20-F: ATIF Holdings Reports $4.6M Loss, Shifts to BTC Mining

Sentiment:

Annual Report


ATIF Holdings Limited reported a net loss of $4.6 million for fiscal year 2025, while strategically expanding into Bitcoin mining and raising significant capital.

Delay expectedConsulting services to Caiz Optronics Corp. have been delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak and its negative impact.
Capital raiseIssued and sold 212,222 ordinary shares to non-affiliated institutional investors for gross proceeds of $4.8 million in January 2025.Issued and sold 87,778 ordinary shares and warrants (pre-funded and restricted) to non-affiliated institutional investors for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $2.5 million in February 2025.Issued and sold 301,932 ordinary shares to non-U.S. persons for gross proceeds of $2 million in July 2025.Entered into a securities purchase agreement on October 8, 2025, to sell up to 9,000,000 units (each consisting of one ordinary share and one warrant) for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $29.34 million, with net proceeds for working capital or general corporate purposes.
Worse than expectedNet loss increased by 44% to $4.6 million in fiscal year 2025, indicating a deterioration in profitability.Operating cash outflows significantly increased to $2.5 million in fiscal year 2025, demonstrating increased cash burn.The company explicitly states 'substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern' due to recurring losses and cash outflows.A significant loss of $3.6 million was incurred from investment in trading securities.Four material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting were identified, suggesting deficiencies in financial reporting and control environment.

Summary

  • Net loss increased by 44% to $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2025, compared to $3.2 million in fiscal year 2024.
  • Total revenue increased by 94% to $1.2 million in fiscal year 2025 from $0.6 million in fiscal year 2024, primarily from consulting services in Hong Kong and Singapore.
  • Operating cash outflows were approximately $2.5 million in fiscal year 2025, a significant increase from $0.1 million in fiscal year 2024.
  • Cash and cash equivalents stood at approximately $9.0 million as of July 31, 2025.
  • Stockholders' equity was $9,663,475 as of July 31, 2025, exceeding Nasdaq's minimum requirement of $2,500,000.
  • The company initiated a strategic expansion into the Bitcoin (BTC) sector in June 2025, with a five-year plan to accumulate 1,000 BTC through direct purchases and mining operations in West Texas.
  • As of the report date, the company has purchased 0.19 BTC in the open market.
  • Several capital raises were completed in fiscal year 2025, including $4.8 million in January, $2.5 million in February, and $2 million in July.
  • A securities purchase agreement was entered into on October 8, 2025, to sell up to 9,000,000 units (ordinary shares and warrants) for approximately $29.34 million.
  • A 1-for-18 reverse share split was effectuated on August 8, 2025.
  • A legal proceeding with Boustead Securities, LLC was settled for $1,000,000, payable in three installments, with $750,000 already paid.
  • A pending lawsuit from J.P Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS) for $5,064,160 in damages is currently in FINRA arbitration.
  • Four material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting were identified.
  • The AT Consulting Center stopped operations in fiscal year 2025 due to a shift in business focus away from mainland China.

Sentiment

Score: 3

Explanation: The company faces significant financial distress, including substantial net losses, negative operating cash flows, and explicit 'going concern' doubt. While recent capital raises provide temporary liquidity, they come with considerable dilution. The strategic shift into the highly volatile Bitcoin sector introduces substantial new risks without a proven track record. Identified material weaknesses in internal controls further compound the negative outlook, making the investment highly speculative.

Positives

  • Total revenue increased by 94% to $1.2 million in fiscal year 2025, driven by consulting services in Hong Kong and Singapore.
  • Successfully raised approximately $9.3 million in gross proceeds from equity offerings in fiscal year 2025, significantly improving liquidity.
  • Entered into a securities purchase agreement on October 8, 2025, for a potential capital raise of approximately $29.34 million, indicating continued access to financing.
  • Stockholders' equity of $9,663,475 as of July 31, 2025, demonstrates compliance with Nasdaq's minimum listing requirements, mitigating immediate delisting risk.
  • Strategic expansion into the Bitcoin (BTC) sector in June 2025, with a five-year plan to accumulate 1,000 BTC, represents a forward-looking diversification effort.
  • Resolved the legal proceeding with Boustead Securities, LLC through a settlement agreement, reducing ongoing litigation uncertainty.

Negatives

  • Net loss increased by 44% to $4.6 million in fiscal year 2025, indicating worsening profitability.
  • Operating cash outflows significantly increased to $2.5 million in fiscal year 2025 from $0.1 million in fiscal year 2024, highlighting cash burn.
  • Substantial doubt exists about the company's ability to continue as a going concern due to recurring losses and cash outflows.
  • Incurred a significant loss of approximately $3.6 million from investment in trading securities in fiscal year 2025.
  • Identified four material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, raising concerns about financial accuracy and fraud prevention.
  • Heavy dependence on a limited number of clients, with four customers accounting for 83% of consolidated revenue in fiscal year 2025, poses a concentration risk.
  • An ongoing legal proceeding with J.P Morgan Securities LLC seeks $5,064,160 in damages, representing a material contingent liability.
  • The AT Consulting Center ceased operations in fiscal year 2025, and the CNNM platform was fully impaired in 2020, indicating past business failures and shifts.

Risks

  • Limited operating history and subject to risks encountered by early-stage companies.
  • Incurred net losses for the year ended July 31, 2025, and expects losses to continue in the near future.
  • Raising additional capital may cause dilution to existing stockholders.
  • Failure to comply with NASDAQ continued listing requirements could result in delisting.
  • Historical financial results may not be indicative of future performance.
  • Substantial doubt about the ability to continue as a going concern.
  • May incur liability for unpaid taxes, including interest and penalties.
  • Changes in the U.S. capital markets could make services less attractive to clients.
  • Failure to maintain or enhance brand or image could have a material adverse effect.
  • May not be successful in implementing important new strategic initiatives, such as the BTC sector expansion.
  • Increasing competition within the financial consulting industry.
  • Results of operations and cash flows may fluctuate due to the non-recurring nature of going public consulting services.
  • Arbitration proceedings, legal proceedings, investigations, and other claims are costly and could require payment of fines or damages.
  • Subject to damages resulting from unauthorized access or hacking and other cyber risks.
  • Failure to hire, train, and retain qualified managerial and other employees.
  • Any failure to protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights could have a negative impact.
  • Heavy dependence on a limited number of clients.
  • Reliance on information management systems; damage, interruption, or compromise could disrupt and harm business.
  • Business strategy may not be successful, impeding development and growth.
  • Service offerings may not be accepted by the market.
  • Changes in China's economic, political, or social conditions or government policies could have a material adverse effect if operations continue in China.
  • The Chinese government may exert substantial influence over business activities in PRC if operations continue there.
  • Changes in the policies of the PRC government could significantly impact the ability to generate revenue from the PRC in the future.
  • May be subject to PRC laws and obligations regarding cybersecurity and data protection if operations continue in China.
  • May face negative tax implications due to the termination of the VIE structure.
  • Risks related to a future determination that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate the auditor completely.
  • Limited operating history in the BTC sector, making it difficult to evaluate business and prospects.
  • The launch of the Bitcoin-related business could adversely affect business, results of operations, and financial condition.
  • Bitcoin-related business contains various risks, including those inherent to Bitcoin and the broader digital asset ecosystem, such as extreme volatility.
  • Fluctuations in the price of Bitcoin are likely to influence financial results; a hypothetical 50% change could impact net income by approximately $135.1 million.
  • Warrants with repricing features may limit ordinary share price and make future capital raises more expensive.
  • Sales of a significant number of ordinary shares in the public market could depress the market price.
  • Does not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
  • Failure to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting.
  • Requirements of being a public company may strain resources, increase costs, and distract management.
  • If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish negative reports, the price and trading volume of ordinary shares could decline.
  • The market price of ordinary shares may be volatile or decline regardless of operating performance.
  • If deemed an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, applicable restrictions could make business impractical.
  • Anti-takeover provisions in the memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control.
  • As a BVI company, shareholders may be unable to bring an action against the company or its officers and directors or to enforce any judgment.
  • The board of directors may decline to register transfers of ordinary shares in certain circumstances.
  • Certain types of class or derivative actions generally available under U.S. law may not be available due to BVI incorporation, limiting shareholder rights.
  • Limited protections for minority shareholders under BVI laws compared to the United States.
  • No pre-emptive rights in favor of holders of ordinary shares, so shareholders may not be able to participate in future equity offerings.
  • If classified as a passive foreign investment company (PFIC), United States taxpayers who own ordinary shares may have adverse federal income tax consequences.
  • Volatility in the market price of ordinary shares could lead to losses by investors.

Future Outlook

The company expects to continue experiencing losses in the near future due to the declining economic environment and regulatory uncertainties in the PRC affecting its business consulting services. It plans to expand operations to other Asian countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore, while maintaining focus on the North American market. Significant resources will be allocated to further develop the Bitcoin-related business. The company does not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, prioritizing reinvestment in business operations and expansion. Management is actively working to remediate identified material weaknesses in internal controls by hiring qualified personnel, implementing training, and establishing an internal audit function.

Management Comments

  • We anticipate that we continue to experience losses in the future.
  • We believe that our current leased property is in good condition and suitable for the conduct of our business.
  • Our management has assessed that the likelihood of future use of the financial and news platform is remote.
  • We believe that this streamlined management model and strategic partnership strategy is in line with the current fast-changing and competitive business environment and will provide us with strong growth capability.
  • We believe that our relationship with our employees has historically been good, and this is expected to continue.
  • Management believes it is very difficult to estimate the timing of this phase of service as the completion of Phase III services is not within the Company's control.
  • Management believes that the realization of the deferred tax assets appears to be uncertain and may not be realizable in the near future.
  • Our management is currently in the process of evaluating the steps necessary to remediate the ineffectiveness [of disclosure controls and procedures].

Industry Context

The company operates in a competitive financial consulting market with low barriers to entry, facing challenges from new entrants. Its strategic shift from assisting Chinese SMEs to go public to focusing on North American and other Asian markets is a response to evolving regulatory landscapes, particularly in China. The diversification into the Bitcoin (BTC) sector reflects a broader industry trend of companies exploring digital assets, driven by long-term optimism in the space and leveraging favorable regulatory environments and competitive power costs in regions like West Texas for mining operations. This move represents a significant pivot into a highly volatile and rapidly evolving industry, contrasting with its traditional, non-recurring consulting service model.

Comparison to Industry Standards

  • The filing mentions competitors in the financial consulting market such as Greenpro Capital Corp., Forward Capital, and Metalpha Technology Holding Limited, but does not provide specific comparative financial or operational data against these companies.
  • No specific industry benchmarks or comparable companies are provided for the newly launched Bitcoin-related business to assess its performance against global standards.

Management Changes

RolePrevious PersonNew PersonEffective DateReason
Chief Executive Officer, Director, ChairmanJun LiuDr. Kamran Khan2025-01-22Resignation of previous officer, appointment of new officer to fill vacancy.
Chief Financial Officer, DirectorYue MingShibin Yu2025-02-20Resignation of previous officer, appointment of new officer to fill vacancy.

Corporate Governance

Change TypeDescriptionEffective DateImpact Assessment
Home Country Practice AdoptionThe company, as a British Virgin Islands company, follows home country practices in lieu of certain Nasdaq Listing Rules, including not requiring a majority of independent directors (though currently a majority are), not following annual meeting/proxy statement requirements, and not following shareholder approval requirements for certain security issuances.N/APotentially limits shareholder protections and transparency compared to U.S. domestic companies, but is permitted under Nasdaq rules for foreign private issuers.
Board Committee StructureEstablished an audit committee, compensation committee, and nominating and corporate governance committee with defined charters and independent members.N/AEnhances oversight and adherence to corporate governance best practices, with independent directors on key committees.
Code of Ethics and PoliciesAdopted a code of ethics, a policy against hedging or offsetting compensatory securities, and a formal claw-back policy for incentive-based executive compensation.N/AAims to promote ethical conduct, align management incentives with shareholder interests, and ensure accountability for financial misstatements.
Board Diversity DisclosureDisclosed Board Diversity Matrix as of July 31, 2025, showing 5 directors, all male and all Asian.2025-07-31Provides transparency on board composition; indicates a lack of gender diversity and limited ethnic diversity beyond Asian representation.

Legal Proceedings

  • Settled a lawsuit with Boustead Securities, LLC for breach of underwriting agreement for a total of $1,000,000. The payment is structured in three installments: $250,000 upon execution of the settlement agreement (September 24, 2024), $500,000 before March 1, 2025, and the final $250,000 before December 31, 2025. The first two installments totaling $750,000 have been paid.
  • Facing a pending lawsuit from J.P Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS) filed on December 22, 2023, seeking $5,064,160 in damages plus interest and attorneys' fees related to a stock transaction by ATIF-1 GP, LLC. The parties have agreed to submit disputes between JPMS and ATIF-1 GP, LLC to FINRA arbitration, and the California state court case is stayed pending the arbitration outcome. ATIF-1 GP, LLC has not been a subsidiary since its disposition in 2022.

Related Party Transactions

  • Provided consulting services to Asia International Securities Exchange Co., Ltd. (wholly owned by former CEO Mr. Jun Liu) for $0 in FY2025, $200,000 in FY2024, and $1,300,000 in FY2023.
  • Accounts receivable from Asia International Securities Exchange Co., Ltd. were $0 as of July 31, 2025, and $200,000 as of July 31, 2024.
  • Other receivable from Asia International Securities Exchange Co., Ltd. (prepayment for security purchase, subsequently cancelled and fully collected) was $0 as of July 31, 2025, and $900,000 as of July 31, 2024.
  • Lease agreement for office space with Zachary Group LLC (wholly owned by former CEO Mr. Jun Liu) was terminated effective November 1, 2024. Rental expenses were $12,000 in FY2025 and $95,000 in FY2024.
  • Extended a loan of $93,013 to Mr. Jun Liu (former CEO) and subsequently collected the same amount in FY2025.
  • Entered into a deferred salary conversion agreement with Mr. Jun Liu on April 29, 2024, issuing 384,478 ordinary shares in lieu of $349,875 unpaid salary.

Stakeholder Impact

  • Shareholders face significant dilution from recent and planned capital raises, with no expectation of dividends in the foreseeable future. The stock is subject to high volatility due to financial performance, legal issues, and the high-risk Bitcoin venture. Limited shareholder protections under BVI law compared to U.S. law.
  • Employees are impacted by management changes and the company's ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel, particularly in financial consultancy and the new BTC sector.
  • Customers for consulting services saw an increase in revenue contribution in FY2025, but the company's heavy dependence on a limited number of clients poses a risk to revenue stability.
  • Creditors may face increased risk due to the company's 'going concern' doubt, recurring losses, and significant operating cash outflows, despite recent capital injections. Litigation settlements also represent material liabilities.

Next Steps

  • Increase revenue and control operating costs and expenses to generate positive operating cash flows and address going concern uncertainty.
  • Obtain additional financing from outside sources to fund current operating plans.
  • Recruit more professionals and allocate additional resources to expand and develop the Bitcoin-related business.
  • Remediate identified material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting by hiring qualified accounting personnel, implementing training programs, and establishing an internal audit function.
  • Continue to monitor the potential impact of U.S. tax reforms.
  • Await the outcome of the FINRA arbitration for the J.P Morgan Securities LLC lawsuit before proceeding with the stayed California state court case.

Key Dates

DateDescription
2015-01-05Company incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.
2016-07-31First fiscal year with revenue generated.
2018-08-01Launched AT Consulting Center.
2018-09-01Acquired CNNM, a news and media platform.
2019-07-01Launched an investment and financing analysis reporting business.
2020-05-14Boustead Securities LLC filed a lawsuit against the Company.
2020-11-05Completed a private placement of warrants.
2021-01-04Announced relocation of operating headquarter to California, USA.
2021-01-14Entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement to sell all interests in Leaping Group Co., Ltd. (LGC).
2021-01-29Closing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement for LGC.
2021-01-31Terminated VIE agreements with Qianhai Asia Times (Shenzhen) International Financial Services Co., Ltd.
2021-02-16Established ATIF-1, LP as a private equity fund.
2021-12-22ATIF Inc. established ATIF BD LLC.
2022-04-25Company established ATIF Investment Limited.
2022-05-31Completed the transfer of equity interest in ATIF HK and Huaya to Mr. Pishan Chi.
2022-08-01ATIF USA sold all of its membership interests in ATIF-1 GP, LLC.
2022-08-03Company filed a motion to compel arbitration of Boustead's claims in California.
2022-10-06ATIF Inc. established ATIF Business Consulting LLC.
2022-10-07ATIF Inc. established ATIF Business Management LLC.
2023-02-14Court ordered ATIF's motion to compel arbitration granted and case stayed pending arbitration for Boustead lawsuit.
2023-03-10Boustead filed Demand for Arbitration against ATIF before JAMS in California.
2023-05-25ATIF filed its answer to deny Boustead's Demand for Arbitration, initiating the arbitration process.
2023-11-08Hearing on Boustead's motion for contract interpretation determination was held, extended to February 29, 2024.
2023-11-13ATIF LP was deregistered.
2023-11-22Company received a letter from Nasdaq regarding non-compliance with minimum stockholders equity requirement.
2023-12-15Deadline for Boustead to submit its reply regarding contract interpretation issues.
2023-12-22J.P Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS) filed a lawsuit against ATIF Holdings Limited.
2024-01-08Nasdaq deadline for the Company to submit a plan to regain compliance with minimum stockholders equity requirement.
2024-02-12Deadline for the Company to present its response brief in the Boustead arbitration.
2024-02-29Entered into a new employment agreement with Jun Liu for a monthly salary of $1.
2024-03-01Modified office lease arrangement with Zachary Group, reducing lease term and office space.
2024-04-16Entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement for a private placement, receiving gross proceeds of $1,343,789.76.
2024-04-18Entered into two securities purchase agreements in a private placement, receiving gross proceeds of $1,000,002.38.
2024-04-29Entered into a deferred salary conversion agreement with Mr. Jun Liu, issuing 384,478 ordinary shares for $349,875 unpaid salary.
2024-05-06Mediation held for the JPMS lawsuit, but no resolution was reached.
2024-05-15Defendants filed a Petition with the Superior Court of California seeking to compel arbitration for the JPMS lawsuit.
2024-05-16Nasdaq granted an extension until May 20, 2024, to provide evidence of compliance with stockholders equity requirement.
2024-07-26Current directors were re-elected at the 2024 Annual General Meeting.
2024-08-16Parties agreed that JPMS and ATIF-1 GP, LLC would submit disputes to FINRA arbitration, staying the California state court case.
2024-09-24Company and Boustead entered into a settlement agreement for $1,000,000.
2024-10-28Company was granted 7,850,000 ordinary shares of a listed company by a shareholder as capital contribution.
2024-11-01Lease agreement with Zachary Group terminated.
2024-11-30Company entered into an agreement with Zachary Group to terminate the Lease Agreement effective November 1, 2024.
2024-12-18Company changed the ticker symbol of its ordinary shares listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market from ATIF to ZBAI.
2025-01-15Securities purchase agreement dated January 15, 2025, between ATIF Holdings Limited and certain non-affiliated institutional investors.
2025-01-21Issued and sold 212,222 ordinary shares for gross proceeds of US$4.8 million.
2025-01-22Jun Liu resigned as Chief Executive Officer, director, and Chairman; Dr. Kamran Khan appointed as Chief Executive Officer, director, and Chairman.
2025-02-03Entered into a letter agreement to buy back and cancel 1,480,000 ordinary shares for $1,850,000.
2025-02-04Entered into a securities purchase agreement for a registered direct offering and concurrent private placement for gross proceeds of approximately $2.5 million.
2025-02-05The February Offering closed.
2025-02-20Yue Ming resigned as Chief Financial Officer and director; Shibin Yu appointed as Chief Financial Officer and director.
2025-03-01Second installment of $500,000 due to Boustead Securities, LLC.
2025-03-02Entered into a lease agreement with Sat Hing Pat for office space.
2025-04-01Board of Directors of the Listed Company approved a 1-for-25 reverse share split for its ordinary shares.
2025-05-05Reverse share split for the Listed Company's ordinary shares came into effect.
2025-06-01Began strategic expansion into the BTC sector.
2025-06-30Board of directors approved a 1-for-18 reverse share split, effective August 8, 2025.
2025-07-22Entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain non-U.S. investors for gross proceeds of $2 million.
2025-07-29Closing of the July 22, 2025 Offering and sale of shares.
2025-08-081-for-18 reverse share split became effective.
2025-08-15Par value of ordinary shares reduced to $0.001 per share again by resolution of directors.
2025-10-08Entered into a securities purchase agreement to sell up to 9,000,000 units for approximately $29.34 million.
2025-12-09Date of this annual report filing.
2025-12-31Final installment of $250,000 due to Boustead Securities, LLC.

Recommendation

strong sell

The company exhibits severe financial distress, including substantial net losses, significant negative operating cash flows, and an explicit 'going concern' warning from its auditors. The identified material weaknesses in internal controls raise serious concerns about the reliability of financial reporting. While recent capital raises provide some liquidity, they come at the cost of significant shareholder dilution. The strategic pivot into the highly volatile and unproven Bitcoin mining sector introduces substantial new risks without a clear path to profitability. The ongoing legal proceedings add further financial and operational uncertainty. These factors collectively indicate a highly speculative and precarious investment, warranting a strong sell recommendation.

Keywords

Financial consulting, Business advisory, SEC filing, Nasdaq, Bitcoin, BTC mining, Capital raise, Reverse share split, Corporate governance, Internal controls, Legal proceedings, BVI company, Financial results, Net loss, Revenue, Risk management, Cybersecurity, Related party transactions, Digital assets

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