F-1: Fitness Champs Files F-1 for Unit Offering Amidst Losses

Sentiment:

Unit Offering Prospectus


Fitness Champs Holdings Limited has filed an F-1 registration statement for an offering of up to 6,000,000 units, each comprising a Class A Ordinary Share (or Pre-Funded Warrant) and a Warrant, aiming to raise approximately $16.4 million in net proceeds.

Delay expectedThe repayment date for shareholder loans from Ms. Lee, initially March 31, 2025, was extended to August 31, 2025, and then again to March 31, 2026.
Capital raiseThe company is offering up to 6,000,000 units, each consisting of one Class A Ordinary Share (or a Pre-Funded Warrant) and one Warrant, aiming to raise approximately $16,409,030 in net proceeds.The offering includes Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants, with the Warrants having a zero exercise price option, meaning the company does not expect to receive cash proceeds from their exercise.The company intends to repay the remaining balance of a S$1.659 million (US$1.301 million) shareholder loan from Ms. Lee using proceeds from this offering.
Worse than expectedThe company reported a net loss of S$0.248 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to a net income of S$0.183 million for the same period in 2024.Revenue decreased by 2.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, and by 9.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024.Gross profit margin declined from 34.9% to 28.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2025.The company has negative operating cash flow and a net current liability position, raising substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.The company received a Nasdaq notice for failing to meet the minimum $1 bid price requirement, indicating a significant operational and market challenge.

Summary

  • Fitness Champs Holdings Limited is offering up to 6,000,000 units, each consisting of one Class A Ordinary Share (or a Pre-Funded Warrant in lieu thereof) and one Warrant to purchase one Class A Ordinary Share, at an assumed initial public offering price of $3.00 per unit.
  • The company expects to receive approximately $16,409,030 in net proceeds from this offering, after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses.
  • Warrants included in the units have an initial exercise price of $5.10 per Class A Ordinary Share (170% of the assumed public offering price) and expire six months from the issuance date.
  • A zero exercise price option is available for Warrants, potentially allowing holders to receive up to 90,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares if the Low Price equals the Floor Price, making cash proceeds from Warrant exercises highly unlikely.
  • The company reported a net loss of approximately $0.25 million (US$0.19 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to a net income of $0.18 million for the same period in 2024.
  • Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2025, decreased by 2.9% to $2.16 million, primarily due to slightly lower enrollment levels.
  • For the year ended December 31, 2024, revenue decreased by 9.3% to $4.216 million, and net income was $0.172 million, down from $1.118 million in 2023.
  • The company received a Nasdaq notice on November 6, 2025, for failing to meet the minimum $1 bid price requirement and has a compliance period until May 5, 2026.
  • A 30:1 reverse share split was approved on March 24, 2026, to be effective on a date to be determined, following a 15:1 reverse share split on February 12, 2026.
  • The company plans to use the net proceeds for business expansion, marketing, strategic investments, and general corporate purposes, including geographical expansion into Dubai and Malaysia.
  • Ms. Joyce Lee Jue Hui, the CEO, will control approximately 81.58% of the voting power post-offering through Class B Ordinary Shares, potentially reducing to 23.11% if all Warrants are exercised.

Sentiment

Score: 3

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this filing with caution due to declining revenues, a shift to net loss, and significant going concern doubts, despite strategic expansion plans. The dilutive nature of the warrants and Nasdaq compliance issues add to the negative sentiment.

Positives

  • The company is a leading sports education provider in Singapore, specializing in swimming programs, with over 252 certified swim coaches.
  • Fitness Champs was the largest service provider of the SwimSafer Program in 2023, accounting for approximately 30% of market share.
  • The company has an established track record and brand awareness in Singapore, operating since 2012.
  • Strong and stable relationships with a large network of swim coaches provide a competitive advantage.
  • A stable stream of school-based swimming lessons through MOE contracts helps attract coaches and students.
  • The management team, led by founder Ms. Lee with over 20 years of industry experience, is dedicated and experienced.
  • Plans for geographical expansion into new markets like Dubai and Malaysia indicate growth ambitions.
  • The company is exploring expansion through acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances to achieve economies of scale.
  • Government grants contributed significantly to other income, totaling S$91,000 (US$69,000) for the six months ended June 30, 2025.

Negatives

  • The company reported a net loss of $0.248 million (US$0.188 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2025, a significant decline from a net income of $0.183 million in the prior-year period.
  • Revenue decreased by 2.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, and by 9.3% for the year ended December 31, 2024.
  • Gross profit margin declined from 34.9% to 28.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, primarily due to increased coaches' fees and lower class ratios.
  • The company has negative operating cash flow and a net current liability position as of June 30, 2025, raising substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
  • Selling and distribution expenses increased significantly from S$38,000 to S$205,000 (US$155,000) for the six months ended June 30, 2025.
  • General and administrative expenses increased from S$562,000 to S$763,000 (US$578,000) for the six months ended June 30, 2025, mainly due to higher directors' remuneration and additional staff.
  • The company received a Nasdaq notice for failing to meet the minimum $1 bid price requirement, risking delisting.
  • The zero exercise price option for Warrants means the company does not expect to receive any cash proceeds from their exercise, leading to significant dilution for existing shareholders (up to 90,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares).
  • Executive Officers have no prior experience operating a U.S. public company, which could lead to compliance challenges and increased costs.
  • Planned increases to Executive Officer compensation will raise operating costs, requiring commensurately higher revenue to maintain profitability.

Risks

  • Operations are subject to regulatory requirements of Sport Singapore, Singapore Aquatics, and the National Registry of Coaches; failure to maintain certifications could suspend operations.
  • Inability to enforce restrictive covenants against coaches could lead to direct competition and negatively impact business.
  • Intellectual property infringement claims or inadvertent infringement on third-party rights could result in costly litigation and reputational damage.
  • Dependence on the supply of students from primary schools under the SwimSafer program (40.3% of 2024 revenue); non-renewal of MOE contract beyond 2026 could materially affect operations.
  • Reliance on the coaching team; failure to retain or develop coaches could affect brand and profitability.
  • Inability to continue attracting students to enroll in courses could adversely affect revenue and profitability.
  • Coaching team's actions or inactions, especially regarding safety, could lead to regulatory claims or litigation, impacting brand.
  • Unauthorized disclosure of student and staff information or other sensitive data could expose the company to costly litigation and reputational harm.
  • Advertising and marketing campaigns may not lead to higher enrollments or increased revenue.
  • Business operations are susceptible to adverse weather conditions, potentially restricting classes and reducing revenue.
  • Natural disasters and other catastrophic events, including pandemics, could adversely affect business operations and financial performance.
  • Operating in a competitive market with approximately 200 swimming training service providers in Singapore.
  • Changes in existing laws, regulations, and government policies may cause additional costs.
  • Exposure to risk of accidents and injuries during swimming lessons and aquatic sports classes, potentially leading to substantial liabilities.
  • Implementation of business strategies and future plans may not be successful due to various factors beyond control.
  • Current insurance coverage may not sufficiently protect against all risks, and premiums may increase.
  • Need to raise additional capital for business growth, with no assurance of obtaining it on acceptable terms or at all.
  • Failure to implement and maintain an effective system of internal controls could lead to inaccurate financial reporting, fraud, and loss of investor confidence.
  • Subject to changing U.S. laws, rules, and regulations regarding regulatory matters, corporate governance, and public disclosure, increasing costs and non-compliance risks.
  • Nasdaq notice for failing to meet listing requirements (minimum $1 bid price); failure to regain compliance could lead to delisting and reduced liquidity.
  • The offering may result in an immediate trading halt or delisting from Nasdaq due to public interest concerns regarding the dilutive nature of warrants with zero exercise price.
  • The trading price of Class A Ordinary Shares has been volatile, potentially resulting in substantial losses for investors.
  • Lack of research or adverse changes in recommendations by securities analysts could cause market price and trading volume to decline.
  • Sale or availability of substantial amounts of Class A Ordinary Shares, especially from warrant exercises, could adversely affect market price.
  • Immediate and substantial dilution for investors purchasing shares due to the public offering price being substantially higher than net tangible book value per share.
  • Reliance on management's judgment for use of net proceeds, which may not produce income or increase share price.
  • Classification as a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) could have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. taxpayers.
  • Short selling may drive down the market price of Class A Ordinary Shares.
  • As a controlled company, the company may rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements, potentially affording less protection to shareholders.
  • Ms. Lee, as an indirect controlling shareholder, will continue to have significant influence over the company, limiting other shareholders' ability to influence decisions.
  • Incorporation under Cayman Islands law may limit shareholders' ability to protect interests through U.S. courts.
  • Recently introduced economic substance legislation in the Cayman Islands may impact operations.
  • Judgments obtained against the company by shareholders may not be enforceable in the Cayman Islands or Singapore.

Future Outlook

The company aims to sustain continuous growth and strengthen its market position by expanding geographically into new markets, with Malaysia identified as an immediate potential market, and through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and alliances. It also plans to diversify into other sports like pickleball. Management expects the Dubai expansion, with operations commencing January 1, 2026, to provide future revenue opportunities, though its financial impact is not yet factored into going concern assessments. The company anticipates government sector revenues to return to pre-pandemic levels as the backlog of SwimSafer students clears.

Management Comments

  • Our mission is to make swimming an affordable sport for all by offering comprehensive swimming lessons and teaching swimming skills and techniques to our students and to encourage the public to use swimming as a healthy and fun sport for all ages.
  • We believe we are a leading sports education provider in Singapore, specializing in the provision of swimming programs to students.
  • We aim to make swimming an enjoyable and affordable sport for children and adults, for water safety and as a way of keeping fit and healthy.
  • We also plan to enter into other sports including pickleball, targeting to be a diversified sports education provider.
  • Our management team is led by our founder and Executive Director, Ms. Lee, who is a certified swim coach herself and has developed a reputation and strong track record of over 20 years in this industry.
  • We expect that government sector revenues will go back to levels that they were prior to the pandemic.
  • Our Executive Officers have no prior experience in operating a U.S. public company, which makes our ability to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations uncertain.
  • We recently raised the compensation of our Executive Officers and need to make commensurately higher revenue in order to maintain profitability.
  • Management expects the Dubai expansion to provide future revenue opportunities, but its potential financial impact has not been factored into the going concern assessment.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that Fitness Champs operates in a competitive Singaporean swimming training market with approximately 200 providers in 2023. Its position as the largest SwimSafer Program provider by assessment bookings (30% market share in 2023) is a significant competitive advantage. The planned expansion into Dubai and Malaysia, and diversification into sports like pickleball, aligns with a strategy to leverage its established brand and structured program beyond its core market, potentially mitigating reliance on government contracts which are expected to normalize post-COVID-19 backlog.

Comparison to Industry Standards

  • Fitness Champs is one of five sports education providers approved by the MOE to provide swimming lessons under the SwimSafer program in Singapore.
  • In 2023, Fitness Champs was the largest service provider of the SwimSafer Program based on the number of assessment bookings, accounting for approximately 30% of market share, and certified over 190,000 students since 2013.
  • The company is one of the few swim education providers in Singapore that offers both government-funded training programs and customized private swimming services.
  • The company's coach-to-student ratio for SwimSafer program classes is a maximum of 10 students to 1 coach, adhering to Sport Singapore and MOE guidelines.

Management Changes

RolePrevious PersonNew PersonEffective DateReason
Principal Financial OfficerMs. Alice Teoh Teoh Siew ThimMs. Chia Nyoke YeeNovember 2025Ms. Teoh resigned in 2025, Ms. Chia was hired in November 2025.

Corporate Governance

Change TypeDescriptionEffective DateImpact Assessment
Share Capital Re-designation and Re-classificationAuthorized share capital re-classified into 80,000,000,000 Class A ordinary shares, 10,000,000,000 Class B ordinary shares, and 10,000,000,000 preferred shares, each with a par value of US$0.000005. Issued shares re-designated into 8,292,150 Class A and 8,707,850 Class B ordinary shares.January 23, 2026Introduces a multi-class share structure with differential voting rights (Class B shares carry 50 votes per share), potentially consolidating control with Class B holders. This change was approved by shareholders.
Reverse Share Split (15:1)Approved by the board of directors, consolidating 17,000,000 issued shares into 1,133,333.33 shares (552,810 Class A and 580,524 Class B).February 12, 2026Aims to increase the per-share price to meet Nasdaq listing requirements, but also reduces the total number of outstanding shares, potentially impacting liquidity and market perception.
Reverse Share Split (30:1)Approved by the board of directors, to be effective on a date to be determined, further consolidating shares such that 1,133,333.33 issued shares become 37,777.78 shares (18,427 Class A and 19,351 Class B).To be determinedFurther attempt to meet Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement, but also results in significant further share consolidation and potential for reduced liquidity and increased volatility. This is a very aggressive reverse split.
Board CompositionThe Board consists of five Directors, three of whom are independent. Mr. Lay Shi Wei chairs the audit committee, Mr. Liu Junting Jason chairs the remuneration committee, and Mr. Tang Poh Lu chairs the nominating and corporate governance committee.March 31, 2025 (for independent directors)Aims to comply with Nasdaq listing rules for independent directors and committee structures, enhancing corporate oversight and governance. However, the company may rely on controlled company exemptions in the future.
Controlled Company StatusMs. Lee, through Big Treasure, will indirectly control 81.58% of the total voting power post-offering (assuming no warrant exercise), qualifying the company as a controlled company under Nasdaq rules.Upon completion of offeringAllows the company to rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements (e.g., majority independent board, independent nominating/remuneration committees), potentially affording less protection to minority shareholders. This status may change if all warrants are exercised.

Legal Proceedings

  • No legal proceedings or claims of material importance are pending or threatened against the company as of the date of the prospectus.

Related Party Transactions

  • Ms. Lee, the Executive Director and controlling shareholder, provided shareholder loans to the company to fund offering costs. The total utilized amount as of the date of the prospectus is approximately S$1,659,000 (US$1,301,000), with a balance of S$218,000 (US$147,000) as of December 31, 2025.
  • The company intends to repay the remaining balance of the shareholder loan in full using proceeds from this offering.
  • Historically, Ms. Lee made salary payments, coaches fees, independent contractor fees, and company expenses directly to minimize bank transaction fees, a practice that ceased from December 2023 for coach fees and salaries.
  • The company's bank borrowings are currently guaranteed by a personal guarantee from Ms. Lee, and the company will seek a waiver for future guarantees following the completion of the initial public offering.

Stakeholder Impact

  • **Shareholders:** Potential for significant dilution (up to 90,000,000 Class A Ordinary Shares) from zero exercise price warrants. Existing shareholders will experience immediate and substantial dilution. Risk of delisting from Nasdaq could severely impact liquidity and share price. Ms. Lee's controlling interest limits influence of other shareholders.
  • **Employees/Coaches:** The company relies heavily on its coaching team, and its ability to attract and retain qualified coaches is critical. Increased staff costs and directors' remuneration impact profitability. Compliance with labor laws and safety protocols is crucial for employee well-being and avoiding litigation.
  • **Customers (Students/Parents):** Continued provision of swimming lessons, including the government-funded SwimSafer program, is central to the business. Safety protocols are in place to protect students. Expansion plans aim to reach more customers in new markets.
  • **Suppliers/Creditors:** The company's going concern doubt and net current liability position could impact its ability to meet financial obligations. Bank borrowings are guaranteed by Ms. Lee, indicating reliance on related-party support.

Next Steps

  • Complete the current unit offering, expected to close on or about March 31, 2026.
  • Regain compliance with Nasdaq's minimum $1 bid price requirement by May 5, 2026, potentially through a reverse stock split.
  • Implement the 30:1 reverse share split approved on March 24, 2026.
  • Continue geographical expansion into new markets, with Dubai operations commencing January 1, 2026, and Malaysia identified as a potential market.
  • Explore expansion through suitable acquisitions, investments, strategic alliances, and joint ventures.
  • Hire and train additional coaches to expand the team (35% of net proceeds allocated).
  • Invest in brand building, marketing, and promotion activities (15% of net proceeds allocated).
  • Develop business in other aquatic sports like water polo and competitive swimming programs (10% of net proceeds allocated).
  • Repay the remaining balance of the shareholder loan from Ms. Lee using offering proceeds.
  • Improve internal controls and financial reporting to comply with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements.

Key Dates

DateDescription
1999Ms. Lee first obtained her swim coach certification.
2009The sole proprietorship business (Fitness Champs) was awarded its first contract to provide swimming lessons to public schools by the Singapore Government.
2012-12-05Fitness Champs Pte. Ltd. was established to take over the sole proprietorship business.
2015-07-15Fitness Champs Aquatics Pte. Ltd. was incorporated to provide private swimming classes and aquatic sports lessons.
2016Fitness Champs was recognized as a Top 100 SME in Singapore by the Singapore Award Association.
2020Fitness Champs was granted the tender from the Singapore Government (MOE) to provide swimming lessons under the SwimSafer program.
2022Purchased an office located at 7030 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 #09-102 Singapore 569880.
2023-12-08Entered into a new lease agreement for an office in Singapore for a two-year term.
2023-12-12Northen Star Limited was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands.
2023-12-15Fuji Investment Limited entered into an agreement with Ms. Lee to acquire 4.90% of the issued share capital of the proposed holding company for US$470,000.
2024-01-03Shareholder loans from Ms. Lee were entered into to fund offering costs, initially repayable by March 31, 2025.
2024-02-15Fitness Champs Holdings Limited was incorporated in the Cayman Islands.
2024Moved to larger premises at 7030 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 #04-48 Northstar@AMK Singapore 569880.
2024-05-03A dividend of S$300,000 (US$227,000) was declared by Fitness Champs Aquatics Pte Ltd.
2024-05-08Dividend of S$80,000 was paid by Fitness Champs Pte Ltd.
2024-05-09Dividend of S$220,000 was paid by Fitness Champs Aquatics Pte Ltd.
2024-06-19Reorganization completed: Ms. Lee transferred her initial share in Fitness Champs Holdings Limited to Big Treasure Investments Limited. Big Treasure, Easy Builder, Creative Path, Fuji, Biostar, and True Height subscribed for shares. Big Treasure and Fuji transferred their entire equity interest in Northen Star to Fitness Champs Holdings Limited.
2024-10-02Company effected a 1:200 forward stock split and changed authorized share capital, concurrently shareholders surrendered 25% of their shareholdings for recapitalization.
2024-10The contract with the MOE was renewed for a term through December 2026.
2025-09-04The company's ordinary shares commenced trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol FCHL.
2025-09-05Closed an initial public offering, issuing an additional 2,000,000 ordinary shares for $8 million gross proceeds, resulting in 17,000,000 ordinary shares issued and outstanding.
2025-10-30Fitness Champs (Dubai) was created in anticipation of expanding to Dubai in 2026.
2025-11-06Received a letter from Nasdaq notifying the company of non-compliance with the minimum $1 bid price requirement.
2025-12-16Entered into an addendum to the loan agreement with Ms. Lee to extend the repayment date to March 31, 2026.
2026-01-01Operations scheduled to commence for Fitness Champs (Dubai).
2026-01-23Shareholders approved a re-designation and re-classification of shares into Class A, Class B, and preferred shares, and a reverse share split at a ratio range of 2:1 to 50:1.
2026-02-11Frost & Sullivan report on Singapore Swimming Training Market Study dated.
2026-02-12Board of directors approved a 15:1 reverse share split of issued and unissued shares.
2026-03-16Approved the purchase of a property located at 55 Serangoon North Avenue 4 #01-05, Singapore 555859 for $1,368,000 (exclusive of GST).
2026-03-20Shareholders approved a reverse share split at a ratio range of 2:1 to 250:1.
2026-03-24Board of directors approved a 30:1 reverse share split of issued and unissued shares, to be effective on a date to be further determined.
2026-03-31Expected closing date for the current offering.
2026-05-05Deadline to regain Nasdaq compliance for minimum bid price.
2026-12MOE contract term ends.

Recommendation

strong sell

The filing reveals significant red flags that warrant a 'strong sell' recommendation. The company is experiencing declining revenues and has shifted from profitability to a net loss. Critically, the 'going concern' disclosure indicates substantial doubt about its ability to continue operations. The Nasdaq delisting notice for failing to meet the minimum bid price, coupled with multiple reverse stock splits, suggests severe underlying issues and a desperate attempt to maintain listing, which often precedes further price declines. The highly dilutive nature of the warrants, which are unlikely to generate cash proceeds for the company, further exacerbates concerns about shareholder value. The lack of U.S. public company experience in management and increased executive compensation amidst financial struggles are additional negative indicators. Investors face high risks of capital loss and limited liquidity.

Keywords

Swimming Lessons, Sports Education, Singapore, SwimSafer Program, Aquatic Sports, SEC Filing, F-1 Registration, Warrants, Pre-Funded Warrants, Nasdaq Listing, Dilution, Cayman Islands Company, Dubai Expansion, Financial Performance, Corporate Governance

Disclaimer:The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, recommendation, or endorsement of any kind. It may contain errors or omissions. You should not rely on this information to make financial decisions. Always seek the advice of a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions. Use of this information is at your own risk.