| Shanghai, China – November 16, 2007.
The9 Limited (NASDAQ: NCTY) (“The9”), a leading online
game operator in China, announced today its unaudited
financial results for the third quarter ended September
30, 2007.
Third Quarter 2007 Financial Highlights:
-Net revenues for the third quarter of 2007 increased
by 17% quarter-over-quarter and by 35% year-over-year
to RMB316.0 million (US$42.2 million).
-Net revenues attributable to the operations of subscription-based
games, which included revenues from game playing time,
merchandise and installation package sales, increased
by 13% quarter-over-quarter and by 21% year-over-year
to RMB278.9 million (US$37.2 million) in the third quarter
of 2007; net revenues attributable to the operations
of item-sales based games, which included revenues from
in-game item sales and installation package sales, increased
by 97% quarter-over-quarter to RMB32.0 million (US$4.3
million) in the third quarter of 2007.
-Net income for the third quarter of 2007 was RMB38.2
million (US$5.1 million), a 25% decrease from RMB50.6
million (US$6.8 million) in the second quarter of 2007,
and a 41% decrease from RMB64.3 million (US$8.6 million)
in the third quarter of 2006.
-Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was RMB118.1 million (US$15.8
million) in the third quarter of 2007, remained stable
compared to RMB117.8 million (US$15.7 million) in the
second quarter of 2007, and a year-over-year increase
of 7% from RMB109.9 million (US$14.7 million) in the
third quarter of 2006.
-Fully diluted earnings per share (one American Depositary
Share “ADS” represents one ordinary share) was RMB1.29
(US$0.17) for the third quarter of 2007, compared with
RMB1.90 (US$0.25) for the second quarter of 2007, and
RMB2.61 (US$0.35) for the third quarter of 2006. Fully
diluted adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) per share was RMB3.99
(US$0.53) for the third quarter of 2007, compared with
RMB4.42 (US$0.59) for the second quarter of 2007 and
RMB4.46 (US$0.60) for the third quarter of 2006.
Management Comments:
Commenting on the third quarter 2007 results, Jun Zhu,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The9 said, “We
are very pleased to report record total net revenues
and strong bottom-line earnings for the third quarter
of 2007. The solid financial results in the third quarter
were supported by the strong organic growth of Blizzard
Entertainment 's
World of Warcraft
, as well as having a full quarter of revenue contribution
from Soul of The Ultimate NationTM (“SUN”). With the
launch of World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade
expansion pack in mainland China in early September,
we have attained a record level of number of concurrent
players and game-play usage After a strong debut in
the second quarter, SUN continued to bring stable revenues
from a different user base. In the third quarter of
2007, we attained aggregate peak concurrent users of
approximately 985,000 for games that are currently in
commercial operations, and as of September 30, 2007,
we had over 27.6 million total registered users.
In addition, we continued to execute our diversification
strategy in the third quarter by introducing another
new game, Granado Espada (“GE”), to the mainland China
market. After GE's limited open-beta testing in early
September, we recently commenced the game's full-scale
open-beta testing on October 31 and received promising
feedback from users. With more games in commercial operation
or in beta-testing phase under The9's platform, we have
further focused our management capabilities for multi-game
operations, and together with our strong and diversified
game pipeline that consists of various premium titles
covering a wide spectrum of game genres, we believe
The9 is well prepared to deliver sustained growth for
the next few quarters to come”.
Hannah Lee, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, commented, “The third quarter 2007 results
were encouraging. Necessary server upgrades and infrastructure
enhancements for Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft
in the first half of the year have proven to be worthwhile
investments, as we saw revenue growth driven by strong
user demand since the launch of Blizzard's World of
Warcraft: The Burning Crusade expansion pack in September.
We believe World of Warcraft will maintain its growth
momentum with continuous content upgrades to be introduced
on a similar basis as we have done in the past two years.
With increased player demand, we have been opening up
new realms in our most recently launched World of Warcraft
site, and are carefully planning for a potential new
server site to service World of Warcraft. Regarding
SUN, we are working closely with Webzen to push out
frequent content upgrades to improve the game's performance.
Gradual product diversification has always been The9's
key initiative and the solid revenues and earnings from
our commercialized games have provided the The9 with
strong financial support for the launches of new games
from our rich and diversified game portfolio.” Hannah
further added that “On a separate note, in the third
quarter, we have signed a license agreement for our
first proprietary game, Joyful Journey West (“JJW”),
granting a game operator in Malaysia the right to operate
the game in the Malaysian market for a specified period.
This is an important milestone for The9 as we begin
to market our self-developed products to game operators
in the overseas markets. We will continue to further
explore licensing opportunities for JJW and other proprietary
games currently under development and slated to be launched
in the coming year.”
Discussion of The9's Third Quarter 2007 Results
(Preliminary Unaudited)
Revenues
For the third quarter of 2007, The9 reported total
gross revenues of RMB333.3 million (US$44.5 million),
which increased by 17% compared to RMB284.6 million
(US$38.0 million) in the second quarter of 2007 and
by 36% compared to RMB245.8 million (US$32.8 million)
in the third quarter of 2006. Total net revenues were
RMB316.0 million (US$42.2 million), which increased
by 17% compared to RMB270.0 million (US$36.0 million)
in the second quarter of 2007 and by 35% compared to
RMB233.4 million (US$31.1 million) in the third quarter
of 2006. The increase in total revenues was a combined
result of increased online game services revenues and
other revenues, offset slightly by decreased revenues
from game operating support, website solutions and advertisement.
For the third quarter of 2007, online game services
gross revenues were RMB321.7 million (US$42.9 million),
representing a 16% increase from RMB276.5 million (US$36.9
million) in the second quarter of 2007 and a 33% increase
from RMB241.2 million (US$32.2 million) in the third
quarter of 2006. The increase was primarily because
of higher revenue from Blizzard Entertainment’s World
of Warcraft, especially after the launch of Blizzard's
World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade expansion pack
in early September, and the full-quarter revenue contribution
from Soul of The Ultimate Nation .
For the third quarter of 2007, gross revenues from
game operating support, website solutions and advertisement,
were RMB2.2 million (US$0.3 million), representing a
decrease of 71% from the previous quarter and a decrease
of 19% from the same period of last year. The decrease
was mainly due to decreased technical support services
provided in the quarter.
Other gross revenues mainly included sales of game
related merchandise, installation packages, and game
operation support software. Other gross revenues were
RMB9.5 million (US$1.3 million) in the third quarters
of 2007, compared to RMB0.8 million (US$0.1 million)
in the second quarter and RMB1.9 million (US$0.3 million)
in the third quarter of 2006. The increase in other
gross revenues was primarily because of the increase
in sales of World of Warcraft related merchandise and
sales of certain proprietary game operation support
software in the third quarter of 2007.
In the third quarter of 2007, net revenues attributable
to the operations of subscription-based game, which
included revenues from game playing time, merchandise
and installation package sales, increased by 13% quarter-over-quarter
and by 21% year-over-year to RMB278.9 million (US$37.2
million). The increase in such revenues was mainly due
to higher concurrent user levels as well as user usage
levels after the launch of Blizzard's World of Warcraft:
The Burning Crusade expansion pack in early September.
Net revenues attributable to the operations of item-sales
based games, which included revenues from in-game item
sales and installation package sales, increased by 97%
quarter-over-quarter to RMB32.0 million (US$4.3 million)
in the third quarter of 2007 mainly due to the commercialization
of SUN in May 2007 which contributed full-quarter revenue
in the third quarter compared to less than half a quarter
revenue contribution in the second quarter.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the third quarter of 2007 increased
by 15% quarter-over-quarter and 23% year-over-year to
RMB132.2 million (US$17.6 million). The sequentially
increase of gross profit was in line with the increase
in net revenues. Gross profit margin for the third quarter
2007 remained stable at 42% compared to the previous
quarter. In the third quarter of 2007, considering the
nature of the assets, server specifications of games
to be launched, and industry practice, the depreciation
lives of servers were changed to a consistent period
of four years. This is accounted for as a change in
accounting estimate and prospectively from July 1, 2007,
quarterly depreciation charge relating to servers is
estimated to decrease by approximately RMB12.6 million
(US$1.7 million).
Operating Expenses
For the third quarter of 2007, operating expenses were
RMB88.5 million (US$11.8 million), representing a 19%
increase from RMB74.5 million (US$9.9 million) in the
previous quarter and a 99% increase from RMB44.6 million
(US$5.9 million) in the same period of last year. The
sequential increase in operating expenses was primarily
due to increased sales and marketing expenses relating
to the launch of Blizzard's World of Warcraft: The Burning
Crusade expansion pack, increased general and administrative
expenses mainly due to full-quarter effect of share-based
compensation expenses for options granted in May 2007,
offset in part by decreased product development expenses
relating to SUN post-commercialization whereby direct
costs relating to pre-commercialization of a game are
classified under product development.
Share based compensation was RMB17.2 million (US$2.3
million) in the third quarter of 2007, compared to RMB9.2
million (US$1.2 million) in the second quarter of 2007
and RMB4.5 million (US$0.6 million) in the third quarter
of 2006. The increase of share based compensation from
the second quarter of 2007 was mainly due to options
granted in May 2007.
Income from Operations
For the third quarter of 2007, profit from operations
was RMB43.7 million (US$5.8 million), which increased
by 9% quarter-over-quarter compared to RMB40.1 million
(US$5.4 million) but decreased 31% year-over-year compared
to RMB63.3 million (US$8.4 million) for 2006. Operating
margin for the third quarter of 2007 was 14%, remained
at a stable level compared to 15% in the previous quarter,
but decreased year-over-year from 27% in the third quarter
of 2006. Operating profit margin, excluding share-based
compensation expenses of RMB17.2 million (US$2.3 million),
was 19% for the third quarter of 2007, compared to 18%
in the second quarter of 2007, excluding share-based
compensation expenses of RMB9.2 million (US$1.2 million),
and 29% in the third quarter of 2006, excluding share-based
compensation expenses of RMB4.5 million (US$0.6 million).
Other Income (Expenses)
Other expenses for the third quarter of 2007 was RMB16.1
million (US$2.2 million), compared to other income of
RMB4.1 million (US$0.6 million) in the second quarter
of 2007 and other expenses of RMB1.0 million (US$0.1
million) in the third quarter of 2006. The sequential
difference of other income (expenses) was primarily
due to the combined result of increased foreign exchange
loss with the U.S. Dollar deposit increase after EA's
cash investment, as well as the lack of any financial
subsidy as compared to the previous quarter. Foreign
exchange loss for the third quarter of 2007 was RMB16.1
million (US$2.1 million) compared to RMB7.6 million
(US$1.0 million) in the previous quarter, and in the
second quarter of 2007, RMB11.8 million (US$1.6 million)
of financial subsidy relating to the second half of
2006 was received.
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2007 was
RMB6.8 million (US$0.9 million), compared to income
tax expenses of RMB1.1 million (US$0.1 million) in the
second quarter of 2007 and income tax benefit of RMB0.8
million (US$0.1 million) in the third quarter of 2006.
The sequential increase of income tax expense was primarily
due to the updated estimation of annual effective tax
rate.
Loss on Equity Investments
For the third quarter of 2007, loss on equity investments,
net of taxes, amounted to RMB0.7 million (US$0.1 million),
compared to a loss of RMB2.1 million (US$0.3 million)
for the second quarter of 2007, and a loss of RMB1.2
million (US$0.2 million) for the third quarter of 2006.
The sequential decrease in loss on equity investments
was primarily due to the decrease of loss from certain
joint venture and increase of profit from certain joint
ventures as they generated net income in the third quarter
of 2007.
Net Income
For the third quarter of 2007, net income was RMB38.2
million (US$5.1 million), which decreased by 25% from
RMB50.6 million (US$6.8 million) in the second quarter
of 2007 and by 41% compared to RMB64.3 million (US$8.6
million) in the third quarter of 2006. The decrease
in net income was a result of the cumulative effect
of the foregoing factors.
Fully diluted earnings per share and per ADS for the
third quarter of 2007 was RMB1.29 (US$0.17), compared
to RMB1.90 (US$0.25) in the second quarter of 2007 and
RMB2.61 (US$0.35) in the third quarter of 2006. It should
be noted that with the issuance of approximately 4.5
million common shares to Electronic Arts Inc. in May
2007, diluted weighted average shares outstanding increased
from 26,667,691 for the second quarter to 29,635,516
for the third quarter of 2007. This increase in diluted
weighted average shares outstanding impacted full diluted
earnings per share and per ADS.
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) is defined as earnings before
depreciation of fixed assets, amortization of land use
right and intangibles, share based compensation and
income tax expenses/benefits, as applicable. For the
third quarter of 2007, adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was
RMB118.1 million (US$15.8 million) compared to adjusted
EBITDA (non-GAAP) of RMB117.8 million (US$15.7 million)
for the previous quarter and RMB109.9 million (US$14.7
million) for the same period of last year.
For the third quarter of 2007, fully diluted adjusted
EBITDA (non-GAAP) per share was RMB3.99 (US$0.53), compared
to RMB4.42 (US$0.59) for the second quarter of 2007
and RMB4.46 (US$0.60) in the third quarter of 2006.
As at September 30, 2007, the Company's total cash
and cash equivalents balance was RMB2.08 billion (US$277.1
million). A stable level of cash and cash equivalents
was maintained compared to RMB2.09 billion (US$278.5
million) as at June 30, 2007. This was mainly due to
the combined result of cash receipts from sales of prepaid
game points, offset by prepaid royalty payments to the
licensor relating to World of Warcraft
and SUN, capital expenditures relating to Granado Espada,
as well as license fee payments for several licensed
games.
The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into U.S. dollars
(US$) in this press release is based on the noon buying
rate in The City of New York for cable transfers in
Renminbi per U.S. dollar as certified for customs purposes
by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of September
28, 2007 (the last business day of third quarter of
2007), which was RMB7.4928 to US$1.00. The percentages
stated in this press release are calculated based on
the RMB amounts.
Non-GAAP Measure
To supplement the consolidated financial statements
presented in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), The9 uses the
non-GAAP measure of adjusted EBITDA, which is adjusted
from the most directly comparable financial measures
calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP to
exclude certain expenses. The non-GAAP financial measure
is provided to enhance investors' overall understanding
of the Company’s operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) is defined as earnings before
depreciation of fixed assets, amortization of land use
right and intangibles, share based compensation and
income tax expenses/benefits, as applicable. The Company
believes its adjusted EBITDA provides useful information
to both management and investors as it excludes certain
expenses that are not expected to result in future cash
payments. The use of adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations.
Depreciation and amortization expense for various assets
and income tax expenses/benefits have been and will
be incurred and are not reflected in the presentation
of adjusted EBITDA. Each of these items should also
be considered in the overall evaluation of our results.
adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a measure
of our liquidity. We compensate for these limitations
by providing the relevant disclosure of our depreciation
and amortization, share based compensation and income
tax expenses/benefits in our reconciliations to the
GAAP financial measure, which should be considered when
evaluating our performance. Adjusted EBITDA is not defined
under GAAP, and our adjusted EBITDA is not a measure
of net income, operating income, operating performance
or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. When
assessing our operating performance, you should not
consider this data in isolation or as a substitute for
our net income, operating income or any other operating
performance measure that is calculated in accordance
with GAAP. In addition, our adjusted EBITDA may not
be comparable to similarly titled measures utilized
by other companies since such other companies may not
calculate adjusted EBITDA in the same manner as we do.
For more information on this non-GAAP financial measure,
please see the tables captioned “Reconciliation of non-GAAP
to GAAP results” set forth at the end of this release.
Conference Call / Webcast Information
The9's management team will host a conference call
on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 8:00 PM, U.S. Eastern
Time, corresponding to Friday, November 16, 2007 at
9:00 AM, Beijing Time, to present an overview of The9’s
financial performance and business operations.
Investors, analysts and other interested parties will
be able to access the live conference by calling +1-617-786-4511,
password “39088982”. In the U.S., members of the financial
community may also participate in the call by dialing
toll-free +1-800-901-5218, password “39088982”. A replay
of the call will be available through November 23, 2007.
The dial-in details for the replay: U.S. toll free number
+1-888-286-8010, International dial-in number +1-617-801-6888;
Password “69250503”.
The9 Limited will also provide a live webcast of the
earnings call. Participants in the webcast should log
onto the Company's web site www.corp.the9.com 15 minutes
prior to the call, then click on the icon for “The9
Limited Q3 2007 Earnings Conference Call” and follow
the instructions.
About The9 Limited
The9 Limited is a leading online game operator in China.
The9's business is primarily focused on operating and
developing high-quality games for the Chinese online
game market. The9 directly or through affiliates operates
licensed MMORPGs, consisting of MU ,
Blizzard Entertainment 's
World of Warcraft ,
Soul of The Ultimate Nation ,
and its first proprietary MMORPG, Joyful Journey West ,
in mainland China. It has also obtained exclusive licenses
to operate additional MMORPGs and advanced casual games
in mainland China, including Granado Espada, Guild Wars,
Hellgate: London, Ragnarok Online 2, Emil Chronicle
Online, Huxley ,
FIFA Online 2, Audition 2, Field of Honor and Audition.
In addition, The9 is also developing two proprietary
MMORPG games, Fantastic Melody Online
and Warriors of Fate Online.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements.
These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions
of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified
by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,”
“future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates”
and similar statements. Among other things, the business
outlook and quotations from management in this press
release contain forward-looking statements. The9 may
also make written or oral forward-looking statements
in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission on Forms 20-F and 6-K, etc., in its annual
report to shareholders, in press releases and other
written materials and in oral statements made by its
officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements
that are not historical facts, including statements
about The9's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent
risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors
could cause actual results to differ materially from
those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential
risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited
to, The9's limited operating history as an online game
operator, political and economic policies of the Chinese
government, the laws and regulations governing the online
game industry, information disseminated over the Internet
and Internet content providers in China, intensified
government regulation of Internet cafes, The9's ability
to retain existing players and attract new players,
license, develop or acquire additional online games
that are appealing to users, anticipate and adapt to
changing consumer preferences and respond to competitive
market conditions, and other risks and uncertainties
outlined in The9's filings with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports
on Form 20-F. The9 does not undertake any obligation
to update any forward-looking statement, except as required
under applicable law.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Dahlia Wei
Senior Manager, Investor Relations
The9 Limited
Tel: +86 (21) 5172-9990
Email: IR@corp.the9.com
Website:
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