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The9 Limited Announces Unaudited Financial Information as of and for the Six Months Ended December 31, 2014

March 26, 2015 4:30 PM EDT

SHANGHAI, March 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --The9 Limited (NASDAQ: NCTY) ("The9"), an online game developer and operator, announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended December 31, 2014 today.

Financial Highlights:

  • Net revenues in the second half of 2014 amounted to RMB36.9 million (US$5.9 million), representing an increase of 34.4% from RMB27.4 million (US$4.4 million) in the first half of 2014 and a decrease of 37.2% from RMB58.7 million (US$9.5 million) in the second half of 2013.
  • In the second half of 2014, net profit attributable to holders of ordinary shares was RMB34.2 million (US$5.5 million). In the first half of 2014 and the second half of 2013, net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares was RMB141.9 million (US$22.9 million) and RMB244.4 million (US$39.4 million), respectively.

Management Comments:

Jun Zhu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The9, said, "Red 5 launched Firefall in July 2014 in North America and Europe. We have high expectations for Firefall in the China market. In August 2014, Shanghai Oriental Pearl Culture Development Co. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanghai Oriental Pearl (Group) Co., Ltd. (SH: 600832), closed its investment in Red 5 and became a minority shareholder of Red 5. Also in August 2014, Qihoo 360 Technology Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: QIHU) and us established a 50-50 joint venture System Link Corporation Limited to publish and operate Firefall in China for a five-year term. Under this license agreement, System Link is expected to pay to us no less than an aggregate of US$160 million including license fee and royalties during the term of the agreement. All these show the great potential of Firefall in China. We are dedicating our best resources to prepare for the launch of Firefall in China and we target to launch Firefall in China in the second half of 2015. In addition, we are also planning to launch several mobile games in 2015. In August 2014, we sold Huopu Cloud, a subsidiary which developed and held a proprietary web game, for a total consideration of RMB200 million. This sale has proven our in-house game development capability has been recognized by the market."

Discussion of The9's Unaudited 2014 Second Half Results

Net Revenues

Our net revenues in the second half of 2014 amounted to RMB36.9 million (US$5.9 million), representing an increase of 34.4% from RMB27.4 million (US$4.4 million) in the first half of 2014 and a decrease of 37.2% from RMB58.7 million (US$9.5 million) in the second half of 2013. The increase over the first half of 2014 was mainly due to increase of revenue from Firefall in North America and Europe, and partly offset by decrease of revenue from various MMO, web and social games in China. The decrease from the second half of 2013 was mainly due to the decrease of revenue from Planetside 2.

Gross Loss

Our gross loss in the second half of 2014 amounted to RMB7.2 million (US$1.2 million), compared with RMB14.3 million (US$2.3 million) and RMB5.2 million (US$0.8 million) in the first half of 2014 and in the second half of 2013, respectively. The gross loss in the second half of 2014 reflected lower level of revenue generated coupled with the continued incurrence of a relatively fixed portion of our costs, such as overhead, depreciation and rental charges.

Operating Expenses

In the second half of 2014, our operating expenses, excluding gain from disposal of subsidiaries, were RMB151.8 million (US$24.5 million), which decrease by 0.8% from RMB153.0 million (US$24.7 million) in the first half of 2014 and decrease by 39.9% from RMB252.6 million (US$40.7 million) in the second half of 2013. The decrease compared to the first half of 2014 was primarily due to the net effect of the increase in marketing expenses in the second half relating to the launch of Firefall in the North America and Europe, and reversal of an allowance provided on a long-term receivable from a supplier recognized in the second half of 2013. The decrease compared to the second half of 2013 was primarily due to the cost cutting on product development, marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses, and the reversal of an allowance provided on a long-term receivable from a supplier recognized in the second half of 2013. In addition, in the first half of 2014, we also recorded a gain on disposal of subsidiaries of RMB165.4 million (US$26.7 million) in the second half of 2014 in connection with the disposal of Huopu Cloud Computing Terminal Technology Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary, as well as certain other subsidiary, which was recorded as a deduction to operating expense.

Interest Income

Interest income in the second half of 2014 was RMB1.9 million (US$0.3 million), compared to RMB1.5 million (US$0.2 million) in the first half of 2014 and RMB2.6 million (US$0.4 million) in the second half of 2013. The fluctuation of interest income was typically in line with our cash balances.

Other Income (Expenses), Net

Other expenses in the second half of 2014 was RMB5.4 million (US$0.9 million), compared to other income of RMB3.3 million (US$0.5 million) in the first half of 2014 and other income of RMB7.0 million (US$1.1 million) in the second half of 2013. Other expenses in the second half of 2014 mainly represented foreign exchange losses. Other income in the first half of 2014 mainly represented foreign exchange gains. Other income in the second half of 2013 mainly represented a refund of game license fee.

Net Profit (Loss) attributable to holders of ordinary shares

In the second half of 2014, net profit attributable to holders of ordinary shares was RMB34.2 million (US$5.5 million). In the first half of 2014 and the second half of 2013, net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares was RMB141.9 million (US$22.9 million) and RMB244.4 million (US$39.4 million), respectively.

Basic net profit per shareand per ADS in the second half of 2014 was RMB1.48 (US$0.25), compared to basic net loss per share of RMB6.13 (US$0.99) in the first half of 2014 and basic net loss per share of RMB10.64 (US$1.71) in the second half of 2013.

Currency Convenience Translation

The translation of Renminbi (RMB) into US dollars (US$) in this press release are presented solely for the convenience of the readers at the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in Renminbi per U.S. dollar as certified for customs purposes by the H.10 weekly statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board as of December 31, 2014, which was RMB 6.2046 to US$1.00. Such translations should not be construed as representations that the RMB amounts represents, or have been or could be converted into, US$ at that or any other rate. The percentages stated in this press release are calculated based on the RMB amounts.

About The9 Limited

The9 Limited is an online game developer and operator in China. The9 develops and operates, directly or through its affiliates, its proprietary MMO, web and mobile games including Firefall, TianTianWanDiaoChan and Dao Feng. In 2010, The9 established its wireless business unit to focus on mobile internet business. In 2013, The9 formed a joint venture with Shanghai ZTE to develop and operate home entertainment set top box business. 

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this press release contain forward-looking statements. The9 may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 20-F and 6-K, etc., in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about The9's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, political and economic policies of the Chinese government, the laws and regulations governing the online game industry, information disseminated over the Internet and Internet content providers in China, intensified government regulation of Internet cafes, The9's ability to retain existing players and attract new players, license, develop or acquire additional online games that are appealing to users, anticipate and adapt to changing consumer preferences and respond to competitive market conditions, and other risks and uncertainties outlined in The9's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 20-F. The9 does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Phyllis SaiManager, Investor RelationsThe9 LimitedTel: +86 (21) 5172-9990Email: [email protected]Website: http://www.corp.the9.com/

-- Tables follow --

 THE9 LIMITED 

 UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME INFORMATION 

 (Expressed in Renminbi - RMB and US Dollars - US$, except share data) 

Six month ended Jun 30

Six month ended December 31

2014

2013

2014

2014

RMB(unaudited)

RMB(unaudited)

RMB(unaudited)

US$(Note)

 Revenues: 

   Online game services 

22,199,785

52,415,966

33,217,915

5,353,756

   Other revenues 

5,547,325

7,069,176

3,874,540

624,462

27,747,110

59,485,142

37,092,455

5,978,218

 Sales Taxes 

(326,865)

(774,716)

(235,809)

(38,005)

 Net Revenues 

27,420,245

58,710,426

36,856,646

5,940,213

 Cost of revenue 

(41,706,220)

(63,913,645)

(44,076,349)

(7,103,818)

 Gross loss 

(14,285,975)

(5,203,219)

(7,219,703)

(1,163,605)

 Operating Expenses: 

   Product development 

(79,550,315)

(100,558,324)

(76,702,721)

(12,362,235)

   Sales and marketing 

(18,270,728)

(49,663,417)

(33,487,372)

(5,397,185)

   General and administrative 

(51,629,447)

(66,923,309)

(59,527,803)

(9,594,139)

 Impairment on equipment , intangible assets, other  assets and allowance(reversal of allowance) of long-term receivable 

(3,555,845)

(35,466,122)

17,927,763

2,889,431

 Gain on disposal of subsidiaries 

0

0

165,392,382

26,656,413

 Total operating expenses 

(153,006,335)

(252,611,172)

13,602,249

2,192,285

 Other operating Income 

50,000

55,372

25,000

4,029

 Income (loss) from operations 

(167,242,310)

(257,759,019)

6,407,546

1,032,709

 Investment income from cost method investment 

0

0

1,142,353

184,114

 Interest income, net 

1,482,111

2,605,392

1,932,448

311,454

 Other income(expense),net 

3,276,714

6,985,096

(5,382,192)

(867,452)

 Profit (Loss) before income tax expense, gain on investment disposal, impairment loss on investments and share of loss in equity investments  

(162,483,485)

(248,168,531)

4,100,155

660,825

 Income tax expense 

0

0

0

0

 Profit (Loss) before gain on investment disposal, impairment loss on investments and share of loss in equity investments 

(162,483,485)

(248,168,531)

4,100,155

660,825

 Gain on disposal of equity investee and available-for-sale investment 

9,403,451

0

23,750,001

3,827,805

 Impairment loss on investments 

0

(15,181,566)

0

0

 Share of loss in equity investments 

(879,476)

(411,547)

(2,833,054)

(456,606)

 Net profit (loss) 

(153,959,510)

(263,761,644)

25,017,102

4,032,024

 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling   interest 

(12,046,743)

(19,401,046)

(9,396,578)

(1,514,454)

 Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest 

0

0

(20,876,617)

(3,364,700)

 Net profit (loss) attributable to The9 Limited 

(141,912,767)

(244,360,598)

55,290,297

8,911,178

 Accretion on redeemable noncontrollling interest 

0

0

21,076,744

3,396,955

 Net profit (loss) attributable to holders of ordinary shares 

(141,912,767)

(244,360,598)

34,213,553

5,514,223

 Net profit (loss) attributable to holders of ordinary shares per share 

   - Basic 

(6.13)

(10.64)

1.48

0.24

 Weighted average number of shares outstanding 

   - Basic 

23,146,859

22,968,487

23,182,241

23,182,241

 

 THE9 LIMITED 

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS INFORMATION 

 (Expressed in Renminbi - RMB and US Dollars - US$) 

 As of December 31, 2013 

 As of December 31, 2014 

 RMB 

 RMB 

US$

 (audited) 

 (unaudited) 

(unaudited)

 Assets 

 Current Assets 

   Cash and cash equivalents 

156,987,201

181,482,300

29,249,638

   Accounts receivable 

19,138,096

11,804,750

1,902,581

   Advances to suppliers, net 

4,525,549

733,339

118,193

   Prepayments and other current assets, net 

32,464,598

56,573,321

9,117,964

   Prepaid royalties 

4,878,579

0

0

   Deferred costs 

68,217

9,745

1,571

   Amounts due from a related party 

0

5,250,000

846,146

 Total current assets 

218,062,240

255,853,455

41,236,093

 Restricted cash 

700,000

0

0

 Investments in equity investees 

50,848,141

39,223,925

6,321,749

 Property, equipment and software, net 

50,439,400

36,346,230

5,857,949

 Goodwill 

9,710,854

9,746,054

1,570,779

 Intangible assets, net 

128,643,824

97,539,341

15,720,488

 Land use right, net 

72,194,206

70,273,296

11,325,999

 Other long-term assets, net 

16,080,483

8,348,409

1,345,519

 Total Assets 

546,679,148

517,330,710

83,378,576

 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity 

 Current Liabilities 

   Accounts payable 

69,376,348

40,213,660

6,481,266

   Other taxes payable 

1,238,852

932,431

150,281

   Advances from customers 

18,896,049

16,833,165

2,713,014

   Amounts due to related parties                  

4,799,753

6,304,956

1,016,174

   Deferred revenue 

20,113,256

20,434,962

3,293,518

   Refund of game points 

169,998,682

169,998,682

27,398,814

   Other payables and accruals 

45,669,488

41,872,851

6,748,679

 Total current liabilities 

330,092,428

296,590,707

47,801,746

 Long-term accounts payable 

21,110,517

18,992,201

3,060,987

 Deferred tax liabilities, non-current 

5,343,060

5,362,427

864,266

 Total Liabilities 

356,546,005

320,945,335

51,726,999

 Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest 

0

131,497,104

21,193,486

 Ordinary shares (US$0.01 par value; 23,146,859 and 23,201,601 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014, respectively) 

1,881,784

1,885,153

303,832

   Additional paid-in capital 

2,152,320,786

2,075,900,461

334,574,422

   Statutory reserves 

28,071,982

28,071,982

4,524,382

   Accumulated other comprehensive loss 

(8,987,041)

(8,638,604)

(1,392,290)

   Accumulated deficit 

(1,912,569,874)

(1,999,192,344)

(322,211,318)

 The9 Limited shareholders' equity 

260,717,637

98,026,648

15,799,028

 Noncontrolling interests 

(70,584,494)

(33,138,377)

(5,340,937)

 Total equity 

190,133,143

64,888,271

10,458,091

 Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity 

546,679,148

517,330,710

83,378,576

Note: The United States dollar ("US dollar" or "US$") amounts disclosed in the accompanying financial statements are presented solely for the convenience of the readers at the rate of US$1.00 =RMB6.2046, representing the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers of RMB, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, on December 31, 2014.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the9-limited-announces-unaudited-financial-information-as-of-and-for-the-six-months-ended-december-31-2014-300056430.html

SOURCE The9 Limited



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