TAL Education Group Announces Unaudited Financial Results for the Second Fiscal Quarter Ended August 31, 2020

BEIJING, Oct. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- TAL Education Group (NYSE: TAL) ("TAL" or the "Company"), a leading K-12 after-school tutoring services provider in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021 ended August 31, 2020.

Highlights for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021

• Net revenues increased by 20.8% year-over-year to US$1,103.3 million from US$913.2 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Loss from operations was US$49.1 million, compared to income from operations of US$60.8 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Non-GAAP loss from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$11.8 million, compared to non-GAAP income from operations of US$89.7 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Net income attributable to TAL was US$15.0 million, compared to net loss attributable to TAL of US$23.5 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$52.3 million, compared to non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL of US$5.3 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Basic and diluted net income per American Depositary Share ("ADS") were both US$0.02. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, were US$0.09 and US$0.08, respectively. Three ADSs represent one Class A common share.
• Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled US$2,786.9 million as of August 31, 2020, compared to US$2,219.3 million as of February 29, 2020.
• Total student enrollments of normal priced long-term course increased by 65.0% year-over-year to approximately 5,632,210 from approximately 3,413,120 in the same period of the prior year.

Highlights for the Six Months Ended August 31, 2020

• Net revenues increased by 26.9% year-over-year to US$2,013.9 million from US$1,586.6 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Loss from operations was US$13.6 million, compared to income from operations of US$109.3 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Non-GAAP income from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, decreased by 65.3% to US$56.9 million from US$164.2 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Net income attributable to TAL was US$96.6 million, compared to net loss attributable to TAL of US$39.7 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$167.2 million, compared to non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL of US$15.3 million in the same period of the prior year.
• Basic and diluted net income per ADS were US$0.16 and US$0.15, respectively. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS, excluding share-based compensation expenses, were US$0.28 and US$0.27, respectively.
• Average student enrollments of normal priced long-term course per quarter during fiscal year 2021 increased by 67.4% year-over-year to approximately 4,294,300 from approximately 2,565,660 in the same period of fiscal year 2020.
• Total physical network increased from 871 learning centers in 70 cities as of February 29, 2020 to 936 learning centers in 91 cities as of August 31, 2020.

Financial and Operating Data——Second Quarter and First Six Months of Fiscal Year 2021
(In US$ thousands, except per ADS data, student enrollments and percentages)

"TAL's financial results of the second fiscal quarter reflected a combination of the continued strong growth momentum of our online courses and the lingering pressure on our offline business in this period. Although the second fiscal quarter was marked by the extended impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, we are encouraged to see that the public health situation and general economy began to improve in China, and offline teaching and tutoring gradually resumed during the summer months," said Rong Luo, TAL's chief financial officer.

"We will strictly adhere to all relevant government policies and regulations regarding national public health and remain fully committed to the protection of our students and employees. We will continue to be well prepared to flexibly serve our students and parents with diversified educational support. Despite the short-term challenges, we stay the course in our online and offline strategy and further development of our quality products, service and technology to satisfy the ever-changing customer demand and to pursue long-term success of our business," Mr. Luo continued.

Financial Results for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021

Net Revenues

In the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, TAL reported net revenues of US$1,103.3 million, representing a 20.8% increase from US$913.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. The increase was mainly driven by an increase in total student enrollments of normal priced long-term course, which increased by 65.0% to approximately 5,632,210 from approximately 3,413,120 in the same period of the prior year. The increase in total student enrollments of normal priced long-term course was primarily driven by the growth of enrollments in the small class offerings and online courses.

Operating Costs and Expenses

In the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, operating costs and expenses were US$1,155.6 million, representing a 34.7% increase from US$857.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. Non-GAAP operating costs and expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, were US$1,118.3 million, representing a 34.9% increase from US$829.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Cost of revenues increased by 29.1% to US$522.0 million from US$404.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. The increase in cost of revenues was mainly due to an increase in teacher compensation, rental costs and learning materials. Non-GAAP cost of revenues, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 29.0% to US$521.5 million, from US$404.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Selling and marketing expenses increased by 44.3% to US$379.8 million from US$263.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 43.0% to US$370.3 million, from US$258.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. The increase of selling and marketing expenses in the second quarter of fiscal year 2021 was primarily a result of more marketing promotion activities to expand our customer base and brand enhancement, as well as a rise in the compensation to sales and marketing staff to support a greater number of programs and service offerings compared to the same period in the prior year.

General and administrative expenses increased by 33.5% to US$253.8 million from US$190.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. The increase in general and administrative expenses was mainly due to an increase of the number of our general and administrative personnel compared to the same period in the prior year and a rise in compensation to our general and administrative personnel. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 36.5% to US$226.4 million, from US$165.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Total share-based compensation expenses allocated to the related operating costs and expenses increased by 29.3% to US$37.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2021 from US$28.9 million in the same period of fiscal year 2020.

Gross Profit                                                                                                                                 

Gross profit increased by 14.3% to US$581.2 million from US$508.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Income/(loss) from Operations

Loss from operations was US$49.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, compared to income from operations of US$60.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. Non-GAAP loss from operations was US$11.8 million, compared to Non-GAAP income from operations of US$89.7 million in the same period of the prior year.

Other (expense)/Income

Other income was US$45.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, was primarily due to the value-added tax and social security expense exemption offered by the government during the COVID-19 outbreak. Other expense was US$55.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020, mainly related to loss from the fair value change of an equity security with readily determinable fair value.

Impairment Loss on Long-term Investments

Impairment loss on long-term investments was US$4.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, compared to US$54.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. Impairment loss on long-term investments was mainly due to declines in the value of long-term investments in several investees.

Income Tax Benefit/(expense)

Income tax expense was US$2.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, compared to US$8.1 million of income tax benefit in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Net (loss)/Income Attributable to TAL Education Group

Net income attributable to TAL was US$15.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, compared to net loss attributable to TAL of US$23.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. Non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, was US$52.3 million, compared to Non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL of US$5.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020.

Basic and Diluted Net Income per ADS

Basic and diluted net income per ADS were both US$0.02, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2021. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, were US$0.09 and US$0.08, respectively, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2021.

Cash Flow 

Net cash flow used in operating activities for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021 was US$56.3 million. Capital expenditures for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021 were US$67.8 million, compared to US$43.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. The increase was mainly due to the purchase of fixed assets and leasehold improvement.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-Term Investments

As of August 31, 2020, the Company had US$2,206.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and US$580.8 million of short-term investments, compared to US$1,873.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and US$345.4 million of short-term investments as of February 29, 2020.

Deferred Revenue

The Company's deferred revenue balance was US$1,172.5 million, compared to US$497.6 million as of August 31, 2019, representing a year-over-year increase of 135.6%, which was mainly contributed by the tuition collected in advance of part of the fall semester of Xueersi Peiyou small classes and online courses through www.xueersi.com.

Financial Results for the First Six Months of Fiscal Year 2021

Net Revenues

For the first six months of fiscal year 2021, TAL reported net revenues of US$2,013.9 million, representing a 26.9% increase from US$1,586.6 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020. The increase was mainly driven by the growth in average student enrollments, which increased by 67.4% to approximately 4,294,300 from approximately 2,565,660 in the same period of the prior year. The increase in average student enrollments was driven primarily by the growth of enrollments in the small class offerings and online courses.

Operating Costs and Expenses

In the first six months of fiscal year 2021, operating costs and expenses were US$2,035.6 million, a 37.1% increase from US$1,485.2 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020. Non-GAAP operating costs and expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, were US$1,965.0 million, a 37.4% increase from US$1,430.2 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020.

Cost of revenues grew by 35.8% to US$951.6 million from US$700.9 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020. The increase in cost of revenues was mainly due to an increase in teacher compensation, rental costs and learning materials. Non-GAAP cost of revenues, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 35.8% to US$950.8 million from US$700.3 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020.

Selling and marketing expenses increased by 43.0% to US$598.9 million from US$418.7 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020. Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 41.8% to US$581.5 million from US$410.2 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020. The increase of selling and marketing expenses in the first six months of fiscal year 2021 was primarily a result of more marketing promotion activities to expand our customer base and brand enhancement, as well as a rise in the compensation to sales and marketing staff to support a greater number of programs and service offerings compared to the same period in the prior year.

General and administrative expenses increased by 32.6% to US$484.9 million from US$365.6 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020. The increase in general and administrative expenses was mainly due to an increase of the number of our general and administrative personnel compared to the same period in the prior year and a rise in compensation to our general and administrative personnel. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 35.3% to US$432.4 million from US$319.7 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020.

Total share-based compensation expenses allocated to the related operating costs and expenses increased by 28.5% to US$70.6 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2021 from US$54.9 million in the same period of fiscal year 2020.

Gross Profit

Gross profit grew by 19.9% to US$1,062.4 million from US$885.7 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020.

Income/(loss) from Operations

Loss from operations was US$13.6 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2021, compared to income from operations of US$109.3 million in the same period of the prior year. Non-GAAP income from operations, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, decreased by 65.3% to US$56.9 million from US$164.2 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020.

Other (expense)/Income

Other income was US$87.4 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2021, was primarily due to the value-added tax and social security expense exemption offered by the government during the COVID-19 outbreak. Other expense was US$86.9 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2020, mainly related to loss from the fair value change of an equity security with readily determinable fair value.

Impairment Loss on Long-term Investments

Impairment loss on long-term investments was US$6.9 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2021, compared to US$104.8 million for the first six months of fiscal year 2020. Impairment loss on long-term investments was mainly due to declines in the value of long-term investments in several investees.

Income Tax Benefit/(expense)

Income tax expense was US$24.4 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2021, compared to US$10.9 million of income tax benefit in the first six months of fiscal year 2020.

Net (loss)/Income Attributable to TAL Education Group

Net income attributable to TAL was US$96.6 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2021, compared to net loss attributable to TAL of US$39.7 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020. Non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, increased by 995.8% to US$167.2 million from US$15.3 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020.

Basic and Diluted Net Income per ADS

Basic and diluted net income per ADS were US$0.16 and US$0.15, respectively, in the first six months of fiscal year 2021. Non-GAAP basic and Non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS, which excluded share-based compensation expenses, were US$0.28 and US$0.27, respectively.

Cash Flow 

Net cash flow provided by operating activities for the first six months of fiscal year 2021 was US$736.6 million. Capital expenditures for the first six months of fiscal year 2021 were US$121.0 million, compared to US$85.1 million in the first six months of fiscal year 2020. The increase was mainly due to the purchase of fixed assets and leasehold improvement.

Business Outlook

Based on our current estimates, total net revenues for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021 are expected to be between US$1,061.1 million and US$1,094.3 million, representing an increase of 28% to 32% on a year-over-year basis.

These estimates reflect the Company's current expectation, which is subject to change.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and live webcast to discuss its financial results for the second fiscal quarter of fiscal year 2021 ended August 31, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on October 22, 2020 (8:00 p.m. Beijing time on October 22, 2020).

Please note that you will need to pre-register for conference call participation, using the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be sent participant dial-in numbers, Direct Event passcode and unique registrant ID by email.

Conference call registration link: http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/7287105. It will automatically direct you to the registration page of "TAL Education Group Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021 Earnings Conference Call", where you may fill in your details for RSVP. When you are requested to submit a participant conference ID, please enter the number "7287105".

In the 10 minutes prior to the call start time, you may use the conference access information (including dial-in number(s), Direct Event passcode and unique registrant ID) provided in the confirmation email that you have received following your pre-registration.

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of TAL's website at https://ir.100tal.com/.

A telephone replay of the conference call will be available through 8:59 a.m. on October 30, 2020, U.S. Eastern time (8:59 p.m. Beijing time on October 30, 2020).

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the outlook for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, quotations from management in this announcement, as well as TAL Education Group's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's ability to continue to attract students to enroll in its courses; the Company's ability to continue to recruit, train and retain qualified teachers; the Company's ability to improve the content of its existing course offerings and to develop new courses; the Company's ability to maintain and enhance its brand; the Company's ability to maintain and continue to improve its teaching results; and the Company's ability to compete effectively against its competitors. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's reports filed with, or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and TAL Education Group undertakes no duty to update such information or any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

About TAL Education Group

TAL Education Group is a leading K-12 after-school tutoring services provider in China. The acronym "TAL" stands for "Tomorrow Advancing Life", which reflects our vision to promote top learning opportunities for Chinese students through both high-quality teaching and content, as well as leading edge application of technology in the education experience. TAL Education Group offers comprehensive tutoring services to students from pre-school to the twelfth grade through three flexible class formats: small classes, personalized premium services, and online courses. Our tutoring services cover the core academic subjects in China's school curriculum as well as competence oriented programs. The Company's learning center network currently covers 91 cities.

We also operate www.jzb.com, a leading online education platform in China. Our ADSs trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TAL".

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In evaluating its business, TAL considers and uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC as supplemental metrics to review and assess its operating performance: non-GAAP operating costs and expenses, non-GAAP cost of revenues, non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP net income attributable to TAL, non-GAAP basic and non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS. To present each of these non-GAAP measures, the Company excludes share-based compensation expenses. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this release.

TAL believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding share-based expenses that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash perspective. TAL believes that both management and investors benefit from these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to TAL's historical performance and liquidity. TAL computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter and from period to period. TAL believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. A limitation of using non-GAAP measures is that these non-GAAP measures exclude share-based compensation charges that have been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in the Company's business. Management compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying tables have more details on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures.

For further information, please contact:

Echo Yan
Investor Relations
TAL Education Group
Tel: +86 10 5292 6658
Email: ir@tal.com

Caroline Straathof
IR Inside
Tel: +31 6 5462 4301
Email: info@irinside.com

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