BeiGene Ltd

Previous wording

The following section includes material factors that we believe may adversely affect our business and operations. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and all information contained in this Quarterly Report, including our financial statements and the related notes and “Part I – Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” before deciding to invest in our ADSs, ordinary shares or RMB Shares. The occurrence of any of the events or developments described below could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. In such an event, the market price of our ADSs, ordinary shares or RMB Shares could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations. Please refer to the explanation of the qualifications and limitation on forward-looking statements set forth at the outset of “Part I – Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Current wording

The following section includes material factors that we believe may adversely affect our business and operations. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and all information contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”), including our financial statements and the related notes and “Part I – Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” before deciding to invest in our ADSs, ordinary shares or RMB Shares. The occurrence of any of the events or developments described below could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. In such an event, the market price of our ADSs, ordinary shares or RMB Shares could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business operations. Please refer to the explanation of the qualifications and limitation on forward-looking statements set forth at the outset of “Part I – Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Previous wording

•If we are unable to obtain and maintain patent protection for our medicines and drug candidates through intellectual property rights, or if the scope of such intellectual property rights is not sufficiently broad, third parties may compete against us.

Current wording

•If we are unable to obtain and maintain patent protection for our medicines and drug candidates, we may lose market exclusivities in our medicines.

Previous wording

•Changes in the political and economic policies of the PRC government or in relations between China and the U.S. or other governments and the oversight and discretion the PRC government has over the conduct of the business operations of our PRC subsidiaries may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and may result in our inability to sustain our growth and expansion strategies.

Current wording

•Changes in the political and economic policies of the PRC government or in relations between China and the U.S. or other governments and the significant oversight and discretion the PRC government has over the conduct of the business operations of our PRC subsidiaries may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and may result in our inability to sustain our growth and expansion strategies.

Previous wording

The PRC government has the ability to exert oversight over any offering of securities conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, and, as a result, may limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

Current wording

•The PRC government may intervene or influence our operations at any time, and has the ability to exert significant oversight and control over any offering of securities conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, which could result in a material change in our operations and limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors, and may cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless.

Previous wording

There are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws, rules and regulations.

Current wording

•There are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws, rules and regulations, and rules and regulations in China can change quickly with little advance notice.

Previous wording

For example, in 2022, the FDA extended the Prescription Drug User Fee Act goal date for the supplemental new drug application (“sNDA”) for BRUKINSA as a treatment for adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma by three months, to allow time to review additional clinical data submitted by us, which was deemed a major amendment to the sNDA. In 2022, the FDA deferred action on the BLA for tislelizumab as a second-line treatment for patients with unresectable or metastatic ESCC, citing only the inability to complete inspections due to COVID-19 related restrictions on travel. Additionally, the FDA has recently deferred approval for tislelizumab in first-line unresectable, recurrent, locally advanced, or metastatic ESCC on account of a delay in scheduling clinical site inspections.

Current wording

For example, in 2022, the FDA extended the Prescription Drug User Fee Act goal date for the supplemental new drug application (“sNDA”) for BRUKINSA as a treatment for adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma by three months, to allow time to review additional clinical data submitted by us, which was deemed a major amendment to the sNDA. In 2022, the FDA deferred action on the BLA for tislelizumab as a second-line treatment for patients with unresectable or metastatic ESCC, citing only the inability to complete inspections due to COVID-19 related restrictions on travel. In 2024, the FDA deferred approval for tislelizumab in first-line unresectable, recurrent, locally advanced, or metastatic ESCC on account of a delay in scheduling clinical site inspections.

Previous wording

Investment in pharmaceutical drug development is highly capital-intensive and speculative. It entails substantial upfront capital expenditures and significant risk that a drug candidate will fail to gain regulatory approval or become commercially viable. We continue to incur significant expenses related to our ongoing operations. As a result, we have incurred losses in most periods since our inception, other than periods when we were profitable due to revenue recognized from up-front license fees from collaboration agreements or the settlement of legal proceedings. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $8.3 billion and $8.0 billion, respectively. Substantially all of our operating losses have resulted from costs incurred in connection with our research and development programs and from selling, general and administrative expenses associated with our operations.

Current wording

Investment in pharmaceutical drug development is highly capital-intensive and speculative. It entails substantial upfront capital expenditures and significant risk that a drug candidate will fail to gain regulatory approval or become commercially viable. We continue to incur significant expenses related to our ongoing operations. As a result, we have incurred losses in most periods since our inception, other than periods when we were profitable due to revenue recognized from up-front license fees from collaboration agreements or the settlement of legal proceedings. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $8.5 billion and $8.0 billion, respectively. Substantially all of our operating losses have resulted from costs incurred in connection with our research and development programs and from selling, general and administrative expenses associated with our operations.

Previous wording

Our portfolio of drug candidates will require the completion of clinical development, regulatory review, scale up and availability of manufacturing resources, significant marketing efforts and substantial investment before they can provide us with product sales revenue. Additionally, we are investing in the manufacturing and commercialization of our approved medicines. Our operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception. Our operating activities used $1.2 billion, $1.5 billion and $1.3 billion of net cash during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and used $404.2 million and $857.7 million of net cash during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We recorded negative net cash flows from operating activities in 2023, 2022 and 2021 primarily due to our net losses of $0.9 billion, $2.0 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. We cannot assure you that we will be able to generate positive cash flows from operating activities in the future.

Current wording

Our portfolio of drug candidates will require the completion of clinical development, regulatory review, scale up and availability of manufacturing resources, significant marketing efforts and substantial investment before they can provide us with product sales revenue. Additionally, we are investing in the manufacturing and commercialization of our approved medicines. Our operations have consumed substantial amounts of cash since inception. Our operating activities used $1.2 billion, $1.5 billion and $1.3 billion of net cash during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and used $215.8 million and $935.8 million of net cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We recorded negative net cash flows from operating activities in 2023, 2022 and 2021 primarily due to our net losses of $0.9 billion, $2.0 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. We cannot assure you that we will be able to generate positive cash flows from operating activities in the future.

Previous wording

As a result of uncertain political, credit and financial market conditions, including the potential of the U.S. government to default on the payment of its obligations for a period of time due to federal debt ceiling limitations or other unresolved political issues, investments in financial instruments issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government pose credit default and liquidity risks. A payment default or delay by the U.S. government, or continued uncertainty surrounding the U.S. debt ceiling, could result in a variety of adverse effects for financial markets, market participants and U.S. and global economic conditions. In addition, U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility a downgrade in the credit rating of the U.S. government and could result in economic slowdowns or a recession in the U.S. No assurance can be made that losses or significant deterioration in the fair value of our U.S. government issued or guaranteed investments will not occur. At June 30, 2024, we had approximately $897.9 million invested in government money market funds. Downgrades to the U.S. credit rating could affect the stability of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and the valuation or liquidity of our portfolio of such investment securities.

Current wording

As a result of uncertain political, credit and financial market conditions, including the potential of the U.S. government to default on the payment of its obligations for a period of time due to federal debt ceiling limitations or other unresolved political issues, investments in financial instruments issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government pose credit default and liquidity risks. A payment default or delay by the U.S. government, or continued uncertainty surrounding the U.S. debt ceiling, could result in a variety of adverse effects for financial markets, market participants and U.S. and global economic conditions. In addition, U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility a downgrade in the credit rating of the U.S. government and could result in economic slowdowns or a recession in the U.S. No assurance can be made that losses or significant deterioration in the fair value of our U.S. government issued or guaranteed investments will not occur. At September 30, 2024, we had approximately $966.1 million invested in government money market funds. Downgrades to the U.S. credit rating could affect the stability of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and the valuation or liquidity of our portfolio of such investment securities.

Previous wording

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments represent the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk. We had cash and cash equivalents of $2.6 billion, $3.2 billion and $3.9 billion, restricted cash of $25.3 million, $14.2 million and $5.5 million and short-term investments of nil, $2.6 million and $665.3 million as of June 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, most of which are deposited in financial institutions outside of China. As required by the PRC securities laws, the net proceeds from our offering on the STAR Market of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (the “STAR Offering”) must be used in strict compliance with the planned uses as disclosed in the PRC prospectus for the STAR Offering as well as our proceeds management policy for the STAR Offering approved by our board of directors. Although our cash and cash equivalents in China are deposited with various major reputable financial institutions, the deposits placed with these financial institutions are not protected by statutory or commercial insurance. In the event of bankruptcy of one of these financial institutions, we may be unlikely to claim our deposits back in full.

Current wording

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments represent the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk. We had cash and cash equivalents of $2.7 billion, $3.2 billion and $3.9 billion, restricted cash of $11.5 million, $14.2 million and $5.5 million and short-term investments of nil, $2.6 million and $665.3 million as of September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, most of which are deposited in financial institutions outside of China. As required by the PRC securities laws, the net proceeds from our offering on the STAR Market of the Shanghai Stock Exchange (the “STAR Offering”) must be used in strict compliance with the planned uses as disclosed in the PRC prospectus for the STAR Offering as well as our proceeds management policy for the STAR Offering approved by our board of directors. Although our cash and cash equivalents in China are deposited with various major reputable financial institutions, the deposits placed with these financial institutions are not protected by statutory or commercial insurance. In the event of bankruptcy of one of these financial institutions, we may be unlikely to claim our deposits back in full.

Previous wording

However, filing, prosecuting and maintaining patents/patent applications on our medicines or drug candidates in all countries throughout the world could be prohibitively expensive. The patentability requirements across countries vary and the laws of different countries do not provide patent protection to pharmaceutical inventions to the same extent. Therefore, our patent applications may not be granted in all countries and the issued patents can have various scope and strength throughout the world. In addition, different countries may provide varying regulatory exclusivities to pharmaceutical drugs, and some countries provide no regulatory exclusivities. Consequently, we may not be able to have the same protection or exclusivities to our medicines or drug candidates in all countries throughout the world. Further, given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of new drug candidates, patents protecting such drug candidates might expire before or shortly after such drug candidates are commercialized. As a result, our patents and patent applications may not provide us with sufficient length of exclusivities to our medicines or drug candidates. The issued patents and pending patent applications, if issued, for our medicines and drug candidates are expected to expire on various dates as described in “Part I—Item 1—Business—Intellectual Property” of our Annual Report. Upon the expiration of our issued patents or patents that may be issued from our pending patent applications, we may no longer have exclusivities on the corresponding medicines or drug candidates.

Current wording

However, filing, prosecuting and maintaining patents/patent applications in all countries worldwide could be prohibitively expensive. As the patent laws of different countries vary, our patent applications may not be granted in all countries and the issued patents may have various scope and enforceabilities. In addition, different countries may provide varying regulatory exclusivities to pharmaceutical drugs, and some countries provide no regulatory exclusivities. Consequently, we may not have the same patent protection or exclusivities to our medicines or drug candidates in all countries worldwide. Further, given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of new drug candidates, patents protecting such drug candidates might expire before or shortly after such drug candidates are commercialized. As a result, our patents and patent applications may not provide us with sufficient length of exclusivities to our medicines or drug candidates. The issued patents and pending patent applications, if issued, for our medicines and drug candidates are expected to expire on various dates as described in “Part I—Item 1—Business—Intellectual Property” of our Annual Report. Upon expiration, we may no longer have exclusivities on the corresponding medicines or drug candidates.

Previous wording

*We have been and may further become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our intellectual property, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful. Our patent rights relating to our medicines and drug candidates could be found invalid or unenforceable if challenged in court or before government patent authorities.

Current wording

*We have been and may further become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our intellectual property, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful. Our patent rights relating to our medicines and drug candidates could be found invalid, unenforceable or not infringed by a court or government patent authorities.

Previous wording

Third parties may infringe our patent rights or misappropriate or otherwise violate our intellectual property rights. Litigation may be necessary to enforce or defend our intellectual property rights or to protect our trade secrets. This can be expensive and time consuming. Any claims that we assert against perceived infringers could also provoke these parties to challenge the validity or enforceability of our patents.

Current wording

Third parties may infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate our intellectual property rights. Litigation may be necessary to enforce or defend our intellectual property rights or to protect our trade secrets. This can be expensive and time consuming. The third parties may also challenge the validity or enforceability of our patents.

Previous wording

When a generic drug company files an Abbreviated New Drug Application (“ANDA”) with the FDA seeking approval to market a generic version of any of our products before the expiration of Orange Book listed patents (“OB Patents”) covering such products, this will most likely trigger ANDA litigation. For example, on March 8, 2024, our subsidiaries, BeiGene USA, Inc. and BeiGene Switzerland GmbH, filed patent infringement suits against Sandoz Inc. (“Sandoz”), and MSN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and MSN Laboratories Private Ltd. (collectively “MSN”), in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, in response to Sandoz’s and MSN’s notices informing their filings of ANDAs with the FDA. For additional information on this litigation, please see the section of this Quarterly Report titled “Legal Proceedings”. The success of ANDA litigation depends on the strength of the OB Patents and our ability to prove infringement. The outcome of ANDA litigation is inherently uncertain and may result in potential loss of market exclusivity for our products which may have a significant financial impact on product revenue.

Current wording

When a generic drug company files an Abbreviated New Drug Application (“ANDA”) with the FDA seeking approval to market a generic version of any of our products before the expiration of Orange Book listed patents (“OB Patents”) covering such products, this will most likely trigger ANDA litigation. For example, on March 8, 2024, our subsidiaries, BeiGene USA, Inc. and BeiGene Switzerland GmbH, filed patent infringement suits against Sandoz Inc. (“Sandoz”), and MSN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and MSN Laboratories Private Ltd. (collectively “MSN”), in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, in response to Sandoz’s and MSN’s notices informing their filings of ANDAs with the FDA regarding BRUKINSA. For additional information on this litigation, please see the section of this Quarterly Report titled “Legal Proceedings”. The success of ANDA litigation depends on the strength of the OB Patents and our ability to prove infringement. The outcome of ANDA litigation is inherently uncertain and may result in potential loss of market exclusivity for our products which may have a significant financial impact on product revenue.

Previous wording

Specifically, in patent litigation, defendants often challenge the validity and/or enforceability of the asserted patents, and there are numerous potential grounds upon which a patent can be found invalid and/or unenforceable. The validity of a patent can also be challenged before administrative bodies in the U.S. or abroad, even outside the context of litigation. Such mechanisms include ex parte re-examination, inter partes review, post-grant review, derivation and equivalent proceedings in non-U.S. jurisdictions, such as opposition proceedings. Such proceedings could result in revocation or amendment to our patents in such a way that they no longer cover and protect our medicines or drug candidates. The outcome of such proceedings is inherently uncertain and may result in losing the patent protection on our medicines or drug candidates. Such a loss of patent protection could have a material adverse impact on our business.

Current wording

Specifically, in patent litigation, defendants often challenge the validity and/or enforceability of the asserted patents, and there are numerous potential grounds upon which a patent can be found invalid and/or unenforceable. The validity of a patent can also be challenged before administrative bodies in the U.S. or abroad, even outside the context of litigation. Such proceedings could result in revocation or amendment to our patents in such a way that they no longer cover and protect our medicines or drug candidates. The outcome of such proceedings is inherently uncertain and may result in losing the patent protection on our medicines or drug candidates. Such a loss of patent protection could have a material adverse impact on our business.

Previous wording

*Lawsuits claiming infringing of intellectual property rights of third parties could be costly and time consuming and could prevent or delay us from developing or commercializing our medicines or drug candidates.

Current wording

*Lawsuits alleging infringing of intellectual property rights of third parties could be costly and time consuming and could prevent or delay us from developing or commercializing our medicines or drug candidates.

Previous wording

On June 13, 2023, Pharmacyclics LLC (“Pharmacyclics”) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against us and one of our subsidiaries, alleging that BRUKINSA infringes a Pharmacyclics’ patent issued on June 13, 2023. For additional information on this litigation, please see the section of this Quarterly Report titled “Legal Proceedings”. Defense of these claims, regardless of their merit, could involve substantial litigation expense and divert our technical personnel, management personnel, or both from their normal responsibilities. Even in the absence of litigation, we may seek to obtain licenses from third parties to avoid the risks of litigation, and if a license is available, it could impose costly royalty and other fees and expenses on us.

Current wording

For example, on June 13, 2023, Pharmacyclics LLC (“Pharmacyclics”) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against us and one of our subsidiaries, alleging that BRUKINSA infringes a Pharmacyclics’ patent issued on June 13, 2023. For additional information on this litigation, please see the section of this Quarterly Report titled “Legal Proceedings”. Defense of these claims, regardless of their merit, could involve substantial litigation expense and divert our technical personnel, management personnel, or both from their normal responsibilities.

Previous wording

If third parties bring successful claims against us for infringement of their intellectual property rights, we may be subject to injunctive or other equitable relief, which could prevent us from developing and commercializing one or more of our medicines and drug candidates. In the event of a successful claim against us of infringement or misappropriation, or a settlement by us of any such claims, we may have to pay substantial damages, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees in the case of willful infringement, pay royalties or redesign our infringing medicines and drug candidates, which may be impossible or require substantial time and cost. In the event of an adverse result in any such litigation, or even in the absence of litigation, we may need to obtain licenses from third parties to advance our research or allow commercialization of our medicines or drug candidates, which could result in substantial upfront and/or royalty payment.

Current wording

If third parties bring successful claims against us for infringement of their intellectual property rights, we may be subject to injunctive or other equitable relief, which could prevent us from developing and commercializing one or more of our medicines and drug candidates. In the event of a successful claim against us of infringement or misappropriation, or a settlement by us of any such claims, we may have to pay substantial damages, including treble damages and attorneys’ fees in the case of willful infringement, pay royalties or redesign our infringing medicines and drug candidates, which may be impossible or require substantial time and cost.

Previous wording

If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, our business and competitive position would be harmed. We may also be subject to claims that our employees have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their former employers or collaboration partners.

Current wording

*If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, our business and competitive position would be harmed. We may also be subject to claims that our employees have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of others.

Previous wording

In addition to our issued patent and pending patent applications, we rely on trade secrets, including unpatented know-how, technology and other proprietary information, to maintain our competitive position and to protect our medicines and drug candidates. We seek to protect these trade secrets, in part, by entering into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties that have access to them, such as our employees, corporate collaborators, outside scientific collaborators, sponsored researchers, contract manufacturers, consultants, advisors and other third parties. We also enter into confidentiality and invention or patent assignment agreements with our employees and consultants. However, any of these parties may breach such agreements and disclose our proprietary information, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret can be difficult, expensive and time- consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. If any of our trade secrets were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor, we would have no right to prevent them from using that technology or information to compete with us and our competitive position would be harmed.

Current wording

In addition to our issued patent and pending patent applications, we rely on trade secrets, including unpatented know-how, technology and other proprietary information, to maintain our competitive position and to protect our medicines and drug candidates. We seek to protect these trade secrets, in part, by entering into non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements with parties that have access to them, such as our employees, corporate collaborators, outside scientific collaborators, sponsored researchers, contract manufacturers, consultants, advisors and other third parties. We also enter into confidentiality and invention or patent assignment agreements with our employees and consultants. However, any of these parties may breach such agreements and disclose our proprietary information, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret can be difficult, expensive and time- consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. If any of our trade secrets were lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor, we would have no right to prevent them from using that technology or information to compete with us and our competitive position would be harmed.

Previous wording

Furthermore, many of our employees, including our senior management, were previously employed at other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Some of these employees, including members of our senior management, executed proprietary rights, non-disclosure and in some cases non-competition agreements in connection with their previous employment. Our employees may also have access to trade secrets of our collaboration partners. Although we try to ensure that our employees do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, we may be subject to claims that we or these employees have used or disclosed intellectual property, including trade secrets or other proprietary information, of any such employee’s former employer. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.

Current wording

Furthermore, many of our employees, including our senior management, were previously employed at other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Some of these employees executed proprietary rights, non-disclosure and in some cases non-competition agreements in connection with their previous employment. Our employees may also have access to trade secrets of our collaboration partners. Although we try our best to ensure that our employees do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, we may be subject to claims that we or these employees have misappropriated trade secrets or other proprietary information, of any such employees’ former employers. For example, in September 2024, AbbVie filed a lawsuit alleging misappropriation of certain trade secrets concerning our Bruton’s tyrosine kinase degrader program, including lead compound BGB-16673. Defending against such claims could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management. If we fail in defending any such claims, we may need to pay monetary damages and lose valuable intellectual property rights.

Previous wording

We have a collaboration agreement with Amgen pursuant to which we and Amgen have agreed to collaborate on the commercialization of Amgen’s oncology products XGEVA, BLINCYTO and KYPROLIS in China, and the global development and commercialization in China of a portfolio of Amgen’s clinical- and late-preclinical-stage pipeline products. Amgen has paused or stopped development of some of the pipeline assets due to portfolio prioritization, and the parties expect that the development plan for the pipeline assets will continue to evolve over time. In connection with our ongoing assessment of the collaboration agreement cost-share contributions, we determined that our further investment in the development of LUMAKRAS (sotorasib) (“AMG 510”), a first-in-class KRAS G12C inhibitor, was no longer commercially viable for BeiGene. As a result, in February 2023, we entered into an amendment to the collaboration agreement to (i) stop sharing costs with Amgen for the further development of AMG 510 during the period starting January 1, 2023 and ending August 31, 2023; and (ii) cooperate in good faith to prepare a transition plan with the termination of AMG 510 from the Amgen Collaboration Agreement. Additionally, for the period between 2020 and 2022, we were advised by Amgen that its applications to the Human Genetic Resources Administration of China (“HGRAC”) to obtain approval to conduct clinical studies in China for the pipeline assets were delayed. Approval from the HGRAC is required for the initiation of clinical trials involving the collection of human genetic materials in China. We do not expect the previous HGRAC delay to affect the conduct of the clinical trials in China for our drug candidates, other than assets that are part of the Amgen collaboration. The Amgen collaboration involves numerous risks, including unanticipated costs and diversion of our management’s attention from our other drug discovery and development business. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop and commercialize Amgen’s oncology products in China, which could disrupt our business and harm our financial results.

Current wording

We have a collaboration agreement with Amgen pursuant to which we and Amgen have agreed to collaborate on the commercialization of Amgen’s oncology products XGEVA, BLINCYTO and KYPROLIS in China, and the global development and commercialization in China of a portfolio of Amgen’s clinical- and late-preclinical-stage pipeline products. Amgen has paused or stopped development of some of the pipeline assets due to portfolio prioritization, and the parties expect that the development plan for the pipeline assets will continue to evolve over time. In connection with our ongoing assessment of the collaboration agreement cost-share contributions, we determined that our further investment in the development of LUMAKRAS (sotorasib) (“AMG 510”), a first-in-class KRAS G12C inhibitor, was no longer commercially viable for BeiGene. As a result, in February 2023, we entered into an amendment to the collaboration agreement to (i) stop sharing costs with Amgen for the further development of AMG 510 during the period starting January 1, 2023 and ending August 31, 2023; and (ii) cooperate in good faith to prepare a transition plan with the termination of AMG 510 from the Amgen Collaboration Agreement. Additionally, for the period between 2020 and 2022, we were advised by Amgen that its applications to the Human Genetic Resources Administration of China (“HGRAC”) to obtain approval to conduct clinical studies in China for the pipeline assets were delayed. Approval from the HGRAC is required for the initiation of clinical trials involving the collection of human genetic materials in China. We do not expect the previous HGRAC delay to affect the conduct of the clinical trials in China for our drug candidates. The Amgen collaboration involves numerous risks, including unanticipated costs and diversion of our management’s attention from our other drug discovery and development business. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully develop and commercialize Amgen’s oncology products in China, which could disrupt our business and harm our financial results.

Previous wording

To further enhance the administration of China HGR, in 2021, the Chinese government adopted amendments to the Criminal Code, which criminalize the illegal collection of China HGR, the illegal transfer of China HGR materials outside of China, and the transfer of China HGR data to non-PRC parties or entities established or actually controlled by them without going through security review and assessment. Also in 2021, the PRC Biosecurity Law became effective, giving the Ministry of Science and Technology, China’s major regulatory authority of HGR, significantly more power and discretion to regulate HGR and it is expected that the overall regulatory landscape for Chinese HGR will continue to evolve and become even more rigorous. In addition, the interpretation and application of data protection laws in China are often uncertain and in flux.

Current wording

To further enhance the administration of China HGR, in 2021, the Chinese government adopted amendments to the Criminal Code, which criminalize the illegal collection of China HGR, the illegal transfer of China HGR materials outside of China, and the transfer of China HGR data to non-PRC parties or entities established or actually controlled by them without going through security review and assessment. Also in 2021, the PRC Biosecurity Law became effective. The Biosecurity Law establishes an integrated system to regulate biosecurity-related activities in China, including the security regulation of HGR and biological resources. The Biosecurity Law for the first time expressly declared that China has sovereignty over its HGR and further endorsed the HGR Regulation by recognizing the fundamental regulatory principles and systems established by it over the utilization of Chinese HGR by foreign entities in China. Although the Biosecurity Law does not provide any specific new regulatory requirements on HGR, as it is a law adopted by China’s highest legislative authority, it gives the National Health Commission, China’s major regulatory authority of HGR, significantly more power and discretion to regulate HGR and it is expected that the overall regulatory landscape for Chinese HGR will continue to evolve and become even more rigorous. In addition, the interpretation and application of data protection laws in China are often uncertain and in flux.

Previous wording

For example, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal controls for financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. In particular, we must perform system and process evaluations and testing of our internal controls over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Such compliance may require that we incur substantial accounting expenses and expend significant management efforts. Our testing may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses. In the event we identify significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls that we cannot remediate in a timely manner, the market price of our shares could decline if investors and others lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC, HKEx, China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”), SSE or other applicable regulatory authorities, and our business could be harmed.

Current wording

For example, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal controls for financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. In particular, we must perform system and process evaluations and testing of our internal controls over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Such compliance may require that we incur substantial accounting expenses and expend significant management efforts. Our testing may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses. In the event we identify significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in our internal controls that we cannot remediate in a timely manner, the market price of our shares could decline if investors and others lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SEC, HKEx, CSRC, SSE or other applicable regulatory authorities, and our business could be harmed.

Previous wording

Furthermore, under the Data Security Law, data categorized as “important data,” which will be determined by governmental authorities in the form of catalogs, is to be processed and handled with a higher level of protection. The notion of important data is not clearly defined by the Cyber Security Law or the Data Security Law. In order to comply with the statutory requirements, we will need to determine whether we possess important data, monitor the important data catalogs that are expected to be published by local governments and departments, perform risk assessments and ensure we are complying with reporting obligations to applicable regulators. We may also be required to disclose to regulators business sensitive or network security-sensitive details regarding our processing of important data and may need to pass the government security review or obtain government approval in order to share important data with offshore recipients, which can include foreign licensors, or share data stored in mainland China with judicial and law enforcement authorities outside of mainland China. If judicial and law enforcement authorities outside mainland China require us to provide data stored in mainland China, and we are not able to pass any required government security review or obtain any required government approval to do so, we may not be able to meet the non-PRC authorities’ requirements and may be unable to share information outside of China which may disrupt the operation of our business. The potential conflicts in legal obligations could have adverse impacts on our operations in and outside of mainland China. PRC regulatory authorities have also enhanced the supervision and regulation of cross-border data transmission. The Data Security Law prohibits entities and individuals in China from providing any foreign judicial or law enforcement authority with any data stored in China without approval from competent PRC authority and sets forth the legal liabilities of entities and individuals found to be in violation of their data protection obligations, including rectification order, warning, fines, suspension of relevant business, and revocation of business permits or licenses. Moreover, the CAC promulgated the Measures for the Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transmission, effective as of September 2022. According to these measures, personal data processors are subject to security assessment prior to any cross-border transfer of data if the transfer involves (i) important data; (ii) personal information transferred overseas by operators of critical information infrastructure or a data processor that has processed personal data of more than one million persons; (iii) personal information transferred overseas by a data processor who has already provided personal data of 100,000 persons or sensitive personal data of 10,000 persons overseas since January 1 of last year; or (iv) other circumstances as requested by the CAC. Though these measures have alre…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

Furthermore, under the Data Security Law, data categorized as “important data,” which will be determined by governmental authorities in the form of catalogs, is to be processed and handled with a higher level of protection. The notion of important data is not clearly defined by the Cyber Security Law or the Data Security Law. In order to comply with the statutory requirements, we will need to determine whether we possess important data, monitor the important data catalogs that are expected to be published by local governments and departments, perform risk assessments and ensure we are complying with reporting obligations to applicable regulators. We may also be required to disclose to regulators business sensitive or network security-sensitive details regarding our processing of important data and may need to pass the government security review or obtain government approval in order to share important data with offshore recipients, which can include foreign licensors, or share data stored in mainland China with judicial and law enforcement authorities outside of mainland China. If judicial and law enforcement authorities outside mainland China require us to provide data stored in mainland China, and we are not able to pass any required government security review or obtain any required government approval to do so, we may not be able to meet the non-PRC authorities’ requirements and may be unable to share information outside of China which may disrupt the operation of our business. The potential conflicts in legal obligations could have adverse impacts on our operations in and outside of mainland China. PRC regulatory authorities have also enhanced the supervision and regulation of cross-border data transmission. The Data Security Law prohibits entities and individuals in China from providing any foreign judicial or law enforcement authority with any data stored in China without approval from competent PRC authority and sets forth the legal liabilities of entities and individuals found to be in violation of their data protection obligations, including rectification order, warning, fines, suspension of relevant business, and revocation of business permits or licenses. Moreover, the CAC promulgated the Measures for the Security Assessment of Cross-border Data Transmission (effective September 2022) and the Provisions on Promoting and Standardizing Cross-Border Data Flows (effective March 2024), which provide certain clarification and relaxation to the compliance mechanisms for cross-border transfer of personal information, and provide several exemptions from undergoing security assessment, obtaining personal information protection certification, or entering into prescribed agreement for cross-border transfer of personal information for businesses. The provisions also explicitly state that data processors are not required to conduct data security assessment for cross-border important data transfers if the concerning data has not been notified or publ…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

There remain uncertainties as to how widespread the cybersecurity review requirement and the enforcement action will be and what effect they will have on the life sciences sector generally and the Company in particular. China’s regulators may impose penalties for non-compliance ranging from fines or suspension of operations, and the imposition of any such penalties on our business could cause a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects and the trading price of our ordinary shares, ADSs and RMB Shares, and could lead to our delisting from Nasdaq. As of the date of this report, we have not received any notice from any Chinese regulatory authority identifying us as a “critical information infrastructure operator,” “online platform operator” or “data processor,” or requiring us to go through the cybersecurity review procedures pursuant to the Revised Cybersecurity Review Measures and the Draft Cyber Data Security Regulations. However, there remains uncertainty as to how the regulations if enacted as currently proposed, will be interpreted or implemented and whether the Chinese regulatory authorities will adopt additional regulations. We intend to closely monitor the evolving laws and regulations in this area and take all reasonable measures to mitigate compliance risks, we cannot guarantee that our business and operations will not be adversely affected by the potential impact of the Revised Cybersecurity Review Measures, the Draft Cyber Data Security Regulations or other laws and regulations related to privacy, data protection and information security.

Current wording

There remain uncertainties as to how widespread the cybersecurity or national security review requirement and the enforcement action will be and what effect they will have on the life sciences sector generally and the Company in particular. China’s regulators may impose penalties for non-compliance ranging from fines or suspension of operations, and the imposition of any such penalties on our business could cause a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects and the trading price of our ordinary shares, ADSs and RMB Shares, and could lead to our delisting from Nasdaq. As of the date of this Quarterly Report, we have not received any notice from any Chinese regulatory authority identifying us as a “critical information infrastructure operator,” “online platform operator” or “data processor” requiring us to go through the cybersecurity review procedures pursuant to the Revised Cybersecurity Review Measures or national security review under the Cyber Data Security Regulations. However, there remains uncertainty as to how the regulations if enacted as currently proposed, will be interpreted or implemented and whether the Chinese regulatory authorities will adopt additional regulations. We intend to closely monitor the evolving laws and regulations in this area and take all reasonable measures to mitigate compliance risks, we cannot guarantee that our business and operations will not be adversely affected by the potential impact of the Revised Cybersecurity Review Measures, the Cyber Data Security Regulations or other laws and regulations related to privacy, data protection and information security.

Previous wording

Changes in the political and economic policies of the PRC government or in relations between China and the United States or other governments and the oversight and discretion the PRC government has over the conduct of the business operations of our PRC subsidiaries may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and may result in our inability to sustain our growth and expansion strategies.

Current wording

*Changes in the political and economic policies of the PRC government or in relations between China and the United States or other governments and the significant oversight and discretion the PRC government has over the conduct of the business operations of our PRC subsidiaries may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and may result in our inability to sustain our growth and expansion strategies.

Previous wording

Due to our operations in China, our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects may be influenced by economic, legal and social conditions in the PRC or changes in government relations between China and the U.S. or other governments. There is significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and China with respect to trade policies, data sharing, treaties, government regulations and tariffs. China’s economy differs from the economies of other countries in many respects, including with respect to the level of development, growth rate, amount of government involvement and oversight upon foreign exchange. While China’s economy has experienced significant growth over the past four decades, growth has been uneven across different regions and among various economic sectors. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic development and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government oversight of capital investments or changes in tax regulations that are currently applicable to us. In addition, in the past the Chinese government implemented certain measures, including interest rate increases, to manage the pace of economic growth and prevent the economy from overheating. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Current wording

Due to our operations in China, our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects may be influenced to a significant degree by economic, political, legal and social conditions in the PRC or changes in government relations between China and the U.S. or other governments. There is significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and China with respect to trade policies, data sharing, treaties, government regulations and tariffs. China’s economy differs from the economies of other countries in many respects, including with respect to the level of development, growth rate, amount of government involvement, regulation of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. While China’s economy has experienced significant growth over the past four decades, growth has been uneven across different regions and among various economic sectors. The Chinese government has implemented various measures to encourage economic development and guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by government regulation over capital investments or changes in tax regulations that are currently applicable to us. In addition, in the past the Chinese government implemented certain measures, including interest rate increases, to manage the pace of economic growth and prevent the economy from overheating. These measures may cause decreased economic activity in China, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

The PRC government has indicated its intent to exert more oversight over securities offerings and other capital markets activities that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based companies. If the PRC authorities attempt to exercise such oversight or administration through regulation over our PRC subsidiaries, we could be required to restructure our operations to comply with such regulations or potentially cease operations in the PRC entirely, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Any such action, once taken by the PRC government, could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or in extreme cases, become worthless.

Current wording

For example, the PRC government has indicated its intent to exert more oversight and control over securities offerings and other capital markets activities that are conducted overseas and foreign investment in China-based companies. If the PRC authorities attempt to exercise such control or influence through regulation over our PRC subsidiaries, we could be required to restructure our operations to comply with such regulations or potentially cease operations in the PRC entirely, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Any such action, once taken by the PRC government, could result in a material change in our operations, and could also significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or in extreme cases, become worthless.

Previous wording

For example, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in China, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using the variable interest entity (“VIE”) structure, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. For example, in July 2021, the relevant PRC government authorities made public the Securities Opinions, which 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.

Current wording

Additionally, the PRC government initiated a series of regulatory actions and statements to regulate business operations in China, including cracking down on illegal activities in the securities market, enhancing supervision over China-based companies listed overseas using the variable interest entity (“VIE”) structure, adopting new measures to extend the scope of cybersecurity reviews, and expanding the efforts in anti-monopoly enforcement. For example, in July 2021, the relevant PRC government authorities made public the Securities Opinions, which 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.

Previous wording

Currently, these statements and regulatory actions have had no impact on our daily business operations or our ability to accept foreign investments and list our securities on a U.S. or other foreign exchange. However, it is highly uncertain how the legislative or administrative agencies will further interpret, modify or implement such laws and regulations, or if they will promulgate any new laws or regulations, and their potential impact on our daily business operations, the ability to accept foreign investments and list our securities on a U.S., Hong Kong, or other stock exchanges. There are still substantial uncertainties as to how PRC governmental authorities will regulate overseas listing in practice and whether we are required to obtain any specific regulatory approvals from PRC governmental authorities for our offshore offerings. If PRC regulatory agencies later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals for our future offshore offerings, we may be unable to obtain such approvals in a timely manner, or at all, and such approvals may be rescinded even if obtained. Any such circumstance could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. In addition, implementation of industry-wide regulations directly targeting our operations could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline.

Current wording

Currently, these statements and regulatory actions have had no impact on our daily business operations or our ability to accept foreign investments and list our securities on a U.S. or other foreign exchange. However, it is highly uncertain how the legislative or administrative agencies will further interpret, modify or implement such laws and regulations, or if they will promulgate any new laws or regulations, and their potential impact on our daily business operations, the ability to accept foreign investments and list our securities on a U.S., Hong Kong, or other stock exchanges. There are still substantial uncertainties as to how PRC governmental authorities will regulate overseas listing in practice and whether we are required to obtain any specific regulatory approvals from PRC governmental authorities for our offshore offerings. If PRC regulatory agencies later promulgate new rules or explanations requiring that we obtain their approvals for our future offshore offerings, we may be unable to obtain such approvals in a timely manner, or at all, and such approvals may be rescinded even if obtained. Any such circumstance could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or be worthless. In addition, implementation of industry-wide regulations directly targeting our operations could cause the value of our securities to significantly decline. Therefore, investors of our company face potential uncertainty from actions taken by the government authorities affecting our business. Any intervention by the PRC government in our operations could undermine our business plan and cause the value of an investment in the Company to significantly decline or become worthless.

Previous wording

Furthermore, China’s legal system is still developing. The laws, rules and regulations are subject to interpretation and enforcement by PRC regulatory agencies and courts. In particular, on account of the relatively new implementation of certain laws, rules and regulations, the non-precedential nature of court decisions, and the discretion such laws, rules and regulations give to the relevant regulator in enforcement, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws, rules and regulations involve uncertainties and can be inconsistent. In addition, the legal system is based in part on government policies and rules which may quickly be amended from time to time. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until after the occurrence of the violation.

Current wording

Furthermore, China’s legal system is still developing. The laws, rules and regulations are subject to interpretation and enforcement by PRC regulatory agencies and courts. In particular, on account of the relatively new implementation of certain laws, rules and regulations, the non-precedential nature of court decisions, and the discretion such laws, rules and regulations give to the relevant regulator in enforcement, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws, rules and regulations involve uncertainties and can be inconsistent. In addition, the legal system is based in part on government policies and rules which may quickly be amended from time to time with little advance notice. As a result, we may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until after the occurrence of the violation.

Previous wording

It may be difficult for overseas regulators to conduct investigations or collect evidence within China. In China, there are legal and other obstacles to providing information needed for regulatory investigations or litigations initiated outside China. According to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law, no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the PRC territory, which may increase the difficulties you face in protecting your interests. According to the Revised Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions, where overseas securities regulators or relevant competent authorities request to inspect, investigate or collect evidence from Chinese domestic companies concerning their overseas offering and listing or their securities firms and securities service providers that undertake securities business for such Chinese domestic companies, such inspection, investigation and evidence collection must be conducted under the cross-border regulatory cooperation mechanism, and the CSRC or competent authorities of the Chinese government will provide necessary assistance pursuant to bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanism. Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with the securities regulatory authorities of another country or region to implement cross-border supervision and administration, such cooperation with the securities regulatory authorities in the Unities States may not be efficient in the absence of a mutual and practical cooperation mechanism. For risks associated with investing in us as a Cayman Islands company, see the risk factor titled“Because we are a Cayman Islands company, our shareholders may have fewer shareholder rights than they would have under Hong Kong law, Chinese law or U.S. law and may face difficulties in protecting their interests.”

Current wording

It may be difficult for overseas regulators to conduct investigations or collect evidence within China. In China, there are significant legal and other obstacles to providing information needed for regulatory investigations or litigations initiated outside China. According to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law, no overseas securities regulator is allowed to directly conduct investigation or evidence collection activities within the PRC territory, which may increase the difficulties you face in protecting your interests. According to the Revised Confidentiality and Archives Administration Provisions, where overseas securities regulators or relevant competent authorities request to inspect, investigate or collect evidence from Chinese domestic companies concerning their overseas offering and listing or their securities firms and securities service providers that undertake securities business for such Chinese domestic companies, such inspection, investigation and evidence collection must be conducted under the cross-border regulatory cooperation mechanism, and the CSRC or competent authorities of the Chinese government will provide necessary assistance pursuant to bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanism. Although the authorities in China may establish a regulatory cooperation mechanism with the securities regulatory authorities of another country or region to implement cross-border supervision and administration, such cooperation with the securities regulatory authorities in the Unities States may not be efficient in the absence of a mutual and practical cooperation mechanism. For risks associated with investing in us as a Cayman Islands company, see the risk factor titled“Because we are a Cayman Islands company, our shareholders may have fewer shareholder rights than they would have under Hong Kong law, Chinese law or U.S. law and may face difficulties in protecting their interests.”

Previous wording

Any administrative and court proceedings in the jurisdictions in which we operate, including China may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. Since administrative and court authorities have discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection. These uncertainties may impede our ability to enforce the contracts we have entered and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Any administrative and court proceedings in the jurisdictions in which we operate, including China may be protracted, resulting in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention. Since administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection. These uncertainties may impede our ability to enforce the contracts we have entered and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

There are uncertainties with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the Securities Opinions and the Overseas Listing Trial Measures. The PRC government may promulgate relevant laws, rules and regulations to impose additional obligations and liabilities on overseas listed China-based companies regarding data security, cross-border data flow, and compliance with China’s securities laws. As a company with operations in China and stock listings in and outside of China, it is uncertain whether or how these laws, rules and regulations and their interpretation and implementation may affect us. However, among other things, our ability to obtain external financing through the issuance of equity securities overseas could be adversely affected if restrictions on overseas fundraising are imposed on companies like us.

Current wording

There are uncertainties with respect to the interpretation and implementation of the Securities Opinions and the Overseas Listing Trial Measures. The PRC government may promulgate relevant laws, rules and regulations to impose additional and significant obligations and liabilities on overseas listed China-based companies regarding data security, cross-border data flow, and compliance with China’s securities laws. As a company with operations in China and stock listings in and outside of China, it is uncertain whether or how these laws, rules and regulations and their interpretation and implementation may affect us. However, among other things, our ability to obtain external financing through the issuance of equity securities overseas could be adversely affected if restrictions on overseas fundraising are imposed on companies like us.

Previous wording

Numerous regulations, guidelines and other measures have been or are expected to be adopted in China under the umbrella of or in addition to the Cyber Security Law and Data Security Law. As the relevant regulations, guidelines and measures continue to evolve, we cannot assure investors that we will be able to comply with new regulatory requirements relating to our future overseas capital-raising activities outside of China and we may become subject to more stringent requirements with respect to matters including data privacy and cross-border investigation and enforcement of legal claims.

Current wording

Numerous regulations, guidelines and other measures have been or are expected to be adopted in China under the umbrella of or in addition to the Cyber Security Law and Data Security Law. As there are still uncertainties regarding the interpretation and implementation of such regulatory guidance, we cannot assure investors that we will be able to comply with new regulatory requirements relating to our future overseas capital-raising activities outside of China and we may become subject to more stringent requirements with respect to matters including data privacy and cross-border investigation and enforcement of legal claims.

Previous wording

In February 2023, the CSRC released the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and five relevant guidelines, requiring Chinese companies that have already directly or indirectly offered and listed securities in overseas markets to fulfill their filing obligations and report relevant information to the CSRC within three working days after conducting a follow-on offering of equity securities on the same overseas market. We may have to go through this filing process for any follow-on offerings we conduct on Nasdaq or Hong Kong Stock Exchange. If we fail to complete a filing with the CSRC for any of our follow-on offerings, we may be subject to penalties, sanctions and fines imposed by the CSRC and relevant departments of the State Council.

Current wording

In February 2023, the CSRC released the Overseas Listing Trial Measures and five relevant guidelines, requiring Chinese companies that have already directly or indirectly offered and listed securities in overseas markets to fulfill their filing obligations and report relevant information to the CSRC within three working days after conducting a follow-on offering of equity securities on the same overseas market. The Overseas Listing Trial Measures, the relevant guidelines and their implementation may continue to evolve. We may have to go through this filing process for any follow-on offerings we conduct on Nasdaq or Hong Kong Stock Exchange. If we fail to complete a filing with the CSRC for any of our follow-on offerings, we may be subject to penalties, sanctions and fines imposed by the CSRC and relevant departments of the State Council.

Previous wording

As of the date of this report, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning or sanction regarding completing filing or other procedures in connection with offering our equity securities on Nasdaq or Hong Kong Stock Exchange from the CSRC or any other Chinese regulatory authorities that have jurisdiction over our operations. However, there remains uncertainty as to the interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements related to securities offerings and other capital markets activities outside of China. If it is determined in the future that the filing or other procedure with the CSRC or any other regulatory authority is required for issuing our equity securities on Nasdaq or Hong Kong Stock Exchange, it is uncertain whether we will be able to and how long it would take for us to complete the filing or other procedure, despite our best efforts. If we, for any reason, are unable to complete, or experience significant delays in completing, the requisite relevant filing or other procedure(s), we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other Chinese regulatory authorities. These regulatory authorities may impose fines and penalties on our operations in China, limit our ability to pay dividends outside of China, limit our operations in China, delay or restrict the repatriation of funds into China 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, ordinary shares, and RMB Shares. In addition, if the CSRC or other regulatory authorities later promulgate new rules requiring that we obtain their approvals or complete filing or other procedures for any future public offerings on Nasdaq or Hong Kong Stock Exchange, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of such requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties and/or negative publicity regarding such a requirement could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our ADSs, ordinary shares, and RMB Shares.

Current wording

As of the date of this Quarterly Report, we have not received any inquiry, notice, warning or sanction regarding completing filing or other procedures in connection with offering our equity securities on Nasdaq or Hong Kong Stock Exchange from the CSRC or any other Chinese regulatory authorities that have jurisdiction over our operations. However, there remains uncertainty as to the interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements related to securities offerings and other capital markets activities outside of China. If it is determined in the future that the filing or other procedure with the CSRC or any other regulatory authority is required for issuing our equity securities on Nasdaq or Hong Kong Stock Exchange, it is uncertain whether we will be able to and how long it would take for us to complete the filing or other procedure, despite our best efforts. If we, for any reason, are unable to complete, or experience significant delays in completing, the requisite relevant filing or other procedure(s), we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other Chinese regulatory authorities. These regulatory authorities may impose fines and penalties on our operations in China, limit our ability to pay dividends outside of China, limit our operations in China, delay or restrict the repatriation of funds into China 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, ordinary shares, and RMB Shares. In addition, if the CSRC or other regulatory authorities later promulgate new rules requiring that we obtain their approvals or complete filing or other procedures for any future public offerings on Nasdaq or Hong Kong Stock Exchange, we may be unable to obtain a waiver of such requirements, if and when procedures are established to obtain such a waiver. Any uncertainties and/or negative publicity regarding such a requirement could have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our ADSs, ordinary shares, and RMB Shares.

Previous wording

We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and we may rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries for our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders or to service any debt we may incur. If any of 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. Under PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries may pay dividends only out of their respective accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a wholly foreign- owned enterprise is required to set aside at least 10% of its accumulated after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a certain statutory reserve fund, until the aggregate amount of such fund reaches 50% of its registered capital. Such reserve funds cannot be distributed to us as dividends until the liquidation of the enterprise. At its discretion, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to an enterprise expansion fund, or a staff welfare and bonus fund. In addition, registered share capital and capital reserve accounts are also restricted from withdrawal in the PRC, up to the amount of net assets held in each operating subsidiary. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, these restricted assets totaled $4.3 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively.

Current wording

We are a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and we may rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries for our cash and financing requirements, including the funds necessary to pay dividends and other cash distributions to our shareholders or to service any debt we may incur. If any of 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. Under PRC laws and regulations, our PRC subsidiaries may pay dividends only out of their respective accumulated profits as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, a wholly foreign- owned enterprise is required to set aside at least 10% of its accumulated after-tax profits each year, if any, to fund a certain statutory reserve fund, until the aggregate amount of such fund reaches 50% of its registered capital. Such reserve funds cannot be distributed to us as dividends until the liquidation of the enterprise. At its discretion, a wholly foreign-owned enterprise may allocate a portion of its after-tax profits based on PRC accounting standards to an enterprise expansion fund, or a staff welfare and bonus fund. In addition, registered share capital and capital reserve accounts are also restricted from withdrawal in the PRC, up to the amount of net assets held in each operating subsidiary. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, these restricted assets totaled $4.5 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively.

Previous wording

As of August 2, 2024, 1,379,529,263 ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, were outstanding, of which 890,252,363 ordinary shares were held in the form of 68,480,951 ADSs, each representing 13 ordinary shares, and 115,055,260 were RMB Shares.

Current wording

As of November 1, 2024, 1,386,034,320 ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share, were outstanding, of which 868,958,610 ordinary shares were held in the form of 66,842,970 ADSs, each representing 13 ordinary shares, and 115,055,260 were RMB Shares.