e10vq
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2005
OR
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o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 000-30698
SINA CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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Cayman Islands
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52-2236363 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number) |
Room 1802, United Plaza
1468 Nan Jing Road West
Shanghai 200040, China
(86-21) 6289 5678
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrants principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes þ No o
The number of shares outstanding of the registrants ordinary shares as of August 5,
2005 was 53,079,540.
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
SINA CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value)
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June 30, |
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December 31, |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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(Unaudited) |
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(Audited) |
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ASSETS
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Current assets: |
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|
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|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
163,561 |
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|
$ |
153,768 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
|
120,571 |
|
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|
121,867 |
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts of
$2,041 and $1,754, respectively |
|
|
32,422 |
|
|
|
39,942 |
|
Short-term deferred tax assets |
|
|
781 |
|
|
|
689 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
7,963 |
|
|
|
10,699 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
325,298 |
|
|
|
326,965 |
|
Investment in Tidetime Sun |
|
|
2,610 |
|
|
|
5,468 |
|
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
$23,262 and $19,446, respectively |
|
|
19,572 |
|
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|
16,152 |
|
Long-term investments |
|
|
5,936 |
|
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|
4,541 |
|
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of
$7,233 and $5,151, respectively |
|
|
11,136 |
|
|
|
13,218 |
|
Goodwill |
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|
61,172 |
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|
61,172 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
3,988 |
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|
|
2,909 |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Total assets |
|
$ |
429,712 |
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|
$ |
430,425 |
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|
|
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
2,083 |
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$ |
2,052 |
|
Accrued
liabilities* |
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|
34,148 |
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|
68,384 |
|
Income taxes payable |
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|
3,542 |
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|
4,502 |
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|
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Total current liabilities |
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39,773 |
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|
74,938 |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Convertible Debt |
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|
100,000 |
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|
100,000 |
|
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
1,501 |
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|
|
2,142 |
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Total liabilities |
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|
141,274 |
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|
177,080 |
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Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) |
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Shareholders equity: |
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Ordinary Shares: $0.133 par value; 150,000 shares authorized;
53,070 and 51,359 shares issued and outstanding |
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7,062 |
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|
6,834 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
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|
279,884 |
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|
263,912 |
|
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) |
|
|
3,205 |
|
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|
(17,058 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Unrealized loss on investment in marketable securities |
|
|
(1,775 |
) |
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|
(395 |
) |
Cumulative translation adjustments |
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Total shareholders equity |
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|
288,438 |
|
|
|
253,345 |
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
|
$ |
429,712 |
|
|
$ |
430,425 |
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* |
|
Accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2004, included an additional consideration of $28,087 to
Crillion Corporation for its achievement of the 2004 performance target. Such additional
consideration was paid during the six months ended June 30, 2005. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
SINA CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amount)
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Three months ended |
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Six months ended |
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June 30 |
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June 30 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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2004 |
|
Net revenues: |
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Advertising |
|
$ |
20,373 |
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|
$ |
15,512 |
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|
$ |
37,021 |
|
|
$ |
28,630 |
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
25,757 |
|
|
|
33,683 |
|
|
|
54,957 |
|
|
|
61,953 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,130 |
|
|
|
49,195 |
|
|
|
91,978 |
|
|
|
90,583 |
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Cost of revenues: |
|
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Advertising |
|
|
6,541 |
|
|
|
4,961 |
|
|
|
12,435 |
|
|
|
9,293 |
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
7,794 |
|
|
|
9,336 |
|
|
|
16,834 |
|
|
|
17,530 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,335 |
|
|
|
14,297 |
|
|
|
29,269 |
|
|
|
26,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Gross profit |
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|
31,795 |
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|
34,898 |
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|
62,709 |
|
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|
63,760 |
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Operating expenses: |
|
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|
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Sales and marketing |
|
|
10,718 |
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|
|
9,072 |
|
|
|
22,202 |
|
|
|
16,170 |
|
Product development |
|
|
3,520 |
|
|
|
2,143 |
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|
|
7,222 |
|
|
|
4,117 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
5,078 |
|
|
|
3,940 |
|
|
|
9,775 |
|
|
|
7,155 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
1,041 |
|
|
|
926 |
|
|
|
2,082 |
|
|
|
1,410 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
20,357 |
|
|
|
16,081 |
|
|
|
41,281 |
|
|
|
28,852 |
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
|
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|
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Income from operations |
|
|
11,438 |
|
|
|
18,817 |
|
|
|
21,428 |
|
|
|
34,908 |
|
Interest income |
|
|
1,564 |
|
|
|
1,080 |
|
|
|
3,096 |
|
|
|
2,300 |
|
Amortization of convertible debt issuance cost |
|
|
(171 |
) |
|
|
(171 |
) |
|
|
(342 |
) |
|
|
(342 |
) |
Gain (loss) on short-term investments and
investment in Tidetime Sun |
|
|
(1,338 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,282 |
) |
|
|
59 |
|
Share of loss on equity investments |
|
|
(858 |
) |
|
|
(756 |
) |
|
|
(1,424 |
) |
|
|
(1,089 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
10,635 |
|
|
|
18,970 |
|
|
|
21,476 |
|
|
|
35,836 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
(682 |
) |
|
|
(952 |
) |
|
|
(1,213 |
) |
|
|
(1,776 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
9,953 |
|
|
$ |
18,018 |
|
|
$ |
20,263 |
|
|
$ |
34,060 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per share |
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
|
$ |
0.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
|
$ |
0.69 |
|
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|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
Diluted net income per share |
|
$ |
0.17 |
|
|
$ |
0.31 |
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
|
$ |
0.59 |
|
|
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|
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|
Weighted average shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
52,111 |
|
|
|
50,257 |
|
|
|
51,771 |
|
|
|
49,871 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
58,783 |
|
|
|
58,110 |
|
|
|
58,642 |
|
|
|
58,048 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
SINA CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
(Unaudited, in thousands)
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Ordinary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Shares |
|
|
(Accumulated |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Additional |
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|
Subject to |
|
|
Deficit) / |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares |
|
|
Paid-in |
|
|
Subsequent |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Shareholders |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Issuance |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Income (loss) |
|
|
Equity |
|
|
Income |
|
Balances at December 31, 2004 |
|
|
51,359 |
|
|
$ |
6,834 |
|
|
$ |
263,912 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(17,058 |
) |
|
$ |
(343 |
) |
|
$ |
253,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of ordinary shares pursuant to
stock plans |
|
|
1,436 |
|
|
|
191 |
|
|
|
4,774 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,965 |
|
|
|
|
|
Business acquisition |
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
11,198 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,235 |
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,263 |
|
|
$ |
20,263 |
|
Unrealized loss on investments in
marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,380 |
) |
|
|
(1,380 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,380 |
) |
Currency translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
18,893 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances at June 30, 2005 |
|
|
53,070 |
|
|
$ |
7,062 |
|
|
$ |
279,884 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
3,205 |
|
|
$ |
(1,713 |
) |
|
$ |
288,438 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
Subject to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares |
|
|
Paid-in |
|
|
Subsequent |
|
|
(Accumulated |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Shareholders |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Issuance |
|
|
Deficit) |
|
|
Income (loss) |
|
|
Equity |
|
|
Income |
|
Balances at December 31, 2003 |
|
|
48,627 |
|
|
$ |
6,471 |
|
|
$ |
236,222 |
|
|
$ |
1,349 |
|
|
$ |
(83,054 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,481 |
) |
|
$ |
159,507 |
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of ordinary shares pursuant to
stock plans |
|
|
1,356 |
|
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
8,841 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
Business acquisition |
|
|
372 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
9,835 |
|
|
|
(1,349 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,535 |
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,060 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,060 |
|
|
$ |
34,060 |
|
Unrealized loss on investments in
marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,582 |
) |
|
|
(1,582 |
) |
|
|
(1,582 |
) |
Currency translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
32,465 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances at June 30, 2004 |
|
|
50,355 |
|
|
$ |
6,700 |
|
|
$ |
254,898 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(48,994 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,076 |
) |
|
$ |
209,528 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
SINA CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended |
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
20,263 |
|
|
$ |
34,060 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for doubtful accounts |
|
|
287 |
|
|
|
(183 |
) |
Share of loss on equity investments |
|
|
1,424 |
|
|
|
1,089 |
|
Loss on disposal of fixed assets |
|
|
150 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
Depreciation |
|
|
4,222 |
|
|
|
2,638 |
|
Amortization of convertible debt issuance cost |
|
|
342 |
|
|
|
342 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
2,082 |
|
|
|
1,410 |
|
Loss (gain) on short-term investments and investment in Tidetime Sun |
|
|
1,282 |
|
|
|
(59 |
) |
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of effect of acquisition): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
7,233 |
|
|
|
(7,862 |
) |
Short-term deferred tax assets |
|
|
(92 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
2,736 |
|
|
|
(1,202 |
) |
Other assets |
|
|
(1,421 |
) |
|
|
16 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
966 |
|
Income taxes payable |
|
|
(960 |
) |
|
|
(62 |
) |
Accrued liabilities |
|
|
(6,741 |
) |
|
|
2,494 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
30,838 |
|
|
|
33,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of property and equipment |
|
|
(7,792 |
) |
|
|
(5,852 |
) |
Cash paid for business acquisition, net of cash acquired |
|
|
(16,891 |
) |
|
|
(11,463 |
) |
Investments in joint ventures |
|
|
(2,819 |
) |
|
|
(1,435 |
) |
Deposit for business acquisition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,282 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of (purchase of) short-term investments, net |
|
|
1,206 |
|
|
|
(38,434 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of investments |
|
|
286 |
|
|
|
295 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(26,010 |
) |
|
|
(63,171 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares |
|
|
4,965 |
|
|
|
9,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
4,965 |
|
|
|
9,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
9,793 |
|
|
|
(20,479 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period |
|
|
153,768 |
|
|
|
158,148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period |
|
$ |
163,561 |
|
|
$ |
137,669 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
SINA CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(Unaudited, in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended |
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for business acquisition* |
|
$ |
(16,891 |
) |
|
$ |
(12,980 |
) |
Cash acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,517 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for business acquisition, net |
|
$ |
(16,891 |
) |
|
$ |
(11,463 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of noncash significant activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary shares issued for business acquisition * |
|
$ |
11,235 |
|
|
$ |
9,884 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-advertising services exchanged for equity interest in joint venture |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Cash paid and ordinary shares issued for business acquisition during the six months ended June 30, 2005 were
related to the additional consideration paid to Crillion Corporation for its achievement of the 2004 performance
target which were accrued as of December 31, 2004. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
SINA CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Business
SINA Corporation (SINA or the Company), a Cayman Islands corporation, is a leading online
media company and value-added information service provider in the Peoples Republic of China (the
PRC or China) and the global Chinese communities. With a branded network of localized websites
targeting Greater China and overseas Chinese, the Company provides services through five major
business lines including SINA.com (online news and content), SINA Mobile (mobile value-added
services or MVAS), SINA Online (community-based services and games), SINA.net (search and
enterprise services) and SINA E-Commerce (online shopping and travel). Together these business
lines provide an array of services including region-focused online portals, MVAS, search and
directory, interest-based and community-building channels, free and premium email, online games,
virtual ISP, classified listings, fee-based services, e-commerce and enterprise e-solutions.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation
The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
conformity with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America
(GAAP), consistent in all material respects with those applied in the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. The interim financial information is unaudited but
reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to provide fair
condensed consolidated balance sheets, condensed statements of operations, condensed statements of
shareholders equity and condensed statements of cash flows for the interim periods presented.
Such adjustments are normal and recurring except as otherwise noted. The Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004 is derived from the December 31, 2004 audited financial
statements. You should read these interim condensed consolidated financial statements in
conjunction with the audited financial statements, including the notes thereto, and the other
information set forth in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2004.
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its
subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs) for which the Company is the primary
beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Investments in entities in which the Company can exercise significant influence, but which are less
than majority owned and not otherwise controlled by the Company, are accounted for under the equity
method. The Company has adopted FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 46R Consolidation of Variable
Interest Entities (FIN 46R), an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51. FIN 46R
requires a VIE to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk
of loss for the VIEs or is entitled to receive a majority of the VIEs residual returns. To comply
with PRC laws and regulations, the Company provides substantially all its Internet content
provision, MVAS and advertising services in China via its VIEs. These VIEs are wholly or partially
owned by certain employees of the Company. The capital for the VIEs are funded by the Company and
recorded as interest-free loans to these PRC employees. These loans were eliminated with the
capital of the VIEs during consolidation. As of June 30, 2005, the total amount of interest-free
loans to these PRC employees was $9.0 million. The aggregate accumulated losses of all VIEs were
approximately $2.5 million and have been included in the condensed consolidated financial
statements.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the financial
statements. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year
presentation.
Allowances for doubtful accounts
The Company determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on actual bad debt rate in
the prior year and other factors. The Company also provides specific provisions for bad debts when
facts and circumstances indicate that the receivable is unlikely to be collected, including an
assessment of all receivables over 180 days. If the financial condition of the Companys customers
were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional
allowances may be required.
8
Available- for- sale securities investments
Investments classified as available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with
unrealized gains (losses), if any, recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income in
shareholders equity. Realized gains or losses are charged to the income during the period in which
the gain or loss is realized. If the Company determines a decline in fair value is
other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the individual security is written down to fair value as a
new cost basis and the amount of the write-down is accounted for as a realized loss. The new cost
basis will not be changed for subsequent recoveries in fair value. Determination of whether
declines in value are other-than-temporary requires significant judgment. Subsequent increases and
decreases in the fair value of available-for-sale securities will be included in comprehensive
income through a credit or charge to shareholders equity except for an other-than-temporary
impairment, which will be charged to the income.
Investments classified as available-for-sale securities include marketable equity securities
of Tidetime Sun (Group) Limited (Tidetime Sun), previously called Sun Media Group (see Note 4
-Investment in Tidetime Sun), and marketable debt securities included in the short-term
investments. The Company invests in marketable debt securities that are readily available for
operating or acquisition purposes and, accordingly, classifies them as short-term investments.
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable
assets and liabilities acquired as a result of the Companys acquisitions of interests in its
subsidiaries and VIEs. The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 142, Goodwill and Intangible Assets (SFAS 142) on January 1, 2002. Under SFAS 142, goodwill
is no longer amortized, but tested for impairment upon first adoption and annually thereafter, or
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. The
Company assesses goodwill for impairment periodically in accordance with SFAS 142.
The Company applies the criteria specified in SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations to
determine whether an intangible asset should be recognized separately from goodwill. Intangible
assets acquired through business acquisitions are recognized as assets separate from goodwill if
they satisfy either the contractual-legal or separability criterion. Per SFAS 142, intangible
assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful life and reviewed for
impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-lived Assets. Intangible assets, such as purchased technology, trademark, customer list,
user base and non-compete agreements, arising from the acquisitions of subsidiaries and variable
interest entities, are recognized and measured at fair value upon acquisition. Intangible assets
are amortized over their estimated useful lives from one to ten years. The Company reviews the
amortization methods and estimated useful lives of intangible assets regularly. The recoverability
of an intangible asset to be held and used is evaluated by comparing the carrying amount of the
intangible asset to its future net undiscounted cash flows. If the intangible asset is considered
to be impaired, the impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the
intangible asset exceeds the fair value of the intangible asset, calculated using a discounted
future cash flow analysis. The Company uses estimates and judgments in its impairment tests, and if
different estimates or judgments had been utilized, the timing or the amount of the impairment
charges could be different.
Revenue recognition
Advertising
Advertising revenues are derived principally from online advertising and sponsorship
arrangements. Online advertising arrangements allow advertisers to place advertisements on
particular areas of the Companys websites, in particular formats and over particular periods of
time. Advertising revenues from online advertising arrangements are recognized ratably over the
displayed period of the contract when the collectibility is reasonably assured. Sponsorship
arrangements allow advertisers to sponsor a particular area on its websites in exchange for a fixed
payment over the contract period. Advertising revenues are recognized ratably over the period of
sponsorship. Advertising revenues derived from the design, coordination and integration of online
advertising and sponsorship arrangements to be placed on the Companys websites are recognized
ratably over the term of such programs. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No.
00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, advertising arrangements
involving multiple deliverables are broken down into single-element arrangements based on their
relative fair value for revenue recognition purposes, when possible. The Company recognizes revenue
on the elements delivered and defers the recognition of revenue for the fair value of the
undelivered elements until the remaining obligations have been satisfied.
9
Revenues from barter transactions are recognized during the period in which the advertisements
are displayed on the Companys properties. Barter transactions are recorded at the lower of the
fair value of the goods and services received or the fair value of the advertisement given,
provided the fair value of the transaction is reliably measurable. Revenues from barter
transactions were minimal for all periods presented.
Non-advertising
MVAS. MVAS revenues are derived principally from providing mobile phone users with short
messaging service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), ring back tone (RBT), wireless
application protocol (WAP) and interactive voice response system (IVR). These services include
news and other content subscriptions, mobile dating service, picture and logo download, ring tones,
ring back tones, mobile games, chat rooms and access to music files. Revenues from MVAS are charged
on a monthly or per-usage basis. Such revenues are recognized in the period in which the service is
performed, and provided that no significant Company obligations remain, collection of the
receivables is reasonably assured and the amounts can be accurately estimated.
The Company contracts with mobile operators China Mobile Communication Corporation (China
Mobile) and its subsidiaries, China Unicom Co., Ltd. (China Unicom) and its subsidiaries, and
telecom operators, which constitute a minimal percentage to the Companys MVAS operation, for
billing and transmission services related to the MVAS transmitted to its users. In accordance with
EITF No. 99-19, Reporting Revenues Gross as a Principal Versus Net as an Agent, revenues are
recorded on a gross basis when the Company is considered the primary obligor to the MVAS users.
Under the gross method, the amounts billed to MVAS users are recognized as revenues and the fees
charged or retained by the third party mobile operators are recognized as cost of revenues.
Revenues on MVAS where the Company is not considered the primary obligor to the user are recorded
on a net basis. Under the net method, revenues are recorded net of fees charged or retained by the
third party mobile operators.
Due to the time lag between when the services are rendered and when the mobile operator
billing statements are received, MVAS revenues are estimated based on our internal records of
billings and transmissions for the month, adjusting for prior periods confirmation rates with
mobile operators and prior periods discrepancies between internally estimated revenues and actual
revenues confirmed by mobile operators. The confirmation rate applied to the estimation of revenue
is determined at the lower of the latest confirmation rate available and the average of six-month
historical rates available, provided that the Company has obtained confirmation rates for six
months. If the Company has not yet received confirmation rates for six months, revenues would be
deferred until billing statements are received from the mobile operators. Historically, there have
been no significant true up adjustments to the revenue estimates.
Historically, due to the time lag of receiving billing statements from mobile operators and
the lack of adequate information to make estimates, the Company has adopted a one-month lag
reporting policy for MVAS revenues. Such policy has been applied on a consistent basis and does
not apply to MVAS revenues from acquired entities Memestar Limited and Crillion Corporation. For
the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, the Company recorded MVAS revenues in the amount of
$22.6 million and $49.1 million, respectively. If the Company had not used the one-month lag
reporting policy, its revenues from MVAS for these periods would have
been $22.1 million and $48.3 million, respectively.
China Mobile, China Unicom and most of their subsidiaries have transitioned MVAS providers to
a new billing platform for SMS and MMS. The new billing platforms resulted in more controls by the
mobile operators in the operation, a higher failure rate for fee collection from the Companys
users and made it more difficult for the Company to recruit new users. As a result, the Companys
revenues from MVAS have been reduced significantly. The Company has been monitoring the extent of
the impact of the new billing platforms to its business and its confirmation rates used. In
addition, the Company has been evaluating the current MVAS revenue recognition policy. If there
were no consistent trends with respect to confirmation rates or there were continuous significant
true up adjustments to its estimates under the new billing platforms, its current policy of
estimating MVAS revenues may not be appropriate and the Company may have to record the MVAS
revenues when it receives the billing statements from third-party mobile operators. Due to the time
lag of receiving the billing statements, its MVAS revenues may fluctuate with the collection of
billing statements if the Company were to record the MVAS revenues when it received the billing
statements.
The Company purchases certain contents from third-party content providers for its MVAS. In
most of these arrangements, the fees payable to the third-party content providers are calculated
based on certain percentages of the revenue earned by their contents after deducting the fees paid
to the third-party mobile operators. The Companys MVAS revenues are inclusive of such fees since
the Company acts as the principal in these arrangements by having the ability to determine the fees
charged to end users and being the primary obligor to the end users with respect to providing such
services.
10
Fee-based services. Fee-based services allow the Companys users to subscribe to services on
its websites including online games, virtual ISP and paid email services. Revenues from these
services are recognized in the period in which the service is performed, and provided that no
significant Company obligations remain, collection of the receivables is reasonably assured and the
amounts can be accurately estimated.
E-commerce. E-commerce revenues are derived principally from slotting fees charged to
merchants for selective positioning and promotion of their goods or services within the Companys
online mall, SinaMall, and from commissions calculated as a percentage of the online sales
transaction value of the merchants. Slotting fee revenue is recognized ratably over the period the
products are shown on the Companys website while the commission revenue is recognized on a net
basis after both successful online verification of customers credit cards and shipment of
products. Product returns have not been significant and are assumed by vendors.
Enterprise services. Enterprise services mainly include paid search and directory listings,
corporate emails, classified listings and enterprise e-solutions. Revenues are recognized in the
period in which the service is performed, and provided that no significant Company obligations
remain, collection of the receivables is reasonably assured and the amounts can be accurately
estimated.
In accordance with GAAP, the recognition of these revenues is partly based on the Companys
assessment of the probability of collection of the resulting accounts receivable balance. As a
result, the timing or amount of revenue recognition may have been different if the Companys
assessment of the probability of collection of accounts receivable had been different.
Stock-based compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in accordance with
provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees (APB No. 25) as amended by FIN 44, Accounting for Certain Transactions Involving Stock
Compensationan Interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25 and EITF No. 00-23, Issues Related to the
Accounting for Stock Compensation under APB Opinion No. 25 and
FASB Interpretation No. 44 and
complies with the disclosure provisions of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
(SFAS 123), as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and
Disclosure (SFAS 148). Under APB No. 25, as amended, compensation cost is, in general,
recognized based on the difference, if any, on the date of grant between the fair value of the
Companys stock and the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. Total compensation cost
as determined at the grant date of option is recorded in shareholders equity as additional paid-in
capital with an offsetting entry recorded to deferred stock compensation. Deferred stock
compensation is amortized over the vesting period of 4 years on an accelerated basis using the
model presented in paragraph 24 of FIN 28. Accordingly, the percentages of the deferred
compensation amortized in the first, second, third and fourth years following the option grant date
are approximately 52%, 27%, 15% and 6%, respectively. SFAS 148 amends SFAS 123 to provide
alternative methods of transition for companies that voluntarily change to the fair value-based
method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. SFAS 148 also amends the disclosure
provisions of SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial
statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of
the method used on reported results.
11
Had compensation cost for the Companys stock-based compensation plans been determined based
on the fair value at the grant dates for the awards under a method prescribed by SFAS 123, the
Companys net income per share would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30, |
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands) |
|
Net income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported |
|
$ |
9,953 |
|
|
$ |
18,018 |
|
|
$ |
20,263 |
|
|
$ |
34,060 |
|
Deduct: Employee stock
purchase plan related
compensation expenses
determined under fair value
based method |
|
|
(45 |
) |
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
|
(66 |
) |
Deduct: Stock-based
employee compensation
expenses determined under
fair value based method |
|
|
(2,084 |
) |
|
|
(3,447 |
) |
|
|
(5,031 |
) |
|
|
(5,329 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma |
|
$ |
7,824 |
|
|
$ |
14,538 |
|
|
$ |
15,159 |
|
|
$ |
28,665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported |
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
|
$ |
0.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
|
$ |
0.69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma |
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
|
$ |
0.29 |
|
|
$ |
0.58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted net income per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported |
|
$ |
0.17 |
|
|
$ |
0.31 |
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
|
$ |
0.59 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma |
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
|
$ |
0.25 |
|
|
$ |
0.26 |
|
|
$ |
0.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company calculated the fair value of each option grant on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes pricing method with the following assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30, |
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
3.85 |
% |
|
|
1.80 |
% |
|
|
2.93% - 3.85 |
% |
|
|
1.19% - 1.80 |
% |
Expected life (in years) |
|
|
1 - 4 |
|
|
|
1 - 4 |
|
|
|
1 - 4 |
|
|
|
1 - 4 |
|
Expected dividend yield |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volatility |
|
|
70 |
% |
|
|
90 |
% |
|
|
70% - 87 |
% |
|
|
90% - 91 |
% |
Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach, which requires the
recognition of income taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities
and assets for future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Companys
consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The measurement of current and deferred tax
liabilities and assets is based on provisions of the enacted tax laws; the effects of future
changes in tax laws or rates are not anticipated. The measurement of deferred tax assets is
reduced, if necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence assessed
using the criteria in SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, will not more-likely-than-not be
realized.
The Company records a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, if any, based on estimates
of its future taxable income as well as its tax planning strategies when it is more likely than not
that a portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. If the Company is able to
utilize more of its deferred tax assets than the net amount previously recorded when unanticipated
events occur, an adjustment to deferred tax assets would be reflected in income when those events
occur.
Recent accounting pronouncements
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) issued SFAS No. 123
(revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R), which replaces SFAS 123 and supercedes APB
No. 25. SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee
stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values, beginning
with the first interim or annual period after June 15, 2005. In April 2005, the Securities and
Exchange Commission announced that the accounting provisions of SFAS 123R are effective at the
beginning of a companys next fiscal year that begins after June 15, 2005. The Company is now
required to adopt SFAS 123R in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. The pro forma disclosures
previously permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement
recognition. See the Stock-based compensation section above for the pro forma net income and net
income per share amounts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004, as if
the Company had used a fair-value-based method, similar to the methods required under SFAS 123R, to
measure compensation expense for employee stock incentive awards. Although the Company has not yet
determined the transition method or whether the adoption of SFAS 123R will result in amounts that
are similar to the current pro forma disclosures under SFAS 123, the Company is evaluating the
requirements under SFAS 123R and expects the adoption to have a significant adverse impact on the
Companys consolidated statements of operations and net income per share.
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (SFAS
154) which replaces APB Opinions No. 20 Accounting Changes and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting
Changes in Interim Financial Statements An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 28. SFAS 154 provides
guidance on the accounting for and reporting of accounting changes and error corrections. It
establishes retrospective application, or the latest practicable date, as the required method for
reporting a change in accounting principle and the reporting of a correction of an error. SFAS 154
is effective for accounting changes and corrections of
12
errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005, and is required to be adopted
by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the
effect that the adoption of SFAS 154 will have on its consolidated results of operations and
financial condition but does not expect it to have a material impact.
3. Short-Term Investments
The investments in marketable debt securities are classified as available for sale securities.
The Company invests in these securities with the intent to make such funds readily available for
operating or acquisition purposes and, accordingly, classifies them as short-term investments. The
aggregate fair value of marketable debt securities is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
(audited) |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Time deposits |
|
$ |
28,506 |
|
|
$ |
1,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable debt securities due within one year |
|
$ |
47,083 |
|
|
$ |
56,473 |
|
Marketable debt securities due after one year through five years |
|
|
44,982 |
|
|
|
64,065 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
120,571 |
|
|
$ |
121,867 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, the Company recorded unrealized gains of
$0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and recorded unrealized losses of $3.3 million and
$2.1 million, respectively, in the same periods of 2004, on its marketable debt securities as a
component of comprehensive income.
4. Investment in Tidetime Sun
Investment in Tidetime Sun, previously called Sun Media Group, was accounted for as an
investment in marketable equity securities under the provisions of SFAS No. 115, Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and was classified as available for sale and
reported at fair value with unrealized gains (losses), if any, recorded as a component of
comprehensive income (loss) included in shareholders equity. The fair value of this investment as
of June 30, 2005 was $2.6 million as compared to its cost basis of $3.9 million. The Company
considered the decline in the fair value of this investment to be other-than-temporary and recorded
an impairment loss of approximately $1.3 million. At August 5, 2005, the fair value of this
investment remained $2.6 million. The Company will continue to monitor the investment, and if there
is a decline in fair value, the Company may have to recognize additional impairment charges in
future periods.
5. Long-Term Investments
Long-term investments, comprised of investments primarily in joint ventures, were accounted
for using the equity method of accounting. As of June 30, 2005, the carrying value of long-term
investments of $5.9 million mainly comprise investments in the following: i) a joint venture of
Shanghai NC-SINA Information Technology Co. Ltd. (Shanghai NC-SINA) in the PRC with NC Soft, a
Korean online game company and ii) a joint venture of China Online Auction Limited (COAL) in the
PRC with Yahoo! Inc. The following summarizes the Companys equity investments as of June 30, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shanghai NC-SINA |
|
|
COAL |
|
|
Others |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances at December 31, 2004 (audited) |
|
$ |
1,384 |
|
|
$ |
1,932 |
|
|
$ |
1,225 |
|
|
$ |
4,541 |
|
Additional investment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,749 |
|
|
|
1,070 |
|
|
|
2,819 |
|
Share of gain (loss) on equity investments |
|
|
257 |
|
|
|
(1,498 |
) |
|
|
(183 |
) |
|
|
(1,424 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances at June 30, 2005 |
|
$ |
1,641 |
|
|
$ |
2,183 |
|
|
$ |
2,112 |
|
|
$ |
5,936 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes goodwill from the Companys acquisitions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
(audited) |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Davidhill Capital Inc. (Davidhill) |
|
$ |
4,273 |
|
|
$ |
4,273 |
|
Crillion Corporation (Crillion) |
|
|
37,984 |
|
|
|
37,984 |
|
Bravado Investments Limited (Bravado) |
|
|
824 |
|
|
|
824 |
|
Memestar Limited (Memestar) |
|
|
18,091 |
|
|
|
18,091 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total goodwill |
|
$ |
61,172 |
|
|
$ |
61,172 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table summarizes the intangible assets acquired from Davidhill, Crillion,
Bravado and Memestar:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
(audited) |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
(i) Davidhill: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Compete agreements |
|
$ |
480 |
|
|
$ |
480 |
|
Technology |
|
|
10,300 |
|
|
|
10,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,780 |
|
|
|
10,780 |
|
Less: Accumulated amortization |
|
|
(1,243 |
) |
|
|
(622 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
|
9,537 |
|
|
|
10,158 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(ii) Crillion: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Compete agreements |
|
|
1,891 |
|
|
|
1,891 |
|
Customer list |
|
|
2,494 |
|
|
|
2,494 |
|
Content provision contracts |
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,466 |
|
|
|
4,466 |
|
Less: Accumulated amortization |
|
|
(3,235 |
) |
|
|
(1,960 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
|
1,231 |
|
|
|
2,506 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(iii) Bravado: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Compete agreements |
|
|
121 |
|
|
|
121 |
|
Hotel reservation contracts |
|
|
774 |
|
|
|
774 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
895 |
|
|
|
895 |
|
Less: Accumulated amortization |
|
|
(527 |
) |
|
|
(341 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
|
368 |
|
|
|
554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(iv) Memestar
Non-Compete agreements |
|
|
1,256 |
|
|
|
1,256 |
|
Customer lists |
|
|
972 |
|
|
|
972 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,228 |
|
|
|
2,228 |
|
Less: Accumulated amortization |
|
|
(2,228 |
) |
|
|
(2,228 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total intangible assets, net |
|
$ |
11,136 |
|
|
$ |
13,218 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $1.0 million and $2.1 million in the
three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and $0.9 million and $1.4 million in the
three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. As of June 30, 2005, estimated amortization
expenses in future periods are expected to be as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization |
|
Fiscal year |
|
expenses |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remainder of 2005 |
|
$ |
1,263 |
|
2006 |
|
|
1,999 |
|
2007 |
|
|
1,179 |
|
2008 |
|
|
1,030 |
|
2009 |
|
|
1,030 |
|
2010 |
|
|
1,030 |
|
Thereafter |
|
|
3,605 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total expected amortization expense |
|
$ |
11,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
7. Related Party Transactions
Transactions with joint ventures. The Company sold advertising space to Shanghai NC-SINA to
allow the joint venture to promote its online game on the Companys website. The contract terms are
at rates and terms that management believes are comparable with those entered into with independent
third parties. Revenues derived from the advertising arrangements with Shanghai NC-SINA were $0.2
million and $0.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively. The
Company also provides a payment platform for customers of Shanghai NC-SINA to purchase virtual
point cards to play its online game. Payments from its customers are recorded as customer advances
received on behalf of Shanghai NC-SINA. As of June 30, 2005, the balance for such customer advances
was $2.5 million.
As part of the joint venture arrangement with COAL, the Company agreed to divert a certain
number of users to COALs auction site in exchange for an equity interest in COAL. Such obligation
was recorded as deferred revenue at the time the Company recorded the equity investment in COAL.
Non-advertising revenues from this arrangement are recognized on a pro-rated basis, based on the
number of users diverted to COALs auction site. Non-advertising revenue from this arrangement were
$0.4 million and $0.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively. As of
June 30, 2005, deferred revenue from COAL was $2.4 million, $1.5 million of which related to
long-term liabilities.
8. Income Taxes
The Company is registered in the Cayman Islands and has operations in four tax jurisdictions,
including the PRC, the United States of America, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The operations in Taiwan
represent a branch office of the subsidiary in the United States. For operations in the United
States of America, Hong Kong and Taiwan, the Company has incurred net accumulated operating losses
for income tax purposes. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that these net
accumulated operating losses will not be utilized in the future and therefore the Company has not
recorded income tax provisions or benefits for these locations as of June 30, 2005. The Company
generated substantially all of its net income from its PRC operations for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, and has recorded income tax provisions for the periods as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30, |
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands, except percentage) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss subject to non PRC operations |
|
$ |
(3,716 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,544 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,101 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,418 |
) |
Income subject to the PRC operations |
|
|
14,351 |
|
|
|
20,514 |
|
|
|
27,577 |
|
|
|
38,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before taxes |
|
$ |
10,635 |
|
|
$ |
18,970 |
|
|
$ |
21,476 |
|
|
$ |
35,836 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expenses subject to the PRC operations |
|
$ |
682 |
|
|
|
952 |
|
|
|
1,213 |
|
|
|
1,776 |
|
Effective tax rate for the PRC operations |
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
4 |
% |
|
|
5 |
% |
Pursuant to PRC Income Tax Laws, the Companys subsidiaries and VIEs are generally subject to
Enterprise Income Taxes (EIT) at a statutory rate of 33%, which comprises 30% national income tax
and 3% local income tax. Some of these subsidiaries and VIEs are qualified new technology
enterprises and under PRC Income Tax Laws, they are subject to preferential tax rate of 15%. In
15
addition, some of the Companys subsidiaries are Foreign Investment Enterprise and under PRC
Income Tax Laws, they are entitled to either a three-year tax exemption followed by three years
with a 50% reduction in the tax rate, commencing the first operating year, or a two-year tax
exemption followed by three years with a 50% reduction in the tax rate, commencing the first
profitable year. The VIEs are wholly owned by the Companys employees and controlled by the Company
through various contractual agreements. To the extent that the VIEs have undistributed after-tax
net income, the Company would have to pay a dividend tax of 20% on behalf of its employees when
dividends are distributed from these local entities in the future.
The provision for income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
differs from the amounts computed by applying the EIT primarily due to the tax holidays and
preferential tax rate enjoyed by certain of the Companys entities in the PRC.
9. Net Income Per Share
Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of the ordinary
shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted
average number of ordinary share and ordinary share equivalents outstanding during the period.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share for
the periods presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30, |
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts) |
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
9,953 |
|
|
$ |
18,018 |
|
|
$ |
20,263 |
|
|
$ |
34,060 |
|
Amortization of convertible debt issuance cost |
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
171 |
|
|
|
342 |
|
|
|
342 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income used in computing diluted net income
per share |
|
$ |
10,124 |
|
|
$ |
18,189 |
|
|
$ |
20,605 |
|
|
$ |
34,402 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding |
|
|
52,111 |
|
|
|
50,257 |
|
|
|
51,771 |
|
|
|
49,871 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares used in computing basic net income per share |
|
|
52,111 |
|
|
|
50,257 |
|
|
|
51,771 |
|
|
|
49,871 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average ordinary share equivalents: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock options |
|
|
2,795 |
|
|
|
3,976 |
|
|
|
2,994 |
|
|
|
4,300 |
|
Convertible debt |
|
|
3,877 |
|
|
|
3,877 |
|
|
|
3,877 |
|
|
|
3,877 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,672 |
|
|
|
7,853 |
|
|
|
6,871 |
|
|
|
8,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares used in computing diluted net income per
share |
|
|
58,783 |
|
|
|
58,110 |
|
|
|
58,642 |
|
|
|
58,048 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per share |
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
|
$ |
0.36 |
|
|
$ |
0.39 |
|
|
$ |
0.69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted net income per share |
|
$ |
0.17 |
|
|
$ |
0.31 |
|
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
|
$ |
0.59 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10. Segment Information
Based on the criteria established by SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information, the Company currently operates in three principal business
segments globally. The Company does not allocate any operating costs or assets to its advertising,
MVAS and other segments as management does not use this information to measure the performance of
these operating segments. Management does not believe that allocating these expenses or assets is
necessary in evaluating these segments performance.
16
The following is a summary of revenues and cost of revenues by segments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30, |
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising |
|
$ |
20,373 |
|
|
$ |
15,512 |
|
|
$ |
37,021 |
|
|
$ |
28,630 |
|
MVAS |
|
|
22,618 |
|
|
|
31,131 |
|
|
|
49,133 |
|
|
|
56,917 |
|
Other |
|
|
3,139 |
|
|
|
2,552 |
|
|
|
5,824 |
|
|
|
5,036 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
46,130 |
|
|
$ |
49,195 |
|
|
$ |
91,978 |
|
|
$ |
90,583 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising |
|
$ |
6,541 |
|
|
$ |
4,961 |
|
|
$ |
12,435 |
|
|
$ |
9,293 |
|
MVAS |
|
|
7,374 |
|
|
|
9,097 |
|
|
|
16,044 |
|
|
|
17,074 |
|
Other |
|
|
420 |
|
|
|
239 |
|
|
|
790 |
|
|
|
456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14,335 |
|
|
$ |
14,297 |
|
|
$ |
29,269 |
|
|
$ |
26,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit margins: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising |
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
66 |
% |
|
|
68 |
% |
MVAS |
|
|
67 |
% |
|
|
71 |
% |
|
|
67 |
% |
|
|
70 |
% |
Other |
|
|
87 |
% |
|
|
91 |
% |
|
|
86 |
% |
|
|
91 |
% |
Overall |
|
|
69 |
% |
|
|
71 |
% |
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
70 |
% |
The following is a summary of the Company operations by geography:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRC |
|
|
U.S. |
|
|
Hong Kong |
|
|
Taiwan |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands) |
|
Three months ended and as of June 30, 2005: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
45,122 |
|
|
$ |
515 |
|
|
$ |
363 |
|
|
$ |
130 |
|
|
$ |
46,130 |
|
Long-lived assets |
|
|
18,950 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
375 |
|
|
|
19,572 |
|
Three months ended and as of June 30, 2004: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
47,921 |
|
|
$ |
548 |
|
|
$ |
485 |
|
|
$ |
241 |
|
|
$ |
49,195 |
|
Long-lived assets |
|
|
11,229 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
12,010 |
|
Six months ended and as of June 30, 2005: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
89,845 |
|
|
$ |
1,048 |
|
|
$ |
807 |
|
|
$ |
278 |
|
|
$ |
91,978 |
|
Long-lived assets |
|
|
18,950 |
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
375 |
|
|
|
19,572 |
|
Six months ended and as of June 30, 2004: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
87,963 |
|
|
$ |
1,130 |
|
|
$ |
936 |
|
|
$ |
554 |
|
|
$ |
90,583 |
|
Long-lived assets |
|
|
11,229 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
12,010 |
|
11. Concentration of Credit Risk and Major Customers
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of
credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable debt securities and accounts
receivable. The Company limits its exposure to credit loss by depositing its cash and cash
equivalents with financial institutions in the U.S., the PRC, Hong Kong and Taiwan which management
believes are of high credit quality. The Company usually invests in marketable debt securities with
A ratings or above.
Accounts receivable consist primarily of advertising agencies, direct advertising customers
and third-party mobile operators. As of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively,
approximately 97% and 98% of the net accounts receivable were derived from the Companys operations
in the PRC. Regarding its advertising operations, no individual advertising customer accounted for
more than 10% of total net revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004.
Also, no individual advertising customer
17
accounted for more than 10% of accounts receivables as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004.
For its MVAS operations in the PRC, the Company mainly contracts with China Mobile and its
subsidiaries and China Unicom and its subsidiaries for utilizing their transmission gateways for
message delivery and billing systems to collect subscription or usage fees from its subscribers.
MVAS fees charged to users via these operators accounted for 49% and 53% of the Companys net
revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and 63% of the Companys
net revenues for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2004. SMS revenue accounted for 34%
and 39% of the Companys net revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005,
respectively, and 53% and 55% of the Companys net revenues for the three and six months ended June
30, 2004, respectively. Accounts receivable from the mobile operators represent MVAS fees collected
on behalf of the Company after deducting their billing services and transmission charges. The
Company maintains allowances for potential credit losses. Historically, the Company has not had any
significant direct write-off of bad debts.
The following table summarizes operator(s) with 10% or more of the Companys total net
revenues and accounts receivable:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of total net revenues |
|
Operator(s) |
|
Three months ended June 30, |
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
China Mobile and its subsidiaries |
|
|
44 |
% |
|
|
55 |
% |
|
|
47 |
% |
|
|
55 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of total accounts receivable, net |
|
Operator(s) |
|
As of June 30, 2005 |
|
|
As of December 31, 2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
China Mobile and its subsidiaries |
|
|
35 |
% |
|
|
47 |
% |
The Company operates in business segments which are characterized by rapid technological
advances, changes in customer requirements and evolving regulatory requirements and industry
standards. Any failure by the Company to anticipate or to respond adequately to technological
changes in its industry segments, changes in customer requirements or changes in regulatory
requirements or industry standards, could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business
and operating results. The Company relies on a number of third-party suppliers for various other
services, including web server hosting, banner advertising delivery software, Internet traffic
measurement software and transmission and billing of MVAS. Any failure of these suppliers to
provide services to the Company or any termination of these services with the Company could have a
material adverse effect on the Companys business and operating results.
The majority of the Companys net income was derived from China. The operations in China are
carried out by the subsidiaries and VIEs. The Company depends on dividend payments from its
subsidiaries in China for its revenues after these subsidiaries receive payments from VIEs in China
under various services and other arrangements. In addition, under Chinese law, its subsidiaries are
only allowed to pay dividends to the Company out of their accumulated profits, if any, as
determined in accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Moreover, these Chinese
subsidiaries are required to set aside at least 10% of their respective accumulated profits, if
any, up to 50% of their registered capital to fund certain mandated reserve funds that are not
payable or distributable as cash dividends. The appropriation to mandated reserve funds are
assessed annually. As of December 31, 2004, the Company is subject to a maximum appropriation of
$4.8 million to these non-distributable reserve funds. The Companys subsidiaries and VIEs in China
are subject to different tax rates. See Note 8 Income Taxes to the Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements.
The majority of the Companys revenues derived and expenses incurred were in Chinese
renminbi. The functional currency for the subsidiaries and VIEs in China is in Chinese
renminbi, whereas the Companys reporting currency is the U.S. dollars. As of June 30, 2005, the
Companys cash, cash equivalents and short-term investment balance denominated in Chinese
renminbi was approximately $163.3 million, which accounted for
approximately 58% of its total cash,
cash equivalents and short-term investment balance. As of June 30, 2005, the Companys accounts
receivable balance denominated in Chinese renminbi was approximately $31.5 million, which
accounted for approximately 97% of its total accounts receivable balance. Also as of June 30, 2005,
the Companys liabilities balance denominated in Chinese
renminbi was approximately $34.9
million, which accounted for approximately 25% of its total liabilities balance. Accordingly, the
Company may experience economic effects and impacts on comprehensive income and equity as a result
of exchange rate fluctuations in Chinese renminbi. For example, the value of Chinese
renminbi depends to a large extent on Chinese government policies and Chinas domestic and
international economic and political developments, as well as supply and demand in the local
market. Since 1994, the official exchange rate for the conversion of
18
Chinese renminbi to the U.S. dollars had generally been stable and Chinese renminbi
had appreciated slightly against the U.S. dollar. However, on July 21, 2005, the Chinese government
changed its policy of pegging the value of Chinese renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new
policy, Chinese renminbi may fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of
certain foreign currencies. As a result of this policy change, Chinese renminbi appreciated
approximately 2.0% against the U.S. dollar. It is possible that the Chinese government could adopt
a more flexible currency policy, which could result in more
significant fluctuation of Chinese
renminbi against the U.S. dollar.
Moreover, the Chinese government imposes controls on the convertibility of Chinese
renminbi into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of the PRC.
The Company may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to
obtain and remit foreign currency. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation
S-X Rule 210.4-08 (e)(3), General Notes to Financial Statements, the Company performed tests on
the restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs (the restricted net assets) and
concluded that the restricted net assets did not exceed 25% of the consolidated net assets of the
Company as of December 31, 2004, which is the most recently completed fiscal year.
12. Convertible Debt
As of June 30, 2005, the Company has $100 million of zero coupon convertible subordinated
notes (the Notes) due 2023. The Notes were issued at par and bear no interest. The Notes will be
convertible into SINA ordinary shares upon satisfaction of certain conditions at an initial
conversion price of $25.79 per share, subject to adjustments for certain events. One of the
conditions for conversion of the Notes to SINA ordinary shares is that the market price of SINA
ordinary shares reaches a specified threshold for a defined period of time. The specified
thresholds are as follows: i) during the period from issuance to July 15, 2022, if the sale price
of SINA ordinary shares, for each of any five consecutive trading days in the immediately preceding
fiscal quarter, exceeds 115% of the conversion price per ordinary share, and ii) during the period
from July 15, 2022 to July 15, 2023, if the sale price of SINA ordinary shares on the previous
trading day is more than 115% of the conversion price per ordinary share. For the three months
ended June 30, 2005, the sale price of SINA ordinary shares exceeded the threshold set forth in
Item (i) above for the required period of time. Therefore, the Notes are convertible into SINA
ordinary shares during the three months ending September 30, 2005.
Upon a purchasers election to convert the Notes in the future, the Company has the right to
deliver cash in lieu of ordinary shares, or a combination of cash and ordinary shares. The Company
may redeem for cash all or part of the Notes on or after July 15, 2012, at a price equal to 100% of
the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed. The purchasers may require the Company to
repurchase all or part of the Notes for cash on July 15 annually from 2007 through 2013, and on
July 15, 2018, or upon a change of control, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the
Notes.
13. Commitments and Contingencies
The following table sets forth the contractual commitments and obligations of the Company as
of June 30, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Less than one |
|
|
One to |
|
|
Three to |
|
|
More than |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
year |
|
|
three years |
|
|
five years |
|
|
five years |
|
|
|
( Unaudited, in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contractual obligations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt obligations |
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Operating lease obligations |
|
|
6,592 |
|
|
|
3,236 |
|
|
|
3,356 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase obligations |
|
|
31,016 |
|
|
|
27,637 |
|
|
|
3,355 |
|
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
1,501 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,501 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual obligations |
|
$ |
139,109 |
|
|
$ |
30,873 |
|
|
$ |
108,212 |
|
|
$ |
24 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt obligations represent the zero-coupon convertible subordinated notes issued on
July 7, 2003. Please see Note 12 Convertible debt to the Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements for further information.
Operating lease obligations include the commitments under the lease agreements for the
Companys office premises. The Company leases office facilities under non-cancelable operating
leases with various expiration dates through 2007. Rental expenses were $1.0 million and $1.9
million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and were $0.7 million and
$1.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. Based on the current
rental lease agreements, future minimum rental
19
payments required as of June 30, 2005 are $6.6 million, or $1.7 million, $3.1 million and $1.8
million for the six months ending December 31, 2005 and each of the succeeding two years ending
December 31, 2006, 2007, respectively. A majority of the commitment is from the Companys office
lease agreements in the PRC.
Purchase obligations mainly include the commitments for Internet connection fees associated
with websites production, content fees associated with websites production and MVAS, advertising
serving services and marketing activities.
In addition to the above contractual obligations, the Company is also obligated to pay
contingent consideration on its acquisitions of Crillion and Davidhill in addition to the initial
consideration with respect to each. The contingent consideration of the Crillion acquisition is
based on Crillions financial performances in 2004 and 2005. The contingent consideration would
roughly be 1.5 to 2.0 times 2004 and 2005 earnings basis, respectively, provided that Crillions
pretax net income for 2004 and 2005 is over $6.7 million and $13.3 million, respectively. The total
consideration is subject to a cap of $125.0 million and will be paid 60% in cash and 40% in SINA
ordinary shares. The additional consideration related to the achievement of the 2004 performance
target was approximately $28.1 million. The first installment of $12.0 million in cash was made
during the three months ended March 31, 2005. The remaining balance in cash and the 40% in SINA
ordinary shares related to Crillions 2004 achievement were paid in April 2005. The contingent
consideration in the Davidhill acquisition is based on certain simultaneous online user targets
being reached by Davidhill in the fifteen months after the agreement date on July 1, 2004. The
contingent consideration is subject to a cap of $21.0 million and will be 84% in cash and 16% in
SINA ordinary shares.
In February 2005, multiple purported securities class action complaints were filed against the
Company and certain officers and directors of the Company in the United States District Court for
the Southern District of New York, following the Companys announcement of anticipated financial
results for the first quarter of 2005 ending on March 31, 2005. On July 1, 2005, Judge Naomi
Buchwald consolidated the cases under the caption In re SINA Corporation Securities Litigation and
appointed City of Sterling Heights General Employees Retirement System, City of St. Clair Shores
Police and Fire Retirement System, and Charter Township of Clinton Police and Fire Retirement
System (collectively the MAPERS Funds Group) as lead plaintiff. The Company expects the MAPERS
Funds Group to file an amended consolidated complaint on September 2, 2005. The Company intends to
take all appropriate action in response to these lawsuits. The Company cannot estimate any
possible loss at this time. From time to time, the Company may also be subject to legal proceedings
and claims in the ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of
copyrights and other intellectual property rights in connection with the content published on our
websites.
14. Subsequent Events
On July 7, 2005, the Company completed the sale of Fortune Trip, an online travel business.
The sale price was set at $3.8 million less certain liabilities that the buyer has agreed to
assume. The Company expects to recognize a gain from this transaction in the third quarter of 2005.
Net revenue and net loss from Fortune Trip in the second quarter of 2005 were $459,000 and
$27,000, respectively. Total equity was a negative balance of $392,000 as of June 30, 2005.
20
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, including, without limitation,
statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or future strategies that are signified
by the words expect, anticipate, intend, believe, the negative of such terms or other
comparable terminology. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on
information available to us on the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update any such
forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements. In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the
information set forth below under the caption Factors that May Impact Future Performance set
forth herein. We caution you that our businesses and financial performance are subject to
substantial risks and uncertainties, including the factors identified in Factors that May Impact
Future Performance that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the
forward-looking statements.
Overview
We are a leading online media company and value-added information services provider in the
Peoples Republic of China (the PRC or China) and the global Chinese communities. With a
branded network of localized websites targeting China, Hong Kong and Taiwan (Greater China) and
overseas Chinese, we provide services through five major business lines including SINA.com (online
news and content), SINA Mobile (mobile value-added services or MVAS), SINA Online
(community-based services and games), SINA.net (search and enterprise services) and SINA E-Commerce
(online shopping and travel). Together they provide an array of services including region-focused
online portals, MVAS, search and directory, interest-based and community-building channels, free
and premium email, online games, virtual ISP, classified listings, fee-based services, e-commerce
and enterprise e-solutions. In turn, we generate revenues through advertising, MVAS, fee-based
services, e-commerce and enterprise services. Advertising and MVAS are currently the major sources
of our revenues, and we expect this trend to continue in the near future periods.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based
upon our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP).
The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that
affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including
those related to customer programs and incentives, bad debts, investments, intangible assets,
income taxes, financing operations, restructuring, employee benefits, contingencies and litigation.
We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed
to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments
about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other
sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
For further information on our critical accounting policies, see the discussion in the section
titled Recent Accounting Pronouncements below and Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements.
We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments
and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Revenue recognition
Advertising. Advertising revenues are derived principally from online advertising and
sponsorship arrangements. Online advertising arrangements allow advertisers to place advertisements
on particular areas of our websites, in particular formats and over particular periods of time.
Advertising revenues from online advertising arrangements are recognized ratably over the displayed
period of the contract when the collectability is reasonably assured. Sponsorship arrangements
allow advertisers to sponsor a particular area on our websites in exchange for a fixed payment over
the contract period. Advertising revenues are recognized ratably over the period of sponsorship.
Advertising revenues derived from the design, coordination and integration of online advertising
and sponsorship arrangements to be placed on our websites are recognized ratably over the term of
such programs. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 00-21, Accounting for
Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables, advertising arrangements involving multiple
deliverables are broken down into single-element arrangements based on their relative fair value
for revenue recognition purposes. We recognize revenue on the elements delivered and defer the
recognition of revenue for the fair value of the undelivered elements until the remaining
obligations have been satisfied. Material differences could result in the timing of our revenue
recognition if the single-element arrangements were broken down differently by management.
21
MVAS. We mainly contract with third-party mobile operators for billing and transmission
services related to the MVAS transmitted to our users. In accordance with EITF 99-19, Reporting
Revenue Gross as a Principal Versus Net as an Agent (EITF99-19) revenues are recorded on a gross
basis when we are considered the primary obligor to the MVAS users. Under the gross method, the
amount billed to MVAS users is recognized as revenues and the fees charged or retained by the third
party mobile operators are recognized as cost of revenues. Revenues on MVAS where we are not
considered the primary obligor to the user are recorded on a net basis. Under the net method,
revenues are recorded net of fees charged or retained by the third party mobile operators. During
three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, 88% and 90% of our MVAS revenues were
recorded on a gross basis. The determination of whether the Company is the primary obligor for a
particular type of service is subjective in nature and is based on an evaluation of the terms of
the arrangement. If the terms of the arrangement with mobile operators were to change and cause us
to no longer be the primary obligor to the users, we would have to record our MVAS revenues on a
net basis. Consequently, this would cause a significant decline in our net revenues, but should
not have a significant impact on our gross margin.
Due to the time lag between when the services are rendered and when the mobile operator
billing statements are received, MVAS revenues are estimated based on our internal records of
billings and transmissions for the month, adjusting for prior periods confirmation rates with
mobile operators and prior periods discrepancies between internally estimated revenues and actual
revenues confirmed by mobile operators. The confirmation rate applied to the estimation of revenue
is determined at the lower of the latest confirmation rate available and the average of six months
historical rates available, provided that we have obtained confirmation rates for six months. If we
have not yet received confirmation rates for six months, revenues would be deferred until billing
statements are received from the mobile operators. If subsequent billing statements from the mobile
operators differ significantly from managements estimates, our revenues could be materially
impacted.
Allowances for doubtful accounts
We determine the allowance for doubtful accounts based on actual bad debt rate in the prior
year and other factors. We also provide specific provisions for bad debts when facts and
circumstances indicate that the receivable is unlikely to be collected, including an assessment of
all receivables over 180 days. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate,
resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be
required.
Available-for-sale securities investments
Investments classified as available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with
unrealized gains (losses), if any, recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in
shareholders equity. Realized gains or losses are charged to income during the period in which the
gain or loss is realized. If we conclude that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, the
cost basis of the individual security is written down to fair value as a new cost basis and the
amount of the write-down is accounted for as a realized loss. The new cost basis will not be
changed for subsequent recoveries in fair value. A determination of whether declines in value are
other-than-temporary requires significant judgment.
Business combinations
We account for our business combinations using the purchase method of accounting. This method
requires that the acquisition cost be allocated to the assets and liabilities we acquired based on
their relative fair values. We make estimates and judgments in determining the fair value of the
acquired assets and liabilities based on independent appraisal reports for material purchases, as
well as our experience with similar assets and liabilities in similar industries. If different
judgments or assumptions were used, the amounts assigned to the individual acquired assets or
liabilities could be materially different.
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable
assets and liabilities acquired as a result of our acquisitions of interests in its subsidiaries
and variable interest entities. We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142) on January 1, 2002. Under SFAS 142,
goodwill is no longer amortized, but tested for impairment upon first adoption and annually
thereafter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be
impaired.
In accordance with SFAS 142, intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their
estimated useful life and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for
the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets (SFAS 144). Intangible assets, such as purchased
technology, trademark, customer list, user base and non-compete agreements, arising from the
acquisitions of subsidiaries and variable interest entities are recognized and measured at fair
value upon acquisition. Intangible assets
22
are amortized over their estimated useful lives from one to ten years. We review the amortization
methods and estimated useful lives of intangible assets regularly. The recoverability of an
intangible asset to be held and used is evaluated by comparing the carrying amount of the
intangible asset to its future net undiscounted cash flows. If the intangible asset is considered
to be impaired, the impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the
intangible asset exceeds the fair value of the intangible asset calculated using a discounted
future cash flow analysis. We use estimates and judgments in our impairment tests, and if
different estimates or judgments had been utilized, the timing or the amount of the impairment
charges could be different.
Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach, which requires the
recognition of income taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities
and assets for future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in different periods in
the Companys consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The measurement of current and
deferred tax liabilities and assets is based on provisions of the enacted tax laws; the effects of
future changes in tax laws or rates are not anticipated. The measurement of deferred tax assets is
reduced, if necessary, by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence assessed
using the criteria in SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, will not more-likely-than-not be
realized. Management uses assumptions, judgments and estimates to determine our current provision
for income tax, taking into account current tax laws, our interpretation of current tax laws and
possible outcomes of future audits conducted by tax authorities.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) issued SFAS No. 123
(revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS
123R), which replaces SFAS No. 123, Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS 123) and
supercedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees. SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including
grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair
values, beginning with the first interim or annual period after June 15, 2005. In April 2005, the
Securities and Exchange Commission announced that the accounting provisions of SFAS 123R are
effective at the beginning of a companys next fiscal year that begins after June 15, 2005. We are
now required to adopt SFAS 123R in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. The pro forma disclosures
previously permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement
recognition. See the Stock-based compensation section under Note 2 to our Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements for the pro forma net income and net income per share amounts for the three
and six months ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2004, respectively, as if we had used a
fair-value-based method similar to the methods required under SFAS 123R, to measure compensation
expense for employee stock incentive awards. Although we have not yet determined the transition
method or whether the adoption of SFAS 123R will result in amounts that are similar to the current
pro forma disclosures under SFAS 123, we are evaluating the requirements under SFAS 123R and expect
the adoption to have a significant adverse impact on our consolidated statements of operations and
net income per share.
In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (SFAS
154) which replaces APB Opinions No. 20 Accounting Changes and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting
Changes in Interim Financial Statements An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 28. SFAS 154 provides
guidance on the accounting for and reporting of accounting changes and error corrections. It
establishes retrospective application, or the latest practicable date, as the required method for
reporting a change in accounting principle and the reporting of a correction of an error. SFAS 154
is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2005 and is required to be adopted by us in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. We
are currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS 154 will have on our consolidated
results of operations and financial condition but does not expect it to have a material impact.
23
Results of Operations
Three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004
Net revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of total net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of total net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
revenues |
|
|
% of Change |
|
Net Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising |
|
$ |
20,373 |
|
|
|
44 |
% |
|
$ |
15,512 |
|
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
31 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile value-added services |
|
|
22,618 |
|
|
|
49 |
% |
|
|
31,131 |
|
|
|
63 |
% |
|
|
-27 |
% |
Other |
|
|
3,139 |
|
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
2,552 |
|
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
23 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
25,757 |
|
|
|
56 |
% |
|
|
33,683 |
|
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
-24 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net revenues |
|
$ |
46,130 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
49,195 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
-6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of total net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of total net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
revenues |
|
|
% of Change |
|
Net Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising |
|
$ |
37,021 |
|
|
|
40 |
% |
|
$ |
28,630 |
|
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
29 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile value-added services |
|
|
49,133 |
|
|
|
54 |
% |
|
|
56,917 |
|
|
|
63 |
% |
|
|
-14 |
% |
Other |
|
|
5,824 |
|
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
5,036 |
|
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
16 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
54,957 |
|
|
|
60 |
% |
|
|
61,953 |
|
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
-11 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net revenues |
|
$ |
91,978 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
90,583 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, total net revenues decreased by $3.1
million, or 6%, and increased by $1.4 million, or 2%, respectively, compared to the same periods
of 2004. Advertising revenues in absolute amount and as a percentage of total net revenues grew
while MVAS revenues declined.
Advertising. Advertising revenues grew six month period over six month period primarily due
to higher average spending by advertisers in the PRC market. During the three and six months ended
June 30, 2005, China accounted for 96% and 95% of our total advertising revenues, respectively,
compared to 94% and 93%, respectively, in the same periods of 2004. Average spending per
advertising customer in the PRC grew from $38,500 and $50,400 in the three and six months ended
June 30, 2004, respectively, to $54,100 and $70,000 for the three and six months ended June 30,
2005, respectively. Increase in advertising revenues in the second
quarter of 2005 year over year was noted primarily from the real estate and
information technology (IT) industries while sequential growth
came primarily from the automobile, real estate and IT industries. Our top ten customers in aggregate generated 15% and 17% of
our advertising revenues during the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively,
compared to 20% in both the same periods of 2004, respectively.
MVAS. MVAS revenues consist of revenues from short messaging service (SMS) and 2.5G products
such as multimedia messaging service (MMS), ring back tone (RBT), wireless application protocol
(WAP), as well as interactive voice response system ( IVR). Decline in MVAS revenues was
primarily attributed to the decline in SMS revenues.
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of MVAS revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of MVAS revenues |
|
|
% of Change |
|
SMS |
|
$ |
15,648 |
|
|
|
69 |
% |
|
$ |
26,057 |
|
|
|
84 |
% |
|
|
-40 |
% |
2.5G products: MMS, WAP, RBT and others |
|
|
5,011 |
|
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
2,934 |
|
|
|
9 |
% |
|
|
71 |
% |
IVR |
|
|
1,959 |
|
|
|
9 |
% |
|
|
2,140 |
|
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
-8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total MVAS revenues |
|
$ |
22,618 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
31,131 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
-27 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of MVAS revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of MVAS revenues |
|
|
% of Change |
|
SMS |
|
$ |
35,895 |
|
|
|
73 |
% |
|
$ |
50,127 |
|
|
|
88 |
% |
|
|
-28 |
% |
2.5G products: MMS, WAP, RBT and others |
|
|
9,750 |
|
|
|
20 |
% |
|
|
4,110 |
|
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
137 |
% |
IVR |
|
|
3,488 |
|
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
2,680 |
|
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total MVAS revenues |
|
$ |
49,133 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
56,917 |
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
-14 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMS is the largest component of our MVAS revenues. Our SMS products are offered on a monthly
subscription basis or usage basis. Usage-based SMS revenue accounted for approximately 18% and 24%
of our SMS revenue in the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively. These compared to
approximately 23% of our SMS revenue in both the same periods of 2004. Sequential decrease in
usage-based SMS revenues from the prior quarter was primarily caused by the ban on the advertising
of fortune-telling related SMS via direct radio and television. In late January 2005, the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film and Television
(SARFT), which regulates radio and television stations in China, issued a notice prohibiting
commercials for MVAS relating to fortune-telling from airing on radio and television stations,
effective in February 2005. Such prohibition has negatively affected our revenues. SMS revenue
generated via direct radio and television advertising fell by approximately $5.7 million in the
first quarter of 2005 from the previous quarter and further fell by approximately $4.3 million in
the second quarter of 2005. Compared to the second quarter of 2004, such revenue dropped 16% year
over year. This notice reflects the difficulty of determining or predicting the manner in which
content might be restricted or prohibited under evolving regulations that are in many cases vague
and subjective. There could be further actions by SARFT and/or other Chinese government authorities
to prohibit the sale of such fortune-telling related SMS and the marketing of other MVAS via a
channel we depend on to generate revenues. Such actions and uncertainties could have a material
adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We have developed
and are still developing new SMS products to be launched through radio and television commercials
that may not be prohibited under the notice issued by SARFT. In late
June 2005, we started a new wave of television campaigns for our newly
developed SMS products. We are depending on the success of these new
products promoted through television commercials to grow our SMS
revenues in near future. However, there is no guarantee that
such new products will achieve market
acceptance or that such products will not be prohibited by future rules and regulations.
The decline in SMS revenue was also caused by other changes in the regulatory environment of
the PRC and the policies of the mobile operators, including the transition onto new billing
platforms by China Mobile Communication Corporation (China
Mobile), and increased market competition. During 2004, mobile operators started
transitioning SMS providers to a new billing platform. As of March 2005, almost all significant
provincial subsidiaries of China Mobile have been moved onto the new billing platform for SMS.
These new billing platforms have resulted in added operational controls and procedures in areas
such as customer subscription and customer billing. As a result, recruitment of new users is more
difficult, and our fee collection rates have declined.
25
Revenues from 2.5G products grew significantly year over year, especially from MMS, RBT and
WAP. Starting in January 2005, China Mobile stopped its MMS Album service. MMS Album allows users
to receive their subscribed MMS messages from China Mobiles website when the subscribed MMS
messages could not be successfully delivered to their mobile phones if their mobile phones do not
support MMS. With the termination of such service, we are no longer able to collect fees from users
when the MMS messages could not be delivered to the users mobile phones. In addition, China Mobile
began migrating MMS onto new billing platforms in the first quarter of 2005. As is the case with
SMS, MMSs migration onto new billing platforms has resulted in added operational controls and
procedures and, correspondingly, increased difficulties for new user recruitment and increased
failure rate for fee collection from our users. Our MMS revenue for the first quarter of 2005
dropped $2.3 million from the previous quarter to $2.2 million and further dropped to $2.0 million
in the second quarter of 2005. As of June 30, 2005, almost all significant provincial subsidiaries
of China Mobile, with whom we have arrangements to offer MMS services, have migrated to the new
billing platforms, and we were not able to estimate the full impact of this migration. RBT and WAP
revenues in aggregate grew to $2.6 million in the second quarter of 2005, up from $1.3 million in
the same quarter last year. For the first six months of 2005, RBT and WAP revenues in aggregate
grew to $4.9 million from $2.1 million in the same period of the prior year. China Mobile has begun
implementing a policy to disallow billing to WAP end users who have been inactive for four months
or more. This policy change could negatively impact our WAP revenues.
Revenue from IVR declined by $0.2 million to $2.0 million in the second quarter of 2005 from
the same period of last year. IVR revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2005 increased by $0.8
million to $3.5 million from the same period last year. Our IVR service was temporarily suspended
by China Mobile during the third quarter of 2004 due to the violation of certain operating
procedures and was resumed in October 2004. The mobile operators could again decide to enforce
operating standards that are often vague and subjective, resulting in a negative impact to our IVR
revenue.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, 88% and 90% of our MVAS revenues,
respectively, were recorded on a gross basis. In accordance with EITF 99-19, revenues are recorded
on a gross basis when we are considered the primary obligor to the MVAS users. Under the gross
method, the amount billed to MVAS users are recognized as revenues and the fees charged or retained
by the third party mobile operators are recognized as cost of revenues. Revenues on MVAS where we
are not considered the primary obligor to the user are recorded on a net basis. Under the net
method, revenues are recorded net of fees charged or retained by the third party mobile operators.
If we were to enter into new arrangements with mobile operators, or if mobile operators were to
request that we change the existing arrangements that would cause us to no longer be the primary
obligor to the users, we would have to record our MVAS revenues on a net basis. Consequently, this
would cause a significant decline in our MVAS revenues, but should not have significant impact on
our gross margin.
In the past, China Mobile allowed MVAS providers to sign service agreements with any one of
its provincial subsidiaries for providing nationwide service and for bill collection. Starting
January 2005, China Mobile requires service agreements to be signed with, and new product
application to be approved by each individual province. This change increases the difficulty and
length of time to launch new products which may in turn adversely impact our MVAS revenue growth.
Also, certain provincial operators who historically have acted as an agent in advancing payments
for other provincial operators instituted a new procedure that requires fees to be reconciled with
the respective provinces before payments are made. This new procedure may delay our receivables
collection from mobile operators in the future.
Other non-advertising revenues. Other non-advertising revenues include enterprise services
such as paid search and directory listings, online hotel booking commissions, fee-based services
such as virtual ISP and paid email services, and e-commerce. Revenues from paid search and
directory listings in aggregate were $1.5 million and $2.9 million for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2005, respectively, compared to $1.4 million and $2.7 million for same periods last
year, respectively. These revenues accounted for approximately 50% of our other non-advertising
revenues in each of the four periods. Online hotel booking contributed $0.5 million and $0.8
million to our other non-advertising revenues for the three and six months ended June 30 2005,
respectively, compared to $0.3 million and $0.5 million for the same periods last year,
respectively. In July 2005, we sold our online hotel booking business. Please see further
discussion in Note 14 Subsequent Events to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
26
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of change |
|
Cost of revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising |
|
$ |
6,541 |
|
|
$ |
4,961 |
|
|
|
32 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile value-added services |
|
|
7,374 |
|
|
|
9.097 |
|
|
|
-19 |
% |
Other |
|
|
420 |
|
|
|
239 |
|
|
|
76 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
7,794 |
|
|
|
9,336 |
|
|
|
-17 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenues |
|
$ |
14,335 |
|
|
$ |
14,297 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of change |
|
Cost of revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising |
|
$ |
12,435 |
|
|
$ |
9,293 |
|
|
|
34 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile value-added services |
|
|
16,044 |
|
|
|
17,074 |
|
|
|
-6 |
% |
Other |
|
|
790 |
|
|
|
456 |
|
|
|
73 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
16,834 |
|
|
|
17,530 |
|
|
|
-4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenues |
|
$ |
29,269 |
|
|
$ |
26,823 |
|
|
|
9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenues in the second quarter of 2005 was flat from the prior year, as the
increase in cost of revenues from advertising was offset by the decrease in cost of revenues from
MVAS. Total cost of revenues for the first six months ended June 30, 2005 increased year over year
due to the increase in cost of revenues from advertising.
Advertising. Cost of advertising revenues consists mainly of expenses associated with the
production of our websites, which include fees paid to third parties for Internet connection,
content and services, personnel related costs and related equipment depreciation expenses. Cost of
advertising revenues also includes the business taxes on advertising sales in the PRC. Business
taxes levied on advertising sales are approximately 8.5% of the advertising revenues. The year
over year increases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were primarily due to the
increase in website production costs, including increase in web production personnel, content fees,
Internet connection costs and business taxes. These increases were driven by the need to provide
additional resources to support advertising revenue growth.
Non-advertising. Cost of non-advertising revenues consists mainly of fees paid to: 1) third
party mobile operators for their services relating to the collection of our MVAS revenues and for
using their transmission gateways, 2) fees or royalties paid to third-party content providers for
services and content associated with our MVAS and 3) costs for providing our enterprise services.
Cost of non-advertising revenues also includes business taxes levied on non-advertising sales in
the PRC. Business taxes levied on MVAS are at 3% of mobile related revenues and at 5% for other
non-advertising revenues. The year over year decrease of the cost of non-advertising revenues was
mainly due to MVAS-related expenses, including the decrease in fees paid to mobile operators and
third-party mobile content providers, as well as a decrease in business taxes associated with lower
non-advertising revenues in the PRC. Fees retained by or paid to mobile operators were $5.6 million
(25% of MVAS revenues) and $6.8 million (22% of MVAS revenues) in the second quarter of 2005 and
2004, respectively, and $12.0 million (25% of MVAS revenues) and $12.6 million (22% of MVAS
revenues) in the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Fees paid to third-party
content providers were $1.1 million (5% of MVAS revenues) and $1.6 million (5% of MVAS revenues) for
the second quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $2.8 million (6% of MVAS revenues) and $3.1
million (6% of MVAS revenues) for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
27
During the first quarter of 2005, our cooperation arrangements with certain provincial
subsidiaries of China Unicom Co. Ltd. (China Unicom) were renewed. Under the renewed
arrangements, effective April 1, 2005, the service fee they charge has been revised to a flat rate
of 20% of the fees we charged to our users. Historically, service fees from China Unicom were set
based on the volume of business with the mobile operator and mainly fluctuated between 10 40%,
depending on the period and arrangement, but typically around 12%. This change from China Unicom
did not have a material impact on our MVAS revenue and gross margin in the second quarter of 2005.
In July 2005, China Mobile introduced a three-tier scheme to revenue sharing on new arrangements,
which is expected to go into effect later this year. Under the new scheme, China Mobile will
continue to charge 15% for only using its billing services, 30% for also using its customer support
services and 50% for using its customer support and marketing services. Since certain details from
the new three-tier scheme were not yet clear, we were unable to determine if such changes will have
significant negative impact to our operations and if the impact would be on revenues, cost of
revenues or operating expenses. Such determination would be contingent on factors such as which
MVAS will be impacted by the new scheme, whether we can still be considered the primary obligor if
customer services and/or marketing activities are performed by China Mobile and whether the
additional costs for services provided by China Mobile can be
considered our operating expenses. However, it is clear that if we
choose to or are required to use China Mobiles customer service
and/or marketing service under the new scheme, our operating margin
for MVAS will be negatively impacted. However, we are not able to
quantify such impact at this point. In
the future, China Mobile and China Unicom may choose to further increase the fees charged for
providing their services, which may have a material adverse impact to our results of operation.
Gross profit margins
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited, percentages) |
|
|
|
|
Gross profit margins: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising |
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile value-added services |
|
|
67 |
% |
|
|
71 |
% |
|
|
-4 |
% |
Other |
|
|
87 |
% |
|
|
91 |
% |
|
|
-4 |
% |
Non-advertising |
|
|
70 |
% |
|
|
72 |
% |
|
|
-2 |
% |
Overall |
|
|
69 |
% |
|
|
71 |
% |
|
|
-2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited, percentages) |
|
|
|
|
Gross profit margins: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising |
|
|
66 |
% |
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
-2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-advertising |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mobile value-added services |
|
|
67 |
% |
|
|
70 |
% |
|
|
-3 |
% |
Other |
|
|
86 |
% |
|
|
91 |
% |
|
|
-5 |
% |
Non-advertising |
|
|
69 |
% |
|
|
72 |
% |
|
|
-3 |
% |
Overall |
|
|
68 |
% |
|
|
70 |
% |
|
|
-2 |
% |
Overall gross profit margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, declined 2% from
the same periods of 2004.
Advertising. The year over year decline in advertising gross profit margin for the six months
ended June 30, 2005 was primarily due to the increased investment in our website production. We
may have to continue increasing our investments in these areas to maintain or increase our
competitiveness.
Non-advertising. The year over year decline in non-advertising gross profit margin was
primarily due to the decrease in MVAS revenues.
28
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% to total net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% to total net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
revenues |
|
|
% of Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and marketing expenses |
|
$ |
10,718 |
|
|
|
23 |
% |
|
$ |
9,072 |
|
|
|
18 |
% |
|
|
18 |
% |
Product development expenses |
|
$ |
3,520 |
|
|
|
8 |
% |
|
$ |
2,143 |
|
|
|
4 |
% |
|
|
64 |
% |
General and administrative expenses |
|
$ |
5,078 |
|
|
|
11 |
% |
|
$ |
3,940 |
|
|
|
8 |
% |
|
|
29 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands, except percentages) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% to total net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% to total net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
revenues |
|
|
% of Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and marketing expenses |
|
$ |
22,202 |
|
|
|
24 |
% |
|
$ |
16,170 |
|
|
|
18 |
% |
|
|
37 |
% |
Product development expenses |
|
$ |
7,222 |
|
|
|
8 |
% |
|
$ |
4,117 |
|
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
75 |
% |
General and administrative expenses |
|
$ |
9,775 |
|
|
|
11 |
% |
|
$ |
7,155 |
|
|
|
8 |
% |
|
|
37 |
% |
Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation
expenses, sales commissions, advertising and promotional expenditures and travel expenses. The year
over year increases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, were primarily due to higher
sales commission from the advertising business segment and higher promotional expenditures related
to our MVAS services. Marketing expenses for MVAS products were $3.5 million and $7.7 million for
the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and $2.4 million and $3.4 million for
the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.
As a result of factors such as the ban on promoting certain SMS products via direct
advertising on radio and television, uncertainty of marketing new SMS products via direct
advertising on radio and television and potential introduction of new MVAS business models with
mobile operators discussed above as well as other factors discussed in Factors that May Impact
Future Performance, historical sales and marketing expense trends may not be indicative of future
results.
Product development expenses. Product development expenses consist primarily of personnel
related expenses incurred for enhancement to and maintenance of our websites as well as costs
associated with new product development such as email, search, instant messaging, casual games and
new MVAS products. The year over year increases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005,
were primarily due to an increase in headcount and investments in new products, especially in
email, casual games, instant messaging and search engine. We expect that our product development
expenses will continue to increase in absolute dollar amounts in the near future.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of
compensation for personnel, fees related to professional services and provision for doubtful
accounts. Our general and administrative expenses also include expenses relating to the transfer of
the economic benefits generated from our variable interest entities (VIEs) in the PRC to our
subsidiaries. Expenses paid for transferring economic benefits generated from our VIEs in China to
our subsidiaries were approximately $1.2 million and $2.3 million for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and $1.4 million and $2.5 million for the three and six months
ended June 30, 2004, respectively. The year over year increases for the three months and six months
ended June 30, 2005, were mainly due to an increase in compensation for personnel, provisions for
doubtful accounts and fees for professional services. During the three and six months ended June
30, 2005, we incurred approximately $0.5 million and $1.2 million of professional fees,
respectively, in relation to our adoption of a shareholder rights plan, announced on February 22,
2005, and related merger and acquisition activities. We expect to continue to incur similar
expenses in the coming quarters. In addition, we also incurred approximately $0.2 million related
to the consolidation of our facilities in Beijing, primarily related to a one-time charge for old
lease
29
commitments in the first quarter of 2005. We expect our general and administrative expenses
will continue to increase in absolute dollar amount in the near future, but we do not expect these
expenses as a percentage of total net revenues to vary significantly in the near future.
Amortization of intangible assets
The following table summarizes the amortization expenses of intangible assets for the periods
presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months ended June 30, |
|
|
Six Months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands) |
|
Amortization expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Davidhill |
|
$ |
311 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
622 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Crillion |
|
|
637 |
|
|
|
637 |
|
|
|
1,274 |
|
|
|
685 |
|
Bravado |
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
93 |
|
|
|
186 |
|
|
|
155 |
|
Memestar |
|
|
|
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
570 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Amortization expenses |
|
$ |
1,041 |
|
|
$ |
926 |
|
|
$ |
2,082 |
|
|
$ |
1,410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compared to the prior year, amortization expenses increased in the three and six months ended
June 30, 2005 primarily due to the addition of intangible assets from the acquisition of Davidhill
in 2004, offset by the fully amortized intangible assets from the Memestar acquisition. As of June
30, 2005, the net carrying amount of our intangible assets mainly includes technology, content
provision contracts, hotel reservation contracts, customer list, and non-competition arrangements.
These intangible assets are amortized over their respective useful lives. Based on the current
amount of intangible assets subject to amortization, the estimated amortization expense for the six
months ending December 31, 2005 is $1.3 million and each of the succeeding four years ending
December 31, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 is $2.0 million, $1.2 million, $1.0 million and $1.0
million, respectively.
Interest income
Interest income grew to $1.6 million in the second quarter of 2005 from $1.1 million in the
same quarter last year and grew to $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 from $2.3
million in the same period of last year. The increase was primarily due to a higher balance of
cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments in the current periods. See Item 3, Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, for a description of our investment policy.
Amortization of convertible debt issuance cost
As a result of our sale of zero-coupon convertible subordinated notes in July 2003, we
recorded convertible debt issuance cost of approximately $2.7 million, which is being amortized
straight-line over four years.
Share of loss on equity investments
Long-term investments comprise investments in joint ventures which were accounted for using
the equity method of accounting. As of June 30, 2005, the carrying value of long-term investments
of $5.9 million mainly comprise investments in: 1) a joint venture of Shanghai NC-SINA Information
Technology Co. Ltd. (Shanghai NC-SINA) in the PRC with NC Soft, a Korean online game company, of
$1.6 million; 2) a joint venture of China Online Auction Limited (COAL) in the PRC with Yahoo!
Inc. of $2.2 million. The following summarizes the share of gain (loss) on our equity investments
for the periods presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months Ended June 30, |
|
|
Six months Ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shanghai NC-SINA |
|
$ |
(46 |
) |
|
$ |
(269 |
) |
|
|
257 |
|
|
|
(453 |
) |
COAL |
|
|
(629 |
) |
|
|
(482 |
) |
|
|
(1,498 |
) |
|
|
(609 |
) |
Others |
|
|
(183 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
|
|
(183 |
) |
|
|
(27 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
(858 |
) |
|
$ |
(756 |
) |
|
|
(1,424 |
) |
|
|
(1,089 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30
Provision for income taxes
Income tax provision relating to our China operations for the three and six months ended June
30, 2005, was $0.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively. These compared to income tax provision
of $1.0 million and $1.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively.
The decreases in income tax provision for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2005,
compared to the same periods in the prior year, were primarily due to the decreases in profits from
our China operations in the respective periods. Effective tax rates for the PRC operations were
approximately 4% to 5% for the periods presented. We expect our overall effective income tax rates
to be approximately 5% to 10% for fiscal years 2005 and 2006, respectively. Such expected effective
rates are subject to change at any time if Chinese tax authorities challenge us on our tax
arrangements between our subsidiaries and VIEs. We are in the process of applying for new
preferential tax treatments for certain subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC. If these applications
are approved, our projected effective tax rates will be further reduced. There is no assurance that
such tax treatments will be approved. Over the longer term, if the Chinese government phases out
preferential tax treatment for foreign investment enterprises or for new technology enterprises,
our effective tax rates can be increased to as high as 33%.
Due to our operating and tax structures in the PRC, we have entered into technical and other
service agreements between our subsidiaries and our VIEs in the PRC, pursuant to which our
subsidiaries provide technical and other services to our VIEs in exchange for substantially all net
income of these VIEs. We incur a 5% business tax when our subsidiaries receive the fees from the
VIEs, which we include in our operating expenses as cost of transferring economic benefit generated
from these VIEs. We believe that the terms of such service agreements are in compliance with the
laws in the PRC. Some of these agreements were reviewed by the tax authorities in the PRC in the
past and no comments were raised. However, due to the uncertainties surrounding the interpretation
of the tax transfer pricing rules relating to related party transactions in the PRC, it is possible
that tax authorities in the PRC might challenge the transfer prices that we used for the related
party transactions among our entities in the PRC in the future.
See also Note 8 Income Taxes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for
further discussion on income taxes.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
163,561 |
|
|
$ |
137,669 |
|
Short-term investments in marketable debt securities |
|
|
120,571 |
|
|
|
105,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments |
|
$ |
284,132 |
|
|
$ |
243,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We funded our recent operations and capital expenditures mainly from the net income from our
operations. As of June 30, 2005, we had $284.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and short-term
investments to meet the future requirements of our operating activities, capital expenditures and
other obligations (see discussion below under the caption Contractual Obligations). We believe
that our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to fund our
operating activities, capital expenditures and other obligations for at least the next twelve
months. However, we may sell additional equities or obtain credit facilities to enhance our
liquidity position or to increase our cash reserve for future acquisitions. The sale of additional
equity would result in further dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would
result in increased fixed obligations and could result in operating covenants that would restrict
our operations. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms
acceptable to us, if at all.
31
The following table sets forth the movements of our cash and cash equivalents for the periods
presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six months ended June 30, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited, in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
$ |
30,838 |
|
|
$ |
33,671 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(26,010 |
) |
|
|
(63,171 |
) |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
4,965 |
|
|
|
9,021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
9,793 |
|
|
|
(20,479 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
|
|
153,768 |
|
|
|
158,148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
$ |
163,561 |
|
|
$ |
137,669 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was $30.8
million. Net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to our net income of
$20.3 million, adjusted by non-cash related expenses of $9.8 million and a net increase in working
capital items of $0.7 million. The increase in working capital was mainly due to a decrease in
accounts receivable of $7.2 million, which mainly resulted from improved collection, offset by a
decrease in accrued liabilities of $6.7 million which was primarily due to the decrease in accrual
for sales rebates, payroll withholding tax and customer advances.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $33.7
million. Net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to our net income of
$34.1 million, adjusted by non-cash related expenses of $5.3 million and a net decrease in working
capital items of $5.7 million. Of the working capital changes, the increase in accrued liabilities
of $2.5 million (net of acquisition) was primarily due to the increase in accrual for services fees
or royalties paid to third party content providers for services and content associated with our
mobile-value added services, accrual for payroll withholding taxes and payroll related expenses,
deferred revenue, business taxes payable and sales rebates. The increase in accounts receivable of
$7.9 million (net of acquisition) mainly resulted from an increase in our net revenues, especially
our mobile value-added services during the six months ended June 30, 2004.
The year over year decrease in net cash provided by operating activities from the six months
ended June 30, 2004, to the six months ended June 30, 2005, was primarily attributable to lower net
income.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2005 was $26.0
million. This was primarily related to additional consideration paid for the Crillion acquisition
of $16.9 million, investment in capital spending of $7.8 million and investments in joint ventures
of $2.8 million, offset by proceeds from the sale of investments totaling $1.5 million.
Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2004 was $63.2
million. This was primarily related to the purchase of short-term investments of $38.4 million,
business acquisitions (net of cash acquired) of $11.5 million, deposit for business acquisition of
$6.3 million, purchase of equipment of $5.9 million and investment in joint ventures of $1.4
million.
Financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004,
were $5.0 million and $9.0 million, respectively, both representing the proceeds from the exercise
of stock options and the issuance of ordinary shares pursuant to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Contractual Obligations
As of June 30, 2005, our contractual obligations consisted of long-term debt obligations,
operating lease obligations, purchase obligations and other contractual obligations. Long-term debt
obligations represent the zero-coupon convertible subordinated notes issued on July 7, 2003. See
Note 12 Convertible debt to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further
information.
32
Operating lease obligations relate to our facilities in the PRC, as well as in the U.S.,
Taiwan and Hong Kong. As of June 30, 2005, our operating lease obligations were $6.6 million.
Purchase obligations mainly include the commitments for Internet connection fees associated with
website production, content fees associated with website production and MVAS, advertising serving
services and marketing activities. As of June 30, 2005, purchase and other obligations totaled
$31.0 million. In addition, we are obligated to pay contingent consideration on our acquisitions
of Crillion and Davidhill in addition to the initial consideration with respect to each. The
contingent consideration for the Crillion acquisition is based on Crillions financial performance
in fiscal years 2004 and 2005. If Crillions pre-tax net income for fiscal years 2004 and 2005
exceeds $6.7 million and $13.3 million, respectively, the contingent consideration would be between
roughly 1.5 to 2.0 times of fiscal years 2004 and 2005 earnings. The total consideration is
subject to a cap of $125.0 million and would be paid 60% in cash and 40% in SINA ordinary shares.
The additional consideration related to the achievement of the 2004 performance target was
approximately $28.1 million. The first installment of $12.0 million in cash was made during the
three months ended March 31, 2005. The remaining balance in cash and the 40% in SINA ordinary
shares related to Crillions 2004 achievement were paid in April 2005. The contingent
consideration for the Davidhill acquisition is based on its UC instant messaging services achieving
certain concurrent online user targets fifteen months after the acquisition on July 1, 2004. The
contingent consideration is subject to a cap of $21.0 million and would be paid 84% in cash and 16%
in SINA ordinary shares. For additional information on operating lease obligations, purchase
obligations and other contractual obligations, see Note 13 Commitments and contingencies to the
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Commitments and Arrangements
We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the
payment obligations of any third parties. In addition, we have not entered into any derivative
contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholders equity, or that are not
reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any
retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as
credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. Moreover, we do not have any variable
interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit
risk support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.
Factors that May Impact Future Performance
Because our operating history is limited and the revenue and income potential of our business
and markets are unproven, we cannot predict whether we will meet internal or external expectations
of future performance.
We believe that our future success depends on our ability to significantly increase revenue
from our operations, of which we have a limited history. Accordingly, our prospects must be
considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in
an early stage of development. These risks include our ability to:
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offer new and innovative products; |
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|
|
attract buyers for our MVAS; |
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|
attract advertisers; |
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|
attract a larger audience to our network; |
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|
derive revenue from our users from fee-based Internet services; |
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|
respond effectively to competitive pressures and address the effects of strategic relationships or corporate
combinations among our competitors; |
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maintain our current, and develop new, strategic relationships; |
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|
increase awareness of our brand and continue to build user loyalty; |
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attract and retain qualified management and employees; |
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upgrade our technology to support increased traffic and expanded services; and |
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expand the content and services on our network. |
Until recently, we had incurred accumulated deficits since inception and we may incur future
losses.
We recorded a net income of approximately $10.0 million for the second quarter of 2005. As of
June 30, 2005, we had retained earnings of approximately $3.2 million. We cannot be certain we will
sustain profitability. If we do not sustain profitability, the market price of our ordinary shares
may decline.
33
We are relying on advertising sales as a significant part of our future revenue, but the
Internet has not been proven as a source of significant advertising revenue in Greater China.
Our advertising revenue growth is dependent on increased revenue from the sale of advertising
space on our network. Online advertising in Greater China is an unproven business and many of our
current and potential advertisers have limited experience with the Internet as an advertising
medium, have not traditionally devoted a significant portion of their advertising expenditures or
other available funds to web-based advertising, and may not find the Internet to be effective for
promoting their products and services relative to traditional print and broadcast media. Our
ability to generate and maintain significant advertising revenue will depend on a number of
factors, many of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to:
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the development of a large base of users possessing demographic characteristics attractive to advertisers; |
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|
increased competition and potential downward pressure on online advertising prices; |
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the development of independent and reliable means of verifying levels of online advertising and traffic; and |
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the effectiveness of our advertising delivery, tracking and reporting systems. |
If the Internet does not become more widely accepted as a medium for advertising, our ability
to generate increased revenue could be negatively affected.
Our growth in advertising revenues, to a certain extent, will also depend on our ability to
increase the advertising space on our network. If we fail to increase our advertising space at a
sufficient rate, our growth in advertising revenues could be hampered. Further, the expansion of
Internet advertising blocking software may result in a decrease of our advertising revenues as the
advertisers may choose not to advertise on the Internet if Internet advertising blocking software
is widely used.
We are relying on MVAS for a significant portion of our future revenue, and we rely on China
Mobile and China Unicom for service delivery and fee collection.
The
majority of our recent revenue growth was from the development of our
MVAS. However, revenues from our SMS services have recently declined. If users do
not adopt our MVAS at a sufficient rate, or if our SMS revenues fail
to grow, our revenue growth could be negatively affected.
Our MVAS offerings depend mainly on the cooperation arrangements with China Mobile
Communication Corporation and its subsidiaries and to a lesser extent China Unicom Co., Ltd. and
its subsidiaries. We rely on China Mobile and China Unicom in the following ways: utilizing their
network and gateway to provide MVAS to subscribers; utilizing their billing systems to charge the
fees to our subscribers through the subscribers mobile phone bill; utilizing their collection
services to collect payments from subscribers; and relying on their infrastructure development to
further develop our new products and services. As of June 30, 2005, we offered our MVAS pursuant to
relationships with 31 provincial and local subsidiaries of China
Mobile and 22 provincial
subsidiaries of China Unicom. If either China Mobile or China Unicom chooses not to continue the
cooperation arrangements with us, our MVAS revenues and operating profitability could be materially
and negatively affected.
Under the fee arrangements with China Mobile and its subsidiaries, we on average received
approximately 76% of the amount we charged to our users from the China Mobile platform after China
Mobile deducted the service fees for collection and fee for transmission during the six months
period ended June 30, 2005. Under the agreements with China Unicom and its subsidiaries, we on
average received approximately 70% of the amount we charged to our users from the China Unicom
platform after China Unicom deducted the service fees for collection and fees for transmission
during the six months period ended June 30, 2005. In the future, China Mobile and China Unicom may
choose to further increase the fees charged for providing their services. Such increases are
difficult to anticipate or predict and may have a material adverse impact to our operating
profitability.
China Mobile and China Unicom could change their operating policy at any time, which might
result in negative impact on some of our MVAS, which in turn could result in a material reduction
of our revenues derived from MVAS. In the past, China Mobile and China Unicom have made sudden and
unexpected changes in their systems and processes, which harmed our business. They are likely to
continue to make such changes in the future. We cannot assure you that they will not take actions
in the future that are unpredictable and that may adversely impact our business results.
For the second quarter of 2005, approximately 82% and 86% of our SMS and MMS revenues,
respectively, are derived from services charged on a monthly subscription basis. If China Mobile or
China Unicom restricts or disallows some or all MVAS to be charged on a monthly subscription basis,
our revenues from MVAS could be severely impacted. We currently charge our users who
34
have registered to be billed on a monthly basis even if they do not use the service in a particular
month. If China Mobile or China Unicom does not allow us to charge monthly fees for users who do
not use our service in a particular month, our MVAS revenues could be negatively impacted.
A portion of our MVAS revenues is currently estimated based on our internal records of
billings and transmissions for the month, adjusted for prior period confirmation rates from mobile
operators and prior period discrepancies between internal estimates and confirmed amounts from
mobile operators. Historically, there have been no significant true up adjustments to our
estimates. If there were no consistent confirmation rates trend or there were continuous
significant true up adjustments to our estimates under the new billing platforms, we will need to
rely on the billing statements from the mobile operators to record revenues. Due to the time lag of
receiving the billing statements, our MVAS revenues may fluctuate with the collection of billing
statements if we were to record the MVAS revenues when we receive the billing statements. For the
second quarter of 2005, 18% of our MVAS revenues were estimated at period end.
In the past, China Mobile and China Unicom have imposed penalties on MVAS providers for
violating certain operating policies relating to MVAS. In some cases, they stopped making payments
to certain service providers for severe violations. To date, the penalties we have received have
been insignificant in dollar amounts and have been accrued for, but it is difficult to determine
the precise conduct that might be interpreted as violating such operating policies. In the future,
if China Mobile or China Unicom imposes more severe penalties on us for policy violations, our
revenues from MVAS may be negatively impacted for the period when such penalties are imposed.
We are subject to potential liability and penalty for delivering inappropriate content through
our MVAS. One of the violations cited in the notice for temporary termination of our IVR service at
the end of July 2004 was that we had provided inappropriate content to our mobile subscribers
through our IVR service. The definition and interpretation of inappropriate content in many cases
are vague and subjective. We are not sure whether mobile operators including China Mobile and China
Unicom or the Chinese government will find our other mobile content inappropriate and therefore
prevent us from operating the MVAS relating to such content in the future. If they prevent us from
offering such services, our revenue from MVAS will suffer significantly.
If China Mobiles or China Unicoms systems encounter technical problems, or if they refuse to
cooperate with us, our MVAS offerings may cease or be severely disrupted, which could have a
significant and adverse impact on our operating results.
In addition to mobile operators, the Chinese Ministry of Information Industry, the governing
body of Chinas mobile industry, from time to time issues policies that regulate the business
practices relating to MVAS. We cannot predict the timing or substance of such regulations. Such
regulations may have a negative impact on our business.
Because the definition and interpretation of prohibited content are in many cases vague and
subjective, it is not always possible to determine or predict what and how content might be
prohibited under existing restrictions or restrictions that might be imposed in the future. For
example, in January 2005, the SARFT, which regulates radio and television stations in China, issued
a notice prohibiting commercials for MVAS related to fortune-telling from airing on radio and
television stations, effective in February 2005. This notice could also lead to further actions by
other Chinese government authorities to prohibit the sale of such fortune-telling related SMS,
which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or
cash flows. SARFT or other Chinese government authorities may prohibit the marketing of other MVAS
via a channel we depend on to generate revenues, which could also have a material adverse effect on
our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We are relying on new MVAS such as MMS, IVR, RBT and WAP to be a significant part of future
revenue growth for MVAS, but we are not certain that these services will continue to increase our
total MVAS revenues.
Our MVAS offerings also include MMS, IVR, RBT and WAP. We are relying on the growth of these
services as a significant part of our revenue growth in MVAS for future periods. However, the
current market size is relatively small and adoption rates are still relatively low for these
services compared to SMS services. If revenues from these services do not continue to grow
significantly, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows could be materially
adversely affected, the price of our ordinary shares could decline and you could lose part or all
of your investment.
Our
investment in online games, online auctions, search and instant messaging may not be successful.
Online
games, online auctions, search and instant messaging are currently some of the fastest growing
online services in the PRC. We have invested and intend to expand in these areas. For example, we
have formed a joint venture in the PRC with NCSoft to pursue online games, we have formed a joint
venture with Yahoo! Inc. to provide online auctions in the PRC, we
have developed our own search engine, and we have acquired Davidhill and
its instant messaging platform. Some of our competitors have entered these markets ahead of us and
have achieved significant market
35
positions.
Our main competitors in online games, online auctions, search and instant messaging
include Shanda, eBay/Eachnet, Taobao, Baidu and Tencents QQ. Our competitors in these areas tend to be
more specialized in these specific markets, which may give them a competitive advantage over us. We
cannot assure you that we will succeed in these markets despite our investments of time and funds
to address these markets. If we fail to achieve a significant position in these markets, we will
fail to realize our intended returns in these investments. Moreover, our competitors who succeed
may enjoy increased revenues and profits from an increase in market share in any of these specific
markets, and our results and share price could suffer as a result.
If we fail to successfully develop and introduce new products and services, our competitive
position and ability to generate revenues could be harmed.
We are developing new products and services. The planned timing or introduction of new
products and services is subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual timing may differ materially
from original plans. Unexpected technical, operational, distribution or other problems could delay
or prevent the introduction of one or more of our new products or services. Moreover, we cannot be
sure that any of our new products and services will achieve widespread market acceptance or
generate incremental revenue. If our efforts to develop, market and sell new products and services
to the market are not successful, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows
could be materially adversely affected, the price of our ordinary shares could decline and you
could lose part or all of your investment.
The markets for MVAS and Internet services are highly competitive, and we may be unable to
compete successfully against new entrants and established industry competitors, some of which have
greater financial resources than we do or currently enjoy a superior market position than we do.
The competition among MVAS providers is highly intense. A large number of independent MVAS
providers compete against us. We may be unable to continue to grow our revenues from these services
in this competitive environment. In addition, the major mobile operators in China, China Mobile and
China Unicom, may potentially enter the business of content development. Any of our present or
future competitors may offer MVAS which provide significant technology, performance, price,
creativity or other advantages, over those offered by us, and therefore achieve greater market
acceptance than ours. In addition, in March 2004, we acquired Crillion to enhance our products and
our market share in the MVAS market in the PRC. If our acquisition of Crillion is not successful
and we are unable to compete and grow our MVAS business, our failed investments in this area could
adversely affect our results of operations and profitability.
The Chinese market for Internet content and services is competitive and rapidly changing.
Barriers to entry are minimal, and current and new competitors can launch new websites at a
relatively low cost. Many companies offer Chinese language content and services, including
informational and community features, fee-based services and email and electronic commerce services
in the Greater China market that may be competitive with our offerings. In addition, providers of
Chinese language Internet tools and services may be acquired by, receive investments from or enter
into other commercial relationships with large, well-established and well-financed Internet, media
or other companies. We also face competition from providers of software and other Internet products
and services that incorporate search and retrieval features into their offerings. In addition,
entities that sponsor or maintain high-traffic websites or provide an initial point of entry for
Internet users, such as ISPs, including large, well-capitalized entities such as Microsoft (MSN),
Yahoo! Inc., eBay Inc., Google Inc. (Google) and America Online Inc, currently offer and could
further develop or acquire content and services that compete with those that we offer. Companies
such as these may have greater financial resources and assets, better brand recognition, more
developed sales and other internal organizations, more customers and more extensive operating
histories. As a result, such companies may be able to quickly provide competitive services and
obtain a significant number of customers. We expect that as Internet usage in Greater China
increases and the Greater China market becomes more attractive to advertisers and for conducting
electronic commerce, large global competitors may increasingly focus their resources on the Greater
China market. We also compete for advertisers with traditional media companies, such as newspapers,
television networks and radio stations that have a longer history of use and greater acceptance
among advertisers.
In
the areas of online games, online auctions, search and instant messaging, our other areas of focus
for future business growth, there is intense competition from domestic and international companies.
These include domestic companies each focusing on one sector and large, international companies
that intend to extend their businesses in the China market. The online gaming industry, for
example, is dominated by domestic online game operators such as Shanda, Netease and The9. In online
auctions, our leading competitors are Eachnet, which is wholly-owned by eBay, and Taobao. The main
competitors for search are Baidu and Google, and the competitors for our instant messaging service are Tencents QQ and Microsofts MSN Messenger. Many
of our competitors have a longer history of providing these online services and currently offer a
greater breadth of products which may be more popular than our online offerings. Many of these
companies are focused solely on one area of our business and are able to devote all of their
resources to that business area and to more quickly adapt to changing technology or market
conditions. These companies may therefore have a competitive advantage over us with respect to
these business
36
areas. A number of our current and potential future competitors have greater financial and
other resources than we have, and may be able to more quickly react to changing consumer
requirements and demands, deliver competitive services at lower prices and more effectively respond
to new Internet technologies or technical standards.
Increased competition could result in reduced page views, loss of market share and revenues,
and lower profit margins from reduced pricing for Internet-based services.
Our strategy of acquiring complementary assets, technologies and businesses and entering into
joint ventures may fail and may result in equity or earnings dilution.
As part of our business strategy, we have acquired and intend to continue to identify and
acquire assets, technologies and businesses that are complementary to our existing business. In
January 2003 we acquired Memestar, a MVAS company, in January 2004 we entered into a joint venture
agreement with Yahoo! Inc. to start an online auction business in China, in March 2004 we acquired
Crillion, a MVAS company, and in October 2004, we acquired Davidhill, an instant messaging
technology platform. We have significant potential ongoing financial obligations with respect to
certain of these transactions. Acquired businesses or assets may not yield the results we expected.
In addition, acquisitions could result in the use of substantial amounts of cash, potentially
dilutive issuances of equity securities, significant amortization expenses related to goodwill and
other intangible assets and exposure to potential unknown liabilities of acquired business.
Moreover, the costs of identifying and consummating acquisitions, and integrating the acquired
business into ours, may be significant. In addition, we may have to obtain approval from the
relevant PRC governmental authorities for the acquisitions and have to comply with any applicable
PRC rules and regulations, which may be costly. In the event our acquisitions are not successful,
our financial conditions and results of operation may be materially adversely affected.
You should not place undue reliance on our financial guidance, nor should you rely on our
quarterly operating results as an indication of our future performance because our results of
operations are subject to significant fluctuations.
We may experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a variety
of factors, many of which are outside of our control. Significant fluctuations in our quarterly
operating results could be caused by any of the factors identified in this section, including but
not limited to our ability to retain existing users, attract new users at a steady rate and
maintain user satisfaction; the announcement or introduction of new or enhanced services, content
and products by us or our competitors; significant news events that increase traffic to our
websites; technical difficulties, system downtime or Internet failures; demand for advertising
space from advertisers; seasonality of the advertising market; the amount and timing of operating
costs and capital expenditures relating to expansion of our business, operations and
infrastructure; governmental regulation; seasonal trends in Internet use; a shortfall in our
revenues relative to our forecasts and a decline in our operating results due to our inability to
adjust our spending quickly; and general economic conditions and economic conditions specific to
the Internet, electronic commerce and the Greater China market. As a result of these and other
factors, you should not place undue reliance on our financial guidance, nor should you rely on
quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results as indicators of likely future performance.
Our quarterly revenue and earnings per share guidance is our best estimate at the time we provide
guidance. Our operating results may be below our expectations or the expectations of public market
analysts and investors in one or more future quarters. If that occurs, the price of our ordinary
shares could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment.
We may be adversely affected by complexity, uncertainties and changes in PRC regulation of
Internet business and companies, including limitations on our ability to own key assets such as our
website.
The Chinese government heavily regulates its Internet sector including the legality of foreign
investment in the Chinese Internet sector, the existence and enforcement of content restrictions on
the Internet and the licensing and permit requirements for companies in the Internet industry.
Because these laws, regulations and legal requirements with regard to the Internet are relatively
new and evolving, their interpretation and enforcement involve significant uncertainty. In
addition, the Chinese legal system is a civil law system in which decided legal cases may be cited
for reference but have little precedent value. As a result, in many cases it is difficult to
determine what actions or omissions may result in liability. Issues, risks and uncertainties
relating to China government regulation of the Chinese Internet sector include the following:
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We only have contractual control over our website in China; we do not own it due to the
restriction of foreign investment in businesses providing value-added telecommunication
services, including computer information services, MVAS or electronic mail box services. |
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In addition, uncertainties relating to the regulation of the Internet business in China,
including evolving licensing practices, give rise to the risk that permits, licenses or
operations at some of our companies may be subject to challenge, which may be |
37
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disruptive to our business, or subject us to sanctions, requirements to increase capital or
other conditions or enforcement, or compromise enforceability of related contractual
arrangements, or have other harmful effects on us. |
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On December 11, 2001, the day China formally joined the World Trade Organization, the PRC
State Council promulgated the Regulations for the Administration of Foreign-Invested
Telecommunications Enterprises, or the FI Telecom Regulations, which became effective on
January 1, 2002. The FI Telecom Regulations stipulate that the foreign party to a
foreign-invested telecommunications enterprise can hold an equity share in such
foreign-invested telecommunications enterprise that provides basic telecom services or
value-added telecom services, ultimately not to exceed 49% or 50%, respectively. The
Administrative Measures for Telecommunications Business Operating License were promulgated
by the Chinese Ministry of Information Industry (MII) on January 4, 2002 to supplement the
FI Telecom Regulations. However, there are still uncertainties regarding the interpretation
and application of the FI Telecom Regulations. |
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The numerous and often vague restrictions on acceptable content in China subject us to
potential civil and criminal liability, temporary blockage of our website or complete
cessation of our website. For example, the State Secrecy Bureau, which is directly
responsible for the protection of state secrets of all Chinese government and Chinese
Communist Party organizations, is authorized to block any website it deems to be leaking
state secrets or failing to meet the relevant regulations relating to the protection of
state secrets in the distribution of online information. |
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Certain Chinese governmental authorities have stated publicly that they are in the
process of preparing new laws and regulations that will govern Internet activities. The
areas of regulation currently include online advertising, online news reporting, online
publishing, and the provision of industry-specific (e.g., drug-related) information over the
Internet. Other aspects of our online operations may be subject to regulation in the
future. Our operations may not be consistent with these new regulations when put into effect
and, as a result, we could be subject to severe penalties as discussed above. |
The interpretation and application of existing Chinese laws, regulations and policies, the
stated positions of the MII and possible new laws, regulations or policies have created substantial
uncertainties regarding the legality of existing and future foreign investments in, and the
businesses and activities of, Internet businesses in China, including our business.
In order to comply with PRC regulatory requirements, we operate our main businesses through
companies with which we have contractual relationships but in which we do not have controlling
ownership. If the PRC government determines that our agreements with these companies are not in
compliance with applicable regulations, our business in the PRC could be adversely affected.
The Chinese government restricts foreign investment in Internet-related, MVAS and advertising
businesses, including Internet access, distribution of content over the Internet and MVAS, and
advertising via the Internet. Accordingly, we operate our Internet-related and MVAS businesses in
China through several variable interest entities, or VIEs, that are owned principally or completely
by certain of our PRC employees or PRC employees of our subsidiaries. We control these companies
and operate these businesses through contractual arrangements with the respective companies and
their individual owners but we have no equity control over these companies. Such restrictions and
arrangements are prevalent in other PRC companies we acquired.
Although we believe we are in compliance with current PRC regulations, we cannot be sure that
the PRC government would view these operating arrangements to be in compliance with PRC licensing,
registration or other regulatory requirements, with existing policies or with requirements or
policies that may be adopted in the future. If we are determined not to be in compliance, the PRC
government could revoke our business and operating licenses, require us to discontinue or restrict
our operations, restrict our right to collect revenues, block our website, require us to
restructure our operations, impose additional conditions or requirements with which we may not be
able to comply, impose restrictions on our business operations or on our customers, or take other
regulatory or enforcement actions against us that could be harmful to our business. We may also
encounter difficulties in obtaining performance under or enforcement of related contracts.
We rely on contractual arrangements with our VIEs for our China operations, which may not be
as effective in providing control over these entities as direct ownership.
Because PRC regulations restrict our ability to provide Internet content, MVAS and advertising
services directly in China, we are dependent on our VIEs in which we have little or no equity
ownership interest and must rely on contractual arrangements to control and operate these
businesses. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective in providing control over these
entities as direct ownership. For example, the VIEs could fail to take actions required for our
business or fail to maintain our China websites despite their contractual obligation to do so.
These companies are able to transact business with parties not affiliated with us. If these
38
companies fail to perform under their agreements with us, we may have to rely on legal remedies
under Chinese law, which we cannot be sure would be effective. In addition, we cannot be certain
that the individual equity owners of the VIEs would always act in the best interests of SINA,
especially if they leave SINA.
Substantially all profits generated from our VIEs are paid to the subsidiaries of ours in
China through related party transactions under contractual agreements. We believe that the terms
under these contractual agreements are in compliance with the laws in China. The tax authorities in
China have examined some of these contractual agreements in the past and have not raised any
comment. However, due to the uncertainties surrounding the interpretation of the transfer pricing
rules relating to related party transactions in China, it is possible that tax authorities in China
may challenge the transfer prices that we have used for related party transactions among our
entities in China in the future. In the event the tax authorities challenge our VIE structure, we
may be forced to restructure our business operation, which could have a material adverse effect on
our business.
Restrictions on paying dividends or making other payments to us bind our subsidiaries and VIEs
in China.
We are a holding company and do not have any assets or conduct any business operations in
China other than our investments in our subsidiaries in China, including SINA.com Technology
(China) Co., Ltd., Star-Village.com (Beijing) Internet Technology Ltd., Beijing New Media
Information Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing SINA Internet Technology Service Co. Ltd., Beijing SINA
Information Technology Co. Ltd. and others; and our VIEs. As a result, we depend on dividend
payments from our subsidiaries in China for our revenues after they receive payments from our VIEs
in China under various services and other arrangements. We cannot make any assurance that our
subsidiaries in China can continue to receive the payments as arranged under our contracts with
those VIEs. To the extent that these VIEs have undistributed after tax net income, we have to pay
tax on behalf of the employees when we try to distribute the dividend from these local entities in
the future. The dividend tax rate is 20%. In addition, under Chinese law, our subsidiaries are only
allowed to pay dividends to us out of their accumulated profits, if any, as determined in
accordance with Chinese accounting standards and regulations. Moreover, our Chinese subsidiaries
are required to set aside at least 10% of their respective accumulated profits, if any, up to 50%
of their registered capital to fund certain mandated reserve funds that are not payable or
distributable as cash dividends.
The Chinese government also imposes controls on the convertibility of renminbi into foreign
currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We may experience
difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreign
currency. See Currency fluctuations and restrictions on currency exchange may adversely affect our
business, including limiting our ability to convert Chinese renminbi into foreign currencies and,
if renminbi were to decline in value, reducing our revenues in U.S. dollar terms. If we or any of
our subsidiaries are unable to receive all of the revenues from our operations through these
contractual or dividend arrangements, we may be unable to effectively finance our operations or pay
dividends on our ordinary shares.
Even if we are in compliance with Chinese governmental regulations relating to licensing and
foreign investment prohibitions, the Chinese government may prevent us from advertising or
distributing content that it believes is inappropriate and we may be liable for such content or we
may have to stop profiting from such content.
China has enacted regulations governing Internet access and the distribution of news and other
information. In the past, the Chinese government has stopped the distribution of information over
the Internet or through MVAS that it believes to violate Chinese law, including content that it
believes is obscene, incites violence, endangers national security, is contrary to the national
interest or is defamatory. In addition, we may not publish certain news items, such as news
relating to national security, without permission from the Chinese government. Furthermore, the
Ministry of Public Security has the authority to cause any local Internet service provider to block
any website maintained outside China at its sole discretion. Even if we comply with Chinese
governmental regulations relating to licensing and foreign investment prohibitions, if the Chinese
government were to take any action to limit or prohibit the distribution of information through our
network or via our MVAS, or to limit or regulate any current or future content or services
available to users on our network, our business could be significantly harmed.
Because the definition and interpretation of prohibited content is in many cases vague and
subjective, it is not always possible to determine or predict what and how content might be
prohibited under existing restrictions or restrictions that might be imposed in the future. At the
end of July 2004, our IVR service was temporarily terminated by China Mobile for violating certain
operating procedures. One of the violations cited in the notice for temporary termination was that
we had provided inappropriate content to our mobile subscribers through our IVR service. We are not
sure whether mobile operators including China Mobile and China Unicom or the Chinese government
will find our other mobile content inappropriate and therefore prevent us from operating the MVAS
relating to such content in the future. If they prevent us from offering such services, our profit
from MVAS will suffer.
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In January 2005, the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT),
which regulates radio and television stations in China, issued a notice prohibiting commercials for
MVAS related to fortune-telling from airing on radio and television stations effective in
February 2005. This notice could also lead to further actions by other Chinese government
authorities to prohibit the sale of such fortune-telling related SMS which could have a material
adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. SARFT or other
Chinese government authorities may prohibit the marketing of other MVAS via a channel we depend on
to generate revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results
of operations or cash flows.
We are also subject to potential liability for content on our websites that is deemed
inappropriate and for any unlawful actions of our subscribers and other users of our systems.
Furthermore, we are required to delete content that clearly violates the laws of China and report
content that we suspect may violate Chinese law. It is difficult to determine the type of content
that may result in liability for us, and if we are wrong, we may be prevented from operating our
websites.
We have contracted with third parties to provide content and services for our portal
network and to distribute our software, and we may lose users and revenue if these arrangements are
terminated.
We have arrangements with a number of third parties to provide content and services to our
websites and to distribute our software. In the area of content, we have relied and will continue
to rely almost exclusively on third parties for content that we publish under the SINA brand.
Although no single third party content provider is critical to our operations, if these parties
fail to develop and maintain high-quality and successful media properties, or if a large number of
our existing relationships are terminated, we could lose users and advertisers and our brand could
be harmed. We have recently experienced fee increases from some of our content providers. If this
trend continues, our gross profit from online advertising may be adversely affected. In addition,
the Chinese government has the ability to restrict or prevent state-owned media from cooperating
with us in providing certain content to us, which will result in a significant decrease of the
amount of content we can publish on our website. We may lose users if the Chinese government
chooses to restrict or prevent state-owned media from cooperating with us, in which case our
revenues will be impacted negatively.
In the area of web-based services, we have contracted with third party content providers for
integrated web search technology to complement our directory and navigational guide, and with
various third-party providers for our principal Internet connections. If we experience significant
interruptions or delays in service, or if these agreements terminate or expire, we may incur
additional costs to develop or secure replacement services and our relationship with our users
could be harmed.
A substantial part of our non-advertising revenues is generated through MVAS where we depend
on mobile network operators for services delivery and payment collection. If we were unable to
continue these arrangements, our MVAS could be severely disrupted or discontinued. Furthermore, we
are highly dependent on these mobile service providers for our profitability in that they can
choose to increase their service fees at will.
We depend on a third partys proprietary and licensed advertising serving technology to
deliver advertisements to our network. If the third party fails to continue to support its
technology or if its services fail to meet the advertising needs of our customers and we cannot
find an alternative solution on a timely basis, our advertising revenues could decline.
In order to create traffic for our online properties and make them more attractive to
advertisers and consumers, we have entered into distribution agreements and informal relationships
with ISPs and personal computer manufacturers for the distribution of our software. These
distribution arrangements typically are non-exclusive, and may be terminated upon little or no
notice. If our software distributors were to terminate or modify their distribution arrangements,
our ability to promote our network and generate revenue could be harmed.
Our stock price has been historically volatile and may continue to be volatile, which may make
it more difficult for you to resell shares when you want at prices you find attractive.
The trading price of our ordinary shares has been and may continue to be subject to
considerable daily fluctuations. For example, following an earnings announcement in February 2005
regarding the results of the fourth quarter and full year of 2004 and projections for the first
quarter of 2005, our stock price declined from $27.35 to $24.39. Our stock price may continue to
fluctuate in response to a number of events and factors, such as quarterly variations in operating
results, announcements of technological innovations or new products and media properties by us or
our competitors, changes in financial estimates and recommendations by securities analysts, the
operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors may deem comparable, new
governmental restrictions or regulations and news reports relating to trends in our markets. In
addition, the stock market in general, and the market prices for China-related and Internet-related
companies in particular, have experienced extreme volatility that often has been unrelated to the
operating performance of such companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely
affect the price of our stock, regardless of our operating performance.
40
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and SINAs shareholder rights plan may
discourage our acquisition by a third party, which could limit our shareholders opportunity to
sell their shares at a premium.
Our Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association include provisions that could
limit the ability of others to acquire control of us, modify our structure or cause us to engage in
change in control transactions. These provisions could have the effect of depriving shareholders of
an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging
third parties from seeking to obtain control of us in a tender offer or from otherwise engaging in
a merger or similar transaction with us.
For example, our Board of Directors has the authority, without further action by our
shareholders, to issue up to 3,750,000 preference shares in one or more series and to fix the
powers and rights of these shares, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights,
terms of redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights
associated with our ordinary shares. Preference shares could thus be issued quickly with terms
calculated to delay or prevent a change in control or make removal of management more difficult. In
addition, if the Board of Directors issues preference shares, the market price of our ordinary
shares may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our ordinary shares may be
adversely affected. Similarly, the Board of Directors may approve the issuance of debentures
convertible into voting shares, which may limit the ability of others to acquire control of us.
In addition, we have adopted a shareholder rights plan pursuant to which our existing
shareholders would have the right to purchase ordinary shares from the company at half the market
price then prevailing in the event a person or group acquires more than 10% of our outstanding
ordinary shares, or an additional 0.5% in the case of certain shareholders holding more than 10% at
the time of the plan adoption, including Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited (Shanda) and
its affiliates, on terms our Board of Directors does not approve. As a result, such rights could
cause substantial dilution to the holdings of the person or group which acquires more than 10%, or
an additional 0.5%, as the case may be. Accordingly, the shareholder rights plan may inhibit a
change in control or acquisition and could adversely affect a shareholders ability to realize a
premium over the then prevailing market price for the ordinary shares in connection with such a
transaction.
We have a single shareholder who can substantially influence the outcome of all matters voted
upon by our shareholders and whose interests may not be aligned with yours.
In February 2005, Shanda and several of its affiliates reported that they beneficially
acquired approximately 19.5% of our outstanding ordinary shares. As a result, Shanda is able to
substantially influence all matters requiring the approval of our shareholders, including the
election of directors and the approval of significant corporate transactions such as acquisitions.
This concentration of ownership could delay, defer or prevent a change in control or otherwise
impede a merger or other business combination that the Board of Directors or other shareholders may
view favorably. Additionally, in the event Shanda obtains Board representation, it may have
influence over certain of the Companys business activities otherwise not subject to a shareholder
vote.
If tax benefits currently available to us in China were no longer available, our effective
income tax rates for our China operations could increase to 33%.
We are incorporated in Cayman Islands where no income taxes are imposed. We have operations in
four tax jurisdictions including China, the U.S., Hong Kong and Taiwan. For the U.S., Hong Kong and
Taiwan, we have incurred net accumulated operating losses for income tax purposes. We believe that
it is more likely than not that these net accumulated operating losses will not be utilized in the
future and hence we have not recorded income tax provisions or benefits for these locations. We do
not expect that we will record any income tax provisions for our operations in the U.S., Hong Kong
and Taiwan in the foreseeable future.
We generated substantially all our net income from our China operations. Our China operations
are conducted through various subsidiaries and VIEs. Pursuant to the PRC Income Tax Laws, our
subsidiaries and VIEs are generally subject to Enterprise Income Taxes (EIT) at a statutory rate
of 33%, consisting of a 30% national income tax and a 3% local income tax. However, some of our
subsidiaries and VIEs are qualified new technology enterprises, and under PRC Income Tax Laws, they
are subject to a preferential tax rate of 15%. In addition, some of our subsidiaries are Foreign
Investment Enterprises, and under PRC Income Tax Laws, they are entitled to either a three-year tax
exemption followed by three years with a 50% reduction in the tax rate, commencing the first
operating year, or a two-year tax exemption followed by three years with a 50% reduction in the tax
rate, commencing the first profitable year. To the extent that our VIEs have undistributed after
tax net income, we have to pay dividend tax on behalf of the employees when we try to distribute
the dividend from these local entities in the future. The dividend tax rate is 20%. We expect that
based on our current operating structure and preferential tax treatments available to us in China,
our effective income tax rates will be approximately 5% to 10% for fiscal years 2005 and 2006. Such
expected effective rates are subject to change at any time if Chinese tax authorities challenge us
on our current tax arrangements between our subsidiaries and VIEs. We are in the process of
applying for
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new preferential tax treatments for certain of our subsidiaries and VIEs in China and our projected
effective tax rates will be reduced further if these applications are approved. There is no
assurance that such tax treatments will be approved. Over the longer term, if the Chinese
government phases out preferential tax treatment for foreign investment enterprises or for new
technology enterprises, our effective tax rates for the PRC operation can be increased to as high
as 33%.
Due to our operating and tax structures in the PRC, we have entered into technical and other
service agreements between our subsidiaries and our VIEs in the PRC, pursuant to which our
subsidiaries provide technical and other services to our VIEs in exchange for substantially all net
income of these VIEs. We incur a 5% business tax when our subsidiaries receive the fees from the
VIEs, which we include in our operating expenses as cost of transferring economic benefit generated
from these VIEs. We believe that the terms of such service agreements are in compliance with the
laws in the PRC. Some of these agreements were reviewed by the tax authorities in the PRC in the
past and no comments were raised. However, due to the uncertainties surrounding the interpretation
of the tax transfer pricing rules relating to related party transactions in the PRC, it is possible
that tax authorities in the PRC might challenge the transfer prices that we used for the related
party transactions among our entities in the PRC in the future.
Underdeveloped telecommunications infrastructure has limited, and may continue to limit, the
growth of the Internet market in China which, in turn, could limit our ability to grow our
business.
The telecommunications infrastructure in China is not well developed. Although private sector
ISPs exist in China, almost all access to the Internet is accomplished through ChinaNet, Chinas
primary commercial network, which is owned and operated by China Telecom and China Netcom under the
administrative control and regulatory supervision of MII. The underdeveloped Internet
infrastructure in China has limited the growth of Internet usage in China. If the necessary
Internet infrastructure is not developed, or is not developed on a timely basis, future growth of
the Internet in China could be limited and our business could be harmed.
We must rely on the Chinese government to develop Chinas Internet infrastructure and, if it
does not develop this infrastructure, our ability to grow our business could be hindered.
The Chinese governments interconnecting, national networks connect to the Internet through
government-owned international gateways, which are the only channels through which a domestic
Chinese user can connect to the international Internet network. We rely on this backbone and China
Telecom and China Netcom to provide data communications capacity primarily through local
telecommunications lines. Although the Chinese government has announced plans to aggressively
develop the national information infrastructure, we cannot assure you that this infrastructure will
be developed. In addition, we have no guarantee that we will have access to alternative networks
and services in the event of any disruption or failure. If the necessary infrastructure standards
or protocols or complementary products, services or facilities are not developed by the Chinese
government, the growth of our business could be hindered.
We may have to register our encryption software with Chinese regulatory authorities, and if
they request that we change our encryption software, our business operations could be disrupted as
we develop or license replacement software.
Pursuant to the Regulations for the Administration of Commercial Encryption promulgated at the
end of 1999, foreign and domestic Chinese companies operating in China are required to register and
disclose to Chinese regulatory authorities the commercial encryption products they use. Because
these regulations have just recently been adopted and because they do not specify what constitutes
encryption products, we are unsure as to whether or how they apply to us and the encryption
software we utilize. We may be required to register, or apply for permits with the relevant Chinese
regulatory authorities for, our current or future encryption software. If Chinese regulatory
authorities request that we change our encryption software, we may have to develop or license
replacement software, which could disrupt our business operations.
Wireless technology changes rapidly, and we may not be successful in working with new
technology standards.
Wireless technology undergoes rapid changes. Our current MVAS business consists principally of
text messaging. As the technology evolves to accommodate multi-media messaging services, wireless
e-commerce and music download, and other applications, we would need to adapt to and support these
services in order to be successful. If we fail to anticipate and adapt to these and other
technological changes, our market share and our profitability could suffer.
Our business and growth could suffer if we are unable to hire and retain key personnel that
are in high demand.
We depend upon the continued contributions of our senior management and other key personnel,
many of whom are difficult to replace. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or
other key employees could harm our business. We have experienced recent changes to our executive
management team. Our future success will also depend on our ability to attract and retain
42
highly skilled technical, managerial, editorial, marketing, sale and customer service personnel,
especially qualified personnel for our international operations in Greater China. Qualified
individuals are in high demand, and we may not be able to successfully attract, assimilate or
retain the personnel we need to succeed.
We may not be able to manage our expanding operations effectively, which could harm our
business.
We expanded rapidly in 2003 and 2004 by acquiring two new MVAS providers, one online and
offline hotel booking company, one instant messaging company and entering into two new joint
ventures. These new businesses and joint ventures provide various services such as MVAS, online and
offline hotel booking, instant messaging, online games and online auctions. We anticipate
continuous expansion in our business, both through further acquisitions and internal growth, as we
address growth in our customer base and market opportunities. In addition, the geographic
dispersion of our operations as a result of acquisitions and overall internal growth requires
significant management resources that our locally-based competitors do not need to devote to their
operations. In order to manage the expected growth of our operations and personnel, we will be
required to improve and implement operational and financial systems, procedures and controls, and
expand, train and manage our growing employee base. Further, our management will be required to
maintain and expand our relationships with various other websites, Internet and other online
service providers and other third parties necessary to our business. We cannot assure you that our
current and planned personnel, systems, procedures and controls will be adequate to support our
future operations. If we are not successful in establishing, maintaining and managing our
personnel, systems, procedures and controls, our business will be materially, adversely affected.
Privacy concerns may prevent us from selling demographically targeted advertising in the
future and make us less attractive to advertisers.
We collect personal data from our user base in order to better understand our users and their
needs and to help our advertisers target specific demographic groups. If privacy concerns or
regulatory restrictions prevent us from selling demographically targeted advertising, we may become
less attractive to advertisers. For example, as part of our future advertisement delivery system,
we may integrate user information such as advertisement response rate, name, address, age or email
address, with third-party databases to generate comprehensive demographic profiles for individual
users. In Hong Kong, however, we would be in violation of the Hong Kong Personal Data Ordinance
unless individual users expressly consented to this integration of their personal information. The
ordinance provides that an Internet company may not collect information on its users, analyze the
information for a profile of the users interests and sell or transmit the profiles to third
parties for direct marketing purposes without the users consent. If we are unable to construct
demographic profiles for Internet users because they refuse to give consent, we will be less
attractive to advertisers and our business could suffer.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could cause us to be
less competitive.
We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws and restrictions on
disclosure to protect our intellectual property rights. Despite our efforts to protect our
proprietary rights, unauthorized parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use our
technology. Monitoring unauthorized use of our products is difficult and costly, and we cannot be
certain that the steps we have taken will prevent misappropriations of our technology, particularly
in foreign countries where the laws may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the
United States. From time to time, we may have to resort to litigation to enforce our intellectual
property rights, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources.
We may be exposed to infringement claims by third parties, which, if successful, could cause
us to pay significant damage awards.
Third parties may initiate litigation against us alleging infringement of their proprietary
rights. In the event of a successful claim of infringement and our failure or inability to develop
non-infringing technology or license the infringed or similar technology on a timely basis, our
business could be harmed. In addition, even if we are able to license the infringed or similar
technology, license fees could be substantial and may adversely affect our results of operations.
Concerns about the security of electronic commerce transactions and confidentiality of
information on the Internet may reduce use of our network and impede our growth.
A significant barrier to electronic commerce and communications over the Internet in general
has been a public concern over security and privacy, especially the transmission of confidential
information. If these concerns are not adequately addressed, they may inhibit the growth of the
Internet and other online services generally, especially as a means of conducting commercial
transactions. If a well-publicized Internet breach of security were to occur, general Internet
usage could decline, which could reduce traffic to our destination sites and impede our growth.
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We may be classified as a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse
U.S. tax consequences to U.S. investors.
Based upon the nature of our income and assets, we may be classified as a passive foreign
investment company, or PFIC, by the United States Internal Revenue Service for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. This characterization could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to you. For
example, if we are a PFIC, our U.S. investors will become subject to increased tax liabilities
under U.S. tax laws and regulations and will become subject to more burdensome reporting
requirements. The determination of whether or not we are a PFIC is made on an annual basis, and
those determinations depend on the composition of our income and assets, including goodwill, from
time to time. Although in the past we have operated our business and in the future we intend to
operate our business so as to minimize the risk of PFIC treatment, you should be aware that certain
factors that could affect our classification as PFIC are out of our control. For example, the
calculation of assets for purposes of the PFIC rules depends in large part upon the amount of our
goodwill, which in turn is based, in part, on the then market value of our shares, which is subject
to change. Similarly, the composition of our income and assets is affected by the extent to which
we spend the cash we have raised on acquisitions and capital expenditures. In addition, the
relevant authorities in this area are not clear and so we operate with less than clear guidance in
our effort to minimize the risk of PFIC treatment. Therefore, we cannot be sure whether we are not
and will not be a PFIC for the current or any future taxable year. In the event we are determined
to be a PFIC, our stock may become less attractive to U.S. investors, thus negatively impacting the
price of our stock.
Future outbreaks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and other widespread public
health problems could adversely affect our business.
Future outbreaks of SARS and other widespread public health problems in China and surrounding
areas, where most of our employees work, could negatively impact our business in ways that are hard
to predict. Prior experience with the SARS virus suggests that a future outbreak of SARS may lead
public health authorities to enforce SARS quarantines, which could result in closures of some of
our offices and other disruptions of our operations. A future SARS outbreak or other widespread
public health problems could result in reduction of our advertising and fee-based revenues.
Our operations could be disrupted by unexpected network interruptions caused by system
failures, natural disasters or unauthorized tamperings with our systems.
The continual accessibility of our websites and the performance and reliability of our network
infrastructure are critical to our reputation and our ability to attract and retain users,
advertisers and merchants. Any system failure or performance inadequacy that causes interruptions
in the availability of our services or increases the response time of our services could reduce our
appeal to advertisers and consumers. Factors that could significantly disrupt our operations
include: system failures and outages caused by fire, floods, earthquakes, power loss,
telecommunications failures and similar events; software errors; computer viruses, break-ins and
similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems; and security breaches
related to the storage and transmission of proprietary information, such as credit card numbers or
other personal information.
We have limited backup systems and redundancy. Recently, we experienced an unauthorized
tampering of the mail server of our China website which briefly disrupted our operations. Future
disruptions or any of the foregoing factors could damage our reputation, require us to expend
significant capital and other resources and expose us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible
liability. We do not carry sufficient business interruption insurance to compensate for losses that
may occur as a result of any of these events. Accordingly, our revenues and results of operations
may be adversely affected if any of the above disruptions should occur.
The law of the Internet remains largely unsettled, which subjects our business to legal
uncertainties that could harm our business.
Due to the increasing popularity and use of the Internet and other online services, it is
possible that a number of laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to the Internet or other
online services covering issues such as user privacy, pricing, content, copyrights, distribution,
antitrust and characteristics and quality of products and services. Furthermore, the growth and
development of the market for electronic commerce may prompt calls for more stringent consumer
protection laws that may impose additional burdens on companies conducting business online. The
adoption of any additional laws or regulations may decrease the growth of the Internet or other
online services, which could, in turn, decrease the demand for our products and services and
increase our cost of doing business.
Moreover, the applicability to the Internet and other online services of existing laws in
various jurisdictions governing issues such as property ownership, sales and other taxes, libel and
personal privacy is uncertain and may take years to resolve. For example, new
44
tax regulations may subject us or our customers to additional sales and income taxes. Any new
legislation or regulation, the application of laws and regulations from jurisdictions whose laws do
not currently apply to our business, or the application of existing laws and regulations to the
Internet and other online services could significantly disrupt our operations.
We may be subject to claims based on the content we provide over our network and the products
and services sold on our network, which, if successful, could cause us to pay significant damage
awards.
As a publisher and distributor of content and a provider of services over the Internet, we
face potential liability for defamation, negligence, copyright, patent or trademark infringement
and other claims based on the nature and content of the materials that we publish or distribute;
the selection of listings that are accessible through our branded products and media properties, or
through content and materials that may be posted by users in our classifieds, message board and
chat room services; losses incurred in reliance on any erroneous information published by us, such
as stock quotes, analyst estimates or other trading information; unsolicited email, lost or
misdirected messages, illegal or fraudulent use of email or interruptions or delays in email
service; and product liability, warranty and similar claims to be asserted against us by end users
who purchase goods and services through our SinaMall and any future electronic commerce services we
may offer.
We may incur significant costs in investigating and defending any potential claims, even if
they do not result in liability. Although we carry general liability insurance, our insurance may
not cover potential claims of this type and may not be adequate to indemnify us against all
potential liabilities.
We issued $100 million of zero coupon convertible subordinated notes due 2023, or possibly
earlier upon a change of control, which we may not be able to repay in cash and could result in
dilution of our basic earnings per share.
In July 2003, we issued $100 million of zero coupon convertible subordinated notes due July
15, 2023, first putable to us on July 15, 2007. Each $1,000 principal amount of the notes is
convertible into 38.7741 shares of our ordinary shares prior to July 15, 2023 if the sale price of
our ordinary shares issuable upon conversion of the notes reaches a specified threshold or
specified corporate transactions have occurred. One of the conditions for conversion of the notes
to SINA ordinary shares is that the market price of SINA ordinary shares reaches a specified
threshold for a defined period of time. The specified thresholds are (i) during the period from
issuance to July 15, 2022, if the sale price of SINA ordinary shares, for each of any five
consecutive trading days in the immediately preceding fiscal quarter, exceeds 115% of the
conversion price per ordinary share, and (ii) during the period from July 15, 2022 to July 15,
2023, if the sale price of SINA ordinary shares on the previous trading day is more than 115% of
the conversion price per ordinary share. On July 15 annually from 2007 to 2013, and on July 15,
2018, or upon a change of control, holders of the notes may require us to repurchase all or a
portion of the notes for cash. For the three months ended June 30, 2005, the sale price of SINA
ordinary shares exceeded the threshold set forth in Item (i) above for the required period of time.
Therefore, the notes are convertible into SINA ordinary shares during the three months ending
September 30, 2005. Upon a conversion, we may choose to pay the purchase price of the notes in
cash, ordinary shares, or a combination of cash and ordinary shares. We may not have enough cash on
hand or have the ability to access cash to pay the notes if holders ask for repayment on the
various put dates, or upon a change of control, or at maturity. In addition, the purchase of our
notes with our ordinary shares or the conversion of the notes into our ordinary shares could result
in dilution of our basic earnings per share.
Currency fluctuations and restrictions on currency exchange may adversely affect our business,
including limiting our ability to convert the Chinese renminbi into foreign currencies and, if the
Chinese renminbi were to decline in value, reducing our revenues in U.S. dollar terms.
Our reporting currency is the United States dollar and our operations in China, Hong Kong,
Taiwan use their respective local currencies as their functional currencies. The majority of our
revenues derived and expenses incurred are in Chinese renminbi with a relatively small amount
in Taiwan dollars, Hong Kong dollars and U.S. dollars. As of June 30, 2005, our cash, cash
equivalents and short-term investment balance denominated in Chinese renminbi was approximately
$163.3 million, which accounted for approximately 58% of our total cash, cash equivalents and
short-term investment balance. As of June 30, 2005, our accounts receivable balance denominated in
Chinese renminbi was approximately $31.5 million, which accounted for approximately 97% of our
total accounts receivable balance. Also as of June 30, 2005, our liabilities balance denominated in
Chinese renminbi was approximately $34.9 million, which
accounted for approximately 25% of our
total liabilities balance. As a result, we are subject to the effects of exchange rate fluctuations
with respect to any of these currencies. For example, the value of the renminbi depends to a large
extent on Chinese government policies and Chinas domestic and international economic and political
developments, as well as supply and demand in the local market. Since 1994, the official exchange
rate for the conversion of renminbi to U.S. dollars had generally been stable and the renminbi had
appreciated slightly against the U.S. dollar. However, on July 21, 2005, the Chinese government
changed its policy of pegging the value of Chinese renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new
policy, Chinese renminbi may
45
fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. As
a result of this policy change, Chinese renminbi appreciated approximately 2.0% against the
U.S. dollar. It is possible that the Chinese government could adopt a more flexible currency
policy, which could result in more significant fluctuation of Chinese renminbi against the
U.S. dollar. We can offer no assurance that Chinese renminbi will be stable against the U.S.
dollar or any other foreign currency. Our financial statements reported in the U.S. dollars may be
affected by changes in the value of currencies other than the U.S. dollars in which our earnings
and obligations are denominated. We have not entered into agreements or purchased instruments to
hedge our exchange rate risks, although we may do so in the future.
Although Chinese governmental policies were introduced in 1996 to allow the convertibility of
Chinese renminbi into foreign currency for current account items, conversion of Chinese
renminbi into foreign exchange for capital items, such as foreign direct investment, loans or
securities, requires the approval of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, which
is under the authority of the Peoples Bank of China. These approvals, however, do not guarantee
the availability of foreign currency. We cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain all required
conversion approvals for our operations or that Chinese regulatory authorities will not impose
greater restrictions on the convertibility of the Chinese renminbi in the future. Because a
significant amount of our future revenues may be in the form of the Chinese renminbi, our inability
to obtain the requisite approvals or any future restrictions on currency exchanges could limit our
ability to utilize revenue generated in the Chinese renminbi to fund our business activities
outside China, or to repay foreign currency obligations, including our debt obligations, which
would have a material adverse effect on our financial conditions and results of operation.
The Chinese legal system has inherent uncertainties that could limit the legal protections
available to you.
Our contractual arrangements with our variable interest entities in China are governed by the
laws of the Peoples Republic of China. Chinas legal system is based upon written statutes. Prior
court decisions may be cited for reference but are not binding on subsequent cases and have limited
value as precedents. Since 1979, the Chinese legislative bodies have promulgated laws and
regulations dealing with economic matters such as foreign investment, corporate organization and
governance, commerce, taxation and trade. However, because these laws and regulations are
relatively new, and because of the limited volume of published decisions and their non-binding
nature, the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involve uncertainties, and
therefore you may not have legal protections for certain matters in China.
You may experience difficulties in effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign
judgments or bringing original actions in China based on United States or other foreign laws
against us.
We conduct our operations in China and a significant portion of our assets is located in
China. In addition, some of our directors and executive officers reside within China, and
substantially all of the assets of these persons are located within China. As a result, it may not
be possible to effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside China upon
those directors or executive officers, including with respect to matters arising under U.S. federal
securities laws or applicable state securities laws. Moreover, our Chinese counsel has advised us
that China does not have treaties with the U.S. and many other countries that provide for the
reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgment of courts. As a result, recognition and
enforcement in China of judgments of a court of the U.S. or any other jurisdiction in relation to
any matter may be difficult or impossible.
Political and economic conditions in Greater China and the rest of Asia are unpredictable and
may disrupt our operations if these conditions become unfavorable to our business.
We expect to derive a substantial percentage of our revenues from the Greater China market.
Changes in political or economic conditions in the region are difficult to predict and could
adversely affect our operations or cause the Greater China market to become less attractive to
advertisers, which could reduce our revenues. We maintain a strong local identity and presence in
each of the regions in the Greater China market and we cannot be sure that we will be able to
effectively maintain this local identity if political conditions were to change. Furthermore, many
countries in Asia have experienced significant economic downturns since the middle of 1997,
resulting in slower GDP growth for the entire region as a result of higher interest rates and
currency fluctuations. If declining economic growth rates persist in these countries, expenditures
for Internet access, infrastructure improvements and advertising could decrease, which could
negatively affect our business and our profitability over time.
Economic reforms in the region could also affect our business in ways that are difficult to
predict. For example, since the late 1970s, the Chinese government has been reforming the Chinese
economic system to emphasize enterprise autonomy and the utilization of market mechanisms. Although
we believe that these reform measures have had a positive effect on the economic development in
China, we cannot be sure that they will be effective or that they will benefit our business.
46
While we believe that we currently have adequate internal control procedures in place, we are
still exposed to potential risks from recent legislation requiring companies to evaluate controls
under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
While we believe that we currently have adequate internal control procedures in place, we are
still exposed to potential risks from recent legislation requiring companies to evaluate controls
under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Under the supervision and with the
participation of our management, we have evaluated our internal controls systems in order to allow
management to report on, and our registered independent public accounting firm to attest to, our
internal controls, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We have performed the
system and process evaluation and testing required in an effort to comply with the management
certification and auditor attestation requirements of Section 404. As a result, we have incurred
additional expenses and a diversion of managements time. If we are not able to continue to meet
the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, we might be subject
to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities, such as the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) or the Nasdaq National Market. Any such action could adversely affect our
financial results and the market price of our ordinary shares.
We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings if we must reassess our goodwill
or amortizable intangible assets arising from acquisitions.
We are required under GAAP to review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment when
events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is
required to be tested for impairment at least annually. Factors that may be considered a change in
circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our amortizable intangible assets may not be
recoverable include a decline in stock price and market capitalization and slower growth rates in
our industry. We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our financial
statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill or amortizable intangible
assets is determined. As of June 30, 2005, our goodwill and amortizable intangible assets arising
from acquisitions were $72.3 million.
Changes to existing accounting pronouncements, including SFAS 123R, or taxation rules or
practices may adversely affect our reported results of operations or how we conduct our business.
A change in accounting pronouncements or taxation rules or practices can have a significant
effect on our reported results and may even affect our reporting of transactions completed before
the change is effective. Pursuant to the SECs new rule, we need to implement the Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No.123R (SFAS 123R) Share Based Payment starting in the first
quarter of 2006. SFAS 123R requires us to measure compensation costs for all share-based
compensation (including stock options and our employee stock purchase plan, as currently
constructed) at fair value and take a compensation charge equal to that value. The various methods
for determining the fair value of stock options are based upon, among other things, the volatility
of the underlying stock. The price of our ordinary shares has historically been volatile.
Therefore, the adoption of the accounting standard requiring companies to expense stock options
could negatively affect our profitability and the trading price of our ordinary shares. Such
adoption could also limit our ability to continue to use stock options as an incentive and
retention tool, which could, in turn, hurt our ability to recruit employees and retain existing
employees. Other new accounting pronouncements or taxation rules and varying interpretations of
accounting pronouncements or taxation practice have occurred and may occur in the future. This
change to existing rules, future changes, if any, or the questioning of current practices may
adversely affect our reported financial results or the way we conduct our business.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate and Security Market Risk
Our investment policy limits our investments of excess cash to government or quasi-government
securities and in high-quality corporate securities and limits the amount of credit exposure to any
one issuer. We protect and preserve our invested funds by limiting default, market and reinvestment
risk. Due to the fact that a majority of our investments are in short-term instruments, we have
concluded that there is no material market risk exposure in this area. As of June 30, 2005 we had
unrealized losses of $1.8 million related to our short-term investments included in accumulated
other comprehensive loss in shareholders equity.
Our zero coupon convertible subordinated notes due 2023, which were issued in July 2003 in the
amount of $100 million, bear no interest and are denominated in U.S. dollars and therefore there is
no interest or foreign currency exchange risk associated with the outstanding notes.
47
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
The majority of our revenues derived and expenses and liabilities incurred are in Chinese
renminbi with a relatively small amount in New Taiwan dollars, Hong Kong dollars and U.S. dollars.
Thus, our revenues and operating results may be impacted by exchange rate fluctuations in the
currencies of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. See Currency fluctuations and restrictions on currency
exchange may adversely affect our business, including limiting our ability to convert Chinese
renminbi into foreign currencies and, if renminbi were to decline in value, reducing our revenue in
U.S. dollar terms in the Factors that May Impact Future Performance section. We have not tried
to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations by using hedging transactions. However, we may
choose to do so in the future. We may not be able to do this successfully. Accordingly, we may
experience economic losses and negative impacts on earnings and equity as a result of foreign
exchange rate fluctuations. The effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuation during the quarter
ended June 30, 2005 was not material.
Investment Risk
For a discussion on the investment risk of Tidetime Sun, please refer to the disclosure in
Note 4 Investment in Tidetime Sun to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by
this report. Based on such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this
report were designed and functioning effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the
information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the
SECs rules and forms. We believe that a controls system, no matter how well designed and operated,
cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no
evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of
fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.
As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, our management,
including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated our internal
control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the most recent
fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our
internal control over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, no such change in our internal
control over financial reporting occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter.
PART IIOTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
In February 2005, multiple purported securities class action complaints were filed against the
Company and certain officers and directors of the Company in the United States District Court for
the Southern District of New York, following the Companys announcement of anticipated financial
results for the first quarter of 2005 ending on March 31, 2005.
On July 1, 2005, Judge Naomi Buchwald consolidated the cases under the caption In re SINA
Corporation Securities Litigation and appointed City of Sterling Heights General Employees
Retirement System, City of St. Clair Shores Police and Fire Retirement System, and Charter Township
of Clinton Police and Fire Retirement System (collectively the MAPERS Funds Group) as lead
plaintiff. The Company expects the MAPERS Funds Group to file an amended consolidated complaint on
September 2, 2005. The Company intends to take all appropriate action in response to these
lawsuits. The Company cannot estimate any possible loss at this time.
From time to time, the Company may also be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the
ordinary course of business, including claims of alleged infringement of copyrights and other
intellectual property rights in connection with the content published on our websites.
48
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
On March 24, 2004, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Crillion
Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands (Crillion) from
Darpin Holdings Ltd., Malando Inc., Kalin Enterprises Inc., Top Ace Assets Ltd., Golden Crown
Assets Corp., Penligon Enterprises Holdings Corp., Regal Bond Assets Inc., Greenmore Assets
Holdings Corp., and Unico Ventures Holdings Ltd. (the Acquisition). In connection with the
Acquisition, we are obligated to pay contingent consideration which is based on Crillions
financial performances in 2004 and 2005. The additional consideration related to the achievement of
the 2004 performance target was approximately $28.1 million (2004 Performance Consideration). On
April 8, 2005, we issued an aggregate of 274,684 ordinary shares of SINA, par value $0.133 per
share, as part of the 2004 Performance Consideration for the Acquisition. The ordinary shares
issued for the Acquisition were issued in a private placement without registration.
We do not have a stock repurchase program and did not repurchase any of our stock during the
quarter ended June 30, 2005.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
None.
Item 5. Other Information
None.
Item 6. Exhibits
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3.1 |
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Amended and Restated Articles of Association of SINA Corporation (filed as Exhibit
3.1 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2005 and incorporated
by reference herein) |
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3.2 |
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Amended an Restated Memorandum of Association of SINA.com (filed as
Exhibit 3.2 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2005 and
incorporated by reference herein) |
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4.1 |
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Rights Agreement dated as of February 22, 2005 between SINA Corporation and
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the
Companys Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2005, and incorporated herein by
reference). |
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31.1* |
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Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules
13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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31.2* |
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Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules
13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.1* |
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Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350. |
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32.2* |
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Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350. |
49
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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SINA CORPORATION |
Dated: August 9, 2005 |
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By:
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/s/ Charles Chao |
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Charles Chao |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
50
Exhibit Index
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3.1 |
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Amended and Restated Articles of Association of SINA Corporation (filed as Exhibit
3.1 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2005 and incorporated
by reference herein) |
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3.2 |
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Amended an Restated Memorandum of Association of SINA .com (filed as
Exhibit 3.2 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2005 and
incorporated by reference herein) |
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4.1 |
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Rights Agreement dated as of February 22, 2005 between SINA Corporation and
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the
Companys Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2005, and incorporated herein by
reference). |
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31.1* |
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Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules
13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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31.2* |
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Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules
13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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32.1* |
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Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350. |
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32.2* |
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Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350. |