UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2010
OR
¨ | 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 0-30961
Sohu.com Inc.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
Delaware | 98-0204667 | |
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) |
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) |
Level 12, Sohu.com Internet Plaza
No. 1 Unit Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District
Beijing 100084
Peoples Republic of China
(011) 8610-6272-6666
(Address, including zip code, of registrants principal executive offices
and registrants telephone number, including area code)
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 x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer |
x |
Accelerated filer |
¨ | |||
Non-accelerated filer |
¨ |
Smaller reporting company |
¨ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Class |
Outstanding at June 30, 2010 | |
Common stock, $.001 par value | 37,833,065 |
Table of Contents
PAGE | ||||
PART I |
1 | |||
Item 1 |
1 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 |
1 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 |
2 | |||
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 |
3 | |||
4 | ||||
6 | ||||
Item 2 |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
28 | ||
Item 3 |
46 | |||
Item 4 |
48 | |||
PART II |
48 | |||
Item 1 |
48 | |||
Item 1A |
48 | |||
Item 2 |
49 | |||
Item 3 |
49 | |||
Item 4 |
49 | |||
Item 5 |
49 | |||
Item 6 |
49 | |||
50 | ||||
51 |
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except par value)
As of | ||||||||
June 30, 2010 |
December 31, 2009 |
|||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 599,105 | $ | 563,782 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net |
62,014 | 46,610 | ||||||
Prepaid and other current assets |
19,263 | 10,781 | ||||||
Total current assets |
680,382 | 621,173 | ||||||
Fixed assets, net |
119,136 | 115,088 | ||||||
Goodwill |
67,708 | 55,555 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net |
14,073 | 7,933 | ||||||
Other assets, net |
73,242 | 28,524 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 954,541 | $ | 828,273 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 7,397 | $ | 4,602 | ||||
Accrued liabilities to suppliers and agents |
49,233 | 41,103 | ||||||
Receipts in advance and deferred revenue |
41,780 | 36,944 | ||||||
Accrued salary and benefits |
29,697 | 28,860 | ||||||
Tax payables |
19,997 | 21,953 | ||||||
Other accrued liabilities |
23,436 | 17,035 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
171,540 | 150,497 | ||||||
Contingent consideration |
1,325 | 0 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
||||||||
Total liabilities |
172,865 | 150,497 | ||||||
Shareholders equity |
||||||||
Sohu.com Inc. shareholders equity: |
||||||||
Common stock: $0.001 par value per share (75,400 authorized; 37,833 and 37,749 shares issued and outstanding, respectively) |
43 | 43 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
325,611 | 317,052 | ||||||
Treasury stock (5,389 shares) |
(114,690 | ) | (114,690 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
23,692 | 21,502 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
449,518 | 385,874 | ||||||
Total Sohu.com Inc. shareholders equity |
684,174 | 609,781 | ||||||
Noncontrolling interest |
97,502 | 67,995 | ||||||
Total shareholders equity |
781,676 | 677,776 | ||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
$ | 954,541 | $ | 828,273 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||
Advertising: |
||||||||||||||
Brand advertising |
$ | 53,162 | $ | 43,621 | $ | 92,674 | $ | 82,695 | ||||||
Sponsored search |
3,891 | 1,769 | 6,725 | 3,331 | ||||||||||
Subtotal of advertising revenues |
57,053 | 45,390 | 99,399 | 86,026 | ||||||||||
Online game |
77,721 | 66,596 | 149,793 | 128,203 | ||||||||||
Wireless and others |
11,323 | 15,099 | 26,359 | 28,594 | ||||||||||
Total revenues |
146,097 | 127,085 | 275,551 | 242,823 | ||||||||||
Cost of revenues: |
||||||||||||||
Advertising: |
||||||||||||||
Brand advertising |
22,256 | 14,065 | 39,539 | 27,795 | ||||||||||
Sponsored search |
3,507 | 2,265 | 6,420 | 4,563 | ||||||||||
Subtotal of cost of advertising revenues |
25,763 | 16,330 | 45,959 | 32,358 | ||||||||||
Online game |
7,008 | 3,937 | 12,392 | 7,373 | ||||||||||
Wireless and others |
6,150 | 8,512 | 13,396 | 16,641 | ||||||||||
Total cost of revenues |
38,921 | 28,779 | 71,747 | 56,372 | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
107,176 | 98,306 | 203,804 | 186,451 | ||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||
Product development |
16,881 | 14,637 | 32,399 | 27,951 | ||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
29,606 | 25,810 | 52,615 | 42,636 | ||||||||||
General and administrative |
9,384 | 9,208 | 19,267 | 17,102 | ||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
139 | 128 | 247 | 202 | ||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
56,010 | 49,783 | 104,528 | 87,891 | ||||||||||
Operating profit |
51,166 | 48,523 | 99,276 | 98,560 | ||||||||||
Other (expense) income |
(330 | ) | 62 | (355 | ) | 63 | ||||||||
Interest income and exchange difference |
958 | 1,274 | 2,157 | 2,396 | ||||||||||
Income before income tax expense |
51,794 | 49,859 | 101,078 | 101,019 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense |
6,329 | 7,969 | 14,292 | 14,555 | ||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
45,465 | 41,890 | 86,786 | 86,464 | ||||||||||
Gain from discontinued e-commerce operations |
0 | 446 | 0 | 446 | ||||||||||
Net income |
45,465 | 42,336 | 86,786 | 86,910 | ||||||||||
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest |
12,012 | 8,801 | 23,142 | 8,780 | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
$ | 33,453 | $ | 33,535 | $ | 63,644 | $ | 78,130 | ||||||
Basic net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
$ | 0.88 | $ | 0.88 | $ | 1.68 | $ | 2.04 | ||||||
Shares used in computing basic net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
37,822 | 38,284 | 37,800 | 38,223 | ||||||||||
Diluted net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
$ | 0.82 | $ | 0.79 | $ | 1.54 | $ | 1.94 | ||||||
Shares used in computing diluted net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
38,289 | 39,018 | 38,366 | 38,935 | ||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
(In thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30, |
||||||||
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 86,786 | $ | 86,910 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation |
10,010 | 7,833 | ||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
12,981 | 8,901 | ||||||
Amortization of intangible assets and other assets |
1,139 | 902 | ||||||
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts |
301 | 485 | ||||||
(Excess tax benefits) Reversal of excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements |
(1,155 | ) | 678 | |||||
Others |
73 | 209 | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition: |
||||||||
Prepaid and other current assets |
(6,886 | ) | 13,692 | |||||
Accounts receivable |
(14,857 | ) | (16,704 | ) | ||||
Tax payables |
(2,175 | ) | 1,700 | |||||
Accrued liabilities to suppliers and agents |
8,130 | 1,130 | ||||||
Receipts in advance and deferred revenue |
638 | (3,126 | ) | |||||
Accounts payable |
2,795 | 2,377 | ||||||
Other accrued liabilities |
2,756 | (1,623 | ) | |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
100,536 | 103,364 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Purchase of fixed assets |
(47,843 | ) | (4,954 | ) | ||||
Purchase of intangible and other assets |
(4,394 | ) | (137 | ) | ||||
Decrease in restricted cash |
0 | 2,671 | ||||||
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
(13,321 | ) | 0 | |||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(65,558 | ) | (2,420 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Issuance of common stock |
376 | 3,015 | ||||||
Excess tax benefits (Reversal of excess tax benefits) from share-based payment arrangements |
1,155 | (678 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from Changyous initial public offering |
0 | 128,340 | ||||||
Other proceeds relating to financing activities |
0 | 1,087 | ||||||
Other payments relating to financing activities |
(3,001 | ) | (263 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
(1,470 | ) | 131,501 | |||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
1,815 | (124 | ) | |||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
35,323 | 232,321 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
563,782 | 314,425 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 599,105 | $ | 546,746 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
(In thousands)
Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | Comprehensive Income |
Common Stock |
Additional Paid-in Capital |
Treasury Stock |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Retained Earnings |
Noncontrolling Interest | |||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance |
$ | 677,776 | $ | 0 | $ | 43 | $ | 317,052 | $ | (114,690 | ) | $ | 21,502 | $ | 385,874 | $ | 67,995 | |||||||||
Issuance of common stock |
376 | 0 | 0 | 376 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
12,981 | 0 | 0 | 7,028 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5,953 | ||||||||||||||||||
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards |
1,155 | 0 | 0 | 1,155 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
86,786 | 86,786 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 63,644 | 23,142 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
2,602 | 2,602 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,190 | 0 | 412 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income |
2,602 | 2,602 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
89,388 | 89,388 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest |
(23,554 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
$ | 65,834 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance |
$ | 781,676 | $ | 43 | $ | 325,611 | $ | (114,690 | ) | $ | 23,692 | $ | 449,518 | $ | 97,502 | |||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
SOHU.COM INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
(In thousands)
Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | Comprehensive Income |
Common Stock |
Additional Paid-in Capital |
Treasury Stock |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
Retained Earnings |
Noncontrolling Interest | |||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance |
$ | 391,094 | $ | 0 | $ | 43 | $ | 201,196 | $ | (74,683 | ) | $ | 21,349 | $ | 238,041 | $ | 5,148 | |||||||||||
Issuance of common stock |
3,015 | 0 | 0 | 3,015 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
8,901 | 0 | 0 | 6,260 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,641 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Reversal of excess tax benefits from share-based awards |
(858 | ) | 0 | 0 | (858 | ) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
86,910 | 86,910 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 78,130 | 8,780 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment |
189 | 189 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 177 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income |
189 | 189 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income |
87,099 | 87,099 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest |
(8,957 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
$ | 78,142 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recognition of change in Sohus economic interests in Changyou |
125,375 | 0 | 100,552 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24,823 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance |
$ | 614,626 | $ | 43 | $ | 310,165 | $ | (74,683 | ) | $ | 21,361 | $ | 316,171 | $ | 41,569 | |||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. The Company and Basis of Presentation
Nature of Operations
Sohu.com Inc. (Sohu or the Company), a Delaware corporation organized in 1996, is a leading Internet company providing comprehensive online products and services in the Peoples Republic of China (the PRC or China). The Company, together with its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (collectively the Sohu Group) mainly offers advertising services (through brand advertising and sponsored search), online game services (through Changyou.com Limited) and wireless services through its Internet sites: sohu.com, 17173.com, focus.cn, chinaren.com, sogou.com and changyou.com.
Brand advertising and online game are the two core businesses of the Sohu Group. The brand advertising business provides advertisements on the Sohu Groups portal matrix to advertisers who wish to build up their brand awareness online. The online game business is conducted by a majority-owned subsidiary of Sohu, Changyou.com Limited (Changyou), which currently operates five massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPGs), (i) Tian Long Ba Bu (TLBB), (ii) Blade Online (BO), (iii) Blade Hero 2 (BH 2) which is the sequel to BO, (iv) Da Hua Shui Hu (DHSH), and (v) Zhong Hua Ying Xiong (ZHYX). TLBB is Changyous first in-house developed MMORPG and is one of the most popular online games in China.
On April 7, 2009, Changyou completed its initial public offering on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, trading under the symbol CYOU. After Changyous offering, Sohu continues to consolidate Changyou in Sohus consolidated financial statements, as Sohu is Changyous controlling shareholder, but recognizes noncontrolling interest reflecting shares held by shareholders other than Sohu. As of June 30, 2010, 29% of the economic interest in Changyou was recognized as noncontrolling interest in Sohus consolidated financial statements. See Note 2 - Changyou Transactions - Sohus Shareholding in Changyou.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sohu and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs). VIEs are consolidated if the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions are eliminated.
For majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs, noncontrolling interest is recognized to reflect the portion of their equity which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the controlling shareholder. As Sohu is Changyous controlling shareholder, Changyous financial results have been consolidated with those of Sohu for all periods presented. To reflect the economic interest in Changyou held by shareholders other than Sohu, Changyous net income attributable to these shareholders is recorded as noncontrolling interest in Sohus consolidated statements of operations, and Changyous cumulative results of operations attributable to these shareholders, along with its changes in shareholders equity and adjustment for share-based compensation expense in relation to those share-based awards which are unvested and vested but not yet settled, are recorded as noncontrolling interest in Sohus consolidated balance sheets. See Note 2 - Changyou Transactions - Sohus Shareholding in Changyou and Note 10 - Noncontrolling Interest.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any future period. Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
6
2. Changyou Transactions
Share-based Award to Tao Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Changyou
In January 2008, Sohu communicated to and agreed with Tao Wang, who is now the chief executive officer of Changyou, to grant him 700,000 ordinary shares and 800,000 restricted ordinary shares, in lieu of his contingent right in Beijing Fire Fox Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Fire Fox), which was one of Sohus subsidiaries devoted to the development of TLBB. The 800,000 restricted ordinary shares were subject to a four-year vesting period commencing February 1, 2008. In addition, Tao Wang would not be entitled to participate in any distributions on Changyou shares, whether or not vested, until the earlier of Changyous completion of an initial public offering or February 2012, and in any event entitlement to distributions would be subject to vesting of the shares.
In January 2009, under Changyous 2008 Share Incentive Plan described below, Changyou issued 700,000 of its Class B ordinary shares and 800,000 of its Class B restricted ordinary shares to Tao Wang through Prominence Investments Ltd. (Prominence), which is an entity deemed under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules to be beneficially owned by Tao Wang.
In February 2009, 200,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares held by Prominence became vested. Upon this vesting, the number of Class B ordinary shares held beneficially by Tao Wang increased to 900,000 shares and the number of Class B restricted ordinary shares held beneficially by Tao Wang decreased to 600,000 shares.
In March 2009, Changyou effected a ten-for-one share split that resulted in the aforementioned 900,000 Class B ordinary shares and 600,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares becoming 9,000,000 Class B ordinary shares and 6,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares, respectively.
In February 2010, 2,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares held by Prominence became vested. Upon this vesting, the number of Class B ordinary shares held beneficially by Tao Wang increased to 11,000,000 shares and the number of Class B restricted ordinary shares held beneficially by Tao Wang decreased to 4,000,000 shares. These numbers of Class B ordinary shares and Class B restricted ordinary shares remain unchanged as of June 30, 2010.
Changyous 2008 Share Incentive Plan
On December 31, 2008, Changyou reserved 2,000,000 of its ordinary shares, which included 1,774,000 Class B ordinary shares and 226,000 Class A ordinary shares, for issuance to its executive officers and to certain of its employees as incentive compensation under Changyous 2008 Share Incentive Plan. As described above, 700,000 ordinary shares and 800,000 restricted ordinary shares were granted to Tao Wang through Prominence under this incentive plan.
In March 2009, the 2,000,000 reserved ordinary shares were subject to a ten-for-one share split effected by Changyou and became 20,000,000 ordinary shares.
Initial Public Offering of Changyou
On April 7, 2009, Changyou completed its initial public offering on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, trading under the symbol CYOU.
The initial public offering consisted of American depositary shares (ADSs), with each ADS representing two Class A ordinary shares. Changyous ordinary shares are divided into Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and holders of Class B ordinary shares have the same rights in Changyou, with the exception of voting and conversion rights. Each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote on all matters subject to a shareholder vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to ten votes on all matters subject to a shareholder vote. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share at any time at the election of the holder. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B ordinary shares under any circumstances.
At the closing of the initial public offering, Changyou issued and sold 7,500,000 Class A ordinary shares represented by 3,750,000 ADSs, and Sohu, through its indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary Sohu.com (Game) Limited (Sohu Game), sold 9,750,000 Class A ordinary shares represented by 4,875,000 ADSs, including 2,250,000 Class A ordinary shares represented by 1,125,000 ADSs sold pursuant to the exercise of the underwriters over-allotment option.
7
Subsequent to the offering, Changyou has 102,500,000 Class A and Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding. Those outstanding shares consist of (i) 70,250,000 Class B ordinary shares held by Sohu through Sohu Game; (ii) 15,000,000 Class B ordinary shares held by Tao Wang through Prominence, including 6,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares that were not vested as of the completion of the offering; and (iii) 17,250,000 Class A ordinary shares held by public shareholders.
Net proceeds to Changyou and Sohu Game from this initial public offering were approximately $54.7 million and $70.7 million, respectively, for total proceeds of approximately $125.4 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.
As a result of the completion of Changyous initial public offering, in the second quarter of 2009, Sohu recognized a one-time gain of $100.6 million in the shareholders equity section of Sohus consolidated balance sheets, to reflect the net proceeds Sohu received from the initial public offering and the incremental change in Sohus economic interest in Changyou immediately before and after the offering.
Sohus Shareholding in Changyou
Shareholding and Control
Through June 30, 2010, 1,195,000 Class B restricted share units granted to certain of Changyous executive officers other than Tao Wang and to certain of its employees had become vested, and were settled in Class B ordinary shares and then converted into Class A ordinary shares; and 356,750 Class A restricted share units granted to certain of Changyous executive officers other than Tao Wang and to certain of its employees had become vested, and were settled in Class A ordinary shares.
As of June 30, 2010, Changyou had outstanding a combined total of 104,051,750 Class A and Class B ordinary shares, consisting of (i) 70,250,000 Class B ordinary shares held by Sohu through Sohu Game; (ii) 15,000,000 Class B ordinary shares held by Tao Wang through Prominence, including 4,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares that were not vested; (iii) 17,250,000 Class A ordinary shares issued in Changyous initial public offering; (iv) 1,195,000 Class A ordinary shares issued to certain of Changyous executive officers other than Tao Wang and to certain of its employees upon conversion of Class B ordinary shares that had been issued upon the vesting and settlement of Class B restricted share units granted to those employees; and (v) 356,750 Class A ordinary shares issued to certain of Changyous executive officers other than Tao Wang and to certain of its employees upon the vesting and settlement of Class A restricted share units granted to those employees.
As of June 30, 2010, treating Tao Wangs 4,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares as owned by Tao Wang, Sohu held approximately 68% of the combined total of Changyous outstanding Class A and Class B ordinary shares and controlled approximately 81% of the total voting power in Changyou. As a result, Sohu had the power to elect the entire board of directors of Changyou and determine the outcome of all matters submitted to a shareholder vote. As Changyous controlling shareholder, Sohu will continue to consolidate Changyou in Sohus consolidated financial statements but recognize noncontrolling interest reflecting shares held by shareholders other than Sohu, as discussed above in Note 1- The Company and Basis of Presentation - Basis of Consolidation.
Economic Interest
Because Tao Wangs 4,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares are subject to forfeiture to Sohu until they become vested, for accounting purposes those shares are treated as owned by Sohu, rather than as owned by Tao Wang, and therefore those shares are not included in the noncontrolling interest line items in Sohus consolidated financial statements. As a result, as of June 30, 2010, Sohu was treated as holding approximately 71% of the economic interest in Changyou. Accordingly, shareholders other than Sohu were treated as holding the remaining 29% of the economic interest, which was recognized as noncontrolling interest in Sohus consolidated financial statements, as discussed above in Note 1- The Company and Basis of Presentation - Basis of Consolidation.
Sohus economic interest in Changyou, as well as the noncontrolling interest recognized for Changyou in Sohus consolidated financial statements, will continue to change as the Class B restricted ordinary shares granted to Tao Wang become vested, and the restricted share units granted to Changyous executive officers other than Tao Wang and to certain of its employees become vested and settled.
8
Dilutive Impact
Through June 30, 2010, under Changyous 2008 Share Incentive Plan, Changyou has granted 11,000,000 Class B ordinary shares and 4,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares to Tao Wang through Prominence and 4,414,000 Class A and Class B restricted share units (settleable by Changyous issuance of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, respectively) to its executive officers other than Tao Wang and to certain of its employees. As of June 30, 2010, the number of Changyous outstanding restricted share units decreased from 4,414,000 to 2,807,500, as a result of forfeitures and vesting and settlement of restricted share units.
Because no Class A ordinary shares or Class B ordinary shares will be issued with respect to these restricted share units until the restricted share units are vested and settled, the unvested restricted share units and vested restricted share units that have not yet been settled are not included as outstanding shares of Changyou and have no impact on Sohus basic net income per share. Unvested restricted share units and vested restricted share units that have not yet been settled do, however, have a dilutive impact on Sohus diluted net income per share.
For the second quarter of 2010, in the calculation of Sohus diluted net income per share, Sohus economic interest in Changyou was approximately 66%, treating all of Changyous existing unvested restricted shares, unvested restricted share units, and vested restricted share units that have not yet been settled as vested, in the case of restricted shares, and vested and settled, in the case of restricted shares units. See Note 11 - Net Income per Share.
3. Segment Information
The Sohu Group has determined that the business segments that constitute its primary reporting segments are brand advertising, sponsored search, online game and wireless, which is consistent with the Sohu Groups internal financial reporting structure.
Prior to 2009, the Company disclosed segment operating performance only through the gross profits line item, and did not allocate any operating expenses or assets to those segments, as management did not use this information to measure the performance of the operating segments.
Commencing January 1, 2009, the chief operating decision maker (CODM) began reviewing certain additional information for the online game segment. Accordingly, the Company has adjusted the online game segment operating performance measurement disclosures to include income from operations and the main segment assets for the online game segment. For the remaining segments, the operating performance measurements are unchanged. Consistent with prior periods, some items, such as share-based compensation expense, operating expenses, other income and expense, and income tax expense, are not reviewed by the CODM. These items are disclosed in the following segment information for reconciliation purposes only.
9
The following tables present summary information by segment (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segments Other Than Online Game | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brand Advertising |
Sponsored Search |
Wireless | Others | Segments Other Than Online Game |
Online Game |
Intercompany Eliminations |
Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (1) |
$ | 55,676 | $ | 3,891 | $ | 11,073 | $ | 250 | $ | 70,890 | $ | 77,721 | $ | (2,514 | ) | $ | 146,097 | |||||||||||||||
Segment cost of revenues |
(21,052 | ) | (3,506 | ) | (5,810 | ) | (340 | ) | (30,708 | ) | (6,965 | ) | 0 | (37,673 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Segment gross profit (loss) |
$ | 34,624 | $ | 385 | $ | 5,263 | $ | (90 | ) | 40,182 | 70,756 | (2,514 | ) | 108,424 | ||||||||||||||||||
SBC (2) in cost of revenues |
(1,205 | ) | (43 | ) | 0 | (1,248 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit |
38,977 | 70,713 | (2,514 | ) | 107,176 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product development |
(7,932 | ) | (6,731 | ) | 0 | (14,663 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing (1) |
(19,265 | ) | (11,679 | ) | 2,514 | (28,430 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
(3,920 | ) | (3,653 | ) | 0 | (7,573 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
(137 | ) | (2 | ) | 0 | (139 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
SBC (2) in operating expenses |
(3,268 | ) | (1,937 | ) | 0 | (5,205 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
(34,522 | ) | (24,002 | ) | 2,514 | (56,010 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
4,455 | 46,711 | 0 | 51,166 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (expense) income |
(711 | ) | 381 | 0 | (330 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income and exchange difference |
155 | 803 | 0 | 958 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
(525 | ) | (5,804 | ) | 0 | (6,329 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 3,374 | $ | 42,091 | $ | 0 | $ | 45,465 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note (1): |
The intercompany elimination for segment revenues mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment (banner advertisements etc.) to the online game segment (conducted through Changyou). | |
Note (2): |
SBC stands for share-based compensation expense. |
10
Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segments Other Than Online Game | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brand Advertising |
Sponsored Search |
Wireless | Others | Segments Other Than Online Game |
Online Game |
Intercompany Eliminations |
Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (1) |
$ | 49,184 | $ | 1,769 | $ | 14,951 | $ | 148 | $ | 66,052 | $ | 66,596 | $ | (5,563 | ) | $ | 127,085 | |||||||||||||||
Segment cost of revenues (1) |
(13,804 | ) | (2,262 | ) | (8,279 | ) | (232 | ) | (24,577 | ) | (3,853 | ) | 6 | (28,424 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Segment gross profit (loss) |
$ | 35,380 | $ | (493 | ) | $ | 6,672 | $ | (84 | ) | 41,475 | 62,743 | (5,557 | ) | 98,661 | |||||||||||||||||
SBC (2) in cost of revenues |
(265 | ) | (90 | ) | 0 | (355 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit |
41,210 | 62,653 | (5,557 | ) | 98,306 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product development |
(6,818 | ) | (4,520 | ) | 0 | (11,338 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing (1) |
(20,884 | ) | (10,269 | ) | 5,557 | (25,596 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
(3,634 | ) | (2,828 | ) | 0 | (6,462 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
(127 | ) | (1 | ) | 0 | (128 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
SBC (2) in operating expenses |
(677 | ) | (5,582 | ) | 0 | (6,259 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
(32,140 | ) | (23,200 | ) | 5,557 | (49,783 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
9,070 | 39,453 | 0 | 48,523 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend income (3) |
96,800 | 0 | (96,800 | ) | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income |
62 | 0 | 0 | 62 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income and exchange difference |
403 | 871 | 0 | 1,274 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
(2,173 | ) | (5,796 | ) | 0 | (7,969 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 104,162 | $ | 34,528 | $ | (96,800 | ) | $ | 41,890 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Note (1): |
The intercompany elimination for segment revenues mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment (banner advertisements etc.) to the online game segment (conducted through Changyou). | |
Note (2): |
SBC stands for share-based compensation expense. | |
Note (3): |
In the second quarter of 2009, Changyou declared a dividend distribution of $96.8 million to Sohu Game. Both Changyou and Sohu Game are within the Sohu Group. |
11
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segments Other Than Online Game | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brand Advertising |
Sponsored Search |
Wireless | Others | Segments Other Than Online Game |
Online Game |
Intercompany Eliminations |
Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (1) |
$ | 98,268 | $ | 6,725 | $ | 24,361 | $ | 1,998 | $ | 131,352 | $ | 149,793 | $ | (5,594 | ) | $ | 275,551 | |||||||||||||||
Segment cost of revenues |
(37,368 | ) | (6,418 | ) | (12,721 | ) | (675 | ) | (57,182 | ) | (12,282 | ) | 0 | (69,464 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Segment gross profit |
$ | 60,900 | $ | 307 | $ | 11,640 | $ | 1,323 | 74,170 | 137,511 | (5,594 | ) | 206,087 | |||||||||||||||||||
SBC (2) in cost of revenues |
(2,173 | ) | (110 | ) | 0 | (2,283 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit |
71,997 | 137,401 | (5,594 | ) | 203,804 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product development |
(15,578 | ) | (12,158 | ) | 0 | (27,736 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing (1) |
(34,775 | ) | (21,303 | ) | 5,594 | (50,484 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
(8,247 | ) | (7,116 | ) | 0 | (15,363 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
(243 | ) | (4 | ) | 0 | (247 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
SBC (2) in operating expenses |
(5,858 | ) | (4,840 | ) | 0 | (10,698 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
(64,701 | ) | (45,421 | ) | 5,594 | (104,528 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
7,296 | 91,980 | 0 | 99,276 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other (expense) income |
(637 | ) | 282 | 0 | (355 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income and exchange difference |
539 | 1,618 | 0 | 2,157 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
(2,209 | ) | (12,083 | ) | 0 | (14,292 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 4,989 | $ | 81,797 | $ | 0 | $ | 86,786 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note (1): |
The intercompany elimination for segment revenues mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment (banner advertisements etc.) to the online game segment (conducted through Changyou). | |
Note (2): |
SBC stands for share-based compensation expense. |
12
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Segments Other Than Online Game | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brand Advertising |
Sponsored Search |
Wireless | Others | Segments Other Than Online Game |
Online Game |
Intercompany Eliminations |
Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (1) |
$ | 96,303 | $ | 3,331 | $ | 28,329 | $ | 265 | $ | 128,228 | $ | 128,203 | $ | (13,608 | ) | $ | 242,823 | |||||||||||||||
Segment cost of revenues (1) |
(27,298 | ) | (4,557 | ) | (15,922 | ) | (718 | ) | (48,495 | ) | (7,286 | ) | 11 | (55,770 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Segment gross profit (loss) |
$ | 69,005 | $ | (1,226 | ) | $ | 12,407 | $ | (453 | ) | 79,733 | 120,917 | (13,597 | ) | 187,053 | |||||||||||||||||
SBC (2) in cost of revenues |
(504 | ) | (98 | ) | 0 | (602 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit |
79,229 | 120,819 | (13,597 | ) | 186,451 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product development |
(13,459 | ) | (9,919 | ) | 0 | (23,378 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales and marketing (1) |
(34,633 | ) | (21,101 | ) | 13,597 | (42,137 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
(7,834 | ) | (6,041 | ) | 0 | (13,875 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
(200 | ) | (2 | ) | 0 | (202 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
SBC (2) in operating expenses |
(1,879 | ) | (6,420 | ) | 0 | (8,299 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
(58,005 | ) | (43,483 | ) | 13,597 | (87,891 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
21,224 | 77,336 | 0 | 98,560 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend income (3) |
96,800 | 0 | (96,800 | ) | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense) |
64 | (1 | ) | 0 | 63 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income and exchange difference |
849 | 1,547 | 0 | 2,396 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense |
(3,705 | ) | (10,850 | ) | 0 | (14,555 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 115,232 | $ | 68,032 | $ | (96,800 | ) | $ | 86,464 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Note (1): | The intercompany elimination for segment revenues mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment (banner advertisements etc.) to the online game segment (conducted through Changyou). |
Note (2): | SBC stands for share-based compensation expense. |
Note (3): | In the second quarter of 2009, Changyou declared a dividend distribution of $96.8 million to Sohu Game. Both Changyou and Sohu Game are within the Sohu Group. |
As of June 30, 2010 | |||||||||||||
Segments Other Than Online Game Total |
Online Game |
Intercompany Eliminations |
Consolidated | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents(1) |
$ | 304,597 | $ | 294,508 | $ | 0 | $ | 599,105 | |||||
Accounts receivable, net |
59,664 | 2,350 | 0 | 62,014 | |||||||||
Fixed assets, net |
65,652 | 53,484 | 0 | 119,136 | |||||||||
Total assets (2) |
572,275 | 388,223 | (5,957 | ) | 954,541 |
Note (1): | The cash and cash equivalents are mainly denominated in Renminbi (RMB) and in U.S. dollars. For a discussion of concentration of risk which the Company is exposed to, please refer to Note 7 - Financial Instruments - Concentration of Risk. |
Note (2): | The intercompany elimination for segment assets mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment to the online game segment (conducted through Changyou). |
13
As of December 31, 2009 | |||||||||||||
Segments Other Than Online Game Total |
Online Game |
Intercompany Eliminations |
Consolidated | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (1) |
$ | 336,881 | $ | 226,901 | $ | 0 | $ | 563,782 | |||||
Accounts receivable, net |
43,215 | 3,395 | 0 | 46,610 | |||||||||
Fixed assets, net |
65,910 | 49,178 | 0 | 115,088 | |||||||||
Total assets (2) |
544,942 | 289,391 | (6,060 | ) | 828,273 |
Note (1): | The cash and cash equivalents are mainly denominated in RMB and in U.S. dollars. For a discussion of concentration of risk which the Company is exposed to, please refer to Note 7 - Financial Instruments - Concentration of Risk. |
Note (2): | The intercompany elimination for segment assets mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment to the online game segment (conducted through Changyou). |
4. Share-Based Compensation Expense
Both Sohu and Changyou have incentive plans for the granting of share-based awards, including common stock, ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, to their employees and directors.
Share-based compensation expense is recognized as costs and/or expenses in the consolidated financial statements based on the fair values of the related share-based awards on their grant dates. Share-based compensation expense is charged to the shareholders equity section in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 9 - Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders Equity - Stock Incentive Plan.
Share-based compensation expense was recognized in costs and/or expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||
Cost of revenues |
$ | 1,248 | $ | 355 | $ | 2,283 | $ | 602 | ||||
Product development expenses |
2,218 | 3,299 | 4,663 | 4,573 | ||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses |
1,176 | 214 | 2,131 | 499 | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
1,811 | 2,746 | 3,904 | 3,227 | ||||||||
$ | 6,453 | $ | 6,614 | $ | 12,981 | $ | 8,901 | |||||
There was no capitalized share-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009.
14
Share-based compensation expense recognized for share-based awards granted by Sohu and Changyou, respectively, was as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||
For share-based awards granted by Sohu.com Inc. |
$ | 4,498 | $ | 1,000 | $ | 8,083 | $ | 2,570 | ||||
For share-based awards granted by Changyou.com Limited |
1,955 | 5,614 | 4,898 | 6,331 | ||||||||
$ | 6,453 | $ | 6,614 | $ | 12,981 | $ | 8,901 | |||||
5. Income Taxes
Sohu and Changyou.com (US) Inc. are subject to income taxes in the United States (U.S.). The majority of the subsidiaries and VIEs of the Company are based in mainland China and are subject to income taxes in the PRC. These China-based subsidiaries and VIEs conduct substantially all of the Companys operations, and generate most of the Companys income.
The Company did not have any interest or penalty associated with tax positions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, nor did the Company have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax position as of June 30, 2010.
PRC Corporate Income Tax
Advertising Business and Wireless Business
Under the previous PRC income tax law, which expired on December 31, 2007, New and High Technology Enterprises (NHTEs) located in the Zhongguancun zone of Beijing (BJ ZGC) were exempted from income tax for three years beginning with their first year of operations and were entitled to a 50% tax reduction to 7.5% for the subsequent three years and 15% thereafter. The years during which NHTEs enjoy preferential tax rates are known as tax holidays.
Effective January 1, 2008, the current PRC Corporate Income Tax Law (the CIT Law) imposes a unified income tax rate of 25% for both domestic and foreign invested enterprises but grants preferential tax treatments to NHTEs. Under the CIT Law, NHTEs can enjoy a preferential income tax rate of 15% for three years but need to re-apply after the end of the three-year period. The current CIT Law provides grandfathering treatment allowing NHTEs to continue to enjoy their unexpired tax holidays under the previous PRC income tax law, as long as these NHTEs continue to meet the criteria for NHTEs under the current CIT Law and were (i) qualified as NHTEs under the previous PRC income tax law, and (ii) established before March 16, 2007.
Three China-based subsidiaries, Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Sohu Era), Beijing Sohu New Media Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Sohu Media) and Beijing Sogou Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Sogou Technology), qualified as NHTEs during the year ended December 31, 2008. These three companies will reapply for qualification in 2011. Two China-based VIEs, Beijing Sohu Internet Information Service Co., Ltd. (Sohu Internet) and Beijing Sogou Information Service Co., Ltd. (Sogou Information), qualified as NHTEs during the year ended December 31, 2009. These two companies will reapply for qualification in 2012. For the fiscal years 2009 and 2010, Sohu Era and Sohu Internet were subject to a 15% income tax rate; and Sohu Media, Sogou Technology and Sogou Information enjoyed a 7.5% income tax rate due to their unexpired tax holidays.
Online Game Business
Under the current CIT Law, a Software Enterprise can enjoy an income tax exemption for two years beginning with its first profitable year and a 50% tax reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years.
In 2008, the China-based subsidiary and the VIE of Changyou, Beijing AmazGame Age Internet Technology Co., Ltd. (AmazGame) and Beijing Gamease Age Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Gamease), which are the main operating entities of Changyou, qualified as Software Enterprises under the current CIT Law. As a result, for the fiscal years 2009 and 2010, they were subject to a 50% reduction to a tax rate of 12.5%. This preferential tax treatment will expire at the end of fiscal year 2011.
15
PRC Withholding Tax on Dividends
The current CIT Law imposes a 10% withholding income tax for dividends distributed by foreign invested enterprises to their immediate holding companies outside China. A lower withholding tax rate will be applied if there is a tax treaty arrangement between mainland China and the jurisdiction of the foreign holding company. Distributions to holding companies in Hong Kong, for example, will be subject to a 5% withholding tax rate.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, AmazGame declared a dividend to its immediate holding company in Hong Kong and a withholding tax of approximately $5.0 million was accrued based on a 5% withholding tax rate. This withholding tax was paid in the third quarter of 2009.
As of June 30, 2010, the Company had not recorded any withholding tax on the retained earnings of its foreign invested enterprises in the PRC, since the Company intends to reinvest its earnings to further expand its business in mainland China, and its foreign invested enterprises do not intend to declare dividends to their immediate foreign holding companies.
Uncertain Tax Positions
Related to PRC Corporate Income Tax
In 2009, the PRC tax bureau communicated to some subsidiaries within the Sohu Group that certain expenses should not be treated as deductible for income tax purposes under the CIT Law, although the current CIT Law is silent in that regard. The Sohu Group had treated such expense as tax deductible in previous periods. This treatment had been communicated to the tax bureau, without the Sohu Groups receiving any objections or challenges with respect to prior PRC income tax filings. Based on the tax bureaus current interpretation, the Sohu Group concluded that it was more likely than not that such expenses would not be allowed by the tax bureau as deductions for income tax purposes. Hence, the Sohu Group recognized income tax expense of $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2009 as a result of the change in the tax bureau's position. In addition, the Sohu Group will not reverse this treatment unless it receives a written clarification issued by the tax authority that this kind of expense is deductible for income tax purposes. The situation is unchanged as of June 30, 2010.
Since the current CIT Law was put into effect as of January 1, 2008, guidance for this law has been issued continually. In April 2010, the State Administration of Tax (SAT) issued a circular relating to the implementation of preferential tax treatments for NHTEs. However, to date, the Beijing local-level tax bureau has not implemented this circular and is holding the view that the relevant provisions might not apply to NHTEs in BJ ZGC. Therefore, the Company kept the current practice unchanged. The Company expects more guidance will be issued in the future. Upon the issuance of such guidance, Sohu Groups effective tax rate might increase.
Related to U.S. Corporate Income Tax
The U.S. Congress currently is considering legislation that, if enacted in its current form, would retroactively reinstate certain favorable provisions that expired on January 1, 2010. This legislation was not enacted prior to the issuance of the Companys financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010. If the expired favorable tax provisions are reinstated retroactively to January 1, 2010, the following amounts will be reversed on the Companys financial statements in the period in which such legislation is enacted. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company has recognized a $0.29 million and a $0.64 million, respectively, income tax expense in its financial statements, because the above legislation has not been enacted. The accrual of this tax liability would cause a cash payment by the Company to the U.S. taxing authorities of $0.02 million and $0.04 million, respectively, based on the utilization of existing U.S. federal net operating losses generated from excess tax deductions related to share-based awards of $0.27 million and $0.60 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010. These excess tax deductions were treated under U.S. GAAP as an increase in shareholders equity.
6. Commitments and Contingencies
Contractual Obligation
On November 20, 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase an office building to be built in Beijing, which will serve as the Companys headquarters, for a purchase price of approximately $110 million denominated in RMB. As of June 30, 2010, $50 million had been paid and was recognized as other assets in the Companys consolidated financial statements. The remaining $60 million payment will be settled in installments as various stages of the development plan are completed, of which $11 million is expected to be made during the remainder of 2010. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
16
The Sohu Group also has some commitments related to future minimum content and service purchases, bandwidth leasing obligations, operating lease obligations, and license fees of games developed by third-parties.
Litigation
The Sohu Group is a party to various litigation matters which it considers routine and incidental to its business. Management does not expect the results of any of these actions to have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, results of operations or financial condition.
In March 2008, the Sohu Group was sued by four major record companies, Sony BMG, Warner, Universal and Gold Label, which alleged that the Sohu Group provided music search links and download services that violated copyrights they owned. As of June 30, 2010, the lawsuits with these four record companies were still in process. At this stage, an estimation of the loss cannot be made.
Laws and Regulations
The Chinese market in which the Sohu Group operates poses certain macro-economic and regulatory risks and uncertainties. These uncertainties extend to the ability to operate an Internet business, and to conduct brand advertising, sponsored search, online game and wireless and other services in the PRC. Though the PRC has, since 1978, implemented a wide range of market-oriented economic reforms, continued reforms and progress towards a full market-oriented economy are uncertain. In addition, the telecommunication, information, and media industries remain highly regulated. Restrictions are currently in place and are unclear with respect to which segments of these industries foreign-owned entities, like the Sohu Group, may operate. The Chinese government may issue from time to time new laws or new interpretations of existing laws to regulate areas such as telecommunication, information and media.
Regulatory risks also encompass the interpretation by the tax authorities of current tax laws and regulations, including the applicability of certain preferential tax treatments. The Sohu Groups legal structure and scope of operations in China could be subjected to restrictions, which could result in severe limits on its ability to conduct business in the PRC.
The Sohu Groups sales, purchase and expense transactions are generally denominated in RMB and a significant portion of the Sohu Groups assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. In China, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions. Remittances in currencies other than RMB by its subsidiaries in China may require certain supporting documentation in order to effect the remittance.
7. Financial Instruments
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Companys financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. These financial instruments are measured at their respective fair values. For fair value measurement, U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:
Level 1 - observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 - include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
Level 3 - unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
The Companys cash equivalents, which consist primarily of time deposits, amounted to $281.6 million and $308.9 million, respectively, on June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, and are classified within Level 2. This is because these financial instruments are valued using pricing sources and models utilizing market observable inputs.
17
Concentration of Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents in Sohu Group are mainly denominated in RMB and in U.S. dollars. The Company may experience economic losses and negative impacts on earnings and equity as a result of exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the RMB. Moreover, the Chinese government imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB 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.
8. Variable Interest Entities
To satisfy PRC laws and regulations, the Company conducts certain business in the PRC through its VIEs. The Company consolidates all of its wholly-owned and majority-owned VIEs, of which the Company is the primary beneficiary, in its consolidated financial statements. For the VIE where the Company is not the primary beneficiary, it is not consolidated in the Companys consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated VIEs within the Sohu Group:
The consolidated VIEs are directly or indirectly owned by Dr. Charles Zhang (Dr. Zhang), the Companys Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and a major shareholder, and certain executive officer and employees of the Sohu Group. Capital for these VIEs was funded by the Sohu Group through loans provided to Dr. Zhang and those executive officer and employees, and was initially recorded as loans to related parties. These loans are eliminated for accounting purposes against the capital of the VIEs upon consolidation.
Under contractual agreements with the Sohu Group, Dr. Zhang and those executive officer and employees of the Sohu Group who are shareholders of the VIEs are required to transfer their ownership in these entities to the Sohu Group, if permitted by PRC laws and regulations, or, if not so permitted, to designees of the Sohu Group at any time to repay the loans outstanding. All voting rights of the VIEs are assigned to the Sohu Group, and the Sohu Group has the right to designate all directors and senior management personnel of the VIEs, also has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIEs. Dr. Zhang and those executive officer and employees of the Sohu Group who are shareholders of the VIEs have pledged their shares in the VIEs as collateral for the loans. As of June 30, 2010, the aggregate amount of these loans was $11.9 million.
As of June 30, 2010, the total assets for the consolidated VIEs were $17.0 million, mainly comprising cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and fixed assets. As of June 30, 2010, the total liabilities for the consolidated VIEs were $5.7 million, mainly comprising accrued salary and benefits and tax payables. These balances are reflected in Sohus consolidated financial statements with intercompany transactions eliminated.
The following is a summary of the consolidated VIEs within the Sohu Group:
For Advertising Business
Brand Advertising Business
a) | Sohu Entertainment |
Beijing Sohu Entertainment Culture Media Co., Ltd. (Sohu Entertainment) was incorporated in the PRC in 2002 and is engaged in entertainment and advertising business in the PRC. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of Sohu Entertainment was $1.2 million. Xin Wang (Belinda Wang), the Companys Co-President and Chief Operating Officer, and another employee of the Sohu Group, hold 80% and 20% interests, respectively, in this entity.
b) | Feng Yang Tian Lang |
Beijing Feng Yang Tian Lang Advertising Co., Ltd. (Feng Yang Tian Lang) was incorporated in the PRC in 2005 and is engaged in advertising services in the PRC. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of Feng Yang Tian Lang was $0.2 million. Sohu Internet and Beijing Century High Tech Investment Co., Ltd. (High Century) each holds a 50% interest in this entity.
18
c) | Donglin |
Beijing Sohu Donglin Advertising Co., Ltd. (Donglin) was incorporated in the PRC in 2010 and is engaged in advertising services in the PRC. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of Donglin was $1.5 million. High Century and Sohu Internet each holds a 50% interest in this entity.
Sponsored Search Business
d) | Tu Xing Tian Xia |
Beijing Tu Xing Tian Xia Information Consultancy Co., Ltd. (Tu Xing Tian Xia) was incorporated in the PRC in 1999 and is engaged in mapping services in the PRC. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of Tu Xing Tian Xia was $0.2 million. High Century and Sohu Internet hold 56.1% and 43.9% interests, respectively, in this entity.
e) | Sogou Information |
Sogou Information was incorporated in the PRC in 2005 and is engaged in providing Internet information services in the PRC. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of Sogou Information was $2.5 million. Each of two employees of the Sohu Group holds a 50% interest in this entity.
For Online Game Business
f) | Gamease |
Gamease was incorporated in the PRC in August 2007. Gameases primary beneficiary is AmazGame, which is an indirect subsidiary of Changyou and Sohu. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of Gamease was $1.3 million. Tao Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Changyou, and a Changyou employee hold 60% and 40% interests, respectively, in this entity.
g) | Shanghai ICE |
Shanghai ICE Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Shanghai ICE) was incorporated in the PRC in April 2005. Shanghai ICEs primary beneficiary is ICE Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (ICE WFOE), which is an indirect subsidiary of Changyou and Sohu. Shanghai ICE and ICE WFOE were acquired by Changyou in May 2010. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of Shanghai ICE was $1.2 million.
For Wireless and Others Businesses
h) | Sohu Internet |
Sohu Internet was incorporated in the PRC in 2003 and is engaged in Internet information, wireless and advertising services in the PRC. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of Sohu Internet was $2.4 million. High Century and Sohu Entertainment hold 75% and 25% interests, respectively, in this entity.
i) | GoodFeel |
Beijing GoodFeel Information Technology Co., Ltd. (GoodFeel) was incorporated in the PRC in 2001 and is engaged in value-added telecommunication services in the PRC. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of GoodFeel was $1.2 million. Two employees of the Sohu Group, hold 58.1% and 41.9% interests, respectively, in this entity.
j) | High Century |
High Century was incorporated in the PRC in 2001 and is engaged in investment holding in the PRC. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of High Century was $4.6 million. Dr. Zhang and another employee of the Sohu Group, hold 80% and 20% interests, respectively, in this entity.
k) | 21 East Beijing |
Beijing 21 East Culture Development Co., Ltd. (21 East Beijing) was acquired in October 2006. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of 21 East Beijing was $0.1 million. High Century holds a 70% interest in this entity.
l) | New 21 East |
New 21 East Art Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (New 21 East) was incorporated in December 2007. As of June 30, 2010, the registered capital of New 21 East is $1.4 million. High Century holds a 70% interest in this entity.
19
VIE Not Consolidated within the Sohu Group:
In the second quarter of 2010, in order to diversify Changyous marketing channels for its games and also as a strategic investment, Changyou acquired a 50% equity interest in a company. Although this is a VIE, as Changyou is not able to direct the activities of the VIE, Changyou is not the primary beneficiary, and therefore does not consolidate the company. The investment is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting. As of June 30, 2010, Changyous maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the investee is $9.0 million, which includes Changyous original investment of $4.1 million and funds support for its working capital needs recognized as prepaid and other current assets in the Companys consolidated financial statements amounting to $4.9 million.
9. Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders Equity
(a) Stockholder Rights Plan
Sohu adopted a stockholder rights plan (the Plan) in 2001. The Plan is designed to deter coercive takeover tactics, including the accumulation of shares in the open market or through private transactions, and to prevent an acquirer from gaining control of Sohu without offering a fair and adequate price and terms to all of Sohus stockholders. In general, the Plan vests stockholders of Sohu with rights to purchase preferred stock of Sohu at a substantial discount from those securities fair market value upon a person or group acquiring without the approval of the Board of Directors more than 20% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Sohu. Any person or group who triggers the purchase right distribution becomes ineligible to participate in the Plan, causing substantial dilution of such person or groups holdings. The rights will expire on July 25, 2011.
(b) Treasury Stock
Treasury stock consists of shares repurchased by Sohu that are no longer outstanding and are held by Sohu. Treasury stock is accounted for under the cost method.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, Sohu did not purchase any shares of its common stock.
(c) Stock Incentive Plan
Both Sohu and Changyou have incentive plans for the granting of share-based awards, including ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, to their employees and directors.
1) Sohu.com Inc. Share-based Awards
Sohus 2000 Stock Incentive Plan
Sohus 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan) provided for the issuance of up to 9,500,000 shares of common stock, including those issued pursuant to the exercise of share options and upon vesting and settlement of restricted share units. The maximum term of any issued stock right under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan is ten years from the grant date. The Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan expired on January 24, 2010. As of the expiration date, 9,128,724 shares of common stock had been issued or were subject to issuance upon the vesting and exercise of share options or the vesting and settlement of restricted share units granted under the plan.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, total share-based compensation expense recognized for awards under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan was $4.5 million and $8.1 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, total share-based compensation expense recognized for awards under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan was $1.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
20
i) Summary of share option activity
A summary of share options activity under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2010 is presented below:
Options |
Number Of Shares (in thousands) |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) (in thousands) | |||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2010 |
555 | $ | 16.55 | 4.54 | $ | 22,625 | |||||
Exercised |
(24 | ) | 15.67 | ||||||||
Forfeited or expired |
0 | ||||||||||
Outstanding at June 30, 2010 |
531 | 16.59 | 4.07 | 13,021 | |||||||
Vested at June 30, 2010 |
531 | 16.59 | 4.07 | 13,021 | |||||||
Exercisable at June 30, 2010 |
531 | 16.59 | 4.07 | 13,021 | |||||||
Note (1): | The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the difference between Sohus closing stock price of $41.09 on June 30, 2010 and the exercise price of share options. The total intrinsic value of share options exercised for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $0.9 million. |
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, no compensation expense was recognized for share options because the requisite service periods for share options had ended by the end of 2009. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, total share-based compensation expense recognized for share options was $55,000 and $0.6 million, respectively.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, total cash received from the exercise of share options amounted to $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, total cash received from the exercise of share options amounted to $1.2 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
ii) Summary of restricted share unit activity
A summary of restricted share units activity under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2010 is presented below:
Restricted Share Units |
Number of Units (in thousands) |
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | ||||
Unvested at January 1, 2010 |
209 | $ | 33.41 | |||
Granted |
731 | 61.23 | ||||
Vested |
(47 | ) | 36.08 | |||
Forfeited |
(49 | ) | 56.53 | |||
Unvested at June 30, 2010 |
844 | 56.00 | ||||
Expected to vest thereafter |
628 | 55.60 | ||||
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, total share-based compensation expense recognized for restricted share units was $4.5 million and $8.1 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, total share-based compensation expense recognized for restricted share units was $0.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively.
As of June 30, 2010, there was $24.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted share units. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.
Sohus 2010 Stock Incentive Plan
On July 2, 2010, the Companys shareholders approved Sohus 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan), which provides for the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock, including those issued pursuant to the vesting and settlement of restricted share units and pursuant to the exercise of share options. The maximum term of any issued stock right under the Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan is ten years from the grant date. The Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan will expire on July 1, 2020. As of the date of this report, no stock rights had been issued under the Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.
21
2) Changyou.com Limited Share-based Awards
On December 31, 2008, Changyou reserved 2,000,000 of its ordinary shares, which included 1,774,000 Class B ordinary shares and 226,000 Class A ordinary shares, for issuance to its executive officers and to certain of its employees as incentive compensation under Changyous 2008 Share Incentive Plan (the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan).
In March 2009, the 2,000,000 reserved ordinary shares were subject to a ten-for-one share split effected by Changyou and became 20,000,000 ordinary shares.
Through June 30, 2010, Changyou has granted under the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan 11,000,000 Class B ordinary shares and 4,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares to Tao Wang through Prominence and 4,414,000 Class A and Class B restricted share units (settleable by Changyous issuance of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, respectively) to its executive officers other than Tao Wang and to certain of its employees.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, total share-based compensation expense recognized for awards under the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan was $2.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, total share-based compensation expense recognized for awards under the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan was $5.6 million and $6.3 million, respectively.
Share-based Awards granted before Changyous Initial Public Offering
i) Share-based Award to Tao Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Changyou
As discussed above in Note 2 - Changyou Transactions, in January 2008, Sohu communicated to and agreed with Tao Wang to grant him 700,000 ordinary shares and 800,000 restricted ordinary shares, in lieu of his contingent right in Beijing Fire Fox. The difference between the fair values (Incremental Fair Value), of these 700,000 ordinary shares and 800,000 restricted ordinary shares and Tao Wangs contingent right in Beijing Fire Fox was accounted for as share-based compensation expense.
On March 16, 2009, the ordinary shares described above, which had been issued as 700,000 Class B ordinary shares and 800,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares in January 2009, became 7,000,000 Class B ordinary shares and 8,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares, respectively, as a result of a ten-for-one share split effected by Changyou on that date.
For the 700,000 ordinary shares, because the terms of the issuance of these ordinary shares had been approved and were communicated to and agreed with Tao Wang as of January 2, 2008, this was considered the grant date. Accordingly, the Incremental Fair Value was determined as of that date. The portion of the Incremental Fair Value related to these ordinary shares, equal to $1.8 million, was recognized as share-based compensation expense in product development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2008.
For the 800,000 restricted ordinary shares, as a result of the modification of their vesting terms in April 2008, the portion of the Incremental Fair Value related to these shares, equal to $7.0 million, was determined in April 2008, and was accounted for as share-based compensation expense over the vesting period starting from the date of the modification, following the accelerated basis of attribution. A summary of activity for these restricted ordinary shares as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2010 is presented below. The shares and their fair value presented in the following table have been revised on a retroactive basis to give effect to the ten-for-one share split.
22
Class B Restricted Ordinary Shares |
Number
of Shares (in thousands) |
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | ||||
Unvested at January 1, 2010 |
6,000 | $ | 1.36 | |||
Granted |
0 | |||||
Vested |
(2,000 | ) | 1.36 | |||
Unvested at June 30, 2010 |
4,000 | 1.36 | ||||
Expected to vest thereafter |
4,000 | 1.36 | ||||
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 8,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares was $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 8,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares was $0.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
As of June 30, 2010, there was $1.1 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested Class B restricted ordinary shares.
The fair value of the ordinary shares and restricted ordinary shares was assessed using the income approach/discounted cash flow method, with a discount for lack of marketability given that the shares underlying the award were not publicly traded at the time of grant, and was determined partly in reliance on a report prepared by a qualified professional appraiser using managements estimates and assumptions. This assessment required complex and subjective judgments regarding Changyous projected financial and operating results, its unique business risks, the liquidity of its ordinary shares and its operating history and prospects at the time the grants were made.
ii) Share-based Awards to Executive Officers (other than Tao Wang) and Certain Key Employees
In April 2008, Changyou approved and communicated to executive officers other than Tao Wang the grant of an aggregate of 180,000 restricted ordinary shares and to certain key employees the grant of an aggregate of 94,000 restricted share units of Changyou (settleable in ordinary shares upon vesting). These restricted ordinary shares and restricted share units were subject to vesting over a four-year period commencing on February 1, 2008, with initial vesting also subject to the listing of Changyous ordinary shares in an initial public offering by Changyou. The fair value of the awards at grant date was recognized in the consolidated statement of operations starting from April 2, 2009, when ADSs representing Changyous Class A ordinary shares were first listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
On January 15, 2009, Changyou issued 180,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares to executive officers other than Tao Wang and granted 94,000 Class B restricted share units to certain key employees, the grant of which had been approved and communicated in April 2008 as described above.
On March 13, 2009, Changyou exchanged the 180,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares for Class B restricted share units (settleable in Class B ordinary shares), that otherwise have the same vesting and other terms as applied to the Class B restricted ordinary shares described above. Following the exchange, Class B restricted share units granted to executive officers other than Tao Wang and certain key employees totaled 274,000.
On March 16, 2009, the above 274,000 Class B restricted share units became 2,740,000 Class B restricted share units as a result of the ten-for-one share split effected on that date.
A summary of activity for the above Class B restricted share units as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2010 is presented below. The shares and their fair values presented in the following table have been revised on a retroactive basis to give effect to the ten-for-one share split.
Class B Restricted Share Units |
Number
of Units (in thousands) |
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | ||||
Unvested at January 1, 2010 |
2,055 | $ | 1.98 | |||
Granted |
0 | |||||
Vested |
(685 | ) | 1.98 | |||
Forfeited |
0 | |||||
Unvested at June 30, 2010 |
1,370 | 1.98 | ||||
Expected to vest thereafter |
1,370 | 1.98 | ||||
23
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 2,740,000 Class B restricted share units was $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. For both the three months and the six months ended June 30, 2009, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 2,740,000 Class B restricted share units was $3.0 million, including $2.4 million generated before, but not recognized until after, the completion of Changyous initial public offering because initial vesting was conditioned upon completion of the offering.
As of June 30, 2010, there was $0.9 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to the unvested Class B restricted share units.
The methods Changyou used to determine the fair value as of the April 2008 grant date of these Class B restricted share units were the same as the methods used for the restricted ordinary shares granted to Tao Wang as described above.
iii) Share-based Awards to Other Employees
On February 17, 2009, Changyou granted an aggregate of 45,600 Class A restricted share units (settleable in Class A ordinary shares) to certain of its employees. These restricted share units are subject to vesting over a four-year period commencing upon the completion of the listing of Changyous Class A ordinary shares in an initial public offering by Changyou. The grant date fair value of the awards was recognized in Sohus consolidated statements of operations starting from April 2, 2009, when ADSs representing Changyous Class A ordinary shares were first listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
On March 16, 2009, the above 45,600 Class A restricted share units became 456,000 Class A restricted share units as a result of a ten-for-one share split effected on that date.
A summary of activity for the Class A restricted share units as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2010 is presented below. The shares and fair value presented in the following form have been revised on a retroactive basis to give effect to the ten-for-one share split.
Class A Restricted Share Units |
Number
of Units (in thousands) |
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | ||||
Unvested at January 1, 2010 |
432 | $ | 8.00 | |||
Granted |
0 | |||||
Vested |
(108 | ) | 8.00 | |||
Forfeited |
(31 | ) | 8.00 | |||
Unvested at June 30, 2010 |
293 | 8.00 | ||||
Expected to vest thereafter |
264 | 8.00 | ||||
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 456,000 Class A restricted share units was $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively. For both the three months and the six months ended June 30, 2009, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 456,000 Class A restricted share units was $0.6 million, including $0.2 million generated before, but not recognized until after, the completion of Changyous initial public offering because initial vesting was conditioned upon completion of the offering.
As of June 30, 2010, there was $1.3 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to the unvested Class A restricted share units.
The fair value of these Class A restricted share units as of the February 17, 2009 grant date was determined based on Changyous offering price for its initial public offering, which was $8.00 per Class A ordinary share.
24
Share-based Awards granted after Changyous Initial Public Offering
As of June 30, 2010, Changyou had granted an aggregate of 1,218,000 Class A restricted share units (settleable in Class A ordinary shares) to executive officers other than Tao Wang and to certain of its employees. These Class A restricted share units are subject to vesting over a four-year period commencing on their grant dates. A summary of activity for the Class A restricted share units as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2010 is presented below.
Class A Restricted Share Units |
Number
of Units (in thousands) |
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | ||||
Unvested at January 1, 2010 |
1,200 | $ | 12.41 | |||
Granted |
18 | 16.91 | ||||
Vested |
(300 | ) | 12.41 | |||
Forfeited |
0 | |||||
Unvested at June 30, 2010 |
918 | 12.50 | ||||
Expected to vest thereafter |
916 | 12.49 | ||||
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 1,218,000 Class A restricted share units was $1.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively. For both the three and the six months ended June 30, 2009, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 1,218,000 Class A restricted share units was $1.5 million.
As of June 30, 2010, there was $6.6 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested Class A restricted share units.
The fair value of restricted share units as of their grant date was determined based on the market price of Changyous ADSs on that date.
10. Noncontrolling Interest
From January 1, 2009, the Company renamed its minority interest to noncontrolling interest and reclassified it in its consolidated balance sheets from the mezzanine section between liabilities and equity to a separate line item in equity as required by U.S. GAAP. The Company also expanded disclosures in the consolidated financial statements to clearly identify and distinguish the interests of Sohu from the interests of the noncontrolling owners of its subsidiaries. The Company has applied this presentation and disclosure requirements retrospectively for all periods presented for comparability.
The Companys majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs which are consolidated in Sohus consolidated financial statements but with noncontrolling interest recognized are Changyou and 21 East Beijing and New 21 East (collectively 21 East). As of June 30, 2010, Sohu held 71% of the economic interest in Changyou and 70% of the economic interest in 21 East.
Noncontrolling Interest in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, noncontrolling interest in the consolidated balance sheets was $97.5 million and $68.0 million, respectively.
As of | ||||||
June 30, 2010 (in thousands) |
December 31,
2009 (in thousands) | |||||
Changyou |
$ | 97,249 | $ | 67,691 | ||
21 East |
253 | 304 | ||||
Total |
$ | 97,502 | $ | 67,995 | ||
As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, $97.2 million and $67.7 million, respectively, noncontrolling interest was recognized in Sohus consolidated balance sheets, representing a 29% and a 26%, respectively, economic interest in Changyous net assets and reflected the reclassification of Changyous share-based compensation expense from shareholders additional paid-in capital to noncontrolling interest, as discussed above in Note 1- The Company and Basis of Presentation - Basis of Consolidation.
25
Noncontrolling Interest in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations was $12.0 million and $23.1 million, compared with $8.8 million for both the three and the six months ended June 30, 2009.
Three Months
Ended June 30, |
Six Months
Ended June 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Changyou |
$ | 12,038 | $ | 8,839 | $ | 23,195 | $ | 8,839 | ||||||||
21 East |
(26 | ) | (38 | ) | (53 | ) | (59 | ) | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 12,012 | $ | 8,801 | $ | 23,142 | $ | 8,780 | ||||||||
For the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, $12.0 million and $8.8 million, respectively, noncontrolling interest was recognized in Sohus consolidated statements of operations, representing a 29% and a 26%, respectively, economic interest in Changyou attributable to shareholders other than Sohu.
11. Net Income per Share
Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares comprise shares issuable upon the exercise of share-based awards using the treasury stock method and shares issuable upon the conversion of any outstanding convertible instruments using the if-converted method. Additionally, for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share, Sohus consolidated net income is adjusted for Changyous net income multiplied by the difference between:
(a) | the percentage of the total economic interest in Changyou held by Sohu, which was 71% for the second quarter of 2010, and |
(b) | the percentage of the weighted average number of Changyou shares held by Sohu to the weighted average number of Changyou ordinary shares and shares issuable upon the exercise of share-based awards under the treasury stock method, which was 66% for the second quarter of 2010. |
The percentage of 66% was calculated by treating all of Changyous existing unvested restricted shares as vested, and all unvested restricted share units and vested restricted share units that have not yet been settled as vested and settled by Changyou. Hence, Changyous share number increases from the basic basis to the fully diluted basis, causing the percentage of weighted average number of shares held by Sohu in Changyou, to decrease from 71% to 66%. As a result, Changyous net income attributable to Sohu decreased accordingly. This impact is presented as incremental dilution from Changyou in the table below.
26
The following table presents the calculation of Sohus basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months
Ended June 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||
Numerator: |
||||||||||||||||
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
$ | 33,453 | $ | 33,089 | $ | 63,644 | $ | 77,684 | ||||||||
Gain from discontinued e-commerce operations attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
0 | 446 | 0 | 446 | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Sohu.com Inc., basic |
33,453 | 33,535 | 63,644 | 78,130 | ||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: |
||||||||||||||||
Incremental dilution from Changyou |
(2,188 | ) | (2,659 | ) | (4,452 | ) | (2,659 | ) | ||||||||
Net income attributable to Sohu.com Inc., diluted |
$ | 31,265 | $ | 30,876 | $ | 59,192 | $ | 75,471 | ||||||||
Denominator: |
||||||||||||||||
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding |
37,822 | 38,284 | 37,800 | 38,223 | ||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: |
||||||||||||||||
Share options and restricted share units |
467 | 734 | 566 | 712 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding |
38,289 | 39,018 | 38,366 | 38,935 | ||||||||||||
Basic net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
||||||||||||||||
- Continuing operations |
$ | 0.88 | $ | 0.87 | $ | 1.68 | $ | 2.03 | ||||||||
- Discontinued e-commerce operations |
0.00 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||
Basic net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
$ | 0.88 | $ | 0.88 | $ | 1.68 | $ | 2.04 | ||||||||
Diluted net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
||||||||||||||||
- Continuing operations |
$ | 0.82 | $ | 0.78 | $ | 1.54 | $ | 1.93 | ||||||||
- Discontinued e-commerce operations |
0.00 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.01 | ||||||||||||
Diluted net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc. |
$ | 0.82 | $ | 0.79 | $ | 1.54 | $ | 1.94 | ||||||||
12. Subsequent Events
The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued, with no event or transaction needing recognition or disclosure found.
13. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance on revenue recognition for arrangements with multiple deliverables and certain revenue arrangements that include software elements. By providing another alternative for determining the selling price of deliverables, the guidance for arrangements with multiple deliverables will allow companies to allocate consideration in multiple deliverable arrangements in a manner that better reflects the transactions economics and will often result in earlier revenue recognition. The new guidance modifies the fair value requirements of previous guidance by allowing best estimate of selling price in addition to vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) and other vendor objective evidence (VOE, now referred to as TPE, standing for third-party evidence) for determining the selling price of a deliverable. A vendor is now required to use its best estimate of the selling price when VSOE or TPE of the selling price cannot be determined. In addition, the residual method of allocating arrangement consideration is no longer permitted under the new guidance. The new guidance for certain revenue arrangements that include software elements removes non-software components of tangible products and certain software components of tangible products from the scope of existing software revenue guidance, resulting in the recognition of revenue similar to that for other tangible products. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. However, companies may adopt the guidance as early as interim periods ended September 30, 2009. The guidance may be applied either prospectively from the beginning of the fiscal year for new or materially modified arrangements or retrospectively. The Company has not early adopted the new guidance and is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements of adopting this guidance.
27
ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
As used in this report, references to us, we, our, our company, our group, Sohu and Sohu.com are to Sohu.com Inc. and, except where the context requires otherwise, our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (VIEs), Sohu.com Limited, Sohu.com (Hong Kong) Limited (Sohu Hong Kong), Kylie Enterprises Limited, All Honest International Limited, Sohu.com (Game) Limited (Sohu Game), Go2Map Inc., Sohu.com (Search) Limited, Sogou Inc., Sogou (BVI) Limited, Sogou Hong Kong Limited, Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Sohu Era), Beijing Sohu Interactive Software Co., Ltd. (Sohu Software), Go2Map Software (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (Go2Map Software), Beijing Sogou Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Sogou Technology), Beijing Sohu New Media Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Sohu Media), Beijing Sohu Software Technology Co., Ltd. (New Software), Beijing Fire Fox Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing Fire Fox, also known as Beijing Huohu Digital Technology Co., Ltd., or Huohu), Beijing Sohu New Momentum Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Sohu New Momentum), Wuxi Sohu New Momentum Information Investment Co., Ltd. (Wuxi Sohu New Momentum), Beijing Century High Tech Investment Co., Ltd. (High Century), Beijing Sohu Entertainment Culture Media Co., Ltd. (Sohu Entertainment, formerly known as Beijing Hengda Yitong Internet Technology Development Co., Ltd., or Hengda), Beijing Sohu Internet Information Service Co., Ltd. (Sohu Internet), Beijing GoodFeel Information Technology Co., Ltd. (GoodFeel), Beijing Tu Xing Tian Xia Information Consultancy Co., Ltd. (Tu Xing Tian Xia), Beijing Feng Yang Tian Lang Advertising Co., Ltd. (Feng Yang Tian Lang), Beijing Sogou Information Service Co., Ltd. (Sogou Information), Beijing 21 East Culture Development Co., Ltd. (21 East Beijing), New 21 East Art Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (New 21 East), Beijing Sohu Donglin Advertising Co., Ltd. (Donglin) and our independently-listed majority-owned subsidiary Changyou.com Limited (Changyou, formerly known as TL Age Limited) as well as the following direct and indirect subsidiaries and VIE of Changyou: Changyou.com HK Limited (Changyou HK, formerly known as TL Age Hong Kong Limited), ICE Entertainment (HongKong) Limited (ICE HK), Changyou.com (US) Inc. (formerly known as AmazGame Entertainment (US) Inc.), Changyou.com (UK) Company Limited (Changyou UK), ChangyouMy Sdn. Bhd (Changyou Malaysia), Beijing AmazGame Age Internet Technology Co., Ltd. (AmazGame), Beijing Changyou Gamespace Software Technology Co., Ltd. (Gamespace), Changyou.com Korea Limited (Changyou Korea), ICE Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (ICE WFOE), Beijing Gamease Age Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Gamease), and Shanghai ICE Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Shanghai ICE), and these references should be interpreted accordingly. Unless otherwise specified, references to China or PRC refer to the Peoples Republic of China and do not include the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macau Special Administrative Region or Taiwan. This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or future strategies that are signified by the words expect, anticipate, intend, believe, or similar language. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Our business and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. 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 under the heading Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 26, 2010, as updated by Part II Item 1A of this report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
OVERVIEW
Sohu is a leading Internet company in China, providing hundreds of millions of Chinese Internet users with news, information, video content, entertainment, and communication. We operate one of the most comprehensive matrices of Chinese language Web properties and one of the most popular online games in China. Substantially all of our operations are conducted through our indirect wholly and majority-owned China-based subsidiaries and variable interest entities (collectively the Sohu Group).
Our Business
Our businesses mainly consist of advertising (composed of brand advertising and sponsored search), online game (conducted through Changyou.com Limited, Changyou), and wireless business, among which brand advertising and online game are our two core businesses.
Starting from 2003, our online game business has developed from nascency to become one of the top massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) operators in China. Its success was further endorsed by the carve-out and initial public offering of our MMORPG subsidiary Changyou (NASDAQ: CYOU) in April 2009. The successful initial public offering has provided Changyou with the platform and resources to become a leading company in the MMORPG industry, and has enabled Changyou to compete head to head with first tier players. As Changyous controlling shareholder, Sohu continues to consolidate Changyou but recognizes noncontrolling interest reflecting shares held by shareholders other than Sohu. During the second quarter of 2010, treating all existing restricted shares as vested and restricted share units as vested and settled, Sohu owned approximately 66% of the economic interest in Changyou, with the remaining 34% of the economic interest in Changyou owned by Changyous shareholders other than Sohu. We do not expect the percentage of Sohus economic interest in Changyou to fluctuate significantly, given that Sohu does not have any plan to sell any additional shares in Changyou in the foreseeable future.
28
Advertising Business
Our advertising business, including brand advertising services and sponsored search services, offers various products and services to our users (such as free of charge premier content, interactive community, integration search and other Internet services), and provides advertising services to advertisers on our matrices of Chinese language Web properties consisting of:
| sohu.com, a leading mass portal and online media destination; |
| 17173.com, a leading game information portal; |
| focus.cn, a top real estate Website; |
| chinaren.com, a leading online alumni club; and |
| sogou.com, an interactive proprietary search engine. |
Brand advertising services provide advertisements on our portal Websites to companies seeking to increase their brand awareness online. Sponsored search services provide priority placements in our search directory and pay-for-click services to customers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
Online Game Business
Our online game business is conducted through Sohus majority-owned subsidiary Changyou. Changyou is a leading online game developer and operator in China as measured by the popularity of one of its games, Tian Long Ba Bu (TLBB). TLBB, which was launched in May 2007, was ranked by International Data Corporation (IDC) in 2008 as the fourth most popular online game overall in China and the second most popular online game in China among locally-developed online games. Changyou engages in the development, operation and licensing of MMORPGs, which are interactive online games that may be played simultaneously by hundreds of thousands of game players. Changyou currently operates five MMORPGs, in-house developed TLBB, and licensed Blade Online (BO), Blade Hero 2 (BH 2), Da Hua Shui Hu (DHSH) and Zhong Hua Ying Xiong (ZHYX) from third parties. As of June 30, 2010, these games had approximately 98.2 million aggregate registered accounts. For the three months ended June 30, 2010, these games had approximately 2.8 million aggregate active paying accounts, average revenue per active paying account of Renminbi (RMB)184, 1.3 million aggregate peak concurrent users (PCU) for Changyous games under the previous method and aggregate PCU of 1.1 million determined under a method newly-adopted by Changyou. Under the previous method, aggregate PCU for a quarter was determined by adding up the separate PCUs for each of Changyous games for the quarter. Under the new method, the aggregate PCU reported by Changyou for its games will be the highest aggregate PCU of the games for a day that occurs during the quarter. Going forward, Changyou plans to only report aggregate PCU for Changyous games determined under the new method.
Changyou has a diversified pipeline of games with various graphic styles, themes and features to appeal to different segments of the online game player community, including Duke of Mount Deer (DMD), which we are developing in-house, Immortal Faith (IF) and the Legend of Ancient World (LAW), both of which we licensed from third parties.
Changyou operates its current games under the item-based revenue model, meaning that game players can play the games for free, but may choose to pay for virtual items to enhance the game-playing experience. Game players purchase prepaid game cards or game points, which are used to purchase virtual items. Changyou sells prepaid game cards to regional distributors throughout China, who in turn sub-distribute the prepaid game cards to numerous retail outlets, including Internet cafés and various Websites, newsstands, software stores, book stores and retail stores. Changyou also directly sells game points to game players through our online sales platform.
As aforementioned, on April 7, 2009 Changyou completed its initial public offering on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, trading under the symbol CYOU.
Agreements between Sohu and Changyou
Changyou has entered into agreements with Sohu with respect to various interim and ongoing relationships between us, including a Master Transaction Agreement, a Non-Competition Agreement, and a Marketing Services Agreement. These agreements contain provisions, among others, relating to the transfer of assets and assumption of liabilities of the MMORPG business, provide cross-indemnification of liabilities arising from each others business, mutually limit Sohu and Changyou from competing in each others business, and also include a number of ongoing commercial relationships.
29
Wireless and Others Businesses
Our wireless and others businesses mainly consist of the wireless business, which offers value-added services for mobile phone users such as news, weather forecasts, chatting, entertainment information and mobile phone ringtone and logo downloads.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations relates to our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (U.S. 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 based 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. We believe that revenue recognition, share-based compensation expense recognition, income taxes and uncertain tax positions, recognition of noncontrolling interest, computation of net income per share, allowance for doubtful accounts, determination of fair value of financial instruments, VIE consolidation, assessment of impairment for long-lived assets and goodwill, and determination of functional currencies represent critical accounting policies that reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. For barter transaction involving advertising services, we recognize revenue and expense at fair value only if the fair value of the advertising services surrendered/received in the transaction is determinable. No revenue from advertising-for-advertising barter transaction is recognized since the fair value cannot be reliably determined.
Advertising Revenues
Advertising revenues include revenues from brand advertising services and sponsored search services. Advertising revenue is recognized after deducting agent rebates and applicable business tax. The recognition of advertising revenue involves certain management judgments. The amount and timing of our advertising revenues could be materially different for any period if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates.
Brand Advertising Revenues
For brand advertising revenues, a contract is signed to establish the fixed price and advertising services to be provided. Based on the contracts, we provide advertisement placements on our different Website channels and/or in different formats, including but not limited to banners, links, logos, buttons, rich media and content integration.
For brand advertising revenue recognition, prior to entering into contracts, we make a credit assessment of the customer to assess the collectability of the contract. For those contracts for which collectability was assessed as reasonably assured, we recognize revenue ratably over the period during which the advertising services were provided and when all revenue recognition criteria were met. For those contracts for which collectability was assessed as not reasonably assured, we recognize revenue only when the cash was received and all revenue recognition criteria were met. We treat all elements of advertising contracts as a single unit of accounting for revenue recognition purposes.
Sponsorship services, which is a type of brand advertising service, is similar to other brand advertising services, but generally involves larger amounts and longer contract periods. Sponsorship services may allow advertisers to sponsor a particular area on our Websites, and may include brand affiliation services and/or a larger volume of services, and may require some exclusivity or premier placements. Sponsorship services advertisement revenues are normally recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period, provided our obligations under the contract have been met and all revenue recognition criteria have been met.
Sponsored Search Revenues
Sponsored search services mainly include priority placement services and pay-for-click services. The priority placement services are placed in our search directory and are normally provided for a fixed fee over the service period of the contract. Pay-for-click services mainly consist of displaying the text-based links of our advertisers on our Websites and our Website Alliance network. Sponsored search contracts are normally for relatively small amounts and are signed with small and medium-sized enterprises.
30
Revenue for priority placement services is normally recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period, provided our obligations under the contract have been met and all revenue recognition criteria have been met. Revenue for pay-for-click services is recognized on a per click basis when the users click on the displayed links. The priority of the display of text-based links is based on the bidding price of different advertisers.
Online Game Revenues
Game Operation Revenues
We earn revenues from Changyous current MMORPG operations by providing online services to game players pursuant to the item-based revenue model. For periods prior to the upgrading and re-launching of BO in December 2006, BO was operated under the time-based revenue model, where game players are charged based on the time they spend playing the game. Under the item-based revenue model, game players play games free of charge and are charged for purchases of virtual items.
Under both the item-based and the time-based revenue models, proceeds received from sales of prepaid cards are initially recorded as receipts in advance.
Proceeds from sale of prepaid cards to distributors are deferred when received and, for the item-based revenue model, revenue is recognized over the estimated lives of the virtual items purchased or as the virtual items are consumed. For the time-based revenue model, revenue is recognized based upon the actual usage of time units by the game players. The revenues are recorded net of business tax, sales discounts and rebates to our distributors.
Under our item-based revenue model, game players can access our games free of charge, but may purchase consumable virtual items, including those with a pre-determined expiration time, such as three months, or perpetual items, such as certain costumes that stay bound to a game player for the life of the game. Revenues in relation to consumable virtual items are recognized as they are consumed, as our services in connection with these items have been fully rendered to our game players as of that time. Revenues in relation to perpetual virtual items are recognized over their estimated lives. We will provide continual online game services in connection with these perpetual virtual items until they are no longer used by our game players. We have considered the average period that game players typically play our games and other game player behavior patterns to arrive at our best estimates for the lives of these perpetual virtual items. We have also considered that the estimated lives of perpetual virtual items may be affected by various factors, including the acceptance and popularity of expansion packs, promotional events launched and market conditions. However, given the relatively short operating history of our games, and of our most popular game TLBB in particular, our estimate of the period that game players typically play our games may not accurately reflect the estimated lives of the perpetual virtual items. We have adopted a policy of assessing the estimated lives of perpetual virtual items on a quarterly basis. All paying users data collected since the launch of the games are used to perform the relevant assessments. Historical behavior patterns of these paying users during the period between their first log-on date and last log-on date are used to estimate the lives of perpetual virtual items. While we believe our estimates to be reasonable based on available game player information, we may revise such estimates in the future as our games operation periods become longer and we continue to gain more operating history and data. Any adjustments arising from changes in the estimates of the lives of perpetual virtual items would be applied prospectively on the basis that such changes are caused by new information indicating a change in the game player behavior patterns. Any changes in our estimate of lives of perpetual virtual items may result in our revenues being recognized on a basis different from prior periods and may cause our operating results to fluctuate.
Overseas Licensing Revenues
We also derive online game revenues from licensing our games in other countries and territories. The licensing agreements provided for two revenue streams, an initial license fee and a monthly revenue-based royalty based on monthly revenues from the games. The initial license fee consists of both a fixed amount and additional amounts receivable upon achieving certain sales targets. Since we are required to provide when-and-if-available upgrades to the licensees during the license period, both the fixed portion and the additional portion of the initial license fee are recognized as revenue ratably over the license period. The fixed portion of the initial license fee is recognized ratably over the remaining license period from the date the game is launched, and the additional portion of the initial license fee is recognized ratably over the remaining license period from the date such additional amount is certain. The monthly usage-based royalty fee is recognized when earned, provided that collectability is reasonably assured.
Wireless and Others Revenues
Our wireless and others revenues are mainly from our wireless business.
Wireless revenues are derived from a wide range of wireless products focused on entertainment, information and communications, such as short messaging services (SMS), Ring Back Tone (RBT), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), multi-media messaging services (MMS) and interactive voice response (IVR). We mainly offer news, weather forecasts, chatting, entertainment information, mobile phone ring tones, and logo downloads and various other mobile related services to mobile phone users through contracts signed with third party mobile network operators.
31
Wireless service fees are charged on a monthly or per message/download basis. Due to technical issues with the operators network, we might be unable to collect certain wireless service fees from an operator in certain circumstances. This un-collectability is referred to as the failure rate, which can vary from operator to operator. Wireless revenues are recognized in the month in which the service is performed, provided that no significant obligations remain. To recognize wireless revenue, we rely on China mobile network operators to provide us billing confirmations for the actual amount of services they have billed to their mobile customers. At the end of each reporting period, when an operator has not yet provided us monthly billing confirmations for the period, we use information generated from our internal system as well as historical data to estimate the failure rate, to estimate the amount of collectable wireless service fees and to recognize revenue. When we later receive the actual billing confirmation, we then record a true-up accounting adjustment. Although we believe we have the ability to make reasonable estimates, differences between the actual facts and our estimates may result in significant fluctuations in the amount and timing of the revenue recognized. Since 2002 when wireless revenues began representing a significant portion of our total revenues, the quarterly historical differences in our estimated revenue which was recorded in the financial statements compared to the actual revenue have ranged from an underestimation of $1,419,000 (gross margin underestimate of $654,000) to an overestimation of $340,000 (gross margin overestimate of $171,000). For the three months ended June 30, 2010, 64% of our estimated wireless revenues were confirmed by the monthly billing confirmations received from the mobile network operators. Generally, (i) within 15 to 120 days after the end of each month, we receive billing confirmations from each of the operators confirming the amount of wireless service charges billed to that operators mobile phone users and (ii) within 30 to 180 days after delivering billing confirmations, each operator remits the wireless service fees, net of its service fees, for the month to us.
Our management must determine whether to record our wireless revenues using the gross or net method of reporting. Determining whether revenue should be reported gross or net is based on an assessment of various factors, the primary factors being whether we are acting as the principal in offering services to the customer or whether we are acting as an agent in the transaction and the specific requirements of each contract. Currently, a majority of our wireless revenues are recorded on a gross basis, as we have the primary responsibility for fulfillment and acceptability of the wireless services. To the extent we are acting as a principal in a transaction, we report as revenue payments received on a gross basis, and report as costs of revenue amounts attributable to services provided by mobile network operators and other vendors. To the extent we are acting as an agent in a transaction, we report on a net basis as revenue payments received less commissions and other payments to third parties. Whether we are serving as principal or agent in a transaction is judgmental in nature and is determined by evaluating the terms of the arrangement. The related commissions and/or other payments to third parties are recorded as costs or expenses.
Share-based Compensation Expense
Share-based compensation expense is for share-based awards, including common stock, ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, granted by Sohu and Changyou to their employees and directors. Share-based compensation expense is recognized as costs and/or expenses in the consolidated financial statements based on the fair values of the related share-based awards on their grant dates.
For share-based awards granted by Sohu, in determining the fair value of share options granted, the Black-Scholes valuation model is applied; in determining the fair value of restricted share units granted, the public market price of the underlying shares on the grant dates is applied.
For share-based awards granted by Changyou, in determining the fair value of ordinary shares, restricted shares and restricted share units granted in 2008, the income approach/discounted cash flow method with a discount for lack of marketability was applied, given that the shares underlying the awards were not publicly traded at the time of grant. In determining the fair value of restricted share units granted in 2009 before Changyous initial public offering, the fair value of the underlying shares was determined based on Changyous offering price for its initial public offering. In determining the fair value of restricted share units granted after Changyous initial public offering, the public market price of the underlying shares on the grant dates is applied.
Share-based compensation expense for ordinary shares granted is fully recognized in the quarter during which these ordinary shares are granted. Share-based compensation expense for share options, restricted shares and restricted share units granted is recognized on an accelerated basis over the requisite service period. The number of share-based awards for which the service is not expected to be rendered over the requisite period is estimated, and the related compensation expense is not recorded for that number of awards.
The assumptions used in share-based compensation expense recognition represent managements best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. If factors change or different assumptions are used, our share-based compensation expense could be materially different for any period. Moreover, the estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value that ultimately will be realized by employees who receive equity awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made by us for accounting purposes.
32
Income Taxes and Uncertain Tax Positions
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 the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted tax rates and laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on available evidence, it is considered that it is more likely than not that some portion of or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making such determination, we consider factors including (i) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, (ii) future profitability, and (iii) tax planning strategies.
Our deferred tax assets are related to net operating losses of Sohu that would be subject to corporate income tax in the United States (U.S. Corporate Income Tax), and net operating losses and temporary differences between accounting and tax basis for our China-based subsidiaries and VIEs that are subject to corporate income tax in the PRC under the CIT law (PRC Corporate Income Tax). Substantially all of our income is earned through China-based subsidiaries and VIEs, and in the foreseeable future we do not intend to repatriate income to the United States (U.S.) where it would be subject to U.S. Corporate Income Tax, except that, under certain circumstances, we may repatriate to the U.S. income that will be subject to the U.S. Alternative Minimum Tax. In the foreseeable future, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets resulting from the net operating losses of Sohu will not be realized. Hence, we recorded a valuation allowance against our gross deferred tax assets in order to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. If events were to occur in the future that would allow us to realize more of our deferred tax assets than the presently recorded net amount, an adjustment would be made to the deferred tax assets that would increase income for the period when those events occurred. If events were to occur in the future that would require us to realize less of our deferred tax assets than the presently recorded net amount, an adjustment would be made to the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets that would decrease income for the period when those events occurred.
Significant management judgment is required in determining income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Uncertain Tax Positions
In order to assess uncertain tax positions, we apply a more likely than not threshold and a two-step approach for tax position measurement and financial statement recognition. For the two-step approach, the first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement.
Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling interest (NCI) is the portion of economic interest in Sohus majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to Sohu. Currently, the NCI in our consolidated financial statements consists of NCI for Changyou and 21 East Beijing and New 21 East (collectively 21 East).
Net Income per Share
Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares comprise shares issuable upon the exercise of share-based awards using the treasury stock method and shares issuable upon the conversion of any outstanding convertible instruments using the if-converted method. Additionally, for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share, Sohus consolidated net income is adjusted for Changyous net income multiplied by the difference between:
(a) | the percentage of the total economic interest in Changyou held by Sohu, and |
(b) | the percentage of the weighted average number of Changyou shares held by Sohu to the weighted average number of Changyou ordinary shares and shares issuable upon the exercise of share-based awards under the treasury stock method. |
33
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Our management makes estimates of the collectability of our accounts receivable. In estimating the general allowance, many factors are considered, including but not limited to reviewing delinquent accounts receivable, performing aging analyses and customer credit analyses, and analyzing historical bad debt records and current economic trends. Additional allowance for specific doubtful accounts might be made if the financial conditions of our customers or mobile network operators deteriorate or the mobile network operators are unable to collect fees from their end customers, resulting in their inability to make payments due to us.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. These financial instruments are measured at their respective fair values. For fair value measurement, U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:
Level 1 - observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 - include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
Level 3 - unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
VIE Consolidation
VIEs are consolidated if we determine that we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has both (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance, and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets include fixed assets, intangible assets and other assets.
Fixed assets comprise computer equipment and hardware, office building, investment properties, leasehold improvements, vehicles and office furniture. Fixed assets are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation with no residual value. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
Intangible assets primarily comprise computer software, domain names, trademarks, marketing rights, operating rights for licensed games and customer lists purchased from unrelated third parties. Intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization with no residual value. Amortization of intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.
Other assets primarily include payments for the office building purchased in 2009 as our headquarters before it is recognized as fixed assets, prepaid content fees, prepaid license fees and rental deposits. We amortize the content fees and license fees over the terms of the related contracts.
Managements judgment is required in the assessment of the useful lives of long-lived assets, and is required in the measurement of impairment. Based on the existence of one or more indicators of impairment, we measure any impairment of long-lived assets using the projected discounted cash flow method. The estimation of future cash flows requires significant management judgment based on our historical results and anticipated results and is subject to many factors. The discount rate that is commensurate with the risk inherent in our business model is determined by our management. An impairment charge would be recorded if we determined that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. The impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying values of the assets exceed the fair value of the assets.
Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less cost to sell.
34
Goodwill
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 our subsidiaries and VIEs. Goodwill is not depreciated or amortized but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (business segment) on an annual basis, and between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change that could indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of goodwill with its carrying value. Application of a goodwill impairment test requires significant management judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units, and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. The judgment in estimating the fair value of reporting units includes estimating future cash flows, determining appropriate discount rates and making other assumptions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each reporting unit. Any impairment losses recorded in the future could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Functional Currency and Foreign Currency Translation
Functional Currency
An entitys functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates; normally that is the currency of the environment in which it primarily generates and expends cash. Managements judgment is essential to determine the functional currency by assessing various indicators, such as cash flows, sales price and market, expenses, financing and inter-company transactions and arrangements. The functional currency of Sohu.com Inc. is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of our subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Korea and Vietnam are the RMB, British Pound, Malaysian Ringgit, Korean Won and Vietnam Dong, respectively, while the functional currency of our subsidiaries in the U.S. and Hong Kong is the U.S. dollar.
Foreign Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of our China-based subsidiaries and VIEs are translated into U.S. dollars, our reporting currency, at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the reporting period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are not included in determining net income for the period but are accumulated in a separate component of equity in our consolidated balance sheets.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010 AND 2009
REVENUES
The following table presents our revenues by revenue source and by proportion for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 vs 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 vs 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advertising: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brand advertising |
$ | 53,162 | 36 | % | 43,621 | 34 | % | $ | 9,541 | $ | 92,674 | 34 | % | $ | 82,695 | 34 | % | $ | 9,979 | |||||||||||||
Sponsored search |
3,891 | 3 | % | 1,769 | 2 | % | 2,122 | 6,725 | 2 | % | 3,331 | 1 | % | 3,394 | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal of advertising revenues |
57,053 | 45,390 | 11,663 | 99,399 | 86,026 | 13,373 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Online game |
77,721 | 53 | % | 66,596 | 52 | % | 11,125 | 149,793 | 54 | % | 128,203 | 53 | % | 21,590 | ||||||||||||||||||
Wireless and others |
11,323 | 8 | % | 15,099 | 12 | % | (3,776 | ) | 26,359 | 10 | % | 28,594 | 12 | % | (2,235 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 146,097 | 100 | % | $ | 127,085 | 100 | % | $ | 19,012 | $ | 275,551 | 100 | % | $ | 242,823 | 100 | % | $ | 32,728 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues were $146.1 million and $275.6 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, as compared to $127.1 million and $242.8 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009. The increase in total revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $19.0 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $32.7 million. The increase was mainly attributable to online game revenues and brand advertising revenues.
35
Advertising Revenues
Advertising revenues were $57.1 million and $99.4 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, as compared to $45.4 million and $86.0 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009. The increase in advertising revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $11.7 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $13.4 million. The increase was mainly attributable to brand advertising revenues.
Brand Advertising Revenues
Brand advertising revenues were $53.2 million and $92.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively, compared to $43.6 million and $82.7 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009. The increase in brand advertising revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $9.6 million, and from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $10.0 million. The increase was mainly attributable to the increased advertising during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and our customers reception of our enhanced video content.
We expect brand advertising revenues to increase in the third quarter of 2010, compared to the second quarter of 2010.
Sponsored Search Revenues
Sponsored search services primarily include priority placements in our search directory and pay-for-click services. Revenues from pay-for-click services accounted for approximately 80% and 78%, respectively, of the total sponsored search revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to 71% and 66%, respectively, in the corresponding periods in 2009.
Sponsored search revenues were $3.9 million and $6.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $1.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009. The increase in sponsored search revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $2.1 million, the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $3.4 million. The increase arose from pay-for-click services.
We expect sponsored search revenues to remain at a low percentage of our total advertising revenues in the third quarter of 2010.
Online Game Revenues
Online game revenues were $77.7 million and $149.8 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $66.6 million and $128.2 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009. The increase in online game revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $11.1 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $21.6 million. The increase was mainly due to increased popularity of our flagship game, TLBB, which we launched in May 2007.
We expect online game revenues to increase in the third quarter of 2010, compared to the second quarter of 2010.
Revenue Sources
The following table sets forth the revenues generated from our game operations in mainland China and overseas licensing (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months
Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||
Online game revenues: |
||||||||||||
Game operations revenues |
$ | 75,572 | $ | 64,936 | $ | 145,774 | $ | 124,282 | ||||
Overseas licensing revenues |
2,149 | 1,660 | 4,019 | 3,921 | ||||||||
Total online game revenues |
$ | 77,721 | $ | 66,596 | $ | 149,793 | $ | 128,203 | ||||
36
Game Operations Revenues
Our current five MMORPGs, TLBB, BO, BH 2, DHSH and ZHYX, are free to play and generate revenues using the item-based revenue model through the sale of virtual items that enhance the game-playing experience. Game players can purchase virtual items, such as gems, pets, fashion items, magic medicine, riding animals, hierograms, materials, skill books and fireworks by purchasing prepaid game cards or game points. We initially operated BO under the time-based revenue model and switched to the item-based revenue model in December 2006. We report our game operations revenues after netting business taxes, sales discounts and rebates to our distributors.
Overseas Licensing Revenues
We began licensing our game TLBB to operators outside of China in 2007. We began generating overseas licensing revenues from TLBB in Malaysia and Singapore in April 2009, in Taiwan and Hong Kong in April 2008, and in Vietnam in August 2007. Under our licensing arrangements, the licensee operators pay us an initial license fee and ongoing royalties based on a percentage of revenues generated by them over the term of the license period.
Revenue Collection
Game Operations
We sell virtual and physical prepaid game cards to regional distributors, who in turn sub-distribute to retail outlets, including Internet cafés, various Websites, newsstands, software stores, bookstores and retail stores. We typically collect payment from our distributors upon delivery of our prepaid game cards, but only recognize revenues as the virtual items are consumed. We generally offer a sales discount to our prepaid game card distributors based on the popularity of our games. In addition, we offer a discount to our game players who directly purchase virtual prepaid game cards and game points from our online sales system. The sales discount represents the difference between the price at which we sell prepaid game cards to distributors or game players, as the case may be, and the face value of the prepaid game cards or the equivalent of game points.
We also offer rebates in the form of credits on future purchases of prepaid game cards to distributors of our prepaid game cards. Distributors of prepaid game cards will receive a credit on future purchases of our prepaid game cards provided that the distributors meet certain preset sales conditions. Historically, most of our distributors have met the conditions required to receive these credits. Credits are in the form of free prepaid game cards.
Overseas Licensing
Our overseas licensing revenues consist of an initial license fee and ongoing revenue-based royalties. The initial license fee includes a fixed amount payable upon signing the license agreement and additional license fees payable upon achieving certain sales targets. The ongoing revenue-based royalties are generally determined based on the amount charged to game players accounts in a given country or region and sales of ancillary products of the game in such country or region. We typically receive ongoing revenue-based royalties on a monthly basis.
Revenue Recognition
Game Operations
Proceeds received from sales of prepaid game cards form the basis of our revenues and are recorded initially as receipts in advance. Upon activation of the prepaid game cards, proceeds are transferred from receipts in advance to deferred revenues. Proceeds received from online sales of game points directly to game players are recorded as deferred revenues. As of June 30, 2010, we had receipts in advance from distributors and deferred revenues from our game operations of $33.3 million, compared to $29.6 million as of December 31, 2009.
We recognize revenues when virtual items purchased by game players are consumed. For consumable virtual items, including those with a predetermined expiration time, revenues are recognized as they are consumed, and for perpetual virtual items, revenues are recognized over their estimated lives. In addition, prepaid game cards will expire two years after the date of card production if they have never been activated. The proceeds from the expired game cards are recognized as revenues upon expiration of the cards. In contrast, once the prepaid game cards are activated and credited to a game players account, they will not expire as long as the game account remains active. We are entitled to close a game players account if it has been inactive for a period of 180 consecutive days. The unused balances in an inactive game players account are recognized as revenues when the account is closed. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, revenue from expired game cards and inactive game players accounts was $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
37
Overseas Licensing
For the initial license fees receivable under our overseas licensing agreements, we recognize revenues ratably over the remaining license period, during which we are obligated to provide post-sales services such as technical support and provision of updates or upgrades to the licensed games. Unrecognized initial license fees received are recorded as deferred revenues. As of June 30, 2010, such deferred revenues were $0.9 million, compared to $0.6 million as of December 31, 2009. With respect to ongoing revenue-based royalties, we recognize revenues when the revenue-based royalties are earned under the terms of the overseas licensing agreements, and the collection of such royalties is probable.
Wireless and Others Revenues
Wireless Revenues
Wireless revenues were $11.1 million and $24.4 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $15.0 million and $28.3 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009.
We expect wireless revenues to decrease in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2010 due to tightened control over wireless value-added services by the network operators.
Revenues for Other Services
Other services mainly consist of sales of software to third parties, provision of applications service provider (ASP) services, office space rental income and Websites construction and maintenance. Revenues for other services were $250,000 and $2.0 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $148,000 and $265,000, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009.
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Cost of Revenues
The following table presents our cost of revenues by source and by proportion for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 vs 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 vs 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advertising: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brand advertising |
$ | 22,256 | 57 | % | $ | 14,065 | 49 | % | $ | 8,191 | $ | 39,539 | 55 | % | $ | 27,795 | 49 | % | $ | 11,744 | ||||||||||||
Sponsored search |
3,507 | 9 | % | 2,265 | 8 | % | 1,242 | 6,420 | 9 | % | 4,563 | 8 | % | 1,857 | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal of cost of advertising revenues |
25,763 | 16,330 | 9,433 | 45,959 | 32,358 | 13,601 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Online game |
7,008 | 18 | % | 3,937 | 13 | % | 3,071 | 12,392 | 17 | % | 7,373 | 13 | % | 5,019 | ||||||||||||||||||
Wireless and others |
6,150 | 16 | % | 8,512 | 30 | % | (2,362 | ) | 13,396 | 19 | % | 16,641 | 30 | % | (3,245 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total cost of revenues |
$ | 38,921 | 100 | % | $ | 28,779 | 100 | % | $ | 10,142 | $ | 71,747 | 100 | % | $ | 56,372 | 100 | % | $ | 15,375 | ||||||||||||
Total cost of revenues was $38.9 million and $71.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $28.8 million and $56.4 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009. The increase in cost of revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $10.1 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $15.4 million. The increase was mainly attributable to increased cost of brand advertising revenues and increased cost of online game revenues.
Cost of Advertising Revenues
Cost of advertising revenues was $25.8 million and $46.0 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $16.3 million and $32.4 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009. The increase in cost of advertising revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $9.4 million, and the increase from six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $13.6 million. The increase was mainly due to increased cost of brand advertising revenues.
38
Cost of Brand Advertising Revenues
Cost of brand advertising revenues includes compensation and related overhead costs for employees, depreciation expenses, content and services purchases, bandwidth leasing costs, and revenue sharing payments to third parties.
The cost of brand advertising revenue was $22.3 million and $39.5 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $14.1 million and $27.8 million, respectively, for corresponding periods in 2009.
The increase in cost of brand advertising revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $8.2 million. The increase was primarily attributable to investment in Sohus video site, mainly consisting of a $3.5 million increase in content and license costs and a $2.3 million increase in bandwidth leasing costs. In addition, the increase included a $0.9 million increase in share-based compensation expense and a $0.7 million increase in salary and benefits expenses.
The increase in cost of brand advertising revenues from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $11.7 million. The increase was primarily attributable to investment in Sohus video site, mainly consisted of a $4.0 million increase in bandwidth leasing costs and a $3.8 million increase in content and license costs. In addition, the increase consisted of a $1.7 million increase in share-based compensation expense, a $1.2 million increase in salary and benefits expenses and a $0.2 million increase in travelling and entertainment expenses.
Our brand advertising gross margins for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 were 58% and 57%, respectively, as compared to 68% and 66%, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009. The decrease in our brand advertising gross margin was due to the brand advertising revenues growth was slower compared to the increase in cost of brand advertising revenues.
Cost of Sponsored Search Revenues
Cost of sponsored search revenues mainly consists of depreciation expenses, bandwidth leasing costs, payments to our Website Alliance and personnel costs.
Cost of sponsored search revenues was $3.5 million and $6.4 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $2.2 million and $4.6 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009. The increase in cost of sponsored search revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $1.2 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $0.7 million increase in payments to our Website Alliance and a $0.5 million increase in depreciation and bandwidth leasing costs. The increase from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $1.8 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $1.1 million increase in payments to our Website Alliance and a $0.7 million increase in depreciation and bandwidth leasing costs.
Cost of Online Game Revenues
Cost of online game revenues mainly consists of salary and benefits expenses, including share-based compensation expense, relating to the operation of our games, revenue-based royalty payments to the developers of our licensed games, bandwidth leasing costs, amortization of licensing fees, depreciation expenses, and PRC business tax and value added tax (VAT) arising from transactions between Changyous subsidiary and its VIE.
The total cost of online game revenues were $7.0 million and $12.4 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $3.9 million and $7.4 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009.
The increase in cost of online game revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $3.1 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $1.1 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was attributable to the increased size of our workforce; a $0.5 million increase in revenue sharing related to licensed games in operation; a $0.4 million increase in bandwidth leasing and communication costs due to the increased popularity of TLBB; and a $0.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization costs related to servers.
The increase in cost of online game revenues from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $5.0 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $2.1 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was attributable to the increased size of our workforce; a $0.7 million increase in depreciation and amortization costs related to servers; a $0.6 million increase in bandwidth leasing and communication costs due to the increased popularity of TLBB; and a $0.5 million increase in revenue sharing related to licensed games in operation.
Our online game gross margin for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 was 91% and 92%, respectively, as compared to 94% for both of corresponding periods in 2009.
39
No significant change is expected in revenue-based royalty payments in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2010.
Cost of Wireless and Others Revenues
Cost of Wireless Revenues
Cost of wireless revenues consists of collection charges and transmission fees paid to mobile network operators, payments to third party wireless service alliances and content suppliers, penalties, depreciation expenses, and bandwidth leasing costs.
Cost of wireless revenues was $5.8 million and $12.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $8.3 million and $15.9 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009.
The decrease in cost of wireless revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months end June 30 2010 was $2.5 million. The decrease was mainly due to decreased payments to third party wireless service alliances and content providers. The decrease in cost of wireless revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the corresponding period in 2009 mainly resulted from a decrease of $1.5 million in payments to third party wireless service alliances and content providers, and a decrease of $1.0 million in collection charges and transmission charges paid to mobile network operators.
The decrease from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $3.2 million. The decrease in cost of wireless revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to the corresponding period in 2009 mainly resulted from a decrease of $2.4 million in payments to third party wireless service alliances and content providers, and a decrease of $0.8 million in collection charges and transmission charges paid to mobile network operators.
The collection and transmission charges vary between mobile network operators. The collection and transmission charges mainly include (i) a gateway fee of $0.003 to $ 0.029 per message, depending on the volume of the monthly total wireless messages in the second quarter of 2010, unchanged from the second quarter of 2009 and (ii) a collection fee of 0% to 80% of total fees collected by mobile network operators from mobile phone users (with the residual paid to us) in the second quarter of 2010, compared to 15% to 70% in the second quarter of 2009.
Our wireless gross margin was 48% for both the three and the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to 45% and 44% for the corresponding periods in 2009.
Cost of Revenues for Other Services
Cost of revenues for other services mainly consists of personnel and other expenses in connection with sales of software, provision of ASP services and construction and maintenance of Websites. Cost of revenues for other services was $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009.
Operating Expenses
The following table presents our operating expenses by nature and by proportion for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):
Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 vs 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 vs 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Expense: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product development |
$ | 16,881 | 30 | % | $ | 14,637 | 29 | % | $ | 2,244 | $ | 32,399 | 31 | % | $ | 27,951 | 32 | % | $ | 4,448 | ||||||||||
Sales and marketing |
29,606 | 53 | % | 25,810 | 52 | % | 3,796 | 52,615 | 50 | % | 42,636 | 49 | % | 9,979 | ||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
9,384 | 17 | % | 9,208 | 19 | % | 176 | 19,267 | 19 | % | 17,102 | 19 | % | 2,165 | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
139 | 0 | % | 128 | 0 | % | 11 | 247 | 0 | % | 202 | 0 | % | 45 | ||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses: |
$ | 56,010 | 100 | % | $ | 49,783 | 100 | % | $ | 6,227 | $ | 104,528 | 100 | % | $ | 87,891 | 100 | % | $ | 16,637 | ||||||||||
Total operating expenses were $56.0 million and $104.5 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $49.8 million and $87.9 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009. The increase in operating expense from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $6.2 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $16.6 million. The increase in total operating expenses was mainly due to increases in sales and marketing expenses and product development expenses.
40
Product Development Expenses
Product development expenses mainly consist of personnel-related expenses incurred for enhancement to and maintenance of our Websites as well as costs associated with new product development and enhancement for existing products and services.
Product development expenses were $16.9 million and $32.4 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $14.6 million and $28.0 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009.
The increase in product development expenses from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $2.3 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $2.5 million increase in salary and benefits expenses; a $0.5 million increase in facility expenses; a $0.5 million increase in depreciation expenses; offset by a $1.1 million decrease in share-based compensation expense. This $1.1 million decrease in share-based compensation expense is the net effect of share-based compensation expense recognized in the second quarter of 2009, which was generated but not recognized before the completion of Changyous initial public offering because initial vesting was conditioned on completion of the offering, offset by share-based compensation expense recognized in the second quarter of 2010 for restricted share unites granted in January 2010.
The increase in product development expenses from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $4.4 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $2.8 million increase in salary and benefits expenses; a $1.0 million increase in facility expense; and a $0.6 million increase in depreciation expenses.
Sales and Marketing Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses mainly consist of advertising and promotional expenditures, compensation expenses, sales commissions and travel expenses.
Sales and marketing expenses were $29.6 million and $52.6 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $25.8 million and $42.6 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009.
The increase in sales and marketing expenses from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $3.8 million. The increase was mainly due to a $1.5 million increase in advertising and promotion expenses mainly for online game business; a $0.7 million increase in salary and benefits expenses; a $0.7 million increase in travelling and entertainment expenses; and a $1.0 million increase in share-based compensation expense primarily for restricted share units granted in January 2010.
The increase in sales and marketing expenses from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $10.0 million. The increase was mainly due to a $5.7 million increase in advertising and promotion expenses mainly for online game business; a $1.8 million increase in salary and benefits expenses; and a $1.6 million increase in share-based compensation expense primarily for restricted share units granted in January 2010.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses mainly consist of personnel compensation expenses and professional service fees.
General and administrative expenses were $9.4 million and $19.3 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $9.2 million and $17.1 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009.
The increase in general and administrative expenses from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $0.2 million.
The increase in general and administrative expenses from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $2.2 million. The increase was mainly due to a $1.4 million increase in professional fees expenses and a $0.7 million increase in share-based compensation expense primarily for restricted share units granted in January 2010.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets was mainly related to the acquisitions of 17173.com, Focus.cn, GoodFeel and Go2Map.
Amortization of intangible assets was $139,000 and $247,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, as compared to $128,000 and $202,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009.
41
Share-based Compensation Expense
Both Sohu and Changyou have incentive plans for the granting of share-based awards, including common stock, ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, to their employees and directors.
Share-based compensation expense was recognized in costs and/or expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | |||||||||
Cost of revenues |
$ | 1,248 | $ | 355 | $ | 2,283 | $ | 602 | ||||
Product development expenses |
2,218 | 3,299 | 4,663 | 4,573 | ||||||||
Sales and marketing expenses |
1,176 | 214 | 2,131 | 499 | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
1,811 | 2,746 | 3,904 | 3,227 | ||||||||
$ | 6,453 | $ | 6,614 | $ | 12,981 | $ | 8,901 | |||||
Share-based compensation expense recognized for share-based awards granted by Sohu and Changyou, respectively, was as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, |
Six Months Ended June 30, | |||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense |
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||
For share-based awards granted by Sohu.com Inc. |
$ | 4,498 | $ | 1,000 | $ | 8,083 | $ | 2,570 | ||||
For share-based awards granted by Changyou.com Limited |
1,955 | 5,614 | 4,898 | 6,331 | ||||||||
$ | 6,453 | $ | 6,614 | $ | 12,981 | $ | 8,901 | |||||
For share options granted by Sohu, as of June 30, 2010 there was no unrecognized compensation expense because the requisite service periods for the remaining share options had ended by the end of 2009. For restricted share units granted by Sohu, as of June 30, 2010 there was $24.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense.
For share-based awards granted by Changyou, as of June 30, 2010 there was $9.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense.
Operating Profit
As a result of the foregoing, our operating profit was $51.2 million and $99.3 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, as compared to $48.5 million and $98.6 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009.
Other (Expense) Income
Other expense was $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively, for the three and the six months ended June 30, 2010, as compared to other income of $62,000 and $63,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009.
Interest Income and Exchange Difference
For the three months ended June 30, 2010, interest income and exchange difference was $1.0 million, comprising interest income of $1.5 million, offset by exchange loss of $0.5 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, interest income and exchange difference was $2.2 million, comprising interest income of $2.7 million, offset by exchange loss of $0.5 million. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, interest income and exchange difference was $1.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively, mainly consisted of interest income.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense was $6.3 million and $14.3 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $8.0 million and $14.6 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2009.
The decrease in income tax expense from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $1.7 million. The decrease was mainly due to a $1.2 million income tax expense recognized in the second quarter of 2009 as a result of a change in position by the Beijing tax bureau; a $0.9 million income tax expense reversal in the second quarter of 2010 related to deferred tax asset recognition; and $0.5 million income tax expense reversal in the second quarter of 2010 for the 2009 annual PRC corporate income tax filing; offset by a $0.6 million increase income tax expense from the utilization of excess tax benefits from existing U.S. Corporate Income Tax net operating losses generated from excess tax deductions related to share-based awards, which reduced our recognition of taxes payable in 2010 for U.S. GAAP purposes; and a $0.3 million increase in income tax expense for miscellaneous items.
42
The decrease in income tax expense from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $0.3 million. The decrease was mainly due to a $1.2 million income tax expense recognized in the second quarter of 2009 as a result of a change in position by the Beijing tax bureau; a $0.5 million income tax expense reversal in the second quarter of 2010 for the 2009 annual PRC corporate income tax filing; offset by a $1.2 million increase income tax expense from the utilization of excess tax benefits from existing U.S. Corporate Income Tax net operating losses generated from excess tax deductions related to share-based awards, which reduced our recognition of taxes payable in 2010 for U.S. GAAP purposes; and a $0.2 million increase in income tax expense for miscellaneous items.
The $0.6 million and $1.2 million in excess tax benefits mentioned above were correspondingly treated as an increase in shareholders equity in the consolidated balance sheet and presented as a cash outflow from operating activities and a cash inflow from financing activities. Realizing this benefit reduced the amount of taxes payable and does not otherwise affect cash flows.
Income from Continuing Operations
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, the income from continuing operations was $45.5 million and $86.8 million, respectively, compared to $41.9 million and $86.5 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2009.
For the three months ended June 30, 2010, we had income from continuing operations of $45.5 million, including $3.4 million from segments other than online game and $42.1 million from the online game segment. For the three months ended June 30, 2009, we had income from continuing operations of $41.9 million, including $104.2 million from segments other than online game and $34.5 million from the online game segment and a $96.8 million intercompany elimination for the dividend distribution from Changyou to Sohu Game.
For the six months ended June 30, 2010, we had income from continuing operations of $86.8 million, including $5.0 million from segments other than online game and $81.8 million from the online game segment. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we had income from continuing operations of $86.5 million, including $115.3 million from segments other than online game and $68.0 million from the online game segment and a $96.8 million intercompany elimination for the dividend distribution from Changyou to Sohu Game.
Gain from Discontinued E-commerce Operations
Gain from discontinued e-commerce operations for both the three and the six months ended June 30, 2010 was zero, and for both the three and the six months ended June 30, 2009, the gain from discontinued e-commerce operation was $446,000.
Net Income
As a result of the foregoing, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, we had net income of $45.5 million and $86.8 million, respectively, as compared to $42.3 million and $86.9 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2009.
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was $12.0 million and $23.1 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $8.8 million for both of the corresponding periods in 2009.
The increase in the noncontrolling interest from the three months ended June 30, 2009 to the three months ended June 30, 2010 was mainly due to the noncontrolling interest attributable to Changyous shareholders other than Sohu have increased from 26% to 29% during the period.
The increase in the noncontrolling interest from the six months ended June 30, 2009 to the six months ended June 30, 2010 was because no noncontrolling interest attributable to Changyous shareholders other than Sohu was recognized until Changyous initial public offering in April 2009.
We expect the noncontrolling interest recognized for Changyou to increase in the third quarter of 2010, compared to the second quarter of 2010, due to vesting of share-based awards as described in Note 9 - Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders Equity - Changyou.com Limited Share-based Awards.
Net Income attributable to Sohu.com Inc.
As a result of the foregoing, we had net income attributable to Sohu of $33.5 million and $63.6 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $33.5 million and $78.1 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2009.
43
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our principal sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, as well as cash flows generated from our operations. As of June 30, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $599.1 million, compared to $546.7 million as of June 30, 2009. As of June 30, 2010 and 2009, cash equivalents primarily comprise time deposits.
On November 20, 2009, we entered into an agreement to purchase an office building to be built in Beijing, which will serve as our headquarters, for a purchase price of approximately $110 million denominated in RMB. As of June 30, 2010, $50 million had been paid and was recognized as other assets in our consolidated financial statements. The remaining $60 million payment will be settled in installments as various stages of the development plan are completed, of which $11 million is expected to be made during the remainder of 2010. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
We believe we will continue to generate strong cash flow from our brand advertising business and online game business, which, along with our available cash, will provide sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility.
Cash Generating Ability
Our cash flows are summarized below (in thousands):
Six Months Ended June 30, |
||||||||
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 100,536 | $ | 103,364 | ||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(65,558 | ) | (2,420 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
(1,470 | ) | 131,501 | |||||
Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents |
1,815 | (124 | ) | |||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
35,323 | 232,321 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
563,782 | 314,425 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 599,105 | $ | 546,746 | ||||
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
For the six months ended June 30, 2010, $100.5 million net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to our net income of $86.8 million, adjusted by non-cash items of share-based compensation expense of $13.0 million, depreciation and amortization of $11.1 million and other miscellaneous non-cash expense of $0.4 million, offset by a net decrease in cash from working capital items of $9.6 million and $1.2 million excess tax benefits. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, this $1.2 million in excess tax benefits was presented as a reduction of cash flows from operating activities and a cash inflow from financing activities. Realizing this benefit reduced the amount of taxes payable and does not otherwise affect cash flows.
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, net cash provided by operating activities was $103.4 million. This was primarily attributable to our net income of $86.9 million, adjusted by non-cash items of share-based compensation expense of $8.9 million, depreciation and amortization of $8.7 million and other miscellaneous non-cash expense of $1.5 million, offset by a decrease in cash from working capital items of $2.6 million. This $2.6 million was the net impact of an $18.9 million income tax refund received in January 2009 offset by a decrease in cash from other working capital items of $21.5 million.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
For the six months ended June 30, 2010, $65.6 million net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to $52.2 million used in acquiring fixed assets and other assets, including $27.6 million paid for the office building to be built in Beijing, and $13.4 million used in business acquisitions.
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, $2.4 million net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to $5.1 million used in acquiring fixed assets and other assets, offset by a $2.7 million decrease in restricted cash.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
For the six months ended June 30, 2010, $1.5 million net cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to repayment of a $3.0 million loan by one of Sohus subsidiaries to a third party, offset by $1.2 million in excess tax benefits mentioned above in Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities, and $0.3 million from the issuance of common stock upon the exercise of share options granted under our stock incentive plan.
44
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, $131.5 million net cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to $128.3 million of proceeds generated from Changyous initial public offering, $3.0 million from issuance of common stock upon the exercise of share options granted under our stock incentive plan and $0.8 million from other financing activities, offset by reversal of excess tax benefits of $0.6 million from share-based payment arrangements.
Cash and cash equivalents
As of June 30, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $599.1 million compared to $563.8 million as of December 31, 2009.
We believe our current liquidity and capital resources are sufficient to meet anticipated working capital needs (net cash used in operating activities), commitments and capital expenditures over the next twelve months. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changes in business conditions and other future developments, or changes in general economic conditions.
Restrictions on Cash Transfers to Sohu.com Inc.
To fund any cash requirements it may have, Sohu may need to rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by Sohu.com Limited and Changyou, our wholly-owned subsidiary and majority-owned subsidiary. Since substantially all of our operations are conducted through our indirect China-based wholly-owned subsidiaries, majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs, Sohu.com Limited and Changyou may need to rely on dividends, loans or advances made by our PRC subsidiaries.
Substantially all of Changyous operations are conducted through Gamease, a VIE, which generates most of our online game revenues. As Gamease is not owned by AmazGame, Changyous subsidiary in China, it is not able to make dividend payments to AmazGame. Instead, AmazGame has entered into a number of contracts with Gamease to provide services to Gamease in return for cash payments. In order for us to receive any dividends, loans or advances from AmazGame through Changyou, or to distribute any dividends to our shareholders, we may need to rely on these payments made from Gamease to AmazGame. Depending on the nature of services provided by AmazGame to Gamease, certain of these payments are subject to PRC taxes, including business taxes and value added tax, which effectively reduce the amount that AmazGame receives from Gamease. In addition, the PRC government could impose restrictions on such payments or change the tax rates applicable to such payments.
In addition, regulations in the PRC currently permit payment of dividends of a PRC company only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in China. Our China-based subsidiaries, which are wholly foreign-owned enterprises (WFOEs), are also required to set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to their general reserves until the cumulative amount reaches 50% of their paid-in capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends, or as loans or advances. These WFOEs may also allocate a portion of their after-tax profits, at the discretion of their boards of directors, to their staff welfare and bonus funds. Any amounts so allocated may not be distributed to Changyou and/or to Sohu.com Limited and, accordingly, would not be available for distribution to Sohu.
Also, under regulations of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, (SAFE), the RMB is not convertible into foreign currencies for capital account items, such as loans, repatriation of investments and investments outside of China, unless prior approval of the SAFE is obtained and prior registration with the SAFE is made.
With respect to PRC tax, any dividends paid by WFOEs to their immediate Hong Kong holding companies are subject to a withholding tax at the rate of 5%, which would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to Sohu.
With respect to U.S. tax, as Sohu Group has two listed companies, Sohu.com Inc. and Changyou.com Limited, which are regarded as separate legal entities for U.S. tax purposes, certain transactions between these two companies as well as between their subsidiaries and VIEs might expose Sohu.com Inc. to 34% or 35% U.S. Corporate Income Tax. In addition, certain transactions of Changyou and its subsidiaries and VIEs (for example, investing in U.S. properties) might also expose Sohu.com Inc. to the risk that these transactions will be treated as taxable for U.S. tax purposes. Moreover, if Changyou pays dividends, Sohu.com Inc., as one of the shareholders of Changyou, might be subject to U.S. tax at 34% or 35% for the dividends received or, under certain circumstances, when Sohu sells Changyou American depositary shares (ADSs) originally held by Sohu at a price higher than its U.S. tax basis, a portion of the proceeds will be subject to U.S. tax at 34% or 35%. Furthermore, any dividends or any deemed dividends received by Sohu.com Inc. would be subject to U.S. Tax at 34% or 35%.
We do not expect any of such restrictions or taxes to have a material impact on our ability to meet our cash obligations.
45
Dividend Policy
The two listed companies within the Sohu Group, Sohu.com Inc. and Changyou.com Limited, do not expect to pay dividends on their common stock and ordinary shares, respectively, in the foreseeable future. The Sohu Group currently intends to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of its business, and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on Sohu.com Inc.s common stock or on Changyou.com Limiteds ordinary shares, including on ordinary shares represented by Changyou.com Limiteds ADSs, for the foreseeable future.
Future cash dividends distributed by Sohu.com Inc. and Changyou.com Limited, if any, will be declared at the discretion of their respective boards of directors and will depend upon their future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors as their respective boards of directors may deem relevant.
Holders of ADSs of Changyou.com Limited will be entitled to receive dividends, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, to the same extent as the holders of Changyou.com Limiteds ordinary shares, less the fees and expenses payable under the deposit agreement. Any cash dividends will be paid by the depositary to holders of ADSs in U.S. dollars, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement. Other distributions, if any, will be paid by the depositary to holders of ADSs in any manner that the depositary deems equitable and practicable.
On April 1, 2009, Changyou.com Limited declared a cash dividend of $96.8 million payable solely to Sohu.com (Game) Limited, which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sohu.com Inc. In the fourth quarter of 2009, after receiving approval from the PRC government, Changyou.com Limited paid the dividend to Sohu.com (Game) Limited. Changyou.com Limiteds only other shareholder on April 1, 2009, Prominence Investments Ltd., a British Virgin Islands company beneficially owned by Tao Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Changyou, was not entitled to participate in the dividend.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET COMMITMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS
We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of third parties. 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 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. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or that engages in leasing, hedging or product development services with us.
IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In October 2009, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue recognition for arrangements with multiple deliverables and certain revenue arrangements that include software elements. By providing another alternative for determining the selling price of deliverables, the guidance for arrangements with multiple deliverables will allow companies to allocate consideration in multiple deliverable arrangements in a manner that better reflects the transactions economics and will often result in earlier revenue recognition. The new guidance modifies the fair value requirements of previous guidance by allowing best estimate of selling price in addition to vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) and other vendor objective evidence (VOE, now referred to as TPE, standing for third-party evidence) for determining the selling price of a deliverable. A vendor is now required to use its best estimate of the selling price when VSOE or TPE of the selling price cannot be determined. In addition, the residual method of allocating arrangement consideration is no longer permitted under the new guidance. The new guidance for certain revenue arrangements that include software elements removes non-software components of tangible products and certain software components of tangible products from the scope of existing software revenue guidance, resulting in the recognition of revenue similar to that for other tangible products. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. However, companies may adopt the guidance as early as interim periods ended September 30, 2009. The guidance may be applied either prospectively from the beginning of the fiscal year for new or materially modified arrangements or retrospectively. We have not early adopted the new guidance and are currently evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements of adopting this guidance.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE RISK
While our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, to date the majority of our revenues and costs are denominated in RMB and a significant portion of our assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. As a result, we are exposed to foreign exchange risk as our revenues and results of operations may be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the RMB. If the RMB depreciates against the U.S. dollar, the value of our RMB revenues and assets as expressed in our U.S. dollar financial statements will decline. We do not hold any derivative or other financial instruments that expose us to substantial market risk.
46
The RMB is currently freely convertible under the current account, which includes dividends, trade and service-related foreign exchange transactions, but not under the capital account, which includes foreign direct investment. In addition, commencing on July 21, 2005, China reformed its exchange rate regime by changing to a managed floating exchange rate regime based on market supply and demand with reference to a basket of currencies. Under the managed floating exchange rate regime, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. The exchange rate of the RMB against the U.S. dollar was adjusted to RMB 8.11 per U.S. dollar as of July 21, 2005, representing an appreciation of about 2%. The Peoples Bank of China will announce the closing prices of foreign currencies such as the U.S. dollar traded against the RMB in the inter-bank foreign exchange market after the closing of the market on each business day, and will make such prices the central parity for trading against the RMB on the following business day. On May 19, 2007, the Peoples Bank of China announced a policy to expand the maximum daily floating range of RMB trading prices against the U.S. dollar in the inter-bank spot foreign exchange market from 0.3% to 0.5%. While the international reactions to the RMB revaluation and widening of the RMBs daily trading band have generally been positive, with the increased floating range of the RMBs value against foreign currencies, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies in the long term, depending on the fluctuation of the basket of currencies against which it is currently valued.
On June 19, 2010, the Peoples Bank of China announced that it has decided to proceed further with the reform of the RMB exchange rate regime to enhance the flexibility of the RMB exchange rate and that emphasis would be placed on reflecting market supply and demand with reference to a basket of currencies. While so indicating its intention to make the RMBs exchange rate more flexible, the Peoples Bank of China ruled out any sharp fluctuations in the currency or a one-off adjustment. Shortly after this announcement, the center point of the currencys official trading band broke through the 6.8 barrier to hit 6.7969 to the U.S. dollar, which is the highest center point of the past five years. As a result of this announcement, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate more significantly in value against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies in the long term, depending on the market supply and demand with reference to a basket of currencies.
To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure. Accordingly, we may incur economic losses in the future due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, which could have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
The following table sets forth a summary of our foreign currency sensitive financial instruments as of June 30, 2010, which consisted of cash and cash equivalents, account receivables, prepaid and other current assets, and current liabilities. The maturity of those financial instruments was less than one year and their book value approximated fair value.
Denominated in (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
US$ | RMB | HK$ | Total | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 251,984 | $ | 345,624 | $ | 1,497 | $ | 599,105 | ||||
Account Receivables |
1,364 | 60,650 | 0 | 62,014 | ||||||||
Prepaid and other current assets |
2,969 | 16,288 | 6 | 19,263 | ||||||||
Current liabilities |
9,491 | 161,722 | 327 | 171,540 |
As discussed above in Note 6 - Commitments and Contingencies Contractual Obligation, the $60 million that remains due for our office building purchase will be settled in RMB.
INTEREST RATE RISK
The basic objectives of our investment program are to protect the invested funds from excessive risk and to provide for liquidity that is sufficient to meet operating and investment cash requirements. Under the investment policy, our excess cash is invested in high-quality securities which are limited as to length of time to maturity and the amount of credit exposure.
Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated from excess cash invested in demand deposits. We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio in order to reduce this risk. We have not been exposed nor do we anticipate being exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates.
INFLATION RATE RISK
According to National Bureau of Statistics, Chinas consumer price index, a main gauge of inflation, grew 2.6% in the first half of 2010. Although this rate of inflation was relatively mild, and within a manageable range, there may be significant inflation in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
47
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the Evaluation Date), have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that all material information related to Sohu required to be included in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
During the period covered by this quarterly report, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
There have been no material developments in the legal proceedings reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the SEC on February 26, 2010 and Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010 respectively.
Further Strengthened Supervision of the Online Game Industry May Adversely Affect Our Online Game Operations
On June 3, 2010, the Ministry of Culture (the MOC) issued Interim Measures for Online Games Administration (the MOC Measures), which will become effective on August 1, 2010, aiming to further strengthen the supervision over the online game industry. Specifically, the MOC Measures reiterate that the MOC has the power to review the content of all online games except online game publications that have been pre-approved by the Generally Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP). However, the regulation does not clearly specify what constitutes online game publication. Further, the MOC Measures provide that all domestic online games must be filed with the MOC, while all imported online games are subject to a content review prior to their launch. If a substantial change (for example, any prominent modification to a games storyline, language, tasks, or trading system) is made to the content of an imported online game, it will be subject to a new content review. Changes to a domestic game must simply be filed with the MOC within 30 days.
Our online game business may be adversely affected by the MOC measures. The MOC Measures do not set forth any specific procedure for the required filing and content review procedures for online games and therefore may cause delay when we try to file or apply for content review with the MOC. In addition, for our imported licensed games, the requirement for prior approval of any substantial change may cause delay in releasing expansion packs, which may result in higher costs of our online game operation and have an adverse effect on our game revenue. In addition, the MOC Measures still do not resolve the inconsistencies and confusing elements caused by previous regulations issued by GAPP and MOC. Because there is ambiguity in the scope of roles and responsibilities for the online game regulators such as the MOC and the GAPP, we may still face stricter scrutiny of the day-to-day operations of our online game business. If any of our online game operating entities cannot comply with any of the stipulations regarding the online game industry, we may be subject to various penalties and our online game business may be negatively affected.
Our Business May Be Adversely Affected if We Cannot Obtain A Payment Service License
On 14 June, 2010, the Peoples Bank of China (the PBOC) issued the Administrative Measure on the Payment Services of Non-Financial Institutions (the Payment Measures), which will go into effect on September 1, 2010. Under the Payment Measures, Payment Services are defined as the provision of capital transfer services by non-financial institutions acting as intermediaries, including services rendered in connection with network-based payments, issuance and settlement services for pre-paid cards and acquiring services for bank cards. The Payment Measures require all non-financial institutions engaging in Payment Services to obtain a Payment Service License from the PBOC. Furthermore, the Payment Measures provide a one-year grace period starting September 1, 2010. Failure to obtain a Payment License will lead to the termination of the right to provide of payment services. We have therefore prepared to apply for a Payment Service License. However, since the definition of network-based payments in the Payment Measures is vague, we cannot assure you that both Sohu and Changyou, our online game subsidiary, will be able to obtain the required license. If we cannot obtain the licenses, our business will be adversely affected.
48
Others
There are no other material changes or updates to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 filed with the SEC on February 26, 2010.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Use of Proceeds
On July 17, 2000, Sohu completed an underwritten initial public offering of its common stock pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC file No. 333-96137), which became effective on July 10, 2000. Public trading of the common stock offered in the initial public offering commenced on July 12, 2000. Sohu sold an aggregate of 4,600,000 shares of common stock in the offering at a price to the public of $13 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of $59.8 million. Sohus net proceeds, after deduction of the underwriting discount of $4.2 million and other offering expenses of $3.2 million, were approximately $52.4 million. All shares sold in the offering were sold by Sohu.
During the three months ended June 30, 2010, Sohu did not use any proceeds from the offering. The remaining net proceeds from the offering have been invested in cash and cash equivalents. The use of the proceeds from the offering does not represent a material change in the use of proceeds described in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 described above.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. (REMOVED AND RESERVED)
None.
None.
Please see the Exhibit Index attached hereto.
49
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: August 5, 2010
SOHU.COM INC. | ||
By: |
/S/ CAROL YU Carol Yu | |
Co-President and Chief Financial Officer |
50
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for Quarter Ended June 30, 2010
EXHIBITS INDEX
10.1 | Employment Agreement effective as of March 8, 2010, entered into on April 9, 2010, between Sohu.com Inc. and Carol Yu | |
10.2 | Employment Agreement entered into and effective as of June 1, 2010 between Sohu.com Inc. and Belinda Wang | |
31.1 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Charles Zhang | |
31.2 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Carol Yu | |
32.1 | Section 1350 Certification of Charles Zhang | |
32.2 | Section 1350 Certification of Carol Yu |
51