RISE Education Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Unaudited Financial Results

BEIJING,March 17,2021 -- RISE Education Cayman Ltd ("RISE"or the "Company") (NASDAQ: REDU),a leading junior English Language Training ("ELT") provider in China,today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31,2020.

Impact of COVID-19

The outbreak of COVID-19in lateJanuary 2020 had a significant and material adverse impact on the Company's operations through the full year of 2020. In accordance with government regulations to contain the pandemic,RISE's learning centers were temporarily closed for a majority of the time during the period starting January 19,2020 until September 2020. As coronavirus containment measures proved effective in China and local restrictions were eased in the third quarter,almost all the Company's learning centers resumed normal operation in the fourth quarter. Through the year,the outbreak and resurgence of COVID-19 has adversely impacted the Company's ability to collect tuition fees and recognize revenue not only from renewed students due to the deferred academic schedules,but also from newly enrolled students acquired through its physical network of learning centers. In response to this challenging new environment,the Company proactively implemented measures throughoutthe yearto stabilize its business by controlling costs and adjusting capital expenditure and to enhance liquidity capabilities to preserve cash. At the same time,the Company continued to upgrade and transform Rise+,a proprietary learning management system with easy online access,into a nation-wide open and interactive technology platform for learning,teaching and training. The Company successfully delivered its first online small group class through its Rise+ platform in March 2020,which has demonstratedthe Company's digital capabilities and built a solid infrastructure for the transformation of its business into an Online-Merge-Offline ("OMO") model. Although there are still ongoing uncertainties from the impact of COVID-19,the Company is well prepared to mitigate risks and manage operational flexibility by leveraging on its recent experience.

Fourth Quarter of 2020 Financial and Operational Summary

Total revenues were RMB364.5 million (US$55.9 million) for the fourth quarter of 2020,compared with RMB320.0 million for the preceding quarter and RMB416.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.

Net income attributable to RISE[1] was RMB1.4 million (US$0.2 million) for the fourth quarter of 2020,compared with RMB28.0 million for the preceding quarter and RMB51.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.

Non-GAAP net income attributable to RISE was RMB55.4 million (US$8.5 million) for the fourth quarter of 2020,compared with RMB35.7 million for the preceding quarter and RMB66.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.

Adjusted EBITDA[2] income was RMB85.3 million (US$13.1 million) for the fourth quarter of 2020,compared with RMB57.8 million for the preceding quarter and RMB91.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.

Students in class[3] for Rise regular courses (including Rise Start and Rise On programs) were 47,724 as of December 31,2020,a decrease of 2,738 from 50,462 as of September 30,2020 and a decrease of 6,659 from 54,383 as of December 31,2019.

New students enrolled[4] for Rise regular courses in the fourth quarter of 2020 were 8,023,compared with 8,328 for the preceding quarter and 6,200 for the fourth quarter of 2019. New students enrolled for other Rise courses (including Rise Up,Can-Talk,other Rise online courses,STEAM,courses provided by The Edge learning centers and light courses) were 3,231 in the fourth quarter of 2020,compared with 2,510 for the preceding quarter and 1,098 for the fourth quarter of 2019.

The total number of the Company's learning centers as of December 31,2020 was 512,consisting of 92 self-owned (including 2 operated by The Edge) and 420 franchised learning centers.

[1] Net income attributable to RISE includes the impact from an impairment loss of RMB37 million on a long-term investment.

[2] Adjusted EBITDA excludes share-based compensation expenses and impairment loss on long-term investment from EBITDA.

[3] Students in class refers to the students who were taking our ongoing courses as of a given date.

[4] New students enrolled refers to the newly acquired students who enrolled in our courses during a given period of time.

Full Year of 2020 Financial and Operational Summary

Total revenues were RMB958.5 million (US$146.9 million) for the full year of 2020.

Net loss attributable to RISE[5] was RMB132.4 million (US$20.3 million) for the full year of 2020.

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to RISE was RMB60.1 million (US$9.2 million) for the full year of 2020.

Adjusted EBITDA[6] loss was RMB9.4 million (US$1.4 million) for the full year of 2020.

New students enrolled[7] for Rise regular courses in the full year of 2020 were 21,607,compared with 29,049 for the full year of 2019. New students enrolled for other Rise courses,which were taught online (including Rise Up,courses provided by The Edge learning centers and light courses) were 40,475 in the full year of 2020,compared with 6,793 for the full year of 2019.

[5] Net income attributable to RISE includes the impact from an impairment loss of RMB37 million on a long-term investment.

[6] Adjusted EBITDA excludes share-based compensation expenses and impairment loss on long-term investment from EBITDA.

[7] New students enrolled refers to the newly acquired students who enrolled in our courses during a given period of time.

Three Months Ended

(in thousands RMB,except for percentage and per ADS data)

Dec. 31,2019

Sep. 30,2020

Dec. 31,2020

Pct.Change YoY

Pct.Change QoQ

Revenues

416,223

320,029

364,460

-12.4%

13.9%

Operating income

60,663

19,429

47,464

-21.8%

144.3%

Non-GAAP operating income

75,647

27,128

64,391

-14.9%

137.4%

Net income attributable to RISE

51,135

28,014

1,426

-97.2%

-94.9%

Non-GAAP net income attributable to RISE

66,119

35,713

55,353

-16.3%

55.0%

Net income per ADS attributable to RISE – basic

0.91

0.50

0.03

-96.7%

-94.0%

Net income per ADS attributable to RISE – diluted

0.90

0.49

0.02

-97.8%

-95.9%

Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to RISE – basic

1.17

0.63

0.98

-16.2%

55.6%

Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to RISE – diluted

1.16

0.63

0.97

-16.4%

54.0%

Adjusted EBITDA

90,980

57,834

85,289

-6.3%

47.5%

Full year endedDecember 31

(in thousands RMB,except for percentage and per ADS data)

2019

2020

Pct.Change

Revenues

1,529,447

958,467

-37.3%

Operating income/(loss)

222,789

(138,393)

-162.1%

Non-GAAP operating income/(loss)

288,052

(103,030)

-135.8%

Net income/(loss) attributable to RISE

148,100

(132,433)

-189.4%

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to RISE

213,363

(60,070)

-128.2%

Net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – basic

2.58

(2.35)

-191.1%

Net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – diluted

2.55

(2.35)

-192.2%

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – basic

3.71

(1.06)

-128.6%

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE – diluted

3.67

(1.06)

-128.9%

Adjusted EBITDA

349,308

(9,371)

-102.7%

Ms. Lihong Wang,Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of RISE,commented,"We have gained deep insights from an unprecedented year of challenges in 2020 and took immediate actions to stabilize the business with the quick deployment of our online-merge-offline,or OMO strategy,and gradually recovered from the impact of COVID-19 with various initiatives. Almost all of our offline learning centers resumed normal operation in the fourth quarter as China's containment of the pandemic gradually returned life to normalcy. With a strong OMO strategy and online curriculum acting as the 'business stabilizer' when circumstances demand,we saw significant growth in new students enrolled for RISE regular courses as well as for other courses on a yearly basis. Total revenues reached the high end of our guidance,and adjusted EBITDA was close to the level of the fourth quarter of 2019. These successful initiatives have allowed us to navigate this new environment amid COVID-19 and positioned us well to seize new growth opportunities. In 2021,although the re-emergence of COVID-19 in certain parts of China had an adverse impact on our offline business in the first quarter,we were able to respond promptly with our proven OMO courses,which had again demonstrated to be highly effective. As the re-emergence of COVID-19 cases were well contained in February,we expect to re-open the temporarily closed learning centers by the end of March,in line with the pace of China's reopening regulation."

Mr. WarrenWang,Chief Financial Officer of RISE,added,"Total revenue reached the high end ofour guidance at RMB364.5million in the fourth quarter,up 13.9% from the prior quarter. In addition,we continued to see a significant improvement in our non-GAAP net income attributable to RISE,which reached RMB55.4 million,an increase of 55% quarter-over-quarter. Our adjusted EBITDA was RMB85.3 million,close to the level of the fourth quarter of 2019. This quarter saw solid growth momentum in new student enrollments for our regular courses which increased 29% year-over-year,demonstrating the high recognition and positive feedback of our courses among parents and students. However,due to the cumulative impact from the closure of our self-owned learning centers during the first three quarters of 2020,our new students enrollment number was lower than the normal levels. In addition,with offline classes resumed,large amount of students completed their course and graduated from Rise. As a result,total number of students in class saw a 5.4% decline quarter-over-quarter. However,this should be short term phenomena,as new student enrollments continued to gain traction with healthy growth over the last two quarters and onward,plus retention rate is trending up in the fourth quarter. By leveraging our proven OMO strategy and strong monetization capability,we expect further recovery in the first half of 2021 should the pandemic situation continue to ease in China. We remain confident in our direction to deliver sustainable growth and profitability in the long term."

Financial Results for the Fourth Quarterof 2020

Revenues

Total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased by RMB44.4 million,or 13.9%,to RMB364.5 million(US$55.9million) from RMB320.0 million forthe preceding quarter and decreased by RMB51.8 million,or 12.4%,from RMB416.2million for the same period of the prior year.

Revenues from educational programs for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased by 11.0% quarter-over-quarter and decreased by 14.7% year-over-year to RMB325.8 million (US$49.9 million). The quarter-over-quarter increase in revenues from educational programs was primarily attributed to the full resumption of the offline operation in Beijing and Shijiazhuang by the end of September 2020 after the reopening of the Company's self-owned learning centers in other locations across Shanghai,Guangzhou,Shenzhen and Wuxi since June 2020 as the COVID-19 situation alleviated. The year-over-year decrease in revenues from educational programs was primarily due to the decline of students in class as a result of business impact from COVID-19.

Franchise revenues for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased by 49.3% quarter-over-quarter and increased by 13.8% year-over year to RMB37.8 million (US$5.8 million). The quarter-over-quarter increase in franchise revenues was primarily due to growth in recurring franchise revenues as a result of the gradual reopening of franchised learning centers. The year-over-year increase in franchise revenues was primarily due to a growth in initial franchise fees associated with an increase in the number of franchised learning centers from 383 as of December 31,2019 to 420 as of December 31,2020.

Other revenues for the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased by 19.7% quarter-over-quarter and by 17.7% year-over year to RMB0.9 million (US$0.1 million).

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues for the fourth quarter of 2020decreasedby RMB7.0 million,or 4.3%,to RMB155.9 million(US$23.9million) from RMB162.9million forthe preceding quarter and by RMB27.7 million,or 15.1%,from RMB183.6 million for the same period of the prior year. Thequarter-over-quarter decrease was primarily due toa decrease in rental cost and the lowered cost of learning materials. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to a decline in teachers' compensations as a result of the reduced teaching hours and social insurance exemption,as well as rental concession. Non-GAAP cost of revenues[8] for the fourth quarter of 2020decreased by 4.3% quarter-over-quarter and by 15.4% year-over-year to RMB152.1 million(US$23.3million).

[8] Non-GAAP cost of revenues exclude relevant share-based compensation("SBC")expenses and amortization of certain intangible assets,including teaching course license,acquired as part of the junior ELT business by the Company from certain third-party in 2013 (the "2013 acquisition") from cost of revenues. Non-GAAP operating income adds back SBC expenses and amortization of certain intangible assets,including trademark,acquired as part of the 2013 acquisition. Each of non-GAAP operating expenses,non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses andnon-GAAP general and administrative expenses excludes relevant SBCexpenses and amortization of certain intangible assets acquired as part of the 2013 acquisition. For details on the calculation of each of theseitemsand the reconciliation of each to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure,see "About Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results."

Gross Profit

As a result of the foregoing,the Company recorded a gross profit of RMB208.6 million(US$32.0million)for the fourth quarter of 2020,an increase of RMB 51.5 million fromRMB157.1millionfor the preceding quarter. The Company's gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased by RMB24.0 million year-over-year fromRMB232.6million for the same period of the prior year.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2020increased by RMB23.4 million,or 17.0%,to RMB161.1 million(US$24.7 million) from RMB137.7million for the preceding quarter and decreased by RMB10.8 million,or 6.3%,from RMB172.0million for the same period of the prior year. Non-GAAPoperating expensesfor the fourth quarter of 2020were RMB148.0 million(US$22.7 million).

Selling and marketing expenses decreased by 5.0% quarter-over-quarter and by 17.8% year-over-year to RMB72.1 million (US$11.0 million) for the fourth quarter of 2020. The quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year decrease was primarily associated with Company's disciplined investment in online and offline marketing activities. Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses for the fourth quarter of 2020 decreased by 5.3% quarter-over-quarter and by 18.2% year-over-year to RMB70.8 million (US$10.8 million).

General and administrative expenses increased by 44.2% quarter-over-quarter and by 5.6% year-over-year to RMB89.0 million (US$13.6 million) for the fourth quarter of 2020. The quarter-over-quarter increase was primarily associated with (i) increased share-based compensation expenses as a result of the modification and new grant of share-based awards in August and September 2020,(ii) increased personnel costs related to the online course business. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to increased personnel costs. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter of 2020 increased by 30.3% quarter-over-quarter and by 4.1% year-over-year to RMB77.2 million (US$11.8 million).

Operating Income

Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2020was RMB47.5 million(US$7.3 million),an increase of RMB28.1 million from RMB19.4million for the preceding quarter,compared withoperating income of RMB60.7million forthe same period of the prior year. Non-GAAP operating incomewas RMB64.4 million (US$9.9 million)for the fourth quarter of 2020,compared withRMB27.1 million for the preceding quarter and RMB75.6million forthe same period of the prior year.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the fourth quarter of 2020was RMB5.4 million(US$0.8million),decreased from RMB5.5millionfor the preceding quarter and RMB7.4million forthe same period of the prior year. The quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year decrease was attributable toa decrease in the outstanding balance of loans.

Other Income

Other income for the fourth quarter of 2020was RMB5.8 million (US$0.9million),compared withRMB16.0 million forthe preceding quarter and RMB0.9 million for the same period of the prior year.

Impairment Loss on Long-term Investment

Impairment loss on long-term investment was RMB37.0 million (US$5.7million) for the fourth quarter of 2020,compared withRMB nil forthe preceding quarter and the same period of the prior year. Impairment loss on long-term investment was mainly due to a decline in the fairvalue of long-term investment in investee.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for the fourth quarter of 2020was RMB11.0 million (US$1.7million),compared with RMB4.0 million forthe preceding quarter and RMB8.8 million for the same period of the prior year.

Net Income Attributable to RISE

Net income attributable to RISE for the fourth quarter of 2020was RMB1.4 million(US$0.2million),a decrease from RMB28.0 million for the preceding quarter and RMB51.1 million for the same period of the prior year.

Non-GAAP net incomeattributable to RISEfor the fourth quarter of 2020was RMB55.4 million (US$8.5 million),compared with RMB35.7 million for the preceding quarter and RMB66.1 million for the same period of the prior year.

EBITDA represents net income/(loss) before interests,taxes,depreciation,and amortization. EBITDA income for the fourth quarter of 2020was RMB35.5 million (US$5.4 million),compared with RMB54.5 million for the preceding quarter and RMB80.4million forthe same period of the prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA income for the fourth quarter of 2020was RMB85.3 million (US$13.1 million),compared with 57.8 million for the preceding quarter and RMB91.0million forthe same period of the prior year.

Basic and Diluted Earningsper ADS

Basic and diluted net income attributable to RISE per ADS was RMB0.03 (US$ nil) and RMB0.02 (US$ nil),respectively,for thefourth quarter of 2020.

Basic and diluted non-GAAP net income attributable to RISE per ADS was RMB0.98 (US$0.15) and RMB0.97 (US$0.15),for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Cash Flow

Net cash outflow from operating activities for the fourth quarter of 2020was RMB108.5 million (US$16.6 million),compared with net cash inflow from operating activities of RMB103.2 million and RMB74.4 million for the preceding quarter and the same period of the prior year,respectively. The quarter-over-quarter decrease in cash generated from operating activitieswasmainly due to an increase in accumulated refunds of tuition fees paid out and a decrease in cash collection from renewed enrollments during the fourth quarter,and the year-over-yeardecrease in net cash flow from operating activities was primarily attributable to reduced cash collection on tuition fees as a result of the temporary closure of certain learning centers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Balance Sheet

As of December 31,the Company had combined cash and cash equivalentsand restricted cashof RMB639.2 million (US$98.0million),as compared with RMB1,022.8 million as of December 31,2019.

Currentand non-currentdeferred revenue and customer advances wereRMB601.9 million (US$92.3million) as of December 31,representing a decrease of 20.4% from RMB756.0million as of December 31,2019. The decrease was primarily becausethe revenue recognizedfor our courses and services is larger than the cash collection for the courses. Deferred revenue and customer advances mainly consisted of upfront tuition payments from students and initial franchise fees from the Company's franchisees.

Financial Results for the Full Year Ended December 31,2020

Revenues

Total revenues for the full year of 2020 decreased by RMB570.9 million,or 37.3%,to RMB958.5 million (US$146.9 million) from RMB1,529.4 million for the prior year.

Revenues from educational programs for the full year of 2020 decreased by 34.5% to RMB872.9 million (US$133.8 million),primarily due to the temporary suspension of substantially all or part of our offline businesses since late January to September 2020 due to the outbreak and resurgence of COVID-19.

Franchise revenues for the full year of 2020 decreased by 47.6% to RMB82.1 million (US$12.6 million),primarily due to a decline in recurring franchise revenue as a result of the temporary closure of franchised learning centers.

Other revenues for the full year of 2020 decreased by 91.4% to RMB3.5 million (US$0.5 million).

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues for the full year of 2020decreasedby RMB91.8million,or 13.2%,to RMB602.9 million (US$92.4million) from RMB694.7 million for the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in direct costs associated with the Company's study tour services,personnel cost,social insurance exemption,rental concession and cost of learning materials. Non-GAAP cost of revenues for the full year of 2020decreased by 13.4% to RMB587.0 million (US$90.0million).

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the full year of 2020wasRMB355.5million (US$54.5million),compared with RMB834.8 million for the prior year.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the full year of 2020decreased by RMB118.1million,or 19.3%,to RMB493.9million (US$75.7million) from RMB612.0million for the prior year. Non-GAAPoperating expenses for the full year of 2020were RMB474.5 million (US$72.7million).

Selling and marketing expenses decreased by 24.0% year-over-year to RMB233.7 million (US$35.8 million) for the full year of 2020. The decrease was primarily due to the Company's disciplined investment in online and offline marketing activities and reduced personnel costs resulting from personnel optimization reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses during the full year of 2020 decreased by 24.5% year-over-year to RMB229.0 million (US$35.1 million).

General and administrative expenses decreased by 14.6% year-over-year to RMB260.2 million (US$39.9 million) for the full year of 2020. The decrease was mainly attributable to a decrease in share-based compensation expenses and the Company's efforts on personnel optimization and rigorous control of administrative expenses. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses for the full year of 2020 decreased by 5.7% year-over-year to RMB245.6 million (US$37.6 million).

Operating Income/(Loss)

Operating loss for the full year of 2020was RMB138.4million (US$21.2 million),compared with operating income of RMB222.8million for the prior year.Non-GAAP operating loss for the full year of 2020was RMB103.0 million (US$15.8 million),compared with non-GAAP operating income ofRMB288.1 million for the prior year.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the full year of 2020 was RMB23.6 million (US$3.6 million),compared withRMB34.1 million for the prior year due to the reduced outstanding balanceof loans and lower interest rates.

Other Income

Other income for the full year of 2020 was RMB27.0 million (US$4.1million),compared withRMB10.1 million for the prior year.

Impairment Loss on Long-term Investment

Impairment loss on long-term investment was RMB37.0 million (US$5.7million) for the full year of 2020,compared to RMB nil for the prior year. Impairment loss on long-term investment was mainly due to declines in the fairvalue of long-term investment in investee.

Income Tax Expense/(Benefit)

Income tax benefit for the full year of 2020 was RMB15.7 million (US$2.4 million),compared with income tax expense of RMB70.7 million for the prior year.

Net Loss Attributable to RISE

Net loss attributable to RISE for the full year of 2020was RMB132.4million (US$20.3 million).

Non-GAAP net loss attributable to RISEfor the full yearof 2020 was RMB60.1 million (US$9.2 million).

EBITDA loss for the full yearof 2020 was RMB64.4million (US$9.9 million).

Adjusted EBITDA loss for the full yearof 2020 was RMB9.4million (US$1.4million).

Basic and Diluted Earningsper ADS

Basic and diluted net loss attributable to RISE per ADS was RMB2.35(US$0.36) for the full yearof 2020.

Basic and diluted non-GAAP net loss attributable to RISE per ADS was RMB1.06(US$0.16) for the full yearof 2020.

Cash Flow

Net cash outflow from operating activities for the full year of 2020 was RMB205.7 million (US$31.5million),compared with RMB39.9million of the prior year.The increase in net cash outflow from operating activities for 2020 was mainly attributable to reduced cash collection ontuition fees as a result ofthe temporary closure of certain RISE's self-owned learning centers and other franchised learning centers.

Business Outlook

Following a relatively stable environment in the fourth quarter of 2020,local resurgence of COVID-19 had an impact on our operation and performance in the first quarter of 2021. Although the full economic impact of COVID-19 is yet to be realized,our current epidemic management approaches have been largely well executed. We believe that we are well-positioned to navigate the rapidly evolving market environment and capture potential opportunities in the education industry. Our learning centers in Shanghai,Shenzhen and Wuxi have remained in full offline operation,and learning centers in Beijing and Shijiazhuang are expected to reopen by the end of March at a pace regulated by the government. Our flexibility to switch seamlessly between the online and offline models and our ability to manage both online and offline operations concurrently have helped us to mitigate risks and potential resurgence of COVID-19 impacting our business. Taking all this into account,we expect our revenue in the full year of 2021 to be in the range of RMB1,420 million to RMB1,730 million.

Conference Call Information

RISE will hold a conference call on March 16,2021 at 9:00 pm Eastern Time (or March 17,2021 at 9:00 am Beijing Time) to discuss the financial results. Due to the impactof COVID-19,operator assisted conference calls are not available at the moment. All participants must preregister online prior to the call to receive the dial-in details.

Conference call preregistration link is http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/4356956. Once preregistration has been completed,participants will receive dial-in numbers,an event passcode,and a unique registrant ID.

To join the conference,please dial the number you receive,enter the event passcode followed by your unique registrant ID,and you will be joined to the conference instantly.

A telephone replay will be accessible through March 23,2021 by dialing the following numbers:

United States:

+1-646-254-3697

International:

+61-2-8199-0299

Mainland China:

400-6322-162

Hong Kong:

+852-3051-2780

Conference ID:

#4356956

A live and archived webcast of the conference call,together with a copy of the presentation slides used for the conference call,will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.risecenter.com/.

Exchange Rate

This announcement contains translations of certain RMBamounts into U.S. dollars ("USD") at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated,all translations from RMBto USD were made at the rate of RMB6.5250to US$1.00,the noon buying rate in effect on December 31,2020 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMBor USD amounts referred to could be converted into USD or RMB,as the case may be,at any particular rate or at all. For analytical presentation,all percentages are calculated using the numbers presented in the financial statements contained in this earnings release.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement RISE's financial results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP,the Company uses non-GAAP financial measures,which are adjusted from results based on U.S. GAAP. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to U.S. GAAP financial measures are set forth in the table at the end of this earnings release entitled "Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results," which provides more details on the non-GAAP financial measures.

Non-GAAP cost of revenues,non-GAAP operating expenses,including non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses and non-GAAP general and administrative expenses,provides the Company with an understanding of the results from the primary operations of the Company's business by excluding the effects of certain transaction-related expenses that do not reflect the ordinary operating expenses of the Company's operations and share-based compensation.

EBITDA,adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP net income/(loss) provide the Company with an understanding of the results from the primary operations of the Company's business by excluding the effects of certain transaction-related expenses that do not reflect the ordinary EBITDA and net income/(loss) of the Company's operations.

The Company uses non-GAAP operating expenses,non-GAAP operating income/(loss),Non-GAAP operating margin,EBITDA,adjusted EBITDA,non-GAAP net income/(loss) attributable to RISE,and non-GAAP basic and diluted net income/(loss) per ADS attributable to RISE to evaluate the Company's period-over-period operating performance because the Company's management believes these provide a more comparable measure of the Company's continuing business as it adjusts for transaction-related expenses that are not reflective of the normal earnings of the Company's business. These measures may be useful to an investor in evaluating the underlying operating performance of the Company's business,and to enhance investors' overall understanding of the historical and current financial performance of the Company's continuing operations and prospects for the future.

Non-GAAP financial information should not be considered a substitute for or superior to U.S. GAAP results. In addition,calculations of this non-GAAP financial information may be different from calculations used by other companies,and therefore comparability may be limited.

Non-GAAP cost of revenues exclude relevant share-based compensation expenses and amortization of certain intangible assets ("IA") acquired as part of the 2013 acquisition from cost of revenues. Non-GAAP operating income/(loss)adds back share-based compensation expenses,amortization of certain intangible assets acquired as part of the 2013 acquisition and impairment loss on long-term investment. Each of non-GAAP operating expenses,non-GAAP selling and marketing expenses or non-GAAP general and administrative expenses excludes relevant share-based compensation expenses and amortization of certain intangible assets acquired as part of the 2013 acquisition. EBITDA represents net income/(loss) before interests,depreciation and amortization.

For more information on non-GAAP financial measures,please see the tables captioned "Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest comparable GAAP measures."

About RISE Education

RISE Education Cayman Ltd is a leading junior English Language Training ("ELT") provider based in Beijing. Founded in 2007,the Company pioneered the application of the "subject-based learning" philosophy in China,which uses language arts,math,natural science,and social science to teach English in an immersive environment that helps students learn to speak and think like a native speaker. Through three flagship courses,Rise Start,Rise On,and Rise Up,and other complementary products,the Company provides ELT to students aged three to six,seven to twelve and thirteen to eighteen,respectively. The Company's highly scalable business model includes both self-owned and franchised learning centers. For more information,please visit http://en.risecenter.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements,including the statements relating to the Company's future financial and operating results,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 terminology such as "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things,management's quotations and the Business Outlook section contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations,assumptions,estimates and projections about RISE and the industry. Potential risks and uncertainties include,but are not limited to,those relating to its ability to attract new students and retain existing students,its ability to maintain or enhance its brand,its ability to compete effectively against its competitors,its ability to execute its growth strategy,its ability to introduce new products or enhance existing products,its ability to obtain required licenses,permits,filings or registrations,its ability to grow or operate or effectively monitor its franchise business,quarterly variations in its operating results caused by factors beyond its control,macroeconomic conditions in China and government policies and regulations relating to its corporate structure,business and industryand their potential impact on itsfuture business development,financial condition and results of operations. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof,and RISE undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances,or changes in its expectations,except as may be required by law. Although RISE believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable,it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct,and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties faced by RISE is included in RISE's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,including its annual reporton Form 20-F for the year ended December 31,2019.

Investor Relations Contact

Aaron Li

RISE Education

Email: riseir@rdchina.net

Tel: +86 (10) 8559-9191

RISE EDUCATION CAYMAN LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

As of

Dec.31,2019

Dec.31,2020

Dec.31,2020

RMB

RMB

USD

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

999,012

554,620

84,999

Restricted cash

23,813

84,564

12,960

Accounts receivable,net

1,745

2,281

350

Amounts due from related parties

191

733

112

Inventories

8,685

7,814

1,198

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

51,420

94,556

14,491

Total current assets

1,084,866

744,568

114,110

Property and equipment,net

137,340

107,537

16,481

Intangible assets,net

210,346

185,647

28,452

Long-term investment

33,000

-

-

Goodwill

665,416

659,255

101,035

Deferred tax assets

11,026

34,241

5,248

Other non-current assets

49,638

55,853

8,560

Operating lease right-of use assets

610,323

639,304

97,977

Total assets

2,801,955

2,426,405

371,863

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Current portion of long-term loan

134,015

226,744

34,750

Accounts payable

7,553

11,028

1,690

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

202,808

164,193

25,164

Deferred revenue and customer advances

716,637

563,736

86,396

Income taxes payable

14,594

5,556

851

Operating lease liabilities,current portion

157,911

197,098

30,207

Total current liabilities

1,233,518

1,168,355

179,058

Long-term loan

370,163

191,397

29,333

Deferred revenue and customer advances

39,397

38,204

5,855

Deferred tax liabilities

31,116

24,011

3,680

Other non-current liabilities

39,156

50,447

7,732

Operating lease liabilities,non-current portion

464,304

452,485

69,346

Total liabilities

2,177,654

1,924,899

295,004

Shareholders' equity:

Ordinary shares

6,946

6,959

1,067

Additional paid-in capital

583,262

603,173

92,440

Statutory reserves

104,830

105,357

16,147

Accumulated deficit

(127,059)

(260,019)

(39,850)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

40,917

39,642

6,075

Total Rise Education Cayman Ltd shareholders'

equity

608,896

495,112

75,879

Non-controlling interests

15,405

6,394

980

Total equity

624,301

501,506

76,859

Total liabilities,non-controlling interests and

shareholders' equity

2,863

RISE EDUCATION CAYMAN LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands,except share and ADS data and per share and per ADS data)

Three Months Ended

Full Year EndedDec. 31

Dec. 31,2020

2019

2020

2020

RMB

RMB

RMB

USD

RMB

RMB

USD

Revenues

416,460

55,856

1,467

146,891

Educational programs

381,955

293,619

325,805

49,932

1,332,372

872,877

133,774

Franchise revenues

33,172

25,287

37,753

5,786

156,509

82,084

12,580

Others

1,096

1,123

902

138

40,566

3,506

537

Cost of revenues

(183,598)

(162,918)

(155,866)

(23,888)

(694,693)

(602,934)

(92,403)

Gross profit/(loss)

232,625

157,111

208,594

31,968

834,754

355,533

54,488

Selling and marketing expenses

(87,657)

(75,911)

(72,081)

(11,047)

(307,339)

(233,687)

(35,814)

General and administrative

expenses

(84,305)

(61,771)

(89,049)

(13,647)

(304,626)

(260,239)

(39,884)

Operating income/(loss)

60,464

7,274

222,393)

(21,210)

Interest income

4,046

3,650

3,534

542

17,952

15,091

2,313

Interest expense

(7,409)

(5,547)

(5,390)

(826)

(34,093)

(23,611)

(3,619)

Foreign currency exchange loss

(77)

(86)

(4)

(1)

(1,506)

(187)

(29)

Other income,net

928

16,009

5,781

886

10,115

26,961

4,132

Impairment Loss on Long-term

Investment

-

-

(37,000)

(5,670)

-

(37,670)

Income before income tax expense

58,151

33,455

14,385

2,205

215,257

(157,139)

(24,083)

Income tax (expense)/benefit

(8,768)

(4,020)

(11,042)

(1,693)

(70,697)

15,695

2,406

Net income/(loss)

49,383

29,435

3,343

512

144,560

(141,444)

(21,677)

Add: net (income)/loss attributable

to non-controlling interests

1,752

(1,421)

(1,917)

(293)

3,540

9,011

1,381

Net income/(loss) attributable to

RISE Education Cayman Ltd

51,426

219

148,433)

(20,296)

Net income/(loss) per ordinary

share:

Basic

0.45

0.25

0.01

-

1.29

(1.17)

(0.18)

Diluted

0.45

0.25

0.01

-

1.27

(1.17)

(0.18)

Net income/(loss) per ADS(Notes 1):

Basic

0.91

0.50

0.03

-

2.58

(2.35)

(0.36)

Diluted

0.90

0.49

0.02

-

2.55

(2.35)

(0.36)

Shares used in net income/(loss) per ordinary

share computation:

Basic

112,724,891

112,821,099

112,916,642

112,642

114,905,223

112,813,031

112,031

Diluted

113,978,315

113,598,108

114,671,459

114,459

116,181,610

112,031

ADSs used in net income/(loss)

per ADS computation:

Basic

56,362,445

56,410,550

56,458,321

56,321

57,452,611

56,406,515

56,515

Diluted

56,989,158

56,799,054

57,335,730

57,730

58,090,805

56,515

Note 1: Each ADS represents two ordinary shares.

RISE EDUCATION CAYMAN LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands,except share and ADS data and per share and per ADS data)

Three Months Ended

Full Year EndedDec. 31

Dec. 31,2020

2019

2020

2020

RMB

RMB

RMB

USD

RMB

RMB

USD

Net income/(loss)

49,677)

Other comprehensive income/(loss),

net of tax of nil:

Foreign currency translation adjustments

1,527

(356)

(1,139)

(175)

(1,542)

(1,275)

(196)

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

1,275)

(196)

Comprehensive income/(loss)

50,910

29,079

2,204

337

143,018

(142,719)

(21,873)

Add: comprehensive (income)/loss

attributable to non-controlling interests

1,381

Comprehensive income/(loss)

attributable to RISE Education

Cayman Ltd

52,662

27,658

287

44

146,558

(133,708)

(20,492)

RISE EDUCATION CAYMAN LTD

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS

(in thousands,except ADS data and per ADS data)

Three Months Ended

Full Year EndedDec. 31

Dec. 31,2020

2019

2020

2020

RMB

RMB

RMB

USD

RMB

RMB

USD

Net income/(loss)

49,677)

Share-based compensation ("SBC")

10,555

3,351

12,753

1,955

47,889

17,999

2,758

Intangible assets ("IA")amortization

arising from 2013acquisition

4,429

4,348

4,174

639

17,374

17,364

2,661

Impairment loss on long-term investment

-

-

37,000

5,670

-

37,670

Non-GAAP net income/(loss)

64,367

37,134

57,270

8,776

209,823

(69,081)

(10,588)

Add: net (income)/ loss attributable to

non-controlling interests

1,381

Non-GAAP net income/(loss)

attributable to RISE Education

Cayman Ltd

66,353

8,483

213,070)

(9,207)

Net income/(loss)

49,677)

Add: Depreciation

11,792

11,480

11,705

1,794

45,375

53,296

8,168

Add: Amortization

7,119

7,651

7,590

1,163

24,646

30,953

4,744

Add: Interest expense

7,409

5,547

5,390

826

34,093

23,611

3,619

Add: Income tax expense/(benefit)

8,768

4,020

11,042

1,693

70,697

(15,695)

(2,406)

Less: Interest income

4,313

EBITDA

80,425

54,483

35,536

5,446

301,419

(64,370)

(9,865)

SBC

10,758

Impairment loss on long-term investment

-

-

37,670

Adjusted EBITDA

90,289

13,071

349,371)

(1,437)

Cost of revenues

183,598

162,918

155,866

23,888

694,693

602,934

92,403

Personnel costs

87,115

74,898

75,881

11,629

301,327

278,618

42,700

Rental costs

58,872

53,427

48,551

7,441

220,912

202,446

31,026

Others

37,611

34,593

31,434

4,818

172,454

121,870

18,677

Less: SBC

132

433

369

57

2,617

1,821

279

Less: IA amortization arising from 2013

acquisition

3,610

3,544

3,402

521

14,162

14,154

2,169

Non-GAAP cost of revenues

179,856

158,941

152,095

23,310

677,914

586,959

89,955

Non-GAAP gross profit

236,367

161,088

212,365

32,546

851,533

371,508

56,936

Selling and marketing expenses

87,657

75,911

72,081

11,047

307,339

233,687

35,814

Less: SBC

275

375

523

80

1,016

1,497

229

Less: IA amortization arising from 2013

acquisition

819

804

772

118

3,212

3,210

492

Non-GAAP selling and marketing

expenses

86,563

74,732

70,786

10,849

303,111

228,980

35,093

General and administrative expenses

84,305

61,771

89,049

13,647

304,626

260,239

39,884

Less: SBC

10,148

2,543

11,861

1,818

44,256

14,681

2,250

Non-GAAP general and administrative

expenses

74,157

59,228

77,188

11,829

260,370

245,558

37,634

Operating expense

171,962

137,682

161,130

24,694

611,965

493,926

75,698

Less: SBC

10,423

2,918

12,384

1,898

45,272

16,178

2,479

Less: IA amortization arising from 2013

acquisition

819

804

772

118

3,210

492

Non-GAAP operating expense

160,720

133,960

147,974

22,678

563,481

474,538

72,727

Operating income/(loss)

60,210)

Add: SBC

10,758

Add: IA amortization arising from 2013

acquisition

4,661

Non-GAAP operating income/(loss)

75,391

9,868

288,030)

(15,791)

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS

attributable to RISE-basic (Notes 1)

1.17

0.63

0.98

0.15

3.71

(1.06)

(0.16)

Non-GAAP net income/(loss) per ADS

attributable to RISE-diluted (Notes 1)

1.16

0.63

0.97

0.15

3.67

(1.06)

(0.16)

ADSs used in calculating net

income/(loss) per ADS-basic(Notes 1):

56,515

ADSs used in calculating net

income/(loss) per ADS-diluted(Notes 1):

56,515

Note 1: Each ADS represents two ordinary shares.

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