing primarily includes payments to broadcasters and talent agencies for our live video service and virtual gift recipients for our virtual gift service, and self-developed mobile game subcontractors.service. Commission fees are payments made to third-party application stores and other payment channels for distributing our live video service, value-added service, self-developed mobile games and our mobile marketing services. Users can make payments for such services through third-party application stores and other payment channels. These third-party application stores and other payment channels typically charge a handling fee for their services. Bandwidth costs, including internet data center and content delivery network fees, consist of fees that we pay to telecommunication carriers and other service providers for telecommunication services, hosting our servers at their internet data centers, and providing content and application delivery services. Labor costs consist of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for our employees involved in the operation of our platform. Depreciation mainly consists of depreciation cost on our servers, computers and other equipment. Other costs mainly consist of production costs in connection with our television content.office rental expenses and professional fees related to live video service. We expect our cost of revenues to increase in the future as we continue to expand our services, as well as to enhance the capability and reliability of our infrastructure to support user growth and increased activity on our platform.
The following table sets forth the components of our cost of revenues by amounts and percentages of our total cost of revenues for the periods presented:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | % | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue sharing | 3,523,281 | 80.6 | 5,701,563 | 79.4 | 7,153,655 | 84.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commission fees | 309,767 | 7.1 | 278,528 | 3.9 | 369,549 | 4.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Bandwidth costs | 235,813 | 5.4 | 303,507 | 4.2 | 364,695 | 4.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Production cost in connection with television content | — | — | 429,215 | 6.0 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Labor costs | 109,042 | 2.5 | 176,461 | 2.5 | 244,182 | 2.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 59,548 | 1.4 | 140,621 | 2.0 | 209,388 | 2.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other costs | 135,926 | 3.0 | 153,002 | 2.0 | 150,627 | 1.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total cost of revenues | 4,373,377 | 100.0 | 7,182,897 | 100.0 | 8,492,096 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | % | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue sharing | 7,153,655 | 84.2 | 6,630,538 | 83.1 | 7,047,050 | 84.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commission fees | 369,549 | 4.4 | 362,831 | 4.6 | 327,843 | 3.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Bandwidth costs | 364,695 | 4.3 | 308,664 | 3.9 | 317,556 | 3.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Labor costs | 244,182 | 2.9 | 306,577 | 3.8 | 335,639 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 209,388 | 2.5 | 211,779 | 2.7 | 164,528 | 2.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other costs | 150,627 | 1.7 | 156,392 | 1.9 | 190,815 | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total cost of revenues | 8,492,096 | 100.0 | 7,976,781 | 100.0 | 8,383,431 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
93
2021 compared to 20182020
Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for research and development personnel, technological service fee, depreciation and rental expenses associated with research and development activities. Expenditures incurred during the research phase are expensed as incurred. We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we expand our research and development team to develop new features and services for our platform and to further enhance our big data analytical capabilities.
2020 compared to 2019
Sales and marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of general marketing and promotional expenses, as well as salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for our sales and marketing personnel. We expect our sales and marketing expenses to increase as we plan to enhance our brand awareness, attract new users and promote our new services.
2021 compared to 2020
. Our sales and marketing expenses decreased by 7.4% from RMB2,813.9 million in 2020 to RMB2,604.3 million (US$408.7 million) in 2021, primarily due to a RMB133.6 million (US$21.0 million) decrease in salaries and benefits for our sales and marketing personnel, primarily driven by the reduction of sales and marketing human resource input, and a RMB63.0 million (US$9.9 million) decrease in marketing and promotional expenses, primarily due to lower user acquisition investment for Tantan.
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General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and other benefits, including share-based compensation expense, professional fees and rental expenses. We expect our general and administrative expenses to increase as our business grows.
Impairment loss on goodwill and intangible assets
As of December 31, 2021, as part of our annual impairment testing and based on (i) a decline in our share price which caused our market capitalization to drop significantly below our net book value of equity and (ii) the adjustment in the monetization approach of Tantan to improve user experience and retention which has further caused Tantan’s near term revenue to decrease and net loss to widen, we determined that it was more likely than not that goodwill was impaired. Accordingly, we determined the fair value of each respective reporting unit using the income-based approach, such that Tantan’s cash flows forecasts mainly factored in the lower-than-projected business outlook. As a result, the fair value of the reporting units was estimated to be below the carrying value and therefore indicated an impairment. We recorded a RMB4,397.0 million (US$690.0 million) goodwill and intangible assets impairment during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Net income (loss)
2021 compared to 2020
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | YoY% | RMB | YoY% | RMB | US$ | YoY% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Momo | 8,884,823 | 140 | 12,812,421 | 44 | 15,740,815 | 2,261,027 | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tantan | — | — | 417,998 | N/A | 1,259,906 | 180,974 | not comparable | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
QOOL | 1,567 | N/A | 178,002 | 11,259 | 14,368 | 2,064 | (92 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Value-added Service on Momo
non-members.
Additional privileges for our premium members include the abilities to check out visitors to their message boards and certain special displays of their message.Virtual Gift Service.
non-synchronously
via mini game experiences, and users feel less pressured during these interactions as they are interacting with a virtual identity.Value-added Service on Tantan
Tantan revenues reached RMB1,259.9 million (US$181.0 million) in 2019, which mainly included value-added service revenues. After our acquisitionoffers a variety of premium features and services that users can purchase either through a subscription package or on abasis. For example, a Tantan in Mayuser can pay to subscribe to the VIP membership to enjoy certain privileges, such as using unlimited number of the “right swipe” feature, access to “Super Likes,” special badge and location roaming. In July 2018, we consolidated its financial information into ours.launched a paying feature called “See Who Liked Me”, which gives the user access to a list of users who have “swiped right” on that user. In November 2019, we launched a new paying feature called “Quick Chat” on Tantan, revenueswhere users get instantly matched with each other based on factors such as their age and location, and they can start a conversation with each other with their photos blurred and complete profile locked. While theconsolidation in 2018 was RMB418.0 million,as “See Who Liked Me,” “Quick Chat” and a complete set of VIP privileges, as well as a number of new premium features such as “advanced filters” and “recover the unmatched”. Tantan users and subscribers may also purchase, on abasis, certain other premium features, such as Turbo and Super Likes, which mainly included value-added service revenue.
pay-per-use
un-blurred
photos and complete profiles will only be available after the users reach a certain level of interaction, a Tantan user can pay to unlock the photos in advance. In late 2020, we introduced SVIP membership, which includes existing features such pay-per-use
other Tantan users.
Mobile marketing services contributed 2.0%, 1.4% and 1.1% of our revenues in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Mobile Games
As a social networking platform, we intend to offer games that have strong features which we believe will not only increase the interactions between users, but also broaden our revenue sources. Such games may be developed by segmentthird parties, with whom we share revenues generated byyear-over-year change rate forinstead focusing on self-developed games in order to better align the periods indicated:games offered on our platform with the positioning and strength of Momo as an open social platform. Mobile games contributed 0.5%, 0.3% and 0.3% of our revenues in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
in-game
purchases of virtual items or virtual currencies, or developedin-house.
We have been scaling back from jointly operated mobile games and Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | YoY% | RMB | YoY% | RMB | US$ | YoY% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Momo | 6,595,045 | 141 | 8,928,568 | 35 | 11,025,551 | 1,583,721 | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tantan | — | — | 963,486 | N/A | 2,727,259 | 391,746 | not comparable | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
QOOL | 13,857 | N/A | 503,772 | 3,536 | 52,423 | 7,530 | (90 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Services
Our other services have mainly included a TV variety show that wedevelopment expense0.1% of our revenues in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
co-produced.
Other services have also included other revenue generating services that are immaterial in revenue contribution, or are not considered as part of our strategic focus. Other services contributed 0.2%, 0.2% and Technology
Content Moderation
As an operator of social platforms, we view content management and monitoring as a critical part of our operations. As of the date of this annual report, Momo increasedand Tantan collectively have a dedicated team of 990 personnel reviewing and handling content on our mobile platform for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. They are aided by 29.9%both proprietary and third-party software and technologies to sweep our platforms and the data being transmitted on a real-time basisWe monitor and screen user information and user generated content against a spam list, which is a list of content and behaviors that we have determined are likely to be indicative of inappropriate or illegal content or illegal activities. In addition, we take self-inspection measures to strengthen our content screening efforts and cooperate with relevant governmental authorities to stay compliant with applicable laws and regulations. As an example of such self-inspection measures, during theRMB614.1 million in 2018May 11, 2019 to RMB797.5 million (US$114.6 million) inJune 11, 2019, primarily duewe temporarily suspended the ability of users to an increase in salariespost social newsfeeds on the Momo platform pursuant to directives of relevant governmental authority. Additionally, our users can also easily report fraud if they come across suspicious content, and benefits for researcheach user complaint is processed by our content management and developmentmonitoring system and personnel.
around-the-clock.
one-month
period from 59
Sustainability
We preparetake our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reporting of, among other things, assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and contingent assets and liabilities. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information,environmental responsibility very seriously, beyond our own historical experienceconsumption and other factors that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances. Since our financial reporting process inherently relies on the use of estimates and assumptions, our actual results could differ from what we expect. This is especially true with some accounting policies that require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. We consider the policies discussed below to be critical to an understandinggreenhouse gas emissions, which like much of our audited consolidated financial statements becauseindustry, are relatively low. We seek means to advance environmental best practices by aligning ourselves with positive role models and support for environmental initiatives undertaken by government and civil society organizations. A big focus of our corporate social responsibility is to support training and development of our employees so that they involvecan reach their individual goals as well as align their achievements with our corporate goals. Finally, we have an active program of corporate philanthropy aimed at better contributing to the greatest reliance onsociety and fulfilling our management’s judgment.corporate responsibilities.
As a mobile-based social networking company, our environmental footprint is small. Our Beijing headquarters are located in a building with LEED certification at the silver level, and we encourage our employees to be environmentally friendly. We provide recycling systems in our headquarters office, including a direct drinking water system in order to reduce bottled water consumption.
Human Capital
Engagement and Recognition
full-day
orientation program, which helps them better understand the value of our business and learn our corporate culture. We allocate budget for department team building on a quarterly basis and organize company outings annually.Training and Development
Health and Safety
COVID-19
pandemic during its height, including offering employees flexibility to work from Corporate Philanthropy
COVID-19
pandemic, we set up a medical research fund and committed RMB10.0 million to donated over RMB94.5 million to charitable causes.
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Competition
As a mobile social networking platform that also provides live video service, we are subject to intense competition from providers of similar services, as well as potential new types of online services.
Our competitors may have substantially more cash, traffic, technical, performer and other resources, as well as broader product or service offerings and can leverage their relationships based on other products or services to gain a larger share of marketing budgets from customers. We believe that our ability to compete effectively depends upon many factors, including the size, composition and engagement of our user base, our ad targeting capabilities, our pool of popular live broadcasters, market acceptance of our mobile marketing services and online entertainment services, our marketing and selling efforts, and the strength and reputation of our brand. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—The market in which we operate is fragmented and highly competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively for users or user engagement, our business and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.” We also experience significant competition for highly skilled personnel, including management, engineers, designers and product managers. Our growth strategy depends in part on our ability to retain our existing personnel and add additional highly skilled employees. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—The continuing and collaborative efforts of our senior management and key employees are crucial to our success, and our business may be harmed if we were to lose their services.”
Insurance
We do not maintain property insurance, business interruption insurance or general third-party liability insurance, nor do we maintain
key-man
life insurance.Regulations
This section sets forth a summary of the most significant rules and regulations that affect our business activities in China or our shareholders’ rights to receive dividends and other distributions from us.
Corporate Laws and Foreign Investment Law
The establishment, operation and management of corporate entities in China are governed by the PRC Company Law, or the Company Law, effective in 1994, as amended in 1999, 2004, 2005, 2013 and 2018, respectively. The Company Law is applicable to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities unless the PRC Foreign Investment Law and its implementation regulations have stipulated otherwise.
On March 15, 2019, the NPC approved the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which took effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced the trio of existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely,
the PRC Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the PRC Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the PRC Foreign Owned Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. Further to the PRC Foreign Investment Law, on December 26, 2019, the State Council of the PRC passed the Regulation for Implementing the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which took effect on January 1, 2020. According to the PRC Foreign Investment Law, “foreign investment” refers to the investment activities directly or indirectly conducted by one or more natural persons, business entities, or other organizations of a foreign country (collectively referred to as “foreign investors”) in China, which includes investments made by foreign investors in China through means stipulated by laws or administrative regulations or other methods prescribed by the State Council. Based on the PRC Foreign Investment Law, it is possible that the prospective laws, administrative regulations or provisions of the State Council may deem contractual arrangements as a way of foreign investment.
According to the PRC Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations, the State Council will publish a catalogue for special administrative measure, or the Negative List, to provide the scope of “restricted” or “prohibited” industries that have certain restrictions on foreign investment such as market entry clearance. Foreign investment activities in industries not included in the Negative List are granted national treatment. The currently effective Negative List has become effective on January 1, 2022.
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On February 3, 2011, the General Office of the State Council promulgated a Notice on Establishing the Security Review System for Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the Circular 6, which officially established a security review system for mergers and acquisitions of domestic enterprises by foreign investors. Further, on August 25, 2011, MOFCOM promulgated the Regulations on Implementation of Security Review System for the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the MOFCOM Security Review Regulations, which became effective on September 1, 2011, to implement the Circular 6. Under Circular 6, a security review is required for mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors having “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions by which foreign investors may acquire the “de facto control” of domestic enterprises with “national security” concerns. Under the MOFCOM Security Review Regulations, MOFCOM focused on the substance and actual impact of the transaction when deciding whether a specific merger or acquisition was subject to security review. If MOFCOM decided that a specific merger or acquisition is subject to security review, it would submit it to the Inter-Ministerial Panel, an authority established under the Circular 6 led by the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC, and MOFCOM under the leadership of the State Council, to carry out security review. The regulations prohibit foreign investors from bypassing the security review by structuring transactions through trusts, indirect investments, leases, loans, control through contractual arrangements or offshore transactions. There is no explicit provision or official interpretation stating that the merging or acquisition of a company engaged in the social network, live video, or mobile games business requires security review, and there is no requirement that acquisitions completed prior to the promulgation of the Circular 6 are subject to review. On April 30, 2019, the NDRC issued an announcement, i.e., 2019 Announcement 4, stating that the security review is now subject to its review because of the government reformation.
In December 2020, the NDRC and the MOFCOM promulgated the Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investment, which came into effect on January 18, 2021. The NDRC and the MOFCOM will establish a working mechanism office in charge of the security review of foreign investment. Such measures define foreign investment as direct or indirect investment by foreign investors in the PRC, which includes (i) investment in new onshore projects or establishment of wholly foreign owned onshore companies or joint ventures with foreign investors; (ii) acquiring equity or asset of onshore companies by merger and acquisition; and (iii) onshore investment by and through any other means. Investment in certain key areas with bearing on national security, such as important cultural products and services, important information technology and internet services and products, key technologies and other important areas with bearing on national security which results in the acquisition of de facto control of investee companies, shall be filed with a specifically established office before such investment is carried out. What may constitute “onshore investment by and through any other means” or “de facto control” could be broadly interpreted under such measures. It is likely that control through contractual arrangement be regarded as de facto control based on provisions applied to security review of foreign investment in the free trade zone. Failure to make such filing may subject such foreign investor to rectification within prescribed period, and will be recorded as negative credit information of such foreign investor in the relevant national credit information system, which would then subject such investors to joint punishment as provided by relevant rules. If such investor fails to or refuses to undertake such rectification, it would be ordered to dispose of the equity or asset and to take any other necessary measures so as to return to the status quo and to erase the impact to national security.
We operate our businesses in China through a number the consolidated affiliated entities which are controlled by our PRC subsidiaries through a series of contractual arrangements. The consolidated affiliated entities hold internet content provider, or ICP, licenses to provide value-added telecommunication services, which is an industry in which foreign investment is “restricted” under the currently effective Negative List.
Regulations Relating to Telecommunications Services
In September 2000, the State Council issued the Regulations on Telecommunications of China, or the Telecommunications Regulations, to regulate telecommunication activities in China, which was further amended in July 2014 and February 2016, respectively. The telecommunications industry in China is governed by a licensing system based on the classifications of the telecommunications services set forth under the Telecommunications Regulations.
The MIIT, together with the provincial-level communications administrative bureaus, supervises and regulates the telecommunications industry in China. The Telecommunications Regulations divide the telecommunications services into two categories: infrastructure telecommunications services and value-added telecommunications services. The operation of value-added telecommunications services is subject to the examination, approval and licenses granted by the MIIT or its provincial-level communications administrative bureaus. According to the Catalog of Classification of Telecommunications Businesses effective in March 2016 and amended on June 6, 2019, provision of information services through the internet, such as the operation of ourwebsite, is classified as value-added telecommunications services.
immomo.com
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Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment in Value-Added Telecommunications Industry
According to the Administrative Rules for Foreign Investment in Telecommunications Enterprises issued by the State Council effective in January 2002, as amended in September 2008 and February 2016, foreign investors may hold no more than a 50% equity interest in a value-added telecommunications services provider in China, and effective from May 1, 2022, such foreign investor will no longer be required to have experience in providing value-added telecommunications services overseas and maintain a good track record. Due to these regulations, we operate our website through Beijing Momo and its subsidiaries. The most updated version of the Negative List, which was promulgated by the MOFCOM and the NDRC and became effective from January 1, 2022, imposes the 50% restrictions on foreign ownership in value-added telecommunications business except for
e-commerce
business, domestic multiparty communications, storage and forwarding and call center services as well.The Circular on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in and Operation of Value-Added Telecommunications Business, or the Circular, issued by the Ministry of Information Industry in July 2006, reiterated the regulations on foreign investment in telecommunications businesses, which require foreign investors to set up FIEs and obtain an ICP license to conduct any value-added telecommunications business in China. Under the Circular, a domestic company that holds an ICP license 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 that conduct value-added telecommunications business illegally in China. Furthermore, certain relevant assets, such as the relevant trademarks and domain names that are used in the value-added telecommunications business must be owned by the local ICP license holder or its shareholders. The Circular further requires each ICP license holder to have the necessary sites and facilities for its approved business operations and to maintain such sites and facilities in the regions covered by its license. In addition, all value-added telecommunications service providers are required to maintain network and information security in accordance with the standards set forth under the relevant PRC regulations. If an ICP license holder fails to comply with the requirements in the Circular and also fails to remedy such
non-compliance
within a specified period of time, the MIIT or its local counterparts have the discretion to take administrative measures against such license holder, including revoking its ICP license. Beijing Momo, the operator of our website, owns the relevant domain names and registered trademarks and has the necessary personnel to operate the website.Regulations on Broadcasting Audio/Video Programs through the Internet and Online Live Broadcasting
On July 6, 2004, the State Administration of Radio Film and Television, or SARFT, promulgated Administrative Measures for the Broadcast of Audio/Video Programs via Information Networks such as the Internet, or the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules, which came into effect as of October 11, 2004 and was amended on August 28, 2015. According to the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules, enterprises intend to engage in the business of broadcast of audio/video programs via information networks must obtain a permit from the SARFT.
On April 13, 2005, the State Council announced Several Decisions on Investment by
Non-state-owned
Companies in Culture-related Business in China. These decisions encourage and supportnon-state-owned
companies to enter certain culture-related business in China, subject to restrictions and prohibitions for investment in audio/video broadcasting, website news and certain other businesses bynon-state-owned
companies. These decisions authorize the SARFT, the NPPA and the Ministry of Culture, or the MOC, to adopt detailed implementing rules according to these decisions.On December 20, 2007, the SARFT and the Ministry of Information Industry jointly issued the Rules for the Administration of Internet Audio and Video Program Services, commonly known as Circular 56, which came into effect as of January 31, 2008 and was amended on August 28, 2015. Circular 56 reiterates the requirement set forth in the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules that online audio/video service providers must obtain a license from the SARFT. Furthermore, Circular 56 requires all online audio/video service providers to be either wholly state-owned or state-controlled. According to relevant official answers to press questions published on the SARFT’s website dated February 3, 2008, officials from the SARFT and the Ministry of Information Industry clarified that online audio/video service providers that already had been operating lawfully prior to the issuance of Circular 56 may
re-register
and continue to operate without becoming state-owned or controlled, provided that such providers have not engaged in any unlawful activities. This exemption will not be granted to online audio/video service providers established after Circular 56 was issued. Such policies have been reflected in the application procedure for audio/video programs transmission license.63
On March 17, 2010, the SARFT issued the Internet Audio/Video Program Services Categories (Provisional), or the Provisional Categories, as further amended on March 10, 2017, which classified internet audio/video programs into four categories.
In 2009, the SARFT released a Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Online Audio/Video Content. This notice reiterated, among other things, that all movies and television shows released or published online must comply with relevant regulations on the administration of radio, film and television. In other words, these movies and television shows, whether produced in the PRC or overseas, must be
pre-approved
by SARFT, and the distributors of these movies and television shows must obtain an applicable permit before releasing any such movie or television show. In 2012, the SARFT and the CAC issued a Notice on Improving the Administration of Online Audio/Video Content Including Internet Drama and Micro Films. In 2014, the Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or SAPPRFT released a Supplemental Notice on Improving the Administration of Online Audio/Video Content Including Internet Drama and Micro Films. This notice stresses that entities producing online audio/video content, such as internet dramas and micro films, must obtain a permit for radio and television program production and operation, and that online audio/video content service providers should not release any internet dramas or micro films that were produced by any entity lacking such permit. For internet dramas or micro films produced and uploaded by individual users, the online audio/video service providers transmitting such content will be deemed responsible as a producer. Further, under this notice, online audio/video service providers can only transmit content uploaded by individuals whose identity has been verified and such content shall comply with the relevant content management rules. This notice also requires that online audio/video content, including internet drama and micro films, be filed with the relevant authorities before release.On April 25, 2016, the SAPPRFT promulgated the Provisions on the Administration of Private Network and Targeted Transmission Audio/Video Program Services to replace the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules, which became effective as of June 1, 2016 and applies to the provision of radio, TV programs and other audio/video programs to targeted audience on fixed or mobile electronic equipment such as TV and mobile phone, which was further revised on March 23, 2021. The Provision covers the internet and other information networks as targeted transmission channels, including the provision of content, integrated broadcast control, transmission and distribution and other activities conducted in such forms as Internet protocol television (IPTV), private network mobile TV and Internet TV. Anyone who provides private network and targeted transmission audio/video program services must obtain an audio/video program transmission license, with a term of three years, issued by the SAPPRFT and operate its business pursuant to the scope as provided in such license. If a service provider intends to provide new products or engage in new services which are not specified in the business guidance catalogue for private network and targeted transmission audio/video program service, it shall finish the security assessment of the NRTA in advance. FIEs are not allowed to engage in the above referenced business.
On July 1, 2016, the MOC promulgated Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Network Performance, which regulates the behavior of entities operating network performance and performers. Entities operating network performance shall be responsible for the service and content post on their website which are provided by performers, perfect the content management mechanism, and shut down the channel and stop the spreading as soon as realizing any network performance in violation of relevant laws and regulations. Network performers shall be responsible for their performances and shall not perform any program containing violence, pornography, or other similarly prohibited elements. The cultural administration authorities or cultural market enforcement authorities of relevant government supervise entities operating network performance and shall investigate all entities operating network performance in their jurisdiction thoroughly and publish any fine or action results or blacklist in time.
On September 2, 2016, the SAPPRFT issued a Notice on Issues regarding Strengthening the Administration of Internet Audio/Video Programs Live Broadcasting Services, which provides that the provision of audio/video live broadcasting of important political, military, economic, social, cultural, sports and other activities and events requires an audio/video program transmission license which covers item (5) under internet audio/video program services category I, and the provision of audio/video live broadcasting of cultural activities by general social organizations, sports events and like activities requires an audio/video program transmission license which covers item (7) under internet audio/video program services category II.
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On November 4, 2016, the CAC promulgated the Provisions on the Administration of Online Live Broadcasting Services, which became effective as of December 1, 2016. Such Provisions provides that anyone who provides online live broadcasting services through online performances, internet video/audio programs and so forth, shall obtain relevant qualifications as required by laws and regulations.
In December 2016, the SAPPRFT issued a Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Audio/Video Programs Transmission on Weibo, WeChat and Other Internet Social Networking Platforms, which further clarifies that anyone who operates internet audio/video services through Weibo, WeChat and other internet social networking platforms must obtain an audio/video program transmission license and other licenses as required by laws and regulations and operate its business pursuant to the scope as provided in such license.
On November 18, 2019, the CAC, the MCT and the NRTA jointly announced the Provisions on the Administration of Internet Audio and Video Information Services, which became effective as of January 1, 2020. The internet audio and video information services as set forth therein refer to services provision of producing, issuing and disseminating audio and video information to the public through internet websites, apps, and other network platforms. Such provisions reiterate that internet audio and video information services providers shall obtain relevant qualifications required by laws and administrative regulations, and further provides that the systems for users’ registration, information issuance examination and information security management shall be established and enhanced.
On February 9, 2021, the CAC and other five departments jointly issued the Guiding Opinions on Strengthening of Administration of Online Live Broadcast, which became effective on the same day. The guidance opinions clarified various regulatory license requirements applicable to online live broadcast platforms, and provided additional compliance requirements on broadcast platform management. As these guidance opinions are not PRC laws or regulations, it may be expected that relevant governmental authority may enact applicable rules and regulations to implement.
On April 23, 2021, the CAC and six other departments jointly issued the Administration Measures on Online Live Broadcast Marketing Activities (Trial), which became effective on May 25, 2021, to strengthen the administration of online live broadcast performance for marketing activities. Based on the Measures, the online live broadcast marketing platforms shall go through filing procedures, carry out safety assessment and acquire necessary licenses in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, and they shall also strengthen the management of online live broadcast marketing accounts, information security, marketing behavior and network and data security, while improving the protection of minors, consumer rights and interests and personal information and establishing the mechanism of registration and
de-registration
of online live broadcast marketing functions. Those who violate the Measures and cause damage to others shall bear civil, administrative or criminal liability in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.On August 8, 2021, the Administrative Provisions on Minor-oriented Programs was revised by the NRTA and has become effective on the same date. According to these provisions, network audio/video programs with minors as their main participants or recipients shall not contain any contents which are harmful to the minors, such as violence, pornography, heresy, superstition, drug taking and other illegal contents.
On March 12, 2022, the NDRC and the MOC issued the Negative List for Market Access (2022 Version), which provides that, among others,
non-state
capital shall not engage in online live broadcasting of events and activities involving politics, economy, military affairs, diplomatic affairs, major social events, culture, science and technology, public health, education and sports and such other activities and events related to political direction, public opinion orientation and value orientation. The scope of these restricted subject matters for online live broadcasting is relatively broad and vague, and is subject to further clarifications and interpretations by the regulator.On March 25, 2022, the CAC, SAT and SAMR jointly issued Opinions on Further Rectifying the Profit-making Online Live Broadcast to Promote the Healthy Development of the Industry, which requires the online broadcast platforms to improve the hierarchical and classified management of broadcasting accounts and the registration of new accounts, and platforms should also cooperate with the administrations of authorities. Besides, platforms and broadcasters shall together build impartial competition environment, and the rights and interests of the customers and businesses shall be protected during online live broadcast marketing activities. Tax compliance should be emphasized and cooperation of authorities shall also be enhanced to improve the quality of governance on the online live broadcast industry.
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As of the date of this annual report, we hold an internet audio/video program transmission license through Zhejiang Shengdian, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Beijing Momo that we acquired in March 2017.
Regulations on Online Comics and Internet Cultural Products
The Interim Administrative Provisions on Internet Culture was promulgated by MOC on February 17, 2011, became effective on April 1, 2011 and further amended on December 15, 2017. Pursuant to the Interim Administrative Provisions on Internet Culture, online comics are deemed to be online culture products, and any entity engaged in producing, transmitting and distributing online culture products shall apply for an internet culture operation license that includes the business scope of actual online activities. As of the date of this annual report, we have obtained seven internet culture operation licenses.
Regulations on Internet Publication and Cultural Products
The Administrative Measures for Internet Publication Service, or Internet Publication Measures, were jointly promulgated by the SAPPRFT and the MIIT on February 4, 2016 and became effective on March 10, 2016. The Internet Publication Measures define internet publication service and internet publication item, and publication of internet publication item via the internet requires an internet publishing license. Pursuant to the Internet Publication Measures, online game constitutes an internet publication item and therefore, an online game operator shall obtain an internet publishing license so that it can directly offer its online games to the public in the PRC. As of the date of this annual report, we have not yet obtained an internet publishing license, and are in the process of preparing the application documents.
Regulations on Online Games and Foreign Ownership Restrictions
Pursuant to the Negative List, the internet culture business (other than online music business) falls within the category of industries prohibiting foreign investment.
On September 28, 2009, the NPPA, the National Copyright Administration and the NOAPIP jointly issued the Circular on Consistent Implementation of the Stipulation on Three Aspects of the State Council and the Relevant Interpretations of the State Commission of Public Sector Reform and the Further Strengthening the Administration of the
Pre-examination
and Approval of Online Games and the Approval and Examination of Imported Online Games, or the NPPA Notice. The NPPA Notice explicitly prohibits foreign investors from directly or indirectly engaging in online game business in China, including through consolidated affiliated entities. Foreign investors are not allowed to indirectly control or participate in PRC operating companies’ online game operations, whether (i) by establishing other joint ventures, entering into contractual arrangements or providing technical support for such operating companies; or (ii) in a disguised form such as by incorporating or directing user registration, user account management or game card consumption into online game networks or platforms that are ultimately controlled or owned by foreign companies. The NPPA Notice provides that the NPPA is responsible for the examination and approval of the import and publication of online games and states that providing downloading services of the online game contents to the public through the internet is considered a publication activity, which is subject to approval from the NPPA. Violations of the NPPA Notice will result in severe penalties. For detailed analysis, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating certain of our operations in China do not comply with PRC regulations relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.”On May 24, 2016, the SAPPRFT promulgated the Circular on the Administration over Mobile Game Publishing Services, which became effective as of July 1, 2016. The Circular provides that game publishing service entities shall be responsible for examining the contents of their games and applying for game publication numbers. To apply for publication of domestically-developed mobile puzzle games that are not related to political, military, national or religious topics or contents and have no or simple story lines, entities shall submit the required documents to provincial publication administrative departments at least 20 working days prior to the expected date of online publication (public beta). Entities applying for publication of domestically-developed mobile games that are not included in abovementioned category shall go through stricter procedures, including submitting manager accounts for content review and testing accounts for game anti-indulgence system. Game publishing service entities must set up a specific page to display the information approved by the SARPPFT, including copyright owner of the game, publishing service entity, approval number, publication number and others, and shall take charge of examining and recording daily updates of the game. For mobile games (including
pre-installed
mobile games) that have been published and operated online before implementation of this Circular, to maintain the publication and operation of such games online, relevant approval procedures shall be made up by the game publishing service entities and enterprises with the provincial publication administrative departments before December 31, 2016 as required by this Circular. Otherwise, they shall cease to be published or operated online.66
On August 30, 2021, the NPPA issued the Circular of the NPPA on Further Strengthening Regulation to Effectively Prevent Online Gaming Additions among Minors, which became into effect on September 1, 2021. According to this Circular, online game companies shall provide minors only with one hour of online game services at prescribed periods, namely between 8 pm and 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Circular reinstates that online game companies shall strictly implement the real-name registration and login requirements for online game user accounts. All online games shall be connected to the NPPA’s real-name verification system for anti-online game addiction purpose. Online game users shall use real and valid identity information to register for game accounts and log in to online games. Online game companies shall not provide gaming services in any form (including visitor experience mode) to users who have not registered or logged in with their real names.
Regulation on Information Security
In December 2012, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the Decision on Strengthening Network Information Protection, or the Network Information Protection Decision, to enhance the legal protection of information security and privacy on the internet. The Network Information Protection Decision also requires internet operators to take measures to ensure confidentiality of information of users. In July 2013, the MIIT promulgated the Provisions on Protection of Personal Information of Telecommunication and Internet Users to regulate the collection and use of users’ personal information in the provision of telecommunication service and internet information service in China. In August 2015, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the Ninth Amendment to the Criminal Law, which became effective in November 2015 and amended the standards of crime of infringing citizens’ personal information and reinforced the criminal culpability of unlawful collection, transaction, and provision of personal information. It further provides that any ICP provider that fails to fulfill the obligations related to internet information security administration as required by applicable laws and refuses to rectify upon orders will be subject to criminal liability under certain circumstances. In addition, Interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate on Several Issues concerning the Application of Law in the Handling of Criminal Cases Involving Infringement of Personal Information, issued on May 8, 2017, and effective as of June 1, 2017, clarified certain standards for the conviction and sentencing of the criminals in relation to personal information infringement. In November 2016, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Cybersecurity Law, which requires, among others, that network operators take security measures to protect the network from unauthorized interference, damage and unauthorized access and prevent data from being divulged, stolen or tampered with. Network operators are also required to collect and use personal information in compliance with the principles of legitimacy, properness and necessity, and strictly within the scope of authorization by the subject of personal information.
On March 13, 2019, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and the SAMR jointly issued the Notice on App Security Certification and the Implementation Rules on Security Certification of Mobile Internet Application, which encourages mobile application operators to voluntarily obtain app security certification, and search engines and app stores are encouraged to recommend certified applications to users.
The PRC Civil Code promulgated in 2020 also provides specific provisions regarding the protection of personal information. According to the PRC Civil Code, any organization or individual shall legally obtain such personal information of others when necessary and ensure the safety of such information, and shall not illegally collect, use, process or transmit personal information of others, or illegally purchase or sell, provide or make public personal information of others.
On July 22, 2020, the MPS published the Guiding Opinions on the Implementation of Cybersecurity Hierarchical Protection System and Critical Information Infrastructure Security Protection System, which require, among others, to determine the cybersecurity protection level in a scientific manner based on the importance of network (including network facilities, information system, and data resources) in national security, economic construction, and social life, as well as factors such as the degree of harm after its destruction, to implement hierarchical protection and supervision, with emphasis on ensuring the security of critical information infrastructure and networks at or above the third level.
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In June 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took effect in September 2021. The PRC Data Security Law, among other things, provides for security review procedure for data-related activities that may affect national security. The PRC Data Security Law provides a national data security review system, under which data processing activities that affect or may affect national security shall be reviewed. In addition, it clarifies the data security protection obligations of organizations and individuals carrying out data activities and implementing data security protection responsibility, data processors shall establish and improve the whole-process data security management rules, organize and implement data security trainings as well as take appropriate technical measures and other necessary measures to protect data security. Any organizational or individual data processing activities that violate the PRC Data Security Law shall bear the corresponding civil, administrative or criminal liabilities depending on specific circumstances.
On July 12, 2021, the MIIT and two other authorities jointly issued the Provisions on the Administration of Security Vulnerabilities of Network Products. The Provisions state that, no organization or individual may abuse the security vulnerabilities of network products to engage in activities that endanger network security, or to illegally collect, sell, or publish the information on such security vulnerabilities. Anyone who is aware of the aforesaid offences shall not provide technical support, advertising, payment settlement and other assistance to the relevant offenders. According to the Provisions, network product providers, network operators, and platforms collecting network product security vulnerabilities shall establish and improve channels for receiving network product security vulnerability information and keep such channels available, and retain network product security vulnerability information reception logs for at least six months. The Provisions also bans provision of undisclosed vulnerabilities to overseas organizations or individuals other than to the product providers.
On July 30, 2021, the State Council promulgated the Regulations on Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, which became effective on September 1, 2021, referring “critical information infrastructures” as important network facilities and information systems in important industries including public communications and information services, as well as those that may seriously endanger national security, national economy, people’s livelihood, or public interests in the event of damage, loss of function, or data leakage.
On September 30, 2021, the MIIT issued the Measures for Data Security Administration in the Industry and Information Technology Field (Trial Implementation) (Draft for Comments) for public comments and on February 10, 2022, the MIIT issued again the Measures for public comments. In accordance with the draft measures, the industrial and telecommunication data processors shall classify data firstly based on the data’s category and then based on its security level on a regular basis, to classify and identify data based on the industry requirements, business needs, data sources and purposes and other factors, and to make a data classification list. In addition, the industrial and telecommunication data processors shall establish and improve a sound data classification management system, take measures to protect data based on the levels, carry out key protection of critical data, implement stricter management and protection of core data on the basis of critical data protection, and implement the protection with the highest level of requirement if different levels of data are processed at the same time. The draft measures also impose certain obligations on industrial and telecommunication data processors in relation to, among others, implementation of data security work system, administration of key management, data collection, data storage, data usage, data transmission, provision of data, publicity of data, data destruction, safety audit and emergency plans, etc. As of the date of this annual report, the draft measures have not been formally adopted.
On October 29, 2021, the CAC issued the Measures for Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer (Draft for Comment). According to these measures, in addition to the self-risk assessment requirement for provision of any data outside China, a data processor shall apply to the competent cyberspace department for data security assessment and clearance of outbound data transfer in any of the following events: (i) outbound transfer of personal information and important data collected and generated by an operator of critical information infrastructure; (ii) outbound transfer of important data; (iii) outbound transfer of personal data by a data processor which has processed more than one million users’ personal data; (iv) outbound transfer of more than one hundred thousand users’ personal information or more than ten thousand users’ sensitive personal information cumulatively; (v) such other circumstances where
ex-ante
security assessment and evaluation of cross-border data transfer is required by the CAC.On November 14, 2021, the CAC released the Administrative Regulations on the Internet Data Security (Draft for Comments), providing that data processors conducting the following activities shall apply for cybersecurity review: (i) merger, reorganization or division of internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development or public interests affects or may affect national security; (ii) listing in a foreign country of data processors processing over one million users’ personal information; (iii) listing in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. The draft Regulations provide that data processors refer to individuals or organizations that, during their data processing activities such as data collection, storage, utilization, transmission, publication and deletion, have autonomy over the purpose and the manner of data processing. However, there have been no clarifications from the relevant authorities as of the date of this annual report as 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 annual data security assessment by itself or commission a data security service provider to do so, and submit the assessment report of the preceding year to the municipal cybersecurity department by the end of January each year. The CAC solicited comments until December 13, 2021, but there is no timetable as to when it will be enacted.
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On December 28, 2021, the CAC, the NDRC, the MIIT, and several other PRC governmental authorities jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which took effect on February 15, 2022 and replaced the Measures for Cybersecurity Review promulgated in April 2020 and effective in June 2020. According to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, critical information infrastructure operators that intend to purchase internet products and services and internet platform operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security must be subject to the cybersecurity review, and an internet platform operator possessing personal information of over one million users and intending to be listed on a foreign stock exchange must be subject to the cybersecurity review.
Regulations Relating to Internet Content and Information Security
The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services specify that internet information services regarding news, publications, education, medical and health care, pharmacy and medical appliances, among other things, are to be examined, approved and regulated by the relevant authorities. Internet information providers are prohibited from providing services beyond those included in the scope of their ICP licenses or filings. Furthermore, these measures clearly specify a list of prohibited content. Internet information providers are prohibited from producing, copying, publishing or distributing information that is humiliating or defamatory to others or that infringes the lawful rights and interests of others. Internet information providers that violate the prohibition may face criminal charges or administrative sanctions by the PRC authorities. Internet information providers must monitor and control the information posted on their websites. If any prohibited content is found, they must remove the offensive content immediately, keep a record of it and report it to the relevant authorities. The consolidated affiliated entities holding ICP licenses or filings are subject to these measures.
Internet information in China is also regulated and restricted from a national security standpoint. The Standing Committee of the NPC has enacted the Decisions on Maintaining Internet Security on December 28, 2000, which may subject violators to criminal punishment in China for any effort to: (i) gain improper entry into a computer or system of strategic importance; (ii) disseminate politically disruptive information; (iii) leak state secrets; (iv) spread false commercial information; or (v) infringe intellectual property rights. The MPS has promulgated measures that prohibit use of the internet in ways which, among other things, result in a leakage of state secrets or a spread of socially destabilizing content. The consolidated affiliated entities holding ICP licenses or filings are subject to the laws and regulations relating to information security.
In August 2013, the MOC issued the Administration Measures on Content Self-Review by Internet Culture Operating Entities, or the Content Review Measures, which became effective on December 1, 2013. According to the Content Review Measures, an internet culture operating entity shall censor and review its products and services to be provided to the public to ensure that such products and services do not contain any content prohibited by law, and the censor record shall be kept for at least two years. Internet culture operating entities shall adopt technical measures to conduct real-time censor over the products and services, set up internal content control department and establish content control policies. If the internet culture operating entity identifies any illegal content, it shall immediately suspend the products or services containing such content and preserve relevant record, and, in the event that such illegal content constitute material issues, report to provincial branch of MOC.
On September 15, 2021, the CAC promulgated the Opinions on Further Enforcing Responsibilities on Website Platforms as the Main Responsible Party for Information Content Management. In accordance with the Opinions, website platforms are required to perform specific responsibilities as the main responsible party for information content management, including, among others, enhancing the platform community rules, strengthening the regulation and management of accounts, improving the content vetting mechanism, improving the quality of information content, managing the dissemination of information content, and strengthening the management of key functions.
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On March 2, 2022, the CAC issued the Administrative Provisions on Internet
Pop-up
Window Information Push Services (Draft for Comments), which provides that the internetpop-up
window information push services shall be in compliance with laws and regulations, adhere to the correct political direction, public opinion guidance and value orientation, carry forward the socialist core values, push upward good-qualitypop-up
window information contents that are uplifting, and develop an active and healthy cyber culture. The providers of internetpop-up
window information push services shall fulfill the primary responsibility for information content security management, and establish management systems for information content censorship, ecological governance, cyber security, data security, and protection of personal information protection and minors.Regulations on Anti-monopoly and Anti-unfair Competition
On September 2, 1993, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress adopted the PRC Anti-unfair Competition Law, which took effect on December 1, 1993, and was amended on April 23, 2019. According to the Anti-unfair Competition Law, unfair competition refers to that the operator disrupts the market competition order and damages the legitimate rights and interests of other operators or consumers in violation of the provisions of the Anti-unfair Competition Law in the production and operating activities. Operators shall abide by the principle of voluntariness, equality, impartiality, integrity and adhere to laws and business ethics during market transactions. Operators in violation of the Anti-unfair Competition Law shall bear corresponding civil, administrative or criminal liabilities depending on the specific circumstances.
The PRC Anti-monopoly Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC, which became effective on August 1, 2008, and the Rules of the State Council on Filing Threshold for Concentration of Undertakings promulgated by the State Council on August 3, 2008, and amended on September 18, 2018, require that where a concentration reaches one of the following thresholds, a filing must be completed in advance with the anti-monopoly law enforcement agency under the State Council, or otherwise the concentration shall not be implemented: (i) during the previous fiscal year, the total global turnover of all undertakings participating in the concentration exceeded RMB10 billion, and at least two of these undertakings each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China; or (ii) during the previous fiscal year, the total turnover within China of all the undertakings participating in the concentration exceeded RMB2 billion, and at least two of these undertakings each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China. If a business operator carries out a concentration in violation of the law, the relevant authority shall order the business operator to terminate the concentration, dispose of the shares or assets or transfer the business within a specified time limit, or take other measures to restore to the
pre-concentration
status, and impose a fine of up to RMB500,000.On October 23, 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC issued a discussion draft of the amended PRC Anti-Monopoly Law, which proposes to increase the fines for illegal concentration of business operators to no more than ten percent of its last year’s turnover if the concentration of business operator has or may have an effect of excluding or limiting competitions; or a fine of up to RMB5 million if the concentration of business operator does not have an effect of excluding or limiting competition. The draft also proposes that the relevant authority shall investigate a transaction where there is any evidence that the concentration has or may have the effect of excluding or limiting competitions, even if such concentration does not reach the filing threshold.
On August 17, 2021, the SAMR issued a discussion draft of Provisions on the Prohibition of Unfair Competition on the Internet, under which business operators should not use data or algorithms to hijack traffic or influence users’ choices, or use technical means to illegally capture or use other business operators’ data. Furthermore, business operators are not allowed to (i) fabricate or spread misleading information to damage the reputation of competitors, or (ii) employ marketing practices such as fake reviews or use coupons or “red envelopes” to entice positive ratings.
On September 11, 2020, the Anti-Monopoly Committee of the State Council issued Anti-Monopoly Compliance Guideline for Operators, which requires operators to establish anti-monopoly compliance management systems under the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law to manage anti-monopoly compliance risks.
On February 7, 2021, the Anti-Monopoly Committee of the State Council published Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for the Platform Economy Sector that specified circumstances where an activity of an internet platform will be identified as monopolistic act as well as concentration filing procedures for business operators, including those involving variable interest entities.
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On December 24, 2021, the NDRC together with other eight governmental authorities jointly issued the Opinions on Promoting the Healthy and Sustainable Development of the Platform Economy, which provides that, among others, monopolistic agreements, abuse of market dominant position and illegal concentration of business operators in the platform economy will be strictly investigated and punished in accordance with the laws.
Regulations on Anti-fatigue Compliance System and Real-name Registration System
On April 15, 2007, eight PRC government authorities, including the GAPP, the Ministry of Education, the MPS and the Ministry of Information Industry, jointly issued the Notice on Protecting Minors Mental and Physical Health and Implementation of Online Game Anti-fatigue System, which requires the implementation of an anti-fatigue compliance system and a real-name registration system by all PRC online game operators. Under the anti-fatigue compliance system, three hours or less of continuous playing by minors, defined as game players under 18 years of age, is considered to be “healthy,” three to five hours is deemed “fatiguing,” and five hours or more is deemed “unhealthy.” Game operators are required to reduce the value of
in-game
benefits to a game player by half if it discovers that the amount of a time a game player spends online has reached the “fatiguing” level, and to zero in the case of the “unhealthy” level.To identify whether a game player is a minor and thus subject to the anti-fatigue compliance system, a real-name registration system should be adopted to require online game players to register their real identity information before playing online games. Pursuant to a notice issued by the relevant eight government authorities on July 1, 2011, online game operators must submit the identity information of game players to the National Citizen Identity Information Center, a subordinate public institution of the MPS, for verification as of October 1, 2011.
On October 25, 2019, the NPPA issued the Notice of Preventing Minors from Being Addicted to Online Games, which reiterates the requirement to implement a real-name registration system by all PRC online game operators. Within two months as of such notice, online game operators are required to have all existing users to complete with the real-name registration for each of their online games account. Moreover, the duration of online games played by minors shall be strictly controlled. From 22:00 to 8:00 the next day, online game operators shall not provide online game services in any form for minors. The duration for an online game operator to provide the minors with online game services shall not exceed three hours per day on any statutory holiday or one and half hours per day on any other day. In addition, online games operators must take effective measures to restrict minors from using paid services that are incompatible with their civil capacity. Failure to comply with the aforesaid requirements may subject the online games operator concerned to taking rectification measures till revocation of relevant licenses.
On October 17, 2020, the Standing Committee of the NPC revised and promulgated the Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision), which took effect on June 1, 2021. Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision) added a new section entitled “Online Protections” which stipulates a series of provisions to further protect minors’ interests on the internet, among others, (i) online product and service providers are prohibited from providing minors with products and services that would induce minors to indulge, (ii) online service providers for products and services such as online games, live broadcasting, audio/video, and social networking are required to establish special management systems of user session duration, access authority and consumption for minors, (iii) online games service providers must request minors to register and log into online games with their valid identity information, (iv) online games service providers must categorize games according to relevant rules and standards, notify users about the appropriate ages for the players of the games, and take technical measures to keep minors from accessing inappropriate online games functions, and (v) online games service providers may not provide online games services to minors from 22:00 to 8:00.
On August 30, 2021, the NPPA issued the Circular of the NPPA on Further Strengthening Regulation to Effectively Prevent Online Gaming Additions among Minors, which became into effect on September 1, 2021. According to this Circular, online game companies shall provide minors only with one hour of online game services at prescribed periods, namely between 8 pm and 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Circular reinstates that online game companies shall strictly implement the real-name registration and login requirements for online game user accounts. All online games shall be connected to the NPPA’s real-name verification system for anti-online game addiction purpose. Online game users shall use real and valid identity information to register for game accounts and log in to online games. Online game companies shall not provide gaming services in any form (including visitor experience mode) to users who have not registered or logged in with their real names.
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On March 14, 2022, the CAC issued Regulations on Internet Protection of Minors (Draft for Comments). According to the draft regulations, online live broadcast service providers shall not provide account registration services for minors under the age of 16; those who provide account registration services for minors over the age of 16 shall check their identity information and obtain the consent of their guardians. Online live broadcast service providers shall establish a dynamic verification mechanism for the real identity information of the broadcasters, and shall not provide online live broadcast services for those who do meet the above requirements.
Regulations Relating to Internet Information Services and Content of Internet Information
In September 2000, the State Council issued the Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services, or the Internet Measures, which was amended on January 8, 2011, to regulate the provision of information services to online users through the internet. According to the Internet Measures, internet information services are divided into two categories: services of an operative nature and services of a
non-operative
nature. Our business conducted through our immomo.com website and Momo application involves operating internet information services, which requires us to obtain an ICP license. If an internet information service provider fails to obtain an ICP license, the relevant local branch of the MIIT may levy fines, confiscate its illegal income or even block its website. When the ICP service involves areas of news, publication, education, medical treatment, health, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, and if required by law or relevant regulations, specific approval from the respective regulatory authorities must be obtained prior to applying for the ICP license from the MIIT or its provincial level counterpart. Our affiliated PRC entity, Beijing Momo, currently holds an ICP license issued by Beijing Communications Administration, a local branch of the MIIT. Our ICP license will expire in December 2026.According to the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of the Online Show Live Broadcast and Online
E-commerce
Live Broadcast issued by the NRTA on November 12, 2020, platforms providing online show live broadcast or onlinee-commerce
live broadcast services shall register their information and business operations by November 30, 2020. The overall ratio of front-line content analysts to online live broadcast rooms shall be 1:50 or higher on such platforms. The training for content analysts shall be strengthened and content analysts who have passed the training shall be registered in the system. A platform shall report the number of its online live broadcast rooms, broadcasters and content analysts to the provincial branch of the NRTA on a quarterly basis. Online show live broadcast platforms shall tag content and broadcasters by category. A broadcaster cannot change the category of the programs offered in his or her online live broadcast room without prior approval from the platform. Users that are minors or without real-name registration are forbidden from virtual gifting, and platforms shall limit the maximum amount of virtual gifting per time, per day, and per month. When the virtual gifting by a user reaches half of the daily/monthly limit, a consumption reminder from the platform and a confirmation from the user by text messages or other means are required before the next transaction. When the amount of virtual gifting by a user reaches the daily/monthly limit, the platform shall suspend the virtual gifting function for such user for that day or month.According to the Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision), which took effect on June 1, 2021, among others, online live broadcasting service providers are not allowed to provide minors under age sixteen with online live broadcasting publisher account registration service, and must obtain the consent from parents or guardians and verify the identity of the minors before allowing minors aged sixteen or above to register online live broadcasting publisher accounts.
Regulations Relating to Privacy Protection
As an internet content provider, we are subject to regulations relating to protection of privacy. In recent years, PRC government authorities have enacted laws and regulations on internet use to protect personal information from any unauthorized disclosure. The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services prohibit ICP service operators from producing, copying, publishing or distributing information that is insulting or slandering a third party or infringing upon the lawful rights and interests of a third party. Under the Several Provisions on Regulating the Market Order of Internet Information Services, issued by the MIIT in 2011, an ICP service operator may not collect any user personal information or provide such information to third parties without the consent of a user. An ICP service operator must expressly inform the users of the method, content and purpose for the collection and processing of such user personal information and may only collect such information necessary for the provision of its services. An ICP service operator is also required to properly keep the user personal information, and in case of any leak or likely leak of the user personal information, the ICP service operator must take immediate remedial measures and, in severe circumstances, to make an immediate report to the telecommunications regulatory authority. In addition, pursuant to the Decision on Strengthening the Protection of Online Information issued by the Standing Committee of the NPC in December 2012 and the Order for the Protection of Telecommunication and Internet User Personal Information issued by the MIIT in July 2013, any collection and use of user personal information must be subject to the consent of the user, abide by the principles of legality, rationality and necessity and be within the specified purposes, methods and scopes. An ICP service operator must also keep such information strictly confidential, and is further prohibited from divulging, tampering or destroying of any such information, or selling or illegally providing such information to other parties. Any violation of the above decision or order may subject the ICP service operator to warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses, cancelation of filings, closedown of websites or even criminal liabilities. We are subject to these regulations as an online business operator.
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On February 4, 2015, the CAC promulgated the Provisions on the Administrative of Account Names of Internet Users, which became effective as of March 1, 2015, setting forth the authentication requirement for the real identity of internet users by requiring users to provide their real names during the registration process. In addition, these provisions specify that internet information service providers are required by these provisions to accept public supervision, and promptly remove illegal and malicious information in account names, profile photos, introductions and other registration-related information reported by the public in a timely manner. On October 26, 2021, the CAC published the Provisions on the Administrative of Account Names Information of Internet Users (Draft for Comments) for public comments. Pursuant to these provisions, internet user account service platforms shall, among others, establish, improve and strictly implement account name information management system, information content security system, and personal information protection system, and establish an account name information dynamic check patrol system for the verification of real identity information, improve their technical measures for purposes of account information legal compliance, and support account name authenticity checks.
On January 23, 2019, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the MIIT, the MPS, and the SAMR jointly issued the Notice on Special Governance of Illegal Collection and Use of Personal Information via Apps, which restates the requirement of legal collection and use of personal information, encourages app operators to conduct security certifications, and encourages search engines and app stores to clearly mark and recommend those certified Apps.
On August 22, 2019, the CAC issued the Regulation on Cyber Protection of Children’s Personal Information, effective on October 1, 2019. Network operators are required to establish special policies and user agreements to protect children’s personal information, and to appoint special personnel in charge of protecting children’s personal information. Network operators who collect, use, transfer or disclose personal information of children are required to, in a prominent and clear way, notify and obtain consent from children’s guardians.
On November 28, 2019, the CAC, MIIT, the MPS and SAMR jointly issued the Measures to Identify Illegal Collection and Usage of Personal Information by Apps, which lists six types of illegal collection and usage of personal information, including “not publishing rules on the collection and usage of personal information” and “not providing privacy rules.”
In addition, on May 28, 2020, the NPC adopted the PRC Civil Code, or the Civil Code, which came into effect on January 1, 2021. Pursuant to the Civil Code, the personal information of a natural person shall be protected by the law. Any organization or individual shall legally obtain such personal information of others when necessary and ensure the safety of such information, and shall not illegally collect, use, process or transmit personal information of others, or illegally purchase or sell, provide or make public personal information of others.
The MIIT issued the Notice on the Further Special Rectification of App Infringing upon Users’ Personal Rights and Interests on July 22, 2020, which requires that certain conducts of App service providers should be inspected, including, among others, (i) collecting or using personal information without the user’s consent, collecting or using personal information beyond the necessary scope of providing services, and forcing users to receive advertisements; (ii) requesting user’s permission in a compulsory and frequent manner, or frequently launching third- parties Apps; and (iii) deceiving and misleading users into downloading Apps or providing personal information. It also sets forth that the period for the regulatory specific inspection on Apps and that the MIIT will order the
non-compliant
entities to modify their business within five business days, or otherwise the MIIT will make public announcement, remove the Apps from the Appstores or impose other administrative penalties.73
On March 12, 2021, the CAC and three other authorities jointly issued the Rules on the Scope of Necessary Personal Information for Common Types of Mobile Internet Apps. The Rules specifies the scope of necessary personal information to be collected each for a variety of common mobile internet apps, such as online live broadcast Apps, instant messaging Apps, online game Apps. Operators of such Apps shall not refuse to provide basic services to users on the ground of users’ refusal to provide their personal
non-essential
information.On April 26, 2021, the MIIT issued the Interim Administrative Provisions on Personal Information Protection in Internet Mobile Apps (Draft for Comment). The draft of the Interim Administrative Provisions on Personal Information Protection in Internet Mobile Apps sets forth two principles of collection and utilization of personal information, namely “explicit consent” and “minimum necessity.”
According to the Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision), which took effect on June 1, 2021, information processors must follow the principles of legality, legitimacy and necessity when processing personal information of minors via internet, and must obtain consent from minors’ parents or other guardians when processing personal information of minors under age of 14. In addition, internet service providers must promptly alert upon the discovery of publishing private information by minors via the internet and take necessary protective measures.
On August 20, 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Personal Information Protection Law, which became effective on November 1, 2021. The PRC Personal Information Protection Law specifically specifies the rules for processing sensitive personal information, i.e., personal information that, once leaked or illegally used, may easily cause harm to the dignity of natural persons or grave harm to personal or property security, including information on biometric characteristics, financial accounts, individual location tracking, etc., as well as the personal information of minors under the age of 14. Personal information processors shall bear responsibility for their personal information processing activities and adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the security of the personal information they process. Otherwise, the personal information processors will be ordered to correct or suspend or terminate the provision of services, confiscation of illegal income, fines or other penalties.
On September 17, 2021, the CAC, together with eight other government authorities, jointly issued the Guidelines on Strengthening the Comprehensive Regulation of Algorithms for Internet Information Services. The guidelines provide that daily monitoring of data use, application scenarios, and effects of algorithms must be carried out by the relevant regulators, and relevant regulators should conduct security assessments of algorithms. The guidelines also provide that an algorithm filing system should be established, and classified security management of algorithms should be promoted.
On December 31, 2021, the CAC, the MIIT, the MPS, and the SAMR jointly promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Information Service Algorithm Recommendation, which took effect on March 1, 2022. The Administrative Provisions on Internet Information Service Algorithm Recommendation, among others, implements classification and hierarchical management for algorithm recommendation service providers based on various criteria, requires algorithm recommendation service providers to inform users of their provision of algorithm recommendation services in a conspicuous manner, and publicize the basic principles, purpose intentions, and main operating mechanisms of algorithm recommendation services in an appropriate manner, and requires such service providers to provide users with options that are not specific to their personal profiles, or convenient options to cancel algorithmic recommendation services.
Regulations on Mobile Internet Applications
In June 2016, the CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet App Information Services, or the Mobile App Administrative Provisions, which became effective on August 1, 2016. Pursuant to the Mobile App Administrative Provisions, a mobile internet app refers to an App software that runs on mobile smart devices providing information services after being
pre-installed,
downloaded or embedded through other means. Mobile internet app providers refer to the owners or operators of mobile internet apps.Pursuant to the Mobile App Administrative Provisions, an internet App program provider must verify a user’s mobile phone number and other identity information under the principle of mandatory real name registration at the back-office end and voluntary real name display at the front-office end. An internet app provider must not enable functions that can collect a user’s geographical location information, access user’s contact list, activate the camera or recorder of the user’s mobile smart device or other functions irrelevant to its services, nor is it allowed to conduct bundle installations of irrelevant App programs, unless it has clearly indicated to the user and obtained the user’s consent on such functions and App programs. If an App provider violates the regulations, the internet Appstore service provider must take measures to stop the violations, including giving a warning, suspension of release, withdrawal of the App from the platform, keeping a record of the incident and reporting the incident to the relevant governmental authorities.
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On January 5, 2022, the CAC issued a draft of Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet app Information Services, or the Draft Mobile Application Administrative Provisions, for public comments, which will replace the current Mobile App Administrative Provisions after it becomes effective. According to the Draft Mobile App Administrative Provisions, App providers shall formulate and publish the administrative rules and platform conventions, and enter into the services agreements with their users, which shall specify the rights and obligations of both parties and require the users to abide by the laws and regulations. In addition, App providers are also required to (i) establish management mechanism on the examination of information and contents, (ii) enhance management measures regarding user registration, management of accounts, examination of information, and emergency response, and (iii) equip itself with sufficient professional personnel and technical capacity commensurate with the scale of its services.
Regulations Relating to Taxation
In January 2008, the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law took effect. The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law applies a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate to both FIEs and domestic enterprises, except where tax incentives are granted to special industries and projects. Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation regulations, dividends generated from the business of a PRC subsidiary after January 1, 2008 and payable to its foreign investor may be subject to a withholding tax rate of 10% if the PRC tax authorities determine that the foreign investor is a
non-resident
enterprise, unless there is a tax treaty with China that provides for a preferential withholding tax rate. Distributions of earnings generated before January 1, 2008 are exempt from PRC withholding tax.Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, an enterprise established outside China with “de facto management bodies” within China is considered a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. A circular issued by the SAT in April 2009 regarding the standards used to classify certain Chinese-invested enterprises controlled by Chinese enterprises or Chinese enterprise groups and established outside of China as “resident enterprises” clarified that dividends and other income paid by such PRC “resident enterprises” will be considered
PRC-source
income and subject to PRC withholding tax, currently at a rate of 10%, when paid tonon-PRC
enterprise shareholders. This circular also subjects such PRC “resident enterprises” to various reporting requirements with the PRC tax authorities. Under the implementation regulations to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, a “de facto management body” is defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and properties of an enterprise. In addition, the tax circular mentioned above specifies that certainPRC-invested
overseas enterprises controlled by a Chinese enterprise or a Chinese enterprise group in the PRC will be classified as PRC resident enterprises if the following are located or resided in the PRC: senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; financial and personnel decision making bodies; key properties, accounting books, the company seal, and minutes of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings; and half or more of the senior management or directors who have the voting rights.Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, the withholding tax rate in respect to the payment of dividends by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong enterprise is reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly holds at least 25% of the PRC enterprise. Pursuant to the Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on the Issues concerning the Application of the Dividend Clauses of Tax Agreements, or Circular 81, a Hong Kong resident enterprise must meet the following conditions, among others, in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax: (i) it must be a company; (ii) it must directly own the required percentage of equity interests and voting rights in the PRC resident enterprise; and (iii) it must have directly owned such required percentage in the PRC resident enterprise throughout the 12 months prior to receiving the dividends. Furthermore, the Measures for the Administration of
Non-resident
Taxpayers’ Enjoyment of Treaty Benefits, which became effective in January 2020, provide thatnon-resident
taxpayers’ enjoyment of treaty benefits shall be handled in the manner of “self-assessment, claim for and enjoyment of treaty benefits and retention of relevant materials for review,” thus, wherenon-resident
taxpayers determine on their own that the conditions for them to enjoy the treatments under tax treaties are meet, may enjoy treatments under tax treaties on their own during the tax filings by themselves or through withholding agents, and shall collect and retain relevant materials for future inspection, and be subject to administration by relevant tax authorities afterwards. There are also other conditions for enjoying the reduced withholding tax rate according to other relevant tax rules and regulations. Accordingly, Momo Technology HK Company Limited may be able to benefit from the 5% withholding tax rate for the dividends it receives from Beijing Momo IT, if it satisfies the conditions prescribed under Circular 81 and other relevant tax rules and regulations, and obtain the approvals as required. However, according to Circular 81, if the relevant tax authorities consider the transactions or arrangements we have are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment, the relevant tax authorities may adjust the favorable withholding tax in the future.75
In January 2009, the SAT promulgated the Provisional Measures for the Administration of Withholding of Enterprise Income Tax for
Non-resident
Enterprises, or theNon-resident
Enterprises Measures, pursuant to which entities that have direct obligation to make certain payments to anon-resident
enterprise shall be the relevant tax withholders for suchnon-resident
enterprise. Further, theNon-resident
Enterprises Measures provides that, in case of an equity transfer between twonon-resident
enterprises which occurs outside China, thenon-resident
enterprise which receives the equity transfer payment shall, by itself or engage an agent to, file tax declaration with the PRC tax authority located at place of the PRC company whose equity has been transferred, and the PRC company whose equity has been transferred shall assist the tax authorities to collect taxes from the relevantnon-resident
enterprise. On April 30, 2009, the MOF and the SAT jointly issued the Notice on Issues Concerning Process of Enterprise Income Tax in Enterprise Restructuring Business, or Circular 59.On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued a Public Notice on Several Issues Relating to Enterprise Income Tax on Transfer of Assets between
Non-resident
Enterprises, or Public Notice 7. Public Notice 7 introduces a new tax regime, and extends its tax jurisdiction to capture not only indirect transfers but also transactions involving transfer of immovable property in China and assets held under the establishment and place, in China of a foreign company through the offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. Public Notice 7 also addresses transfer of the equity interest in a foreign intermediate holding company widely. In addition, Public Notice 7 provides clear criteria on how to assess reasonable commercial purposes and introduces safe harbor scenarios applicable to internal group restructurings. However, it also brings challenges to both the foreign transferor and transferee of the indirect transfers as they have to make self-assessment on whether the transaction should be subject to PRC tax and to file or withhold the PRC tax accordingly. In October 2017, the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding ofNon-resident
Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or Bulletin 37, which came into effect in December 2017 and was amended in June 2018. The Bulletin 37 further clarifies the practice and procedures of the withholding ofnon-resident
enterprise income tax. Where anon-resident
enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is an indirect transfer, thenon-resident
enterprise as either the transferor or the transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such indirect transfer to the relevant tax authority.Where
non-resident
investors were involved in our private equity financing, if such transactions were determined by the tax authorities to lack reasonable commercial purpose, we and ournon-resident
investors may become at risk of being taxed under Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 and may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 or to establish that we should not be taxed under Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7.The PRC tax authorities have the discretion under SAT Circular 59, Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 to make adjustments to the taxable capital gains based on the difference between the fair value of the equity interests transferred and the cost of investment.
Value Added Tax
On January 1, 2012, the PRC State Council officially launched a pilot value-added tax (“VAT”) reform program, or Pilot Program, applicable to businesses in selected industries. Businesses in the Pilot Program would pay VAT instead of business tax. The pilot industries in Shanghai included industries involving the leasing of tangible movable property, transportation services, research and development and technical services, information technology services, cultural and creative services, logistics and ancillary services, certification and consulting services. Revenues generated by advertising services, a type of “cultural and creative services,” are subject to the VAT tax rate of 6%. According to official announcements made by competent authorities in Beijing and Guangdong province, Beijing launched the same Pilot Program on September 1, 2012, and Guangdong province launched it on November 1, 2012. On May 24, 2013, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on Tax Policies in the Nationwide Pilot Collection of Value Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax in the Transportation Industry and Certain Modern Services Industries, or the Circular 37. The scope of certain modern services industries under the Circular 37 extends to the inclusion of radio and television services. On August 1, 2013, the Pilot Program was implemented throughout China. On December 12, 2013, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on the Inclusion of the Railway Transport Industry and Postal Service Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or Circular 106. Among the other things, Circular 106 abolished Circular 37, and refined the policies for the Pilot Program. On April 29, 2014, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on the Inclusion of Telecommunications Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or Circular 43. On March 23, 2016, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on Comprehensively Promoting the Pilot Program of the Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, which replaced and superseded Circular 106 and Circular 43. Effective from May 1, 2016, the PRC tax authorities collect VAT in lieu of Business Tax in all regions and industries. All of our entities were subject to VAT at the rate of 6% for services provided and 16% for goods sold, as adjusted to 13% starting from April 1, 2019, which are not listed in Article 2
Sub-article
2 of the Provisional Regulations on Value Added Tax of the PRC as of December 31, 2020. On March 20, 2019, the MOF, the SAT and the General Administration of Customs jointly issued the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-added Tax Reform, or the Announcement 39, which took effect as of April 1, 2019. In accordance with the Announcement 39, with effect from April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021, taxpayers in service industry relating to production and life-support services are allowed to deduct additional 10% of the deductible input tax for the current period. The Announcement 39 further illustrates that a taxpayer in service industry relating to production and life-support services refer to taxpayer whose sales generated from postal services, telecommunications services, modern services and life-support services account for more than 50% of its total sales.76
Regulations Relating to Copyright and Trademark Protection
China has adopted legislation governing intellectual property rights, including copyrights and trademarks. China is a signatory to major international conventions on intellectual property rights and is subject to the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights as a result of its accession to the World Trade Organization in December 2001.
Copyright
On December 20, 2001, the State Council promulgated the new Regulations on Computer Software Protection, effective from January 1, 2002 and as amended in 2011 and 2013, which are intended to protect the rights and interests of the computer software copyright holders and encourage the development of software industry and information economy. In the PRC, software developed by PRC citizens, legal persons or other organizations is automatically protected immediately after its development, without an application or approval. Software copyright may be registered with the designated agency and if registered, the certificate of registration issued by the software registration agency will be the primary evidence of the ownership of the copyright and other registered matters. On February 20, 2002, the National Copyright Administration of the PRC introduced the Measures on Computer Software Copyright Registration, which outline the operational procedures for registration of software copyright, as well as registration of software copyright license and transfer contracts. The Copyright Protection Center of China is mandated as the software registration agency under the regulations.
The State Council and the National Copyright Administration have promulgated various rules and regulations and rules relating to protection of software in China, including the aforementioned Regulations on Protection of Computer Software and the Measures on Computer Software Copyright Registration. According to these rules and regulations, software owners, licensees and transferees may register their rights in software with the National Copyright Administration or its local branches and obtain software copyright registration certificates. Although such registration is not mandatory under PRC law, software owners, licensees and transferees are encouraged to go through the registration process and registered software rights may be entitled to better protections. As of December 31, 2021, we had registered 180 software copyrights in China.
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Trademark
Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange
Pursuant to the Regulations on the Administration of Foreign Exchange issued by the State Council and effective in 1996, as amended in January 1997 and August 2008, respectively, current account transactions, such as the sale or purchase of goods, are not subject to PRC governmental approvals. Certain organizations in the PRC, including FIEs, may purchase, sell and/or remit foreign currencies at certain banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange business upon providing valid commercial documents. However, approval of the SAFE is required for capital account transactions.
In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment which substantially amends and simplifies the foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts (e.g.
pre-establishment
expenses account, foreign exchange capital account, guarantee account), the reinvestment of RMB proceeds by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and dividends by a FIE to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible before. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming the Management Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-invested Enterprises, which has, upon its effective date as of June 1, 2015. This circular provides that, among other things, the foreign-invested company may convert the foreign currency in its capital account into RMB on a “at will” basis and the RMB funds so converted can be used for equity investments provided that equity investment is included in the business scope of such foreign-invested company.
On June 9, 2016, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming and Regulation of Administrative Policy on Settlement of Foreign Exchange of Capital Account, or SAFE Circular 16, which became effective on the same date. According to SAFE Circular 16, the foreign exchange capital of FIEs, foreign debt and funds raised through offshore listing may be settled on a discretionary basis, and can be settled at the banks. The proportion of such discretionary settlement is temporarily determined as 100%. The RMB converted from relevant foreign exchange will be kept in a designated account, and if a domestic enterprise needs to make further payment from such account, it still must provide supporting documents and go through the review process with the banks.
Furthermore, SAFE Circular 16 reiterates that the use of capital by domestic enterprises must adhere to the principles of authenticity and
self-use
within the business scope of enterprises. The foreign exchange income of capital account and RMB obtained by domestic enterprise from foreign exchange settlement must not be used (i) directly or indirectly for payment beyond the business scope of the enterprises or payment prohibited by relevant laws and regulations; (ii) directly or indirectly for investment in securities and investment in wealth management products except for principal-guaranteed bank wealth management products, unless otherwise explicitly provided; (iii) for extending loans tonon-affiliate
enterprises, unless permitted by the scope of business; and/or (iv) for construction or purchase of real estate that is not forself-use,
except for foreign-invested real estate enterprises.78
On October 23, 2019, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Promoting the Facilitation of Cross-border Trade and Investment, or SAFE Circular 28. On the basis of continuing to allow investment FIEs (including foreign investment companies, foreign-funded venture capital enterprises and foreign-funded equity investment enterprises) to use the registered capital for domestic equity investment in accordance with the laws and regulations, SAFE Circular 28 cancelled the restriction on the
non-investment
FIEs and allows thenon-investment
FIEs (like Beijing Momo IT) to use the registered capital for domestic equity investment under the premise of not violating the existing “negative list” and the authenticity and compliance of the domestic equity investment projects. SAFE Circular 28 further clarifies the two ways of using the foreign currency registered capital ofnon-investment
FIEs for domestic equity investment, i.e., by way of transfer of the foreign currency registered capital in its original currency and by way of foreign exchange settlement of the foreign currency registered capital. On October 23, 2019, the same date, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reducing Foreign Exchange Accounts, or SAFE Circular 29, which became effective on March 2, 2020. The Appendix B of SAFE Circular 29 provides operational guidance for SAFE Circular 28. SAFE Circular 29 further specifies that the domestic equity investment set forth in Circular 28 is not limited to direct investment in a domestic enterprise but also includes equity investment conducted in the form of “equity transfer.”According to the Circular on Improving Administration of Foreign Exchange to Support the Development of Foreign-related Business, issued by the SAFE on April 10, 2020, eligible enterprises are allowed to make domestic payments by using their capital funds, foreign credits and the income under capital accounts of overseas listing, without submitting the evidentiary materials concerning authenticity of such capital for banks in advance; provided that their capital use is authentic and in compliance with administrative regulations on the use of income under capital accounts. The bank in charge shall conduct post spot checking in accordance with the relevant requirements.
Regulations Relating to Labor
Pursuant to the PRC Labor Law effective in 1995, as amended in 2009 and 2018, and the PRC Labor Contract Law effective in 2008, as amended in 2012, a written labor contract is required when an employment relationship is established between an employer and an employee. Other labor-related regulations and rules of the PRC stipulate the maximum number of working hours per day and per week as well as the minimum wages. An employer is required to set up occupational safety and sanitation systems, implement the national occupational safety and sanitation rules and standards, educate employees on occupational safety and sanitation, prevent accidents at work and reduce occupational hazards.
In the PRC, workers dispatched by an employment agency are normally engaged in temporary, auxiliary or substitute work. Pursuant to the PRC Labor Contract Law, an employment agency is the employer for workers dispatched by it and shall perform an employer’s obligations toward them. The employment contract between the employment agency and the dispatched workers shall be in writing. Furthermore, the employment agencies shall be jointly and severally liable for any damage caused to the dispatched workers due to violation of the PRC Labor Contract Law by the company that accepts the dispatched workers. An employer is obligated to sign an indefinite term labor contract with an employee if the employer continues to employ the employee after two consecutive fixed-term labor contracts. The employer also has to pay compensation to the employee if the employer terminates an indefinite term labor contract. Except where the employer proposes to renew a labor contract by maintaining or raising the conditions of the labor contract and the employee is not agreeable to the renewal, an employer is required to compensate the employee when a definite term labor contract expires. Furthermore, under the Regulations on Paid Annual Leave for Employees issued by the State Council in December 2007 and effective as of January 2008, an employee who has served an employer for more than one year and less than ten years is entitled to a
five-day
paid vacation, those whose service period ranges from 10 to 20 years is entitled to a10-day
paid vacation, and those who has served for more than 20 years is entitled to a15-day
paid vacation. An employee who does not use such vacation time at the request of the employer shall be compensated at three times their normal salaries for each waived vacation day.Pursuant to the PRC Social Insurance Law, effective in 2011, as amended in 2018, basic pension insurance, basic medical insurance, occupational injury insurance, maternity insurance and unemployment insurance are collectively referred to as social insurance. Both PRC companies and their employees are required to contribute to the social insurance plans. Pursuant to the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Fund effective in 1999, as amended in 2002 and 2019 respectively, PRC companies must register with applicable housing fund management centers and establish a special housing fund account in an entrusted bank. Both PRC companies and their employees are required to contribute to the housing funds.
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According to the PRC Social Insurance Law, an employer that fails to make social insurance contributions may be ordered to pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline and be subject to a late fee. If the employer still fails to rectify the failure to make social insurance contributions within the stipulated deadline, it may be subject to a fine ranging from one to three times the amount overdue. According to the Regulations on Administration of Housing Fund, an enterprise that fails to make housing fund contributions may be ordered to rectify the noncompliance and pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline; otherwise, an application may be made by housing fund management centers to a local court for compulsory enforcement.
Regulations Relating to Dividend Distribution
FIEs in the PRC may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits after tax as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards. Remittance of dividends by a FIE out of China is subject to examination by the banks designated by SAFE. FIEs may not pay dividends unless they set aside 10% of their respective accumulated profits after tax each year, if any, to fund certain statutory common reserve funds, until such time as the accumulative amount of such funds reach 50% of the FIE’s registered capital. If the statutory common reserve funds are not sufficient to make up their losses in previous years (if any), the FIEs shall use the profits of the current year to make up the losses before accruing the statutory common reserve funds. At the discretion of the shareholders of the FIEs, it may, after accruing the statutory common reserve funds, allocate a portion of its
after-tax
profits based on PRC accounting standards to discretionary common reserve funds. These statutory common reserve funds and discretionary common reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends.SAFE Regulations on Offshore Special Purpose Companies Held by PRC Residents or Citizens
SAFE Circular on Relevant Issues Relating to Domestic Resident’s Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or Circular 37, issued by SAFE and effective in July 2014, regulates foreign exchange matters in relation to the use of special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, by PRC residents or entities to seek offshore investment and financing and conduct round trip investment in China. Under Circular 37, a SPV refers to an offshore entity established or controlled, directly or indirectly, by PRC residents or entities for the purpose of seeking offshore financing or making offshore investment, using legitimate domestic or offshore assets or interests, while “round trip investment” refers to the direct investment in China by PRC residents or entities through SPVs, namely, establishing FIEs to obtain the ownership, control rights and management rights. Circular 37 requires that, before making contribution into an SPV, PRC residents or entities are required to complete foreign exchange registration with the SAFE or its local branch. SAFE Circular 37 further provides that option or share-based incentive tool holders of a
non-listed
SPV can exercise the options or share incentive tools to become a shareholder of suchnon-listed
SPV, subject to registration with SAFE or its local branch.PRC residents or entities who have contributed legitimate domestic or offshore interests or assets to SPVs but have yet to obtain SAFE registration before the implementation of the Circular 37 shall register their ownership interests or control in such SPVs with SAFE or its local branch. An amendment to the registration is required if there is a material change in the SPV registered, such as any change of basic information (including change of such PRC residents, name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions. Failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in Circular 37, or making misrepresentation on or failure to disclose controllers of FIE that is established through round-trip investment, may result in restrictions on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant FIEs, including payment of dividends and other distributions, such as proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation, to its offshore parent or affiliate, and the capital inflow from the offshore parent, and may also subject relevant PRC residents or entities to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations.
We have completed the foreign exchange registration of PRC resident shareholders for Mr. Yan Tang, Mr. Yong Li, Mr. Zhiwei Li, and Mr. Xiaoliang Lei with respect to our financings and share transfer.
M&A Rules and Overseas Listing
In August 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including CSRC, jointly adopted the M&A Rules, which became effective in September 2006 and was further amended by MOFCOM on June 22, 2009. This M&A Rule purports to require, among other things, offshore SPVs, formed for listing purposes through acquisition of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC companies or individuals, to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to publicly listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange.
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We believe that CSRC approval is not required in the context of our initial public offering as we are not a special purpose vehicle formed for listing purpose through acquisition of domestic companies that are controlled by our PRC individual shareholders, as we acquired contractual control rather than equity interests in our domestic affiliated entities. However, we cannot assure you that the relevant PRC government agency, including the CSRC, would reach the same conclusion as we do. If the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agency subsequently determines that we need to obtain the CSRC’s approval for our initial public offering or if CSRC or any other PRC government authorities will promulgate any interpretation or implementing rules before our listing that would require CSRC or other governmental approvals for our initial public offering, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. In such event, these regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from our initial public offering into the PRC, or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs.
The relevant PRC government authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in accordance with the Law around July 2021. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to deal with the risks and incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies.
On December 24, 2021, the CSRC released the Draft Administrative Provisions and the Draft Filing Measures, both of which were open for public comments until January 23, 2022. Under these draft new rules, a filing-based regulatory system will be applied to “indirect overseas offering and listing” of PRC domestic companies, which refers to such securities offering and listing in an overseas market made in the name of an offshore entity, but based on the underlying equity, assets, earnings or other similar rights of a domestic company which operates its main business domestically. It is still uncertain when the final versions of these new provisions and measures will be issued and take effect, how they will be enacted, interpreted or implemented, and whether they will affect us. Assuming the Draft Administrative Provisions and the Draft Filing Measures become effective in their current forms, any of our offering and listing in an overseas market in future may be subject to the filing with the CSRC. Furthermore, according to the Negative List promulgated by the MOFCOM and the NDRC that became effective on January 1, 2022, domestic enterprises engaged in activities in any field prohibited from foreign investment under the Negative List shall be subject to review and approval by the relevant authorities of the PRC when listing and trading overseas. If it is determined that any approval, filing or other administrative procedure from the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities is required for any future offering or listing, we cannot assure that we can obtain the required approval or accomplish the required filings or other regulatory procedures in a timely manner, or at all. If we fail to obtain the relevant approval or complete the filings and other relevant regulatory procedures, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies, which may include fines and penalties on our operations in China, limitations on our operating privileges in China, restrictions on or prohibition of the payments or remittance of dividends by our subsidiaries in China, or other actions that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities also may take actions requiring us, or making it advisable for us, to halt our offerings before settlement and delivery of the shares offered. Consequently, if investors engage in market trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to settlement and delivery, they do so at the risk that settlement and delivery may not occur. In addition, if the CSRC or other regulatory authorities later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals or accomplish the required filing or other regulatory procedures for our prior offshore offerings, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of such approval requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties or negative publicity regarding such approval requirement could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, reputation, and the trading price of our ADSs.
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In December 2021, the CAC, together with other authorities, jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February 15, 2022 and replaces its predecessor regulation. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, critical information infrastructure operators that procure internet products and services and operators of network platforms conducting data processing activities must be subject to the cybersecurity review if their activities affect or may affect national security. The Cybersecurity Review Measures further stipulates that network platform operators that hold personal information of over one million users shall apply with the Cybersecurity Review Office for a cybersecurity review before any initial public offering at a foreign stock exchange. Given that the Cybersecurity Review Measures was recently promulgated, there are substantial uncertainties as to its interpretation, application, and enforcement. On November 14, 2021, the CAC published a draft of the Administrative Measures for Internet Data Security, or the Draft Data Security Measures, for public comments. The Draft Data Security Measures provides that data processors conducting the following activities must apply for cybersecurity review: (i) merger, reorganization, or division of internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development, or public interests, which affects or may affect national security; (ii) a foreign listing by a data processor processing personal information of over one million users; (iii) a listing in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. There have been no further clarifications from the authorities as of the date of this annual report as to the standards for determining such activities that “affects or may affect national security.” The period for which the CAC solicited comments on this draft ended on December 13, 2021, but there is no timetable as to when the draft regulations will be enacted. As such, substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the enactment timetable, final content, interpretation, and implementation of the Draft Data Security Measures, including the standards for determining activities that “affects or may affect national security.” As the Draft Data Security Measures have not been adopted and it remains unclear whether the formal version adopted in the future will have any further material changes, it is uncertain how the draft regulations will be enacted, interpreted or implemented and how they will affect us.
SAFE Regulations on Employee Share Options
Pursuant to the Notice on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly Listed Company, or Circular 7, issued by SAFE in February 2012, employees, directors, supervisors and other senior management participating in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company who are PRC citizens or who are
non-PRC
citizens residing in China for a continuous period of not less than one year, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company, and complete certain other procedures. Failure to complete the SAFE registrations may subject them to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our wholly-owned subsidiaries in China and limit these subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to us.In addition, the SAT has issued certain circulars concerning employee share options or restricted shares. Under these circulars, the employees working in the PRC who exercise share options or are granted restricted shares will be subject to PRC individual income tax. The PRC subsidiaries of such overseas listed company have obligations to file documents related to employee share options or restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of those employees who exercise their share options. If the employees fail to pay or the PRC subsidiaries fail to withhold their income taxes according to relevant laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries may face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC government authorities. These registrations and filings are a matter of foreign exchange control and tax procedure and the grant of share incentive awards to employees is not subject to the government’s discretionary approval. Compliance with PRC regulations on employee incentive plans has not had, and we believe will not in the future have, any material adverse effect on the implementation of our 2012 Plan and 2014 Plan.
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C. | Organizational Structure |
The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our principal subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries as of the date of this annual report.
Notes:
| (1) | We exercise effective control over Beijing Momo through contractual arrangements among Beijing Momo IT, Beijing Momo and Messrs. Yan Tang, Yong Li, Xiaoliang Lei and Zhiwei Li, each of whom holds 72.0%, 16.0%, 6.4% and 5.6% of the equity interest in Beijing Momo, respectively. Except for Zhiwei Li and Xiaoliang Lei, the shareholders of Beijing Momo are our shareholders and directors. |
| (2) | We exercise effective control over Tantan Culture through contractual arrangements among Tantan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., or Tantan Technology, Tantan Culture and Beijing Momo. |
| (3) | We exercise effective control over Hainan Miaoka through contractual arrangements among Beijing Yiliulinger, Hainan Miaoka and Messrs. Xiaoliang Lei and Li Wang, each of whom holds 50% and 50% of the equity interest in Hainan Miaoka, respectively. The shareholders of Hainan Miaoka are our directors or officers. |
| (4) | QOOL Media (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. was established in November 2016. We exercise effective control over Tianjin QOOL Media through contractual arrangements among Tianjin QOOL Media, QOOL Media Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., Beijing Momo and Tianjin Mingqiao Media Partnership (Limited Partner), or Tianjin Mingqiao, each of which holds 70% and 30% of the equity interest in Tianjin QOOL Media, respectively. Mr. Chen Feng and Mr. Ridan Da are two partners of Tianjin Mingqiao. |
| (5) | Beijing Top Maker was established in March 2019, and changed to its current name in March 2021. We exercise effective control over Beijing Top Maker through contractual arrangements among Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Momo IT, and Messrs. Kuan He and Luyu Fan, each of whom holds 99% and 1% of the equity interest in Beijing Top Maker, respectively. |
| (6) | Beijing Perfect Match was established in April 2019. We exercise effective control over Beijing Perfect Match through contractual arrangements among Beijing Perfect March, Beijing Momo IT, and Mr. Yu Dong and Mr. Jianhua Wen, each of whom holds 99% and 1% of the equity interest in Beijing Perfect Match, respectively. |
| (7) | We exercise effective control over Spacetime Beijing, through contractual arrangements among Beijing Momo, Spacetime Beijing and Ms. Minyan Wang and Messrs. Yu Dong, each of whom holds 90% and 10% of the equity interest in SpaceTime Beijing, respectively. |
Contractual Arrangements with the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Respective Shareholders
PRC laws and regulations place certain restrictions on foreign investment in and ownership of internet-based businesses. Accordingly, we conduct our operations in China principally through Beijing Momo and its subsidiaries, Tantan Culture, Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer, Tianjin QOOL Media, Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match and SpaceTime Beijing. Beijing Momo IT entered into contractual arrangements with Beijing Momo, Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match and SpaceTime Beijing, and their respective shareholders. Beijing Yiliulinger, a wholly owned subsidiary of Beijing Momo IT, entered into contractual arrangements with Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer and their respective shareholders. QOOL Media Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. entered into contractual arrangements with Tianjin QOOL Media and its shareholders. Tantan Technology entered into contractual arrangements with Tantan Culture and its shareholder. Beijing Momo, Tantan Culture, Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer and Tianjin QOOL Media, Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match and SpaceTime Beijing are all of the consolidated affiliated entities.
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The contractual arrangements allow us to:
exercise effective control over the consolidated affiliated entities;
receive substantially all of the economic benefits of the consolidated affiliated entities; and
have an option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in the consolidated affiliated entities when and to the extent permitted by PRC law.
As a result of these contractual arrangements, we are the primary beneficiary of the consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries, and, therefore, have consolidated the financial results of the consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The following is a summary of the currently effective contractual arrangements by and among our wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing Momo IT, Beijing Momo and the shareholders of Beijing Momo. We also entered into contractual arrangements with Tantan Culture, Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer, Tianjin QOOL Media, Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match and SpaceTime Beijing. The contractual arrangements entered into by our other PRC subsidiaries with our other consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders contain substantially the same terms as described below.
Business operation agreement
day-to-day
ten-year
term, unless objected by Beijing Momo IT. Beijing Momo IT may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a prior written notice to Beijing Momo.Exclusive call option agreements
Equity interest pledge agreements
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Powers of attorney
attorney-in-fact
Spousal consent letters
Exclusive cooperation agreements
Pursuant to the aforesaid exclusive cooperation agreements, each as amended, Beijing Momo IT, its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch have the exclusive right to provide, among other things, licenses, copyrights, technical and
non-technical
services to Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, Loudi Momo and Hainan Miaoka and receive service fees and license fees as consideration. Tantan Technology have the exclusive right to provide licenses, copyrights, technical andnon-technical
services to Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo, and receive service fees and license fees as consideration. Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, Loudi Momo, Hainan Miaoka, Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo will maintain apre-determined
level of operating profit as routine profit, and may maintain a residual profit as an arm’s length compensation for their unique and valuable contributions, if any. Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer , Loudi Momo and Hainan Miaoka will remit any excess operating profit to Beijing Momo IT, its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch as consideration for the licenses, copyrights, technical andnon-technical
services provided by Beijing Momo IT, its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch. Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo will remit any excess operating profit to Tantan Technology as consideration for the licenses, copyrights, technical andnon-technical
services provided by Tantan Technology.Each agreement has an initial term of ten years from the date of execution, and may be extended at the sole discretion of Beijing Momo IT (with its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch) and Tantan Technology. Beijing Momo IT (with its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch) and Tantan Technology may terminate the agreement at any time with a
30-day
notice to Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, Loudi Momo, Hainan Miaoka, Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo, as applicable, but Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, Loudi Momo, Hainan Miaoka, Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo, may not terminate the agreement.In the opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC counsel:
the ownership structures of Beijing Momo IT and Beijing Momo will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and
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the contractual arrangements among Beijing Momo IT, Beijing Momo and the shareholders of Beijing Momo governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable, and do not and will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect.
We are further advised by Han Kun Law Offices that the ownership structures of our other wholly-owned entities in China and our other consolidated affiliated entities in China do not violate any applicable PRC law, regulation or rule currently in effect, and the contractual arrangements among our other wholly-owned entities in China, our other consolidated affiliated entities in China and their respective shareholders governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and applicable PRC laws and regulations currently in effect. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules. Accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may in the future take a view that is contrary to the above opinion of our PRC counsel. If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our business do not comply with PRC government restrictions on foreign investment in our businesses, we could be subject to severe penalties, including being prohibited from continuing operations. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating certain of our operations in China do not comply with PRC regulations relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations,” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us.”
D. | Property, Plant and Equipment |
Our headquarters and our principal service development facilities are located in Beijing. We leased an aggregate of approximately 42,343 square meters of office space in Beijing, Chengdu, Tianjin, Haikou and Guangzhou as of March 31, 2022. These leases vary in duration from one year to five years.
The servers that we use to provide our services are primarily maintained at various third-party internet data centers in Beijing.
Item 4A. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
None.
Item 5. | Operating and Financial Review and Prospects |
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this annual report on Form
20-F.
This report contains forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Information.” In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information provided under the caption “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form20-F.
We caution you that our businesses and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties.A. | Operating Results |
Major Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
User Base
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Our revenues are driven by the number of our paying users and average revenue per paying user for the various services we offer to users, including live video service and value-added service. For 2021, we generated our revenues primarily from live video service, value-added service and mobile marketing. The numbers of Momo MAUs, quarterly paying users for our live video service and value-added services on our Momo application, without double counting the overlap (Momo Paying Users), and the numbers of quarterly paying users on our Tantan application (Tantan Paying Users) are presented by the charts below for the periods indicated. The number of our paying users is affected by the growth in our active user base, our ability to convert a greater portion of our users into paying users, and the strategies we pursue to achieve active user growth at reasonable costs and expenses.
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User Engagement
Monetization
in-feed
marketing solutions and live video service and in the fourth quarter of 2016, we launched a virtual gift service which allows our users to purchase and send virtual gifts to other users outside of live video service, which all contributed to our revenue growth. In 2018, we produced a television program. Our live video service currently contributes to the largest share of our revenues, generating 57.5% of our net revenues in 2021. For mobile games, we started to scale back from licensed mobile game services and instead focus on self-developed games in early 2017 in order to better align the games offered on our platform with the positioning and strength of Momo as a location-based social platform. Our future revenue growth will be affected by our ability to effectively execute our monetization strategies.Investment in Technology Infrastructure and Talent
The number of our employees increased from 2,350 as of December 31, 2019 to 2,394 as of December 31, 2020, and decreased to 2,051 as of December 31, 2021. There is strong demand in China’s internet industry for talented and experienced personnel from fast-growing, large-scale social networking platforms. We must recruit, retain and motivate talented employees while controlling our personnel-related expenses, including share-based compensation expenses.
Marketing and Brand Promotion.
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Taxation
Cayman Islands
We are registered by way of continuation into the Cayman Islands. Under the current law of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to income or capital gains tax in the Cayman Islands. In addition, our payment of dividends to our shareholders, if any, is not subject to withholding tax in the Cayman Islands.
British Virgin Islands
Our subsidiaries incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and all dividends, interest, rents, royalties, compensation and other amounts paid by such subsidiaries to persons who are not resident in the British Virgin Islands and any capital gains realized with respect to any shares, debt obligations, or other securities of our company by persons who are not resident in the British Virgin Islands are exempt from all provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance in the British Virgin Islands.
No estate, inheritance, succession or gift tax, rate, duty, levy or other charge is payable by persons who are not resident in the British Virgin Islands with respect to any shares, debt obligation or other securities of such subsidiaries.
All instruments relating to transfers of property to or by such subsidiaries and all instruments relating to transactions in respect of the shares, debt obligations or other securities of such subsidiaries and all instruments relating to other transactions relating to the business of our company are exempt from payment of stamp duty in the British Virgin Islands. This assumes that such subsidiaries does not hold an interest in real estate in the British Virgin Islands.
There are currently no withholding taxes or exchange control regulations in the British Virgin Islands applicable to such subsidiaries or its members.
Hong Kong
Our subsidiaries domiciled in Hong Kong are subject to a
two-tiered
income tax rate for taxable income earned in Hong Kong effectively since April 1, 2018. The first 2 million Hong Kong dollars of profits earned by the company are subject to be taxed at an income tax rate of 8.25%, while the remaining profits will continue to be taxed at the existing tax rate, 16.5%. In addition, to avoid abuse of thetwo-tiered
tax regime, each group of connected entities can nominate only one Hong Kong entity to benefit from thetwo-tiered
income tax rate. In 2019, no provision for Hong Kong tax was made in our consolidated financial statements, as our Hong Kong subsidiaries had not generated any assessable income. In 2020, Momo HK received special dividends of RMB2,200.0 million. Withholding taxes of RMB220.0 million in connection with the dividends were fully paid during the years ended December 31, 2020. In 2021, Momo HK received special dividends of RMB1,300.0 million (US$204.0 million). Withholding taxes of RMB130.0 million (US$20.4 million) in connection with the dividends were fully paid during the years ended December 31, 2021. Except for the withholding tax paid in 2021, we have accrued additional withholding tax of RMB207.4 million (US$32.5 million) on retained earnings generated in 2021 by Beijing Momo IT, because Beijing Momo IT’s earnings are to be remitted to Momo HK in the foreseeable future to fund its demand on US dollar in business operations, payments of dividends, potential investments, etc.Singapore
Our subsidiary domiciled in Singapore is subject to tax rate of 17% on its taxable income.
People’s Republic of China
Pursuant to the EIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, FIEs and domestic companies are subject to enterprise income tax at a uniform rate of 25%. In August 2014, Beijing Momo IT qualified as a software enterprise. As such, Beijing Momo IT was exempt from income taxes for two years beginning in its first profitable year (i.e. 2015 and 2016) followed by a tax rate of 12.5% for the succeeding three years (i.e. from 2017 to 2019). Beijing Momo IT applied for the qualification of Key Software Enterprise (“KSE”) for calendar year 2019 and was approved in 2020. Therefore, Beijing Momo IT was entitled to a preferential tax rate of 10% for the year 2019. Going forward, Beijing Momo IT will apply for KSE every year. Beijing Momo IT was qualified “High and New Technology Enterprises” (“HNTEs”) in 2020 and was accordingly entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% from 2020 to 2022. If Beijing Momo IT does not meet the requirements of KSE, it will be entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% as a high and new technology enterprise. Chengdu Momo was qualified as a Western China Development Enterprise and the income tax rate applicable to it was 15% in 2015, 2016 and 2017. According to No. 23 announcement of the SAT of PRC in April 2018, Chengdu Momo was no longer required to submit the preferential tax rate application to the tax authority, but only required to keep the relevant materials for future tax inspection instead. Based on experience, we believe Chengdu Momo will most likely continue to qualify as a Western China Development Enterprise and accordingly be entitled to a preferential income tax rate of 15%, because Chengdu Momo’s business nature has no significant changes. Therefore, we applied an enterprise income tax rate of 15% to determine the tax liabilities for Chengdu Momo in the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021. In July 2019, Tantan Technology qualified as a high and new technology enterprise, and is accordingly entitled to a preferential enterprise income tax rate of 15% from 2019 to 2021. Tantan Technology applied for Software Enterprise (“SE”) status for fiscal year 2020 and was approved in 2021, which entitled Tantan Technology to enjoy an income tax exemption in 2020. Accordingly, in 2021 Tantan Technology recorded the preferential tax rate adjustment from 15% to 0% for income tax expense of the fiscal year of 2020. The other entities incorporated in the PRC were subject to an enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021.
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We have recognized income tax expense of RMB883.8 million, RMB755.6 million and RMB822.6 million (US$129.1 million) for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2012, the MOF and the SAT launched a Business Tax to Value-Added Tax Transformation Pilot Program, or the VAT Pilot Program, which imposes VAT in lieu of business tax for certain “modern service industries” in certain regions and eventually expands to nation-wide in 2013. According to the implementation circulars released by the MOF and the SAT 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. Effective from May 1, 2016, PRC tax authorities collect VAT in lieu of business tax in all regions and industries. All of our entities were subject to VAT at rate of 6% for services provided and 16% for goods sold, as adjusted to 13% starting from April 1, 2019, which are not listed in Article 2
Sub-article
2 of the Provisional Regulations on Value Added Tax of the PRC as of December 31, 2020. With the imposition of VAT in lieu of business tax, our revenues are subject to VAT payable on goods sold or taxable services provided by a general VAT taxpayer for a taxable period, which is the net balance of the output VAT for the period after crediting the input VAT for the period. Hence, the amount of VAT payable does not result directly from output VAT generated from goods sold or taxable services provided. In addition, according to the prevailing PRC tax regulations, the input VAT caused by purchasing goods or services can be credited against output VAT by general taxpayer when calculating VAT payable, provided that the general taxpayer obtained and verified the relevant VAT special invoices corresponding to the cost or expenditures within a defined time period. On March 20, 2019, the MOF, the SAT and the General Administration of Customs jointly issued the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-added Tax Reform, or the Announcement 39, which took effect as of April 1, 2019. In accordance with the Announcement 39, with effect from April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021, taxpayers in service industry relating to production and life-support services are allowed to deduct additional 10% of the deductible input tax for the current period. The Announcement 39 further illustrates that a taxpayer in service industry relating to production and life-support services refers to a taxpayer whose sales generated from postal services, telecommunications services, modern services and life-support services account for more than 50% of its total sales. All of our entities have obtained the VAT special invoices as the deduction vouchers, and therefore, we have adopted the net presentation of VAT.Pursuant to applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. We may be subject to adverse tax consequences and our consolidated results of operations may be adversely affected if the PRC tax authorities determine that the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities and their shareholders or their subsidiaries are not on an arm’s length basis and therefore constitute favorable transfer pricing. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—Contractual arrangements we have entered into with the consolidated affiliated entities may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities. A finding that we owe additional taxes could significantly reduce our consolidated net income and the value of your investment.”
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated, both in absolute amounts and as percentages of our total net revenues. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. The results of operations in any period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
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Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | % | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues | 17,015,089 | 100.0 | 15,024,188 | 100.0 | 14,575,719 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Live video service | 12,448,131 | 73.2 | 9,637,579 | 64.1 | 8,378,945 | 57.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Value-added service | 4,105,963 | 24.1 | 5,112,182 | 34.0 | 5,971,792 | 41.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile marketing services | 331,822 | 2.0 | 198,197 | 1.4 | 159,010 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile games | 92,451 | 0.5 | 39,564 | 0.3 | 47,712 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other services | 36,722 | 0.2 | 36,666 | 0.2 | 18,260 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost and expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | (8,492,096 | ) | (49.9 | ) | (7,976,781 | ) | (53.1 | ) | (8,383,431 | ) | (57.5 | ) | ||||||||||||
Research and development expenses | (1,095,031 | ) | (6.4 | ) | (1,167,677 | ) | (7.8 | ) | (1,131,781 | ) | (7.8 | ) | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses | (2,690,824 | ) | (15.8 | ) | (2,813,922 | ) | (18.7 | ) | (2,604,309 | ) | (17.9 | ) | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (1,527,282 | ) | (9.0 | ) | (763,150 | ) | (5.1 | ) | (624,700 | ) | (4.3 | ) | ||||||||||||
Impairment loss on goodwill and intangible assets | — | — | — | — | (4,397,012 | ) | (30.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total cost and expenses | (13,805,233 | ) | (81.1 | ) | (12,721,530 | ) | (84.7 | ) | (17,141,233 | ) | (117.6 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other operating income | 344,843 | 2.0 | 228,777 | 1.5 | 175,947 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 3,554,699 | 20.9 | 2,531,435 | 16.8 | (2,389,567 | ) | (16.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 407,542 | 2.4 | 444,471 | 3.0 | 384,279 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (78,611 | ) | (0.5 | ) | (78,872 | ) | (0.5 | ) | (73,776 | ) | (0.5 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other gain or loss, net | (15,711 | ) | (0.1 | ) | 1,500 | 0.0 | (16,000 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income before income tax and share of income on equity method investments | 3,867,919 | 22.7 | 2,898,534 | 19.3 | (2,095,064 | ) | (14.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (883,801 | ) | (5.2 | ) | (755,620 | ) | (5.0 | ) | (822,556 | ) | (5.6 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income before share of income on equity method investments | 2,984,118 | 17.5 | 2,142,914 | 14.3 | (2,917,620 | ) | (20.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Share of income (loss) on equity method investments | (23,350 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (42,522 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (8,084 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 2,960,768 | 17.4 | 2,100,392 | 14.0 | (2,925,704 | ) | (20.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021
Net revenues
We currently generate revenues primarily from live video service, value-added service, mobile marketing services, mobile games, and other services. We recognize revenue when controlRevenues from live video service, value-added service and other services are presented net of value-added taxes and surcharges. Mobile marketing services are presented net of agency rebates, value-added taxes and surcharges. Mobile games revenues include revenues generated from self-developed mobile games and licensed mobile game. Net revenues decreased from RMB17,015.1 million in 2019 to RMB15,024.2 million in 2020, primarily driven by the decrease in net revenues from live video service as a result of the promised goods or services are transferred tonegative impact from the customers,an amount that reflects the consideration that expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. We applied the five steps method outlined in Topic 606 to all revenue streams. In addition, the standard requires disclosuressecond half of the nature, amount, timingyear. Net revenues decreased from RMB15,024.2 million in 2020 to RMB14,575.7 million (US$2,287.2 million) in 2021, primarily driven by the decrease in net revenues from live video service as a result of the shift of our strategic focus of Tantan’s live video service and uncertaintystructural reform of revenueMomo’s core live video business. The structural reform was used to revive the long tail content ecosystem and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.
COVID-19
pandemic during the first half of 2020 and a structural reform in Live video service
We principally providestarted to offer live video service whereby users can enjoy live performanceservices on our Momo platform in September 2015 and interact with the broadcasters for free during the performance. Broadcasters can either host the performance on their own or join a talent agency.our Tantan platform in early 2020. We generate revenue from sales of revenues when users purchase and sendour users. We design, create and offer various virtual items for sales to users withpre-determinedstand-alone selling price, which if users chose to, can be purchased and presented to the broadcasters to show their support during their live video performance. We have a recharge system for users to purchase our virtual currency that can then be used to purchase virtual items on our platform. Users can recharge via various third-party application stores and other payment channels. Virtual currency isnon-refundableand does not have any expiration date. Based on the turnover history of virtual currency, we determined that the virtual currency was often consumed soon after it was purchased and accordingly, we concluded that any breakage would be insignificant. Unconsumed virtual currency is recorded as deferred revenue. Virtual currency used to purchase virtual items is recognized as revenue according to the prescribed revenue recognition policies of virtual items addressed below unless otherwise stated. All virtual items arenon-refundable,consumed at apoint-in-timeand expire in a few days after the purchase. Under arrangements entered into with broadcasters and talent agencies, we share a portion of the revenues derived from the sales of virtual items with them (“Revenue Sharing”).broadcasters.
in-show
virtual items to 2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
COVID-19
adversely affecting the sentiment of our paying users, especially among the top paying users. The decrease was partially offset by the growth from Tantan’s live video service business, for which revenue amounted to RMB998.8 million in 2020.Value-added service
Value-added service primarily comprises virtual gift service and membership subscription. We do not provide any rightstarted to offer virtual gift service on our Momo platform in the fourth quarter of return2016 to enhance users’ interaction and do not provide any other credit or incentivesocial networking with each other. Both Momo and Tantan users can become members by paying membership fees per contract period, which ranges from one month to one year. Both Momo and Tantan members are entitled to additional functionalities and privileges on Momo and Tantan mobile applications, respectively.
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Mobile marketing services
Our mobile marketing services currently include
in-feed
marketing solutions powered by a proprietary self-serve advertising system, brand-oriented display ads, and advertising services provided through third-party partnerships.2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Mobile games
As of December 31, 2021, we had self-developed mobile game and licensed mobile game. Our revenues from mobile games depend on the number of paying users.
2021 compared to 2020
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2020 compared to 2019
Other services
Our other services mainly include film and television series investment and distribution promotion business, music service and peripheral products.
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Cost and expenses
Cost of revenues
Cost of revenues consists primarily of costs associated with the operation and maintenance of our platform, including revenue sharing, production costs in connection with television content, commission fees, bandwidth costs, labor costs, depreciation and other costs.
Revenue sharing primarily includes payments to broadcasters and talent agencies for our live video service and virtual gift recipients for our virtual gift service. Commission fees are payments made to third-party application stores and other payment channels for distributing our live video service, value-added service, and our mobile marketing services. Users can make payments for such services through third-party application stores and other payment channels. These third-party application stores and other payment channels typically charge a handling fee for their services. Bandwidth costs, including internet data center and content delivery network fees, consist of fees that we pay to telecommunication carriers and other service providers for telecommunication services, hosting our servers at their internet data centers, and providing content and application delivery services. Labor costs consist of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for our employees involved in the operation of our platform. Depreciation mainly consists of depreciation cost on our servers, computers and other equipment. Other costs mainly consist of office rental expenses and professional fees related to live video service. We expect our cost of revenues to increase in the future as we continue to expand our services, as well as to enhance the capability and reliability of our infrastructure to support user growth and increased activity on our platform.
The following table sets forth the components of our cost of revenues by amounts and percentages of our total cost of revenues for the periods presented:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | % | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue sharing | 7,153,655 | 84.2 | 6,630,538 | 83.1 | 7,047,050 | 84.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commission fees | 369,549 | 4.4 | 362,831 | 4.6 | 327,843 | 3.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Bandwidth costs | 364,695 | 4.3 | 308,664 | 3.9 | 317,556 | 3.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Labor costs | 244,182 | 2.9 | 306,577 | 3.8 | 335,639 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 209,388 | 2.5 | 211,779 | 2.7 | 164,528 | 2.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other costs | 150,627 | 1.7 | 156,392 | 1.9 | 190,815 | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total cost of revenues | 8,492,096 | 100.0 | 7,976,781 | 100.0 | 8,383,431 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
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2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for research and development personnel, technological service fee, depreciation and rental expenses associated with research and development activities. Expenditures incurred during the research phase are expensed as incurred. We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we expand our research and development team to develop new features and services for our platform and to further enhance our big data analytical capabilities.
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Sales and marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of general marketing and promotional expenses, as well as salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for our sales and marketing personnel. We expect our sales and marketing expenses to increase as we plan to enhance our brand awareness, attract new users and promote our new services.
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
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General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and other benefits, including share-based compensation expense, professional fees and rental expenses.
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Impairment loss on goodwill and intangible assets
As of December 31, 2021, as part of our annual impairment testing and based on (i) a decline in our share price which caused our market capitalization to drop significantly below our net book value of equity and (ii) the adjustment in the monetization approach of Tantan to improve user experience and retention which has further caused Tantan’s near term revenue to decrease and net loss to widen, we determined that it was more likely than not that goodwill was impaired. Accordingly, we determined the fair value of each respective reporting unit using the income-based approach, such that Tantan’s cash flows forecasts mainly factored in the lower-than-projected business outlook. As a result, the fair value of the reporting units was estimated to be below the carrying value and therefore indicated an impairment. We recorded a RMB4,397.0 million (US$690.0 million) goodwill and intangible assets impairment during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Net income (loss)
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Value-added Service
Our value-added service revenue. Membership subscription is a service package which enables members to enjoy additional functions and privileges. The contract period for the membership subscription ranges from one month to one year. All membership subscription is nonrefundable. We have determined that membershipprimarily consists of subscription services represent one performance obligation. We collect membership subscriptionthat provide paying users with additional features and functions as well as privileges on our Momo and Tantan platforms and, starting in advance and record it as deferred revenue. Revenue is recognized ratably over the contract period as the membership subscription services are delivered. s
Membership Subscription
non-members.
Additional privileges for our premium members include the abilities to check out visitors to their message boards and certain special displays of their message.Virtual Gift Service.
Virtual Item Sales.
non-synchronously
via mini game experiences, and users feel less pressured during these interactions as they are interacting with a virtual identity.Value-added Service on Tantan
Tantan offers a variety of premium features and services that users can purchase either through a subscription package or on abasis. For example, a Tantan user can pay to subscribe to the VIP membership to enjoy certain privileges, such as using unlimited number of the “right swipe” feature, access to “Super Likes,” special badge and location roaming. In July 2018, we launched a paying feature called “See Who Liked Me”, which gives the user access to a list of users who have “swiped right” on that user. In November 2019, we launched a new paying feature called “Quick Chat” on Tantan, where users get instantly matched with each other based on factors such as their age and location, and they can start a conversation with each other with their photos blurred and complete profile locked. While thebasis, certain other premium features, such as Turbo and Super Likes, which all aim at increasing the paying users’ exposure to other Tantan users.
pay-per-use
un-blurred
photos and complete profiles will only be available after the users reach a certain level of interaction, a Tantan user can pay to unlock the photos in advance. In late 2020, we introduced SVIP membership, which includes existing features such as “See Who Liked Me,” “Quick Chat” and a complete set of VIP privileges, as well as a number of new premium features such as “advanced filters” and “recover the unmatched”. Tantan users and subscribers may also purchase, on apay-per-use
Mobile Marketing Services
We seek to provide advertising and marketing solutions to enable our customers to promote their brands and conduct effective marketing activities. We offer a variety of marketing products in display format, including full screen banner ads that appear before the application is loaded, banners on frequently visited pages and other sponsored images displayed elsewhere within our application.
Mobile marketing services contributed 2.0%, 1.4% and 1.1% of our revenues in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Mobile Games
As a social networking platform, we intend to offer games including both self-developed and licensedthat have strong features which we believe will not only increase the interactions between users, but also broaden our revenue sources. Such games may be developed by third parties, with whom we share revenues generated bygenerate mobile gameinstead focusing on self-developed games in order to better align the games offered on our platform with the positioning and strength of Momo as an open social platform. Mobile games contributed 0.5%, 0.3% and 0.3% of our revenues from the sale ofin-gamevirtual currencies or virtual items.in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
in-game
purchases of virtual items or virtual currencies, or developedin-house.
We have been scaling back from jointly operated mobile games and Other Services
Our other services have mainly included a TV variety show that we
co-produced.
Other services have also included other revenue generating services that are immaterial in revenue contribution, or are not considered as part of our strategic focus. Other services contributed 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.1% of our revenues in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.Technology
Our research and development efforts focus on product development, architecture and technological infrastructures, as well as the security and integrity of our platform to protect the security and privacy of our users. Our product development endeavors revolve around continuous innovations to help users discover and make new connections as well as building meaningful interactions. As our user base continues to expand and consumer behaviors constantly evolve, the social demands from the users become increasingly diversified. We make significant investments in technology to optimize our existing products and services and to develop new ones so that we can expand the social product offerings to satisfy the diversifying user demands. In addition, we are also investing in building and maintaining the technological infrastructures to support the delivery and usage of our products and services in a fast and efficient manner within a safe and secured environment.
Content Moderation
As an operator of social platforms, we view content management and monitoring as a critical part of our operations. As of the date of this annual report, Momo and Tantan collectively have a dedicated team of 990 personnel reviewing and handling content on our mobile platform for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. They are aided by both proprietary and third-party software and technologies to sweep our platforms and the data being transmitted on a real-time basisWe monitor and screen user information and user generated content against a spam list, which is a list of content and behaviors that we have determined are likely to be indicative of inappropriate or illegal content or illegal activities. In addition, we take self-inspection measures to strengthen our content screening efforts and cooperate with relevant governmental authorities to stay compliant with applicable laws and regulations. As an example of such self-inspection measures, during the
around-the-clock.
one-month
period from May 11, 2019 to June 11, 2019, we temporarily suspended the ability of users to post social newsfeeds on the Momo platform pursuant to directives of relevant governmental authority. Additionally, our users can also easily report fraud if they come across suspicious content, and each user complaint is processed by our content management and monitoring system and personnel.Branding and Marketing
Our brand building activities generally comprise purchasing online advertising in the form of texts, banners and videos, placing commercials via offline media networks and public relations efforts. We also conduct branding and promotional activities through offline events. In addition, we acquire users for our platforms directly through online marketing channels including mobile advertising platforms such as ByteDance, application stores, search engines and other online advertising networks.
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and restrictions on disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. As of December 31, 2021, we (i) had 6 patents and 42 pending patent applications filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of the PRC; (ii) had registered 937 trademarks and had applied for 864 trademarks with the Trademark Office of the National Intellectual Property Administration of the PRC and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; (iii) had registered 180 software copyrights and 88 other copyrights with the PRC National Copyright Administration; and (iv) had registered or acquired 241 domain names, including immomo.com, wemomo.com, immomogame.com and momocdn.com.
Seasonality
Historically, there were noticeable downward trends in user activities on our Momo and Tantan platforms as well as revenue growth in the weeks prior to and after the Chinese Lunar New Year. However, the seasonal trends that we have experienced in the past may not apply to, or be indicative of, our future operating results.
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Our Approach to Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability
We take our environmental responsibility very seriously, beyond our own consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, which like much of our industry, are relatively low. We seek means to advance environmental best practices by aligning ourselves with positive role models and support for environmental initiatives undertaken by government and civil society organizations. A big focus of our corporate social responsibility is to support training and development of our employees so that they can reach their individual goals as well as align their achievements with our corporate goals. Finally, we have an active program of corporate philanthropy aimed at better contributing to the society and fulfilling our corporate responsibilities.
Environment
As a mobile-based social networking company, our environmental footprint is small. Our Beijing headquarters are located in a building with LEED certification at the silver level, and we encourage our employees to be environmentally friendly. We provide recycling systems in our headquarters office, including a direct drinking water system in order to reduce bottled water consumption.
Human Capital
Compensation and Benefits
Engagement and Recognition
full-day
orientation program, which helps them better understand the value of our business and learn our corporate culture. We allocate budget for department team building on a quarterly basis and organize company outings annually.Training and Development
Health and Safety
COVID-19
pandemic during its height, including offering employees flexibility to work from home, mandatory social distancing requirements in the workplace (such as adding more space between cubicles), regular temperature checks and health monitoring for our employees, daily office disinfection and sanitization, provision of hand sanitizer and face masks to all employees, and improvement and optimization of our telecommuting system to support remote work arrangements.Corporate Philanthropy
Since 2015, we have participated in various charitable initiatives including establishing an information system platform for missing children, making donations to regions damaged by natural disasters in Hunan province and setting up an education fund to support students and teachers in China. In 2018, we established the Momo Foundation, a private charitable fund that focuses on supporting elementary education and poverty alleviation in China. In the subsequent years, the Momo Foundation donated RMB20.0 million to charitable causes. In 2021, 19 Hello Hope Elementary Schools donated by us were completed and put into use. In 2020, in response to the
COVID-19
pandemic, we set up a medical research fund and committed RMB10.0 million to aid frontline medical staff and vaccine research and development. In 2021, we donated RMB20.0 million to flood relief efforts in Henan and Shanxi provinces. Collectively, we have donated over RMB94.5 million to charitable causes.60
Competition
As a mobile social networking platform that also provides live video service, we are subject to intense competition from providers of similar services, as well as potential new types of online services.
Our competitors may have substantially more cash, traffic, technical, performer and other resources, as well as broader product or service offerings and can leverage their relationships based on other products or services to gain a larger share of marketing budgets from customers. We believe that our ability to compete effectively depends upon many factors, including the size, composition and engagement of our user base, our ad targeting capabilities, our pool of popular live broadcasters, market acceptance of our mobile marketing services and online entertainment services, our marketing and selling efforts, and the strength and reputation of our brand. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—The market in which we operate is fragmented and highly competitive. If we are unable to compete effectively for users or user engagement, our business and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.” We also experience significant competition for highly skilled personnel, including management, engineers, designers and product managers. Our growth strategy depends in part on our ability to retain our existing personnel and add additional highly skilled employees. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—The continuing and collaborative efforts of our senior management and key employees are crucial to our success, and our business may be harmed if we were to lose their services.”
Insurance
We do not maintain property insurance, business interruption insurance or general third-party liability insurance, nor do we maintain
key-man
life insurance.Regulations
This section sets forth a summary of the most significant rules and regulations that affect our business activities in China or our shareholders’ rights to receive dividends and other distributions from us.
Corporate Laws and Foreign Investment Law
The establishment, operation and management of corporate entities in China are governed by the PRC Company Law, or the Company Law, effective in 1994, as amended in 1999, 2004, 2005, 2013 and 2018, respectively. The Company Law is applicable to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities unless the PRC Foreign Investment Law and its implementation regulations have stipulated otherwise.
On March 15, 2019, the NPC approved the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which took effect on January 1, 2020 and replaced the trio of existing laws regulating foreign investment in China, namely,
the PRC Sino-foreign Equity Joint Venture Enterprise Law, the PRC Sino-foreign Cooperative Joint Venture Enterprise Law and the PRC Foreign Owned Enterprise Law, together with their implementation rules and ancillary regulations. Further to the PRC Foreign Investment Law, on December 26, 2019, the State Council of the PRC passed the Regulation for Implementing the PRC Foreign Investment Law, which took effect on January 1, 2020. According to the PRC Foreign Investment Law, “foreign investment” refers to the investment activities directly or indirectly conducted by one or more natural persons, business entities, or other organizations of a foreign country (collectively referred to as “foreign investors”) in China, which includes investments made by foreign investors in China through means stipulated by laws or administrative regulations or other methods prescribed by the State Council. Based on the PRC Foreign Investment Law, it is possible that the prospective laws, administrative regulations or provisions of the State Council may deem contractual arrangements as a way of foreign investment.
According to the PRC Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations, the State Council will publish a catalogue for special administrative measure, or the Negative List, to provide the scope of “restricted” or “prohibited” industries that have certain restrictions on foreign investment such as market entry clearance. Foreign investment activities in industries not included in the Negative List are granted national treatment. The currently effective Negative List has become effective on January 1, 2022.
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On February 3, 2011, the General Office of the State Council promulgated a Notice on Establishing the Security Review System for Mergers and Acquisitions of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the Circular 6, which officially established a security review system for mergers and acquisitions of domestic enterprises by foreign investors. Further, on August 25, 2011, MOFCOM promulgated the Regulations on Implementation of Security Review System for the Merger and Acquisition of Domestic Enterprises by Foreign Investors, or the MOFCOM Security Review Regulations, which became effective on September 1, 2011, to implement the Circular 6. Under Circular 6, a security review is required for mergers and acquisitions by foreign investors having “national defense and security” concerns and mergers and acquisitions by which foreign investors may acquire the “de facto control” of domestic enterprises with “national security” concerns. Under the MOFCOM Security Review Regulations, MOFCOM focused on the substance and actual impact of the transaction when deciding whether a specific merger or acquisition was subject to security review. If MOFCOM decided that a specific merger or acquisition is subject to security review, it would submit it to the Inter-Ministerial Panel, an authority established under the Circular 6 led by the National Development and Reform Commission, or NDRC, and MOFCOM under the leadership of the State Council, to carry out security review. The regulations prohibit foreign investors from bypassing the security review by structuring transactions through trusts, indirect investments, leases, loans, control through contractual arrangements or offshore transactions. There is no explicit provision or official interpretation stating that the merging or acquisition of a company engaged in the social network, live video, or mobile games business requires security review, and there is no requirement that acquisitions completed prior to the promulgation of the Circular 6 are subject to review. On April 30, 2019, the NDRC issued an announcement, i.e., 2019 Announcement 4, stating that the security review is now subject to its review because of the government reformation.
In December 2020, the NDRC and the MOFCOM promulgated the Measures for the Security Review of Foreign Investment, which came into effect on January 18, 2021. The NDRC and the MOFCOM will establish a working mechanism office in charge of the security review of foreign investment. Such measures define foreign investment as direct or indirect investment by foreign investors in the PRC, which includes (i) investment in new onshore projects or establishment of wholly foreign owned onshore companies or joint ventures with foreign investors; (ii) acquiring equity or asset of onshore companies by merger and acquisition; and (iii) onshore investment by and through any other means. Investment in certain key areas with bearing on national security, such as important cultural products and services, important information technology and internet services and products, key technologies and other important areas with bearing on national security which results in the acquisition of de facto control of investee companies, shall be filed with a specifically established office before such investment is carried out. What may constitute “onshore investment by and through any other means” or “de facto control” could be broadly interpreted under such measures. It is likely that control through contractual arrangement be regarded as de facto control based on provisions applied to security review of foreign investment in the free trade zone. Failure to make such filing may subject such foreign investor to rectification within prescribed period, and will be recorded as negative credit information of such foreign investor in the relevant national credit information system, which would then subject such investors to joint punishment as provided by relevant rules. If such investor fails to or refuses to undertake such rectification, it would be ordered to dispose of the equity or asset and to take any other necessary measures so as to return to the status quo and to erase the impact to national security.
We operate our businesses in China through a number the consolidated affiliated entities which are controlled by our PRC subsidiaries through a series of contractual arrangements. The consolidated affiliated entities hold internet content provider, or ICP, licenses to provide value-added telecommunication services, which is an industry in which foreign investment is “restricted” under the currently effective Negative List.
Regulations Relating to Telecommunications Services
In September 2000, the State Council issued the Regulations on Telecommunications of China, or the Telecommunications Regulations, to regulate telecommunication activities in China, which was further amended in July 2014 and February 2016, respectively. The telecommunications industry in China is governed by a licensing system based on the classifications of the telecommunications services set forth under the Telecommunications Regulations.
The MIIT, together with the provincial-level communications administrative bureaus, supervises and regulates the telecommunications industry in China. The Telecommunications Regulations divide the telecommunications services into two categories: infrastructure telecommunications services and value-added telecommunications services. The operation of value-added telecommunications services is subject to the examination, approval and licenses granted by the MIIT or its provincial-level communications administrative bureaus. According to the Catalog of Classification of Telecommunications Businesses effective in March 2016 and amended on June 6, 2019, provision of information services through the internet, such as the operation of ourwebsite, is classified as value-added telecommunications services.
immomo.com
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Regulations Relating to Foreign Investment in Value-Added Telecommunications Industry
According to the Administrative Rules for Foreign Investment in Telecommunications Enterprises issued by the State Council effective in January 2002, as amended in September 2008 and February 2016, foreign investors may hold no more than a 50% equity interest in a value-added telecommunications services provider in China, and effective from May 1, 2022, such foreign investor will no longer be required to have experience in providing value-added telecommunications services overseas and maintain a good track record. Due to these regulations, we operate our website through Beijing Momo and its subsidiaries. The most updated version of the Negative List, which was promulgated by the MOFCOM and the NDRC and became effective from January 1, 2022, imposes the 50% restrictions on foreign ownership in value-added telecommunications business except for
e-commerce
business, domestic multiparty communications, storage and forwarding and call center services as well.The Circular on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign Investment in and Operation of Value-Added Telecommunications Business, or the Circular, issued by the Ministry of Information Industry in July 2006, reiterated the regulations on foreign investment in telecommunications businesses, which require foreign investors to set up FIEs and obtain an ICP license to conduct any value-added telecommunications business in China. Under the Circular, a domestic company that holds an ICP license 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 that conduct value-added telecommunications business illegally in China. Furthermore, certain relevant assets, such as the relevant trademarks and domain names that are used in the value-added telecommunications business must be owned by the local ICP license holder or its shareholders. The Circular further requires each ICP license holder to have the necessary sites and facilities for its approved business operations and to maintain such sites and facilities in the regions covered by its license. In addition, all value-added telecommunications service providers are required to maintain network and information security in accordance with the standards set forth under the relevant PRC regulations. If an ICP license holder fails to comply with the requirements in the Circular and also fails to remedy such
non-compliance
within a specified period of time, the MIIT or its local counterparts have the discretion to take administrative measures against such license holder, including revoking its ICP license. Beijing Momo, the operator of our website, owns the relevant domain names and registered trademarks and has the necessary personnel to operate the website.Regulations on Broadcasting Audio/Video Programs through the Internet and Online Live Broadcasting
On July 6, 2004, the State Administration of Radio Film and Television, or SARFT, promulgated Administrative Measures for the Broadcast of Audio/Video Programs via Information Networks such as the Internet, or the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules, which came into effect as of October 11, 2004 and was amended on August 28, 2015. According to the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules, enterprises intend to engage in the business of broadcast of audio/video programs via information networks must obtain a permit from the SARFT.
On April 13, 2005, the State Council announced Several Decisions on Investment by
Non-state-owned
Companies in Culture-related Business in China. These decisions encourage and supportnon-state-owned
companies to enter certain culture-related business in China, subject to restrictions and prohibitions for investment in audio/video broadcasting, website news and certain other businesses bynon-state-owned
companies. These decisions authorize the SARFT, the NPPA and the Ministry of Culture, or the MOC, to adopt detailed implementing rules according to these decisions.On December 20, 2007, the SARFT and the Ministry of Information Industry jointly issued the Rules for the Administration of Internet Audio and Video Program Services, commonly known as Circular 56, which came into effect as of January 31, 2008 and was amended on August 28, 2015. Circular 56 reiterates the requirement set forth in the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules that online audio/video service providers must obtain a license from the SARFT. Furthermore, Circular 56 requires all online audio/video service providers to be either wholly state-owned or state-controlled. According to relevant official answers to press questions published on the SARFT’s website dated February 3, 2008, officials from the SARFT and the Ministry of Information Industry clarified that online audio/video service providers that already had been operating lawfully prior to the issuance of Circular 56 may
re-register
and continue to operate without becoming state-owned or controlled, provided that such providers have not engaged in any unlawful activities. This exemption will not be granted to online audio/video service providers established after Circular 56 was issued. Such policies have been reflected in the application procedure for audio/video programs transmission license.63
On March 17, 2010, the SARFT issued the Internet Audio/Video Program Services Categories (Provisional), or the Provisional Categories, as further amended on March 10, 2017, which classified internet audio/video programs into four categories.
In 2009, the SARFT released a Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Online Audio/Video Content. This notice reiterated, among other things, that all movies and television shows released or published online must comply with relevant regulations on the administration of radio, film and television. In other words, these movies and television shows, whether produced in the PRC or overseas, must be
pre-approved
by SARFT, and the distributors of these movies and television shows must obtain an applicable permit before releasing any such movie or television show. In 2012, the SARFT and the CAC issued a Notice on Improving the Administration of Online Audio/Video Content Including Internet Drama and Micro Films. In 2014, the Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, or SAPPRFT released a Supplemental Notice on Improving the Administration of Online Audio/Video Content Including Internet Drama and Micro Films. This notice stresses that entities producing online audio/video content, such as internet dramas and micro films, must obtain a permit for radio and television program production and operation, and that online audio/video content service providers should not release any internet dramas or micro films that were produced by any entity lacking such permit. For internet dramas or micro films produced and uploaded by individual users, the online audio/video service providers transmitting such content will be deemed responsible as a producer. Further, under this notice, online audio/video service providers can only transmit content uploaded by individuals whose identity has been verified and such content shall comply with the relevant content management rules. This notice also requires that online audio/video content, including internet drama and micro films, be filed with the relevant authorities before release.On April 25, 2016, the SAPPRFT promulgated the Provisions on the Administration of Private Network and Targeted Transmission Audio/Video Program Services to replace the Audio/Video Broadcasting Rules, which became effective as of June 1, 2016 and applies to the provision of radio, TV programs and other audio/video programs to targeted audience on fixed or mobile electronic equipment such as TV and mobile phone, which was further revised on March 23, 2021. The Provision covers the internet and other information networks as targeted transmission channels, including the provision of content, integrated broadcast control, transmission and distribution and other activities conducted in such forms as Internet protocol television (IPTV), private network mobile TV and Internet TV. Anyone who provides private network and targeted transmission audio/video program services must obtain an audio/video program transmission license, with a term of three years, issued by the SAPPRFT and operate its business pursuant to the scope as provided in such license. If a service provider intends to provide new products or engage in new services which are not specified in the business guidance catalogue for private network and targeted transmission audio/video program service, it shall finish the security assessment of the NRTA in advance. FIEs are not allowed to engage in the above referenced business.
On July 1, 2016, the MOC promulgated Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Network Performance, which regulates the behavior of entities operating network performance and performers. Entities operating network performance shall be responsible for the service and content post on their website which are provided by performers, perfect the content management mechanism, and shut down the channel and stop the spreading as soon as realizing any network performance in violation of relevant laws and regulations. Network performers shall be responsible for their performances and shall not perform any program containing violence, pornography, or other similarly prohibited elements. The cultural administration authorities or cultural market enforcement authorities of relevant government supervise entities operating network performance and shall investigate all entities operating network performance in their jurisdiction thoroughly and publish any fine or action results or blacklist in time.
On September 2, 2016, the SAPPRFT issued a Notice on Issues regarding Strengthening the Administration of Internet Audio/Video Programs Live Broadcasting Services, which provides that the provision of audio/video live broadcasting of important political, military, economic, social, cultural, sports and other activities and events requires an audio/video program transmission license which covers item (5) under internet audio/video program services category I, and the provision of audio/video live broadcasting of cultural activities by general social organizations, sports events and like activities requires an audio/video program transmission license which covers item (7) under internet audio/video program services category II.
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On November 4, 2016, the CAC promulgated the Provisions on the Administration of Online Live Broadcasting Services, which became effective as of December 1, 2016. Such Provisions provides that anyone who provides online live broadcasting services through online performances, internet video/audio programs and so forth, shall obtain relevant qualifications as required by laws and regulations.
In December 2016, the SAPPRFT issued a Notice on Strengthening the Administration of Audio/Video Programs Transmission on Weibo, WeChat and Other Internet Social Networking Platforms, which further clarifies that anyone who operates internet audio/video services through Weibo, WeChat and other internet social networking platforms must obtain an audio/video program transmission license and other licenses as required by laws and regulations and operate its business pursuant to the scope as provided in such license.
On November 18, 2019, the CAC, the MCT and the NRTA jointly announced the Provisions on the Administration of Internet Audio and Video Information Services, which became effective as of January 1, 2020. The internet audio and video information services as set forth therein refer to services provision of producing, issuing and disseminating audio and video information to the public through internet websites, apps, and other network platforms. Such provisions reiterate that internet audio and video information services providers shall obtain relevant qualifications required by laws and administrative regulations, and further provides that the systems for users’ registration, information issuance examination and information security management shall be established and enhanced.
On February 9, 2021, the CAC and other five departments jointly issued the Guiding Opinions on Strengthening of Administration of Online Live Broadcast, which became effective on the same day. The guidance opinions clarified various regulatory license requirements applicable to online live broadcast platforms, and provided additional compliance requirements on broadcast platform management. As these guidance opinions are not PRC laws or regulations, it may be expected that relevant governmental authority may enact applicable rules and regulations to implement.
On April 23, 2021, the CAC and six other departments jointly issued the Administration Measures on Online Live Broadcast Marketing Activities (Trial), which became effective on May 25, 2021, to strengthen the administration of online live broadcast performance for marketing activities. Based on the Measures, the online live broadcast marketing platforms shall go through filing procedures, carry out safety assessment and acquire necessary licenses in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, and they shall also strengthen the management of online live broadcast marketing accounts, information security, marketing behavior and network and data security, while improving the protection of minors, consumer rights and interests and personal information and establishing the mechanism of registration and
de-registration
of online live broadcast marketing functions. Those who violate the Measures and cause damage to others shall bear civil, administrative or criminal liability in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.On August 8, 2021, the Administrative Provisions on Minor-oriented Programs was revised by the NRTA and has become effective on the same date. According to these provisions, network audio/video programs with minors as their main participants or recipients shall not contain any contents which are harmful to the minors, such as violence, pornography, heresy, superstition, drug taking and other illegal contents.
On March 12, 2022, the NDRC and the MOC issued the Negative List for Market Access (2022 Version), which provides that, among others,
non-state
capital shall not engage in online live broadcasting of events and activities involving politics, economy, military affairs, diplomatic affairs, major social events, culture, science and technology, public health, education and sports and such other activities and events related to political direction, public opinion orientation and value orientation. The scope of these restricted subject matters for online live broadcasting is relatively broad and vague, and is subject to further clarifications and interpretations by the regulator.On March 25, 2022, the CAC, SAT and SAMR jointly issued Opinions on Further Rectifying the Profit-making Online Live Broadcast to Promote the Healthy Development of the Industry, which requires the online broadcast platforms to improve the hierarchical and classified management of broadcasting accounts and the registration of new accounts, and platforms should also cooperate with the administrations of authorities. Besides, platforms and broadcasters shall together build impartial competition environment, and the rights and interests of the customers and businesses shall be protected during online live broadcast marketing activities. Tax compliance should be emphasized and cooperation of authorities shall also be enhanced to improve the quality of governance on the online live broadcast industry.
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As of the date of this annual report, we hold an internet audio/video program transmission license through Zhejiang Shengdian, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Beijing Momo that we acquired in March 2017.
Regulations on Online Comics and Internet Cultural Products
The Interim Administrative Provisions on Internet Culture was promulgated by MOC on February 17, 2011, became effective on April 1, 2011 and further amended on December 15, 2017. Pursuant to the Interim Administrative Provisions on Internet Culture, online comics are deemed to be online culture products, and any entity engaged in producing, transmitting and distributing online culture products shall apply for an internet culture operation license that includes the business scope of actual online activities. As of the date of this annual report, we have obtained seven internet culture operation licenses.
Regulations on Internet Publication and Cultural Products
The Administrative Measures for Internet Publication Service, or Internet Publication Measures, were jointly promulgated by the SAPPRFT and the MIIT on February 4, 2016 and became effective on March 10, 2016. The Internet Publication Measures define internet publication service and internet publication item, and publication of internet publication item via the internet requires an internet publishing license. Pursuant to the Internet Publication Measures, online game constitutes an internet publication item and therefore, an online game operator shall obtain an internet publishing license so that it can directly offer its online games to the public in the PRC. As of the date of this annual report, we have not yet obtained an internet publishing license, and are in the process of preparing the application documents.
Regulations on Online Games and Foreign Ownership Restrictions
Pursuant to the Negative List, the internet culture business (other than online music business) falls within the category of industries prohibiting foreign investment.
On September 28, 2009, the NPPA, the National Copyright Administration and the NOAPIP jointly issued the Circular on Consistent Implementation of the Stipulation on Three Aspects of the State Council and the Relevant Interpretations of the State Commission of Public Sector Reform and the Further Strengthening the Administration of the
Pre-examination
and Approval of Online Games and the Approval and Examination of Imported Online Games, or the NPPA Notice. The NPPA Notice explicitly prohibits foreign investors from directly or indirectly engaging in online game business in China, including through consolidated affiliated entities. Foreign investors are not allowed to indirectly control or participate in PRC operating companies’ online game operations, whether (i) by establishing other joint ventures, entering into contractual arrangements or providing technical support for such operating companies; or (ii) in a disguised form such as by incorporating or directing user registration, user account management or game card consumption into online game networks or platforms that are ultimately controlled or owned by foreign companies. The NPPA Notice provides that the NPPA is responsible for the examination and approval of the import and publication of online games and states that providing downloading services of the online game contents to the public through the internet is considered a publication activity, which is subject to approval from the NPPA. Violations of the NPPA Notice will result in severe penalties. For detailed analysis, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating certain of our operations in China do not comply with PRC regulations relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations.”On May 24, 2016, the SAPPRFT promulgated the Circular on the Administration over Mobile Game Publishing Services, which became effective as of July 1, 2016. The Circular provides that game publishing service entities shall be responsible for examining the contents of their games and applying for game publication numbers. To apply for publication of domestically-developed mobile puzzle games that are not related to political, military, national or religious topics or contents and have no or simple story lines, entities shall submit the required documents to provincial publication administrative departments at least 20 working days prior to the expected date of online publication (public beta). Entities applying for publication of domestically-developed mobile games that are not included in abovementioned category shall go through stricter procedures, including submitting manager accounts for content review and testing accounts for game anti-indulgence system. Game publishing service entities must set up a specific page to display the information approved by the SARPPFT, including copyright owner of the game, publishing service entity, approval number, publication number and others, and shall take charge of examining and recording daily updates of the game. For mobile games (including
pre-installed
mobile games) that have been published and operated online before implementation of this Circular, to maintain the publication and operation of such games online, relevant approval procedures shall be made up by the game publishing service entities and enterprises with the provincial publication administrative departments before December 31, 2016 as required by this Circular. Otherwise, they shall cease to be published or operated online.66
On August 30, 2021, the NPPA issued the Circular of the NPPA on Further Strengthening Regulation to Effectively Prevent Online Gaming Additions among Minors, which became into effect on September 1, 2021. According to this Circular, online game companies shall provide minors only with one hour of online game services at prescribed periods, namely between 8 pm and 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Circular reinstates that online game companies shall strictly implement the real-name registration and login requirements for online game user accounts. All online games shall be connected to the NPPA’s real-name verification system for anti-online game addiction purpose. Online game users shall use real and valid identity information to register for game accounts and log in to online games. Online game companies shall not provide gaming services in any form (including visitor experience mode) to users who have not registered or logged in with their real names.
Regulation on Information Security
In December 2012, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the Decision on Strengthening Network Information Protection, or the Network Information Protection Decision, to enhance the legal protection of information security and privacy on the internet. The Network Information Protection Decision also requires internet operators to take measures to ensure confidentiality of information of users. In July 2013, the MIIT promulgated the Provisions on Protection of Personal Information of Telecommunication and Internet Users to regulate the collection and use of users’ personal information in the provision of telecommunication service and internet information service in China. In August 2015, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the Ninth Amendment to the Criminal Law, which became effective in November 2015 and amended the standards of crime of infringing citizens’ personal information and reinforced the criminal culpability of unlawful collection, transaction, and provision of personal information. It further provides that any ICP provider that fails to fulfill the obligations related to internet information security administration as required by applicable laws and refuses to rectify upon orders will be subject to criminal liability under certain circumstances. In addition, Interpretations of the Supreme People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate on Several Issues concerning the Application of Law in the Handling of Criminal Cases Involving Infringement of Personal Information, issued on May 8, 2017, and effective as of June 1, 2017, clarified certain standards for the conviction and sentencing of the criminals in relation to personal information infringement. In November 2016, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Cybersecurity Law, which requires, among others, that network operators take security measures to protect the network from unauthorized interference, damage and unauthorized access and prevent data from being divulged, stolen or tampered with. Network operators are also required to collect and use personal information in compliance with the principles of legitimacy, properness and necessity, and strictly within the scope of authorization by the subject of personal information.
On March 13, 2019, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and the SAMR jointly issued the Notice on App Security Certification and the Implementation Rules on Security Certification of Mobile Internet Application, which encourages mobile application operators to voluntarily obtain app security certification, and search engines and app stores are encouraged to recommend certified applications to users.
The PRC Civil Code promulgated in 2020 also provides specific provisions regarding the protection of personal information. According to the PRC Civil Code, any organization or individual shall legally obtain such personal information of others when necessary and ensure the safety of such information, and shall not illegally collect, use, process or transmit personal information of others, or illegally purchase or sell, provide or make public personal information of others.
On July 22, 2020, the MPS published the Guiding Opinions on the Implementation of Cybersecurity Hierarchical Protection System and Critical Information Infrastructure Security Protection System, which require, among others, to determine the cybersecurity protection level in a scientific manner based on the importance of network (including network facilities, information system, and data resources) in national security, economic construction, and social life, as well as factors such as the degree of harm after its destruction, to implement hierarchical protection and supervision, with emphasis on ensuring the security of critical information infrastructure and networks at or above the third level.
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In June 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Data Security Law, which took effect in September 2021. The PRC Data Security Law, among other things, provides for security review procedure for data-related activities that may affect national security. The PRC Data Security Law provides a national data security review system, under which data processing activities that affect or may affect national security shall be reviewed. In addition, it clarifies the data security protection obligations of organizations and individuals carrying out data activities and implementing data security protection responsibility, data processors shall establish and improve the whole-process data security management rules, organize and implement data security trainings as well as take appropriate technical measures and other necessary measures to protect data security. Any organizational or individual data processing activities that violate the PRC Data Security Law shall bear the corresponding civil, administrative or criminal liabilities depending on specific circumstances.
On July 12, 2021, the MIIT and two other authorities jointly issued the Provisions on the Administration of Security Vulnerabilities of Network Products. The Provisions state that, no organization or individual may abuse the security vulnerabilities of network products to engage in activities that endanger network security, or to illegally collect, sell, or publish the information on such security vulnerabilities. Anyone who is aware of the aforesaid offences shall not provide technical support, advertising, payment settlement and other assistance to the relevant offenders. According to the Provisions, network product providers, network operators, and platforms collecting network product security vulnerabilities shall establish and improve channels for receiving network product security vulnerability information and keep such channels available, and retain network product security vulnerability information reception logs for at least six months. The Provisions also bans provision of undisclosed vulnerabilities to overseas organizations or individuals other than to the product providers.
On July 30, 2021, the State Council promulgated the Regulations on Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, which became effective on September 1, 2021, referring “critical information infrastructures” as important network facilities and information systems in important industries including public communications and information services, as well as those that may seriously endanger national security, national economy, people’s livelihood, or public interests in the event of damage, loss of function, or data leakage.
On September 30, 2021, the MIIT issued the Measures for Data Security Administration in the Industry and Information Technology Field (Trial Implementation) (Draft for Comments) for public comments and on February 10, 2022, the MIIT issued again the Measures for public comments. In accordance with the draft measures, the industrial and telecommunication data processors shall classify data firstly based on the data’s category and then based on its security level on a regular basis, to classify and identify data based on the industry requirements, business needs, data sources and purposes and other factors, and to make a data classification list. In addition, the industrial and telecommunication data processors shall establish and improve a sound data classification management system, take measures to protect data based on the levels, carry out key protection of critical data, implement stricter management and protection of core data on the basis of critical data protection, and implement the protection with the highest level of requirement if different levels of data are processed at the same time. The draft measures also impose certain obligations on industrial and telecommunication data processors in relation to, among others, implementation of data security work system, administration of key management, data collection, data storage, data usage, data transmission, provision of data, publicity of data, data destruction, safety audit and emergency plans, etc. As of the date of this annual report, the draft measures have not been formally adopted.
On October 29, 2021, the CAC issued the Measures for Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transfer (Draft for Comment). According to these measures, in addition to the self-risk assessment requirement for provision of any data outside China, a data processor shall apply to the competent cyberspace department for data security assessment and clearance of outbound data transfer in any of the following events: (i) outbound transfer of personal information and important data collected and generated by an operator of critical information infrastructure; (ii) outbound transfer of important data; (iii) outbound transfer of personal data by a data processor which has processed more than one million users’ personal data; (iv) outbound transfer of more than one hundred thousand users’ personal information or more than ten thousand users’ sensitive personal information cumulatively; (v) such other circumstances where
ex-ante
security assessment and evaluation of cross-border data transfer is required by the CAC.On November 14, 2021, the CAC released the Administrative Regulations on the Internet Data Security (Draft for Comments), providing that data processors conducting the following activities shall apply for cybersecurity review: (i) merger, reorganization or division of internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development or public interests affects or may affect national security; (ii) listing in a foreign country of data processors processing over one million users’ personal information; (iii) listing in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. The draft Regulations provide that data processors refer to individuals or organizations that, during their data processing activities such as data collection, storage, utilization, transmission, publication and deletion, have autonomy over the purpose and the manner of data processing. However, there have been no clarifications from the relevant authorities as of the date of this annual report as 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 annual data security assessment by itself or commission a data security service provider to do so, and submit the assessment report of the preceding year to the municipal cybersecurity department by the end of January each year. The CAC solicited comments until December 13, 2021, but there is no timetable as to when it will be enacted.
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On December 28, 2021, the CAC, the NDRC, the MIIT, and several other PRC governmental authorities jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which took effect on February 15, 2022 and replaced the Measures for Cybersecurity Review promulgated in April 2020 and effective in June 2020. According to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, critical information infrastructure operators that intend to purchase internet products and services and internet platform operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security must be subject to the cybersecurity review, and an internet platform operator possessing personal information of over one million users and intending to be listed on a foreign stock exchange must be subject to the cybersecurity review.
Regulations Relating to Internet Content and Information Security
The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services specify that internet information services regarding news, publications, education, medical and health care, pharmacy and medical appliances, among other things, are to be examined, approved and regulated by the relevant authorities. Internet information providers are prohibited from providing services beyond those included in the scope of their ICP licenses or filings. Furthermore, these measures clearly specify a list of prohibited content. Internet information providers are prohibited from producing, copying, publishing or distributing information that is humiliating or defamatory to others or that infringes the lawful rights and interests of others. Internet information providers that violate the prohibition may face criminal charges or administrative sanctions by the PRC authorities. Internet information providers must monitor and control the information posted on their websites. If any prohibited content is found, they must remove the offensive content immediately, keep a record of it and report it to the relevant authorities. The consolidated affiliated entities holding ICP licenses or filings are subject to these measures.
Internet information in China is also regulated and restricted from a national security standpoint. The Standing Committee of the NPC has enacted the Decisions on Maintaining Internet Security on December 28, 2000, which may subject violators to criminal punishment in China for any effort to: (i) gain improper entry into a computer or system of strategic importance; (ii) disseminate politically disruptive information; (iii) leak state secrets; (iv) spread false commercial information; or (v) infringe intellectual property rights. The MPS has promulgated measures that prohibit use of the internet in ways which, among other things, result in a leakage of state secrets or a spread of socially destabilizing content. The consolidated affiliated entities holding ICP licenses or filings are subject to the laws and regulations relating to information security.
In August 2013, the MOC issued the Administration Measures on Content Self-Review by Internet Culture Operating Entities, or the Content Review Measures, which became effective on December 1, 2013. According to the Content Review Measures, an internet culture operating entity shall censor and review its products and services to be provided to the public to ensure that such products and services do not contain any content prohibited by law, and the censor record shall be kept for at least two years. Internet culture operating entities shall adopt technical measures to conduct real-time censor over the products and services, set up internal content control department and establish content control policies. If the internet culture operating entity identifies any illegal content, it shall immediately suspend the products or services containing such content and preserve relevant record, and, in the event that such illegal content constitute material issues, report to provincial branch of MOC.
On September 15, 2021, the CAC promulgated the Opinions on Further Enforcing Responsibilities on Website Platforms as the Main Responsible Party for Information Content Management. In accordance with the Opinions, website platforms are required to perform specific responsibilities as the main responsible party for information content management, including, among others, enhancing the platform community rules, strengthening the regulation and management of accounts, improving the content vetting mechanism, improving the quality of information content, managing the dissemination of information content, and strengthening the management of key functions.
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On March 2, 2022, the CAC issued the Administrative Provisions on Internet
Pop-up
Window Information Push Services (Draft for Comments), which provides that the internetpop-up
window information push services shall be in compliance with laws and regulations, adhere to the correct political direction, public opinion guidance and value orientation, carry forward the socialist core values, push upward good-qualitypop-up
window information contents that are uplifting, and develop an active and healthy cyber culture. The providers of internetpop-up
window information push services shall fulfill the primary responsibility for information content security management, and establish management systems for information content censorship, ecological governance, cyber security, data security, and protection of personal information protection and minors.Regulations on Anti-monopoly and Anti-unfair Competition
On September 2, 1993, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress adopted the PRC Anti-unfair Competition Law, which took effect on December 1, 1993, and was amended on April 23, 2019. According to the Anti-unfair Competition Law, unfair competition refers to that the operator disrupts the market competition order and damages the legitimate rights and interests of other operators or consumers in violation of the provisions of the Anti-unfair Competition Law in the production and operating activities. Operators shall abide by the principle of voluntariness, equality, impartiality, integrity and adhere to laws and business ethics during market transactions. Operators in violation of the Anti-unfair Competition Law shall bear corresponding civil, administrative or criminal liabilities depending on the specific circumstances.
The PRC Anti-monopoly Law promulgated by the Standing Committee of the NPC, which became effective on August 1, 2008, and the Rules of the State Council on Filing Threshold for Concentration of Undertakings promulgated by the State Council on August 3, 2008, and amended on September 18, 2018, require that where a concentration reaches one of the following thresholds, a filing must be completed in advance with the anti-monopoly law enforcement agency under the State Council, or otherwise the concentration shall not be implemented: (i) during the previous fiscal year, the total global turnover of all undertakings participating in the concentration exceeded RMB10 billion, and at least two of these undertakings each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China; or (ii) during the previous fiscal year, the total turnover within China of all the undertakings participating in the concentration exceeded RMB2 billion, and at least two of these undertakings each had a turnover of more than RMB400 million within China. If a business operator carries out a concentration in violation of the law, the relevant authority shall order the business operator to terminate the concentration, dispose of the shares or assets or transfer the business within a specified time limit, or take other measures to restore to the
pre-concentration
status, and impose a fine of up to RMB500,000.On October 23, 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC issued a discussion draft of the amended PRC Anti-Monopoly Law, which proposes to increase the fines for illegal concentration of business operators to no more than ten percent of its last year’s turnover if the concentration of business operator has or may have an effect of excluding or limiting competitions; or a fine of up to RMB5 million if the concentration of business operator does not have an effect of excluding or limiting competition. The draft also proposes that the relevant authority shall investigate a transaction where there is any evidence that the concentration has or may have the effect of excluding or limiting competitions, even if such concentration does not reach the filing threshold.
On August 17, 2021, the SAMR issued a discussion draft of Provisions on the Prohibition of Unfair Competition on the Internet, under which business operators should not use data or algorithms to hijack traffic or influence users’ choices, or use technical means to illegally capture or use other business operators’ data. Furthermore, business operators are not allowed to (i) fabricate or spread misleading information to damage the reputation of competitors, or (ii) employ marketing practices such as fake reviews or use coupons or “red envelopes” to entice positive ratings.
On September 11, 2020, the Anti-Monopoly Committee of the State Council issued Anti-Monopoly Compliance Guideline for Operators, which requires operators to establish anti-monopoly compliance management systems under the PRC Anti-Monopoly Law to manage anti-monopoly compliance risks.
On February 7, 2021, the Anti-Monopoly Committee of the State Council published Anti-Monopoly Guidelines for the Platform Economy Sector that specified circumstances where an activity of an internet platform will be identified as monopolistic act as well as concentration filing procedures for business operators, including those involving variable interest entities.
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On December 24, 2021, the NDRC together with other eight governmental authorities jointly issued the Opinions on Promoting the Healthy and Sustainable Development of the Platform Economy, which provides that, among others, monopolistic agreements, abuse of market dominant position and illegal concentration of business operators in the platform economy will be strictly investigated and punished in accordance with the laws.
Regulations on Anti-fatigue Compliance System and Real-name Registration System
On April 15, 2007, eight PRC government authorities, including the GAPP, the Ministry of Education, the MPS and the Ministry of Information Industry, jointly issued the Notice on Protecting Minors Mental and Physical Health and Implementation of Online Game Anti-fatigue System, which requires the implementation of an anti-fatigue compliance system and a real-name registration system by all PRC online game operators. Under the anti-fatigue compliance system, three hours or less of continuous playing by minors, defined as game players under 18 years of age, is considered to be “healthy,” three to five hours is deemed “fatiguing,” and five hours or more is deemed “unhealthy.” Game operators are required to reduce the value of
in-game
benefits to a game player by half if it discovers that the amount of a time a game player spends online has reached the “fatiguing” level, and to zero in the case of the “unhealthy” level.To identify whether a game player is a minor and thus subject to the anti-fatigue compliance system, a real-name registration system should be adopted to require online game players to register their real identity information before playing online games. Pursuant to a notice issued by the relevant eight government authorities on July 1, 2011, online game operators must submit the identity information of game players to the National Citizen Identity Information Center, a subordinate public institution of the MPS, for verification as of October 1, 2011.
On October 25, 2019, the NPPA issued the Notice of Preventing Minors from Being Addicted to Online Games, which reiterates the requirement to implement a real-name registration system by all PRC online game operators. Within two months as of such notice, online game operators are required to have all existing users to complete with the real-name registration for each of their online games account. Moreover, the duration of online games played by minors shall be strictly controlled. From 22:00 to 8:00 the next day, online game operators shall not provide online game services in any form for minors. The duration for an online game operator to provide the minors with online game services shall not exceed three hours per day on any statutory holiday or one and half hours per day on any other day. In addition, online games operators must take effective measures to restrict minors from using paid services that are incompatible with their civil capacity. Failure to comply with the aforesaid requirements may subject the online games operator concerned to taking rectification measures till revocation of relevant licenses.
On October 17, 2020, the Standing Committee of the NPC revised and promulgated the Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision), which took effect on June 1, 2021. Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision) added a new section entitled “Online Protections” which stipulates a series of provisions to further protect minors’ interests on the internet, among others, (i) online product and service providers are prohibited from providing minors with products and services that would induce minors to indulge, (ii) online service providers for products and services such as online games, live broadcasting, audio/video, and social networking are required to establish special management systems of user session duration, access authority and consumption for minors, (iii) online games service providers must request minors to register and log into online games with their valid identity information, (iv) online games service providers must categorize games according to relevant rules and standards, notify users about the appropriate ages for the players of the games, and take technical measures to keep minors from accessing inappropriate online games functions, and (v) online games service providers may not provide online games services to minors from 22:00 to 8:00.
On August 30, 2021, the NPPA issued the Circular of the NPPA on Further Strengthening Regulation to Effectively Prevent Online Gaming Additions among Minors, which became into effect on September 1, 2021. According to this Circular, online game companies shall provide minors only with one hour of online game services at prescribed periods, namely between 8 pm and 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The Circular reinstates that online game companies shall strictly implement the real-name registration and login requirements for online game user accounts. All online games shall be connected to the NPPA’s real-name verification system for anti-online game addiction purpose. Online game users shall use real and valid identity information to register for game accounts and log in to online games. Online game companies shall not provide gaming services in any form (including visitor experience mode) to users who have not registered or logged in with their real names.
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On March 14, 2022, the CAC issued Regulations on Internet Protection of Minors (Draft for Comments). According to the draft regulations, online live broadcast service providers shall not provide account registration services for minors under the age of 16; those who provide account registration services for minors over the age of 16 shall check their identity information and obtain the consent of their guardians. Online live broadcast service providers shall establish a dynamic verification mechanism for the real identity information of the broadcasters, and shall not provide online live broadcast services for those who do meet the above requirements.
Regulations Relating to Internet Information Services and Content of Internet Information
In September 2000, the State Council issued the Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services, or the Internet Measures, which was amended on January 8, 2011, to regulate the provision of information services to online users through the internet. According to the Internet Measures, internet information services are divided into two categories: services of an operative nature and services of a
non-operative
nature. Our business conducted through our immomo.com website and Momo application involves operating internet information services, which requires us to obtain an ICP license. If an internet information service provider fails to obtain an ICP license, the relevant local branch of the MIIT may levy fines, confiscate its illegal income or even block its website. When the ICP service involves areas of news, publication, education, medical treatment, health, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, and if required by law or relevant regulations, specific approval from the respective regulatory authorities must be obtained prior to applying for the ICP license from the MIIT or its provincial level counterpart. Our affiliated PRC entity, Beijing Momo, currently holds an ICP license issued by Beijing Communications Administration, a local branch of the MIIT. Our ICP license will expire in December 2026.According to the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of the Online Show Live Broadcast and Online
E-commerce
Live Broadcast issued by the NRTA on November 12, 2020, platforms providing online show live broadcast or onlinee-commerce
live broadcast services shall register their information and business operations by November 30, 2020. The overall ratio of front-line content analysts to online live broadcast rooms shall be 1:50 or higher on such platforms. The training for content analysts shall be strengthened and content analysts who have passed the training shall be registered in the system. A platform shall report the number of its online live broadcast rooms, broadcasters and content analysts to the provincial branch of the NRTA on a quarterly basis. Online show live broadcast platforms shall tag content and broadcasters by category. A broadcaster cannot change the category of the programs offered in his or her online live broadcast room without prior approval from the platform. Users that are minors or without real-name registration are forbidden from virtual gifting, and platforms shall limit the maximum amount of virtual gifting per time, per day, and per month. When the virtual gifting by a user reaches half of the daily/monthly limit, a consumption reminder from the platform and a confirmation from the user by text messages or other means are required before the next transaction. When the amount of virtual gifting by a user reaches the daily/monthly limit, the platform shall suspend the virtual gifting function for such user for that day or month.According to the Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision), which took effect on June 1, 2021, among others, online live broadcasting service providers are not allowed to provide minors under age sixteen with online live broadcasting publisher account registration service, and must obtain the consent from parents or guardians and verify the identity of the minors before allowing minors aged sixteen or above to register online live broadcasting publisher accounts.
Regulations Relating to Privacy Protection
As an internet content provider, we are subject to regulations relating to protection of privacy. In recent years, PRC government authorities have enacted laws and regulations on internet use to protect personal information from any unauthorized disclosure. The Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services prohibit ICP service operators from producing, copying, publishing or distributing information that is insulting or slandering a third party or infringing upon the lawful rights and interests of a third party. Under the Several Provisions on Regulating the Market Order of Internet Information Services, issued by the MIIT in 2011, an ICP service operator may not collect any user personal information or provide such information to third parties without the consent of a user. An ICP service operator must expressly inform the users of the method, content and purpose for the collection and processing of such user personal information and may only collect such information necessary for the provision of its services. An ICP service operator is also required to properly keep the user personal information, and in case of any leak or likely leak of the user personal information, the ICP service operator must take immediate remedial measures and, in severe circumstances, to make an immediate report to the telecommunications regulatory authority. In addition, pursuant to the Decision on Strengthening the Protection of Online Information issued by the Standing Committee of the NPC in December 2012 and the Order for the Protection of Telecommunication and Internet User Personal Information issued by the MIIT in July 2013, any collection and use of user personal information must be subject to the consent of the user, abide by the principles of legality, rationality and necessity and be within the specified purposes, methods and scopes. An ICP service operator must also keep such information strictly confidential, and is further prohibited from divulging, tampering or destroying of any such information, or selling or illegally providing such information to other parties. Any violation of the above decision or order may subject the ICP service operator to warnings, fines, confiscation of illegal gains, revocation of licenses, cancelation of filings, closedown of websites or even criminal liabilities. We are subject to these regulations as an online business operator.
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On February 4, 2015, the CAC promulgated the Provisions on the Administrative of Account Names of Internet Users, which became effective as of March 1, 2015, setting forth the authentication requirement for the real identity of internet users by requiring users to provide their real names during the registration process. In addition, these provisions specify that internet information service providers are required by these provisions to accept public supervision, and promptly remove illegal and malicious information in account names, profile photos, introductions and other registration-related information reported by the public in a timely manner. On October 26, 2021, the CAC published the Provisions on the Administrative of Account Names Information of Internet Users (Draft for Comments) for public comments. Pursuant to these provisions, internet user account service platforms shall, among others, establish, improve and strictly implement account name information management system, information content security system, and personal information protection system, and establish an account name information dynamic check patrol system for the verification of real identity information, improve their technical measures for purposes of account information legal compliance, and support account name authenticity checks.
On January 23, 2019, the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission, the MIIT, the MPS, and the SAMR jointly issued the Notice on Special Governance of Illegal Collection and Use of Personal Information via Apps, which restates the requirement of legal collection and use of personal information, encourages app operators to conduct security certifications, and encourages search engines and app stores to clearly mark and recommend those certified Apps.
On August 22, 2019, the CAC issued the Regulation on Cyber Protection of Children’s Personal Information, effective on October 1, 2019. Network operators are required to establish special policies and user agreements to protect children’s personal information, and to appoint special personnel in charge of protecting children’s personal information. Network operators who collect, use, transfer or disclose personal information of children are required to, in a prominent and clear way, notify and obtain consent from children’s guardians.
On November 28, 2019, the CAC, MIIT, the MPS and SAMR jointly issued the Measures to Identify Illegal Collection and Usage of Personal Information by Apps, which lists six types of illegal collection and usage of personal information, including “not publishing rules on the collection and usage of personal information” and “not providing privacy rules.”
In addition, on May 28, 2020, the NPC adopted the PRC Civil Code, or the Civil Code, which came into effect on January 1, 2021. Pursuant to the Civil Code, the personal information of a natural person shall be protected by the law. Any organization or individual shall legally obtain such personal information of others when necessary and ensure the safety of such information, and shall not illegally collect, use, process or transmit personal information of others, or illegally purchase or sell, provide or make public personal information of others.
The MIIT issued the Notice on the Further Special Rectification of App Infringing upon Users’ Personal Rights and Interests on July 22, 2020, which requires that certain conducts of App service providers should be inspected, including, among others, (i) collecting or using personal information without the user’s consent, collecting or using personal information beyond the necessary scope of providing services, and forcing users to receive advertisements; (ii) requesting user’s permission in a compulsory and frequent manner, or frequently launching third- parties Apps; and (iii) deceiving and misleading users into downloading Apps or providing personal information. It also sets forth that the period for the regulatory specific inspection on Apps and that the MIIT will order the
non-compliant
entities to modify their business within five business days, or otherwise the MIIT will make public announcement, remove the Apps from the Appstores or impose other administrative penalties.73
On March 12, 2021, the CAC and three other authorities jointly issued the Rules on the Scope of Necessary Personal Information for Common Types of Mobile Internet Apps. The Rules specifies the scope of necessary personal information to be collected each for a variety of common mobile internet apps, such as online live broadcast Apps, instant messaging Apps, online game Apps. Operators of such Apps shall not refuse to provide basic services to users on the ground of users’ refusal to provide their personal
non-essential
information.On April 26, 2021, the MIIT issued the Interim Administrative Provisions on Personal Information Protection in Internet Mobile Apps (Draft for Comment). The draft of the Interim Administrative Provisions on Personal Information Protection in Internet Mobile Apps sets forth two principles of collection and utilization of personal information, namely “explicit consent” and “minimum necessity.”
According to the Law of the PRC on the Protection of Minors (2020 Revision), which took effect on June 1, 2021, information processors must follow the principles of legality, legitimacy and necessity when processing personal information of minors via internet, and must obtain consent from minors’ parents or other guardians when processing personal information of minors under age of 14. In addition, internet service providers must promptly alert upon the discovery of publishing private information by minors via the internet and take necessary protective measures.
On August 20, 2021, the Standing Committee of the NPC promulgated the PRC Personal Information Protection Law, which became effective on November 1, 2021. The PRC Personal Information Protection Law specifically specifies the rules for processing sensitive personal information, i.e., personal information that, once leaked or illegally used, may easily cause harm to the dignity of natural persons or grave harm to personal or property security, including information on biometric characteristics, financial accounts, individual location tracking, etc., as well as the personal information of minors under the age of 14. Personal information processors shall bear responsibility for their personal information processing activities and adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the security of the personal information they process. Otherwise, the personal information processors will be ordered to correct or suspend or terminate the provision of services, confiscation of illegal income, fines or other penalties.
On September 17, 2021, the CAC, together with eight other government authorities, jointly issued the Guidelines on Strengthening the Comprehensive Regulation of Algorithms for Internet Information Services. The guidelines provide that daily monitoring of data use, application scenarios, and effects of algorithms must be carried out by the relevant regulators, and relevant regulators should conduct security assessments of algorithms. The guidelines also provide that an algorithm filing system should be established, and classified security management of algorithms should be promoted.
On December 31, 2021, the CAC, the MIIT, the MPS, and the SAMR jointly promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Internet Information Service Algorithm Recommendation, which took effect on March 1, 2022. The Administrative Provisions on Internet Information Service Algorithm Recommendation, among others, implements classification and hierarchical management for algorithm recommendation service providers based on various criteria, requires algorithm recommendation service providers to inform users of their provision of algorithm recommendation services in a conspicuous manner, and publicize the basic principles, purpose intentions, and main operating mechanisms of algorithm recommendation services in an appropriate manner, and requires such service providers to provide users with options that are not specific to their personal profiles, or convenient options to cancel algorithmic recommendation services.
Regulations on Mobile Internet Applications
In June 2016, the CAC promulgated the Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet App Information Services, or the Mobile App Administrative Provisions, which became effective on August 1, 2016. Pursuant to the Mobile App Administrative Provisions, a mobile internet app refers to an App software that runs on mobile smart devices providing information services after being
pre-installed,
downloaded or embedded through other means. Mobile internet app providers refer to the owners or operators of mobile internet apps.Pursuant to the Mobile App Administrative Provisions, an internet App program provider must verify a user’s mobile phone number and other identity information under the principle of mandatory real name registration at the back-office end and voluntary real name display at the front-office end. An internet app provider must not enable functions that can collect a user’s geographical location information, access user’s contact list, activate the camera or recorder of the user’s mobile smart device or other functions irrelevant to its services, nor is it allowed to conduct bundle installations of irrelevant App programs, unless it has clearly indicated to the user and obtained the user’s consent on such functions and App programs. If an App provider violates the regulations, the internet Appstore service provider must take measures to stop the violations, including giving a warning, suspension of release, withdrawal of the App from the platform, keeping a record of the incident and reporting the incident to the relevant governmental authorities.
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On January 5, 2022, the CAC issued a draft of Administrative Provisions on Mobile Internet app Information Services, or the Draft Mobile Application Administrative Provisions, for public comments, which will replace the current Mobile App Administrative Provisions after it becomes effective. According to the Draft Mobile App Administrative Provisions, App providers shall formulate and publish the administrative rules and platform conventions, and enter into the services agreements with their users, which shall specify the rights and obligations of both parties and require the users to abide by the laws and regulations. In addition, App providers are also required to (i) establish management mechanism on the examination of information and contents, (ii) enhance management measures regarding user registration, management of accounts, examination of information, and emergency response, and (iii) equip itself with sufficient professional personnel and technical capacity commensurate with the scale of its services.
Regulations Relating to Taxation
In January 2008, the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law took effect. The PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law applies a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate to both FIEs and domestic enterprises, except where tax incentives are granted to special industries and projects. Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and its implementation regulations, dividends generated from the business of a PRC subsidiary after January 1, 2008 and payable to its foreign investor may be subject to a withholding tax rate of 10% if the PRC tax authorities determine that the foreign investor is a
non-resident
enterprise, unless there is a tax treaty with China that provides for a preferential withholding tax rate. Distributions of earnings generated before January 1, 2008 are exempt from PRC withholding tax.Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, an enterprise established outside China with “de facto management bodies” within China is considered a “resident enterprise” for PRC enterprise income tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income. A circular issued by the SAT in April 2009 regarding the standards used to classify certain Chinese-invested enterprises controlled by Chinese enterprises or Chinese enterprise groups and established outside of China as “resident enterprises” clarified that dividends and other income paid by such PRC “resident enterprises” will be considered
PRC-source
income and subject to PRC withholding tax, currently at a rate of 10%, when paid tonon-PRC
enterprise shareholders. This circular also subjects such PRC “resident enterprises” to various reporting requirements with the PRC tax authorities. Under the implementation regulations to the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, a “de facto management body” is defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and properties of an enterprise. In addition, the tax circular mentioned above specifies that certainPRC-invested
overseas enterprises controlled by a Chinese enterprise or a Chinese enterprise group in the PRC will be classified as PRC resident enterprises if the following are located or resided in the PRC: senior management personnel and departments that are responsible for daily production, operation and management; financial and personnel decision making bodies; key properties, accounting books, the company seal, and minutes of board meetings and shareholders’ meetings; and half or more of the senior management or directors who have the voting rights.Pursuant to the Arrangement between Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion on Income, the withholding tax rate in respect to the payment of dividends by a PRC enterprise to a Hong Kong enterprise is reduced to 5% from a standard rate of 10% if the Hong Kong enterprise directly holds at least 25% of the PRC enterprise. Pursuant to the Notice of the State Administration of Taxation on the Issues concerning the Application of the Dividend Clauses of Tax Agreements, or Circular 81, a Hong Kong resident enterprise must meet the following conditions, among others, in order to enjoy the reduced withholding tax: (i) it must be a company; (ii) it must directly own the required percentage of equity interests and voting rights in the PRC resident enterprise; and (iii) it must have directly owned such required percentage in the PRC resident enterprise throughout the 12 months prior to receiving the dividends. Furthermore, the Measures for the Administration of
Non-resident
Taxpayers’ Enjoyment of Treaty Benefits, which became effective in January 2020, provide thatnon-resident
taxpayers’ enjoyment of treaty benefits shall be handled in the manner of “self-assessment, claim for and enjoyment of treaty benefits and retention of relevant materials for review,” thus, wherenon-resident
taxpayers determine on their own that the conditions for them to enjoy the treatments under tax treaties are meet, may enjoy treatments under tax treaties on their own during the tax filings by themselves or through withholding agents, and shall collect and retain relevant materials for future inspection, and be subject to administration by relevant tax authorities afterwards. There are also other conditions for enjoying the reduced withholding tax rate according to other relevant tax rules and regulations. Accordingly, Momo Technology HK Company Limited may be able to benefit from the 5% withholding tax rate for the dividends it receives from Beijing Momo IT, if it satisfies the conditions prescribed under Circular 81 and other relevant tax rules and regulations, and obtain the approvals as required. However, according to Circular 81, if the relevant tax authorities consider the transactions or arrangements we have are for the primary purpose of enjoying a favorable tax treatment, the relevant tax authorities may adjust the favorable withholding tax in the future.75
In January 2009, the SAT promulgated the Provisional Measures for the Administration of Withholding of Enterprise Income Tax for
Non-resident
Enterprises, or theNon-resident
Enterprises Measures, pursuant to which entities that have direct obligation to make certain payments to anon-resident
enterprise shall be the relevant tax withholders for suchnon-resident
enterprise. Further, theNon-resident
Enterprises Measures provides that, in case of an equity transfer between twonon-resident
enterprises which occurs outside China, thenon-resident
enterprise which receives the equity transfer payment shall, by itself or engage an agent to, file tax declaration with the PRC tax authority located at place of the PRC company whose equity has been transferred, and the PRC company whose equity has been transferred shall assist the tax authorities to collect taxes from the relevantnon-resident
enterprise. On April 30, 2009, the MOF and the SAT jointly issued the Notice on Issues Concerning Process of Enterprise Income Tax in Enterprise Restructuring Business, or Circular 59.On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued a Public Notice on Several Issues Relating to Enterprise Income Tax on Transfer of Assets between
Non-resident
Enterprises, or Public Notice 7. Public Notice 7 introduces a new tax regime, and extends its tax jurisdiction to capture not only indirect transfers but also transactions involving transfer of immovable property in China and assets held under the establishment and place, in China of a foreign company through the offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. Public Notice 7 also addresses transfer of the equity interest in a foreign intermediate holding company widely. In addition, Public Notice 7 provides clear criteria on how to assess reasonable commercial purposes and introduces safe harbor scenarios applicable to internal group restructurings. However, it also brings challenges to both the foreign transferor and transferee of the indirect transfers as they have to make self-assessment on whether the transaction should be subject to PRC tax and to file or withhold the PRC tax accordingly. In October 2017, the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding ofNon-resident
Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or Bulletin 37, which came into effect in December 2017 and was amended in June 2018. The Bulletin 37 further clarifies the practice and procedures of the withholding ofnon-resident
enterprise income tax. Where anon-resident
enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is an indirect transfer, thenon-resident
enterprise as either the transferor or the transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such indirect transfer to the relevant tax authority.Where
non-resident
investors were involved in our private equity financing, if such transactions were determined by the tax authorities to lack reasonable commercial purpose, we and ournon-resident
investors may become at risk of being taxed under Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 and may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 or to establish that we should not be taxed under Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7.The PRC tax authorities have the discretion under SAT Circular 59, Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 to make adjustments to the taxable capital gains based on the difference between the fair value of the equity interests transferred and the cost of investment.
Value Added Tax
On January 1, 2012, the PRC State Council officially launched a pilot value-added tax (“VAT”) reform program, or Pilot Program, applicable to businesses in selected industries. Businesses in the Pilot Program would pay VAT instead of business tax. The pilot industries in Shanghai included industries involving the leasing of tangible movable property, transportation services, research and development and technical services, information technology services, cultural and creative services, logistics and ancillary services, certification and consulting services. Revenues generated by advertising services, a type of “cultural and creative services,” are subject to the VAT tax rate of 6%. According to official announcements made by competent authorities in Beijing and Guangdong province, Beijing launched the same Pilot Program on September 1, 2012, and Guangdong province launched it on November 1, 2012. On May 24, 2013, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on Tax Policies in the Nationwide Pilot Collection of Value Added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax in the Transportation Industry and Certain Modern Services Industries, or the Circular 37. The scope of certain modern services industries under the Circular 37 extends to the inclusion of radio and television services. On August 1, 2013, the Pilot Program was implemented throughout China. On December 12, 2013, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on the Inclusion of the Railway Transport Industry and Postal Service Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or Circular 106. Among the other things, Circular 106 abolished Circular 37, and refined the policies for the Pilot Program. On April 29, 2014, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on the Inclusion of Telecommunications Industry in the Pilot Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, or Circular 43. On March 23, 2016, the MOF and the SAT issued the Circular on Comprehensively Promoting the Pilot Program of the Collection of Value-added Tax in Lieu of Business Tax, which replaced and superseded Circular 106 and Circular 43. Effective from May 1, 2016, the PRC tax authorities collect VAT in lieu of Business Tax in all regions and industries. All of our entities were subject to VAT at the rate of 6% for services provided and 16% for goods sold, as adjusted to 13% starting from April 1, 2019, which are not listed in Article 2
Sub-article
2 of the Provisional Regulations on Value Added Tax of the PRC as of December 31, 2020. On March 20, 2019, the MOF, the SAT and the General Administration of Customs jointly issued the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-added Tax Reform, or the Announcement 39, which took effect as of April 1, 2019. In accordance with the Announcement 39, with effect from April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021, taxpayers in service industry relating to production and life-support services are allowed to deduct additional 10% of the deductible input tax for the current period. The Announcement 39 further illustrates that a taxpayer in service industry relating to production and life-support services refer to taxpayer whose sales generated from postal services, telecommunications services, modern services and life-support services account for more than 50% of its total sales.76
Regulations Relating to Copyright and Trademark Protection
China has adopted legislation governing intellectual property rights, including copyrights and trademarks. China is a signatory to major international conventions on intellectual property rights and is subject to the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights as a result of its accession to the World Trade Organization in December 2001.
Copyright
On December 20, 2001, the State Council promulgated the new Regulations on Computer Software Protection, effective from January 1, 2002 and as amended in 2011 and 2013, which are intended to protect the rights and interests of the computer software copyright holders and encourage the development of software industry and information economy. In the PRC, software developed by PRC citizens, legal persons or other organizations is automatically protected immediately after its development, without an application or approval. Software copyright may be registered with the designated agency and if registered, the certificate of registration issued by the software registration agency will be the primary evidence of the ownership of the copyright and other registered matters. On February 20, 2002, the National Copyright Administration of the PRC introduced the Measures on Computer Software Copyright Registration, which outline the operational procedures for registration of software copyright, as well as registration of software copyright license and transfer contracts. The Copyright Protection Center of China is mandated as the software registration agency under the regulations.
The State Council and the National Copyright Administration have promulgated various rules and regulations and rules relating to protection of software in China, including the aforementioned Regulations on Protection of Computer Software and the Measures on Computer Software Copyright Registration. According to these rules and regulations, software owners, licensees and transferees may register their rights in software with the National Copyright Administration or its local branches and obtain software copyright registration certificates. Although such registration is not mandatory under PRC law, software owners, licensees and transferees are encouraged to go through the registration process and registered software rights may be entitled to better protections. As of December 31, 2021, we had registered 180 software copyrights in China.
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Trademark
Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange
Pursuant to the Regulations on the Administration of Foreign Exchange issued by the State Council and effective in 1996, as amended in January 1997 and August 2008, respectively, current account transactions, such as the sale or purchase of goods, are not subject to PRC governmental approvals. Certain organizations in the PRC, including FIEs, may purchase, sell and/or remit foreign currencies at certain banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange business upon providing valid commercial documents. However, approval of the SAFE is required for capital account transactions.
In November 2012, SAFE promulgated the Circular of Further Improving and Adjusting Foreign Exchange Administration Policies on Foreign Direct Investment which substantially amends and simplifies the foreign exchange procedure. Pursuant to this circular, the opening of various special purpose foreign exchange accounts (e.g.
pre-establishment
expenses account, foreign exchange capital account, guarantee account), the reinvestment of RMB proceeds by foreign investors in the PRC, and remittance of foreign exchange profits and dividends by a FIE to its foreign shareholders no longer require the approval or verification of SAFE, and multiple capital accounts for the same entity may be opened in different provinces, which was not possible before. In addition, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Printing and Distributing the Provisions on Foreign Exchange Administration over Domestic Direct Investment by Foreign Investors and the Supporting Documents in May 2013, which specifies that the administration by SAFE or its local branches over direct investment by foreign investors in the PRC shall be conducted by way of registration and banks shall process foreign exchange business relating to the direct investment in the PRC based on the registration information provided by SAFE and its branches.On March 30, 2015, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming the Management Approach Regarding the Foreign Exchange Capital Settlement of Foreign-invested Enterprises, which has, upon its effective date as of June 1, 2015. This circular provides that, among other things, the foreign-invested company may convert the foreign currency in its capital account into RMB on a “at will” basis and the RMB funds so converted can be used for equity investments provided that equity investment is included in the business scope of such foreign-invested company.
On June 9, 2016, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reforming and Regulation of Administrative Policy on Settlement of Foreign Exchange of Capital Account, or SAFE Circular 16, which became effective on the same date. According to SAFE Circular 16, the foreign exchange capital of FIEs, foreign debt and funds raised through offshore listing may be settled on a discretionary basis, and can be settled at the banks. The proportion of such discretionary settlement is temporarily determined as 100%. The RMB converted from relevant foreign exchange will be kept in a designated account, and if a domestic enterprise needs to make further payment from such account, it still must provide supporting documents and go through the review process with the banks.
Furthermore, SAFE Circular 16 reiterates that the use of capital by domestic enterprises must adhere to the principles of authenticity and
self-use
within the business scope of enterprises. The foreign exchange income of capital account and RMB obtained by domestic enterprise from foreign exchange settlement must not be used (i) directly or indirectly for payment beyond the business scope of the enterprises or payment prohibited by relevant laws and regulations; (ii) directly or indirectly for investment in securities and investment in wealth management products except for principal-guaranteed bank wealth management products, unless otherwise explicitly provided; (iii) for extending loans tonon-affiliate
enterprises, unless permitted by the scope of business; and/or (iv) for construction or purchase of real estate that is not forself-use,
except for foreign-invested real estate enterprises.78
On October 23, 2019, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Further Promoting the Facilitation of Cross-border Trade and Investment, or SAFE Circular 28. On the basis of continuing to allow investment FIEs (including foreign investment companies, foreign-funded venture capital enterprises and foreign-funded equity investment enterprises) to use the registered capital for domestic equity investment in accordance with the laws and regulations, SAFE Circular 28 cancelled the restriction on the
non-investment
FIEs and allows thenon-investment
FIEs (like Beijing Momo IT) to use the registered capital for domestic equity investment under the premise of not violating the existing “negative list” and the authenticity and compliance of the domestic equity investment projects. SAFE Circular 28 further clarifies the two ways of using the foreign currency registered capital ofnon-investment
FIEs for domestic equity investment, i.e., by way of transfer of the foreign currency registered capital in its original currency and by way of foreign exchange settlement of the foreign currency registered capital. On October 23, 2019, the same date, SAFE promulgated the Circular on Reducing Foreign Exchange Accounts, or SAFE Circular 29, which became effective on March 2, 2020. The Appendix B of SAFE Circular 29 provides operational guidance for SAFE Circular 28. SAFE Circular 29 further specifies that the domestic equity investment set forth in Circular 28 is not limited to direct investment in a domestic enterprise but also includes equity investment conducted in the form of “equity transfer.”According to the Circular on Improving Administration of Foreign Exchange to Support the Development of Foreign-related Business, issued by the SAFE on April 10, 2020, eligible enterprises are allowed to make domestic payments by using their capital funds, foreign credits and the income under capital accounts of overseas listing, without submitting the evidentiary materials concerning authenticity of such capital for banks in advance; provided that their capital use is authentic and in compliance with administrative regulations on the use of income under capital accounts. The bank in charge shall conduct post spot checking in accordance with the relevant requirements.
Regulations Relating to Labor
Pursuant to the PRC Labor Law effective in 1995, as amended in 2009 and 2018, and the PRC Labor Contract Law effective in 2008, as amended in 2012, a written labor contract is required when an employment relationship is established between an employer and an employee. Other labor-related regulations and rules of the PRC stipulate the maximum number of working hours per day and per week as well as the minimum wages. An employer is required to set up occupational safety and sanitation systems, implement the national occupational safety and sanitation rules and standards, educate employees on occupational safety and sanitation, prevent accidents at work and reduce occupational hazards.
In the PRC, workers dispatched by an employment agency are normally engaged in temporary, auxiliary or substitute work. Pursuant to the PRC Labor Contract Law, an employment agency is the employer for workers dispatched by it and shall perform an employer’s obligations toward them. The employment contract between the employment agency and the dispatched workers shall be in writing. Furthermore, the employment agencies shall be jointly and severally liable for any damage caused to the dispatched workers due to violation of the PRC Labor Contract Law by the company that accepts the dispatched workers. An employer is obligated to sign an indefinite term labor contract with an employee if the employer continues to employ the employee after two consecutive fixed-term labor contracts. The employer also has to pay compensation to the employee if the employer terminates an indefinite term labor contract. Except where the employer proposes to renew a labor contract by maintaining or raising the conditions of the labor contract and the employee is not agreeable to the renewal, an employer is required to compensate the employee when a definite term labor contract expires. Furthermore, under the Regulations on Paid Annual Leave for Employees issued by the State Council in December 2007 and effective as of January 2008, an employee who has served an employer for more than one year and less than ten years is entitled to a
five-day
paid vacation, those whose service period ranges from 10 to 20 years is entitled to a10-day
paid vacation, and those who has served for more than 20 years is entitled to a15-day
paid vacation. An employee who does not use such vacation time at the request of the employer shall be compensated at three times their normal salaries for each waived vacation day.Pursuant to the PRC Social Insurance Law, effective in 2011, as amended in 2018, basic pension insurance, basic medical insurance, occupational injury insurance, maternity insurance and unemployment insurance are collectively referred to as social insurance. Both PRC companies and their employees are required to contribute to the social insurance plans. Pursuant to the Regulations on the Administration of Housing Fund effective in 1999, as amended in 2002 and 2019 respectively, PRC companies must register with applicable housing fund management centers and establish a special housing fund account in an entrusted bank. Both PRC companies and their employees are required to contribute to the housing funds.
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According to the PRC Social Insurance Law, an employer that fails to make social insurance contributions may be ordered to pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline and be subject to a late fee. If the employer still fails to rectify the failure to make social insurance contributions within the stipulated deadline, it may be subject to a fine ranging from one to three times the amount overdue. According to the Regulations on Administration of Housing Fund, an enterprise that fails to make housing fund contributions may be ordered to rectify the noncompliance and pay the required contributions within a stipulated deadline; otherwise, an application may be made by housing fund management centers to a local court for compulsory enforcement.
Regulations Relating to Dividend Distribution
FIEs in the PRC may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits after tax as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards. Remittance of dividends by a FIE out of China is subject to examination by the banks designated by SAFE. FIEs may not pay dividends unless they set aside 10% of their respective accumulated profits after tax each year, if any, to fund certain statutory common reserve funds, until such time as the accumulative amount of such funds reach 50% of the FIE’s registered capital. If the statutory common reserve funds are not sufficient to make up their losses in previous years (if any), the FIEs shall use the profits of the current year to make up the losses before accruing the statutory common reserve funds. At the discretion of the shareholders of the FIEs, it may, after accruing the statutory common reserve funds, allocate a portion of its
after-tax
profits based on PRC accounting standards to discretionary common reserve funds. These statutory common reserve funds and discretionary common reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends.SAFE Regulations on Offshore Special Purpose Companies Held by PRC Residents or Citizens
SAFE Circular on Relevant Issues Relating to Domestic Resident’s Investment and Financing and Roundtrip Investment through Special Purpose Vehicles, or Circular 37, issued by SAFE and effective in July 2014, regulates foreign exchange matters in relation to the use of special purpose vehicles, or SPVs, by PRC residents or entities to seek offshore investment and financing and conduct round trip investment in China. Under Circular 37, a SPV refers to an offshore entity established or controlled, directly or indirectly, by PRC residents or entities for the purpose of seeking offshore financing or making offshore investment, using legitimate domestic or offshore assets or interests, while “round trip investment” refers to the direct investment in China by PRC residents or entities through SPVs, namely, establishing FIEs to obtain the ownership, control rights and management rights. Circular 37 requires that, before making contribution into an SPV, PRC residents or entities are required to complete foreign exchange registration with the SAFE or its local branch. SAFE Circular 37 further provides that option or share-based incentive tool holders of a
non-listed
SPV can exercise the options or share incentive tools to become a shareholder of suchnon-listed
SPV, subject to registration with SAFE or its local branch.PRC residents or entities who have contributed legitimate domestic or offshore interests or assets to SPVs but have yet to obtain SAFE registration before the implementation of the Circular 37 shall register their ownership interests or control in such SPVs with SAFE or its local branch. An amendment to the registration is required if there is a material change in the SPV registered, such as any change of basic information (including change of such PRC residents, name and operation term), increases or decreases in investment amount, transfers or exchanges of shares, or mergers or divisions. Failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth in Circular 37, or making misrepresentation on or failure to disclose controllers of FIE that is established through round-trip investment, may result in restrictions on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant FIEs, including payment of dividends and other distributions, such as proceeds from any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation, to its offshore parent or affiliate, and the capital inflow from the offshore parent, and may also subject relevant PRC residents or entities to penalties under PRC foreign exchange administration regulations.
We have completed the foreign exchange registration of PRC resident shareholders for Mr. Yan Tang, Mr. Yong Li, Mr. Zhiwei Li, and Mr. Xiaoliang Lei with respect to our financings and share transfer.
M&A Rules and Overseas Listing
In August 2006, six PRC regulatory agencies, including CSRC, jointly adopted the M&A Rules, which became effective in September 2006 and was further amended by MOFCOM on June 22, 2009. This M&A Rule purports to require, among other things, offshore SPVs, formed for listing purposes through acquisition of PRC domestic companies and controlled by PRC companies or individuals, to obtain the approval of the CSRC prior to publicly listing their securities on an overseas stock exchange.
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We believe that CSRC approval is not required in the context of our initial public offering as we are not a special purpose vehicle formed for listing purpose through acquisition of domestic companies that are controlled by our PRC individual shareholders, as we acquired contractual control rather than equity interests in our domestic affiliated entities. However, we cannot assure you that the relevant PRC government agency, including the CSRC, would reach the same conclusion as we do. If the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agency subsequently determines that we need to obtain the CSRC’s approval for our initial public offering or if CSRC or any other PRC government authorities will promulgate any interpretation or implementing rules before our listing that would require CSRC or other governmental approvals for our initial public offering, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. In such event, these regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on our operations in the PRC, limit our operating privileges in the PRC, delay or restrict the repatriation of the proceeds from our initial public offering into the PRC, or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs.
The relevant PRC government authorities issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities in accordance with the Law around July 2021. These opinions emphasized the need to strengthen the administration over illegal securities activities and the supervision on overseas listings by China-based companies and proposed to take effective measures, such as promoting the construction of relevant regulatory systems to deal with the risks and incidents faced by China-based overseas-listed companies.
On December 24, 2021, the CSRC released the Draft Administrative Provisions and the Draft Filing Measures, both of which were open for public comments until January 23, 2022. Under these draft new rules, a filing-based regulatory system will be applied to “indirect overseas offering and listing” of PRC domestic companies, which refers to such securities offering and listing in an overseas market made in the name of an offshore entity, but based on the underlying equity, assets, earnings or other similar rights of a domestic company which operates its main business domestically. It is still uncertain when the final versions of these new provisions and measures will be issued and take effect, how they will be enacted, interpreted or implemented, and whether they will affect us. Assuming the Draft Administrative Provisions and the Draft Filing Measures become effective in their current forms, any of our offering and listing in an overseas market in future may be subject to the filing with the CSRC. Furthermore, according to the Negative List promulgated by the MOFCOM and the NDRC that became effective on January 1, 2022, domestic enterprises engaged in activities in any field prohibited from foreign investment under the Negative List shall be subject to review and approval by the relevant authorities of the PRC when listing and trading overseas. If it is determined that any approval, filing or other administrative procedure from the CSRC or other PRC governmental authorities is required for any future offering or listing, we cannot assure that we can obtain the required approval or accomplish the required filings or other regulatory procedures in a timely manner, or at all. If we fail to obtain the relevant approval or complete the filings and other relevant regulatory procedures, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies, which may include fines and penalties on our operations in China, limitations on our operating privileges in China, restrictions on or prohibition of the payments or remittance of dividends by our subsidiaries in China, or other actions that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, reputation and prospects, as well as the trading price of our ADSs. The CSRC or other PRC regulatory authorities also may take actions requiring us, or making it advisable for us, to halt our offerings before settlement and delivery of the shares offered. Consequently, if investors engage in market trading or other activities in anticipation of and prior to settlement and delivery, they do so at the risk that settlement and delivery may not occur. In addition, if the CSRC or other regulatory authorities later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals or accomplish the required filing or other regulatory procedures for our prior offshore offerings, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of such approval requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties or negative publicity regarding such approval requirement could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition, reputation, and the trading price of our ADSs.
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In December 2021, the CAC, together with other authorities, jointly promulgated the Cybersecurity Review Measures, which became effective on February 15, 2022 and replaces its predecessor regulation. Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Review Measures, critical information infrastructure operators that procure internet products and services and operators of network platforms conducting data processing activities must be subject to the cybersecurity review if their activities affect or may affect national security. The Cybersecurity Review Measures further stipulates that network platform operators that hold personal information of over one million users shall apply with the Cybersecurity Review Office for a cybersecurity review before any initial public offering at a foreign stock exchange. Given that the Cybersecurity Review Measures was recently promulgated, there are substantial uncertainties as to its interpretation, application, and enforcement. On November 14, 2021, the CAC published a draft of the Administrative Measures for Internet Data Security, or the Draft Data Security Measures, for public comments. The Draft Data Security Measures provides that data processors conducting the following activities must apply for cybersecurity review: (i) merger, reorganization, or division of internet platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development, or public interests, which affects or may affect national security; (ii) a foreign listing by a data processor processing personal information of over one million users; (iii) a listing in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. There have been no further clarifications from the authorities as of the date of this annual report as to the standards for determining such activities that “affects or may affect national security.” The period for which the CAC solicited comments on this draft ended on December 13, 2021, but there is no timetable as to when the draft regulations will be enacted. As such, substantial uncertainties exist with respect to the enactment timetable, final content, interpretation, and implementation of the Draft Data Security Measures, including the standards for determining activities that “affects or may affect national security.” As the Draft Data Security Measures have not been adopted and it remains unclear whether the formal version adopted in the future will have any further material changes, it is uncertain how the draft regulations will be enacted, interpreted or implemented and how they will affect us.
SAFE Regulations on Employee Share Options
Pursuant to the Notice on Issues Concerning the Foreign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Stock Incentive Plan of Overseas Publicly Listed Company, or Circular 7, issued by SAFE in February 2012, employees, directors, supervisors and other senior management participating in any stock incentive plan of an overseas publicly listed company who are PRC citizens or who are
non-PRC
citizens residing in China for a continuous period of not less than one year, subject to a few exceptions, are required to register with SAFE through a domestic qualified agent, which could be a PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company, and complete certain other procedures. Failure to complete the SAFE registrations may subject them to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability to contribute additional capital into our wholly-owned subsidiaries in China and limit these subsidiaries’ ability to distribute dividends to us.In addition, the SAT has issued certain circulars concerning employee share options or restricted shares. Under these circulars, the employees working in the PRC who exercise share options or are granted restricted shares will be subject to PRC individual income tax. The PRC subsidiaries of such overseas listed company have obligations to file documents related to employee share options or restricted shares with relevant tax authorities and to withhold individual income taxes of those employees who exercise their share options. If the employees fail to pay or the PRC subsidiaries fail to withhold their income taxes according to relevant laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries may face sanctions imposed by the tax authorities or other PRC government authorities. These registrations and filings are a matter of foreign exchange control and tax procedure and the grant of share incentive awards to employees is not subject to the government’s discretionary approval. Compliance with PRC regulations on employee incentive plans has not had, and we believe will not in the future have, any material adverse effect on the implementation of our 2012 Plan and 2014 Plan.
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C. | Organizational Structure |
The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure, including our principal subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries as of the date of this annual report.
Notes:
| (1) | We exercise effective control over Beijing Momo through contractual arrangements among Beijing Momo IT, Beijing Momo and Messrs. Yan Tang, Yong Li, Xiaoliang Lei and Zhiwei Li, each of whom holds 72.0%, 16.0%, 6.4% and 5.6% of the equity interest in Beijing Momo, respectively. Except for Zhiwei Li and Xiaoliang Lei, the shareholders of Beijing Momo are our shareholders and directors. |
| (2) | We exercise effective control over Tantan Culture through contractual arrangements among Tantan Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., or Tantan Technology, Tantan Culture and Beijing Momo. |
| (3) | We exercise effective control over Hainan Miaoka through contractual arrangements among Beijing Yiliulinger, Hainan Miaoka and Messrs. Xiaoliang Lei and Li Wang, each of whom holds 50% and 50% of the equity interest in Hainan Miaoka, respectively. The shareholders of Hainan Miaoka are our directors or officers. |
| (4) | QOOL Media (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. was established in November 2016. We exercise effective control over Tianjin QOOL Media through contractual arrangements among Tianjin QOOL Media, QOOL Media Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., Beijing Momo and Tianjin Mingqiao Media Partnership (Limited Partner), or Tianjin Mingqiao, each of which holds 70% and 30% of the equity interest in Tianjin QOOL Media, respectively. Mr. Chen Feng and Mr. Ridan Da are two partners of Tianjin Mingqiao. |
| (5) | Beijing Top Maker was established in March 2019, and changed to its current name in March 2021. We exercise effective control over Beijing Top Maker through contractual arrangements among Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Momo IT, and Messrs. Kuan He and Luyu Fan, each of whom holds 99% and 1% of the equity interest in Beijing Top Maker, respectively. |
| (6) | Beijing Perfect Match was established in April 2019. We exercise effective control over Beijing Perfect Match through contractual arrangements among Beijing Perfect March, Beijing Momo IT, and Mr. Yu Dong and Mr. Jianhua Wen, each of whom holds 99% and 1% of the equity interest in Beijing Perfect Match, respectively. |
| (7) | We exercise effective control over Spacetime Beijing, through contractual arrangements among Beijing Momo, Spacetime Beijing and Ms. Minyan Wang and Messrs. Yu Dong, each of whom holds 90% and 10% of the equity interest in SpaceTime Beijing, respectively. |
Contractual Arrangements with the Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Respective Shareholders
PRC laws and regulations place certain restrictions on foreign investment in and ownership of internet-based businesses. Accordingly, we conduct our operations in China principally through Beijing Momo and its subsidiaries, Tantan Culture, Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer, Tianjin QOOL Media, Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match and SpaceTime Beijing. Beijing Momo IT entered into contractual arrangements with Beijing Momo, Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match and SpaceTime Beijing, and their respective shareholders. Beijing Yiliulinger, a wholly owned subsidiary of Beijing Momo IT, entered into contractual arrangements with Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer and their respective shareholders. QOOL Media Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. entered into contractual arrangements with Tianjin QOOL Media and its shareholders. Tantan Technology entered into contractual arrangements with Tantan Culture and its shareholder. Beijing Momo, Tantan Culture, Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer and Tianjin QOOL Media, Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match and SpaceTime Beijing are all of the consolidated affiliated entities.
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The contractual arrangements allow us to:
exercise effective control over the consolidated affiliated entities;
receive substantially all of the economic benefits of the consolidated affiliated entities; and
have an option to purchase all or part of the equity interests in the consolidated affiliated entities when and to the extent permitted by PRC law.
As a result of these contractual arrangements, we are the primary beneficiary of our VIEsthe consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries, and, therefore, have consolidated the financial results of our VIEsthe consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries in our consolidated financial statements.statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The following is a summary of the currently effective contractual arrangements by and among our wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing Momo IT, Beijing Momo and the shareholders of Beijing Momo. We also entered into contractual arrangements with Tantan Culture, Hainan Miaoka, Hainan Yilingliuer, Tianjin QOOL Media, Beijing Top Maker, Beijing Perfect Match and SpaceTime Beijing. The contractual arrangements entered into by our other PRC subsidiaries with our other consolidated affiliated entities and their respective shareholders contain substantially the same terms as described below.
Business operation agreement
day-to-day
ten-year
term, unless objected by Beijing Momo IT. Beijing Momo IT may terminate this agreement at any time by giving a prior written notice to Beijing Momo.Exclusive call option agreements
Equity interest pledge agreements
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Powers of attorney
attorney-in-fact
Spousal consent letters
Exclusive cooperation agreements
Pursuant to the aforesaid exclusive cooperation agreements, each as amended, Beijing Momo IT, its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch have the exclusive right to provide, among other things, licenses, copyrights, technical and
non-technical
services to Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, Loudi Momo and Hainan Miaoka and receive service fees and license fees as consideration. Tantan Technology have the exclusive right to provide licenses, copyrights, technical andnon-technical
services to Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo, and receive service fees and license fees as consideration. Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, Loudi Momo, Hainan Miaoka, Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo will maintain apre-determined
level of operating profit as routine profit, and may maintain a residual profit as an arm’s length compensation for their unique and valuable contributions, if any. Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer , Loudi Momo and Hainan Miaoka will remit any excess operating profit to Beijing Momo IT, its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch as consideration for the licenses, copyrights, technical andnon-technical
services provided by Beijing Momo IT, its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch. Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo will remit any excess operating profit to Tantan Technology as consideration for the licenses, copyrights, technical andnon-technical
services provided by Tantan Technology.Each agreement has an initial term of ten years from the date of execution, and may be extended at the sole discretion of Beijing Momo IT (with its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch) and Tantan Technology. Beijing Momo IT (with its Chengdu branch and Hainan branch) and Tantan Technology may terminate the agreement at any time with a
30-day
notice to Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, Loudi Momo, Hainan Miaoka, Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo, as applicable, but Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, Loudi Momo, Hainan Miaoka, Tantan Culture and Tianjin Apollo, may not terminate the agreement.In the opinion of Han Kun Law Offices, our PRC counsel:
the ownership structures of Beijing Momo IT and Beijing Momo will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and
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the contractual arrangements among Beijing Momo IT, Beijing Momo and the shareholders of Beijing Momo governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable, and do not and will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect.
We are further advised by Han Kun Law Offices that the ownership structures of our other wholly-owned entities in China and our other consolidated affiliated entities in China do not violate any applicable PRC law, regulation or rule currently in effect, and the contractual arrangements among our other wholly-owned entities in China, our other consolidated affiliated entities in China and their respective shareholders governed by PRC law are valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and applicable PRC laws and regulations currently in effect. However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current and future PRC laws, regulations and rules. Accordingly, the PRC regulatory authorities may in the future take a view that is contrary to the above opinion of our PRC counsel. If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our business do not comply with PRC government restrictions on foreign investment in our businesses, we could be subject to severe penalties, including being prohibited from continuing operations. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating certain of our operations in China do not comply with PRC regulations relating to the relevant industries, or if these regulations or the interpretation of existing regulations change in the future, we could be subject to severe penalties or be forced to relinquish our interests in those operations,” and “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of PRC laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us.”
D. | Property, Plant and Equipment |
Our headquarters and our principal service development facilities are located in Beijing. We leased an aggregate of approximately 42,343 square meters of office space in Beijing, Chengdu, Tianjin, Haikou and Guangzhou as of March 31, 2022. These leases vary in duration from one year to five years.
The servers that we use to provide our services are primarily maintained at various third-party internet data centers in Beijing.
Item 4A. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
None.
Item 5. | Operating and Financial Review and Prospects |
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this annual report on Form
20-F.
This report contains forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Information.” In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information provided under the caption “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form20-F.
We caution you that our businesses and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties.A. | Operating Results |
Major Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
User Base
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Our revenues are driven by the number of our paying users and average revenue per paying user for the various services we offer to users, including live video service and value-added service. For 2021, we generated our revenues primarily from live video service, value-added service and mobile marketing. The numbers of Momo MAUs, quarterly paying users for our live video service and value-added services on our Momo application, without double counting the overlap (Momo Paying Users), and the numbers of quarterly paying users on our Tantan application (Tantan Paying Users) are presented by the charts below for the periods indicated. The number of our paying users is affected by the growth in our active user base, our ability to convert a greater portion of our users into paying users, and the strategies we pursue to achieve active user growth at reasonable costs and expenses.
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User Engagement
Monetization
in-feed
marketing solutions and live video service and in the fourth quarter of 2016, we launched a virtual gift service which allows our users to purchase and send virtual gifts to other users outside of live video service, which all contributed to our revenue growth. In 2018, we produced a television program. Our live video service currently contributes to the largest share of our revenues, generating 57.5% of our net revenues in 2021. For mobile games, we started to scale back from licensed mobile game services and instead focus on self-developed games in early 2017 in order to better align the games offered on our platform with the positioning and strength of Momo as a location-based social platform. Our future revenue growth will be affected by our ability to effectively execute our monetization strategies.Investment in Technology Infrastructure and Talent
The number of our employees increased from 2,350 as of December 31, 2019 to 2,394 as of December 31, 2020, and decreased to 2,051 as of December 31, 2021. There is strong demand in China’s internet industry for talented and experienced personnel from fast-growing, large-scale social networking platforms. We must recruit, retain and motivate talented employees while controlling our personnel-related expenses, including share-based compensation expenses.
Marketing and Brand Promotion.
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Taxation
Cayman Islands
We are registered by way of continuation into the Cayman Islands. Under the current law of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to income or capital gains tax in the Cayman Islands. In addition, our payment of dividends to our shareholders, if any, is not subject to withholding tax in the Cayman Islands.
British Virgin Islands
Our subsidiaries incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and all dividends, interest, rents, royalties, compensation and other amounts paid by such subsidiaries to persons who are not resident in the British Virgin Islands and any capital gains realized with respect to any shares, debt obligations, or other securities of our company by persons who are not resident in the British Virgin Islands are exempt from all provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance in the British Virgin Islands.
No estate, inheritance, succession or gift tax, rate, duty, levy or other charge is payable by persons who are not resident in the British Virgin Islands with respect to any shares, debt obligation or other securities of such subsidiaries.
All instruments relating to transfers of property to or by such subsidiaries and all instruments relating to transactions in respect of the shares, debt obligations or other securities of such subsidiaries and all instruments relating to other transactions relating to the business of our company are exempt from payment of stamp duty in the British Virgin Islands. This assumes that such subsidiaries does not hold an interest in real estate in the British Virgin Islands.
There are currently no withholding taxes or exchange control regulations in the British Virgin Islands applicable to such subsidiaries or its members.
Hong Kong
Our subsidiaries domiciled in Hong Kong are subject to a
two-tiered
income tax rate for taxable income earned in Hong Kong effectively since April 1, 2018. The first 2 million Hong Kong dollars of profits earned by the company are subject to be taxed at an income tax rate of 8.25%, while the remaining profits will continue to be taxed at the existing tax rate, 16.5%. In addition, to avoid abuse of thetwo-tiered
tax regime, each group of connected entities can nominate only one Hong Kong entity to benefit from thetwo-tiered
income tax rate. In 2019, no provision for Hong Kong tax was made in our consolidated financial statements, as our Hong Kong subsidiaries had not generated any assessable income. In 2020, Momo HK received special dividends of RMB2,200.0 million. Withholding taxes of RMB220.0 million in connection with the dividends were fully paid during the years ended December 31, 2020. In 2021, Momo HK received special dividends of RMB1,300.0 million (US$204.0 million). Withholding taxes of RMB130.0 million (US$20.4 million) in connection with the dividends were fully paid during the years ended December 31, 2021. Except for the withholding tax paid in 2021, we have accrued additional withholding tax of RMB207.4 million (US$32.5 million) on retained earnings generated in 2021 by Beijing Momo IT, because Beijing Momo IT’s earnings are to be remitted to Momo HK in the foreseeable future to fund its demand on US dollar in business operations, payments of dividends, potential investments, etc.Singapore
Our subsidiary domiciled in Singapore is subject to tax rate of 17% on its taxable income.
People’s Republic of China
Pursuant to the EIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, FIEs and domestic companies are subject to enterprise income tax at a uniform rate of 25%. In August 2014, Beijing Momo IT qualified as a software enterprise. As such, Beijing Momo IT was exempt from income taxes for two years beginning in its first profitable year (i.e. 2015 and 2016) followed by a tax rate of 12.5% for the succeeding three years (i.e. from 2017 to 2019). Beijing Momo IT applied for the qualification of Key Software Enterprise (“KSE”) for calendar year 2019 and was approved in 2020. Therefore, Beijing Momo IT was entitled to a preferential tax rate of 10% for the year 2019. Going forward, Beijing Momo IT will apply for KSE every year. Beijing Momo IT was qualified “High and New Technology Enterprises” (“HNTEs”) in 2020 and was accordingly entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% from 2020 to 2022. If Beijing Momo IT does not meet the requirements of KSE, it will be entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% as a high and new technology enterprise. Chengdu Momo was qualified as a Western China Development Enterprise and the income tax rate applicable to it was 15% in 2015, 2016 and 2017. According to No. 23 announcement of the SAT of PRC in April 2018, Chengdu Momo was no longer required to submit the preferential tax rate application to the tax authority, but only required to keep the relevant materials for future tax inspection instead. Based on experience, we believe Chengdu Momo will most likely continue to qualify as a Western China Development Enterprise and accordingly be entitled to a preferential income tax rate of 15%, because Chengdu Momo’s business nature has no significant changes. Therefore, we applied an enterprise income tax rate of 15% to determine the tax liabilities for Chengdu Momo in the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021. In July 2019, Tantan Technology qualified as a high and new technology enterprise, and is accordingly entitled to a preferential enterprise income tax rate of 15% from 2019 to 2021. Tantan Technology applied for Software Enterprise (“SE”) status for fiscal year 2020 and was approved in 2021, which entitled Tantan Technology to enjoy an income tax exemption in 2020. Accordingly, in 2021 Tantan Technology recorded the preferential tax rate adjustment from 15% to 0% for income tax expense of the fiscal year of 2020. The other entities incorporated in the PRC legal system could limitwere subject to an enterprise income tax at a rate of 25% for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021.
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We have recognized income tax expense of RMB883.8 million, RMB755.6 million and RMB822.6 million (US$129.1 million) for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2012, the MOF and the SAT launched a Business Tax to Value-Added Tax Transformation Pilot Program, or the VAT Pilot Program, which imposes VAT in lieu of business tax for certain “modern service industries” in certain regions and eventually expands to nation-wide in 2013. According to the implementation circulars released by the MOF and the SAT 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. Effective from May 1, 2016, PRC tax authorities collect VAT in lieu of business tax in all regions and industries. All of our abilityentities were subject to enforce theseVAT at rate of 6% for services provided and 16% for goods sold, as adjusted to 13% starting from April 1, 2019, which are not listed in Article 2
Sub-article
2 of the Provisional Regulations on Value Added Tax of the PRC as of December 31, 2020. With the imposition of VAT in lieu of business tax, our revenues are subject to VAT payable on goods sold or taxable services provided by a general VAT taxpayer for a taxable period, which is the net balance of the output VAT for the period after crediting the input VAT for the period. Hence, the amount of VAT payable does not result directly from output VAT generated from goods sold or taxable services provided. In addition, according to the prevailing PRC tax regulations, the input VAT caused by purchasing goods or services can be credited against output VAT by general taxpayer when calculating VAT payable, provided that the general taxpayer obtained and verified the relevant VAT special invoices corresponding to the cost or expenditures within a defined time period. On March 20, 2019, the MOF, the SAT and the General Administration of Customs jointly issued the Announcement on Relevant Policies for Deepening Value-added Tax Reform, or the Announcement 39, which took effect as of April 1, 2019. In accordance with the Announcement 39, with effect from April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021, taxpayers in service industry relating to production and life-support services are allowed to deduct additional 10% of the deductible input tax for the current period. The Announcement 39 further illustrates that a taxpayer in service industry relating to production and life-support services refers to a taxpayer whose sales generated from postal services, telecommunications services, modern services and life-support services account for more than 50% of its total sales. All of our entities have obtained the VAT special invoices as the deduction vouchers, and therefore, we have adopted the net presentation of VAT.Pursuant to applicable PRC laws and regulations, arrangements and transactions among related parties may be subject to audit or challenge by the PRC tax authorities. We may be subject to adverse tax consequences and our consolidated results of operations may be adversely affected if the PRC tax authorities determine that the contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities and their shareholders or their subsidiaries are not on an arm’s length basis and therefore constitute favorable transfer pricing. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—Contractual arrangements we have entered into with the consolidated affiliated entities may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities. A finding that we owe additional taxes could significantly reduce our consolidated net income and the value of your investment.”
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated, both in absolute amounts and as percentages of our total net revenues. This information should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. The results of operations in any period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period.
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Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | % | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues | 17,015,089 | 100.0 | 15,024,188 | 100.0 | 14,575,719 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Live video service | 12,448,131 | 73.2 | 9,637,579 | 64.1 | 8,378,945 | 57.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Value-added service | 4,105,963 | 24.1 | 5,112,182 | 34.0 | 5,971,792 | 41.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile marketing services | 331,822 | 2.0 | 198,197 | 1.4 | 159,010 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Mobile games | 92,451 | 0.5 | 39,564 | 0.3 | 47,712 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other services | 36,722 | 0.2 | 36,666 | 0.2 | 18,260 | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Cost and expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues | (8,492,096 | ) | (49.9 | ) | (7,976,781 | ) | (53.1 | ) | (8,383,431 | ) | (57.5 | ) | ||||||||||||
Research and development expenses | (1,095,031 | ) | (6.4 | ) | (1,167,677 | ) | (7.8 | ) | (1,131,781 | ) | (7.8 | ) | ||||||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses | (2,690,824 | ) | (15.8 | ) | (2,813,922 | ) | (18.7 | ) | (2,604,309 | ) | (17.9 | ) | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses | (1,527,282 | ) | (9.0 | ) | (763,150 | ) | (5.1 | ) | (624,700 | ) | (4.3 | ) | ||||||||||||
Impairment loss on goodwill and intangible assets | — | — | — | — | (4,397,012 | ) | (30.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total cost and expenses | (13,805,233 | ) | (81.1 | ) | (12,721,530 | ) | (84.7 | ) | (17,141,233 | ) | (117.6 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other operating income | 344,843 | 2.0 | 228,777 | 1.5 | 175,947 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 3,554,699 | 20.9 | 2,531,435 | 16.8 | (2,389,567 | ) | (16.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 407,542 | 2.4 | 444,471 | 3.0 | 384,279 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (78,611 | ) | (0.5 | ) | (78,872 | ) | (0.5 | ) | (73,776 | ) | (0.5 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other gain or loss, net | (15,711 | ) | (0.1 | ) | 1,500 | 0.0 | (16,000 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income before income tax and share of income on equity method investments | 3,867,919 | 22.7 | 2,898,534 | 19.3 | (2,095,064 | ) | (14.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (883,801 | ) | (5.2 | ) | (755,620 | ) | (5.0 | ) | (822,556 | ) | (5.6 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income before share of income on equity method investments | 2,984,118 | 17.5 | 2,142,914 | 14.3 | (2,917,620 | ) | (20.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Share of income (loss) on equity method investments | (23,350 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (42,522 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (8,084 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | 2,960,768 | 17.4 | 2,100,392 | 14.0 | (2,925,704 | ) | (20.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021
Net revenues
We currently generate revenues primarily from live video service, value-added service, mobile marketing services, mobile games, and other services. Revenues from live video service, value-added service and other services are presented net of value-added taxes and surcharges. Mobile marketing services are presented net of agency rebates, value-added taxes and surcharges. Mobile games revenues include revenues generated from self-developed mobile games and licensed mobile game. Net revenues decreased from RMB17,015.1 million in 2019 to RMB15,024.2 million in 2020, primarily driven by the decrease in net revenues from live video service as a result of the negative impact from the
COVID-19
pandemic during the first half of 2020 and a structural reform in the second half of the year. Net revenues decreased from RMB15,024.2 million in 2020 to RMB14,575.7 million (US$2,287.2 million) in 2021, primarily driven by the decrease in net revenues from live video service as a result of the shift of our strategic focus of Tantan’s live video service and structural reform of Momo’s core live video business. The structural reform was used to revive the long tail content ecosystem and to make sure that live video service business will continue to grow healthily in the new external environment. The structural reform involved a series of product and operational efforts targeting many different areas within the live video service business, and mainly included making adjustments to certain interactive features and related operational policies, and holding a series of promotional events to revive the long tail content ecosystem.Live video service
We started to offer live video services on our Momo platform in September 2015 and on our Tantan platform in early 2020. We generate revenues when users purchase and send
in-show
virtual items to broadcasters.91
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
COVID-19
adversely affecting the sentiment of our paying users, especially among the top paying users. The decrease was partially offset by the growth from Tantan’s live video service business, for which revenue amounted to RMB998.8 million in 2020.Value-added service
Value-added service primarily comprises virtual gift service and membership subscription. We started to offer virtual gift service on our Momo platform in the fourth quarter of 2016 to enhance users’ interaction and social networking with each other. Both Momo and Tantan users can become members by paying membership fees per contract period, which ranges from one month to one year. Both Momo and Tantan members are entitled to additional functionalities and privileges on Momo and Tantan mobile applications, respectively.
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Mobile marketing services
Our mobile marketing services currently include
in-feed
marketing solutions powered by a proprietary self-serve advertising system, brand-oriented display ads, and advertising services provided through third-party partnerships.2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Mobile games
As of December 31, 2021, we had self-developed mobile game and licensed mobile game. Our revenues from mobile games depend on the number of paying users.
2021 compared to 2020
92
2020 compared to 2019
Other services
Our other services mainly include film and television series investment and distribution promotion business, music service and peripheral products.
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Cost and expenses
Cost of revenues
Cost of revenues consists primarily of costs associated with the operation and maintenance of our platform, including revenue sharing, production costs in connection with television content, commission fees, bandwidth costs, labor costs, depreciation and other costs.
Revenue sharing primarily includes payments to broadcasters and talent agencies for our live video service and virtual gift recipients for our virtual gift service. Commission fees are payments made to third-party application stores and other payment channels for distributing our live video service, value-added service, and our mobile marketing services. Users can make payments for such services through third-party application stores and other payment channels. These third-party application stores and other payment channels typically charge a handling fee for their services. Bandwidth costs, including internet data center and content delivery network fees, consist of fees that we pay to telecommunication carriers and other service providers for telecommunication services, hosting our servers at their internet data centers, and providing content and application delivery services. Labor costs consist of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for our employees involved in the operation of our platform. Depreciation mainly consists of depreciation cost on our servers, computers and other equipment. Other costs mainly consist of office rental expenses and professional fees related to live video service. We expect our cost of revenues to increase in the future as we continue to expand our services, as well as to enhance the capability and reliability of our infrastructure to support user growth and increased activity on our platform.
The following table sets forth the components of our cost of revenues by amounts and percentages of our total cost of revenues for the periods presented:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | % | RMB | % | RMB | % | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except for percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue sharing | 7,153,655 | 84.2 | 6,630,538 | 83.1 | 7,047,050 | 84.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Commission fees | 369,549 | 4.4 | 362,831 | 4.6 | 327,843 | 3.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Bandwidth costs | 364,695 | 4.3 | 308,664 | 3.9 | 317,556 | 3.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Labor costs | 244,182 | 2.9 | 306,577 | 3.8 | 335,639 | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 209,388 | 2.5 | 211,779 | 2.7 | 164,528 | 2.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other costs | 150,627 | 1.7 | 156,392 | 1.9 | 190,815 | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total cost of revenues | 8,492,096 | 100.0 | 7,976,781 | 100.0 | 8,383,431 | 100.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
93
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Research and development expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for research and development personnel, technological service fee, depreciation and rental expenses associated with research and development activities. Expenditures incurred during the research phase are expensed as incurred. We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we expand our research and development team to develop new features and services for our platform and to further enhance our big data analytical capabilities.
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Sales and marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of general marketing and promotional expenses, as well as salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for our sales and marketing personnel. We expect our sales and marketing expenses to increase as we plan to enhance our brand awareness, attract new users and promote our new services.
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
94
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and other benefits, including share-based compensation expense, professional fees and rental expenses.
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Impairment loss on goodwill and intangible assets
As of December 31, 2021, as part of our annual impairment testing and based on (i) a decline in our share price which caused our market capitalization to drop significantly below our net book value of equity and (ii) the adjustment in the monetization approach of Tantan to improve user experience and retention which has further caused Tantan’s near term revenue to decrease and net loss to widen, we determined that it was more likely than not that goodwill was impaired. Accordingly, we determined the fair value of each respective reporting unit using the income-based approach, such that Tantan’s cash flows forecasts mainly factored in the lower-than-projected business outlook. As a result, the fair value of the reporting units was estimated to be below the carrying value and therefore indicated an impairment. We recorded a RMB4,397.0 million (US$690.0 million) goodwill and intangible assets impairment during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Net income (loss)
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Segment Revenues
The following table sets forth our revenues by segment and year-over-year change rate for the periods indicated:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | YoY% | RMB | YoY% | RMB | US$ | YoY% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Momo | 15,740,815 | 23 | 12,631,119 | (20 | ) | 12,541,205 | 1,967,989 | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Tantan | 1,259,906 | not comparable | (1) | 2,368,314 | 88 | 2,029,184 | 318,423 | (14 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
QOOL | 14,368 | (92 | ) | 24,755 | 72 | 5,330 | 836 | (78 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Note:
| (1) | After our acquisition of Tantan in May 2018, we consolidated its financial information into ours. As such, the revenue for 2018 only includes seven months of operations. |
Momo
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
COVID-19
pandemic on our live video service, which was partially offset by the increase of RMB896.6 million in net revenues from value-added service.95
Tantan
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
QOOL
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Segment Cost and Expenses
The following table sets forth our costs and expenses by segment and year-over-year change rate for the periods indicated:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RMB | YoY% | RMB | YoY% | RMB | US$ | YoY% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Costs and Expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Momo | 11,025,551 | 23 | 9,829,243 | (11 | ) | 10,169,788 | 1,595,862 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tantan | 2,727,259 | not comparable | (1) | 2,844,395 | 4 | 2,509,690 | 393,825 | (12 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
QOOL | 52,423 | (90 | ) | 47,892 | (9 | ) | 64,743 | 10,160 | 35 | |||||||||||||||||||
Unallocated | — | — | — | — | 4,397,012 | 689,987 | 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Note:
| (1) | After our acquisition of Tantan in May 2018, we consolidated its financial information into ours. As such, the costs and expenses for 2018 only includes seven months of operations. |
Momo
Costs and expenses of Momo mainly consist of revenue sharing, salaries and benefits, marketing and promotion expenses, bandwidth costs, professional fees and commission fees.
Cost of revenues
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
96
Research and development expense
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Sales and marketing expenses
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
General and administrative expense
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Tantan
Cost and expenses of Tantan mainly consist of marketing and promotion expenses, labor costs, revenue sharing, commission fees, depreciation and other costs.
Cost of revenues
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Research and development expenses
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
97
Sales and marketing expenses
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
General and administrative expenses
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
QOOL
Costs and expenses of QOOL mainly consist of production costs in connection with television content and film music, and staff related costs.
Cost of revenues
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Sales and marketing expenses
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
General and administrative expenses
2021 compared to 2020
2020 compared to 2019
Unallocated
The unallocated is the impairment loss on goodwill and intangible assets, which was presented as an unallocated item in the segment information because we do not consider this as part of the segment operating performance measure.
98
Inflation
Since our inception, inflation in China has not materially impacted our results of operations. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the year-over-year percent changes in the consumer price index for December 2019, 2020 and 2021 were increases of 4.5%, 0.2% and 1.5%, respectively. Although we have not been materially affected by inflation in the past, we can provide no assurance that we will not be affected by higher rates of inflation in China in the future.
B. | Liquidity and Capital Resources |
As of December 31, 2021, we have financed our operations primarily through net cash provided by operating activities, as well as the issuance of equity and convertible note securities. As of December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, we had RMB2,612.7 million, RMB3,363.9 million and RMB5,570.6 (US$874.1 million), respectively, in cash and cash equivalents. Our cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments, which are unrestricted from withdrawal or use, or which have original maturities of three months or less when purchased. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents and our anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital requirements and capital expenditures for the next 12 months. We may, however, need additional capital in the future to fund our continued operations.
In July 2018, we issued US$725 million principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2025. We will not have the right to redeem the notes prior to maturity, except in the event of certain changes to the laws or their application or interpretation; see “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our ADSs—Provisions of our convertible senior notes could discourage an acquisition of us by a third party.” Holders of the notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or part of their notes in cash on July 1, 2023 or in the event of certain fundamental changes. Satisfying the obligations of the notes could adversely affect the amount or timing of any distributions to our shareholders. We may choose to satisfy, repurchase, or refinance the notes through public or private equity or debt financings if we deem such financings available on favorable terms.
In the future, we may rely significantly on dividends and other distributions paid by our PRC subsidiaries for our cash and financing requirements. There may be restrictions on the dividends and other distributions by our PRC subsidiaries. The PRC tax authorities may require us to adjust our taxable income under the contractual arrangements that our PRC subsidiaries currently have in place with the consolidated affiliated entities in a way that could materially and adversely affect the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends and make other distributions to us. In addition, under PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries may pay dividends only out of its accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Our PRC subsidiaries are required to set aside 10% of its accumulatedVIEs werePRC subsidiaries, they may, after accruing the statutory common reserve fund, allocate a portion of theirreduce their shareholdings in our company, their interests may diverge from our interests, which may increasediscretionary common reserve fund. The statutory common reserve fund and the risk that they would act contrary to the contractual arrangements, suchdiscretionary common reserve fund cannot be distributed as causing our VIEs to not pay service fees under the contractual arrangements when required to do so.cash dividends. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—We may rely on contractual arrangements withdividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund cash and financing requirements. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business and to pay dividends to holders of the ADSs and our ordinary shares.” Furthermore, our investments made as registered capital and additionalrespectivesubsidiaries are also subject to restrictions on their distribution and transfer according to PRC laws and regulations.
after-tax
profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory common reserve fund, until the aggregate amount of such fund reaches 50% of its respective registered capital. If the statutory common reserve fund is not sufficient to make up its losses in previous years (if any), our PRC subsidiaries shall use the profits of the current year to make up the losses before accruing such statutory common reserve fund. At the discretion of the shareholders of our after-tax
profits based on PRC accounting standards to paid-in
capital of our PRC subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities and their As a result, our PRC subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries in China are restricted in their ability to transfer their net assets to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. As of December 31, 2021, the amount of the restricted net assets, which represents registered capital and additional
paid-in
capital cumulative appropriations made to statutory reserves, was RMB1,508.6 million (US$236.7 million). As of December 31, 2021, we held cash and cash equivalents of RMB939.1 million (US$147.4 million) in aggregate outside of the PRC and RMB4,631.5 million (US$726.8 million) in aggregate in the PRC, of which RMB4,631.3 million (US$726.8 million) was denominated in RMB and RMB125,965 (US$19,767) was denominated in U.S. dollars. Of such cash and cash equivalents held in the PRC, our PRC subsidiaries held cash and cash equivalents in the amount of RMB2,156.5 million (US$338.4 million), and the consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries held cash and cash equivalents in the amount of RMB2,475.0 million (US$388.4 million).99
As an offshore holding company, we are permitted under PRC laws and regulations to provide funding from the proceeds of our offshore fund raising activities to our PRC subsidiaries only through loans or capital contributions, and to the consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries only through loans, in each case subject to the satisfaction of the applicable government registration and/or approval requirements. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—PRC regulation of loans to, and direct investment in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may restrict or prevent us from using offshore funds to make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries, or to make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries.” As a result, there is uncertainty with respect to our ability to provide prompt financial support to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities when needed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our PRC subsidiaries may use their own retained earnings (rather than RMB converted from foreign currency denominated capital) to provide financial support to the consolidated affiliated entities either through entrustment loans from our PRC subsidiaries to the consolidated affiliated entities or direct loans to such consolidated affiliated entities’ nominee shareholders, which would be contributed to the consolidated variable entities as capital injections. Such direct loans to the nominee shareholders would be eliminated in our consolidated financial statements against the consolidated affiliated entities’ share capital.
Our full-time employees in the PRC participate in a government-mandated contribution plan pursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to such employees. We accrue for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries. The total provisions for such employee benefits were RMB214.3 million, RMB209.9 million and RMB241.7 million (US$37.9 million) in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. We expect our contribution towards such employee benefits to increase in the future as we continue to expand our workforce and as salary levels of our employees continue to increase.
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||||||||
(in RMB thousands) | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 5,448,886 | 3,080,889 | 1,559,198 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (4,029,919 | ) | (748,466 | ) | 2,550,342 | |||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (1,273,780 | ) | (1,498,150 | ) | (1,786,909 | ) | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes | (478 | ) | (80,944 | ) | (41,669 | ) | ||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | 144,709 | 753,329 | 2,280,962 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 2,468,034 | 2,612,743 | 3,366,072 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | 2,612,743 | 3,366,072 | 5,647,034 | |||||||||
Anticipated Use of Cash
We intend to continue to invest in our research and development capabilities to grow our user base and enhance user experience. We intend to continue to market our services, promote our brand, strengthen our customer service capabilities and enhance monetization. In order to support our overall business expansion, we also expect to continue to make investments in our corporate facilities and information technology infrastructure. We may pursue strategic alliances and acquisitions that complement our social networking platform. We plan to fund these expenditures with cash and cash equivalents that we have. From September 2020 to September 2021, we repurchased approximately 14.15 million ADSs for approximately US$182.4 million in the open market pursuant to our 2020 share repurchase plan and we may introduce similar plans in the future. On March 12, 2019, we declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.62 per ADS, or US$0.31 per ordinary share. The aggregate amount of cash dividends paid was US$128.6 million, which was funded by surplus cash on our balance sheet. In March 2020, we declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.76 per ADS, or US$0.38 per ordinary share. The aggregate amount of cash dividends paid was US$158.6 million, which was funded by surplus cash on our balance sheet. In March 2021, we declared another special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.64 per ADS, or US$0.32 per ordinary share. The aggregate amount of cash dividends paid was US$132.0 million, which was funded by surplus cash on our balance sheet. In March 2022, we declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.64 per ADS, or US$0.32 per ordinary share. The aggregate amount of cash dividends to be paid is approximately US$127 million, which will be funded by surplus cash on our balance sheet.
100
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to RMB1,559.2 million (US$244.7 million) in 2021, which was primarily attributable to a net loss of RMB2,925.7 million (US$459.1 million), adjusted for
non-cash
items of RMB5,146.9 million (US$807.7 million) and an increase of RMB662.0 million (US$103.9 million) in working capital. Thenon-cash
items primarily include RMB4,397.0 million (US$690.0 million) in goodwill and intangible assets impairment, RMB475.8 million (US$74.7 million) in share-based compensation expenses, RMB155.5 million (US$24.4 million) in depreciation of property and equipment and RMB109.1 million (US$17.1 million) in amortization of intangible assets. The increase in working capital was primarily attributable to a decrease in share-based compensation liabilities of RMB 678.2 million (US$106.4 million), an increase in other current assets of RMB151.2 million (US$23.7 million) and a decrease in income tax payable of RMB110.7 million (US$17.4 million), partially offset by an increase in deferred tax liabilities of RMB180.2 million (US$28.3 million) and an increase in other current liabilities of RMB60.7 million (US$9.5 million). The decrease in share-based compensation liability was mainly due to the cash payment of RMB678.2 million (US$106.4 million) we made to Tantan’s founders to settle the previously granted liability-classified share options upon their termination of services with Tantan during the year of 2021. The increase in other current assets was mainly attributable to an increase in interest receivable for increased long-term deposits. The decrease in income tax payable was mainly due to the lower profit of 2021. The increase in deferred tax liabilities was mainly attributable to a withholding income tax accrued on undistributed earnings generated in 2021 by our WFOE, because we plan to remit WFOE’s earnings to its offshore parent company in the foreseeable future to fund its demand on US dollar in business operations, payments of dividends, potential investments, etc. The increase in other current liabilities was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in amount payable to repurchase our subsidiary’s share options, (ii) an increase in lease liabilities due within one year, partially offset by a decrease in payroll and welfare payable due to decreased bonus and downsized.Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to RMB3,080.9 million in 2020, which was primarily attributable to a net income of RMB2,100.4 million, adjusted forassets mainly due to new lease contracts for internet data center facilities and one of our major office, and (ii) an increase in accumulated cost of films in the process of production or in the state of being unreleased. The decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities was mainly attributable to (i) a decrease in payroll and welfare payable due to decreased bonus, and (ii) a decrease in marketing promotional fees payable. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in deposits at a third-party broker for repurchase of ordinary shares, and (ii) an increase in customer payment through third-party payment channels and cash deposited at third-party payment channels by us for the broadcasters and virtual gift recipients to withdraw their shared revenue, partially offset by a decrease in VAT input, mainly due to less revenue sharing with talent agencies. The increase in other
non-cash
items of RMB1,126.2 million and an increase of RMB145.7 million in working capital. Thenon-cash
items primarily include RMB678.7 million in share-based compensation expenses, RMB209.0 million in depreciation of property and equipment and RMB157.3 million in amortization of intangible assets. The increase in working capital was primarily attributable to an increase in othernon-current
assets of RMB138.5 million, a decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB120.4 million, and an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of RMB59.1 million, partially offset by an increase in othernon-current
liabilities of RMB85.1 million, an increase income tax payable of RMB82.5 million, and a decrease in accounts receivable of RMB52.2 million. The increase in othernon-current
assets was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in netright-of-use
non-current
liabilities was mainly attributable to an increase in lease liabilities due in over one year. The increase in income tax payable was mainly attributable to a higher preferential tax rate to which one of our major profit generating entities is entitled for the year 2020. The decrease in accounts receivable was mainly attributable to a decrease in revenue from live video, mobile marketing and other services.Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to RMB5,448.9 million in 2019, which was primarily attributable to a net income of RMB2,960.8 million, adjusted for
non-cash
items of RMB1,815.3 million and a decrease of RMB672.8 million in working capital. Thenon-cash
items primarily include RMB1,408.2 million in share-based compensation expenses, RMB198.2 million in depreciation of property and equipment and RMB158.0 million in amortization of intangible assets. The decrease in working capital was primarily attributable to a decrease in accounts receivable of RMB442.2 million, an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB212.3 million, an increase in deferred revenue of RMB61.6 million, an increase in accounts payable of RMB52.2 million, and a decrease in prepaid expense and other current assets of RMB26.4 million, partially offset by decrease in amount due to related parties of RMB53.0 million. The decrease in accounts receivable was mainly attributable to the cash collection of the shared revenue from the distributor of our television content. The increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in marketing promotional fees payable, (ii) an increase in payroll and welfare payable due to increased salaries and bonus and increased headcount and (iii) an increase in accrued service fee mainly due to Tantan’s increased demand in technical support. The increase in deferred revenue was mainly attributable to the increase in Tantan’s membership subscription revenue. The increase in accounts payable was mainly attributable to an increase in revenue-sharing payable to live broadcasters, talent agencies and virtual gift recipients. The decrease in prepaid expense and other current asset was mainly attributable to (i) a decrease in customer payment to our account through third-party payment channels and cash deposited at third-party payment channels by us for the broadcasters and virtual gift recipients to withdraw their shared revenue and (ii) a decrease in advance payment made to suppliers for advertising fees, partially offset by (i) an increase of a corporate lending receivable balance, which is a loan to a third-party entity and (ii) an increase of VAT input, mainly due to larger purchase of goods or other services, property and equipment and advertising activities. The decrease in amount due to related parties was mainly attributable to payment of the special dividend declared to certain of our ordinary shareholders in April 2014.101
Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities amounted to RMB2,550.3 million (US$400.2 million) in 2021, which was primarily due to cash received on maturity of short-term deposits, partially offset by the purchase of long term deposits and short-term deposits and payment of long-term investments.
Net cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB748.5 million in 2020, which was primarily due to the purchase of long term deposits and short-term deposits, payment for short-term investments, purchase of servers, computers and other office equipment, and payment and prepayment of long-term investments, partially offset by cash received on maturity of short-term deposits and from sales of short-term and long-term investments.
Net cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB4,029.9 million in 2019, which was primarily due to the purchase of short-term deposits, payment for short-term investments, purchase of long-term deposits, purchase of servers, computers and other office equipment, and payment and prepayment of long-term investments, partially offset by cash received on maturity of short-term deposits and from sales of short-term investments.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to RMB1,786.9 million (US$280.4 million) in 2021, which was primarily attributable to the repurchase of our ordinary shares, payment of our declared special cash dividend and deferred payment for our operationsbusiness acquisition of Tantan.
Net cash used in China,financing activities amounted to RMB1,498.2 million in 2020, which may not be as effectivewas primarily attributable to payment of our declared special cash dividend, deferred payment for our business acquisition of Tantan, and repurchase of our ordinary shares and our subsidiary’s share options.
Net cash used in providing operational control as direct ownership.”financing activities amounted to RMB1,273.8 million in 2019, which was primarily attributable to payment of our declared special cash dividend, deferred payment for our business acquisition of Tantan and deferred payment for purchase of servers, computers and other office equipment.
Material Cash Requirements
Our material cash requirements as of December 31, 2021 and any subsequent interim period primarily include our convertible notes obligations and operating lease obligations.
Our convertible notes obligations primarily consist of the senior note we issued in July 2018, which bears an interest rate of 1.25% per year. Outstanding balance as of December 31, 2021 for our convertible notes obligations amounted to RMB4,822.3 million (US$756.7 million).
Our operating lease commitments consist of lease of offices under operating lease agreements, where a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor. Outstanding balance as of December 31, 2021 for our operating lease commitments amounted to RMB276.1 million (US$43.3 million).
102
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations by specified categories as of December 31, 2021.
Years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
Total | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 and thereafter | |||||||||||||
(RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Convertible senior note obligations (1) | 4,822,266 | 57,752 | 57,752 | 4,706,762 | ||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations (2) | 276,071 | 165,812 | 75,327 | 34,932 | ||||||||||||
Notes:
| (1) | Including estimated interest payments of RMB202.2 million in total (RMB57.8 million, RMB57.8 million and RMB86.6 million over the periods of less than one year, one to two years, and more than two years from December 31, 2021, respectively) and principal payments of RMB4,620.1 million, with the principal of the convertible senior note to be due in 2025. Please see “Convertible Senior Notes” under Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report beginning on page F-1. |
| (2) | Operating lease obligations represent our obligations for leasing internet data center facilities and office spaces, which include all future cash outflows under ASC Topic 842, Leases. Please see “Leases” under Note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report beginning on page F-1. |
Other than the convertible senior note and operating lease shown above, we did not have any significant other commitments, long-term obligations, or guarantees as of December 31, 2021.
In February 2022, our bank balance of RMB95.4 million was restricted for withdrawal by a local government authority in the PRC. The restricted amount is suspected to be linked with a Momo user’s illegal activity, which was recharged and consumed in the live video service on Momo platform. There is no suspected or alleged wrongdoing on the part of our company. Because the case involving the said user is currently in the early stage of investigation, the likelihood of any unfavorable outcome or any estimate of the amount or range of any potential loss cannot be reasonably ascertained as of the date of this annual report.
Holding Company Structure
Our company is a holding company with no material operations of its own. We conduct our operations primarily through our subsidiaries and the consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries in China. As a result, our ability to pay dividends depends upon dividends paid by our subsidiaries. If our subsidiaries or any newly formed subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends to us. In addition, our subsidiaries are permitted to pay dividends to us only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC law, each of our PRC subsidiaries and the consolidated affiliated entities is required to set aside 10% of their
after-tax
profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory common reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of their registered capital. Although the statutory common reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses in excess of retained earnings of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation. As a result of these PRC laws and regulations, the capital and statutory common reserves restricted which represented the amount of net assets of our relevant subsidiaries in PRC not available for distribution were RMB1,508.6 million (US$236.7 million) as of December 31, 2021.Capital Expenditures
Our capital expenditures amounted to RMB203.6 million, RMB124.1 million and RMB95.3 million (US$15.0 million) in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. In the past, our capital expenditures were principally incurred to purchase servers, computers and other office equipment, and to pay for leasehold improvements for our offices. As our business expands, we may purchase new servers, computers and other equipment in the future, as well as make leasehold improvements.
C. | Research and Development |
We focus our research and development efforts on the continual improvement and enhancement of our platform’s features and services, architecture and technological infrastructures, as well as security and integrity of our platform to protect the security and privacy of our users. We have a large team of engineers and developers, which accounted for approximately 62% of our employees as of December 31, 2021. Most of our engineers and developers are based in our headquarters in Beijing.
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For the three years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, our research and development expenditures, including share-based compensation expenses for research and development personnel, were RMB1,095.0 million, RMB1,167.7 million and RMB1,131.8 million (US$177.6 million), respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2021, our research and development expenditures represented 7.8% of our total net revenues. Our research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for research and development personnel, depreciation and office rental fees. Expenditures incurred during the research phase are expensed as incurred. We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we expand our research and development team to develop new features and services for our platform and further enhance our big data analytical capabilities.
D. | Trend Information |
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the year ended December 31, 2021 that 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 financial conditions.
E. | Critical Accounting Estimates |
We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reporting of, among other things, assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and contingent assets and liabilities. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical experience and other factors that we believe to be relevant under the circumstances. Since our financial reporting process inherently relies on the use of estimates and assumptions, our actual results could differ from what we expect.
We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (i) the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made, and (ii) changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period or use of different estimates that we reasonably could have used in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. There are other items within our financial statements that require estimation but are not deemed critical, as defined above. Changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements. For a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies and related judgments, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies”.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill
We review our long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may no longer be recoverable. When these events occur, we test the recoverability of the asset (asset group) by comparing the carrying value of the long-lived assets (asset group) to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the assets, we would recognize an impairment loss based on the fair value of the assets. Judgment is required to determine key assumptions adopted in the cash flow projections, such as internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business and determination of our weighted average cost of capital, and changes to key assumptions can significantly affect these cash flow projections and the results of the impairment tests.
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests, if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the stock prices, business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is performed. The quantitative impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
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Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. The estimation of fair value of each reporting unit using a discounted cash flow methodology also requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts of revenue and operating margin, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital. Specifically, the discount cash flow methodology included a weighted average cost of capital of 20% and a terminal value growth rate of 3% as of December 31, 2021. The estimates used to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit change from year to year based on operating results and market conditions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and goodwill impairment for the reporting unit.
Income Taxes
In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we must estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We estimate our actual tax exposure and assess temporary differences resulting from different treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which we include in our consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that we will recover our deferred tax assets from future taxable income. If we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance, we must include an expense within the tax provision in our consolidated statement of operations.
Management must exercise significant judgment to determine our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We base the valuation allowance on our estimates of taxable income in each jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. If actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to establish an additional valuation allowance, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.
Impairment Assessment on Equity securities without readily determinable fair value
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values that are accounted for using the measurement alternative are subject to periodic impairment reviews. Our impairment analysis considers both qualitative and quantitative factors that may have a significant effect on the fair value of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwillthese equity securities. Qualitative factors considered may include market environment and conditions, financial performance, business prospects, and other relevant events and factors. When indicators of impairment exist, we perform quantitative assessments of the fair value, which may include the use of market and income valuation approaches and the use of estimates, which may include discount rates, investees’ liquidity and financial performance, and market data of comparable companies in similar industries. Judgment is required to determine the appropriateness of the valuation approaches and the weighting and impact of the abovementioned factors. Changes to this determination can significantly affect the results of the quantitative assessments.
Impairment Assessment on Equity method investments
We review our long-lived assetsevaluate the equity method investments for impairment wheneverat each reporting date, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may no longerthe investment might not be recoverable. When these events occur, we measure impairmentFactors considered by comparingus when determining whether an investment has been other-than-temporarily-impaired, includes, but are not limited to, the carrying valuelength of the long-lived assetstime and the extent to which the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flow ismarket value has been less than cost, the carrying amount of the assets, we would recognize an impairment loss based on the fair value of the assets.
An impairment change is recorded if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary.
We estimate the fair value of the investee company based on comparable quoted price for similar investment in active market, if applicable, or discounted cash flow approach which requires significant judgments, including the estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, the estimation of long term growth rate of a company’s business, the estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and the determination of the weighted average cost of capital.
non-cash
items of RMB5,146.9 million (US$807.7 million) and non-cash
items primarily include RMB4,397.0 million (US$690.0 million) in goodwill and Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to RMB3,080.9 million in 2020, which was primarily attributable to a net income of RMB2,100.4 million, adjusted forassets mainly due to new lease contracts for internet data center facilities and one of our major office, and (ii) an increase in accumulated cost of films in the process of production or in the state of being unreleased. The decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities was mainly attributable to (i) a decrease in payroll and welfare payable due to decreased bonus, and (ii) a decrease in marketing promotional fees payable. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in deposits at a third-party broker for repurchase of ordinary shares, and (ii) an increase in customer payment through third-party payment channels and cash deposited at third-party payment channels by us for the broadcasters and virtual gift recipients to withdraw their shared revenue, partially offset by a decrease in VAT input, mainly due to less revenue sharing with talent agencies. The increase in other
non-cash
items of RMB1,126.2 million and an increase of RMB145.7 million in working capital. Thenon-cash
items primarily include RMB678.7 million in share-based compensation expenses, RMB209.0 million in depreciation of property and equipment and RMB157.3 million in amortization of intangible assets. The increase in working capital was primarily attributable to an increase in othernon-current
assets of RMB138.5 million, a decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB120.4 million, and an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of RMB59.1 million, partially offset by an increase in othernon-current
liabilities of RMB85.1 million, an increase income tax payable of RMB82.5 million, and a decrease in accounts receivable of RMB52.2 million. The increase in othernon-current
assets was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in netright-of-use
non-current
liabilities was mainly attributable to an increase in lease liabilities due in over one year. The increase in income tax payable was mainly attributable to a higher preferential tax rate to which one of our major profit generating entities is entitled for the year 2020. The decrease in accounts receivable was mainly attributable to a decrease in revenue from live video, mobile marketing and other services.Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to RMB5,448.9 million in 2019, which was primarily attributable to a net income of RMB2,960.8 million, adjusted foron an accelerated basis if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved.
non-cash
items of RMB1,815.3 million and a decrease of RMB672.8 million in working capital. Thenon-cash
items primarily include RMB1,408.2 million in share-based compensation expenses, RMB198.2 million in depreciation of property and equipment and RMB158.0 million in amortization of intangible assets. The decrease in working capital was primarily attributable to a decrease in accounts receivable of RMB442.2 million, an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB212.3 million, an increase in deferred revenue of RMB61.6 million, an increase in accounts payable of RMB52.2 million, and a decrease in prepaid expense related parties of RMB53.0 million. The estimate of forfeiture rate is adjusted over the requisite service perioddecrease in accounts receivable was mainly attributable to the extent that actual forfeiture rate differs, or is expected to differ, from such estimates. We recognize changes in estimated forfeiture rate through a cumulativecatch-upadjustment in the period of change.
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Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB748.5 million in 2020, which was primarily due to the purchase of long term deposits and short-term deposits, payment for short-term investments, purchase of servers, computers and other office equipment, and payment and prepayment of long-term investments, partially offset by cash received on maturity of short-term deposits and from sales of short-term and long-term investments.
Net cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB4,029.9 million in 2019, which was primarily due to the purchase of short-term deposits, payment for short-term investments, purchase of long-term deposits, purchase of servers, computers and other office equipment, and payment and prepayment of long-term investments, partially offset by cash received on maturity of short-term deposits and from sales of short-term investments.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to RMB1,786.9 million (US$280.4 million) in 2021, which was primarily attributable to the repurchase of our ordinary shares, payment of our declared special cash dividend and deferred payment for our business acquisition of Tantan.
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to RMB1,498.2 million in 2020, which was primarily attributable to payment of our declared special cash dividend, deferred payment for our business acquisition of Tantan, and repurchase of our ordinary shares and our subsidiary’s share options.
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to RMB1,273.8 million in 2019, which was primarily attributable to payment of our declared special cash dividend, deferred payment for our business acquisition of Tantan and deferred payment for purchase of servers, computers and other office equipment.
Material Cash Requirements
Our material cash requirements as of December 31, 2021 and any subsequent interim period primarily include our convertible notes obligations and operating lease obligations.
Our convertible notes obligations primarily consist of the senior note we issued in July 2018, which bears an interest rate of 1.25% per year. Outstanding balance as of December 31, 2021 for our convertible notes obligations amounted to RMB4,822.3 million (US$756.7 million).
Our operating lease commitments consist of lease of offices under operating lease agreements, where a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are relevantretained by the lessor. Outstanding balance as of December 31, 2021 for our operating lease commitments amounted to usRMB276.1 million (US$43.3 million).
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The following table sets forth our contractual obligations by specified categories as of December 31, 2021.
Years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
Total | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 and thereafter | |||||||||||||
(RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Convertible senior note obligations (1) | 4,822,266 | 57,752 | 57,752 | 4,706,762 | ||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations (2) | 276,071 | 165,812 | 75,327 | 34,932 | ||||||||||||
Notes:
| (1) | Including estimated interest payments of RMB202.2 million in total (RMB57.8 million, RMB57.8 million and RMB86.6 million over the periods of less than one year, one to two years, and more than two years from December 31, 2021, respectively) and principal payments of RMB4,620.1 million, with the principal of the convertible senior note to be due in 2025. Please see “Convertible Senior Notes” under Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report beginning on page F-1. |
| (2) | Operating lease obligations represent our obligations for leasing internet data center facilities and office spaces, which include all future cash outflows under ASC Topic 842, Leases. Please see “Leases” under Note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report beginning on page F-1. |
Other than the convertible senior note and operating lease shown above, we did not have any significant other commitments, long-term obligations, or guarantees as of December 31, 2021.
In February 2022, our bank balance of RMB95.4 million was restricted for withdrawal by a local government authority in the PRC. The restricted amount is includedsuspected to be linked with a Momo user’s illegal activity, which was recharged and consumed in note 2 tothe live video service on Momo platform. There is no suspected or alleged wrongdoing on the part of our consolidated financial statements, which are includedcompany. Because the case involving the said user is currently in the early stage of investigation, the likelihood of any unfavorable outcome or any estimate of the amount or range of any potential loss cannot be reasonably ascertained as of the date of this annual report.
Holding Company Structure |
after-tax
profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory common reserve Capital Expenditures
Our capital expenditures amounted to RMB203.6 million, RMB124.1 million and RMB95.3 million (US$15.0 million) in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. In the statutory common reserve fund, allocate a portion of theirafter-taxprofits based on PRC accounting standardspast, our capital expenditures were principally incurred to discretionary common reserve fund. The statutory common reserve fundpurchase servers, computers and the discretionary common reserve fund cannot be distributed as cash dividends. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure—We may rely on dividends paid by our PRC subsidiaries to fund cash and financing requirements. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our businessother office equipment, and to pay dividends to holders offor leasehold improvements for our offices. As our business expands, we may purchase new servers, computers and other equipment in the ADSsfuture, as well as make leasehold improvements.
C. | Research and Development |
We focus our research and our ordinary shares.” Furthermore, our investments made as registered capitaldevelopment efforts on the continual improvement and additionalpaid-incapitalenhancement of our PRC subsidiaries, consolidated affiliated entitiesplatform’s features and their subsidiaries are also subjectservices, architecture and technological infrastructures, as well as security and integrity of our platform to restrictions on their distributionprotect the security and transfer according to PRC lawsprivacy of our users. We have a large team of engineers and regulations.
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For the three years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, our research and development expenditures, including share-based compensation expenses for research and development personnel, were RMB1,095.0 million, RMB1,167.7 million and RMB1,131.8 million (US$177.6 million), respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2021, our research and development expenditures represented 7.8% of our total net revenues. Our research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for research and development personnel, depreciation and office rental fees. Expenditures incurred during the research phase are expensed as incurred. We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we expand our research and development team to develop new features and services for our platform and further enhance our big data analytical capabilities.
D. | Trend Information |
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are permittednot aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the year ended December 31, 2021 that 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 financial conditions.
E. | Critical Accounting Estimates |
We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reporting of, among other things, assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and contingent assets and liabilities. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical experience and other factors that we believe to be relevant under PRC lawsthe circumstances. Since our financial reporting process inherently relies on the use of estimates and regulationsassumptions, our actual results could differ from what we expect.
We consider an accounting estimate to provide fundingbe critical if: (i) the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made, and (ii) changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period or use of different estimates that we reasonably could have used in the current period, would have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. There are other items within our financial statements that require estimation but are not deemed critical, as defined above. Changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements. For a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies and related judgments, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies”.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill
We review our long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may no longer be recoverable. When these events occur, we test the recoverability of the asset (asset group) by comparing the carrying value of the long-lived assets (asset group) to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the proceedsuse of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the assets, we would recognize an impairment loss based on the fair value of the assets. Judgment is required to determine key assumptions adopted in the cash flow projections, such as internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business and determination of our offshore fund raising activitiesweighted average cost of capital, and changes to our PRC subsidiaries only through loans or capital contributions,key assumptions can significantly affect these cash flow projections and to our consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries only through loans, in each case subject to the satisfactionresults of the applicable government registration and/impairment tests.
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually, or approval requirements. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relatedmore frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests, if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the stock prices, business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is performed. The quantitative impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to Doing Businessthat excess.
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Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. The estimation of fair value of each reporting unit using a discounted cash flow methodology also requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts of revenue and operating margin, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital. Specifically, the discount cash flow methodology included a weighted average cost of capital of 20% and a terminal value growth rate of 3% as of December 31, 2021. The estimates used to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit change from year to year based on operating results and market conditions. Changes in China— PRC regulationthese estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of loans to,fair value and direct investment in, PRC entities by offshore holding companies and governmental control of currency conversion may restrict or prevent us from using offshore funds to make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries, or to make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries.” As a result, there is uncertainty with respect to our ability to provide prompt financial support to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities when needed. Notwithstandinggoodwill impairment for the foregoing, our PRC subsidiaries may use their own retained earnings (rather than RMB converted from foreign currency denominated capital) to provide financial support to our consolidated affiliated entities either through entrustment loans from our PRC subsidiaries to our consolidated affiliated entities or direct loans to such consolidated affiliated entities’ nominee shareholders, which would be contributed to the consolidated variable entities as capital injections. Such direct loans to the nominee shareholders would be eliminated inreporting unit.
Income Taxes
In preparing our consolidated financial statements, againstwe must estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We estimate our actual tax exposure and assess temporary differences resulting from different treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which we include in our consolidated affiliated entities’ share capital.balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that we will recover our deferred tax assets from future taxable income. If we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance, we must include an expense within the tax provision in our consolidated statement of operations.
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||||||
(in RMB thousands) | ||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,886,107 | 3,327,718 | 5,448,886 | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (188,174 | ) | (10,034,004 | ) | (4,029,919 | ) | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 2,833 | 4,687,951 | (1,273,780 | ) | ||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes | (26,840 | ) | 24,175 | (478 | ) | |||||||
Net increase in (decrease by) cash and cash equivalents | 2,673,926 | (1,994,160 | ) | 144,709 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 1,788,268 | 4,462,194 | 2,468,034 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 4,462,194 | 2,468,034 | 2,612,743 | |||||||||
Impairment Assessment on Equity securities without readily determinable fair value
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values that are accounted for using the measurement alternative are subject to periodic impairment reviews. Our impairment analysis considers both qualitative and quantitative factors that may have a significant effect on the fair value of these equity securities. Qualitative factors considered may include market environment and conditions, financial performance, business prospects, and other relevant events and factors. When indicators of impairment exist, we perform quantitative assessments of the fair value, which may include the use of market and income valuation approaches and the use of estimates, which may include discount rates, investees’ liquidity and financial performance, and market data of comparable companies in similar industries. Judgment is required to determine the appropriateness of the valuation approaches and the weighting and impact of the abovementioned factors. Changes to this determination can significantly affect the results of the quantitative assessments.
Impairment Assessment on Equity method investments
We evaluate the equity method investments for impairment at each reporting date, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. Factors considered by us when determining whether an investment has been other-than-temporarily-impaired, includes, but are not limited to, the length of the time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and our intent and ability to retain the investment until the recovery of its carrying value.
An impairment change is recorded if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary.
We estimate the fair value of the investee company based on comparable quoted price for similar investment in active market, if applicable, or discounted cash flow approach which requires significant judgments, including the estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, the estimation of long term growth rate of a company’s business, the estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and the determination of the weighted average cost of capital. Changes to this determination can significantly affect the results of the impairment test.
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to RMB1,559.2 million (US$244.7 million) in 2021, which was primarily attributable to a net loss of RMB2,925.7 million (US$459.1 million), adjusted for
non-cash
items of RMB5,146.9 million (US$807.7 million) and an increase of RMB662.0 million (US$103.9 million) in working capital. Thenon-cash
items primarily include RMB4,397.0 million (US$690.0 million) in goodwill and intangible assets impairment, RMB475.8 million (US$74.7 million) in share-based compensation expenses, RMB155.5 million (US$24.4 million) in depreciation of property and equipment and RMB109.1 million (US$17.1 million) in amortization of intangible assets. The increase in working capital was primarily attributable to a decrease in share-based compensation liabilities of RMB 678.2 million (US$106.4 million), an increase in other current assets of RMB151.2 million (US$23.7 million) and a decrease in income tax payable of RMB110.7 million (US$17.4 million), partially offset by an increase in deferred tax liabilities of RMB180.2 million (US$28.3 million) and an increase in other current liabilities of RMB60.7 million (US$9.5 million). The decrease in share-based compensation liability was mainly due to the cash payment of RMB678.2 million (US$106.4 million) we made to Tantan’s founders to settle the previously granted liability-classified share options upon their termination of services with Tantan during the year of 2021. The increase in other current assets was mainly attributable to an increase in interest receivable for increased long-term deposits. The decrease in income tax payable was mainly due to the lower profit of 2021. The increase in deferred tax liabilities was mainly attributable to a withholding income tax accrued on undistributed earnings generated in 2021 by our WFOE, because we plan to remit WFOE’s earnings to its offshore parent company in the foreseeable future to fund its demand on US dollar in business operations, payments of dividends, potential investments, etc. The increase in other current liabilities was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in amount payable to repurchase our subsidiary’s share options, (ii) an increase in lease liabilities due within one year, partially offset by a decrease in payroll and welfare payable due to decreased bonus and downsized.Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to RMB3,080.9 million in 2020, which was primarily attributable to a net income of RMB2,100.4 million, adjusted forassets mainly due to new lease contracts for internet data center facilities and one of our major office, and (ii) an increase in accumulated cost of films in the process of production or in the state of being unreleased. The decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities was mainly attributable to (i) a decrease in payroll and welfare payable due to decreased bonus, and (ii) a decrease in marketing promotional fees payable. The increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in deposits at a third-party broker for repurchase of ordinary shares, and (ii) an increase in customer payment through third-party payment channels and cash deposited at third-party payment channels by us for the broadcasters and virtual gift recipients to withdraw their shared revenue, partially offset by a decrease in VAT input, mainly due to less revenue sharing with talent agencies. The increase in other
non-cash
items of RMB1,126.2 million and an increase of RMB145.7 million in working capital. Thenon-cash
items primarily include RMB678.7 million in share-based compensation expenses, RMB209.0 million in depreciation of property and equipment and RMB157.3 million in amortization of intangible assets. The increase in working capital was primarily attributable to an increase in othernon-current
assets of RMB138.5 million, a decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB120.4 million, and an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of RMB59.1 million, partially offset by an increase in othernon-current
liabilities of RMB85.1 million, an increase income tax payable of RMB82.5 million, and a decrease in accounts receivable of RMB52.2 million. The increase in othernon-current
assets was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in netright-of-use
non-current
liabilities was mainly attributable to an increase in lease liabilities due in over one year. The increase in income tax payable was mainly attributable to a higher preferential tax rate to which one of our major profit generating entities is entitled for the year 2020. The decrease in accounts receivable was mainly attributable to a decrease in revenue from live video, mobile marketing and other services.Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to RMB5,448.9 million (US$782.7 million) in 2019, which was primarily attributable to a net income of RMB2,960.8 million, (US$425.3 million), adjusted for(US$260.8 million) and a decrease of RMB672.8 million (US$96.6 million) in working capital. The(US$202.3 million) in share-based compensation expenses, RMB198.2 million (US$28.5 million) in depreciation of property and equipment and RMB158.0 million (US$22.7 million) in amortization of intangible assets. The decrease in working capital was primarily attributable to a decrease in accounts receivable of RMB442.2 million, (US$63.5 million), an increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of RMB212.3 million, (US$30.5 million), an increase in deferred revenue of RMB61.6 million, (US$8.9 million), an increase in accounts payable of RMB52.2 million, (US$7.5 million), and a decrease in prepaid expense and other current assets of RMB26.4 million, (US$3.8 million), partially offset by decrease in amount due to related parties of RMB53.0 million (US$7.6 million).million. The decrease in accounts receivable was mainly attributable to the cash collection of the shared revenue from the distributor of our television content. The increase in accrued expenses and other current liabilities was mainly attributable to (i) an increase in marketing promotional fees payable, (ii) an increase in payroll and welfare payable due to increased salaries and bonus and increased headcount and (iii) an increase in accrued service fee mainly due to Tantan’s increased demand in technical support. The increase in deferred revenue was mainly attributable to the increase in Tantan’s membership subscription revenue. The increase in accounts payable was mainly attributable to an increase in revenue-sharing payable to live broadcasters, talent agencies and virtual gift recipients. The decrease in prepaid expense and other current asset was mainly attributable to (i) a decrease in customer payment to our account through third-party payment channels and cash deposited at third-party payment channels by us for the broadcasters and virtual gift recipients to withdraw their shared revenue and (ii) a decrease in advance payment made to suppliers for advertising fees, partially offset by (i) an increase of a corporate lending receivable balance, which is a loan to a third-party entity and (ii) an increase of VAT input, mainly due to larger purchase of goods or other services, property and equipment and advertising activities. The decrease in amount due to related parties was mainly attributable to payment of the special dividend declared to certain of our ordinary shareholders in April 2014.
non-cash
items of RMB1,815.3 million non-cash
items primarily include RMB1,408.2 million Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities amounted to RMB2,550.3 million (US$400.2 million) in 2021, which was primarily due to cash received on maturity of short-term deposits, partially offset by the purchase of long term deposits and short-term deposits and payment of long-term investments.
Net cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB748.5 million in 2020, which was primarily due to the purchase of long term deposits and short-term deposits, payment for short-term investments, purchase of servers, computers and other office equipment, and payment and prepayment of long-term investments, partially offset by cash received on maturity of short-term deposits and from sales of short-term and long-term investments.
Net cash used in investing activities amounted to RMB4,029.9 million (US$578.9 million) in 2019, which was primarily due to the purchase of short-term deposits, payment for short-term investments, purchase of long-term deposits, purchase of servers, computers and other office equipment, and payment and prepayment of long-term investments, partially offset by cash received on maturity of short-term deposits and from sales of short-term investments.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to RMB1,786.9 million (US$280.4 million) in 2021, which was primarily attributable to the repurchase of our ordinary shares, payment of our declared special cash dividend and deferred payment for our business acquisition of Tantan.
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to RMB1,498.2 million in 2020, which was primarily attributable to payment of our declared special cash dividend, deferred payment for our business acquisition of Tantan, and repurchase of our ordinary shares and our subsidiary’s share options.
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to RMB1,273.8 million (US$183.0 million) in 2019, which was primarily attributable to payment of our declared special cash dividend, deferred payment for our business acquisition of Tantan and deferred payment for purchase of servers, computers and other office equipment.
Material Cash Requirements
Our material cash generated from financing activitiesrequirements as of December 31, 2021 and any subsequent interim period primarily include our convertible notes obligations and operating lease obligations.
Our convertible notes obligations primarily consist of the senior note we issued in July 2018, which bears an interest rate of 1.25% per year. Outstanding balance as of December 31, 2021 for our convertible notes obligations amounted to RMB4,688.0RMB4,822.3 million (US$756.7 million).
Our operating lease commitments consist of lease of offices under operating lease agreements, where a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor. Outstanding balance as of December 31, 2021 for our operating lease commitments amounted to RMB276.1 million (US$43.3 million).
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The following table sets forth our contractual obligations by specified categories as of December 31, 2021.
Years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
Total | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 and thereafter | |||||||||||||
(RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Convertible senior note obligations (1) | 4,822,266 | 57,752 | 57,752 | 4,706,762 | ||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations (2) | 276,071 | 165,812 | 75,327 | 34,932 | ||||||||||||
Notes:
| (1) | Including estimated interest payments of RMB202.2 million in total (RMB57.8 million, RMB57.8 million and RMB86.6 million over the periods of less than one year, one to two years, and more than two years from December 31, 2021, respectively) and principal payments of RMB4,620.1 million, with the principal of the convertible senior note to be due in 2025. Please see “Convertible Senior Notes” under Note 9 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report beginning on page F-1. |
| (2) | Operating lease obligations represent our obligations for leasing internet data center facilities and office spaces, which include all future cash outflows under ASC Topic 842, Leases. Please see “Leases” under Note 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report beginning on page F-1. |
Other than the convertible senior note and operating lease shown above, we did not have any significant other commitments, long-term obligations, or guarantees as of December 31, 2021.
In February 2022, our bank balance of RMB95.4 million was restricted for withdrawal by a local government authority in 2018,the PRC. The restricted amount is suspected to be linked with a Momo user’s illegal activity, which was primarily attributable to cash received from issuancerecharged and consumed in the live video service on Momo platform. There is no suspected or alleged wrongdoing on the part of convertible notes and a bank loan, partially offset by cash repaymentour company. Because the case involving the said user is currently in the early stage of investigation, the likelihood of any unfavorable outcome or any estimate of the bank loan.amount or range of any potential loss cannot be reasonably ascertained as of the date of this annual report.
Holding Company Structure
Our company is a holding company with no material operations of its own. We conduct our operations primarily through our subsidiaries and ourthe consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries in China. As a result, our ability to pay dividends depends upon dividends paid by our subsidiaries. If our subsidiaries or any newly formed subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing their debt may restrict their ability to pay dividends to us. In addition, our subsidiaries are permitted to pay dividends to us only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC law, each of our PRC subsidiaries and ourthe consolidated affiliated entities is required to set aside 10% of theirRMB1,504.4RMB1,508.6 million (US$216.1million)236.7 million) as of December 31, 2019.2021.
after-tax
profits each year, if any, to fund a statutory common reserve until such reserve reaches 50% of their registered capital. Although the statutory common reserves can be used, among other ways, to increase the registered capital and eliminate future losses in excess of retained earnings of the respective companies, the reserve funds are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation. As a result of these PRC laws and regulations, the capital and statutory common reserves restricted which represented the amount of net assets of our relevant subsidiaries in PRC not available for distribution were Capital Expenditures
Our capital expenditures amounted to RMB220.1RMB203.6 million, RMB251.4RMB124.1 million and RMB203.6RMB95.3 million (US$29.315.0 million) in 2017, 20182019, 2020 and 2019,2021, respectively. In the past, our capital expenditures were principally incurred to purchase servers, computers and other office equipment, and to pay for leasehold improvements for our offices. As our business expands, we may purchase new servers, computers and other equipment in the future, as well as make leasehold improvements.
C. | Research and Development |
We focus our research and development efforts on the continual improvement and enhancement of our platform’s features and services, architecture and technological infrastructures, as well as security and integrity of our platform to protect the designsecurity and developmentprivacy of games that are suitable for publishing on our own platform.users. We have a large team of engineers and developers, which accounted for approximately 58%62% of our employees as of December 31, 2019.2021. Most of our engineers and developers are based in our headquarters in Beijing.
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For the three years ended December 31, 2017, 20182019, 2020 and 2019,2021, our research and development expenditures, including share-based compensation expenses for research and development personnel, were RMB346.1RMB1,095.0 million, RMB760.6RMB1,167.7 million and RMB1,095.0RMB1,131.8 million (US$157.3177.6 million), respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2019,2021, our research and development expenditures represented 6.4%7.8% of our total net revenues. Our research and development expenses primarily consist of salaries and benefits, including share-based compensation expenses, for research and development personnel, depreciation and technical serviceoffice rental fees. Expenditures incurred during the research phase are expensed as incurred. We expect our research and development expenses to increase as we expand our research and development team to develop new features and services for our platform and further enhance our big data analytical capabilities.
D. | Trend Information |
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the year ended December 31, 20192021 that 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 financial conditions.
E. |
We have not entered into anyprepare our financial guarantees orstatements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reporting of, among other commitmentsthings, assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and contingent assets and liabilities. We continually evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical experience and other factors that we believe to guaranteebe relevant under the payment obligationscircumstances. Since our financial reporting process inherently relies on the use of any third parties. estimates and assumptions, our actual results could differ from what we expect.
We have not entered into any derivative contractsconsider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (i) the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made, and (ii) changes in the estimate that are indexedreasonably likely to occur from period to period or use of different estimates that we reasonably could have used in the current period, would have a material impact on our shares and classified as shareholder’s equityfinancial condition or results of operations. There are other items within our financial statements that require estimation but are not reflecteddeemed critical, as defined above. Changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferredFor a detailed discussion of our significant accounting policies and related judgments, see “Notes to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity for such assets. We do not have any obligation, including a contingent obligation, arising out of a variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that we hold and material to us, where such entity provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies”.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill
We review our long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may no longer be recoverable. When these events occur, we test the recoverability of the asset (asset group) by comparing the carrying value of the long-lived assets (asset group) to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of the assets, we would recognize an impairment loss based on the fair value of the assets. Judgment is required to determine key assumptions adopted in the cash flow projections, such as internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business and determination of our weighted average cost of capital, and changes to key assumptions can significantly affect these cash flow projections and the results of the impairment tests.
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests, if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the stock prices, business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, or sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is performed. The quantitative impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
104
Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. The following table sets forthestimation of fair value of each reporting unit using a discounted cash flow methodology also requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts of revenue and operating margin, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our contractual obligations by specified categoriesbusiness, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital. Specifically, the discount cash flow methodology included a weighted average cost of capital of 20% and a terminal value growth rate of 3% as of December 31, 2019.2021. The estimates used to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit change from year to year based on operating results and market conditions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and goodwill impairment for the reporting unit.
Years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
Total | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 and thereafter | |||||||||||||
(RMB in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Convertible senior note obligations (1) | 5,394,307 | 63,091 | 63,091 | 5,268,125 | ||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations (2) | 198,863 | 141,324 | 53,769 | 3,770 | ||||||||||||
Investment commitment obligations (3) | 13,500 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Income Taxes
In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we must estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We estimate our actual tax exposure and assess temporary differences resulting from different treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which we include in our consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that we will recover our deferred tax assets from future taxable income. If we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase this allowance, we must include an expense within the tax provision in our consolidated statement of operations.
Management must exercise significant judgment to determine our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets. We base the valuation allowance on our estimates of taxable income in each jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. If actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to establish an additional valuation allowance, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.
105
Impairment Assessment on Equity securities without readily determinable fair value
Equity securities without readily determinable fair values that are accounted for using the measurement alternative are subject to periodic impairment reviews. Our impairment analysis considers both qualitative and quantitative factors that may have a significant effect on the fair value of these equity securities. Qualitative factors considered may include market environment and conditions, financial performance, business prospects, and other relevant events and factors. When indicators of impairment exist, we perform quantitative assessments of the fair value, which may include the use of market and income valuation approaches and the use of estimates, which may include discount rates, investees’ liquidity and financial performance, and market data of comparable companies in similar industries. Judgment is required to determine the appropriateness of the valuation approaches and the weighting and impact of the abovementioned factors. Changes to this determination can significantly affect the results of the quantitative assessments.
Impairment Assessment on Equity method investments
We evaluate the equity method investments for impairment at each reporting date, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. Factors considered by us when determining whether an investment has been other-than-temporarily-impaired, includes, but are not limited to, the length of the time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and our intent and ability to retain the investment until the recovery of its carrying value.
An impairment change is recorded if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary.
We estimate the fair value of the investee company based on comparable quoted price for similar investment in active market, if applicable, or discounted cash flow approach which requires significant judgments, including the estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, the estimation of long term growth rate of a company’s business, the estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and the determination of the weighted average cost of capital. Changes to this determination can significantly affect the results of the impairment test.
Share-based Compensation
Share-based payment transactions with employees, executives and consultants are measured based on the grant date fair value of the equity instrument issued and recognized as compensation expense net of a forfeiture rate on a straight-line basis, over the requisite service period, with a corresponding impact reflected in additional
paid-in
capital.We classify share-based compensation with cash settlement features as liabilities. The percentage of the fair value that is accrued as compensation cost at the end of each period equal the percentage of the requisite service that has been rendered at that date. We recognize the changes in fair value of the liability classified award that occur during the requisite service period as compensation cost over that period. These awards typically vest over a period of certain years, but may fully vest due to the achievement of certain performance conditions. We recognize the share-based compensation expense on an accelerated basis if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. Any difference between the amount for which a liability award is settled and its fair value at the settlement date as estimated is an adjustment of compensation cost in the period of settlement.
The estimate of forfeiture rate is adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeiture rate differs, or is expected to differ, from such estimates. We recognize changes in estimated forfeiture rate through a cumulative
catch-up
adjustment in the period of change.Changes in the terms or conditions of share options are accounted as a modification. We calculate the excess of the fair value of the modified option over the fair value of the original option immediately before the modification, measured based on the share price and other pertinent factors at the modification date. For vested options, we recognize incremental compensation cost in the period that the modification occurred. For unvested options, we recognize, over the remaining requisite service period, the sum of the incremental compensation cost and the remaining unrecognized compensation cost for the original award on the modification date.
Determining the fair value of share-based awards requires significant judgment. We estimate the fair value of share options using the Black-Scholes valuation model or binomial tree pricing model, which requires inputs such as the fair value of our ordinary shares, risk-free interest rate, expected dividend yield, expected life and expected volatility. If the fair value of the underlying equity and any of the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model or binomial tree pricing model changes significantly, share-based compensation expense for future awards may differ materially compared with the awards granted previously.
Item 6. |
| Directors, Senior Management and Employees |
A. | Directors and Senior Management |
The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors as of the date of this annual report.
Directors and Executive Officers | Age | Position/Title | ||||||
Yan Tang | 43 | Executive Chairman | ||||||
| 38 | Director and Chief Executive Officer | |||||||
Yong Li | 47 | Independent Director | ||||||
| Director | ||||||||
Benson Bing Chung Tam | 58 | Independent Director | ||||||
Dave Daqing Qi | 58 | Independent Director | ||||||
Yongming Wu | 47 | Independent Director | ||||||
Jonathan Xiaosong Zhang | ||||||||
Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
Note:
| (1) | Jonathon Xiaosong Zhang will retire effective June 30, 2022. Cathy Hui Peng, Senior Vice President of corporate finance, will assume the role of Chief |
Mr.
Yan Tang
co-founder
and has served as the executive chairman of our board of directors since November 2020 and as our directoreditor-in-chief.
Mr.
Li Wang
start-up
education service business from November 2008 to May 2011. He was the general administration staff at NEC China Co., Ltd. from April 2005 to April 2007. Mr. Wang received a bachelor’s degree in management from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in China in 2004.107
Mr.
Yong Li
co-founder
and has been our director since April 2012 and our independent director since December 2015. Mr. Li founded Fenbi Inc. (Cayman), a provider of online education services, in May 2011, in which he now serves as a board director and chief executive officer. In April 2012, he founded Beijing Jingguanyu Technology Co., Ltd., a software service company, and has been its chief executive officer since then. From May 2005 to May 2010, Mr. Li was theeditor-in-chief
editor-in-chief
Mr.
Mr.
Benson Bing Chung Tam
Dr.
Dave Daqing Qi
Mr. Li Wang
co-founder
of Alibaba Group. Mr. Wu founded Vision Plus Capital in 2015 and has led several key business segments of Alibaba Group. Mr. Wu also serves as director of ALI Health (HKEx: 0241).Mr. Xiaoliang Lei
108
B. | Compensation |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019,2021, we paid an aggregate of RMB124.4RMB44.1 million (US$17.96.9 million) in cash to our executive officers, and we paid an aggregate of RMB0.6 million (US$90,000)90.000) in cash to our
non-executive
directors. For share incentive grants to our directors and executive officers, see “—Share Incentive Plans.” We have not set aside or accrued any amount to provide pension, retirement or other similar benefits to our executive officers and directors. In accordance with the PRC law, our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries are required by law to make contributions equal to certain percentages of each employee’s salary for his or her pension insurance, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance and a housing provident fund.Share Incentive Plans
2012 Plan
In November 2012, we adopted a share incentive plan, or the 2012 Plan, which was amended and restated in October 2013. The maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2012 Plan is 44,758,220 Class A ordinary shares. With the adoption of our 2014 Plan, we no longer issue incentive shares under the 2012 Plan.
As of March 31, 2020,2022, options to purchase 28,769,414 Class A ordinary shares (excluding those that have been forfeited) had been granted under the 2012 Plan, of which options to purchase an aggregate of 5,085,8783,746,048 Class A ordinary shares remained outstanding. The following paragraphs summarize the principal terms of the 2012 Plan.
Plan Administration
re-granting
of awards by waiver or by other legally valid means.Award Agreement
Eligibility
Acceleration of Awards upon Change in Control
Vesting Schedule
Exercise of Options
Transfer Restrictions
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Amendment and Termination of the 2012 Plan
2014 Plan
We adopted the 2014 share incentive plan, or the 2014 Plan in November 2014. The maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2014 Plan is initially 14,031,194 Class A ordinary shares. Beginning in 2017, the number of shares reserved for future issuances under the 2014 Plan would be increased by a number equal to 1.5% of the total number of outstanding shares on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year, or such lesser number of Class A ordinary shares as determined by our board of directors, on the first day of each calendar year during the term of the 2014 Plan. As a result, the maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2014 Plan has been increased to 38,309,13450,416,869 Class A ordinary shares. As of March 31, 2020,2022, we have granted options to purchase 28,856,01340,582,610 Class A ordinary shares (excluding those that have been forfeited and cancelled) and 570,001830,001 restricted share units under our 2014 Plan, of which options to purchase an aggregate of 18,570,89524,253,381 Class A ordinary shares remained outstanding and 211,250250,000 restricted share units remained outstanding. The following paragraphs summarize the terms of the 2014 Plan.
Types of Awards
Plan Administration
Award Agreement
Eligibility
Acceleration of Awards upon Change in Control
change-in-control
Exercise of Options
Exercise Price of Options
Vesting Schedule
Transfer Restrictions
Termination
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The following table summarizes, as of March 31, 2020,2022, the outstanding options under the 2012 Plan and 2014 Plan granted to certain officers, directors, employees and consultants.
Name | Class A Ordinary Shares Underlying Outstanding Options | Exercise Price (US$/Share) | Date of Grant | Date of Expiration | ||||||||||||
Yan Tang | * | 0.1404 | October 10, 2013 | October 9, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | October 29, 2014 | October 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 22, 2015 | April 21, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | March 31, 2016 | March 30, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | December 30, 2016 | December 29, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | March 7, 2017 | March 6, 2027 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | May 2, 2018 | May 1, 2028 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 15,2019 | April 14,2029 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 15,2020 | April 14,2030 | |||||||||||||
| 0.0002 | April 15,2021 | April 14,2031 | ||||||||||||||
Li Wang | * | 0.0002 | October 29, 2014 | October 28, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 22, 2015 | April 21, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | March 31, 2016 | March 30, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | December 30, 2016 | December 29, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | March 7, 2017 | March 6, 2027 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | May 2, 2018 | May 1, 2028 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 15,2019 | April 14,2029 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 15,2020 | April 14,2030 | |||||||||||||
| 0.0002 | April 15,2021 | April 14,2031 | ||||||||||||||
Jonathan Xiaosong Zhang | * | 0.0002 | October 29, 2014 | October 28, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 22, 2015 | April 21, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | March 31, 2016 | March 30, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | December 30, 2016 | December 29, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | March 7, 2017 | March 6, 2027 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | May 2, 2018 | May 1, 2028 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 15,2019 | April 14,2029 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 15,2020 | April 14,2030 | |||||||||||||
| 0.0002 | April 15,2021 | April 14,2031 | ||||||||||||||
Other individuals as a group | * | 0.0327 | November 1, 2012 | October 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||
| * | 0.1404 | October 10, 2013 | October 9, 2023 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.1404 | March 1, 2014 | February 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | October 29, 2014 | October 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 22, 2015 | April 21, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | May 4, 2015 | May 3, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | August 13, 2015 | August 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | October 15, 2015 | October 14, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | November 13, 2015 | November 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | March 31, 2016 | March 30, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | June 16, 2016 | June 15, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | July 6, 2016 | July 5, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | October 15, 2016 | October 14, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | December 30, 2016 | December 29, 2026 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | January 3, 2017 | January 2, 2027 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 13, 2017 | April 12, 2027 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | May 17, 2017 | May 16, 2027 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | July 13, 2017 | July 12, 2027 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | September 1, 2017 | August 31, 2027 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | October 13, 2017 | October 12, 2027 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | December 5, 2017 | December 4, 2027 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | December 29, 2017 | December 28, 2027 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 13, 2018 | April 12, 2028 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | May 2, 2018 | May 1, 2028 | |||||||||||||
111
Name | Class A Ordinary Shares Underlying Outstanding Options | Exercise Price (US$/Share) | Date of Grant | Date of Expiration | ||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | July 13, 2018 | July 12, 2028 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | October 15, 2018 | October 14, 2028 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | | December 29, 2018 | | December 28, 2028 | |||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 15,2019 | April 14, 2029 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | May 17, 2019 | May 16, 2029 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | July 12,2019 | July 11, 2029 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | October 15,2019 | October 14, 2029 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | December 26,2019 | December 25, 2029 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 15,2020 | April 14, 2030 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | May 28,2020 | May 27, 2030 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | July 8,2020 | July 7, 2030 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | October 15,2020 | October 14, 2030 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | December 30,2020 | December 29, 2030 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | April 15,2021 | April 14,2031 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | July 1, 2021 | June 30, 2031 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | October 15, 2021 | October 14, 2031 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | November 1, 2021 | October 31, 2031 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | December 7, 2021 | December 6, 2031 | |||||||||||||
| * | 0.0002 | January 7, 2022 | January 6, 2032 | |||||||||||||
Total | 27,999,429 | |||||||||||||||
Shares Underlying Outstanding Options | Price (US$/Share) | Expiration | ||||||||||||||
Name | Class A Ordinary Shares Underlying Outstanding Options | Exercise Price (US$/Share) | Date of Grant | Date of Expiration | ||||||||||||
* | 0.1404 | March 1, 2014 | February 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | October 29, 2014 | October 28, 2024 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | April 22, 2015 | April 21, 2025 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | May 4, 2015 | May 3, 2025 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | August 13, 2015 | August 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | October 15, 2015 | October 14, 2025 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | November 13, 2015 | November 12, 2025 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | March 31, 2016 | March 30, 2026 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | June 16, 2016 | June 15, 2026 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | July 6, 2016 | July 5, 2026 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | October 15, 2016 | October 14, 2026 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | December 30, 2016 | December 29, 2026 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | January 3, 2017 | January 2, 2027 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | April 13, 2017 | April 12, 2027 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | May 17, 2017 | May 16, 2027 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | July 13, 2017 | July 12, 2027 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | September 1, 2017 | August 31, 2027 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | October 13, 2017 | October 12, 2027 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | December 5, 2017 | December 4, 2027 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | December 29, 2017 | December 28, 2027 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | April 13, 2018 | April 12, 2028 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | May 2, 2018 | May 1, 2028 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | July 13, 2018 | July 12, 2028 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | October 15, 2018 | October 14, 2028 | |||||||||||||
* | 0.0002 | December 29, 2018 | December 28, 2028 | |||||||||||||
195,000 | 0.0002 | April 15,2019 | April 14,2029 | |||||||||||||
2,161,000 | 0.0002 | May 17, 2019 | May16,2029 | |||||||||||||
50,000 | 0.0002 | July 12,2019 | July 11,2029 | |||||||||||||
137,000 | 0.0002 | October 15,2019 | October 14,2029 | |||||||||||||
181,000 | 0.0002 | December 26,2019 | December 25,2029 | |||||||||||||
Total | 23,256,773 | |||||||||||||||
| * | Aggregate number of shares represented by all outstanding options granted to the person account for less than 1% of our total outstanding ordinary shares on an as-converted basis. |
The following table summarizes, as of March 31, 2020,2022, the outstanding restricted share units granted to certain directors under the 2014 Plan.
Name | Restricted Share Units for Class A Ordinary Shares | Date of Grant | ||||||||||
Benson Bing Chung Tam | * | May 17, 2016 | ||||||||||
* | March 7, 2017 | |||||||||||
* | May 2, 2018 | |||||||||||
* | April 15,2019 | |||||||||||
| * | April 15,2020 | |||||||||||
| * | April 15,2021 | |||||||||||
Dave Daqing Qi | * | May 17, 2016 | ||||||||||
| * | ||||||||||||
| * | May 2, 2018 | |||||||||||
| * | April 15,2019 | |||||||||||
| * | April 15,2020 | |||||||||||
| * | April 15,2021 | |||||||||||
Yongming Wu | * | April 15,2019 | ||||||||||
| * | April 15,2020 | |||||||||||
| * | April 15,2021 | |||||||||||
Total | ||||||||||||
| * | Aggregate number of shares represented by all restricted share units granted to the person account for less than 1% of our total outstanding ordinary shares on an as-converted basis. |
112
Tantan 2015 Plan
In March 2015, Tantan adopted the 2015 Share Incentive Plan, pursuant to which a maximum aggregate of 1,000,000 ordinary shares are issuable upon exercise of awards. The board of directors of Tantan may in its discretion make adjustments to the numbers of ordinary shares to be issued. In April 2016 and March 2017, the board of directors of Tantan approved to adjust the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of awards to 2,000,000 and 2,793,812, respectively. Tantan split its shareson August 30, 2019. As a result, the board of directors of Tantan approved the amended and restated 2015 share incentive plan (“Amended and Restated 2015 Plan”) and adjusted the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Tantan 2015 Plan to 9,039,035 shares. The Tantan 2015 Plan is administered by the board of directors of Tantan or any committee or director appointed by the board of directors of Tantan, which shall determine the grantees to receive awards, the type and number of awards to be granted to each grantee, and the terms and conditions of each grant. Under the Tantan 2015 Plan, Tantan may grant options, ordinary shares, cash or other rights or benefits to its directors, officers, employees, consultants or “related entities” as defined in the Tantan 2015 Plan. As of March 31, 2020,2022, options to purchase 5,782,9341,617,413 ordinary shares of Tantan (adjusted retrospectively for share split and excluding those already forfeited or redeemed) granted under the Tantan 2015 Plan remained outstanding.
1-for-5
Tantan 2018 Plan
In July 2018, Tantan adopted the 2018 Share Incentive Plan, pursuant to which the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares to be issued was initially 5,963,674, plus the number of ordinary shares additionally authorized for issuance under the Tantan 2015 Plan, in an amount equal to (i) the number of ordinary shares that were not granted pursuant to the Tantan 2015 Plan, plus (ii) the number of ordinary shares that were granted pursuant to the Tantan 2015 Plan that have expired without having been exercised in full or have otherwise become not exercisable. Tantan split its shareson August 30, 2019. As a result, the board of directors of Tantan approved the amended and restated 2018 share incentive plan and adjusted the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the Tantan 2018 Plan to 29,818,370 shares, plus the number of ordinary shares authorized for issuance under Tantan’s Amended and Restated 2015 Plan, in an amount equal to (i) the number of ordinary shares that were not granted pursuant to the Amended and Restated 2015 Plan, plus (ii) the number of ordinary shares that were granted pursuant to the Amended and Restated 2015 Plan that have expired without having been exercised in full or have otherwise become unexercisable. The Tantan 2018 Plan is administered by the board of directors of Tantan or a committee designated by the board of directors of Tantan, which shall determine the participants to receive awards, the type and number of awards to be granted to each participant, and the terms and conditions of each grant. Under the Tantan 2018 Plan, Tantan may grant options, restricted shares or restricted share units to its directors, officers, employees, consultants, shareholders, subsidiaries or “related entities” as defined in the Tantan 2018 Plan. The term of the options granted under the Tantan 2018 Plan may not exceed ten years from the date of grant, except for any amendment, modification and termination of the Tantan 2018 Plan approved by its board. As of March 31, 2020,2022, options to purchase 22,839,8913,312,894 ordinary shares of Tantan (adjusted retrospectively for share split and excluding those already forfeited or redeemed) granted under the Tantan 2018 Plan remained outstanding.
1-for-5
Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our executive officers. Under these agreements, each of our executive officers is employed for a specified time period. We may terminate employment for cause, at any time, without advance notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the executive officer, such as conviction or plea of guilty to a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude, negligent or dishonest acts to our detriment, or misconduct or a failure to perform agreed duties. We may also terminate an executive officer’s employment without cause upon three-month advance written notice. In such case of termination by us, we will provide severance payments to the executive officer as expressly required by applicable law of the jurisdiction where the executive officer is based. The executive officer may resign at any time with a three-month advance written notice.
Each executive officer has agreed to hold, both during and after the termination or expiry of his or her employment agreement, in strict confidence and not to use, except as required in the performance of his or her duties in connection with the employment or pursuant to applicable law, any of our confidential information or trade secrets, any confidential information or trade secrets of our clients or prospective clients, or the confidential or proprietary information of any third party received by us and for which we have confidential obligations. The executive officers have also agreed to disclose in confidence to us all inventions, designs and trade secrets which they conceive, develop or reduce to practice during the executive officer’s employment with us and to assign all right, title and interest in them to us, and assist us in obtaining and enforcing patents, copyrights and other legal rights for these inventions, designs and trade secrets.
113
In addition, each executive officer has agreed to be bound by
non-competition
andnon-solicitation
restrictions during the term of his or her employment and typically for one year following the last date of employment. Specifically, each executive officer has agreed not to (i) approach our suppliers, clients, customers or contacts or other persons or entities introduced to the executive officer in his or her capacity as a representative of us for the purpose of doing business with such persons or entities that will harm our business relationships with these persons or entities; (ii) assume employment with or provide services to any of our competitors, or engage, whether as principal, partner, licensor or otherwise, any of our competitors, without our express consent; or (iii) seek directly or indirectly, to solicit the services of any of our employees who is employed by us on or after the date of the executive officer’s termination, or in the year preceding such termination, without our express consent.We have also entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. Under these agreements, we agree to indemnify our directors and executive officers against certain liabilities and expenses incurred by such persons in connection with claims made by reason of their being a director or officer of our company.
C. | Board Practices |
Board of Directors
Our board of directors consists of seven directors. A director is not required to hold any shares in our company to qualify to serve as a director. A director who is in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction with our company must declare the nature of his or her interest at a meeting of the directors. Subject to applicable Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and disqualification by the chairman of the relevant board meeting, a director may vote in respect of any contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction notwithstanding that he or she may be interested therein, 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 the relevant board meeting at which such contract or transaction or proposed contract or transaction is considered. The directors may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money, to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and assets (present and future) and uncalled capital, and to issue debentures or other securities whenever money is borrowedwhether outright or as collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of the company or of any third party. None of our
non-executive
directors has a service contract with us that provides for benefits upon termination of service.Committees of the Board of Directors
We have established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee under the board of directors. We have adopted a charter for each of the three committees. Each committee’s members and functions are described below.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee consists of Benson Bing Chung Tam, Dr. Dave Daqing Qi and Yong Li. Mr. Tam is the chairman of our audit committee. We have determined that each member satisfies the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules and Rule
10A-3
under the Exchange Act, and that each of Mr. Tam and Dr. Qi qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.” The audit committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things:appointing the independent auditors and
pre-approving
all auditing andnon-auditing
services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors;reviewing with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response;
discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors;
reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting and internal control policies and procedures and any steps taken to monitor and control major financial risk exposures;
reviewing and approving all proposed related party transactions;
114
meeting separately and periodically with management and the independent auditors; and
monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper compliance.
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee consists of Yong Li, Benson Bing Chung Tam and Dr. Dave Daqing Qi. Mr. Li is the chairman of our compensation committee. We have determined that each member satisfies the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules. The compensation committee assists the board in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting during which his compensation is deliberated. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things:
reviewing and approving, or recommending to the board for its approval, the compensation for our chief executive officer and other executive officers;
reviewing and recommending to the board for determination with respect to the compensation of our
non-employee
directors;reviewing periodically and approving any incentive compensation or equity plans, programs or similar arrangements; and
selecting compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser only after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that person’s independence from management.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Yong Li, Benson Bing Chung Tam and Dr. Dave Daqing Qi. Mr. Li is the chairperson of our nominating and corporate governance committee. We have determined that each member satisfies the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules. The nominating and corporate governance committee assists the board of directors in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the composition of the board and its committees. The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for, among other things:
selecting and recommending to the board nominees for election by the shareholders or appointment by the board;
reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board with regards to characteristics such as independence, knowledge, skills, experience and diversity;
making recommendations on the frequency and structure of board meetings and monitoring the functioning of the committees of the board; and
advising the board periodically with regards to significant developments in the law and practice of corporate governance as well as our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and making recommendations to the board on all matters of corporate governance and on any remedial action to be taken.
Duties of Directors
Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a fiduciary duty to act honestly, in good faith and with a view to our best interests. Our directors must also exercise their powers only for a proper purpose. Our directors also owe to our company a duty to exercise skills they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his knowledge and experience. However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time, and the class rights vested thereunder in the holders of the shares. Our company has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached. A shareholder may in certain circumstances have rights to damages if a duty owed by the directors is breached.
115
Our board of directors has all the powers necessary for managing, and for directing and supervising, our business affairs. The functions and powers of our board of directors include, among others:
convening shareholders’ annual general meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings;
declaring dividends and distributions;
appointing officers and determining the term of office of the officers;
exercising the borrowing powers of our company and mortgaging the property of our company; and
approving the transfer of shares in our company, including the registration of such shares in our share register.
Terms of Directors and Executive Officers
Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. Our directors are not subject toAn appointment of a director may be on terms that the director shall automatically retire from office (unless he or she has sooner vacated office) at the next or a subsequent annual general meeting or upon any specified event or after any specified period; but no such term shall be implied in the absence of express provision. Each director whose term of office and hold office until such time as they areexpires shall be eligible foror(including by the unanimous written resolution of all the shareholders.shareholders). A director will cease to be a director automatically if, among other things, the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; (ii) dies or is found by our company to be or becomes of unsound mind; (iii) resigns his or her office by notice in writing to our company; (iv) without special leave of absence from our board of directors, is absent from meetings of our board of directors for three consecutive meetings and the board resolves that his or her office be vacated; or (v) is removed from office pursuant to any other provision of our memorandum and articles of association.
re-election
at a meeting of the shareholders orre-appointment
by the board of directors. Our directors may be removed from office by ordinary resolution of the shareholders Board Diversity Matrix
Board Diversity Matrix (As of March 31, 2022) | ||||||||
Country of Principal Executive Offices | Beijing | |||||||
Foreign Private Issuer | Yes | |||||||
Disclosure Prohibited Under Home Country Law | No | |||||||
Total Number of Directors | 7 | |||||||
Female | Male | Non-Binary | Did Not Disclose Gender | |||||||||||||
Part I: Gender Identity | ||||||||||||||||
Directors | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||
Part II: Demographic Background | ||||||||||||||||
Underrepresented Individual in Home Country Jurisdiction | | 0 | | |||||||||||||
LGBTQ+ | 0 | |||||||||||||||
Did Not Disclose Demographic Background | 0 | |||||||||||||||
D. | Employees |
We had 1,244, 2,1472,350, 2,394 and 2,3502,051 employees as of December 31, 2017, 20182019, 2020 and 2019,2021, respectively. Geographically, as of December 31, 2019,2021, we had 2,2491,974 employees in Beijing, 5443 employees in Chengdu, 62 employees in Shanghai, 2513 employees in Guangzhou, 13 employees in Tianjin, 1 employee in Hainan and 26 employees in the United States.Hainan. The following table sets forth the numbers of our employees categorized by function as of December 31, 2019.2021.
As of December 31, 2021 | |||||
Function: | |||||
Research and development | |||||
Customer service, sales and marketing | |||||
Operations and cost | |||||
General administration | |||||
Total | |||||
In addition to our full-time employees, we used 9581,353 contract workers dispatched to us by staffing agencies as of December 31, 2019.2021. These contract workers are primarily responsible for content management and monitoring and for customer service.
As required by laws and regulations in China, we participate in various employee social security plans that are organized by municipal and provincial governments, including housing, pension, medical insurance and unemployment insurance. We are required under Chinese law to make contributions to employee benefit plans at specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of our employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time.
We typically enter into standard confidentiality and employment agreements with our management and service development personnel. These contracts include a standard
non-compete
covenant that prohibits the employee from competing with us, directly or indirectly, during his or her employment and for two years after the termination of his or her employment, provided that we pay compensation equal to a certain percentage of the employee’s salary during the restriction period in accordance with applicable laws.We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees, and we have not experienced any significant labor disputes. None of our employees are represented by labor unions.
E. | Share Ownership |
For information regarding the share ownership of our directors and officers, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—A. Major Shareholders.” For information as to stock options granted to our directors, executive officers and other employees, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation—Share Incentive Plans.”
Item 7. | Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions |
A. | Major Shareholders |
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our shares as of March 31, 20202022 by:
each of our current directors and executive officers; and
each person known to us to own beneficially 5% or more of our total outstanding ordinary shares.
Percentage of beneficial ownership is based on a total of 417,412,368396,711,168 outstanding ordinary shares of our company as of the date of March 31, 2020,2022, comprising (i) 337,047,902316,346,702 Class A ordinary shares, excluding the 3,265,9003,112,532 Class A ordinary shares issued to our depositary bank for bulk issuance of ADSs reserved for future issuances upon the exercise or vesting of awards granted under our share incentive plans, and (ii) 80,364,466 Class B ordinary shares.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. These rules generally provide that a person is the beneficial owner of securities if such person has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting of securities, or to dispose or direct the disposition of securities or has the right to acquire such powers within 60 days. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we have included shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days, including through the exercise of any option, warrant or other right or the conversion of any other security, in both the numerator and the denominator. These shares, however, are not included in the computation of the percentage ownership of any other person.
Shares Beneficially Owned | Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned | Voting Power | ||||||||||||||
Directors and executive officers**: | Class A Ordinary Shares | Class B Ordinary Shares | % (1) | % (2) | ||||||||||||
Yan Tang(3) | 5,713,394 | 80,364,466 | 20.3 | 70.6 | ||||||||||||
Yong Li(4) | 8,046,899 | — | 1.9 | * | ||||||||||||
David Ying Zhang(5) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
Benson Bing Chung Tam(6) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
Dave Daqing Qi(7) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
Xiaoliang Lei(8) | 9,759,603 | — | 2.3 | * | ||||||||||||
Jonathan Xiaosong Zhang(9) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
Li Wang(10) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
Yongming Wu(11) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
Chunlai Wang(12) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
All directors and executive officers as a group | 26,907,382 | 80,364,466 | 25.1 | 72.2 | ||||||||||||
Principal Shareholders: | ||||||||||||||||
Gallant Future Holdings Limited(13) | — | 72,364,466 | 17.3 | 63.4 | ||||||||||||
Renaissance entities(14) | 26,704,806 | — | 6.4 | 2.3 | ||||||||||||
J O Hambro Capital Management Limited(15) | 23,260,894 | — | 5.6 | 2.0 | ||||||||||||
Shares Beneficially Owned | Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned | Voting Power | ||||||||||||||
Directors and executive officers**: | Class A Ordinary Shares | Class B Ordinary Shares | ||||||||||||||
% (1) | % (2) | |||||||||||||||
Yan Tang (3) | 7,030,065 | 80,364,466 | 21.6 | 71.9 | ||||||||||||
Li Wang (4) | * | — �� | * | * | ||||||||||||
Yong Li (5) | 8,046,899 | — | 2.0* | |||||||||||||
Ho Kee Harry Man (6) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
Benson Bing Chung Tam (7) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
Dave Daqing Qi (8) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
Jonathan Xiaosong Zhang (9) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
Yongming Wu (10) | * | — | * | * | ||||||||||||
All directors and executive officers as a group | 20,598,861 | 80,364,466 | 24.2 | 72.8 | ||||||||||||
Principal Shareholders: | ||||||||||||||||
Gallant Future Holdings Limited (11) | — | 72,364,466 | 18.2 | 64.6 | ||||||||||||
J O Hambro Capital Management Limited (12) | 23,260,894 | — | 5.9 | 2.1 | ||||||||||||
Renaissance Technologies LLC (13) | 20,583,396 | — | 5.2 | 1.8 | ||||||||||||
Invesco Ltd. (14) | 20,007,084 | — | 5.0 | 1.8 | ||||||||||||
Notes:
| * | Less than 1% of our total outstanding Class A and Class B ordinary shares. |
| ** | Except for Messrs. Yong Li, th Floor, Block B, Tower 2, Wangjing SOHO, No. 1 Futongdong Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100102, People’s Republic of China. |
| (1) | Percentage ownership is calculated by dividing the number of Class A and Class B ordinary shares beneficially owned by a given person or group by the sum of (i) one-for-one |
| (2) | For each person and group included in this column, percentage of voting power is calculated by dividing the voting power beneficially owned by such person or group by the voting power of all of our Class A and Class B ordinary shares as a single class. Each holder of Class A ordinary shares is entitled to one vote per share and each holder of our Class B ordinary shares is entitled to ten votes per share on all matters submitted to them for vote. |
| (3) | Represent (i) 72,364,466 Class B ordinary shares held by Gallant Future Holdings Limited, (ii) 8,000,000 Class B ordinary shares held by New Heritage Global Limited, and (iii) |
| (4) | Represents Class A ordinary shares that Mr. Wang is entitled to acquire within 60 days from March 31, 2022 upon exercise of share options held by him under our share incentive plans. |
| (5) | Represents 8,046,899 Class A ordinary shares held by Joyous Harvest Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and wholly owned by a family trust controlled by Mr. Li. The business address of Mr. Li is 5/F, Block A, Lingxinghang Center, No. 8, Guangshun South Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing. |
Represents |
Represents Class A ordinary shares held by Mr. Tam and Class A ordinary shares that Mr. Tam is entitled to acquire within 60 days from March 31, 1-4-2503, |
Represents Class A ordinary shares and ADSs held by Mr. Qi and Class A ordinary shares that Mr. Qi is entitled to acquire within 60 days from March 31, |
| (9) | Represents Class A ordinary shares that Mr. Zhang is entitled to acquire within 60 days from March 31, |
| (10) |
| Represents Class A ordinary shares that Mr. Wu is entitled to acquire within 60 days from March 31, #45-01, Singapore 068811. |
| Represents 72,364,466 Class B ordinary shares held by Gallant Future Holdings Limited. Gallant Future Holdings Limited is a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and wholly owned by a family trust controlled by Mr. Yan Tang. Mr. Tang has sole power to direct the voting and disposition of shares of our company directly or indirectly held by Gallant Future Holdings Limited. The registered address of Gallant Future Holdings Limited is Sertus Chambers, P.O. Box 905, Quasticky Building, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. |
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| Represents 23,260,894 Class A ordinary shares represented by American depositary receipts held by J O Hambro Capital Management Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales with its business address at Level 3, 1 St James’s Market, London SW1Y 4AH, United Kingdom, based on a Schedule 13G filed by J O Hambro Capital Management Limited on February 11, 2020. |
| (13) | Represents 20,583,396 Class A ordinary shares represented by American depositary receipts held by Renaissance Technologies Holdings Corporation, a company incorporated in Delaware with its business address at 800 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022, United States and majority-owned by Renaissance Technologies LLC, based on a Schedule 13G/A jointly filed by the two entities on February 11, 2022. |
| (14) | Represents 20,007,084 Class A ordinary shares represented by American depositary receipts held by Invesco Ltd., a company incorporated in Bermuda with its business address at 1555 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1800, Atlanta, GA 30309, based on a Schedule 13G filed by Invesco Ltd. on February 14, 2022. |
To our knowledge, on the same basis of calculation as above, 93.2%76.0% of our total issued and outstanding Class A ordinary shares were held by one record shareholder in the United States, namely, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, the depositary of our ADS program, which held 317,310,638332,849,580 Class A ordinary shares represented by 158,655,319166,424,790 ADSs, including 3,265,9003,112,532 Class A ordinary shares underlying 1,632,9501,556,266 ADSs that it held on reserve for our company for the purposes of future issuances upon the exercise or vesting of awards granted under our share incentive plans.
The number of beneficial owners of our ADSs in the United States is likely to be much larger than the number of record holders of our ordinary shares in the United States.
Our ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B ordinary shares are entitled to ten votes per share. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company. None of our major shareholders have different voting rights apart from any Class B ordinary shares that they may hold in our company.
B. | Related Party Transactions |
Contractual Arrangements with Beijing Momo and Its Shareholders
PRC laws and regulations currently limit foreign ownership of companies that engage in a value-added telecommunications service business in China. As a result, we operate our relevant business through contractual arrangements among our PRC subsidiaries, ourthe consolidated affiliated entities and the shareholders of the consolidated affiliated entities. For a description of these contractual arrangements, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organizational Structure— Contractual Arrangements with Ourthe Consolidated Affiliated Entities and Their Respective Shareholders.”
Transactions with Affiliates of a Major Shareholder
In connection with revenue sharing with talent agencies of live video service, we purchased RMB139.4paid RMB497.8 million, RMB429.3RMB354.3 million and RMB497.8RMB253.7 million (US$71.539.8 million) fromto Hunan Qindao Network Media Technology Co., Ltd. in 2017, 20182019, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and purchased RMB61.7 million from Hunan Qindao Cultural Spread Ltd. in 2017.2021, respectively. In addition, we owed RMB43.2RMB19.5 million and RMB29.6RMB5.0 million (US$4.30.8 million) in unpaid revenue sharing of live video service to Hunan Qindao Network Media Technology Co., Ltd. as of December 31, 20182020 and 2019,2021, respectively.
In 20182019 and 2019,2020, we purchased RMB2.0 millionpaid RMB2.1 million (US$0.3 million),and RMB164,169, respectively, fromto Beijing Shiyue Haofeng Media Co. Ltd., a company in which we own 30.0% of its equity interests, in connection with revenue sharing with talent agencies of live video service.
For the period from April to November 2020, we purchased bandwidth service for RMB8.9 million from Beijing Santi Cloud Union Technology Co., Ltd. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing Santi Cloud Time Technology. We sold our entire equity interests in Beijing Santi Cloud Union Technology Co., Ltd. in November 2020.
Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation—Employment Agreements and Indemnification Agreements.”
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Share Incentive Plans
C. | Interests of Experts and Counsel |
Not applicable.
Item 8. | Financial Information |
A. | Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information |
We have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report.
Legal Proceedings
Other than a putative shareholder class action raised against us in the U.S. and two civil complaints raised against us and one counterclaim filed by us in Chinaas described below, we are currently not a party to any material legal or administrative proceedings.
In May 2019, a putative shareholder class action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against our company, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer: Marchand v. Momo Inc., et al, Civil Action No. 19 CV 04433 (S.D.N.Y.) (filed on May 15, 2019). On September 18, 2019, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York appointed a lead plaintiff and approved the lead plaintiff’s selection of lead counsel for the class action lawsuit. On November 20, 2019, lead and named plaintiffs filed — purportedly on behalf of a class of persons who allegedly suffered damages as a result of their purchases, acquisitions, and sales of our ADSs between April 20, 2015 and May 10, 2019 — an amended class action complaint, which advances that our company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC contained material misstatements or omissions in violation of the federal securities laws. On January 24, 2020, we filed a motion to dismiss the amended class action complaint. The court has scheduled oral argument onOn August 3, 2020, with the motion to dismiss for August 5, 2020. The action remains at its preliminary stages. We believepending, the case is without merit and intendcourt granted the parties’ joint request to defendstay the action vigorously.
while the parties explore mediation. On October 22, 2015, we were servedDecember 4, 2020, the lead plaintiff filed a civil complaint by Guangzhou Tian He People’s Courtletter notifying the court that the parties reached an agreement in principle to resolve all claims in the action. On March 23, 2021, the parties executed a stipulation of settlement, in which the plaintiff claimed thatXiaoyao XiyouCompany agreed, among other things, to pay US$5.5 million (including attorney’s fees), a game that we previously operatedof which US$3.5 million was borne by insurance companies, without admitting any of plaintiffs’ allegations in consideration for plaintiffs’ agreement to release the Company and have ceased operating since November 2017, infringed upon the plaintiff’s copyright in works of literature and art of a game, constituting unfair competition. The plaintiff demanded that we cease the infringement and pay compensation and legal costs totaling approximately RMB10 million (US$1.5 million).other parties from these claims. On August 31, 2017, Guangzhou Tian He People’s Court ruled a civil judgement of first-instance, which ordered us and4, 2021, the developer ofXiaoyao Xiyouto cease the infringement and pay compensation in the amount of RMB5.0 million (US$0.8 million) to the plaintiff. The developer ofXiaoyao Xiyoufiled an appeal to Guangzhou Intellectual Property Court. On September 27, 2018, Guangzhou Intellectual Property Court ruled a civil judgement of final-instance, which ordered us and the developer ofXiaoyao Xiyouto cease the infringement and pay compensation in the amount of RMB4.0 million (US$0.6 million) to the plaintiff. We paid the compensation in full to the plaintiff on October 10, 2018. The plaintiff filed a re-trial application to the Guangdong Provincial Higher People’s Court for revoking the civil judgement of final-instance ruled by the Guangzhou Tian He People’s Court. The re-trial hearing has yet to be carried out ascourt granted final approval of the date ofsettlement. With this annual report.
We may from time to time be subject to various legal or administrative claims and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Litigation or any other legal or administrative proceeding, regardless of the outcome, is likely to result in substantial cost and diversion of our resources, including our management’s time and attention. See also “Item 3. Key Information on the Company—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—User misconduct and misuse of our platform may adversely impact our brand image, and we may be held liable for information or content displayed on, retrieved from or linked to our platform, which may materially and adversely affect our business and operating results,” “Item 3. Key Information on the Company—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—We have been and may be subject to intellectual property infringement claims or other allegations by third parties for information or content displayed on, retrieved from or linked to our platform, or distributed to our users, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and prospects.” and “Item 3. Key Information on the Company—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in China—If we fail to obtain and maintain the requisite licenses and approvals required under the complex regulatory environment applicable to our businesses in China, or if we are required to take compliance actions that are time-consuming or costly, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.”
Dividend Policy
Our board of directors has discretion on whether to distribute dividends, subject to our memorandum and articles of association and certain restrictions under Cayman Islands law, namely that our company may only pay dividends out of profits or share premium, and provided always that it is able to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. In addition, our shareholders may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by our directors. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant.
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With shareholders’ approval, we declared a special dividend to certain holders of our ordinary shares in the amount of RMB402.3 million (US$64.5 million) in April 2014, which had been fully paid as of December 31, 2019. The special dividend was paid out of our share premium.
Our board of directors declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.62 per ADS, or US$0.31 per ordinary share, in March 2019. The cash dividend was paid on April 30, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 5, 2019. Theanothera special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.76 per ADS, or US$0.38 per ordinary share. The cash dividend will bewas paid on April 30, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 8, 2020. The159127 million, which will be funded by surplus cash on our balance sheet.
ex-dividend
date was April 4, 2019. The aggregate amount of cash dividends paid was US$128.6 million, which was funded by surplus cash on our balance sheet. In March 2020, our board of directors declared ex-dividend
date was April 7, 2020. The aggregate amount of cash dividends paid was US$158.6 million, which was funded by surplus cash on our balance sheet. In March 2021, our board of directors declared another special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.64 per ADS, or US$0.32 per ordinary share. The cash dividend was paid on April 30, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 13, 2021. Theex-dividend
date was April 12, 2021. The aggregate amount of cash dividends paid was US$132.0 million, which was funded by surplus cash on our balance sheet. Our board of directors declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.64 per ADS, or US$0.32 per ordinary share, in March 2022. The cash dividend is to be paid on April 29, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 13, 2022. Theex-dividend
date was April 12, 2022. The aggregate amount of cash dividends to be paid is approximately US$Our board of directors decides the timing, amount and form of any future dividends, if any, based on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. We had declared special cash dividends in the past and may do so in the future. However, we do not have any committed plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
We are a holding company registered by way of continuation into the Cayman Islands. We may rely on dividends from our subsidiary in China for our cash requirements, including any payment of dividends to our shareholders. PRC regulations may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to pay dividends to us. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations Relating to Dividend Distribution” and “—Regulation—Regulations Relating to Taxation.”
If we pay any dividends, we will pay our ADS holders to the same extent as holders of our ordinary shares, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees and expenses payable thereunder. See “Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities—D. American Depositary Shares.” Cash dividends on our Class A ordinary shares, if any, will be paid in U.S. dollars.
B. | Significant Changes |
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we have not experienced any significant changes since the date of our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.
Item 9. | The Offer and Listing |
A. | Offering and Listing Details |
Our ADSs have been listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market since December 11, 2014. Our ADSs currently trade on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “MOMO.” One ADS represented two Class A ordinary shares.
B. | Plan of Distribution |
Not applicable.
C. | Markets |
Our ADSs have been listed on Nasdaq Global Select Market since December 11, 2014 under the symbol “MOMO.”
D. | Selling Shareholders |
Not applicable.
E. | Dilution |
Not applicable.
F. | Expenses of the Issue |
Not applicable.
Item 10. | Additional Information |
A. | Share Capital |
Not applicable.
B. | Memorandum and Articles of Association |
The following are summaries of material provisions of our currently effective second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and of the Companies Law,Act, insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares.
Board of Directors
See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—C. Board Practices.”
Ordinary Shares
General.
non-residents
of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and vote their shares.Conversion
Dividends
Under the laws of the Cayman Islands, our company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may 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.
Voting Rights
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A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy and holding not less than fifty percent (50%) of the votes attaching to all shares in issue in our company. Shareholders may be present in person or by proxy or, if the shareholder is a legal entity, by its duly authorized representative. Shareholders’ meetings may be convened by the chairman or a majority of our board of directors on its own initiative or upon a request to the directors by shareholders holding not less than
one-third
of our voting share capital in issue. Advance notice of at least ten calendar days is required for the convening of our annual general shareholders’ meeting and any other general shareholders’ meeting.An ordinary resolution to be passed at a general meeting by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attached to the ordinary shares cast by those shareholders entitled to vote who are present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of corporations, by their duly authorized representatives) at a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of no less thanLawAct and our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. A special resolution will be required for important matters such as a change of name or making changes to our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association. Holders of the ordinary shares may, among other things, divide or consolidate shares in the capital of our company by an ordinary resolution.
two-thirds
of the votes attached to the ordinary shares cast by those shareholders who are present in person or by proxy (or, in the case of corporations, by their duly authorized representatives) at a general meeting. Both ordinary resolutions and special resolutions may also be passed by a unanimous written resolution signed by all the shareholders of our company, as permitted by the Companies Transfer of Ordinary Shares
However, 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 our company has 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 ordinary 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 Nasdaq Global Select Market 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 refuse to register a transfer they shall, within three months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.
The registration of transfers may, on fourteen calendar days’ notice being given by advertisement in such one or more newspapers, by electronic means or by any other means in accordance with the rules of the Nasdaq Global Select Market, be suspended and the register closed at such times and for such periods as our board of directors may from time to time determine, provided, however, that the registration of transfers shall not be suspended nor the register closed for more than 30 days in any year as our board may determine.
Liquidation
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Calls on Shares and Forfeiture of Shares
Redemption, Repurchase and Surrender of Shares
Variations of Rights of Shares
Issuance of Additional Shares
Our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association also authorize our board of directors to establish from time to time one or more series of preferred shares and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series, including:
the designation of the series;
the number of shares of the series;
the dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights; and
the rights and terms of redemption and liquidation preferences.
Our company may by special resolution reduce its share capital and any capital redemption reserve in any manner authorized by law.
Inspection of Books and Records
124
Anti-Takeover Provisions
authorize our board of directors to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to designate the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of such preferred shares without any further vote or action by our shareholders; and
limit the ability of shareholders to requisition and convene general meetings of shareholders.
However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company.
Exempted Company
does not have to file an annual return of its shareholders with the Registrar of Companies;
is not required to open its register of members for inspection;
does not have to hold an annual general meeting;
may issue negotiable or bearer shares or shares with no par value;
may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20 years in the first instance);
may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands;
may register as a limited duration company; and
may register as a segregated portfolio company.
“Limited liability” means that the liability of each shareholder is limited to the amount unpaid by the shareholder on the shares of the company (except in exceptional circumstances, such as involving fraud, the establishment of an agency relationship or an illegal or improper purpose or other circumstances in which a court may be prepared to pierce or lift the corporate veil).
Register of Members.
the names and addresses of our members, together with a statement of the shares held by each member, and ofsuch statement shall confirm (i) the amount paid or agreed to be considered as paid, on the shares of each member;member, (ii) the number and category of shares held by each member, and (iii) whether each relevant category of shares held by a member carries voting rights under the articles of association of the company, and if so, whether such voting rights are conditional;
the date on which the name of any person was entered on the register as a member; and
the date on which any person ceased to be a member.
Under Cayman Islands law, the register of members of our company is prima facie evidence of the matters set out therein (i.e. the register of members will raise a presumption of fact on the matters referred to above unless rebutted) and a member registered in the register of members is deemed as a matter of Cayman Islands law to have legal title to the shares as set against its name in the register of members.
If the name of any person is incorrectly entered in or omitted from our register of members, or if there is any default or unnecessary delay in entering on the register the fact of any person having ceased to be a member of our company, the person or member aggrieved (or any member of our company or our company itself) may apply to the Grand Court of the Cayman islands for an order that the register be rectified, and the Court may either refuse such application or it may, if satisfied of the justice of the case, make an order for the rectification of the register.
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Registered Office and Objects
Our registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the offices of Maples Corporate Services Limited, P.O.PO Box 309, Ugland House, Grand CaymanLawAct or any other law of the Cayman Islands.
KY1-1104,
Cayman Islands, or at such other location within the Cayman Islands as our directors may from time to time decide. The objects for which our company is established are unrestricted and we have full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by the Companies Differences in Corporate Law
The Companies LawAct is derived, to a large extent, from the older Companies Acts of England but does not follow recent United KingdomEnglish statutory enactments and accordingly there are significant differences between the Companies LawAct and the current Companies Act of England. In addition, the Companies LawAct differs from laws applicable to United StatesU.S. corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of thecertain significant differences between the provisions of the Companies LawAct applicable to us and the comparable provisions of the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders.
Mergers and Similar Arrangements.
non-Cayman
Islands companies. For these purposes, A merger between a Cayman parent company and its Cayman subsidiary or subsidiaries does not require authorization by a resolution of shareholders of that Cayman subsidiary 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 ninety percent (90%) of the votes at a general meeting of the subsidiary.
The consent of each holder of a fixed or floating security interest over a constituent company is required unless this requirement is waived by a court in the Cayman Islands.
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 of his shares (which, if not agreed between the parties, will be determined by the Cayman Islands court) upon dissenting to the merger or consolidation, provide the dissenting shareholder complies strictly with the procedures set out in the Companies Act. The exercise of dissenter rights will preclude the exercise by the dissenting shareholder of any other rights to which he or she might otherwise be entitled by virtue of holding shares, save for the right to seek relief on the grounds that the merger or consolidation is void or unlawful.
126
Separate from the statutory provisions relating to mergers and consolidations, the Companies Act also contains statutory provisions that facilitate the reconstruction and amalgamation of companies by way of schemes of arrangement, provided that the arrangement is approved by a majority in number of each class of shareholders orand creditors with whom the arrangement is to be made, and who must in addition represent three-fourths in value of each such class of shareholders or creditors, as the case may be, that are present and voting either in person or by proxy at a meeting, or meetings, convened for that purpose. The convening of the meetings and subsequently the arrangement must be sanctioned by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands. While a dissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it determines that:
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 Law.Act.
The Companies LawAct also contains a statutory power of compulsory acquisition which may facilitate the “squeeze out” of dissentient minority shareholder upon a takeovertender offer. When a takeovertender offer is made and accepted by holders of 90%90.0% of the shares affected within four months, the offeror may, within afour monthfour-month period, require the holders of the remaining shares to transfer such 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 unlikely to succeed in the case of an offer which has been so approved unless there is evidence of fraud, bad faith or collusion.
two-month
period commencing on the expiration of such If an arrangement and reconstruction by way of scheme of arrangement is thus approved and sanctioned, or if a tender offer is made and accepted in accordance with the foregoing statutory procedures, 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 payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares.
Shareholders’ Suits.Suits
Foss v. Harbottle
non-controlling
shareholder may be permitted to commence a class action against or derivative actions in the name of a company acts or proposes to act which isillegally or ultra vires the company or illegal and(and is therefore incapable of ratification by the shareholders,shareholders);
those who control the company are perpetrating a “fraud on the minority.”
Indemnification of Directors and Executive Officers and Limitation of Liability.
In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers that will provide such persons with additional indemnification beyond that provided in our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association.
127
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling us under the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Directors’ Fiduciary Duties.
As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a director of a Cayman Islands company is in the position of a fiduciary with respect to the company and therefore it is considered that he owes the following duties to the company — company—a duty to act in good faithbona fide in the best interests of the company, a duty not to make a personal 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 the interests of the company conflict with his personal interest or his duty to a third party, and a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended. A director of a Cayman Islands company owes to the company a duty to act withexercise the skill they actually possess and care.such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his knowledge and experience. However, English and Commonwealth courts have moved towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care and these authorities are likely to be followed in the Cayman Islands.
Shareholder Action by Written Consent.Consent
Shareholder Proposals.
one-third
(1/3) of all Cumulative Voting.
128
Removal of Directors.
Transactions with Interested Shareholders.
two-tiered
bid for the target in which all shareholders would not be treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date on which such shareholder becomes an interested shareholder, the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the person becoming an interested shareholder. This encourages any potential acquirer of a Delaware corporation to negotiate the terms of any acquisition transaction with the target’s board of directors.Cayman Islands law has no comparable 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, it does provide that such transactions must be entered into bona fide in the best interests of the company and for a proper purpose and not with the effect of constituting a fraud on the minority shareholders.
Dissolution; Winding Up
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 the company is unable to pay its debts as they fall due, by an ordinary resolution of its members. The court has authority to order winding up in a number of specified circumstances including where it is, in the opinion of the court, just and equitable to do so.
Variation of Rights of Shares
Amendment of Governing Documents.
129
Rights of
Non-Resident
or Foreign Shareholdersnon-resident
or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our shares. In addition, there are no provisions in our second amended and restated memorandum and articles of association that require our company to disclose shareholder ownership above any particular ownership threshold.C. | Material Contracts |
We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business and other than those described in “Item 4. Information on the Company” or elsewhere in this annual report on Form
20-F.
D. | Exchange Controls |
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulation—Regulations Relating to Foreign Exchange.”
E. | Taxation |
Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance tax or estate duty. 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 the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is not party to any double tax treaties that are applicable to any payments made to or by our company. There are no exchange control regulations or currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
Payments of dividends and capital in respect of the shares of our company will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands and no withholding will be required on the payment of a dividend or capital to any holder of the shares, nor will gains derived from the disposal of the shares be subject to Cayman Islands income or corporation tax.
People’s Republic of China Taxation
Under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the EIT Law, which became effective on January 1, 2008, as amended on February 24, 2017 and further 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 tax purposes and is generally subject to a uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate on its worldwide income.
On April 22, 2009, the SAT issued the Notice Regarding the Determination of Chinese-Controlled Overseas Incorporated Enterprises as PRC Tax Resident Enterprise on the Basis of De Facto Management Bodies, or SAT Circular 82, which provides certain specific criteria for determining whether the “de facto management body” of a PRC controlled enterprise that is incorporated offshore is located in China. Further to SAT Circular 82, on July 27, 2011, the SAT issued the Administrative Measures for Enterprise Income Tax of Chinese-Controlled Offshore Incorporated Resident Enterprises (Trial), or SAT Bulletin 45, to provide more guidance on the implementation of SAT Circular 82; the bulletin became effective on September 1, 2011.2011 as recently amended on June 15, 2018. SAT Bulletin 45 clarified certain issues in the areas of resident status determination, post-determination administration and competent tax authorities procedures. According to SAT Circular 82, an offshore incorporated enterprise controlled by a PRC enterprise or a PRC enterprise group will be considered as a PRC tax resident enterprise by virtue of having its “de facto management body” in China only if all of the following conditions are met: (a) the senior management and core management departments in charge of its daily operations function have their presence mainly in the PRC; (b) its financial and human resources decisions are subject to determination or approval by persons or bodies in the PRC; (c) its major assets, accounting books, company seals, and minutes and files of its board and shareholders’ meetings are located or kept in the PRC; and (d) more than half of the enterprise’s directors or senior management with voting rights habitually reside in the PRC. Although SAT Circular 82 and SAT Bulletin 45 only apply to offshore incorporated enterprises controlled by PRC enterprises or PRC enterprise groups and not those controlled by PRC individuals or foreigners, the determination criteria set forth therein may reflect the SAT’s general position on how the term “de facto management body” could be applied in determining the tax resident status of offshore enterprises, regardless of whether they are controlled by PRC enterprises, individuals or foreigners.
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We do not believe MomoHello Group Inc. meets all of the criteria described above. We believe that none of MomoHello Group Inc. and its subsidiaries outside of China is a PRC tax resident enterprise, because none of them is controlled by a PRC enterprise or PRC enterprise group, and because some of their records are maintained outside the PRC. However, as the tax resident status of an enterprise is subject to determination by the PRC tax authorities and uncertainties remain with respect to the interpretation of the term “de facto management body” when applied to our offshore entities, we may be considered as a resident enterprise and may therefore be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at 25% on our global income. In addition, if the PRC tax authorities determine that our company is a PRC resident enterprise for PRC enterprise income tax purposes, dividends paid by us to
non-PRC
holders may be subject to PRC withholding tax, and gains realized on the sale or other disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares may be subject to PRC tax, at a rate of 10% in the case ofnon-PRC
enterprises or 20% in the case ofnon-PRC
individuals (in each case, subject to the provisions of any applicable tax treaty), if such dividends or gains are deemed to be from PRC sources. Any such tax may reduce the returns on your investment in the ADSs.If we are considered aana foreign invested enterprise to its immediate holding company outside of China, if such immediate holding company is considered as a
“non-resident
enterprise” by the PRC tax authorities, the dividends paid to us by our PRC subsidiaries will be subject to a 10% withholding tax. The EIT Law also imposes a withholding income tax of 10% on dividends distributed by non-resident
enterprise without any establishment or place within China or if the received dividends have no connection with the establishment or place of such immediate holding company within China, unless such immediate holding company’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China that provides for a different withholding arrangement. The Cayman Islands, where our Company is incorporated does not have such tax treaty with China. Our US subsidiary is not an immediate holding company of any of our PRC subsidiaries. Under the Arrangement Between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital, the dividend withholding tax rate may be reduced to 5%, if a Hong Kong resident enterprise that receives a dividend is considered anon-PRC
tax resident enterprise and holds at least 25% of the equity interests in the PRC enterprise distributing the dividends, subject to approval of the PRC local tax authority. However, if the Hong Kong resident enterprise is not considered to be the beneficial owner of such dividends under applicable PRC tax regulations, such dividends may remain subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10%. Accordingly, Momo Technology HK Company Limited may be able to enjoy the 5% withholding tax rate for the dividends it receives from its PRC subsidiaries if it satisfies the relevant conditions under tax rules and regulations, and obtains the approvals as required.On February 3, 2015, the SAT issued a Public Notice on Several Issues Relating to Enterprise Income Tax on Transfer of Assets betweento supersede existing provisions in relation to the Indirect Transfer as set forth in Circular 698, while the other provisions of Circular 698 remain in force. Public Notice 7 introduces a new tax regime that is significantly different from that under Circular 698. Public Noticewhich extends its tax jurisdiction to capture not only Indirect Transfer as set forth under Circular 698indirect transfers but also transactions involving transfer of immovable property in China and assets held under the establishment and place in China of a foreign company through the offshore transfer of a foreign intermediate holding company. Public Notice 7 also addresses transfer of the equity interest in a foreign intermediate holding company widely. In addition, Public Notice 7 provides clearerclear criteria than Circular 698 on how to assess reasonable commercial purposes and introduces safe harbor scenarios applicable to internal group restructurings. However, it also brings challenges to both the foreign transferor and transferee of the Indirect Transferindirect transfers as they have to make self-assessment on whether the transaction should be subject to PRC tax and to file or withhold the PRC tax accordingly. In October 2017, the SAT issued the Announcement of the State Administration of Taxation on Issues Concerning the Withholding ofonin December 1, 2017.2017 and was amended in June 2018. The Bulletin 37 replaced and superseded, among other circulars, Circular 698, and further clarifies the practice and procedure of the withholding ofIndirect Transfer,indirect transfer, theIndirect Transferindirect transfer to the relevant tax authority.
Non-resident
Enterprises, or Public Notice 7, Non-resident
Enterprise Income Tax at Source, or Bulletin 37, which came into effect non-resident
enterprise income tax. Where anon-resident
enterprise transfers taxable assets indirectly by disposing of the equity interests of an overseas holding company, which is an non-resident
enterprise as either the transferor or the transferee, or the PRC entity that directly owns the taxable assets, may report such 131
Where
non-resident
investors were involved in our private equity financing, if such transactions were determined by the tax authorities to lack reasonable commercial purpose, we and ournon-resident
investors may become at risk of being taxed under Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 and may be required to expend valuable resources to comply with Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 or to establish that we should not be taxed under Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or thenon-resident
investors’ investments in us.The PRC tax authorities have the discretion under SAT Circular 59, Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7 to make adjustments to the taxable capital gains based on the difference between the fair value of the equity interests transferred and the cost of investment. We may pursue acquisitions in the future that may involve complex corporate structures. If we are considered a
non-resident
enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law and if the PRC tax authorities make adjustments to the taxable income of the transactions under SAT Circular 59, Bulletin 37 and Public Notice 7, our income tax costs associated with such potential acquisitions will be increased, which may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following discussion is a summary of United States federal income tax considerations relating to the ownership and disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares by a U.S. Holder (as defined below) that holds our ADSs or ordinary shares as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment) under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. This discussion is based upon existing United States federal tax law, which is subject to differing interpretations or change, possibly with retroactive effect. No ruling has been sought from the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, with respect to any United States federal income tax considerations described below,effect, and there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, or a court will not take a contrary position. This discussion does not discuss all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be important to particular investors in light of their individual investment circumstances, including investors subject to special tax rules that may differ significantly from those discussed below (including for example, financial institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, broker-dealers, traders in securities that electtreatment, partnerships and their partners, investors required to accelerate the recognition of any item of gross income with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares as a result of such income being recognized on an applicable financial statement; or investors that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar). This discussion, moreover, does not address the United States federal estate, gift, Medicare or alternative minimum tax, or any
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organizations (including private foundations), holders who are not U.S. Holders, holders who own (directly, indirectly or constructively) 10% or more of our stock (by vote or value), holders who acquire their ADSs or ordinary shares pursuant to any employee share option or otherwise as compensation, investors that will hold their ADSs or ordinary shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for United States federal income tax purposes,non-United
States, state, or local tax considerations of the ownership and disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares. Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state, local,non-United
States income, and other tax considerations of an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares.General
For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of our ADSs or ordinary shares that is, for United States federal income tax purposes, (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes) created in, or organized under the law of, the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or (iv) 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 validly elected to be treated as a United States person under the Code.
If a partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of our ADSs or ordinary shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships holding our ADSs or ordinary shares and their partners are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding an investment in our ADSs or ordinary shares.
For United States federal income tax purposes, it is generally expected that a U.S. Holder of ADSs will be treated as the beneficial owner of the underlying shares represented by the ADSs. The remainder of this discussion assumes that a U.S. Holder of our ADSs will be treated in this manner. Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of ordinary shares for ADSs will generally not be subject to United States federal income tax.
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Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations
A “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, if either (i) 75% or more of its gross income for such year consists of certain types of “passive” income or (ii) 50% or more of the value of its assets (determined(generally determined on the basis of a quarterly average) during such year is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income (the “asset test”). For this purpose, cash and assets readily convertible into cash are categorized as passive assets, and the company’s goodwill and other unbooked intangibles associated with our active business are taken into account as nonpassive
non-United
States corporation, such as our company, will be classified as anon-passive
assets. Passive income generally includes, among other things, dividends, interest, rents, royalties, and gains from the disposition of passive assets. We will be treated as owning a proportionate share of the assets and earning a proportionate share of the income of any other corporation in which we own, directly or indirectly, 25% or more (by value) of the stock.Although the law in this regard is not entirely clear, we treat Beijing Momo as being owned by us for United States federal income tax purposes, because we control its management decisions and we are entitled to substantially all of the economic benefits associated with this entity, and, as a result, we consolidate the results of its operations in our consolidated U.S. GAAP financial statements. If it were determined, however,
Based upon the nature and composition of our assets (in particular, the retention of substantial amounts of cash, deposits and investments), and the market price of our ADSs, we believe that we do not own the stock of Beijing Momowere a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes we would likely be treated as a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 20192021, and would anticipate beingwe will likely be a PFIC for future taxable years. Assuming that we are the owner of Beijing Momo for United States federal income tax purposes and based upon our income and assets and the value of our ADSs, we do not believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2019 and do not anticipate becoming a PFIC in the foreseeable future.
The United States federal income tax rules that apply if we are treated as a PFIC are generally discussed below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules.”
Dividends
Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” any cash distributions (including the amount of any PRC tax withheld) paid on our ADSs or ordinary shares out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles, will generally be includible in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as dividend income on the day actually or constructively received by the U.S. Holder, in the case of ordinary shares, or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs. Because we do not intend to determine our earnings and profits on the basis of United States federal income tax principles, any distribution we pay will generally be treated as a “dividend” for United States federal income tax purposes. Dividends received on our ADSs or ordinary shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations.
With respect to individuals and certain otherState,States, or, in the event that we are deemed to be a resident enterprise under the PRC tax law, we are eligible for the benefit of the United
non-corporate
U.S. Holders, dividends may constitute “qualified dividend income” that is subject to tax at the lower applicable capital gains rates provided that (1) the ADSs or ordinary shares on which the dividends are paid are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States-PRC
income tax treaty (the “Treaty”), (2) we are not a PFIC for either our taxable year in which the dividend was paid or the preceding taxable year, and (3) certain holding period requirements are met. The ADSs, but not our ordinary shares, are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market so we anticipate that the ADSs should qualify as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, although there can be no assurances in this regard. In the event we are deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be eligible for the benefits of the Treaty. If we are eligible for such benefits, dividends we pay on our ordinary shares, regardless of whether such shares are represented by the ADSs, and regardless of whether our ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States, would be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation applicable to qualified dividend income. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the lower capital gains rate applicable to qualified dividend income for dividends paid with respect to the ADSs or ordinary shares.133
Dividends will generally be treated as income from foreign sources for United States foreign tax credit purposes and will generally constitute passive category income. In the event that we are deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, a U.S. Holder may be subject to PRC withholding taxes on dividends paid on our ADSs or ordinary shares. Depending on the U.S. Holder’s individual facts and circumstances, a U.S. Holder may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit not in excess of any applicable treaty rate in respect of any foreign withholding taxes imposed on dividends received on our ADSs or ordinary shares. A U.S. Holder who does not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for foreign tax withheld may instead claim a deduction, for United States federal income tax purposes, in respect of such withholding, but only for a year in which such holder elects to do so for all creditable foreign income taxes. The rules governing the foreign tax credit are complex and their outcome depends in large part on the U.S. Holder’s individual facts and circumstances. Accordingly, U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
As mentioned above, we believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2021, and we will likely be classified as a PFIC for our current taxable year. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate on dividends with respect to our ADSs or ordinary shares under their particular circumstances.
Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Ordinary Shares
Subject to the discussion below under “Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules,” a U.S. Holder will generally recognize gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and the holder’s adjusted tax basis in such ADSs or ordinary shares. The gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss. Individuals and other However,
non-corporate
U.S. Holders who have held the ADS or ordinary shares for more than one year will generally be eligible for reduced tax rates. The deductibility of a capital loss may be subject to limitations. Any such gain or loss that the U.S. Holder recognizes will generally be treated as U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit limitation purposes, which will generally limit the availability of foreign tax credits.As described in the event“Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—People’s Republic of China Taxation,” if we are deemed to be a PRC resident enterprise under the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, we may be eligible for the benefits of the Treaty. In such event, if PRC tax were to be imposed on any gaingains from the disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares may be subject to PRC income tax and will generally be U.S. source, which may limit the ability to receive a foreign tax credit. If a U.S. Holder that is eligible for the benefits of the Treaty, such holder may be able to elect to treat such gain as PRC source income. Ifincome under the Treaty. Pursuant to recently issued United States Treasury regulations, however, if a U.S. Holder is not eligible for the benefits of the Treaty or failsdoes not elect to makeapply the election to treat any gain as foreign-source,Treaty, then such U.S. Holderholder may not be able to use theclaim a foreign tax credit arising from any PRC tax imposed on the disposition of the ADSs or ordinary shares unless suchshares. The rules regarding foreign tax credits and deduction of foreign taxes are complex. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the availability of a foreign tax credit canor deduction in light of their particular circumstances, including their eligibility for benefits under the Treaty, and the potential impact of the recently issued United States Treasury regulations.
As mentioned above, we believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2021, and we will likely be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against U.S. federal income tax due on other income derived from foreign sources in the same income category (generally, the passive category).classified as a PFIC for our current taxable year. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if a foreign tax is imposed on aconsiderations of the sale or other disposition of our ADSs or ordinary shares including the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
As mentioned above, we believe that we were a PFIC for the taxable year ended December 31, 2021, and we will likely be classified as a PFIC for our current taxable year. If we are classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or ordinary shares, and unless the U.S. Holder makes aelection (as described below), the U.S. Holder will generally be subject to special tax rules that have a penalizing effect, regardless of whether we remain a PFIC, on (i) any excess distribution that we make to the U.S. Holder (which generally means any distribution paid during a taxable year to a U.S. Holder that is greater than 125 percent of the average annual distributions paid in the three preceding taxable years or, if shorter, the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale or other disposition, including a pledge, of ADSs or ordinary shares. Under the PFIC rules:
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the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADSs or ordinary shares;
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the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable years in the U.S. Holder’s holding period prior to the first taxable year in which we are classified as a PFIC (each, a
“pre-PFIC
year”), will be taxable as ordinary income;the amount allocated to each prior taxable year, other than a
pre-PFIC
year, will be subject to tax at the highest tax rate in effect applicable to the U.S. Holder for that year; andan additional tax equal to the interest charge generally applicable to underpayments of tax will be imposed on the tax attributable to each prior taxable year, other than a
pre-PFIC
year.If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder holds our ADSs or ordinary shares and any of our subsidiaries is also a PFIC, such U.S. Holder would be treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC for purposes of the application of these rules. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries.
As an alternative to the foregoing rules, a U.S. Holder of “marketable stock” in a PFIC may make aelection with respect to such stock, provided that such stock is “regularly traded” within the meaning of applicable United States Treasury regulations. For those purposes, our ADSs, but not our ordinary shares, are treated as marketable stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. We believe that our ADSs should qualify as being regularly traded, but no assurances may be given in this regard. If a U.S. Holder makes this aelection, the U.S. Holder will generally (i) include as ordinary income for each taxable year that we are a PFIC the excess, if any, of the fair market value of ADSs held at the end of the taxable year over the adjusted tax basis of such ADSs and (ii) deduct as an ordinary loss the excess, if any, of the adjusted tax basis of the ADSs over the fair market value of such ADSs held at the end of the taxable year, but such deduction will only be allowed to the extent of the amount previously included in income as a result of theelection. The U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ADSs would be adjusted to reflect any income or loss resulting from theelection. If a U.S. Holder makes aelection in respect of a corporation classified as a PFIC and such corporation ceases to be classified as a PFIC, the U.S. Holder will not be required to take into account the gain or loss described above during any period that such corporation is not classified as a PFIC.
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If a U.S. Holder makes aelection, any gain such U.S. Holder recognizes upon the sale or other disposition of our ADSs in a year when we are a PFIC will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss, but such loss will only be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of theelection. If a U.S. Holder makes aelection it will be effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years unless the ADSs are no longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or the IRS consents to the revocation of the election. Only our ADSs, and not our ordinary shares, are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Consequently, if a U.S. holder holds ordinary shares that are not represented by ADSs, such holder generally will not be eligible to make aelection if we are or were to become a PFIC.
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Because aelection cannot be made for any lower-tier PFICs that we may own, a U.S. Holder may continue to be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to such U.S. Holder’s indirect interest in any investments held by us that are treated as an equity interest in a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes.
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We do not intend to provide information necessary for U.S. Holders to make qualified electing fund elections which, if available, would result in tax treatment different from the general tax treatment for PFICs described above.
If a U.S. Holder owns our ADSs or ordinary shares during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, the U.S. Holder must generally file an annual IRS Form 8621 or such other form as is required by the United States Treasury Department. Each U.S. Holder is urged to consult its tax advisor concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing ADSs or ordinary shares if we are or become treated as a PFIC, including the possibility of making aelection and the unavailability of the election to treat us as a qualified electing fund.
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F. | Dividends and Paying Agents |
Not applicable.
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G. | Statement by Experts |
Not applicable.
H. | Documents on Display |
We previously filed with the SEC our registration statement on FormThe SEC also maintains a website atthat contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding registrants that make electronic filings with the SEC using its EDGAR system. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, and officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
F-1,
as amended, and the related prospectus under the Securities Act of 1933, with respect to our Class A ordinary shares. We are subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act. Under the Exchange Act, we are required to file reports and other information with the SEC. Specifically, we are required to file annually a Form20-F
within four months after the end of each fiscal year, which is December 31. Copies of reports and other information, when so filed, may be inspected without charge and may be obtained at prescribed rates at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information regarding the Washington, D.C. Public Reference Room by calling the Commission at1-800-SEC-0330.
www.sec.gov
We will furnish Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, the depositary of our ADSs, with our annual reports, which will include a review of operations and annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, and all notices of shareholders’ meetings and other reports and communications that are made generally available to our shareholders. The depositary will make such notices, reports and communications available to holders of ADSs and, upon our request, will mail to all record holders of ADSs the information contained in any notice of a shareholders’ meeting received by the depositary from us.
In accordance with Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5250(d), we will post this annual report on Formhttp:https://ir.immomo.comir.hellogroup.com. In addition, we will provide hardcopies of our annual report free of charge to shareholders and ADS holders upon request.
20-F
on our website atI. | Subsidiary Information |
Not applicable.
Item 11. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated by excess cash, which is mostly held in interest-bearing bank deposits. We generated interest income of RMB145.6RMB407.5 million, RMB272.9RMB444.5 million and RMB407.5RMB384.3 million (US$58.560.3 million) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20182019, 2020 and 2019,2021, respectively. We had cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term deposits and long-term deposits in total of RMB15,225.3RMB15,630.6 million (US$2,187.02,452.8 million) as of December 31, 2019.2021. Assuming such amount of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and term deposits were held entirely in interest-bearing bank deposits, a hypothetical one percentage point (100 basis-point) decrease in interest rates would decrease our interest income from these interest-bearing bank deposits for one year by approximately RMB152.3RMB156.3 million (US$21.924.5 million). Interest-earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. We have not been exposed to, nor do we anticipate being exposed to, material risks due to changes in market interest rates. However, our future interest income may fall short of expectations due to changes in market interest rates.
Foreign Exchange Risk
Our revenues and costs are mostly denominated in RMB, and a significant portion of our financial assets are also denominated in RMB. Prior to October 1, 2018, our reporting currency was the U.S. dollar and our financial information that used RMB as the functional currency had been translated into U.S. dollars in our consolidated financial statements prepared before October 1, 2018. Effective from October 1, 2018, we changed our reporting currency from U.S. dollar to RMB. Due to foreign currency translation adjustments, we had a foreign currency translation adjustment of a loss of RMB155.4 million and a gain of RMB198.7 million in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Appreciation or depreciation in the value of the RMB relative to the U.S. dollar would affect our financial results reported in U.S. dollar terms without giving effect to any underlying change in our business or results of operations.
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We do not believe that we currently have any significant direct foreign exchange risk and have not used any derivative financial instruments to hedge exposure to such risk. Although in general our exposure to foreign exchange risks should be limited, the value of your investment in our ADSs will still be affected by the exchange rate between U.S. dollar and RMB because the value of our business is effectively denominated in RMB, while our ADSs are traded in U.S. dollars.
The conversion of RMB into foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, is based on rates set by the People’s Bank of China. The RMB has fluctuated against the U.S. dollar, at times significantly and unpredictably. It is difficult to predict how market forces or PRC or U.S. government policy may impact the exchange rate between RMB and the U.S. dollar in the future.
To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into RMB for our operations, appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the RMB amount we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert RMB into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our ordinary shares or ADSs or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the RMB would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amounts available to us. In 2020 and 2021, we incurred foreign currency translation adjustment of a loss of RMB141.7 million and RMB39.2 million (US$6.1 million), respectively.
As of December 31, 2019,2021, we had U.S. dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents and short-term deposits of US$349.9143.7 million. If the U.S. dollar had appreciated or depreciated by 10% against the RMB, our U.S. dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents and time deposits as of December 31, 20192021 would have increased or decreased by RMB243.6RMB91.6 million in RMB terms.
Item 12. | Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities |
A. | Debt Securities |
Not applicable.
B. | Warrants and Rights |
Not applicable.
C. | Other Securities |
Not applicable.
D. | American Depositary Shares |
Fees and Charges Our ADS holders May Have to Pay
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, the depositary of our ADS program, collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide
fee-attracting
services until its fees for those services are paid. The depositary’s principal office at which the ADSs will be administered is located at 60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, USA. The principal executive office of the depositary is located at 60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, USA.137
Service | Fees | ||
• To any person to which ADSs are issued or to any person to which a distribution is made in respect of ADS distributions pursuant to stock dividends or other free distributions of stock, bonus distributions, stock splits or other distributions (except where converted to cash) | Up to US$0.05 per ADS issued | ||
• Cancelation of ADSs, including termination of the deposit agreement | Up to US$0.05 per ADS canceled | ||
• Distribution of cash dividends | Up to US$0.05 per ADS held | ||
• Distribution of cash entitlements (other than cash dividends) and/or cash proceeds, including proceeds from the sale of rights, securities and other entitlements | Up to US$0.05 per ADS held | ||
• Distribution of ADSs pursuant to exercise of rights. | Up to US$0.05 per ADS held | ||
• Depositary services | Up to US$0.05 per ADS held on the applicable record date(s)established by the depositary bank | ||
Fees and Other Payments Made by the Depositary to Us
The depositary has agreed to reimburse us annually for our expenses incurred in connection with the administration and maintenance of our ADS facility including, but not limited to, investor relations expenses, other program related expenses related to our ADS facility and the travel expense of our key personnel in connection with such programs. The depositary has also agreed to provide additional payments to us based on the applicable performance indicators relating to our ADS facility. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse us, but the amount of reimbursement available to us is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors. For the year ended December 31, 2019,2021, we were entitled to receive RMB25.1RMB24.8 million (US$3.63.9 million) (after withholding tax) from the depositary as reimbursement for our expenses incurred in connection with, among other things, investor relationship programs related to the ADS facility and the travel expense of our key personnel in connection with such programs. This amount has been fully paid to us as of the date of this annual report.
PART II
Item 13. | Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies |
None.
Item 14. | Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds |
The following “Use of Proceeds” information relates to our initial public offering of 18,400,000 ADSs representing 36,800,000 of our Class A ordinary shares, including 2,400,000 ADSs representing 4,800,000 Class A ordinary shares sold pursuant to the full exercise of over-allotment option by the underwriters, at an initial offering price of US$13.50 per ADS, which was completed in December 2014.
After deducting the total expenses of US$17.4 million and other expenses of US$4.4 million, we received net proceeds of US$226.7 million from our initial public offering. Concurrently with the initial public offering, we completed a private placement and received an additional US$60.0 million. As of December 31, 2019,2021, we had used an insignificant amountall of the net proceeds received from theour initial public offering.offering to repurchase our ordinary shares and pay cash dividends.
None of the net proceeds from our initial public offering were directly or indirectly paid to the directors, officers, general partners of our company or their associates, persons owning 10% or more of our ordinary shares, or our affiliates.
Item 15. | Controls and Procedures |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule
13a-15(e)
under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report, as required by Rule13a-15(b)
under the Exchange Act.138
Based upon that evaluation, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2019,2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file and furnish under the Exchange Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in RuleOur evaluation for the year 2019 included Tantan Limited. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019.2021.
13a-15(f)
under the Exchange Act. Our management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Rule13a-15(c)
of the Exchange Act, based on criteria established in the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Designing and implementing an effective financial reporting system is a continuous effort that requires us to devote significant resources to maintain a financial reporting system that adequately satisfies our reporting obligations. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. That attestation report appears below.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of MomoHello Group Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Hello Group Inc. (previously named as Momo Inc.) and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019,2021, based on criteria established inissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019,2021, based on criteria established inissued by COSO.
Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)
Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013)
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019,2021, of the Company and our report dated April 28, 2020,27, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the convenience translation of Renminbi amounts into United States dollar amounts.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
139
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP
Beijing, the People’s Republic of China
April 28, 202027, 2022
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the year ended December 31, 20192021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. We may identify additional control deficiencies in the future. Should we discover such deficiencies, we intend to remediate them as soon as possible.
Item 16A. | Audit Committee Financial Expert |
Our board of directors has determined that each of Mr. Benson Bing Chung Tam and Dr. Dave Daqing Qi, independent directors (under the standards set forth in Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5605(a)(2) and Rule
10A-3
under the Exchange Act) and members of our audit committee, is an audit committee financial expert.Item 16B. |
Our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics that applies to our directors, officers and employees, including certain provisions that specifically apply to our senior officers, including our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, other chief senior officers, senior finance officer, controller, senior vice presidents, vice presidents and any other persons who perform similar functions for us. We have filed our code of business conduct and ethics as Exhibit 99.1 to our registration statement on Form F-1 (File Number333-199996), as amended, initially filed with the SEC on November 7, 2014. The code is also available on our official website under the corporate governance section at our investor relations website
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in connection with certain professional services rendered by
140
Notes:
The policy of our audit committee is to pre-approve all audit andnon-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm, including audit services, audit-related services and tax services as described above, other than those forde minimis
Not applicable.
On September 3, 2020, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to US$300 million of our shares over the next 12 months. As of September 3, 2021, we had repurchased approximately 14.15 million ADSs for approximately US$182.4 million, including commissions paid to the brokers, on the open market under this program, at an average purchase price of US$12.87 per ADS. The table below is a summary of the shares repurchased by us in 2021. All shares were repurchased in the open market pursuant to the 2020 share repurchase program.
Note:
Not applicable.
Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5620 requires each issuer to hold an annual meeting of shareholders no later than one year after the end of the issuer’s fiscal year-end. However, Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5615(a)(3) permits foreign private issuers like us to follow “home country practice” in certain corporate governance matters. Other than the practices described above, there are no significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those followed by U.S. domestic companies under Nasdaq Stock Market Rules.
Not applicable. 141
Not applicable. PART III
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
For the year ended December 31, The consolidated financial statements of our company and our three operating segments are included at the end of this annual report.
142
143
144
145
146 147 148
SIGNATURES The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing its annual report on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
Date: April Hello Group Inc. INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
F-1 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hello Group Inc. (previously named Momo Inc.) and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, Internal Convenience translation Our audits also comprehended the translation of Renminbi amounts into United States dollar amounts and, in our opinion, such translation has been made in conformity with the basis stated in Note 2. Such United States dollar amounts are presented solely for the convenience of readers in the United States of America. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial 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 for our opinion. Critical Audit Matter The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates. F-2 Goodwill Critical Audit Matter Description The Company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves the comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company used the discounted cash flow model to estimate fair value, which requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to discount rates and forecasts of future revenues and operating margins. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both. The Company performed annual goodwill We identified goodwill impairment for the Tantan How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit Our audit procedures related to the discount rate and forecasts of future revenue and operating margin used by management to estimate the fair value of the Tantan We tested the effectiveness of controls over management’s goodwill impairment evaluation, including those over the determination of the fair value of the Tantan We evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast future revenues and operating margins by comparing actual results to management’s historical forecasts. We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s revenue and operating margin forecasts by comparing the forecasts to:
With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of the (1) valuation methodology and (2) discount rate by:
/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP Beijing, the People’s Republic of China April We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014. F-3 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share and share related data, or otherwise noted)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Hello Group Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except share and share related data, or otherwise noted)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Hello Group Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (In thousands, except share and share related data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Hello Group Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (In thousands, except share and share related data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Hello Group Inc. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands, except share and share related data)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Hello Group Inc. (the “Company”), previously named “Momo Inc.”, is the holding company for a group of companies, which November 23, 2011. In July 2014, the Company was redomiciled in the Cayman Islands (“Cayman”) as an exempted company registered under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and was renamedMomo Inc. In August 2021, the Company changed its name from “Momo Inc.” to “Hello Group Inc.”. The Company, its subsidiaries, which include the wholly-foreign owned enterprises (“WFOEs”), its consolidated variable interest entities (“VIEs”) and VIEs’ subsidiaries (collectively the “Group”) are principally engaged in providing mobile-based social and entertainment services. The Group started its operation in July 2011. The Group started its monetization in the third quarter of 2013, by offering a platform for live video services, value-added services, mobile marketing services, mobile games and other services. In May 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% equity stake of Tantan Limited (“Tantan”). Tantan is a leading social and dating app for the younger generation that was founded in 2014. Tantan is designed to help its users find and establish romantic connections as well as meet interesting people. The total consideration consisted of cash consideration of RMB3,930,246 (US$613,181) and 5,328,853 Class A ordinary shares of the Company. As of December 31,
F-9 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
The VIE arrangements The People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) regulations currently limit direct foreign ownership of business entities providing value-added telecommunications services, advertising services and internet services in the PRC where certain licenses are required for the provision of such services. The Group provides substantially all of its services in China through certain PRC domestic companies, which hold the operating licenses and approvals to enable the Group to provide such mobile internet content services in the PRC. Specifically, these PRC domestic companies that are material to the Company’s business are Beijing Momo, Chengdu Momo, Tianjin Heer, Loudi Momo, QOOL Tianjin, The Company obtained control over its VIEs by entering into a series of contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their equity holders (the “Nominee Shareholders”), which enable the Company to (1) have power to direct the activities that most significantly affects the economic performance of the VIEs, and (2) receive the economic benefits of the VIEs that could be significant to the VIEs. Accordingly, the Company is considered the primary beneficiary of VIEs and has consolidated the VIEs’ financial results of operations, assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In making the conclusion that the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs, the Company’s rights under the Power of Attorney also provide the Company’s abilities to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance. The Company also believes that this ability to exercise control ensures that the VIEs will continue to execute and renew the Exclusive Cooperation Agreements and pay service fees to the Company. By charging service fees in whatever amounts the Company deems fit, and by ensuring that the Exclusive Cooperation Agreements is executed and renewed indefinitely, the Company has the rights to receive substantially all of the economic benefits from the VIEs. Details of the typical structure of the Company’s significant VIEs are set forth below: Agreements that provide the Company effective control over the VIEs:
Pursuant to the Power of attorney-in-fact Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
The VIE arrangements Agreements that provide the Company effective control over the VIEs: - continued
Under the Exclusive Call Option The WFOEs or their designated representative(s) have sole discretion as to when to exercise such options, either in part or in full. Without the WFOEs’ written consent, the Nominee Shareholders of the VIEs shall not transfer, donate, pledge, or otherwise dispose any equity interests of the VIEs in any way. In addition, any consideration paid by the WFOEs to the Nominee Shareholders of the VIEs in exercising the option shall be transferred back to the respective WFOE or its designated representative(s). This In addition, the VIEs irrevocably granted the WFOEs an exclusive and irrevocable option to purchase any or all of the assets owned by the VIEs at the lowest price permitted under PRC law. Without the WFOEs’ prior written consent, the VIEs and their Nominee Shareholders will not sell, transfer, mortgage or otherwise dispose of the VIEs’ material assets, legal or beneficial interests or revenues of more than certain amount or allow an encumbrance on any interest in the VIEs.
Each spouse of the married Nominee Shareholders of the VIEs entered into a Spousal Consent Letter, which unconditionally and irrevocably agreed that the equity interests in the VIEs held by and registered in the name of their spouse will be disposed of pursuant to the Equity Interest Pledge Agreements that transfer economic benefits to the Company:
Each relevant VIEs has entered into an exclusive technology services Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
The VIE arrangements Agreements that transfer economic benefits to the Company: - continued
Under the equity interest pledge agreement among the WFOEs and each of the Nominee Shareholders of the VIEs, the Nominee Shareholders pledged all of their equity interests in the VIEs to the respective WFOEs to guarantee the VIEs’ and their shareholders’ payment obligations arising from the Exclusive Cooperation Agreements, Business If any VIEs or any of their Nominee Shareholders breaches their contractual obligations under the above agreements, the respective WFOEs, as the pledgee, will be entitled to certain rights and entitlements, including receiving priority proceeds from the auction or sale of whole or part of the pledged equity interests of the VIEs in accordance with PRC legal procedures. During the term of the pledge, the shareholders of the VIEs shall cause the VIEs not to distribute any dividends and if they receive any dividends generated by the pledged equity interests, they shall transfer such received amounts to an account designated by the respective parties according to the instruction of the respective WFOEs. The pledge will remain binding until the VIEs and their Nominee Shareholders have fully performed all their obligations under the Exclusive Cooperation Agreements, Business Operations Agreements and Exclusive Call Option Agreements.
Under the Business Operations Agreements among the WFOEs, the VIEs and the Nominee Shareholders of the VIEs, without the prior written consent of the WFOEs or their designated representative(s), the VIEs shall not conduct any transaction that may substantially affect the assets, business, operation or interest of the WFOEs. The VIEs and Nominee Shareholders shall also follow the WFOEs’ instructions on management of the VIEs’ daily operation, finance and employee matters and appoint the nominee(s) designated by the WFOEs as the director(s) and senior management members of the VIEs. In the event that any agreements between the WFOEs and the VIEs terminates, the WFOEs have the sole discretion to determine whether to continue any other agreements with the VIEs. The WFOEs are entitled to any dividends or other interests declared by the VIEs and the shareholders of the VIEs have agreed to promptly transfer such dividends or other interests to the WFOEs. The agreement shall remain effective for 10 years. At the discretion of the WFOEs, this agreement will be renewed on applicable expiration dates, or the WFOEs and the VIEs will enter into another exclusive agreement. Through these contractual agreements, the Company has the ability to effectively control the VIEs and is also able to receive substantially all the economic benefits of the VIEs. Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Risk in relation to the VIE structure The Company believes that the WFOEs’ contractual arrangements with the VIEs are in compliance with PRC law and are legally enforceable. The shareholders of the VIEs are also shareholders of the Company and therefore have no current interest in seeking to act contrary to the contractual arrangements. However, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit the Company’s ability to enforce these contractual arrangements and if the shareholders of the VIEs were to reduce their interest in the Company, their interests may diverge from that of the Company and that may potentially increase the risk that they would seek to act contrary to the contractual terms, for example by influencing the VIEs not to pay the service fees when required to do so. However, the Company cannot assure that when conflicts of interest arise, the shareholders will act in the best interests of the Company or that conflicts of interests will be resolved in the Company’s favor. Currently, the Company does not have existing arrangements to address potential conflicts of interest the shareholders of the VIEs may encounter in their capacity as the beneficial owners and director of the VIEs on the one hand, and as beneficial owners and directors or officer of the Company, on the other hand. The Company believes the shareholders of the VIEs will not act contrary to any of the contractual arrangements and the Exclusive Call Option The Company’s ability to control the VIEs also depends on the Power of In addition, if the legal structure and contractual arrangements were found to be in violation of any existing PRC laws and regulations, the PRC government could: revoke the Group’s business and operating licenses; require the Group to discontinue or restrict operations; restrict the Group’s right to collect revenues; block the Group’s websites; require the Group to restructure the operations in such a way as to compel the Group to establish a new enterprise, re-apply for the necessary licenses or relocate our businesses, staff and assets;requiring the Group to restructure the 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 the ability to consolidate, derive economic interests from, or exert effective control over VIEs; restricting or prohibiting the use of the proceeds of any of offshore financings to finance the business and operations in china; impose additional conditions or requirements with which the Group may not be able to comply; or take other regulatory or enforcement actions against the Group that could be harmful to the Group’s business. Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Risk in relation to the VIE structure The imposition of any of these penalties may result in a material and adverse effect on the Group’s ability to conduct the Group’s business. In addition, if the imposition of any of these penalties causes the Group to lose the rights to direct the activities of the VIEs or the right to receive their economic benefits, the Group would no longer be able to consolidate the VIEs. The Group does not believe that any penalties imposed or actions taken by the PRC government would result in the liquidation of the Company, WFOEs, or the VIEs. The following consolidated financial statements amounts and balances of the VIEs were included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements after the elimination of intercompany balances and transactions as of and for the years ended December 31:
F-14
Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Risk in relation to the VIE structure - continued
The unrecognized revenue-producing assets that are held by the VIEs are primarily self-developed intangible assets such as domain names, trademark and various licenses which are un-recognized on the consolidated balance sheets.The VIEs contributed an aggregate of 99.9%, 98.4% of the consolidated net revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and short-term deposits, There
Basis of presentation The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Basis of consolidation The consolidated financial statements of the Group include the financial statements of Certain amounts in the prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported net income, total assets, total liabilities, or total shareholders’ equity. F-15 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Use of estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and revenues, cost and expenses in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Group’s consolidated financial statements include the Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments, which are unrestricted from withdrawal or use, or which have original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Short-term deposits Short-term deposits consist of bank deposits with an original maturity of over three months but within one year. Long-term restricted cash Restricted cash represents US dollar deposits held in escrow account related to payable to Tantan’s founders in accordance with its share options repurchase agreement. The Company considers the expected timing of the release of the restrictions is more than one year. Long-term deposits Long-term deposits represent time deposits placed in banks with original maturities of more than one year. Interest earned is recorded as interest income in the consolidated statements of operations during the periods presented. Accounts receivable Accounts receivable primarily represents the cash due from third-party application stores and other payment channels and advertising customers, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. The Group F-16 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Financial instruments Financial instruments of the Group primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term deposits, restricted cash, long-term deposits, accounts receivable, equity securities without readily determinable fair value, fair value option investment, accounts payable, deferred revenue, convertible senior notes, income tax payable The Group carries its fair value option investment at fair value. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at fair value based on the quoted market price in an active market. The carrying values of Foreign currency risk The Renminbi (“RMB”) is not a freely convertible currency. The State Administration for Foreign Exchange, under the authority of the People’s Bank of China, controls the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies. The value of the RMB is subject to changes in central government policies and to international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the China Foreign Exchange Trading System market. Cash and cash equivalents of the Group included aggregate amounts of Concentration of credit risk Financial instruments that potentially expose the Group to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term deposits, Third-party application stores and other payment channels accounting for 10% or more of accounts receivables are as follows:
Users or customers accounting for 10% or more of accounts receivables is asfollows:
As of December 31, 2021, 0 user or customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable. Concentration of revenue NaN user or customer accounted for 10% or more of net revenues for the years ended December 31, Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Equity securities without readily determinable fair value The Equity method investments The investee companies over which the Group has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not have a controlling interest are accounted for using the equity method. Significant influence is generally considered to exist when the Group has an ownership interest in the voting stock of the investee between 20% and 50%. Other factors, such as representation in the investee’s Board of Directors, voting rights and the impact of commercial arrangements, are also considered in determining whether the equity method of accounting is appropriate. For the investment in limited partnerships, where the Group holds less than a 20% equity or voting interest, the Group’s influence over the partnership operating and financial policies is determined to be more than minor. Accordingly, the Group accounts for these investments as equity method investments. Under the equity method of accounting, the affiliated company’s accounts are not reflected within the Group’s consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations; however, the Group’s share of the earnings or losses of the affiliated company is reflected in the caption “share of income (loss) on equity method investments” in the consolidated statements of operations. An impairment change is recorded if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary. The Group estimates the fair value of the investee company based on comparable quoted price for similar investment in active market, if applicable, or discounted cash flow approach which requires significant judgments, including the estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, the estimation of long term growth rate of a company’s business, the estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and the determination of the weighted average cost of capital. The Group elected the fair value option to account for a new partnership units investment in a private fund, and measured the investment using the net asset value per share based on the practical expedient in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) (“NAV practical expedient”), whereby the change in fair value is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. F-18 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Property and equipment, net Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
Intangible assets Intangible assets acquired through business acquisitions are recognized as assets separate from goodwill if they satisfy either the “contractual-legal” or “separability” criterion. Purchased intangible assets and intangible assets arising from acquisitions are recognized and measured at fair value upon acquisition. Separately identifiable intangible assets that have determinable lives continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method as follows:
Impairment of long-lived assets with finite lives The Group reviews its long-lived assets, including intangible assets with finite lives, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may no longer be recoverable. When these events occur, the Group Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed of the acquired entity as a result of the Company’s acquisitions of interests in its subsidiaries. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. The Company has an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the The quantitative impairment test Convertible senior notes The Group determines the appropriate accounting treatment of its convertible senior notes in accordance with the terms in relation to the conversion feature, call and put options, and beneficial conversion feature. After considering the impact of such features, the Group may account for such instrument as a liability in its entirety, or separate the instrument into debt and equity components following the respective guidance described under ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” and ASC 470 “Debt”. The debt discount, if any, together with the related issuance cost are subsequently amortized as interest expense, using the effective interest method, from the issuance date to the earliest maturity date. Interest expenses are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which they are incurred. Fair value Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Group considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. F-20 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Fair value - continuedAuthoritative literature provides a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. An asset or liability categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement as follows: Level 1 Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the assets or liabilities such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Level 3 Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Revenue recognition The Group principally derives its revenue from live video services, value-added services, mobile marketing services, mobile games and other services. The Group recognizes revenue when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to the customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Group expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Group applied the five steps method outlined in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”) to all revenue streams. In addition, the standard requires disclosures of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. For the years ended December 31, F-21 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Revenue recognition - continuedThe following table provides information about disaggregated revenue by types, including a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenue with the Group’s reportable segments:
Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Revenue recognition
The Group is principally engaged in providing live video services whereby users can enjoy live performances and interact with the broadcasters for free during the performance. Broadcasters can either host the performance on their own or join a talent agency. The Group generates revenue from sales of virtual items to its customers. The Group designs, creates and offers various virtual items for sales to users with pre-determined stand-alone selling price, which if users chose to, can be purchased and be presented to the broadcasters to show their support during their live video performance. The Group has a recharge system for users to purchase the Group’s virtual currency that can then be used to purchase virtual items on the Group’s platform. Users can recharge via various third-party application stores and other payment channels. Virtual currency isnon-refundable and does not have any expiration date. Based on the turnover history of virtual currency, the Group determined that the virtual currency is often consumed soon after it is purchased and accordingly, the Group concluded that any breakage would be insignificant. Unconsumed virtual currency is recorded as deferred revenue. Virtual currencies used to purchase virtual items are recognized as revenue according to the prescribed revenue recognition policies of virtual items addressed below unless otherwise stated. All virtual items arenon-refundable, consumed at apoint-in-time The Group has evaluated and determined that it is the principal and views the users to be its customers. Specifically, the Group controls the virtual items before they are transferred to users. Its control is evidenced by the Group’s sole ability to monetize the virtual items before they are transferred to users, and is further supported by the Group being primarily responsible to the users for the delivery of the virtual items as well as having full discretion in establishing pricing for the virtual items. Accordingly, the Group reports its live video service revenues on a gross basis with amounts billed to users for the virtual items recorded as revenues and the Revenue Sharing paid to broadcasters and talent agencies recorded as cost of revenues. Sales proceeds are initially recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as revenue based on the consumption of the virtual items. The Group has determined that the virtual items represent one performance obligation in the live video service. Revenue related to each of the virtual items is recognized at the point-in- Users also have the right to purchase various combinations of virtual items and virtual item coupons in the live video, which are generally capable of being distinct. Specifically, the Group enters into certain contracts with its users where virtual item coupons are granted to users with a purchase. The virtual item coupons can be used by the users to exchange for free virtual items in the future. Such virtual item coupons typically expire a few days after being granted. The Group has determined that the virtual item coupons represent a material right under Topic 606 which is recognized as a separate performance obligation at the outset of the arrangement. Judgment is required to determine the standalone selling price for each distinct virtual item and virtual item coupon. The Group allocates the consideration to each distinct virtual item and virtual item coupon based on their relative standalone selling prices. In instances where standalone selling price is not directly observable as the Group does not sell the virtual items or virtual item coupons separately, the Group determines the standalone selling price based on pricing strategies, market factors and strategic objectives. The Group recognizes revenue for each of the distinct virtual item in accordance with the revenue recognition method discussed above unless otherwise stated. Revenue for the virtual item coupons is recognized when the virtual items purchased with the virtual item coupons are consumed. Although virtual item coupons have expiry dates, the Group considers that the impact of breakage for the virtual item coupons is insignificant as historical data shows that virtual item coupons are consumed shortly after they are released to users. The Group does not provide any right of return and does not provide any other credit or incentive to its users. Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Revenue recognition
Value-added services revenues mainly include membership subscription revenue and virtual gift service revenue. Membership subscription is a service package which enables members to enjoy additional functions and privileges. The contract period for the membership subscription ranges from one month to one year. All membership subscription is nonrefundable. The Group has determined that its membership subscription services represent one performance obligation. The Group collects membership subscription in advance and records it as deferred revenue. Revenue is recognized ratably over the contract period as the membership subscription services are delivered. Virtual gift service point-in-time For virtual gift service, the Group also provides various combinations of virtual items for users to purchase and grant virtual item coupons with the purchase, similar to its live video service. For the same reasons and with the same methods outlined in the revenue recognition policy for its live video services, the Group recognizes revenue for each of the distinct virtual item and recognizes revenue for the virtual item coupons when the virtual items purchased with the virtual item coupons are consumed. Although virtual item coupons have expiry dates, the Group considers that the impact of breakage for the virtual item coupons is insignificant as historical data shows that virtual item coupons are consumed shortly after they are released to users.
The Group provides advertising and marketing solutions to customers for promotion of their brands and conduction of effective marketing activities through its mobile application. Display-based mobile marketing services For display-based online advertising services, the Group has determined that its mobile marketing services represent one performance obligation. Accordingly, the Group recognizes mobile marketing revenue ratably over the period that the advertising is provided commencing on the date the customer’s advertisement is displayed, or based on the number of times that the advertisement has been displayed for cost per thousand impressions advertising arrangements. F-24 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Revenue recognition - continued
Performance-based mobile marketing services The Group also enables advertising customers to place links on its mobile platform on a pay-for-effectiveness The Group’s mobile marketing revenues are recognized net of agency rebates, if applicable. Agency rebates have not been material for the years ended December 31,
The in-game virtual currencies or virtual items. The Group records revenue generated from mobile games on a gross basis if the Group acts as the principal in the mobile game arrangements under which the Group controls the specified services before they are provided to the customers. The Group determines that it has a single performance obligation to the players who purchased the virtual items to gain an enhanced game-playing experience over the playing period of the paying players. Specially, the Group is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide maintenance services and has discretion in setting the price for virtual currencies or virtual items to the customers. Accordingly, the Group recognizes revenues ratably over the estimated average period of player relationship starting from the point in time when the players purchase the virtual items and once all other revenue recognition criteria are met. For arrangements that the Group has determined that it is not the principal, the Group considers the game developers to be its customers and records revenue on a net basis based on the ratios pre-determined with the online game developers when all the revenue recognition criteria set forth in Topic 606 are met, which is generally when the user consumes virtual currencies issued by the game developers. Specifically, the Group has determined that it has no additional performance obligation to the developers or game players upon completion of the correspondingin-game purchase.
Revenues from other services Practical expedients and exemptions The Group’s contracts have an original duration of one year or less. Accordingly, the Group does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations. Additionally, the Group generally expenses sales commissions when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within selling and marketing expenses. F-25 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Contract balances Contract balances include accounts receivable and deferred revenue. Accounts receivable represent cash due from third-party application stores and other payment channels as well as from advertising customers and are recorded when the right to consideration is unconditional. The charges related to contract assets in the period. Deferred revenue primarily includes cash received from paying users related to the Group’s live video service and value-added service as well as cash received from the Group’s advertising Cost of revenues Cost of revenues consist of expenditures incurred in the generation of the Group’s revenues, including but not limited to revenue sharing with the broadcasters, talent agencies, gift recipients resulting from the Government subsidies The Group records income amounted to RMB255,750, RMB142,061 and RMB63,615 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and Research and development expenses Research and development expenses primarily consist of (i) salaries and benefits for research and development personnel, and (ii) technological service fee, depreciation and office rental expenses associated with the research and development activities. The Group’s research and development activities primarily consist of the research and development of new features for its mobile platform and its self-developed mobile games. The Group has expensed all research and development expenses when incurred. Value added taxes (“VAT”) Entities that are VAT general taxpayers are allowed to offset qualified input VAT paid to suppliers against their output VAT liabilities. Net VAT balance between input VAT and output VAT is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. RMB1,484,651, RMB 1,266,603 and F-26 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Income taxes Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant tax authorities. Deferred income taxes are recognized when temporary differences exist between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Net operating loss carry forwards and credits are applied using enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is realized. Deferred income taxes are recognized on the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries, which are presumed to be transferred to the parent company and are subject to withholding taxes, unless there is sufficient evidence to show that the subsidiary has invested or will invest the undistributed earnings indefinitely or that the earnings will be remitted in a tax-free liquidation. The impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return is recognized at the largest amount that is Foreign currency translation The reporting currency of the Company is the Renminbi (“RMB”). The functional currency of the Company is the US dollar (“US$”). The Company’s operations are principally conducted through the subsidiaries, its VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries located in the PRC where the local currency is the functional currency. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the rates of exchange in place at the balance sheet date. Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency during the year are converted into the functional currency at the applicable rates of exchange prevailing when the transactions occurred. Transaction gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Assets and liabilities of the Group companies are translated from their respective functional currencies to the reporting currency at the exchange rates at the balance sheet dates, equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates and revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the reporting period. The resulting foreign currency translation Translations of amounts from RMB into US$ for the convenience of the reader were calculated at the noon buying rate of US$1.00 = F-27 Hello Group Inc. FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, (in thousands, except
Leases The Group leases administrative office spaces and right-of-use right-of-use For short-term leases, the Group records Advertising expenses Advertising expenses, including advertisements through various forms of media and marketing and promotional activities, are included in “sales and marketing expense” in the consolidated statements of operations and are expensed when incurred. Total advertising expenses incurred were RMB1,960,002, RMB2,255,519 and RMB2,192,512 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income Share-based compensation Share-based payment transactions with employees, executives and paid-in capital.Share-based compensation with cash settlement features specific period, upon F-28 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Share-based compensation - continuedThe estimate of forfeiture rate is adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeiture rate differs, or is expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeiture rate is recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change.Changes in the terms or conditions of share options are accounted as a modification. The Group calculates the excess of the fair value of the modified option over the fair value of the original option immediately before the modification, measured based on the share price and other pertinent factors at the modification date. For vested options, the Group recognizes incremental compensation cost in the period that the modification occurred. For unvested options, the Group recognizes, over the remaining requisite service period, the sum of the incremental compensation cost and the remaining unrecognized compensation cost for the original award on the modification date. Basic Diluted as-if-converted Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Recent accounting pronouncements adopted In 2020-01, Investments—Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), which clarifies that a company should consider observable transactions that require a company to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting under Topic 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures, for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative in accordance with Topic 321 immediately before applying or upon discontinuing the equity method. The yet been issued. The Group adopted 2020-01 on January 1, Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted In 2020-06, Debt — Debt with Conversion and 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in 815-40) (“ASU2020-06”). ASU2020-06 simplifies the accounting for 2020-06 include: a. removing from U.S. GAAP the separation models for (1) convertible debt with a CCF and (2) convertible instruments with a BCF; b. amending diluted EPS calculations for convertible instruments to requireif-converted method, and; c. amending the 2020-06 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-04, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt — Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic470-50), Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives and Hedging — Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic815-40) to clarify and reduce diversity in an issuer’s accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity classified written call options (for example, warrants) that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2021-08), which clarifies that an acquirer of a business should recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination in accordance with Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers The new amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the amendments, with early In November 2021, FASB issued ASU Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following:
Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
The Group performed impairment analysis for equity method investments and equity securities without readily determinable fair values periodically. Impairment respectively. F-32 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
Depreciation expenses charged to the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Intangible assets, net consisted of the following:
Amortization expenses Refer to Note 7 for further details. The estimated aggregate amortization expenses for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:
F-34 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
To assess potential impairment of goodwill, the Group performs an assessment of the carrying value of the reporting units at least on an annual basis or when events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the estimated fair value of the reporting units below its carrying value. The Group performed a goodwill impairment analysis as of December 31, Beginning in mid of 2021, with the departure of Tantan’s founders, management undertook a comprehensive review of Tantan’s strategy and operations, and determined to lower Tantan’s monetization level to improve user experience and retention to drive overall user growth, which resulted in a decline in the revenue and earnings estimates due to an overall reduced future growth expectations. As of December 31, 2021, combined with a decline in Group’s share price which resulted in the market capitalization of the Group being significantly below its book value, the Group has determined that it was more likely than not that goodwill was impaired. Accordingly, the Group determined the fair value of each respective reporting unit using the income-based approach, such that Tantan’s cash flows forecasts mainly factored in the lower than projected business outlook. Key assumptions used to determine the estimated fair value include: (a) internal cash flows forecasts including expected revenue growth, operating margins and estimated capital needs, (b) an estimated terminal value using a terminal year long-term future growth rate of 3% determined based on the growth prospects of the reporting units; and (c) a discount rate of 20% that reflects the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with the Momo and Tantan reporting units’ operations and the uncertainty inherent in the Group’s internally developed forecasts. a
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:
In July 2018, the Company issued RMB4,985 million (US$725 million) of convertible senior notes (the “Notes”) which will mature on July 1, 2025. The Notes will be convertible into the Company’s American depositary shares (“ADSs”), at the option of the holders, based on an initial conversion rate of 15.4776 of the Company’s ADSs per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately US$64.61 per ADS and represents an approximately 42.5% conversion premium over the closing trading price of the Company’s ADSs on June 26, 2018, which was US$45.34 per ADS). The conversion rate for the Notes is subject to adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events. During the year ended December 31, 61.37 per ADS) due to the cash dividend paid in April 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the conversion rate was adjusted to 16.9816 of the Company’s ADSs per US$1,000 principal amount of Notes (which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately US$58.89 per ADS) due to the cash dividend paid in April 2021. The holders of the Notes may convert their notes, in integral multiples of US$1,000 principal amount, at any time prior to the day immediately preceding the maturity date. The Company will not have the right to redeem the Notes prior to maturity, except in the F-35 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
event of certain changes to the tax laws or their application or interpretation. The holders of the Notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or part of their Notes in cash on July 1, 2023, or in the event of certain fundamental changes. As of December 31, 2020 and The Notes bear interest at a rate of 1.25% per year and will be payable semiannually. As of December 31, years ended December 31, years ended December 31, The conversion option meets the definition of a derivative. However, since the conversion option is considered indexed to the Company’s own stock and classified in stockholders’ equity, the scope exception is met and accordingly the bifurcation of the conversion option from the Notes is not required. There is no beneficial conversion feature attributable to the Notes as the set conversion prices for the Notes are greater than the respective fair values of the ordinary share price at date of issuance. Additionally, the feature of mandatory redemption upon maturity is clearly and closely related to the debt host and does not need to be bifurcated. Based on above, the Company accounted for the Notes in accordance with ASC 470 “Debt”, as a single instrument under long-term debt. Issuance costs related to the Notes is recorded in consolidated balance sheet as a direct deduction from the principal amount of the Notes.
Operating leases The Group’s leases consist of operating leases for administrative office spaces and IDC facilities in different cities in the PRC. For leases with terms greater than 12 months, the Company records the related asset and lease liability at the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company elected the practical expedient not to separate lease and non-lease components of contracts, except for bandwidth service included in IDC facilities lease contracts. As of December 31, Total operating lease expense was RMB154,368 and RMB190,561, including RMB20,418 and RMB11,270 short-term lease expense for the years ended December 31,
F-36 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data) Operating leases - continuedAs of December 31,
Payments under operating leases are expensed on a straight-line basis over the periods of their respective leases. The terms of the leases do not contain rent escalation or contingent rents.
Measured The Group measures its financial assets and liabilities including cash and cash equivalents and fair value option investment at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, As of December 31,
Disclosed on a recurring basis The fair value of the Notes was determined based on inputs that are observable in the market or that could be derived from, or corroborated with, observable market data, including the trading price of the Company’s convertible notes, when available, the Company’s stock price and interest rates based on similar debt issued by parties with credit ratings similar to the Company (Level 2). As of December 31, was RMB13,235,006 and RMB10,336,316, respectively, and the interest rates were determined based on the prevailing interest rates in the market (Level 2). F-37 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Measured on nonrecurring basis The Group measures its equity method investments at fair value on a nonrecurring basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. For equity securities without readily determinable fair value for which the Group elected to use the measurement alternative, Such impairments are considered level 3 fair value measurements because the Group used unobservable inputs such as the management projection of discounted future cash flow and the discount rate. The Group’s goodwill and intangible assets are primarily acquired through business acquisitions. The group measures its goodwill and intangible assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. Acquired intangible assets are measured using the income approach — discounted cash flow method when events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may no longer be recoverable. For goodwill impairment testing, refer to Note
Cayman In July 2014, the Company was redomiciled in the Cayman Islands as an exempted company registered under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, it is not subject to tax on either income or capital gain. BVI Momo BVI is a tax-exempted company incorporated in the BVI.Hong Kong The Company’s subsidiaries domiciled in Hong Kong are subject to a two-tiered income tax rate for taxable income earned in Hong Kong effective since April 1, 2018. The first 2 million Hong Kong dollars of profits earned by the company are subject to be taxed at an income tax rate of 8.25%, while the remaining profits will continue to be taxed at the existing tax rate of 16.5%.In addition, to avoid abuse of the two-tiered tax regime, each group of connected entities can nominate only one Hong Kong entity to benefit from thetwo-tiered tax rate. Momo HK received special dividend of RMB2,200 million and RMB1,300 million during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Withholding taxes of RMB220 million and RMB130 million in connection with these dividends were fully paid during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021.Singapore The Company’s subsidiary domiciled in Singapore is subject to a tax rate of 17% on its taxable income. F-38 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
PRC In August 2014, Beijing Momo IT was qualified as a software enterprise. As such, Beijing Momo IT will be exempt from income taxes for two years beginning in its first profitable year which was from 2015 to 2016 followed by a tax rate of 12.5% for the succeeding three years which is from 2017 to 2019. Beijing Momo IT was qualified “High and New Technology Enterprises” (“HNTEs”) and was accordingly entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15% from 2020 to 202 2 .Beijing Momo IT applied for Key Software Enterprise (“KSE”) status for fiscal year 2019 and was approved in 2020, which entitled Beijing Momo IT at the preferential tax rate of 10% for 2019. Accordingly, in 2020 Beijing Momo IT recorded the preferential tax rate adjustment from 12.5% to 10% for income tax expense of the fiscal year of 2019. According to No. 23 announcement of the State Administration of Taxation of PRC in April 2018, Chengdu Momo Technology Co., Ltd (“Chengdu Momo”) is no longer required to submit the preferential tax rate application to the tax authority , but is only required to keep the relevant materials for future tax inspection instead. Based on the historical experience, the Group believes Chengdu Momo will most likely to qualify as western China development enterprise and accordingly be entitled to a preferential income tax rate of 15% for the year ended December 31, 1 because Chengdu Momo’s business nature has no significant changes. As a result, the Group applied 15% to determine the tax liabilities for Chengdu Momo. In July 2019, Tantan Technology qualified as HNTE. As such, Tantan Technology enjoyed a preferential tax rate of 15% from 2019 to 2021. Tantan Technology applied for Software Enterprise (“SE”) status for fiscal year 2020 and was approved in 2021, which entitled Tantan Technology to enjoy an income tax exemption in 2020. Accordingly, in 2021 Tantan Technology recorded the preferential tax rate adjustment from 15% to 0 % for income tax expense of the fiscal year of 2020. The other entities incorporated in the PRC are subject to an enterprise income tax at a rate of 25%. Under the Enterprise Income Tax Law (the “EIT Law”) and its implementation rules which became effective on January 1, 2008, dividends generated after January 1, 2008 and payable by foreign-invested enterprise in the PRC to its foreign investors who are non-resident enterprises are subject to a 10% withholding tax, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty withthe PRC that provides for a different withholding arrangement. Under the taxation arrangement between the PRC and Hong Kong, a qualified Hong Kong tax resident which satisfies the criteria of “beneficial owner” and directly holds 25% or more of the equity interest in a PRC resident enterprise is entitled to a reduced withholding tax rate of 5% for dividends generated in the PRC. Cayman, where the Company is incorporated, does not have a tax treaty with PRC.Uncertainties exist with respect to how the current income tax law in the PRC applies to the Group’s overall operations, and more specifically, with regard to tax residency status. The EIT Law includes a provision specifying that legal entities organized outside of the PRC will be considered residents for Chinese income tax purposes if the place of effective management or control is within the PRC. The implementation rules to the EIT Law provide that non-resident legal entities will be considered China residents if substantial and overall management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel, accounting, properties, etc., occurs within the PRC. Despite the present uncertainties resulting from the limited PRC tax guidance on the issue, the Group does not believe that the legal entities organized outside of the PRC within the Group should be treated as residents for EIT law purposes. If the PRC tax authorities subsequently determine that the Company and its subsidiaries registered outside the PRC should be deemed resident enterprises, the Company and its subsidiaries registered outside the PRC will be subject to the PRC income taxes, at a rate of 25%.F-39 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
PRC - continuedIf any entity within the Group that is outside the PRC were to be a non-resident for PRC tax purposes,Group has accrued additional withholding tax of RMB207 million on retained earnings generated in 2021 by Beijing Momo IT, because Beijing Momo IT’s earnings is planning to be remit to its offshore parent company in the foreseeable future to fund its demand on US dollar in business operations, payments of dividends, potential investments, etc. Aggregate undistributed earnings of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries and the VIEs 0 deferred tax liability was recorded for taxable temporary differences attributable to the undistributed earnings because the Company believes the undistributed earnings can be distributed in a manner that would not be subject to income tax. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.Significant components of the Group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
The Group considers the following factors, among other matters, when determining whether some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will more likely than not be realized: the nature, frequency and severity of losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carry-forward periods, the Group’s experience with tax attributes expiring unused and tax planning alternatives. The Group’s ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on its ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carry-forward periods provided for in the tax law. As of December 31, net operating loss carry-forward for the Company’s subsidiaries domiciled in the PRC, VIEs, and VIEs’ subsidiaries amounted to net operating loss in the PRC can be carried forward for five years to offset future taxable profit, and the period was extended to 10 years for entities qualified as HNTE in 2018 and thereafter.As of December 31, net operating loss carryforward for the Company’s subsidiaries domiciled in Hong Kong amounted to F-40 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
PRC - continuedAs of December 31, net operating loss carryforward for the Company’s subsidiaries domiciled in Singapore amounted to can be carried forward indefinitely and set off against its future taxable profits.The Group does not file combined or consolidated tax returns, therefore, losses from individual subsidiaries or the VIEs may not be used to offset other subsidiaries’ or VIEs’ earnings within the Group. Valuation allowance is considered on each individual subsidiary and legal entity basis. Valuation allowances have been established in respect of certain deferred tax assets as it is considered more likely than not that the relevant deferred tax assets will not be realized in the foreseeable future. Reconciliation between income tax expense computed by applying the PRC EIT rate of 25% to income before income taxes and the actual provision for income tax is as follows:
If Beijing Momo IT, Chengdu Momo and Tantan Technology did not enjoy income tax exemptions and preferential tax rates for the years ended December 31,
NaN significant unrecognized tax benefit were identified for the years ended December 31, material interest and penalties related to potential underpaid income tax expenses and also believed that uncertainty in income taxes did 0t have a significant impact on the unrecognized tax benefits within next twelve months.Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
In For the years ended December31,
On March 12, 2019, the Company declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.62 per ADS, or US$0.31 per ordinary share. US$128,607 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 5, 2019. The(RMB877,346) cash dividend was paid inex-dividend date was April 4, 2019. The cash dividend was recorded as a reduction of retained earnings.On March 19, 2020, the Company declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.76 per ADS, or US$0.38 per ordinary share. US$158,649 (RMB1,123,983) cash dividend was paid in April 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 8, 2020. Theex-dividend date was April 7, 2020. The cash dividend was recorded as a reduction of retained earnings.On March 25, 2021, the Company declared a special cash dividend in the amount of US$0.64 per ADS, or US$0.32 per ordinary share. US$132,032 (RMB852,743) cash dividend was paid in April 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 13, 2021. Theex-dividend date was April 12, 2021. The cash dividend was recorded as a reduction of retained earnings.
Share options granted by the Company In November 2012, the Company adopted a share incentive plan (“2012 Plan”), which was amended in October 2013. The maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards under the 2012 Plan is 44,758,220 ordinary shares. In November, 2014, the Company adopted the 2014 share incentive plan (“2014 Plan”), pursuant to which a maximum aggregate of 14,031,194 Class A ordinary shares may be issued pursuant to all awards granted thereunder. Starting from 2017, the number of shares reserved for future issuances under the 2014 Plan will be increased by a number equal to 1.5% of the total number of outstanding shares on the last day of the immediately preceding calendar year, or such lesser number of Class A ordinary shares as determined by the Company’s board of directors, on the first day of each calendar year during the term of the 2014 Plan. With the adoption of the 2014 Plan, the Company will 0 longer grant any incentive shares under the 2012 Plan. The time and condition to exercise options will be determined by the Board or a committee of the Board. The term of the options may not exceed ten years from the date of the grant, except for the situation of amendment, modification and termination. Under the 2014 Plan, share options are subject to vesting schedules ranging from two to four years. Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Share options granted by the Company continued The following table summarizes the option activity for the year ended December 31,
There were The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the share options granted during the years The The fair value of options granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Sholes pricing model
Risk-free interest rate was estimated based on the daily treasury long term rate of U.S. Department of the Treasury with a maturity period close to the expected term of the options, plus the country default spread of China.
The expected term of the options represents the period of time between the grant date and the time the options are either exercised or forfeited, including an estimate of future forfeitures for outstanding options. F-43 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Share options granted by the Company
The volatility of the underlying ordinary shares during the life of the options was estimated based on the historical stock price volatility of comparable listed companies over a period comparable to the expected term of the options.
The dividend yield was estimated by the Group based on its expected dividend policy over the expected term of the options.
The exercise price of the options was determined by the Group’s board of directors.
The fair value of the ordinary shares is determined as the closing sales price of the ordinary shares as quoted on the principal exchange or system. For employee, non-employee share options, the Group recorded share-based compensation of As of December 31, Restricted share units (“RSUs”) granted by the Company On April 15, 2019, April 15, 2020 and April 15, Company grantedThe Company will forfeit the unvested portion of the RSUs if the grantees terminate their service during the vesting period. The Group recorded share-based compensation of As of December 31, Restricted shares granted by QOOL Inc. On December 12, 2018, QOOL Inc.’s minority interest shareholder entered into an arrangement with QOOL Inc. whereby 9,000,000 ordinary shares of QOOL Inc. owned by the minority interest shareholder became subject to service and transfer restrictions. Such restricted shares are subject to repurchase by QOOL Inc. upon early termination of two years of the employment or consulting service provided by the founder of the minority interest shareholder at a nominal price. F-44 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Restricted shares granted by QOOL Inc. The Group recorded share-based compensation of and RMB10,227 forthe restricted shares for the years ended December 31, Share options granted by Tantan In March 2015, Tantan adopted the 2015 share incentive plan (“2015 Plan”), pursuant to which a maximum aggregate of 1,000,000 shares may be issued pursuant to awards may be authorized, but unissued ordinary shares. The Board of Directors of Tantan may in its discretion make adjustments to the numbers of shares. In April 2016 and March 2017, the Board of Directors of Tantan approved to adjust the numbers of shares to a maximum aggregate of 2,000,000 and 2,793,812, respectively.In July 2018, Tantan adopted the 2018 share incentive plan (“2018 Plan”), pursuant to which the maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued shall initially be 5,963,674 ordinary shares, plus that number of ordinary shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 Plan, in an amount equal to (i) the number of ordinary shares that were not granted pursuant to the 2015 Plan, plus (ii) the number of ordinary shares that were granted pursuant to the 2015 Plan that have expired without having been exercised in full or have otherwise become unexercisable. The time and condition to exercise options will be determined by Tantan’s Board. The term of the options may not exceed ten years from the date of the grant, except for the situation of amendment, modification and termination. Tantan split its shares 1-for-5 Options classified as equity awards The following table summarizes the option activity for the year ended December 31,
F-45 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Share options granted by Tantan Options classified as equity awards - continuedDuring the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, the Company voluntarily repurchased for employees’ vested options upon the termination of their employment with total consideration of RMB54,367 and RMB119,141, respectively. Those options were subsequently cancelled. Cash payments amounting to RMB26,276 and RMB62,276 were made during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. The Group recorded the consideration directly to equity, to the extent that the amount does not exceed the fair value of the vested option repurchased at the repurchase date. The Group recorded any excess of the repurchase price over the fair value of the vested options repurchased as additional compensation cost. There were NaN as of December 31, The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the share options granted during the years ended December 31, 2021 was US$ and US$ The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of grant using the binomial tree pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants during the applicable periods:
Risk-free interest rate was estimated based on the daily treasury long term rate of U.S. Department of the Treasury with a maturity period close to the expected term of the options, plus the country default spread of China.
Tantan used the original contractual term.
The volatility of the underlying ordinary shares during the life of the options was estimated based on the historical stock price volatility of comparable listed companies over a period comparable to the expected term of the options.
The dividend yield was estimated by Tantan based on its expected dividend policy over the expected term of the options.
The exercise price of the options was determined by the Board of Directors of Tantan. F-46 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Share options granted by Tantan Options classified as equity awards - continued
The estimated fair value of the ordinary shares underlying the options as of the respective grant dates was determined based on a retrospective valuation before Tantan was acquired and on a contemporaneous valuation after Tantan was acquired, which used management’s best estimate for projected cash flows as of each valuation date. For share options classified as equity awards, Tantan recorded share-based compensation of RMB99,635, RMB77,807 and As of December 31, Options classified as liability awards In August 2018, Tantan granted 17,891,025 share options to its founders under the 2018 Plan. The founders have the right to request Tantan to redeem for cash the vested options upon the termination of the founders’ employment at a Accordingly, the awards are re-measured at each reporting date with a corresponding charge to share-based compensation expense and are amortized over the estimated vesting period. The share options also include a performance condition in which the founders have the right to receive fully vested options immediately upon achieving certain performance conditions.During the year ended December 31, 2019, all outstanding options granted to Tantan’s founders were vested as the necessary performance conditions were probable to be satisfied. Thereafter, the awards are re-measured at fair value at each reporting date with a corresponding charge to share-based compensation expense.In May 2021, the founders resigned from Tantan and exercised the right to have Tantan repurchased for cash the vested options at the pre-agreed fixed equity value of Those options were subsequently cancelled. The difference between the repurchase price and the fair value of the awards as of settlement date was recorded as an adjustment of share-based compensation during the year ended December 31, 2021. Cash payments amounting were made to the founders during the year ended December 31, 2021, and the remaining US$12,000 is in an escrow account payable upon certain conditions are met. The fair value of each option granted was estimated using the binomial tree pricing model with the following assumptions used during the applicable periods:
F-47 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Share options granted by Tantan Options classified as liability awards - continued
Risk-free interest rate was estimated based on the daily treasury long term rate of U.S. Department of the Treasury with a maturity period close to the expected term of the options, plus the country default spread of China.
Tantan used the original contractual term.
The volatility of the underlying ordinary shares during the life of the options was estimated based on the historical stock price volatility of comparable listed companies over a period comparable to the expected term of the options.
The dividend yield was estimated by Tantan based on its expected dividend policy over the expected term of the options.
The exercise price of the options was determined by the Board of Directors of Tantan.
The estimated fair value of the ordinary shares underlying the options as of each period-end date was determined based on acontemporaneous valuation, which used management’s best estimate for projected cash flows as of each valuation date. For share options classified as liability awards, Tantan recorded share-based compensation of , RMB12,485and including the impact of the accelerate vesting and the subsequent adjustment of the fair value at each reporting
Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
The calculation of net income (loss) per share is as follows:
The following table summarizes potential ordinary shares outstanding excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per ordinary share for the years ended December 31,
For the year ended December 31, F-49 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
Contingencies The Group is subject to legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. The Group does not believe that any currently pending legal or administrative proceeding to which the Group is a party will have a material effect on its business or financial condition.
F-50 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
The Group’s chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) who reviews financial information of operating segments based on US GAAP amounts when making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group. During the 2021, it operated in 3operating segments namely Momo,and QOOL. mainly include value-added services and live video services provided onF-51 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
The Group primarily operates in the PRC and substantially all of the Group’s long-lived assets are located in the PRC. The Group’s chief operating decision maker evaluates performance based on each reporting segment’s net revenue, operating cost and expenses, operating income and net income. Net revenues, operating cost and expenses, operating income, and net income by segment for the years ended December 31,
Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, (in thousands, except share data)
The impairment loss was presented as an unallocated item in the segment information because the CE does not consider this as part of the segment operating performance measure.O
Full time employees of the Group in the PRC participate in a government-mandated defined contribution plan pursuant to which certain pension benefits, medical care, unemployment insurance, employee housing fund and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. The Group accrues for these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees’ salaries. The total provisions for such employee benefits were
In accordance with the Regulations on Enterprises with Foreign Investment of China and their articles of association, the Group’s subsidiaries and VIEs located in the PRC, being foreign invested enterprises established in the PRC, are required to provide for certain statutory reserves. These statutory reserve funds include one or more of the following: (i) a general reserve, (ii) an enterprise expansion fund or discretionary reserve fund, and (iii) a staff bonus and welfare fund. Subject to certain cumulative limits, the general reserve fund requires a minimum annual appropriation of 10% of after-tax profit (as determined under accounting principles generally accepted in China at eachyear-end); the other fund appropriations are at the subsidiaries’ or the affiliated PRC entities’ discretion. These statutory reserve funds can only be used for specific purposes of enterprise expansion, staff bonus and welfare, and are not distributable as cash dividends except in the event of liquidation of our subsidiaries, our affiliated PRC entities and their respective subsidiaries. The Group’s subsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries are required to allocate at least 10% of their after tax profits to the general reserve until such reserve has reached 50% of their respective registered capital.F-53 Hello Group Inc. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2020 AND 2021 (in thousands, except share data)
Appropriations to the enterprise expansion reserve and the staff welfare and bonus reserve are to be made at the discretion of the board of directors of each of the Group’s subsidiaries. The appropriations to these reserves by the Group’s PRC subsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries were Relevant PRC laws and regulations restrict the WFOEs, VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries from transferring a portion of their net assets, equivalent to the balance of their statutory reserves and their paid in capital, to the Company in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends. The WFOEs’ accumulated profits may be distributed as dividends to the Company without the consent of a third party. The VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries’ revenues and accumulated profits may be transferred to the Company through contractual arrangements without the consent of a third party. Under applicable PRC law, loans from PRC companies to their offshore affiliated entities require governmental approval, and advances by PRC companies to their offshore affiliated entities must be supported by bona fide business transactions. The capital and statutory reserves restricted which represented the amount of net assets of the Group’s PRC subsidiaries, VIEs and VIEs’ subsidiaries in the Group not available for distribution were
Special cash dividend On March ex-dividend date was April Restriction of cash balances in bank In million was restricted for withdrawal by a local government authority in the PRC. The restricted amount is suspected to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||