e20vf
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
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Registration statement pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
or
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þ |
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Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010
or
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Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the transition period from to
or
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Shell company report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
Date of event requiring this shell company report
Commission file number 001-33821
VisionChina Media Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
1/F Block No.7 Champs Elysees
Nongyuan Road, Futian District
Shenzhen 518040
Peoples Republic of China
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Limin Li, telephone: (86 755) 8293-2222; fax: (86 755) 8298-1111
At the address of the Company set forth above
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of Each Class |
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Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
Common Shares, par value US$0.0001 per share
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Nasdaq Global Market* |
American Depositary Shares, each representing one Common Share
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Nasdaq Global Market |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the Issuers classes of capital or common
stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
84,047,287 Common Shares
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act. Yes
o No þ
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not
required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes
o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer þ
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Non-accelerated filer o |
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registration has used to prepare the financial
statements included in this filing:
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U.S. GAAP þ
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International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board o
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o Other |
If Other has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which
consolidated financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 o Item 18 o
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934). Yes
o No þ
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to
be filed by Sections 12,13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the
distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes o No o
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* |
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Not for trading, but only in connection with the listing on the Nasdaq Global Market of the
American Depositary Shares |
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 20-F
Table of Contents
2
CONVENTIONS THAT APPLY TO THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 20-F
Unless otherwise indicated, references in this annual report to:
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ADSs refers to our American depositary shares, each of which represents one
common share, and ADRs refers to the American depositary receipts that may evidence
our ADSs; |
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China or the PRC refers to the Peoples Republic of China, excluding, for the purpose of
this annual report only, Taiwan, Hong
Kong and Macau; |
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local operating partners refers to the local television stations with which we
established our direct investment entities or from which we buy advertising time, or the
local mobile digital television operating companies with which we entered into exclusive
agency agreements or from which we buy advertising time; |
In 2010, the local television stations with which we established our direct investment
entities included: Chengdu Television Station, Shenzhen Media Group, Jilin Television
Station, Haerbin Television Station, Dalian Television Station, Henan Cable Television
Network Group Co., Ltd., Hubei Broadcast and Television General Station, Wuxi Broadcast and
Television Group, Suzhou Broadcast and Television General Station, Changzhou Television
Station, and Ningbo Broadcast and Television Group.
In 2010, the local mobile digital television operating companies with which we entered
into exclusive agency agreements included: Beijing Beiguang Media Mobile Television Co., Ltd,
Beijing Beiguang Metro Media Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Pearl
River Mobile Multimedia Television Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Metro Television Co., Ltd., Nanjing
Guangdian Mobile Television Development Co., Ltd., Chengdu China Digital Mobile Television Co.,
Ltd., Wuxi Guangtong Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Ningbo China Mobile Television
Development Co., Ltd., Shanxi Dazhong Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Jilin Mobile Television Co.,
Ltd., Dalian Mobile Digital Television Co., Ltd., Hubei China Mobile Television Co., Ltd.,
Liaoning Beidou Xingkong Digital Television Media Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Guangdian Buses Mobile
Multimedia Co., Ltd., Tianjin North Mobile Multimedia Television Co., Ltd., Xiamen Radio and
Television Digital Media Co., Ltd., Suzhou China Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Changzhou China
Mobile Television Company Limited, Shanghai Metro Television Company Limited, and Changsha
Guangdian Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd.
From
2011, we terminated the exclusive agency agreement with the local mobile digital
television operating company, Hangzhou Guangdian Buses Mobile Multimedia Co.,
Ltd., and we chose not to renew the exclusive agency agreement with
the local operating mobile digital television company in Tianjin, Tianjin North Mobile Multimedia Television Co., Ltd.
In 2010, the local mobile digital television operating companies from which we buy
advertising time included Henan Cable China Mobile Television Company Limited and Haerbin
China Mobile Television Company Limited.
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RMB or Renminbi refers to the legal currency of China; $, dollars, US$ and U.S.
dollars refer to the legal currency of the
United States; |
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shares or common shares refers to our common shares; preferred shares refers to
our Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares and
Series B convertible preferred shares; and |
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we, us, our company, our and VisionChina refer to VisionChina Media Inc., a
Cayman Islands company, its predecessor entities and subsidiaries, and its consolidated
affiliated entities and their subsidiaries. Although VisionChina does not directly or
indirectly own any equity interest in its consolidated affiliated entities, VisionChina
effectively controls these entities through a series of contractual arrangements. We
treat our consolidated affiliated entities as variable interest entities and have
consolidated their financial results in our financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. |
This annual report includes our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and as of
December 31, 2009 and 2010.
Our ADSs is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol VISN.
Part I
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Item 1. |
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Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers |
Not Applicable.
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Item 2. |
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Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable |
Not Applicable.
A. Selected Financial Data
The following selected condensed consolidated statement of operations data for the years
ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and the condensed consolidated balance sheet data as of
December 31, 2009 and 2010 have been derived from our consolidated financial statements, which
are included elsewhere in this annual report. The following selected condensed consolidated
statement of operations data the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 and the condensed
consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 have been derived from
our consolidated financial statements, which are not included elsewhere in this annual report.
You should read the selected condensed consolidated financial data in conjunction with the
financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this annual report and Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. Our consolidated financial statements are
prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our historical results do not necessarily
indicate our results expected for any future periods.
3
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For the year ended |
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December 31, |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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2010 |
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(US$, except number of shares) |
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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations Data: |
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Revenues |
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Advertising service revenue |
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2,033,284 |
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27,489,391 |
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103,515,250 |
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120,686,086 |
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138,056,640 |
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Advertising equipment revenue |
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1,839,598 |
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1,896,200 |
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565,392 |
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Total revenues |
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3,872,882 |
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29,385,591 |
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104,080,642 |
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120,686,086 |
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138,056,640 |
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Cost of revenues |
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Advertising service cost |
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(3,967,081 |
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(12,801,957 |
) |
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(40,602,022 |
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(61,104,381 |
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(121,000,454 |
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Advertising equipment cost |
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(1,639,895 |
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(1,583,325 |
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(475,432 |
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Total cost of revenues |
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(5,606,976 |
) |
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(14,385,282 |
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(41,077,454 |
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(61,104,381 |
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(121,000,454 |
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Gross (loss) profit |
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(1,734,094 |
) |
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15,000,309 |
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63,003,188 |
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59,581,705 |
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17,056,186 |
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Operating expenses (1) |
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(2,067,291 |
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(5,098,576 |
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(20,126,107 |
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(32,046,119 |
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(183,535,813 |
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Government grant |
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125,953 |
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538,085 |
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Loss from equity method investees |
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(469,841 |
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(1,262,273 |
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(484,969 |
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(998,606 |
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(109,989 |
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Operating (loss) profit |
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(4,145,273 |
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8,639,460 |
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42,392,112 |
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27,075,065 |
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(166,589,616 |
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Interest income |
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98,873 |
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505,888 |
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3,480,212 |
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1,860,017 |
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2,082,605 |
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Interest expense |
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(109,590 |
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(4,952,239 |
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Government grant |
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672,515 |
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Other expenses |
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(22,608 |
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(95,719 |
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(38,491 |
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(1,278 |
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Net (loss) income before income taxes |
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(4,069,008 |
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9,049,629 |
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46,506,348 |
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28,824,214 |
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(169,459,250 |
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Income tax benefit (expense) |
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332,386 |
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212,325 |
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(2,348,254 |
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18,202,289 |
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Net (loss) income |
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(4,069,008 |
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9,382,015 |
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46,718,673 |
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26,475,960 |
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(151,256,961 |
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Net loss (income) attributable to
noncontrolling interest (2) |
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11,343 |
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91,277 |
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127,043 |
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(81,261 |
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Net (loss) income attributable to VisionChina Media
Inc. shareholders |
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(4,069,008 |
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9,393,358 |
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46,809,950 |
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26,603,003 |
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(151,338,222 |
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Deemed dividend on convertible redeemable
preferred shares |
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1,583,333 |
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6,625,262 |
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Net (loss) income attributable to holders of common
shares |
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(5,652,341 |
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2,768,096 |
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46,809,950 |
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26,603,003 |
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(151,338,222 |
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Net (loss) income per common share: |
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Basic |
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(0.26 |
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0.11 |
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0.67 |
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0.37 |
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(1.83 |
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Diluted |
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(0.26 |
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0.11 |
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0.65 |
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0.37 |
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(1.83 |
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Weighted average number of shares used in computation
of net (loss) income per share: |
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Basic |
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22,000,000 |
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24,709,522 |
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70,064,663 |
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71,686,900 |
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82,739,234 |
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Diluted |
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22,000,000 |
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25,771,702 |
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72,404,916 |
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72,676,438 |
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82,739,234 |
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Share-based compensation expenses during the
related periods included in: |
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Cost of revenues |
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37,576 |
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34,431 |
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39,847 |
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63,477 |
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100,711 |
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Selling and marketing expenses |
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5,374 |
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135,722 |
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1,163,623 |
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3,698,329 |
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432,632 |
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General and administrative expenses |
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35,802 |
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51,209 |
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263,587 |
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570,305 |
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414,162 |
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Note: |
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(1) |
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Included in operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 was a non-cash
impairment loss of US$145.7 million made against the intangible assets and goodwill relating
to our acquisitions of three out of the six advertising agency businesses in 2008 and our
acquisition of Digital Media Group in 2010. More details of such impairment loss can be
found on page 65 Item 5. Operating and
financial review and prospects A Operating
results Results of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2009. |
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(2) |
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Noncontrolling interest for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 has been
reclassified in accordance with Financial Accounting
Standard Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 810 Consolidation. |
4
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As of December 31, |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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2010 |
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(US$, except number of shares) |
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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5,215,693 |
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131,139,659 |
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163,248,286 |
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68,834,087 |
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67,211,336 |
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Total assets |
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17,043,776 |
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175,300,276 |
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293,639,567 |
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388,915,736 |
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442,959,951 |
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Total current liabilities |
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1,241,783 |
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10,618,779 |
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42,304,706 |
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102,935,518 |
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185,514,939 |
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Series A convertible redeemable preferred shares |
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15,220,327 |
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Common shares |
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2,200 |
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6,839 |
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7,182 |
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7,214 |
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8,490 |
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Total VisionChina Media Inc. shareholders equity |
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581,666 |
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164,028,819 |
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245,073,014 |
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272,981,356 |
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214,785,004 |
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Number of common shares issued and outstanding |
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22,000,000 |
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68,386,838 |
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71,819,442 |
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72,140,684 |
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84,894,888 |
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Note: |
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Noncontrolling interest as of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 has been reclassified in
accordance with FASB ASC 810. |
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As of December 31, |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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2010 |
Selected Operating Data: |
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Number of digital television displays in our mobile digital
television advertising network: |
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Exclusive agency cities |
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57,250 |
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79,571 |
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121,588 |
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Direct investment cities |
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4,406 |
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2,594 |
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1,784 |
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Total |
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61,656 |
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82,165 |
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123,372 |
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Number of digital displays in our supplemental subway advertising platform |
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4,608 |
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7,134 |
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14,023 |
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For the Year Ended December 31, |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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2010 |
Total hours
of broadcasting(1) |
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119,170 |
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138,164 |
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195,366 |
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Average revenue per hour(1)(2) (US$) |
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843 |
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825 |
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677 |
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Average advertising minutes sold per hour |
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7.72 |
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6.47 |
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6.75 |
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(1) |
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Includes all of the cities in our network and supplemental subway advertising platform. |
|
(2) |
|
We calculate average revenues per hour by dividing our advertising service revenue
derived from our network and supplemental subway advertising platform by the total hours
of broadcasting in the cities of our network and supplemental subway advertising
platform. |
Exchange Rate Information
A number of RMB-denominated figures used in this annual report are accompanied with U.S.
dollar translations. These translations are based on the noon buying rate in The City of New
York for cable transfers of RMB as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York on December 31, 2010, which was RMB6.6000 to US$1.00. We make no representation
that any RMB or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars
or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all. The PRC
government imposes control over its foreign currency reserves in part through direct
regulation of the conversion of RMB into foreign currencies and through restrictions on
foreign trade.
The following table sets forth information concerning exchange rates between the RMB and
the U.S. dollar for the periods indicated. These rates are provided solely for your
convenience and are not necessarily the exchange rates that we used in this annual report or
will use in the preparation of our periodic reports or any other information to be provided to
you. The exchange rate of Renminbi per US dollar as set forth in the H.10 statistical release
of the Federal Reserve Board was RMB6.4737 to US$1.00 as of June 24, 2011.
5
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|
Exchange Rate (Renminbi per US Dollar)(1) |
Period |
|
Period End |
|
Average(2) |
|
Low |
|
High |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(RMB per US$1.00) |
|
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
7.8041 |
|
|
|
7.9579 |
|
|
|
8.0702 |
|
|
|
7.8041 |
|
2007 |
|
|
7.2946 |
|
|
|
7.6072 |
|
|
|
7.8127 |
|
|
|
7.2946 |
|
2008 |
|
|
6.8225 |
|
|
|
6.9477 |
|
|
|
7.2946 |
|
|
|
6.7800 |
|
2009 |
|
|
6.8259 |
|
|
|
6.8307 |
|
|
|
6.8470 |
|
|
|
6.8176 |
|
2010 |
|
|
6.6000 |
|
|
|
6.7642 |
|
|
|
6.8330 |
|
|
|
6.6000 |
|
September |
|
|
6.6905 |
|
|
|
6.7396 |
|
|
|
6.8102 |
|
|
|
6.6869 |
|
October |
|
|
6.6705 |
|
|
|
6.6675 |
|
|
|
6.6912 |
|
|
|
6.6397 |
|
November |
|
|
6.6670 |
|
|
|
6.6537 |
|
|
|
6.6906 |
|
|
|
6.6233 |
|
December |
|
|
6.6000 |
|
|
|
6.6497 |
|
|
|
6.6745 |
|
|
|
6.6000 |
|
2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January |
|
|
6.6017 |
|
|
|
6.5964 |
|
|
|
6.6364 |
|
|
|
6.5809 |
|
February |
|
|
6.5713 |
|
|
|
6.5761 |
|
|
|
6.5965 |
|
|
|
6.5520 |
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March |
|
|
6.5483 |
|
|
|
6.5645 |
|
|
|
6.5743 |
|
|
|
6.5483 |
|
April |
|
|
6.4900 |
|
|
|
6.5267 |
|
|
|
6.5477 |
|
|
|
6.4900 |
|
May |
|
|
6.4786 |
|
|
|
6.4957 |
|
|
|
6.5073 |
|
|
|
6.4786 |
|
June (through June 24) |
|
|
6.4737 |
|
|
|
6.4757 |
|
|
|
6.4830 |
|
|
|
6.4628 |
|
|
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|
(1) |
|
The source of the exchange rate is: (i) with respect to any period ending on or prior
to December 31, 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and (ii) with respect to any
period ending on or after January 1, 2009, the H.10 statistical release of the Federal
Reserve Board. |
|
(2) |
|
Annual averages are calculated from month-end rates. Monthly averages are calculated
using the average of the daily rates during the relevant period. |
|
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|
B. |
|
Capitalization and Indebtedness |
Not Applicable.
|
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C. |
|
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds |
Not Applicable.
You should consider carefully all of the information in this annual report, including
the risks and uncertainties described below and our consolidated financial statements and
related notes. Any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. In any such case, the market price
of our ADSs could decline.
Risks Related to Our Company and Our Industry
The recent global economic and financial market crisis has had and may continue to have a negative
effect on the market price of our
ADSs, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flow.
The recent global economic and financial market crisis has caused, among other things, a
general tightening in the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity, increases in the rates of
default and bankruptcy, lower consumer and business spending, and lower consumer net worth, in
the United States, China and other parts of the world. This global economic and financial
market crisis has had, and may continue to have, a negative effect on the market price of our
ADSs, the volatility of which has increased as a result of the disruptions in the financial
markets. It may also impair our ability to borrow funds or enter into other financial
arrangements if and when additional funds become necessary for our operations. We believe many
of our advertisers have also been affected by the recent economic turmoil. Current or potential
advertisers may no longer be in business, may be unable to fund advertising purchases or
determine to reduce purchases, all of which would lead to reduced demand for our advertising
services, reduced gross margins, and increased delays of payments of accounts receivable or
defaults of payments. We are also limited in our ability to reduce costs to offset the results
of a prolonged or severe economic downturn given our fixed media costs associated with our
operations. Therefore, if the current economic downturn continues, our business, financial
condition, results of operations and cash flow could be materially and adversely affected. In
addition, the timing and nature of the continued recovery in the credit and financial markets
remains uncertain, and there can be no assurance that market conditions will continue to
improve in the near future or that our results will not continue to be materially and adversely
affected.
6
We have a limited operating history, which may make it difficult for you to evaluate our business
and prospects.
We began operations in April 2005. We entered into our first direct investment
arrangement in Chengdu in May 2005, and we secured our principal exclusive mobile digital
television advertising agency arrangements on buses in Beijing and Shenzhen in October and
December 2006, respectively. We secured our principal exclusive mobile digital television
advertising agency arrangements on subways in Shenzhen and Beijing in May and August 2007,
respectively. Accordingly, we have a very limited operating history upon which you can evaluate
the viability and sustainability of our business and its acceptance by advertisers and
consumers. It is also difficult to evaluate the viability of our mobile digital television
advertising network on mass transportation systems because we do not have sufficient experience
to address the risks frequently encountered by early stage companies using new forms of
advertising media and entering new and rapidly evolving markets. These circumstances may make
it difficult for you to evaluate our business and prospects. In addition, due to our short
operating history and recent additions to our management team, some of our senior management
and employees have only worked together at our company for a relatively short period of time.
As a result, it may be difficult for you to evaluate the effectiveness of our senior management
and other key employees and their ability to address future challenges to our business.
We have incurred net losses in the past and may incur losses in the future.
For the period from April 8, 2005, the date we commenced operations, to December 31, 2005, in
2006 and 2010, we incurred a net loss of
US$0.4 million, US$4.1 million and US$151.3 million, respectively. We pay media costs, the
components of which are detailed in Item 5A Operating Results Cost of Revenues
Advertising Service Cost Media Costs on pages 56 and 57, to our local operating partners
for operating our advertising business on buses and subways. These costs constitute a
significant portion of our cost of revenues and accounted for
approximately 29.7%, 41.4% and 70.8% of our total revenues in the years ended December 31, 2008,
2009 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, in respect of the exclusive agency
agreements for our bus platforms, nine are entered into with our direct investment entities
and seven are entered into with independent local operating partners. In respect of the
exclusive agency agreements for our subway platforms, one agreement was entered into with one
of our direct investment entities and all other agreements were entered into with independent
local operating partners across eight cities in the PRC. Our exclusive agency agreements
typically have terms ranging from three to eight years, and do not contain any renewal
provisions. Upon expiration of the exclusive agency agreements, we will discuss renewal of
the agreements with our local operating partners, and the detailed terms of the new exclusive
agency agreements will be negotiated at that time. The exclusive agency agreements cannot be
terminated before expiration of the term unless agreed by both parties, and the party who
initiates the early termination is subject to penalty at an amount specified in the
respective agreement. Our media costs each year from these agreements is fixed and is
determined upfront at the time when the contracts were signed. We negotiate each of our
exclusive agency agreements with our local operating partners on a case-by-case basis and
determine the amount of the media cost for each year under the agreement through the process
of negotiation. All of our exclusive agency agreements contain escalation clauses to increase
the media cost at pre-determined fixed amounts each year under the agreements, except for (i)
two exclusive agency agreements that in aggregate accounted for less than 5% of our media
cost and (ii) one exclusive agency agreement that has a fixed media cost for the first six
years with an annual increase in the media cost beginning in the seventh year. However, our
revenues may fluctuate significantly from period to period as a result of, among others,
seasonality, customer loyalty, competition and changes in regulations. If our revenues
decrease in a given period, we may be unable to reduce our cost of revenues as a significant
portion of our cost of revenues is fixed, which could materially and adversely affect our
results of operations and result in a net loss in the period.
If we are required to impair our goodwill or other amortizable intangible assets, our financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.
As of December 31, 2009, we had goodwill and amortizable intangible assets of US$120.5
million, arising from our acquisitions of six advertising agency businesses in 2008. In 2010,
we further recorded goodwill of US$28.1 million as a result of contingent consideration
resolved for our acquisitions of the six advertising agency businesses in 2008. Also, in
January 2010, after we completed our acquisition of Digital Media Group Company Limited, or
Digital Media Group, we recorded additional goodwill and intangible assets totaling US$180.6
million. In 2011, we expect to record additional goodwill in connection with our acquisitions
of those six advertising agency businesses as a result of contingent consideration resolved.
We are required under U.S. GAAP to review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment
when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment annually or more frequently if facts and
circumstances warrant a review. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances
indicating that the carrying value of goodwill and our amortizable intangible assets may not
be recoverable, such as a decline of growth in our industry, may have an adverse impact on the
operating result of the acquired businesses. We evaluate the amounts of the goodwill and
amortizable intangible assets for impairment based on the forecasts of financial performances
of the acquired businesses which in turn are based on various assumptions. See Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Operating Results Critical Accounting
Policies Goodwill and Intangible Assets. We recorded an impairment charge of US$89.1
million in the second quarter of 2010 against the goodwill and intangible assets in connection
with three of the six agencies we acquired in 2008 due to significant decline in demand from
certain key customers managed by these three agencies as a result of the change in relevant
regulations in the PRC in 2010 (please see Item 4. Information on the Company B. Business Overview Regulation
Regulations on the Advertising Industry Advertising content on page 48 for the details of the
Administrative Measures on Radio and Television Advertisement Broadcasting issued by the SARFT and
effective on January 1, 2010).
We further recorded an impairment charge of $56.6 million in
the fourth quarter of 2010 against the goodwill and intangible assets arising from our
acquisition of Digital Media Group due to the poorer than expected performance of the Digital Media Group reporting unit. In
addition, we believed that there was false, deceptive and misleading information concerning Digital
Media Groups financial condition and performance provided by the former management and selling
shareholders of Digital Media Group, and as a result, we launched a lawsuit against the selling
shareholders of Digital Media Group in December 2010. As we have a limited
operating history upon which we can use to forecast the financial performances of these
acquired businesses, any further adverse change in the regulatory environment or the
assumptions underlying the forecasts may result in additional impairment charges to be
recorded in our consolidated statement of operations, which will cause a decrease in the net
income attributable to our shareholders or an increase in the net loss attributable to our
shareholders, and cause the carrying value of our goodwill and amortizable intangible assets
to be reduced to the recoverable amounts.
7
If PRC regulators order one or more of our local operating partners to stop their mobile
digital television operations due to violations of applicable regulations, our operations
would be harmed and our financial condition and results of operations would be materially
and adversely affected.
On March 27, 2006, the PRC State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or
SARFT, promulgated the Notice Concerning Experimental Mobile Digital Television, or the
March 2006 Notice. The March 2006 Notice regulates experimental mobile digital television
operations and primarily contains the following provisions:
|
|
|
no experimental mobile digital television operations shall be conducted without approval of
SARFT; |
|
|
|
|
no formal operation of mobile digital television shall be conducted before the
establishment and adoption of national standards for mobile digital television; |
|
|
|
|
after the adoption of the national digital mobile television standards, all mobile
digital television operations must comply with such national standards; and |
|
|
|
|
existing mobile television network operations must apply for SARFT approval before April
30, 2006, and must stop operating as of
June 15, 2006 if they fail to submit their applications by April 30, 2006 or
their applications are disapproved by SARFT. |
These regulations apply directly to our local mobile digital television operating
partners because they operate mobile digital television networks, and SARFT and its local
branches have the authority to order any mobile digital television operators who have
violated the March 2006 Notice or other applicable laws to stop operating their mobile
digital television networks. In addition, SARFT issued a notice regarding strengthening the
administration of public audio/visual media on public transportation vehicles and in public
buildings on December 6, 2007.
SARFT or its local branches may order any of our local operating partners to stop their
operations. If any of our local operating partners are ordered to stop their mobile digital
television operations, we may not be able to continue our advertising business in the affected
city through other media or channels at acceptable costs, or at all. In that case, our
business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely
affected.
Our local operating partners may be ordered to stop their operation of mobile digital television
operations for incomplete application for
SARFT approval, which may materially and adversely affect our advertising business in the affected
cities.
According to the notices issued by SARFT in March 2006 and December 2007, companies that
broadcast programs on audio/visual media located on public transportation vehicles and in
public buildings using television, internet or other broadcasting technology must apply for
SARFT approval by the end of April 2006, and companies failing to complete the procedure may
be ordered to cease network operation.
To date, our local mobile digital television operating partners in Shenzhen, Beijing,
Zhengzhou, Guangzhou, Ningbo and Shenyang (i.e., Shenzhen Mobile Television Co., Ltd.,
Beijing Beiguang Media Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Henan Cable China Mobile Television
Company Limited, Guangzhou Pearl River Mobile Multimedia Television Co., Ltd., Ningbo China
Mobile Television Development Co., Ltd. and Liaoning Beidou Xingkong Digital Television Media
Co., Ltd.) have obtained SARFT approvals for operating mobile digital television networks in
these cities. Our local mobile digital television operating partners in Changzhou and Dalian
(i.e., Changzhou Television Station and Dalian Television Station) submitted their
applications to SARFT after April 30, 2006. Our local mobile digital television operating
partners in cities other than those mentioned above submitted applications to SARFT before
April 30, 2006 as required under the March 2006
Notice, and none of the applications has been rejected by SARFT as of the date hereof. In
aggregate, approximately 44% of our revenues in
2010 were attributable to the cities where our local operating partners have not obtained the
SARFT approvals.
Our PRC legal counsel has advised us that, since the mobile digital television industry
is relatively new in China, there are significant uncertainties regarding the implementation
and interpretation of the laws, rules and regulations applicable to mobile digital television
operations, including the March 2006 and December 2007 Notices. Moreover, the mobile digital
television industry is encouraged under the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2006 2010) of the PRC
government. Furthermore, our local mobile digital television operating partners in such cities
(except in Changzhou and Dalian) submitted applications to SARFT before April 30, 2006 as
required under the March 2006 Notice and none of the applications has been rejected by SARFT.
Therefore, our PRC legal counsel has advised us that it believes that there is no substantial
or material risk that the operations of local mobile digital television networks in these
cities will be ordered to stop operations.
However, we cannot assure you that SARFT or its local branches will not order any of our
local operating partners to stop their operations. If any of our local operating partners are
ordered to stop their mobile digital television operations for incomplete application of the
SARFT approval, we may not be able to continue our advertising business in the affected city
through other media or channels at acceptable costs, or at all. In that case, our advertising
business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely
affected.
We may be subject to, and may expend significant resources in defending against, government
actions and civil suits based on the content and services we provide through our mobile
digital television advertising network.
PRC advertising laws and regulations require advertisers, advertising operators and
advertising distributors, including businesses such as ours and our local operating partners,
to ensure that the content of the advertisements they prepare or distribute is fair, accurate
and in full compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. Violation of these laws,
rules or regulations may result in penalties, including fines, confiscation of advertising
fees, orders to cease dissemination of the advertisements and orders to publish an
advertisement correcting the misleading information. In circumstances involving serious
violations, the PRC government may revoke a violators license for its advertising business
operations.
8
As an operator of an advertising medium, we are obligated under PRC laws, rules and
regulations to monitor the advertising content aired on our network or supplemental subway
advertising platform for compliance with applicable laws. Although the advertisements shown on
our network generally have previously been broadcast over public television networks and have
been subjected to internal review and verification by these broadcasters, we are required to
separately and independently review and verify these advertisements for content compliance
before displaying these advertisements. In addition, for advertising content related to
special types of products and services, such as alcohol, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and
medical procedures, we are required to confirm that the advertisers have obtained requisite
government
approvals including the advertisers operating qualifications, proof of quality inspection of
the advertised products, government pre-approval of the contents of the advertisement and
filing with the local authorities. We employ, and our local direct investment entities are
required by the applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations to employ, qualified advertising
inspectors who are trained to review advertising content for compliance with applicable PRC
laws, rules and regulations. We endeavor to comply with such requirements, including by
requesting relevant documents from the advertisers. Our reputation will be tarnished and our
results of operations may be adversely affected if advertisements shown on our mobile digital
television advertising network or supplemental subway advertising platform are provided to us
by our advertising clients in violation of relevant PRC content laws and regulations, or if the
supporting documentation and government approvals provided to us by our advertising clients in
connection with such advertising content are not complete, or if the advertisements that our
local operating
partners have broadcast on our network have not received required approvals from the
relevant local supervisory bodies, or if the advertisements are not content
compliant.
All forms of outdoor advertisements must be registered before dissemination with the local
branches of the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, or SAIC, which regulates
advertising companies, and advertising distributors are required to submit a registration
application form as well as the content of the advertisement to the local SAIC branch in order
to receive an advertising registration certificate. The applicable PRC laws and regulations are
not clear as to whether advertising on public transportation systems or other out-of-home
locations would be considered outdoor advertising. In practice, local SAIC branches have
discretion in determining whether such advertising constitutes outdoor advertising which would
require registration with the relevant local SAIC branch. Local SAIC branches in different
regions of the PRC may reach different conclusions with respect to this issue and such
conclusions may also be subject to further revisions or amendments. All of our local operating
partners are affiliates or subsidiaries of state-owned television stations operating under
SARFT, and the senior management of the state-owned television stations consists of appointed
government officials. The competent government authority grants state-owned television stations
the authority to review and approve the broadcasting advertisements. These state-owned
television stations have confirmed that advertisements can be broadcast on mobile digital
television without being classified as outdoor advertising. We and each of our local operating
partners do not believe that advertising activity on public transportation constitutes outdoor
advertising and therefore do not believe that registration with the SAIC is necessary. None of
our local operating partners or direct investment entities has renewed or completed the outdoor
advertising registration, and as of December 31, 2010, none of our local operating partners or
direct investment entities was required
by the local SAIC to apply for such registration or was fined or penalized for failing to
complete such registration. Furthermore, none of our local operating partners expect the SAIC
to levy any fines or sanctions in the future. Our local operating partners have expressed to
us their willingness to fully comply with all relevant rules and regulations, including
registering with the SAIC, and we therefore believe our local operating partners will be able
to apply for the appropriate registrations in the event that the SAIC or the competent
government authority determines that such registrations are required. As a precaution to cope
with such legal uncertainty, our direct investment entities in Harbin and
Zhengzhou had completed the required registrations, but these registrations have already
expired in 2008. Currently, our local operating partners have advised us that they do not
believe such registrations are necessary, and none of our local operating partners are
planning to submit registration applications to the SAIC. If advertising on public
transportation systems or other out-of-home locations is determined by a local SAIC branch to
be outdoor advertising and a registration is not effected as required by the local SAIC
branch, our local operating partner or direct investment entity in the jurisdiction city of
the local SAIC branch would be subject to a fine and may be ordered to stop disseminating the
advertisements and as a result, our business in that city would be materially and adversely
affected, which may have a material and adverse effect in our overall business.
Moreover, civil claims may be filed against us for fraud, defamation, subversion,
negligence, copyright or trademark infringement or other violations due to the nature and
content of the information displayed on our advertising network. If viewers find the content
displayed on our advertising network to be offensive, bus and subway companies that display
our content on their buses and subway platforms may seek to hold us responsible for any claims
by their passengers or they may terminate their relationships with us.
In addition, if the security of the broadcasting network we use to send our signals is
breached despite the efforts of our local operating partners to ensure the security of the
content management system, and unauthorized images, text or audio sounds are displayed on our
advertising network, viewers or the PRC government may find these images, text or audio sounds
to be offensive, which may subject us to civil liability or government censure. Any such event
may also damage our reputation. If our advertising viewers do not believe our content is
reliable or secure, our business model may become less appealing to viewers in China and our
advertising clients may be unwilling to place advertisements on our advertising network.
Our local operating partners incomplete application, refusal to register and
non-compliance with PRC registration may cause our operations, financial condition and
results of operations be materially and adversely affected.
All forms of outdoor advertisements must be registered before dissemination with the
local branches of the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, or SAIC, which regulates
advertising companies, and advertising distributors are required to submit a registration
application form as well as the content of the advertisement to the local SAIC branch in order
to receive an advertising registration certificate. The applicable PRC laws and regulations
are not clear as to whether advertising on public transportation systems or other out-of-home
locations would be considered outdoor advertising. In practice, local SAIC branches have
discretion in determining whether such advertising constitutes outdoor advertising which would
require registration with the relevant local SAIC branch. Local SAIC branches in different
regions of the PRC may reach different conclusions with respect to this issue and such
conclusions may also be subject to further revisions or amendments. All of our local operating
partners are affiliates or subsidiaries of state-owned television stations operating under
SARFT, and the senior management of the state-owned television stations consists of appointed
government officials. The competent government authority grants state-owned television
stations the authority to review and approve the broadcasting advertisements. These
state-owned television stations have confirmed that advertisements can be broadcast on mobile
digital television without being classified as outdoor advertising. We and each of our local
operating partners do not believe that advertising activity on public transportation
constitutes outdoor advertising and therefore do not believe that registration with the SAIC
is necessary. All of the existing SAIC registrations by our local operating partners have
already expired in 2008. As a result, 99.4% of our revenues in 2008 and 100% of our revenues
in 2009 and 2010 were derived from cities where our local operating partners do not have an
advertising registration certificate from the SAIC. Therefore, substantially all of our
revenues would be impacted in case of a regulatory enforcement action by SAIC. None of our
local operating partners or direct investment entities has renewed or completed the outdoor
advertising registration, and as of December 31, 2010, none of our local operating partners or
direct investment entities was required by the local SAIC to apply for such registration or
was fined or penalized for failing to complete such registration. Furthermore, none of our
local operating partners expect the SAIC to levy any fines or sanctions in the future. Our
exclusive agency agreements with each of our local operating partners or our joint venture
agreements with our local operating partners require them to comply with all relevant laws and
regulations, which includes obtaining any approvals necessary to legally provide advertising
time to us. Our local operating partners have expressed to us their willingness to fully
comply with all relevant PRC rules and regulations during our conversations with them. Although no written assurances have been provided, our local operating partners have orally expressed their
willingness to register with the SAIC
in the event that the SAIC or the competent government authority determines that such
registrations are required. If advertising on public transportation systems or other
out-of-home locations is determined by a local SAIC branch to be outdoor advertising, it will
take SAIC as long as seven working days to review and approve an outdoor advertising
registration after its acceptance of application filed by our local operating partner or direct
investment entity. And if a registration is not effected as required by the local SAIC branch,
our local operating partner or direct investment entity in the jurisdiction city of the local
SAIC branch would be subject to a fine up to RMB 30,000, confiscation of advertising fees and
may be ordered to stop disseminating the advertisements. As a result, our business in that city
would be materially and adversely affected, which may have a material and adverse effect on our
overall business.
9
If SARFT determines that the regulations on radio and television advertising operation are
applicable to advertising on mobile digital television or establishes similar regulations
for mobile digital television, our business and prospects could be harmed.
SARFT promulgated Interim Measures of Administration of Advertisement Broadcasting of
Radio and Television in 2003 that became effective on January 1, 2004. This regulation is
applicable to advertisement broadcasting on all radio and television stations and channels.
This regulation contains a number of restrictions, including that the total advertising time
of a radio or television station or channel shall not be greater than 20% of its total
broadcasting time each day. On average, we sold 6.47 and 6.75 advertising minutes per
broadcasting hour, which represented approximately 11% and 11% of total broadcasting time each
day for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively. However, there is some
uncertainty because as of December 31, 2010, there have been no SARFT actions, pronouncements
of guidance or statements to the effect of determining that the regulation referenced above is
applicable to the mobile digital televisions industry or promulgation of new rules that are
similar to this regulation to regulate or restrict the advertising time digital television
networks, nor have there been any plans for future action. In this sense, our future revenues
could be significantly impacted by an enforcement action by SARFT for the above regulation on
the mobile digital television industry. Our PRC counsel has advised us that the provisions of
this regulation restricting advertising time are only applicable to traditional radio and
television broadcasting and that as of the date hereof, SARFT has not indicated that this
regulation shall apply to mobile digital television. In addition, all of our local operating
partners are affiliates or subsidiaries of state-owned television stations operating under
SARFT, and the senior management of the state-owned television stations consists of appointed
government officials. The competent government authority grants state-owned television
stations the authority to review and approve the broadcasting advertisements. These
state-owned television stations have orally confirmed that the foregoing restrictions on the
total advertising time of a radio or television station or channel advertisements are not
applicable to advertising on mobile digital television when we entered into media contracts
with them. As a result, we believe that this regulation is not applicable to the mobile
digital television industry. However, SARFT may determine that this regulation is applicable
to the mobile digital television industry or promulgate new rules that are similar to this
regulation to regulate or restrict the advertising time of mobile digital television networks.
Even though our PRC legal counsel has advised that under the relevant PRC laws and
regulations, we are able to enforce these media contracts against our state-owned local
operating partners and there is no limitation on the enforceability of these media contracts,
if any of the foregoing regulatory enforcement actions occurs, the total advertising time on
our network will be limited. As the annual increase of our media costs is already fixed under
our media contracts and the contracts do not contain any provisions to decrease the media
costs in the event that the total advertising time on the network of local operating partners
is limited, a regulatory limitation on the number of advertising minutes would limit our
potential revenues, while our media costs continue to increase. Our business, advertising
service revenue and operating results could therefore be materially and adversely affected.
Our failure to maintain relationships with local television stations or local mobile digital
television companies would harm our business and prospects.
Our ability to generate revenues from advertising sales depends largely upon our ability
to air advertisements on large mobile digital television networks on mass transportation
systems in cities. This, in turn, requires that we develop and maintain business relationships
with local television stations, local mobile digital television companies, local governments,
and mass transportation services through which we obtain programming, broadcasting and space
for our mobile digital television advertising networks. As of December 31, 2010, we provided
advertising services through our network and supplemental subway advertising platform with
approximately 137,395 digital displays in 23 cities
in China. We have entered into exclusive advertising agency arrangements in 20 cities and
direct investment arrangements in 12 cities in China. Also, as of May 31, 2011, our mobile
digital television advertising network and supplemental subway advertising platform covered 21
cities in China. We cannot assure you that we can maintain these relationships on satisfactory
terms, or at all. Our local operating partners may unilaterally terminate our agreements with
them before the expiration of these agreements if there are events of force majeure or if we
have breached the agreements. For example, our agreement with our local operating partner in
Beijing requires us to install digital television displays in new
buses pursuant to the terms of the agreement between our local operating partner in Beijing
and the local bus company in Beijing. If we fail to perform our contractual obligations, we
will be in breach of our agreement and our local operating partner may unilaterally terminate
our agreement. If we fail to maintain relationships with our local operating partners,
advertisers may find advertising on our network unattractive and may not purchase advertising
time from us, which would cause our revenues to decline and our business and prospects to
deteriorate.
We do not completely control the operations of our direct investment entities; any dispute
with the local television stations could harm our business.
We
operate in 11 cities through direct investment entities formed with the local
television stations. PRC law provides that the television stations or entities controlled by
them must own no less than 51% of the equity interests in any mobile digital television
operating company. We own a 49% equity interest in those direct
investment entities, except the
direct investment entity in Shenzhen in which we own a 25% equity interest and the direct
investment entity in Wuxi in which we own a 14% equity interest.
Eight out of 11 of our direct
investment agreements provide that we have the right to appoint the general manager of the
direct investment entity, who will be in charge of the day-to- day operations of the direct
investment entity. The right to appoint the general manager is subject to confirmation by the
direct investment entity. Our local operating partners, the local television stations
including Chengdu Television Station, Shenzhen Media Group, Jilin Television Station, Haerbin
Television Station, Dalian Television Station, Henan Cable Television Network Group Co.,
Ltd., Hubei Broadcast and Television General Station, Wuxi Broadcast and Television Group,
Suzhou Broadcast and Television General Station, Changzhou Television Station and Ningbo Broadcast and Television Group, control
the broadcasting and are responsible for compliance matters. We cannot assure you that
disputes will not arise between us and our local operating partners, and that any such
disputes will be resolved in our favor. Further, our interests and the interests of our local
operating partners may be different. In some cases, we may have to rely on court proceedings
to resolve the disputes between us and our local operating partners. Any litigation will
divert our resources and may result in a judgment against us. If any dispute between us and
our local operating partners arises, our business operations could be harmed, and our
financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
10
Our failure or our local operating partners failure to maintain existing relationships
or develop new relationships with local bus companies or subway companies would harm
our business and prospects.
In most of the cities where we operate, our business relationships with local bus
companies or other selected operations are secured and provided by our local operating
partners or our direct investment entities. Our operations on the supplemental subway
advertising platform in Guangzhou, Beijing, Tianjin, Changqing,
Nanjing, Hong Kong and Shenzhen are secured by our agreements with the subway
companies in these seven cities, respectively. However, we cannot assure you that we and our
local operating partners can maintain these relationships with the local bus companies or
subway companies on satisfactory terms, or at all, or that the local bus companies or subway
companies will not terminate these relationships before their expiration. If we or our local
operating partners fail to maintain these relationships, advertisers may find advertising on
our network unattractive and may not purchase advertising time from us, which would cause our
revenues to decline and our business and prospects to deteriorate.
A significant portion of the mobile digital television networks of our direct investment
entities and the digital television broadcasting infrastructure of our local operating
partners currently do not meet the newly adopted PRC national standards for mobile digital
television operations. We will be required to spend significant capital and other resources to
convert the digital television broadcasting infrastructure of our local operating partners to
these national standards, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Our local operating partners have adopted three different digital television technology
standards in operating their networks. In addition, our direct investment entities have
installed digital television receivers based on the technology standards our local operating
partners have
adopted. The National Standard of Frame Structure and Channel Code and Modulation of Digital
Television Ground Broadcasting Transmission System, or the National Standard, was approved by
the Standardization Administration of the PRC on August 18, 2006, and became effective on
August 1, 2007. On March 27, 2006, SARFT promulgated the Notice Concerning Experimental Mobile
Digital Television, or the March 2006 Notice, which required all of our local operating
partners must adopt the National Standard for their mobile digital television operations. In
addition, the SARFT has issued a notice to require some of our local operating partners and
direct investment entities to
complete the adoption of the National Standard by June 30, 2010. Our PRC counsel advises that
while SARFT has promulgated the foregoing timeline for conversion to the National Standard, as
of December 31, 2010 SARFT has not assessed any fines or penalties related to non-compliance
with the National Standard. As of May 31, 2011, the mobile digital television network of
our direct investment entities and the digital television broadcasting infrastructure of our
local operating partners in 11 cities (Chengdu China Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Wuxi
Guangtong Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Ningbo China Mobile Television Development Co.,
Ltd., Dalian Mobile Digital Television Co., Ltd., Hubei China Mobile Television Co., Ltd.,
Liaoning Beidou Xingkong Digital Television Media Co., Ltd., Tianjin North Mobile Multimedia
Television Co., Ltd., Xiamen Radio and Television Digital Media Co., Ltd., Suzhou China Mobile
Television Co., Ltd., Changzhou China Mobile Television Company Limited, and Haerbin China
Mobile Television Company Limited) have been converted to the National Standard, but those in
another nine cities (Beijing Beiguang Media Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Beijing Beiguang Metro
Media Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Pearl River Mobile Multimedia
Television Co., Ltd., Nanjing Guangdian Mobile Television Development Co., Ltd., Shanghai
Metro Television Company Limited, Changsha Guangdian Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd.,
Shanxi Dazhong Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Henan Cable China Mobile
Television Company Limited and Jilin Mobile Television Co., Ltd.) have not yet completed the
conversion and do not meet the requirements of the National Standard.
As of May 31, 2011,
our local operating partners in the nine cities have not begun the conversion process, and we
and our local operating partners estimate that the conversion process will take no more than
two years to complete once the conversion process begins. The actual amount of time required for the conversion process in any given
city depends on a number of factors, including the size of the mobile digital television
network in that city, the equipment currently used, the resources available for the conversion
and the schedule for replacing the equipment. Our direct investment entities (Henan Cable China
Mobile Television Company Limited and Jilin Mobile Television Co., Ltd.) and our local
operating partners (Beijing Beiguang Media Mobile Television Co., Ltd, Beijing Beiguang Metro
Media Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Pearl River Mobile Multimedia
Television Co., Ltd., Shanghai Metro Television Company Limited, Nanjing Guangdian Mobile
Television Development Co., Ltd., Changsha Guangdian Digital Mobile
Television Co., Ltd. and Shanxi Dazhong Mobile Television Co., Ltd.) will be required to spend significant capital and other resources, including on new
equipment, to convert their digital television broadcasting infrastructure to the National
Standard.
Two of our local operating partners, Shenzhen Mobile Television Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Pearl
River Mobile Multimedia Television Co., Ltd., advised us the conversion process would start in
second half of 2011. Under our exclusive advertising agency agreements, we are responsible for a
portion of such expenditures in five of the nine remaining cities. The total cost of converting
the equipment to the National Standard in these five cities (Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing,
Changchun and Zhengzhou) is not expected to exceed RMB13 million. However, we and our local
operating partners have not yet determined the allocation of the conversion expenses for all
the nine remaining cities. Furthermore, the installation of new technology and equipment could
cause disruptions to our programming, which in turn may adversely affect our reputation and
business. If our local operating partners and direct investment entities do not complete the
adoption of the National Standard in a timely manner or at all, or if such adoption requires
substantial capital expenditures or other resources, our business, financial condition and
results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
In certain cities, we may be required to obtain approvals in order to continue including
non-advertising content in our programs that are transmitted through closed circuit networks.
If we are unable to continue to include non-advertising content in our programs, our business
and prospects could be adversely affected.
On December 6, 2007, the SARFT, issued the Circular regarding Strengthening the
Management of Public Audio-Video in Automobiles, Buildings and Other Public Areas, or the
SARFT Circular. Under the SARFT Circular, the display of audio-video programs, such as
television news, films and television shows, sports, technology and entertainment, through
public audio-video systems located in outdoor public systems, including automobiles, airports
and bus and train stations, must be approved by the SARFT. While the SARFT Circular is not
applicable to audio-video transmitted through digital broadcast technology, it is applicable
to audio-video transmitted through closed circuit networks. As a result, we may be required to
obtain approvals for certain of our supplemental subway advertising operations. These supplemental subway advertising
operations transmit programming through closed video networks rather than digital broadcast
technology and include Beijing (Line 4), Tianjin, Shenzhen (Lines 1, 2, 4 and 5), Nanjing (Line 2 and the southern extended line
for Line 1) and Chongqing.
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We intend to obtain the required approvals for our non-advertising content for the
programming in these operations. However, the relevant government authority in China has not
promulgated any implementation rules on the procedure for applying for the requisite
approvals. We cannot assure you that we will obtain such approvals as required by the SARFT
Circular in a timely manner or at all. If we do not obtain the requisite approvals, we may be
required to eliminate part or all of the non-advertising content from programming transmitted
through closed circuit networks on our supplemental subway platforms. As a result, we may not be able to
capture the attention of our target audience due to the lack of non-advertising content,
which could make our advertising network on these supplemental subway platforms less
attractive, and consequently have an adverse effect on our business and prospects.
We operate in the advertising industry, which is particularly sensitive to changes in economic
conditions and advertising trends.
Demand for advertising time on our network and supplemental subway advertising platform,
and the resulting advertising spending by our clients, are particularly sensitive to changes
in general economic conditions. For example, advertising expenditures typically decrease
during periods of economic downturn. Advertisers may reduce the money they spend to advertise
on our network and supplemental subway advertising platform for a number of reasons,
including:
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a decline in economic conditions in the particular cities where we conduct business; |
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a decision to shift advertising expenditures to other available advertising media; and |
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a decline in advertising spending in general. |
A decrease in demand for advertising media in general, and for our advertising services
in particular, would materially and adversely affect our ability to generate revenues, and
have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
If advertisers or the viewing public do not accept, or lose interest in, our mobile digital
television advertising network, our revenues may be negatively affected and our business may
not expand or be successful.
The mobile digital television advertising market in China is relatively new and its
potential is uncertain. We compete for advertising revenues with many forms of more established
advertising media. Our success depends on the acceptance of our mobile digital television
advertising network by advertisers and their continuing interest in this medium as part of
their advertising strategies. Our success also depends on the viewing publics continued
receptiveness towards our mobile digital television advertising model. Advertisers may elect
not to use our services if they believe that viewers are not receptive to our network or that
our network does not provide sufficient value as an effective advertising medium. Likewise, if
viewers find some element of our network, such as the audio feature of monitors, to be
disruptive or intrusive, mass transportation companies may decide not to install our digital
displays, and advertisers may view our network as a less attractive advertising medium compared
to other alternatives. In these events, advertisers may reduce their spending on our network.
If a substantial number of advertisers lose interest in advertising on our network for these or
other reasons, we will be unable to generate sufficient revenues and cash flows to operate our
business, and our financial condition and results of operations would be materially and
adversely affected.
The process of developing a relationship with a local television station or its mobile
digital television operating company, and then installing digital displays on the mass
transportation systems can be time- consuming and requires us to commit a substantial amount
of resources, from which we may be unable to recognize the anticipated benefits.
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Our success depends largely on our ability to establish relationships with local television
stations and mass transportation companies. Before expanding into a new city, we identify cities
that have been or are planning to launch digital mobile television operations, collect data and
analyze the development status indicators such as economic status, consumer patterns, potential
market size for advertising, development of mass transportation systems (including bus and
subway) and mobile digital television networks, population and the percentage of the
population that takes public transportation in those cities. We also evaluate the commercial
potential and our estimated revenue. In some cases, we actively pursue cooperation activities
with television stations or mobile television operators based on the market research, while in
other cases we are contacted by those operators who have an interest in cooperating with us. The
process of establishing these relationships can be lengthy as mobile digital television is a
relatively new form of media and we often need to convince counterparties of the benefits of
establishing a mobile digital television network on mass transportation systems. We may be
required to commit substantial resources, including but not limited to the time and effort spent
by our senior management (such as our chief executive officer and chief development officer) and
staff from our media development department, research work and feasibility analyses and other
expenses incurred during this process, such as travelling. Despite our best efforts,
counterparties may ultimately decide not to establish a mobile digital television network or may
choose to not work together with us. If these counterparties do not accept a mobile digital
television network as an effective medium on mass transportation vehicles, we may not be able to
grow our business or our revenues.
Once a mass transportation company agrees to install our mobile digital television displays
on their buses or other vehicles, we must invest substantial time and resources to install
digital television displays before we receive any revenues from such efforts. Such investments
typically include the purchase and the installation of digital television displays, or expenses
relating to the acquisition of interests in the local direct investment entities. We may
experience increased distribution and operations costs during and/or after deployment. We may
also experience delays in revenue generation, if any, due to deployment delays or difficulties
in selling advertising time to new or current advertisers to be aired on these buses and other
mass transportation vehicles. We may be unable to generate sufficient revenues from advertising
packages on these buses and other mass transportation vehicles to offset the related costs.
Defects in the local mobile digital television networks, which we rely on to conduct our
advertising operations, could result in a loss of advertisers and audience and unexpected
expenses.
Our advertising operations rely on the combination of the broadcasting network
infrastructure of the local television stations and digital television displays. This
combined infrastructure is complex and must meet stringent quality and reliability
requirements. Due to the complexity of this infrastructure and the impracticability of
testing all possible operating scenarios prior to implementation, certain errors or
defects may not be detectable. The existence of errors or defects in this combined
infrastructure may result in loss of, or delay in, acceptance of our advertising services by
advertisers and public viewers. In addition, mass transportation companies could cancel their
arrangements with our direct investment entities or our local operating partners if their
respective networks experience sustained downtime. Any errors or defects in
the local mobile digital television networks which we use to conduct our advertising operations
could damage our reputation, result in revenue
loss, divert development resources and increase service and support costs and warranty claims.
When our local mobile digital television advertising networks reach saturation in the cities
where we operate, we may be unable to grow our revenue base or satisfy all of our advertisers
needs, which could hamper our ability to generate higher levels of revenues over time.
Air time allocated to programming and advertising on our mobile digital television network
is generally provided in the agreements with our local operating partners. In cities where
demand for time by advertisers is high, such as Beijing, Shenzhen and Nanjing, our local mobile
digital television networks may reach saturation, meaning we cannot sell additional advertising
time without further increasing the proportion of advertisements to programs. If our local
networks reach saturation in any particular city, we will be forced to request additional
advertising
time from our local operating partners or increase our advertising rates to increase our revenues.
However, we cannot assure you that our local
operating partners will grant our requests, and advertisers may be unwilling to accept rate
increases or a decrease in the amount of programming, which in turn may decrease the
attentiveness of the audience to their advertisements. If we are unable to increase the length
of advertising time on our network or the rates for advertising time in saturated cities, we
may be unable to generate higher levels of revenues over time.
If we fail to attract advertisers to our network, we would be unable to maintain or increase
our advertising prices, which would negatively affect our ability to grow revenues.
The actual prices we can charge advertisers for time on our mobile digital television
network and supplemental subway advertising platform depend on the size and quality of our
networks and the demand by advertisers for advertising time. Advertisers choose to advertise on
our advertising network in part based on the size of the network and the desirability of the
cities where we operate. If we fail to maintain or
increase the number of cities, diversify advertising channels in our network, or solidify our
brand name and reputation as a quality provider of advertising services, advertisers may be
unwilling to purchase time on our network or to pay the advertising fees we require to remain
profitable. Any significant decrease in demand could cause us to lower the prices we charge
for advertising time on our network and could negatively affect our ability to increase
revenues in the future.
13
We generally do not have exclusive or long-term agreements with our advertising clients and
we may lose their engagement if they are not satisfied with our services or for other
reasons.
As is customary in the advertising industry in China, we generally do not have exclusive
or long-term agreements with our advertising clients. A majority of our agreements with our
advertising clients have a term of less than a year. As a result, we must rely on high-quality
services, industry reputation, our network size and coverage and favorable pricing to attract
and retain advertising clients. There is no assurance, however, that we will be able to
maintain our relationships with current and/or future clients. In particular, we derive a
substantial percentage of our revenues from a small number of advertising clients. For
example, our top ten advertising clients in the aggregate accounted for 30.4% of our total
revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010. These and our other advertising clients may
elect to terminate their relationships with us if they are not satisfied with our services. We
have lost client accounts in the past and may lose client accounts in the future. If a
substantial number of our advertising clients choose not to continue to purchase advertising
time from us, we would be unable to generate sufficient revenues and cash flows to operate our
business, and our results of operations and financial condition would be materially and
adversely affected.
We face significant competition, and if we do not compete successfully against new and existing
competitors, we may lose our market share, and our profitability may be adversely affected.
We compete with other mobile digital television advertising companies and other new
media advertising companies in China. We compete for advertising clients primarily on the
basis of network size and coverage, location, price, range of services and brand name. We
also face competition from other mobile digital television advertising network operators for
access to the most desirable cities and mass transportation systems in China. Our major
competitors include other companies that operate out-of-home advertising media networks such
as Focus Media Holding Limited, AirMedia Group Inc., Towona Mobile Digital Co., Ltd. and Bus
Online Media Co., Ltd. We also compete for overall advertising spending with other
advertising media, such as television, mass transportation posters, billboards, newspapers,
radio, magazines and the Internet. Some of our competitors operate digital television
advertising networks installed on mass transportation systems primarily playing prerecorded
content saved on compact flash cards or DVDs.
Many smaller mobile digital television companies operate in cities outside of our network
pursuant to exclusive agreements, and we expect to encounter barriers-to-entry as we attempt
to expand our network into these cities. For example, in Shanghai, Shanghai Oriental Pearl
Mobile Television Inc. operates the largest mobile digital television advertising network
using broadcasting technology. As a result, we face barriers- to-entry to expand our network
on the bus platform in Shanghai. In addition, we will face barriers-to-entry as we attempt to
expand our out-of- home advertising network to different media platforms, such as in-building
displays or large outdoor LED displays, because other companies have already signed exclusive
placement agreements to secure the most desirable locations.
Further, we may also face competition from new entrants into the mobile digital
television advertising sector. As is customary in the advertising industry, we generally do
not have exclusive arrangements with our advertising clients and we do not have exclusive
arrangements with the local operating partners in a number of cities in which we operate.
Therefore, we cannot assure you that we will succeed in gaining a greater market share or
maintain our market share. In addition, since December 10, 2005, wholly foreign-owned
advertising companies have been allowed to operate in China, which may expose us to increased
competition from international advertising media companies attracted to opportunities in
China.
Increased competition could reduce our operating margins and profitability and result in
a loss of market share. Some of our existing and potential competitors may have competitive
advantages, such as significantly greater financial, marketing or other resources, and others
may successfully mimic and adopt our business model. Moreover, increased competition will
provide advertisers with a wider range of media and advertising service alternatives, which
could lead to lower prices and decreased revenues, gross margins and profits. We cannot assure
you that we will be able to successfully compete against new or existing competitors.
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Several major cities in China have accounted, and will continue to account, for a substantial
majority of our revenues. Our business and financial conditions are particularly subject to
general economic conditions and the relationships with our local operating partners in these
cities.
A substantial majority of our revenues are currently generated from our operations in the
four major cities in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Our revenues in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in the aggregate accounted for 63.1% and 62.9%
of our total advertising service revenue in 2008, and 2009, respectively. Following the
completion of our acquisition of Digital Media Group, we expanded our network to the subway
platform in Shanghai and additional subway lines in Beijing and Shenzhen, and these four major
cities in the aggregate accounted for 65.8% of our total advertising service revenue in 2010.
We expect to generate a substantial portion of our revenues from these four cities in the
future. If any of these cities experiences an event negatively affecting its mobile digital
television advertising industry, such as a serious economic downturn, a decline in the use of
mass transportation systems, changes in government policy, a natural disaster or changes in
advertising preferences, our mobile digital television network, our supplemental subway
advertising platform and our ability to generate adequate cash flow would be materially and
adversely affected. In addition, if we fail to maintain our relationships with the local
operating partners in these cities (i.e., Beijing Beiguang Media Mobile Television Co., Ltd,
Beijing Beiguang Metro Media Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Mobile Television Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Pearl
River Mobile Multimedia Television Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Metro Television Co., Ltd., and
Shanghai Metro Television Company Limited), our business, financial condition and results of
operations would be materially and adversely affected.
Our quarterly operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate significantly from
period to period in the future.
Our quarterly operating results are difficult to predict and may fluctuate significantly
from period to period based on the seasonality of consumer spending and advertising trends in
China or other factors. Factors that are likely to cause our operating results to fluctuate
include:
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our ability to maintain and increase sales to existing advertising clients, attract new
advertising clients and satisfy our clients
demands; |
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the frequency of our clients advertisements on our network; |
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the price we charge for our advertising time or changes in our pricing strategies or the
pricing strategies of our competitors; |
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effects of strategic alliances, potential acquisitions and other business
combinations, and our ability to successfully and timely integrate them into our
business; |
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technical difficulties, system downtime or interruptions; |
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changes in government regulations in relation to the advertising industry; and |
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economic and geopolitical conditions in China and elsewhere. |
Many of the factors discussed above are beyond our control, making our quarterly results
difficult to predict, which could cause the trading price of our ADSs to decline below investor
expectations. You should not rely on our operating results for prior periods as an indication
of our future results. If our revenues for a particular quarter are lower than expected, we may
be unable to reduce our operating expenses for that quarter by a corresponding amount, which
would harm our operating results for that quarter relative to our operating results from other
quarters.
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Failure to manage our growth could strain our management, operational and other resources,
which could materially and adversely affect our business and prospects.
We have been expanding our operations and plan to continue to expand rapidly in China.
To meet the demand of advertisers for broader network coverage, we must continue to expand
our network by installing more digital television displays on buses and other mass
transportation systems and include additional media platforms, such as personal mobile devices
and in-building displays. The continued growth of our business has resulted in, and will
continue to result in, substantial demand on our management, operational and other resources. In
particular, the management of our growth will require, among other things:
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our ability to attract more clients, increase advertising sales and improve our sales support
activities; |
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increased sales and sales support activities; |
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our ability to develop and improve our existing administrative and operational systems; |
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information technology system enhancement; |
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stringent cost controls and sufficient working capital; |
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strengthening of financial and management controls; |
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our ability to maintain our existing relationships with our local operating
partners and to develop new relationships with local television stations or local
mobile digital television companies; |
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our ability to secure a reliable supply of digital television displays for our
network, which are manufactured by third-party suppliers according to our
specifications; and |
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hiring and training of new personnel. |
As we continue this effort, we may incur substantial costs and expend substantial
resources. We may not be able to manage our current or future operations effectively and
efficiently or compete effectively in new markets we enter. If we are not able to manage our
growth successfully, our business and prospects would be materially and adversely affected.
We depend substantially on the continuing efforts of our executive officers, and our business
and prospects may be severely disrupted if we lose their services.
Our future success is dependent on the continued services of key members of our management
team. In particular, our future success is dependent upon the continued service of Limin Li,
our co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer and our largest shareholder. We rely on
his experience in our business operations, and in particular, his business vision, management
skills and working relationships with our employees, our other major shareholders, many of our
clients and our local operating partners. We have granted share options and/or restricted
shares to executive officers to align the interest of such officers with ours. However, we face
competition for personnel from other mobile
digital television advertising companies or general advertising companies and other organizations.
Such competition for these individuals could
cause us to offer higher compensation and other benefits in order to attract and retain them,
which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Furthermore, as we continue to expand our operations and develop new products, we will need to
continue to attract and retain experienced management. We may be unable to attract or retain
the personnel required to achieve our business objectives and failure to do so could severely
disrupt our business and prospects. The process of hiring qualified personnel is also often
lengthy. If our recruitment and retention efforts are unsuccessful in the future, it may be
more difficult for us to execute our business strategy.
We do not maintain key-person insurance for members of our management team. If we lose the
services of any senior management, we may not be able to locate suitable or qualified
replacements, and may incur additional expenses to recruit and train new personnel, which could
severely disrupt our business and prospects. In addition, if any of our executive officers
joins a competitor or forms a competing company, our marketing and sales efforts could be
adversely affected and we may lose some of our customers. Although each of our executive
officers has entered into an employment agreement with us that contains confidentiality and
non-competition provisions, disputes may arise between our executive officers and us and we
cannot assure you, in light of uncertainties associated with the PRC legal system, that any of
these provisions could be enforced in accordance with their terms.
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We may not be able to recruit and retain necessary personnel, particularly sales and
marketing personnel, which could have material and adverse effects on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain senior management, as well as
sales, marketing, engineering and other key personnel. Because of intense competition for
these employees, we may be unable to attract and retain personnel. If we are unable to retain
our existing personnel, or attract, train, integrate or motivate additional qualified
personnel, our growth may be restricted. The loss of any of these key employees could slow our
programming, distribution and sales efforts or harm the perception of advertisers, venue
providers and investors. Our senior executives may have to divert their attention to
recruiting replacements for key personnel.
In particular, we depend on our sales and marketing team to sell advertising time. We
market our advertising services directly to advertisers, as well as to advertising agencies.
As of March 31, 2011, we had 548 dedicated sales and marketing
personnel and seven consultants to support our sales and marketing efforts. We
depend on our sales staff to market our services to existing and potential clients and to
cover a large
number of clients in a wide variety of industries. We need to further increase the size of our
sales and marketing staff as our business continues to grow. If we are unable to hire, retain,
integrate or motivate our current or new marketing personnel, our sales and marketing efforts
may be materially impaired and our business, financial condition and results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected.
We may be subject to intellectual property infringement claims, which may force us to
incur substantial legal expenses and could potentially result in judgments against us,
which may materially disrupt our business.
We cannot be certain that our advertising content, entertainment content or other aspects
of our business do not or will not infringe upon patents, copyrights or other intellectual
property rights held by third parties. Although we are not aware of any such claims, we may
become subject to legal proceedings and claims from time to time relating to the intellectual
property of others in the ordinary course of our business. If we are found to have violated
the intellectual property rights of others, we may be enjoined from using such intellectual
property, and we may incur licensing fees or be forced to develop alternatives. In addition,
we may incur substantial expenses in defending against these third party infringement claims,
regardless of their merit. Successful infringement or licensing claims against us may result
in substantial monetary liabilities, which may materially and adversely disrupt our business.
If we are unable to adapt to evolving advertising trends and preferences of advertisers
and viewers, we will not be able to compete effectively.
The market for mobile digital television advertising requires us to continuously identify
new advertising trends and the technology needs of advertisers and public viewers, which may
require us to develop new features and enhancements for our network. The majority of our
displays use LCD screens. We currently air programs and advertisements on our network through
the television broadcasting network of our local operating partners or their affiliated
television stations. In the future, subject to relevant PRC laws and regulations, we may use
other technologies available in the market. We may be required to incur development and
acquisition costs in order to keep pace with new technology needs but we may not have the
financial resources necessary to fund and implement future technological innovations or to
replace obsolete technology. Furthermore, we may fail to respond to these changing technology
needs in a timely fashion. If we cannot succeed in developing and introducing new features on
a timely and cost-effective basis, advertisers demand for our advertising time may decrease
and we may not be able to compete effectively or attract advertising clients, which would have
a material and adverse effect on our business and prospects.
We may need additional capital and we may not be able to obtain it at acceptable terms, or at
all, which could adversely affect our liquidity and financial position.
17
We may need additional cash resources due to changed business conditions, acquisitions
or other future developments. If these sources are insufficient to satisfy our cash
requirements, we may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain a credit
facility. The sale of convertible debt securities or additional equity securities could
result in dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in
increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that
would restrict our operations and liquidity.
Our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms is subject to a variety of
uncertainties, including:
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investors perception of, and demand for, securities of alternative advertising media
companies; |
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conditions of the U.S. and other capital markets in which we may seek to raise funds; |
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our future results of operations, financial condition and cash flow; |
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PRC governmental regulation of foreign investment in advertising service companies in China; |
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PRC governmental regulation of the mobile digital television industry; |
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economic, political and other conditions in China; and |
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PRC governmental policies relating to foreign currency borrowings. |
We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable
to us, if at all. Any failure by us to raise additional funds on terms favorable to us could
have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition. Without additional
capital, we may not be able to:
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upgrade our mobile digital television advertising network; |
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further develop or enhance our services; |
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acquire necessary technologies or businesses; |
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expand our operations, including the reach of our network; |
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hire, train and retain employees; |
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market our programs, services and products; or |
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respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated capital requirements. |
Acquisition of other companies or assets of other companies is a part of our growth strategy,
and these acquisitions may expose us to significant business and financial risks, including
exposure to contingent acquisition consideration, which may adversely affect our results of
operations and financial condition.
One of our strategies is to pursue acquisition opportunities which are complementary to
our business. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to identify and secure
suitable acquisition opportunities. Our ability to effectively consummate and integrate
effectively any future acquisitions on terms that are favorable to us may be limited by a
number of factors such as the number of attractive acquisition targets, internal demand on our
resources and, to the extent necessary, our ability to obtain financing on satisfactory terms,
if at all, for larger acquisitions.
18
Moreover, if an acquisition candidate is identified, we may fail to enter into
an acquisition or purchase agreement for such acquisition candidate on commercially
reasonable terms, or at all. The negotiation and completion of potential acquisitions,
whether or not ultimately consummated, could also require significant diversion of our time
and resources and may potentially disrupt our existing business. Furthermore, we cannot
assure you that we will be able to successfully integrate our acquisitions into our
operations or that the expected
synergies from future acquisitions will actually materialize. For example, in connection with
the integration of our acquisition of Digital Media Group, we may desire to replace the
current shareholders of Beijing Eastlong Advertising Co., Ltd., or Beijing Eastlong
Advertising, the consolidated affiliated entity of Digital Media Group, with employees of
ours. However, the replacement of the current shareholders of Beijing Eastlong Advertising
will require us to obtain the consent of the counterparty to exclusive agency arrangement for
the Shanghai subway, and there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain such
consent in a timely manner or at all. In addition, acquisitions could result in the incurrence
of additional indebtedness, costs and contingent liabilities. For example, in connection with
several acquisitions of advertising agency businesses completed by us in China in 2008, we are
required to pay additional consideration if the acquired businesses meet specified performance
targets in future years. See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Investing Activities on
page 69 for more details
regarding the calculation of such additional consideration based on performance targets.
These acquisitions may result in significant future payments by us, although the long-term future
performance of these acquired businesses is
not certain. In addition, among the total consideration of US$160 million for our acquisition
of Digital Media Group, US$60 million will be paid in cash or shares on the first and second
anniversaries of the acquisition. See Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources Investing Activities
on page 69 for more details.
Future acquisitions may also expose us to potential risks, including risks associated with:
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the integration of new operations, services and personnel; |
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unforeseen or hidden liabilities; |
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the diversion of financial or other resources from our existing businesses and technologies; |
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our inability to generate sufficient revenues to recover costs and expenses of the
acquisitions; and |
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the potential loss of, or harm to, relationships with our employees or customers. |
Any of the above risks could significantly disrupt our ability to manage our business
and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights could have a negative impact on our
business.
We believe our brand and trademarks are critical to our success. The success of our
business depends in part upon our continued ability to use our brand and trademarks to
increase brand awareness and to further develop our brand. The unauthorized reproduction of
our trademarks could diminish the value of our brand and its market acceptance, competitive
advantages or goodwill.
Monitoring and preventing the unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult.
The measures we take to protect our brand and trademarks may not be adequate to prevent their
unauthorized use by third parties. Furthermore, application of laws governing intellectual
property rights in China and abroad is uncertain and evolving, and could involve substantial
risks to us. If we are unable to adequately protect our brand and trademarks, we may lose
these rights and our business may suffer materially. Further, unauthorized use of our brand,
trade names or trademarks could cause brand confusion among advertisers and harm our
reputation. If our brand recognition decreases, we may lose advertisers and fail in our
expansion strategies, and our business, results of operations, financial condition and
prospects could be materially and adversely affected.
We rely on computer software and hardware systems in managing our operations, the failure of
which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are dependent upon our computer software and hardware systems in supporting our
network and managing and monitoring programs on the network. In addition, we rely on our
computer hardware for the storage, delivery and transmission of the data on our network. Any
system failure which interrupts the input, retrieval and transmission of data or increases the
service time could disrupt our normal operation. Any failure in our computer software or
hardware systems could decrease our revenues and harm our relationships with advertisers and
consumers, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
19
We have limited insurance coverage for our operations in China.
The insurance industry in China is still at an early stage of development. Insurance
companies in China offer limited insurance products. We have determined that the risks of
disruption or liability from our business, the loss or damage to our
fixed assets, including our
equipment and office furniture, the cost of insuring for these risks, and the difficulties
associated with acquiring such insurance on commercially reasonable terms make it impractical
for us to have such insurance. As a result, we do not have any business liability, disruption,
litigation or property insurance coverage for our operations in China except for insurance on
some company owned vehicles. Any uninsured occurrence of loss or
damage to fixed assets, or
litigation or business disruption may result in the incurrence of substantial costs and the
diversion of resources, which could have an adverse effect on our operating results.
We may become a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, which could result in adverse U.S.
tax consequences to U.S. investors.
Based on our financial statements, relevant market data and the projected composition of
our income and valuation of our assets, including goodwill, we do not believe that we were a
passive foreign investment company for 2010, and we do not expect to
be a PFIC in 2011 or to
become one in the foreseeable future, although there can be no assurance in this regard. If,
however, we become a passive foreign investment company, such characterization could result
in adverse U.S. tax consequences to you if you are a U.S. investor. For example, if we become
a PFIC, our U.S. investors will become subject to increased tax liabilities under U.S. tax
laws and regulations and will become subject to burdensome reporting requirements.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. investor holds our ADSs or
common shares, unless the U.S. investor made a mark-to-market election the U.S. investor
would be subject to special tax rules with respect to any excess distribution received and
any gain realized from a sale or other disposition, including a
pledge, of ADSs or common shares. Distributions received in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average
annual distributions received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or a
U.S. investors holding period for the ADSs or common shares will be treated as excess
distributions. Under these special tax rules:
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the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over the U.S. investors holding
period for the ADSs or common shares, |
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the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the
first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and |
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the amount allocated to each other year will be subject to tax at the highest tax
rate in effect for that year and the interest charge generally applicable to
underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such
year. |
In addition, non-corporate U.S. investors will not be eligible for reduced rates of
taxation on any dividends received from us in taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 2013,
if we are a PFIC in the taxable year in which such dividends are paid or in the preceding
taxable year.
The determination of whether or not we are a PFIC is made on an annual basis and depends
on the composition of our income and assets from time to time. Specifically, we will be
classified as a PFIC for U.S. tax purposes if either: (i) 75% or more of our gross income in a
taxable year is passive income, or (ii) the average percentage of our assets (which include
cash) by (determined on a quarterly average) value in a taxable year which produce or are held
for the production of passive income (which includes cash) is at least 50%. The calculation of
the value of our assets will be based, in part, on the then prevailing market value of our
ADSs, which is subject to change. We cannot assure you that we will
not be a PFIC for 2011 or
any future taxable year. See Item 10. Additional Information E. Taxation Material
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences.
We may be, or may be joined as, a defendant in litigation brought against our clients or our
local operating partners by third parties, governmental or regulatory authorities, consumers
or competitors, which could result in judgments against us and materially disrupt our
business.
From time to time, we may be, or may be joined as, a defendant in litigation brought
against our clients or our local operating partners by third parties, governmental or
regulatory authorities, consumers or competitors. These actions could involve claims
alleging, among other things, that:
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advertising claims made with respect to our clients products or services are false, deceptive
or misleading; |
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our clients products are defective or injurious and may be harmful to others;
marketing, communications or advertising materials created for our clients infringe
on the proprietary rights of third parties; or |
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our relationships with our local operating partners violate or interfere with the contractual
relationships or rights of third parties. |
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Since the inception of our business operations, we were not involved in any litigation
that had judgments against us or materially disrupted our business. In addition, regarding
the litigation between our company and the selling shareholders of Digital Media Group,
although no decision was reached by the court up to June 30, 2011, we believe that the Former
Digital Media Group Shareholders claims and related motions are without merit and we intend
to vigorously defend the claims and oppose the motions, and accordingly, no provision for loss
contingencies was recorded in our consolidated financial statements. However, there can be no
assurance that we will be successful in defending against any claims in the future. The
damages, costs, expenses and attorneys fees arising from any future claims against us could
have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and
prospects. In addition, our reputation may be negatively affected by these or any future
allegations. Our litigation with the selling shareholders of Digital Media Group is detailed
in Item 3. Key information D. Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure The
shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities may have potential conflicts of interest
with us. on page 23.
Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure
If the PRC government determines that the agreements establishing the structure for
operating our China business do not comply with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations,
we could be subject to severe penalties including being prohibited from continuing our
operations in the PRC.
The PRC government requires any foreign entities that invest in the advertising services
industry to have at least two years of direct operations in the advertising industry outside
of China. We have not directly operated any advertising business outside of China and
therefore, we currently do not qualify under PRC regulations to directly provide advertising
services. In addition, the March 2006 Notice prohibits foreign investment in any mobile
digital television operating company in China. We are a Cayman Islands corporation and a
foreign legal person under Chinese laws. Accordingly, our subsidiary, China Digital Technology
(Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., or CDTC, which is a wholly-owned foreign enterprise established by us on
March 9, 2006, is currently ineligible to apply for the required licenses to directly provide
advertising services in China. CDTC is an intermediate holding company that consolidates the
operating results generated by our consolidated affiliated entities in a manner that complies
with PRC rules and regulations. It is authorized to engage in businesses such as, but not
limited to, technical development and technical consultancy services in connection with
digital visual and audio equipment. Our advertising business is currently provided through our
contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities in China, which hold the
requisite licenses to provide advertising services in China. One of our consolidated
affiliated entities, VisionChina Media Group, is currently owned by Limin Li and Yanqing
Liang. We do not have any equity interest in VisionChina Media Group but we receive the
economic benefits of it through various
contractual arrangements. See Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions B.
Related Party Transactions. In January 2010, we completed our acquisition of Digital Media
Group, which operated and continues to operate, its advertising business through its
consolidated affiliated entity in China, Beijing Eastlong Advertising. Beijing Eastlong
Advertising is currently owned by Men Qijun and Wang
Haifeng. Digital Media Group does not have any equity interest in Beijing Eastlong
Advertising, but receives the economic benefits and bear economic risks of it through various
contractual arrangements. Our consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries
directly operate our advertising network, enter into direct investment and exclusive and
non-exclusive advertising agency agreements, and sell advertising time to our clients. We
have been and expect to continue to be dependent on our consolidated affiliated entities and
their subsidiaries to operate our advertising business.
There are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of
current and future PRC laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to the laws,
rules and regulations governing the validity and enforcement of our contractual arrangements
with our consolidated affiliated entities. Although we have been advised by our PRC counsel
that the structure for operating our business in China (including our corporate structure and
contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities and their shareholders)
complies with all applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, and does not violate, breach,
contravene or otherwise conflict with any applicable PRC laws, rules or regulations, we
cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities will not take a view that is contrary
to the above opinion of our PRC counsel, and determine that our corporate structure and
contractual arrangements violate PRC laws, rules or regulations. We have been further advised
by our PRC counsel that if the PRC government determines that the agreements that establish
the structure for operating our PRC advertising businesses do not comply with applicable
restrictions on foreign investment in the advertising industry or the mobile digital
televisions industry, we may be subject to severe penalties including, among other things,
being prohibited from continuing our operations in the PRC.
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If we, our consolidated affiliated entities or any of their current or future
subsidiaries, our direct investment entities, or our local operating partners are found to be
in violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, or fail to obtain or maintain
any of the required permits or approvals, the relevant PRC regulatory authorities, including
the SAIC and SARFT, would have broad discretion in dealing with such violations, including:
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revoking the business and operating licenses of such entities; |
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discontinuing or restricting the conduct of any transactions among our
consolidated affiliated entities, our PRC subsidiaries and affiliated entities; |
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imposing fines, confiscating the income of our consolidated affiliated entities or
our income, or imposing other requirements with which we, our consolidated affiliated
entities, our PRC subsidiaries or affiliated entities may not be able to comply; |
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shutting down the network of our consolidated affiliated entities; |
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requiring us or our PRC subsidiary and affiliated entities to restructure our ownership
structure or operations; or |
The imposition of any of these penalties could result in a material and adverse effect on
our ability to conduct our business and our financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities in China, and
their equity holders, which may not be as effective in providing us with operational control
or enabling us to derive economic benefits as through ownership of controlling equity
interest.
We have in the past relied, and will continue in the future to rely, on contractual
arrangements with VisionChina Media Group, one of our consolidated affiliated entities in
China, and its shareholders to operate our advertising business. In January 2010, we completed
our acquisition of Digital Media Group, which operated, and will continue to operate, its
advertising business through contractual arrangements with Beijing Eastlong Advertising and its
equity holders.
These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as ownership of controlling
equity interest would be in providing us with control over, or enabling us to derive
economic benefits from the operations of, our consolidated affiliated entities and their
subsidiaries. If we had direct ownership of our consolidated affiliated entities and their
subsidiaries, we would be able to exercise our rights as a shareholder to
(i) effect changes in the board of directors of those entities, which in turn could effect
changes, subject to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management level, and (ii)
derive economic benefits from the operations of our consolidated affiliated entities and their
subsidiaries by causing our consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries to declare
and pay dividends. However, under the current contractual arrangements, as a legal matter, if
our consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries or any of their respective
equity holders fails to perform their, his or her respective obligations under these contractual
arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs and resources to enforce such
arrangements, and rely on legal remedies under PRC law, including seeking specific performance
or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, which we cannot assure you will be effective. For
example, if equity holders of VisionChina Media Group were to refuse to transfer their equity
interests in VisionChina Media Group to us or our designated persons when we exercise the
purchase option pursuant to these contractual arrangements, we may have to take legal action
to compel them to fulfill their contractual obligations.
We expect to continue to depend upon our contractual arrangements with our consolidated
affiliated entities and their subsidiaries and their equity holders to operate our advertising
business in China due to the PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investments in our
industry. If
(i) the applicable PRC authorities invalidate these contractual arrangements for violation of
PRC laws, rules and regulations, (ii) our consolidated affiliated entities or their
subsidiaries terminate these contractual arrangements or (iii) our consolidated affiliated
entities or their subsidiaries fail to perform their obligations under these contractual
arrangements, we would not be able to continue our business operations in China or to derive
economic benefits from operations of our consolidated affiliated entities or their
subsidiaries, and the value of your ADSs would substantially decrease. Further, if we fail to
renew these contractual arrangements upon their expiration, we would not be able to continue
our business operations unless the then current PRC law allows us to directly operate
advertising businesses in China.
In addition, through an Equity Pledge Agreement, our consolidated entities encumber all
or part of their assets with liens. See Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party
Transactions B. Related Party Transactions Agreements that Provide Us Effective Control
over VisionChina Media Group and its Subsidiaries. If our consolidated affiliated entities or
all or part of their assets become subject to liens or rights of third-party creditors, we may
be unable to continue some or all of our business activities, which could severely disrupt our
business and cause grave damaging effects on our financial condition and results of
operations. If one of our consolidated affiliated entities undergoes a voluntary or
involuntary liquidation proceeding, its equity holders or unrelated third-party creditors may
claim rights to some or all of the assets of that consolidated affiliated entity, thereby
hindering our ability to operate our business or derive economic benefits from that
consolidated affiliated entity and its subsidiaries, which could materially and adversely
affect our business, our ability to generate revenues and the market price of your ADSs.
The contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities are governed by PRC
law and provide for the resolution of disputes through either arbitration or litigation in the
PRC. Accordingly, these contracts would be interpreted in accordance with PRC law and any
disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal environment in
the PRC is not as developed as in some other jurisdictions, such as the United States. As a
result, uncertainties in the PRC legal system could limit our ability to enforce these
contractual arrangements. In the event we are unable to enforce these contractual arrangements,
we may not be able to exercise effective control over our operating entities, and we may be
precluded from operating our business, which would have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition and results of operations.
If VisionChina Media Group or Beijing Eastlong Advertising fails to honor its obligations
under the contractual arrangements with us, our advertising business may be severely and
adversely affected.
Chinese laws and regulations prohibit or restrict foreign ownership of media content and
advertising business. To comply with these foreign ownership restrictions, we invest in
ventures with local television stations and provide advertising services on our out-of-home
digital
television networks in the PRC through VisionChina Media Group and Beijing Eastlong Advertising,
both PRC legal entities. VisionChina Media Group was established by our co-founders, and Beijing
Eastlong Advertising was established by Haifeng Wang and Qiujun Men. The paid-in
capital of VisionChina Media Group was funded by us or CDTC through a loan extended to the
co-founders. CDTC has entered into certain exclusive agreements with VisionChina Media Group,
which obligate us to absorb a majority of the risk of loss from VisionChina Media Groups
activities and entitle us to receive a majority of its residual returns. In addition, we,
through CDTC, has entered into certain agreements with the two individuals, including a loan
agreement for the paid-in capital of VisionChina Media Group described above, an option
agreement to acquire the shareholding in VisionChina Media Group when permitted by the PRC
laws, and a share pledge agreement for the shares in VisionChina Media Group held by the
co-founders. As provided by these agreements, all raised disputes are subject to PRC court
proceedings. Similarly, the paid-in capital of Beijing Eastlong Advertising was funded by
Beijing Eastlong Technology, which became our wholly owned subsidiary subsequent to our
acquisition of Digital Media Group in 2010, through loans extended to its equity holders.
Beijing Eastlong Technology Development Co., Ltd., or Beijing
Eastlong Technology has entered into certain exclusive agreements with Beijing Eastlong
Advertising, which obligate us to absorb a majority of the risk of loss from Beijing Eastlong
Advertisings activities and entitle us to receive a majority of its residual returns. In
addition, Beijing Eastlong Technology, has entered into certain agreements with the two
individual equity holders, including a loan agreement for the paid-in capital of Beijing
Eastlong Advertising described above and an option agreement to acquire the equity interest in
Beijing Eastlong Advertising when permitted by the PRC
laws. As provided by these agreements, all raised disputes are subject to PRC court
proceedings. The major difference between binding arbitration and court proceedings in the PRC
is that PRC arbitration judgments are binding, enforceable and may not be appealed, whereas the
PRC court judgments are subject to appeal to the Peoples Court of Appeal. According to the
Civil Procedure Laws of the PRC, each party to a dispute in its first trial is entitled to
appeal within the statutory time limit, and the court shall hear
all appeals once the case is filed in the second instance. Before the appeal is heard, the
peoples court of the first trial shall serve copies of the appeal petition on the respondent
within five days of receiving an appeal petition, and the respondent shall submit its defense
in writing within
15 days of receiving such copies of the appeal petition. Failure by the respondent to submit a
defense shall not prevent the case from being tried by the peoples court. In trying an
appealed case against a judgment, the peoples court shall make a final judgment within three
months of the case being filed in the second instance; in trying an appealed case against an
order, the peoples court shall make a final order within 30 days of the case being filed in
the second instance. See Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions B.
Related Party Transactions for a detailed description of these contractual arrangements.
Based on these contractual arrangements, we believe that VisionChina Media Group and
Beijing Eastlong Advertising should be each considered as a variable interest entity, or VIE,
under Financial Accounting Standards Board, Accounting Standards Codification 810,
Consolidation, because the equity investors in VisionChina Media Group and Beijing Eastlong
Advertising do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest and we,
through CDTC and Beijing Eastlong Technology, are the primary beneficiary of VisionChina Media
Group and Beijing Eastlong Advertising. We and CDTC hold all the variable interests of
VisionChina Media Group, and we and CDTC have been determined to be the most closely
associated with VisionChina Media Group. We and Beijing Eastlong Technology hold all the
variable interests of Beijing Eastlong Advertising, and we and Beijing Eastlong Technology
have been determined to be the most closely associated with Beijing Eastlong Advertising.
Therefore, we are the primary beneficiary of both VisionChina Media Group and Beijing Eastlong
Advertising. Accordingly, we consolidate VisionChina Media Group and Beijing Eastlong
Advertising.
These contractual arrangements enable us to exercise effective control over VisionChina
Media Group and its subsidiaries and receive substantially all of the economic benefits of
VisionChina Media Group and its subsidiaries for a remaining period
of 21 years. If
VisionChina Media Group fails to comply with its obligation under the foregoing contractual
arrangement, such non-performance may have adverse effect on our financial condition and
results of operations. Further, the contractual arrangements enable us to exercise effective control over Beijing Eastlong
Advertising and its subsidiaries and receive substantially all of the economic benefits of Beijing
Eastlong Advertising and its subsidiaries for a remaining period of five years. If Beijing
Eastlong Advertising fails to comply with its obligation under the foregoing contractual
arrangement, such non-performance may have adverse effect on our financial condition and results of
operations.
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The shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities may have potential conflicts of interest
with us.
The beneficial owners of VisionChina Media Group are also the founders of our company and
own a substantial portion of our common shares. Conflicts of interests between their dual roles
as beneficial owners of both VisionChina Media Group and our company may arise. The
shareholders of Beijing Eastlong Advertising were the founders of Digital Media Group. Their
interests may diverge from those of our company, particularly after the completion of our
acquisition of Digital Media Group in January 2010.
We cannot assure you that when conflicts of interest arise, any or all of these
individuals will act in the best interests of our company or that any conflict of interest will
be resolved in our favor. In addition, these individuals may breach or cause the applicable
consolidated affiliated entity to breach or refuse to renew the existing contractual
arrangements, which will have a material adverse effect on our ability to effectively control
that consolidated entity and receive economic benefits from it. If we cannot resolve any
conflicts of interest or disputes between us and the equity holders of our consolidated
affiliated entities, we would have to rely on legal proceedings, the outcome of which is
uncertain and which could be disruptive to our business.
Our
company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Vision Best Limited, filed a summons with notice in the Supreme Court of the State of New
York on December 27, 2010 against the selling shareholders of Digital Media Group. The summons and notice alleged that the selling
shareholders of Digital Media Group engaged in an unlawful scheme to induce our company, through false, deceptive, and misleading
statements concerning Digital Media Groups financial condition and performance, to pay a grossly inflated price to purchase Digital Media
Group in 2010, and has received, or is scheduled to receive, ill-gotten gains from this unlawful scheme. In the summons and notice we further
claimed for indemnification from the escrow fund that was established at the time of the purchase as a result of the selling shareholders
breaches of representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement.
According to the summons and notice, our company and Vision Best Limited are seeking
relief including: a declaration that we are not obligated to pay further installments totaling
US$60 million in consideration for the acquisition; a declaration that our company and Vision
Best Limited are not obligated to pay any unpaid escrowed cash or shares into the escrow fund
and ordering that such cash or shares be returned to our company and Vision Best Limited;
restitution of all cash and stock wrongfully received by the defendants as a result of the
unlawful scheme; compensatory damages from the selling shareholders of Digital Media Group in
an amount to be determined at trial but not less than US$80 million; punitive damages from the
selling shareholders of Digital Media Group in an amount to be determined at trial; and
interest, attorneys fees and disbursements, costs, and other relief that the court deems just
and proper.
On February 25, 2011, a counter-suit was filed by some of the selling shareholders of
Digital Media Group, or Former Digital Media Group Shareholders, against the lawsuit filed by
our company on December 27, 2010. The complaint alleged that our company breached certain
agreements related to the acquisition of Digital Media Group, by allegedly declining to make
certain installment payments that the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders claim they were
entitled to receive, and allegedly declining to take other actions to facilitate the transfer
of our companys stock that the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders are entitled to receive
in connection with the acquisition of Digital Media Group. The Former Digital Media Group
Shareholders were also seeking specific enforcement of the contracts at issue, compensatory
damages in an amount to be determined at trial, permanent and preliminary injunctive relief and
such other relief as the court deems just and proper.
Also on February 25, 2011, the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders filed two motions against our company and Vision Best Limited
along with their counter-suit. They submitted a motion for attachment, seeking an order of attachment in the amount of $30 million against our
company and Vision Best Limited and directing us to transfer assets into the State of New York to satisfy a prospective judgment. They also
filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to order our company and Vision Best Limited to remove the restrictive legend on certain our
companys stock received by the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders in connection with the acquisition, and to provide consents or
authorizations required to convert our companys stock that the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders are entitled to receive into American
Depository Shares and make them freely tradable.
We believe that the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders claims and related motions are without merit and intend to vigorously
defend the claims and oppose the motions. Accordingly, no provision for loss contingencies was recorded in connection with the litigation with
the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders in our consolidated
financial statements. The motions were presented to the Supreme Court of the State of New York on May 25, 2011. No decision has been reached by court regarding the initial filing by our company and the counter
suit by the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders as of June 30, 2011.
Our contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities may be subject to
scrutiny by the PRC tax authorities and may result in a finding that we owe additional taxes or
are ineligible for tax exemption, or both, which could substantially increase our taxes owed
and thereby reduce our net income.
Under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, arrangements and transactions among
related parties may be subject to audits or challenges by the PRC tax authorities. Neither we
nor our PRC counsel are able to determine whether any of these transactions will be regarded by
the PRC tax authorities as arms length transactions because, based on our knowledge, the PRC
tax authorities have not issued a ruling or interpretation in respect of the type of transaction
structure similar to ours. The relevant tax authorities may determine that our contractual
relationships with our consolidated affiliate entities and their
equity holders were not entered
into on an arms length basis. If any of the transactions between one of our wholly owned
subsidiaries in China and a consolidated affiliated entity, and its
equity holders, including our
contractual relationships with that consolidated affiliated entity, are determined not to have
been entered into on an arms length basis, or are found to result in an impermissible reduction
in taxes under PRC law, the PRC tax authorities may adjust the profits and losses of that
consolidated affiliated entity and assess more taxes on it. In addition, the PRC tax authorities
may impose late payment surcharges and other penalties to that consolidated affiliated entity
for underpaid taxes. Our operating results may be materially and adversely affected if the tax
liabilities of a consolidated affiliated entity increase or if it is found to be subject to late
payment surcharges or other penalties.
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We rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by our wholly-owned
operating subsidiaries to fund any cash and financing requirements we may have, and any
limitation on the ability of our operating subsidiary to pay dividends to us could have a
material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business.
We are a holding company, and we rely principally on dividends and other distributions on equity
paid by our PRC operating subsidiaries
for our cash requirements, including the funds necessary to service any debt we may incur. If
one of our PRC operating subsidiaries incurs debt on its own behalf in the future, the
instruments governing the debt may restrict its ability to pay dividends or make other
distributions to us. In addition, the PRC tax authorities may require us to adjust our taxable
income under the contractual arrangements our PRC operating subsidiaries currently have in
place with our consolidated affiliated entities in a manner that would materially and
adversely affect our PRC operating subsidiaries ability to pay dividends and other
distributions to us. Furthermore, relevant PRC laws, rules and regulations permit payments of
dividends by our PRC operating subsidiaries only out of their retained earnings, if any,
determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. Under PRC laws, rules
and regulations, our PRC operating subsidiaries are also required to set aside a portion of
their net income each year to fund specific reserve funds. These reserves are not
distributable as cash dividends.
In addition, the statutory general reserve fund requires annual appropriations of 10% of
after-tax income to be set aside prior to payment of dividends until the cumulative fund
reaches 50% of the registered capital. The statutory general reserve fund is used to make up
for losses and not allowed to be distributed as cash dividends. To the extent it has not
complied with these requirements, a company shall be ordered to the statutory reserve fund and
may be fined a maximum to RMB 200,000 penalty and shareholders must return the distributed
profits to company. As a result of these PRC laws, rules and regulations, our PRC operating
subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to us
whether in the form of dividends, loans or advances. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC
operating subsidiaries to pay dividends to us could materially and adversely limit our ability
to grow, make investments or acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay
dividends or otherwise fund and conduct our business.
Historically, our PRC wholly owned subsidiaries, CDTC and Beijing Eastlong Technology did not pay dividends to us from its
accumulated profits. Our management believes that it will be able to pay dividends to us from
CDTC and Beijing Eastlong Technology, but our management does not have any present plan for
receiving dividends from our PRC operating subsidiaries including CDTC and Beijing Eastlong
Technology. Currently we plan to use all our retained profits in our PRC subsidiaries and
consolidated affiliates, including CDTC and Beijing Eastlong Technology, to reinvest for our
future business expansion.
Risks Related to Doing Business in China
Adverse changes in political and economic policies of the PRC government could have a
material adverse effect on the overall economic growth of China, which could reduce the
demand for our products and materially and adversely affect our competitive position.
All of our business operations are conducted in China and all of our sales are made in
China. Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects are
affected significantly by economic, political and legal developments in China. The Chinese
economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects, including:
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access to financing; and |
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the allocation of resources. |
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While the Chinese economy has grown significantly in the past 30 years, the growth has
been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors of the economy. The PRC government
has implemented various measures to encourage economic growth and guide the allocation of
resources. Some of these measures benefit the overall Chinese economy, but may also have a
negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of operations may be
materially and adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in
tax regulations that are applicable to us.
The Chinese economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more
market-oriented economy. Although the PRC government has in recent years implemented measures
emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state
ownership of productive assets and the establishment of sound corporate governance in business
enterprises, a substantial portion of the productive assets in China is still owned by the PRC
government. The continued control of these assets and other aspects of the national economy by
the PRC government could materially and adversely affect our business. The PRC government also
exercises significant control over Chinas economic growth by allocating resources, controlling
payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing
preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. These actions, as well as future
actions and policies of the PRC government, could materially affect our liquidity and access to
capital and our ability to operate our business. Substantially all of our assets are located in
China and substantially all of our revenues are derived from our operations in China.
Accordingly, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects are
subject, to a significant extent, to economic, political and legal developments in China.
Uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal system could limit the protections available to you and
us.
The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike in common law
systems, prior court decisions may be cited for reference but have limited precedential value.
Since 1979, PRC legislation and regulations have significantly enhanced the protections
afforded to various forms of foreign investments in China. We conduct all of our business
through our subsidiary and consolidated affiliated entities established in China. However,
since the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws,
regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and
rules involves uncertainties, which may limit legal protections available to us. For example,
we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce the legal protection
that we enjoy either by law or contract. However, since PRC administrative and court
authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and
contractual terms, it may be more difficult than in more developed legal systems to evaluate
the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy.
These uncertainties may impede our ability to enforce the contracts
we have entered into with our business partners, customers and suppliers. In addition, such uncertainties,
including the inability to enforce our contracts, could materially and adversely affect our
business and operations. Furthermore, intellectual property rights and confidentiality
protections in China may not be as effective as in the United States or other countries.
Accordingly, we cannot predict the effect of future developments in the PRC legal system,
including the promulgation of new laws, changes to existing laws or the interpretation or
enforcement thereof, or the preemption
of local regulations by national laws. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections
available to us and other foreign investors, including you. In addition, any litigation in
China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and
management attention.
You may experience difficulties effecting service of legal process, enforcing foreign judgments
or bringing original actions in China based on United States or other foreign laws, against us,
our management or the experts named in this annual report.
We conduct substantially all of our operations in China and substantially all of our
assets are located in China. In addition, all of our senior executive officers, such as our
Chief Executive Officer, Limin Li, our Chief Development Officer, Haijun Liu, and our Vice
President of Finance, Yan Wang, reside within China. As a result, it may not be possible to
effect service of process within the United States or elsewhere outside China upon us or our
senior executive officers, including with respect to matters arising under U.S. federal
securities laws or applicable state securities laws. Moreover, our PRC counsel has advised us
that the PRC does not have treaties with the United States or many other countries providing
for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of legal judgments.
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PRC regulation of loans and direct investment by offshore holding companies to PRC entities
may delay or prevent us from making loans or additional capital contributions to our PRC
operating subsidiary and affiliates.
As an offshore holding company of our PRC operating subsidiary and consolidated
affiliated entities, we may make loans to our PRC subsidiaries and consolidated affiliated
entities, or we may make additional capital contributions to our PRC subsidiaries. Any loans
to our PRC subsidiaries or consolidated affiliated entities in China are subject to PRC
regulations and approvals. For example:
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loans by us to foreign invested enterprises, such as our PRC subsidiaries cannot exceed
statutory limits and must be registered with the
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loans by us to domestic PRC enterprises, such as our consolidated affiliated
entities, must be approved by the relevant government authorities and must also be
registered with SAFE or its local counterparts. |
We may also decide to finance our PRC operating subsidiaries by means of capital
contributions. These capital contributions must be approved by the PRC Ministry of Commerce,
or the MOC, or its local counterpart. Because our PRC operating subsidiaries and their
subsidiaries are domestic PRC enterprises, we are not likely to finance their activities by
means of capital contributions due to regulatory issues relating to foreign investment in
domestic PRC enterprises, as well as licensing and other regulatory issues. We cannot assure
you that we can obtain these government registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if at
all, with respect to future loans or capital contributions by us to our consolidated
affiliated entities or any of their subsidiaries. If we fail to receive such registrations or
approvals, our ability to capitalize our PRC operations would be negatively affected, which
would adversely and materially affect our liquidity and our ability to expand our business.
PRC regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may increase our
administrative burden and restrict our overseas and cross-border investment activity. If our
shareholders who are PRC residents fail to make any required applications and filings under
such regulations, we may be unable to distribute profits and may become subject to liability
under PRC laws.
The SAFE issued a public notice in October 2005, or the SAFE notice, requiring PRC
residents to register with the local SAFE branch before establishing or controlling any
company outside of China for the purpose of capital financing with assets or equities of PRC
companies, referred to in the notice as an offshore special purpose company. PRC residents
who are shareholders of offshore special purpose companies established before November 1, 2005
were required to register with the local SAFE branch before March 31, 2006. The SAFE notice
further requires amendment to the registration in the event of any significant changes with
respect to the offshore special purpose company, including an initial public offering by such
company. Limin Li and Yanqing Liang, our shareholders who are PRC citizens, have registered
with the local SAFE branch as required by the SAFE notice and are required to amend their
registration to reflect recent developments of our company and our PRC subsidiary. The failure
of our beneficial owners who are PRC citizens to amend their SAFE registrations in a timely
fashion pursuant to the SAFE notice or the failure of future beneficial owners of our company
who are PRC residents to comply with the registration procedures set forth in the SAFE notice
may subject such beneficial owners to fines and legal sanctions and may also limit our ability
to contribute additional capital to our PRC subsidiary, limit the ability of our PRC
subsidiary to distribute dividends to our company or otherwise materially and adversely affect
our business.
On December 25, 2006, the Peoples Bank of China promulgated the Measure for the
Administration of Individual Foreign Exchange, and on January 5, 2007, the SAFE promulgated
the implementation rules on those measures. Pursuant to these regulations, PRC citizens who
have been granted shares or share options by an overseas listed company according to its
employee share option or share incentive plan are required, through a qualified PRC agent which
may be the PRC subsidiary of such overseas listed company, to register with the SAFE and
complete certain other procedures related to the share option or share incentive plan. Foreign
exchange income received from the sale of shares or dividends distributed by the overseas
listed company must be remitted into a foreign currency account of such PRC citizen or be
exchanged
into Renminbi. Our PRC citizen employees who have been granted share options, or PRC optionees,
are subject to these regulations. According to the Regulations on the Foreign Exchange System
of the PRC, we or our PRC optionees may be assessed fines of up to RMB300,000 and legal or
administrative sanctions for failure to comply with the provisions of the foreign exchange
register administration. Our PRC counsel has advised that failure to comply with SAFE
registration requirements by some of our PRC optionees would not have a material adverse effect
on our business or results of operations.
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If any of our PRC affiliates becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or liquidation proceeding, we
may lose the ability to use and enjoy those assets, which could reduce the size of our
advertising network and materially and adversely affect our business, ability to generate
revenues and the market price of our ADSs.
To comply with PRC laws, rules and regulations relating to foreign ownership restrictions
in the advertising business, we currently conduct our operations in China through contractual
arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities and their
equity holders. As part of these
arrangements, VisionChina Media Group, Beijing Eastlong Advertising and their subsidiaries hold
some of the assets that are important to the operation of our business. If any of these entities
becomes bankrupt and all or part of their assets become subject to liens or rights of
third-party creditors, we may be unable to continue some or all of our business activities,
which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations. If any of our consolidated affiliated entities or any of their subsidiaries
undergoes a voluntary or involuntary liquidation proceeding, their shareholders or unrelated
third-party creditors may claim rights to some or all of their assets, thereby hindering our
ability to operate our business, which could materially and adversely affect our business, our
ability to generate revenues and the market price of our ADSs.
Governmental control of currency conversion may affect the value of your investment.
The PRC government imposes controls on the convertibility of the Renminbi into foreign
currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currency out of China. We receive all our
revenues in Renminbi. Under our current corporate structure, our
future cash requirements will be primarily satisfied by dividend payments from our PRC subsidiaries. Shortages in the availability of foreign
currency may restrict the ability of our PRC subsidiaries to remit sufficient foreign currency to
pay dividends or other payments to us, or otherwise satisfy their foreign currency-denominated
obligations. Under existing PRC foreign exchange regulations, payments of current account
items, including profit distributions and expenditures from
trade related transactions, can be made in foreign currencies without prior approval from SAFE by
complying with certain procedural
requirements. In addition, foreign currencies received under current account items can be
retained or sold to financial institutions engaged in the foreign exchange settlement or sales
business by complying with relevant regulations. However, approval from SAFE or its local
branch is required where Renminbi is to be converted into foreign currency and remitted out of
China to pay capital expenses such as the repayment of loans denominated in foreign currencies.
Similarly, approval from SAFE or its local branch is required if foreign currencies received in
respect of capital account items is to be retained or sold to financial institutions engaged in
the foreign exchange settlement or sales business. The PRC government may also, at its
discretion, restrict access in the future to foreign currencies for current account
transactions. If the foreign
exchange control system prevents us from obtaining sufficient foreign currency to satisfy our
currency demands, we may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies to our
shareholders, including holders of our ADSs.
Fluctuations in exchange rates of the Renminbi could materially affect our reported results of
operations.
The exchange rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar, Euro and other foreign
currencies are affected by, among other things, changes in Chinas political and economic
conditions. On July 21, 2005, the PRC government changed its decade-old policy of pegging the
value of the Renminbi to the U.S. dollar. Under the new policy, the Renminbi is permitted to
fluctuate within a narrow and managed band against a basket of foreign currencies. This
change in policy has resulted in significant appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S.
dollar. There remains significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt a
more flexible currency policy, which could result in a further and more significant
appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar.
As we rely on dividends paid to us by our operating subsidiary, any significant
revaluation of the Renminbi may have a material adverse effect on our cash flows, revenues,
earnings and financial position, and the value of, and dividends payable on, our ADSs in
foreign currency terms. To the extent that we need to convert U.S. dollars into Renminbi for
our operations, appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse
effect on the Renminbi amount we would receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to
convert our Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our
common shares or ADSs or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against
the Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amount available to us. In
addition, appreciation or depreciation in the value of the Renminbi relative to the U.S. dollar
would have a positive or negative effect on our financial results reported in U.S. dollar terms
without giving effect to any underlying change in our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
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Very limited hedging options are available in China to reduce exposure to exchange rate
fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions to reduce our
exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging
transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited
and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all. In addition, our currency
exchange losses may be aggravated by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our
ability to convert Renminbi into foreign currency.
The discontinuation of any preferential tax treatment currently available to us and the
increase in the PRC enterprise income tax could decrease our net income and materially and
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our operating subsidiary and consolidated affiliates are incorporated in the PRC and are
governed by applicable PRC income tax laws and regulations. The PRC Enterprise Income Tax
Law, or the EIT Law, became effective on January 1, 2008. The implementation regulations
under the EIT Law issued by the PRC State Council became effective January 1, 2008. Under the
EIT Law and the implementation regulations, the PRC has adopted a uniform tax rate of 25% for
all enterprises (including foreign-invested enterprises) and revoked the previous tax
exemption, reduction and preferential treatments applicable to foreign-invested enterprises.
However, there is a transition period for enterprises, whether foreign-invested or domestic,
that received preferential tax treatments granted by relevant tax authorities prior to January
1, 2008. Enterprises that were subject to an enterprise income tax rate lower than 25% prior to
January 1, 2008 may continue to enjoy the lower rate and gradually transition to the new tax
rate within five years after the effective date of the EIT Law.
Before the EIT Law and its implementation regulations became effective on January 1,
2008, as an enterprise located in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zones in the PRC, CDTC and
VisionChina Media Group were allowed to enjoy a preferential tax rate of 15%. In addition,
VisionChina Media Group has been recognized as a culture enterprise and thus its
headquarters are entitled to full exemption from enterprise income tax from 2005 to 2008. The
PRC Ministry of Finance and State Administration of Taxation issued a circular Notice on
preferential tax treatment of enterprise income tax in February 2008. The circular stipulates
that a newly established culture enterprise could enjoy the corporate income tax exemption
treatment which has been approved by the authorities until the end of its tax holiday.
VisionChina Media Group obtained the tax exemption approval certificate for year 2008.
VisionChina Media Groups sales branches located in various cities in the PRC are subject to
enterprise income tax at standard rate. While this preferential tax exemption for VisionChina
Media Group ended after
2008, in November 2008, VisionChina Media Group was recognized as new and high technology
enterprises strongly supported by the state and is entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15%
for 2009 and 2010. VisionChina Media Group is currently applying to be a state-encouraged
high-new technology enterprise in 2011, 2012 and 2013 for a preferential tax rate of 15% in
these three years. In accordance with a circular issued in December 2010, Beijing Eastlong
Technology has been recognized as a state-encouraged high-new technology enterprise starting
from 2010, and the status is valid for a period of three years. As such the EIT rate for
Beijing Eastlong Technology is 15% in each of the years of 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Furthermore, one of our operating subsidiaries in Luzhou in Sichuan province was recognized as
a local government encouraged company and is entitled to exemption from the enterprise
income tax for 2008 and 2009 and reduced tax rate of 7.5% in each of the years of 2010, 2011
and 2012. However, we cannot assure you that our PRC operating subsidiary and consolidated
affiliated entities will continue to receive preferential tax treatments in the future. Any
further legislative changes to the tax laws and or regulations could in future years by
applicable authorities and
become subject our PRC operating subsidiary and consolidated affiliated entities to increased
income tax rates. Any increase in the enterprise income tax rate applicable to our operating
subsidiary and consolidated affiliated entities in the PRC would decrease our net income and
materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Dividends we receive from our subsidiary located in the PRC may be subject to PRC withholding tax.
The EIT Law provides that a maximum income tax rate of 20% may be applicable to dividends
payable to non-PRC investors that are non-resident enterprises, to the extent such
dividends are derived from sources within the PRC, and the State Council of the PRC has
reduced such rate to 10% through the implementation regulations. We are a Cayman Islands
holding company and substantially all of our income may be derived from dividends we receive
from our subsidiary located in the PRC. Thus, dividends paid to us by our subsidiary in China
may be subject to the 10% income tax if we are considered as a non-resident enterprise under
the EIT Law. If we are required under the EIT Law to pay income tax for any dividends we
receive from our subsidiary in China, it will materially and adversely affect the amount of
dividends, if any, we may pay to our shareholders and ADS holders.
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In addition, we conduct advertising business through our contractual arrangements with
our consolidated affiliated entities, which are currently owned by individuals. We must pay
taxes at the individual income tax of 20% on behalf of our employees who hold interests in a
consolidated affiliated entity when that consolidated affiliated entity distributes dividends
in the future. Furthermore, there may be potential business taxes arising from the contractual
arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities. If we cannot retrieve the
undistributed earnings in our consolidated affiliated entities in a tax free manner, we may
need to pay additional taxes upon distribution of such undistributed earnings.
We may be deemed a PRC resident enterprise under the EIT Law and be subject to PRC taxation on our
worldwide income.
The EIT Law provides that enterprises established outside of China whose de facto
management bodies are located in China are considered resident enterprises and are
generally subject to the uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate as to their worldwide income.
Under the implementation regulations for the EIT Law issued by the PRC State Council, de
facto management body is defined as a body that has material and overall management and
control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources,
finances and treasury, and acquisition and disposition of properties and other assets of an
enterprise.
Also, on April 22, 2009, the State Administration of Tax (SAT) issued a Tax Circular,
Guoshuifa [2009] No. 82, Notice on the Recognition of Overseas Incorporated Domestically
Controlled Enterprises as PRC Resident Enterprises Based on the Place of Effective Management
Criteria , or Circular 82, with retrospective effect from 1 January 2008. According to
Circular 82, any enterprise established under the law of a country or region other than the
PRC but whose main investor is a PRC enterprise or Group shall be recognized as a resident
enterprise for PRC tax purposes if all the following criteria are met: (i) the senior
executives responsible for its daily production or business operations and the place where
such responsibilities are carried out are mainly located in China; (ii) decisions about its
finances (such as borrowing, lending, financing and managing financial risk) and human
resources (such as staff recruitment, termination, and remuneration policies) are made or
approved by organizations or individuals located in China; (iii) its major properties,
accounting books and records, company seal, board minutes and resolutions, shareholders
meeting minutes, etc. are kept in China; and (iv) 50% or more of its voting directors or its
senior executives habitually reside in China. The principle of substance over form applies
when determining the place of effective management. Although Circular 82 was issued to
regulate the PRC tax resident judgment of companies established overseas and controlled by PRC
companies, which is not applicable in our case, the criteria in Circular 82 should be used as
a reference to the SATs view on this issue
Our board of directors holds regular meetings and makes most of the significant
operational, investment and financing decisions outside of the PRC. In addition, our senior
management spends a significant amount of time outside of the PRC developing and managing
investor relations. As such, we believe that the de facto management body of the Company is
located outside of the PRC, and, accordingly, we believe the risk of being recognized as a PRC
resident enterprise under the EIT Law is low. If we are treated as a resident enterprise for
PRC tax purposes, we will be subject to PRC tax on our worldwide income at the 25% uniform tax
rate, which could have an impact on our effective tax rate and an adverse effect on our results of operations.
For the year ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, our legal entities organized outside
of the PRC incurred losses. Therefore, even if our legal entities organized outside of the
PRC are treated as PRC residents for purpose of the new EIT law, our management believes there
was no material impact on our results of operations.
Dividends payable by us to our foreign investors and gain on the sale of our ADSs or common shares
may become subject to taxes under
PRC tax laws.
Under the EIT Law and implementation regulations issued by the State Council, PRC income
tax at the rate of 10% is applicable to dividends payable to investors that are non-resident
enterprises which do not have an establishment or place of business in the PRC, or which have
such establishment or place of business but the relevant income is not effectively connected
with the establishment or place of business, to the extent that such dividends have their
sources within the PRC. Similarly, any gain realized on the transfer of ADSs or shares by such
investors is also subject to 10% PRC income tax if such gain is regarded as income derived from
sources within the PRC. If we are considered
a PRC resident enterprise, it is unclear whether dividends we pay with respect to our common
shares or ADSs, or the gain you may realize
from the transfer of our common shares or ADSs, would be treated as income derived from
sources within the PRC and be subject to PRC tax. If we are required under the EIT Law to
withhold PRC income tax on dividends payable to our non-PRC investors that are non-resident
enterprises, or if you are required to pay PRC income tax on the transfer of our common
shares or ADSs, the value of your investment in common shares or ADSs may be materially and
adversely affected.
We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics, terrorist attacks or other
events in China that may affect usage of public transportation, which could have a
material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Our business could be materially and adversely affected by natural disasters, the
outbreak of health epidemics, terrorist attacks or other events in China. For example, in
early 2008, parts of China suffered a wave of strong snow storms that severely impacted public
transportation systems. In May 2008, Sichuan Province in China suffered a strong earthquake
measuring approximately 8.0 on the Richter scale that caused widespread damage and casualties.
The May 2008 Sichuan earthquake may have a material adverse effect on the general economic
conditions in the areas affected by the earthquake. We cannot assure you that the May 2008
Sichuan earthquake will not have a significant impact on the overall economic conditions in
the PRC. In addition, in the last decade, the PRC has suffered health epidemics related to the
outbreak of avian influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome. In July 2008, explosive
devices were detonated on several buses in Kunming, Yunnan Province of China, which resulted
in disruptions to public transportation systems in Kunming and casualties. Any future natural
disasters, health epidemics, terrorist attacks or other events in the PRC could cause a
reduction in usage of, or other severe disruptions to, public transportation systems and could
have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
29
The implementation of the PRC Labor Contract Law may significantly increase our operating
expenses and adversely affect our business and results of operations.
On June 29, 2007, the PRC National Peoples Congress enacted the Labor Contract Law,
which became effective on January 1, 2008. The Labor Contract Law formalizes workers rights
concerning overtime hours, pensions, layoffs, employment contracts and the role of trade
unions and provides for specific standards and procedure for the termination of an employment
contract. In addition, the Labor Contract Law requires the payment of a statutory severance
pay upon the termination of an employment contract in most cases, including in cases of the
expiration of a fixed-term employment contract. As there has been little guidance as to how
the Labor Contract Law will be interpreted and enforced by the relevant PRC authorities,
there remains substantial uncertainty as to its potential impact on our business and results
of operations. The implementation of the Labor Contract Law may significantly increase our
operating expenses, in particular our personnel
expenses, as the continued success of our business depends significantly on our ability to
attract and retain qualified personnel. In the event that we decide to terminate some of our
employees or otherwise change our employment or labor practices, the Labor Contract Law may
also limit our ability to effect these changes in a manner that we believe to be cost-effective
or desirable, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Common Shares and ADSs
The market price for our ADSs may be volatile which could result in a loss to you.
The market price for our ADSs is likely to be highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations
in response to a number of factors, including:
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results; |
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regulatory developments in China affecting us, our industry, our corporate structure or our
advertisers; |
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announcements of competitive developments; |
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announcements regarding litigation or administrative proceedings involving us; |
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changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts; |
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changes in the economic performance or market valuations of companies with comparable
businesses; |
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addition or departure of our executive officers; |
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release or expiry of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding common shares or
ADSs; and |
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sales or perceived sales of additional common shares or ADSs. |
In addition, the securities market has from time to time experienced significant price
and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular
companies. These market fluctuations may also have a material adverse effect on the market
price of our ADSs.
Substantial future sales or perceived sales of our ADSs in the public market could cause the price
of our ADSs to decline.
Sales of our ADSs or common shares in the public market, or the perception that these
sales could occur, could cause the market price of our ADSs to decline. As of December 31,
2010, we had 84,894,888 common shares outstanding, including 64,005,166 common shares
represented by 64,005,166 ADSs. Sales of our common shares or ADSs held by our significant
shareholders or any other shareholder, or the availability of these securities for future
sale, may have a negative effect on the market price of our ADSs.
30
In addition, certain of our shareholders or their transferees and assignees have the
right to cause us to register the sale of their shares under the Securities Act upon the
occurrence of certain circumstances. Registration of these shares under the Securities Act
would result in these shares becoming freely tradable without restriction under the
Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration. Sales of these
registered shares in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents may discourage acquisition of our
company by a third party, which could limit our shareholders opportunity to sell their
shares at a premium.
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association include provisions that
could limit the ability of others to acquire control of our company, modify our structure or
cause us to engage in change-of-control transactions. These provisions could have the effect of
depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing
market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to obtain control of our company in a
tender offer or similar transaction.
For example, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by our
shareholders, to issue preferred shares in one or more series and to fix the powers and rights
of these shares, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of
redemption and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights
associated with our common shares. Preferred shares could thus be issued quickly with terms
calculated to delay or prevent a change in control or make removal of management more
difficult. In addition, if our board of directors issues preferred shares, the market price of
our common shares may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common shares
may be adversely affected.
We are a Cayman Islands company and, because judicial precedent regarding the rights of
shareholders is more limited under Cayman
Islands law than under U.S. law, you may have less protection of your shareholder rights than you
would under U.S. law.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles
of association, the Cayman Islands Companies Law (as amended) and the common law of the
Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by
minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman
Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The
common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial
precedent
in the Cayman Islands as well as from English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding,
authority on a court in the Cayman Islands.
The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors under Cayman
Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial
precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a
less developed body of securities laws than the United States. In addition, some U.S. states,
such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law
than the Cayman Islands. Furthermore, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to
initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States. As a result,
public shareholders may have more difficulties in protecting their interests in the face of
actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than
they would as shareholders of a Delaware company.
Judgments obtained against us by our shareholders may not be enforceable.
We are a Cayman Islands company and substantially all of our assets are located outside
of the United States. All of our current operations are conducted in the PRC. In addition,
most of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the
United States. A substantial portion of the assets of these persons are located outside the
United States. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within
the United States upon these persons. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in U.S.
courts judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S.
federal securities laws against us or our officers and directors, most of whom are not
residents of the United States and a substantial portion of whose assets are located outside
of the United States. Moreover, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman
Islands or the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts against us or
our directors and officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities
laws of the United States or any state in the United States. In
addition, there is uncertainty as to whether Cayman Islands or PRC courts would be competent to
hear original actions brought in the Cayman
Islands or the PRC against us or such persons predicated upon the securities laws of the United
States or any state in the United States.
31
Holders of ADSs have fewer rights than shareholders and must act through the depositary to
exercise their rights.
Holders of our ADSs do not have the same rights as our shareholders and may only exercise
voting rights with respect to the underlying common shares in accordance with the provisions
of the deposit agreement. Under our third amended and restated memorandum and articles of
association, the minimum notice period required to convene a general meeting is seven days.
When a general meeting is convened, you may
not receive sufficient notice of a shareholders meeting to permit you to withdraw your common
shares and allow you to cast your vote with respect to any specific matter. In addition, the
depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to you or carry out your
voting instructions in a timely manner. We will make all reasonable efforts to cause the
depositary to extend voting rights to you in a timely manner, but we cannot assure you that
you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary
to vote your ADSs. Furthermore, the depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any
failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for
the effect of any such vote. As a result, you may not be able to exercise your right to vote
and you may lack recourse if your ADSs are not voted as you requested. In addition, in your
capacity as an ADS holder, you will not be able to call a shareholders meeting.
The depositary for our ADSs will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our common shares
underlying your ADSs if you do not vote at shareholders meetings, except in limited
circumstances, which could adversely affect your interests.
Under the deposit agreement for the ADSs, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to
vote our common shares underlying your
ADSs at shareholders meetings if you do not vote, unless:
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we have failed to provide the depositary with our notice of meeting and related voting
materials in a timely fashion; |
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we have instructed the depositary that we do not wish a discretionary proxy to be given; |
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we have informed the depositary that there is substantial opposition to a matter to be voted on
at the meeting; or |
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a matter to be voted on at the meeting would have a material adverse impact on shareholders. |
The effect of this discretionary proxy is that you cannot prevent our common shares
underlying your ADSs from being voted, absent the situations described above, and it may
make it more difficult for shareholders to influence the management of our company. Holders
of our common shares are not subject to this discretionary proxy.
You may be subject to limitations on transfers of your ADSs.
Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may
close its transfer books at any time, or from time to time, when it deems appropriate in
connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to
deliver, transfer
or register transfers of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are
closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deems it advisable to do so because of any
requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the
deposit agreement or for any other reason.
32
Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause
dilution to your holdings and you may not receive cash dividends if it is impractical to make
them available to you.
We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to
acquire our securities. However, we cannot make rights available to you in the United States
unless we register the rights and the securities to which they relate under the Securities Act
or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. Also, under the deposit
agreement, the depositary will not make rights available to you unless either the rights and
any related securities are both registered under the Securities Act, or the distribution of
them to ADS holders is exempted from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no
obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or
to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may
not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly,
you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your
holdings.
In addition, the depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or
other distributions it or the custodian receives on our common shares or other deposited
securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in
proportion to the number of common shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary may, at
its discretion, decide that it is impractical to make a distribution available to any holders
of ADSs. For example, the depositary may determine that it is not practicable to distribute
certain property through the mail, or that the value of certain distributions may be less than
the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may decide not to distribute such
property and you will not receive such distribution.
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Item 4. |
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Information on the Company |
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A. |
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History and Development of the Company |
We commenced operations through China Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd., a limited liability
company established in China on April 8,
2005. In September 2008, we changed the name of China Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd. to
VisionChina Media Group. VisionChina
Media Group is currently 70% owned by Limin Li, our co-founder, chairman of our board of
directors and our chief executive officer, and 30% owned by Yanqing Liang, our co-founder. Both
Limin Li and Yanqing Liang are PRC citizens. VisionChina Media Group and its subsidiaries hold
the licenses and permits necessary to operate our businesses and provide our advertising
services in China.
Our company was incorporated as CDMTV Holding Company in the Cayman Islands on January
27, 2006 on behalf of our co-founders, Limin Li and Yanqing Liang. On August 13, 2007, we
changed our companys name to VisionChina Media Inc. On March 9, 2006, we established our
wholly owned subsidiary, CDTC, in Shenzhen.
On December 6, 2007, our ADSs were listed on the Nasdaq Global Market.
We purchased all of the outstanding equity interests of six British Virgin Islands
companies from sellers of them pursuant to share subscription agreements entered into in
April, May and August 2008 in connection with our acquisition of certain advertising agency
businesses in China. In October 2009, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger (which
was amended and restated in November 2009) to acquire Digital Media Group through a merger of
a subsidiary with and into Digital Media Group, which was completed in January 2010.
In
August 2008, we completed a follow-on public offering, in which
we sold 1,150,000 newly issued common shares, in the form of
ADSs, at a price of US$16.00 per ADS and received gross proceeds of US$17.6 million from this
follow-on offering.
In July 2010, following a definitive agreement entered into between our company and our certain
existing shareholders and employees dated June 25, 2010, we issued an aggregate of 4,006,474 common
shares at a subscription price of US$3.22 per share, equivalent to US$3.22 per ADS, to these
shareholders and employees. We received net proceeds of US$12.9 million from this share issuance
transaction.
On December 30, 2010, in order to offer integrated media solutions and greater media
value to advertisers, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with Focus Media Holding
Limited, or Focus Media, Chinas largest lifestyle community digital out-of-home media
company; Front Lead Investments Limited, or Front Lead; and JJ Media Investment Holding
Limited, or JJ Media. Pursuant to this agreement, Focus Media, Front Lead and JJ Media
purchased 15,331,305, 1,022,087 and 1,022,087, respectively, of newly issued common shares of
the Company at a price of US$3.979 per share, equivalent to US$3.979 per ADS. Upon the
consummation of these transactions, Front Lead and Focus Media owns approximately 17.2% and
15%, respectively, of our outstanding common shares. In connection with these transactions, we
also entered into a shareholders agreement and a registration rights agreement with Front
Lead, Focus Media and JJ Media on January 13,
2011.
Pursuant to the securities purchase agreement, each of Focus Media, Front Lead and JJ
Media agreed to a lock-up period of 365 days from the date they purchased our newly issued
common shares with respect to all transactions other than those in which a majority of our
Company
is being acquired. Furthermore, Focus Media and JJ Media each agreed to a standstill period
ranging from two to three years from the date they
purchased our newly issued common shares, during which they will not acquire or offer to
acquire any additional voting securities of our Company or assist or participate in efforts by
any other party to do so. These restrictions do not apply to transactions made by Focus Media
pursuant to its gross-up rights provided by the securities purchase agreement. Such gross-up
rights are valid for five years from the date of the securities purchase agreement and give
Focus Media the opportunity to acquire securities offered by us in any nonpublic offering or
sale of any security that is convertible into equity in order to maintain its proportionate
interest in our company.
Under the registration rights agreement, we will file with the SEC a shelf registration
statement within 18 months of the purchase of our securities by Focus Media, Front Lead and JJ
Media. All expenses incurred in connection with a subsequent sale of registered shares which
requires any further filings are to be borne by the holders of such shares. Under the
shareholders agreement, Focus Media has the right to nominate one candidate for election to our
Board so long as it owns at least 5% of our outstanding common shares. The shareholders
agreement also establishes rights of first offer between Focus Media, Front Lead and JJ Media
in which existing shareholders seeking to transfer their shares must first make an offer of
such shares to other existing shareholders.
Due to PRC regulatory restrictions on foreign investments in the advertising and mobile
digital television industries, we operate our advertising business in China through
VisionChina Media Group and Beijing Eastlong Advertising. While we do not have any equity
interests in the operating entities in China, our relationships with VisionChina Media Group,
Beijing Eastlong Advertising and their respective equity holders are governed by a series of
contractual arrangements that allow us to effectively control and derive economic benefits
from both VisionChina Media Group and Beijing Eastlong Advertising (for the contractual
arrangements See Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party TransactionsB. Related Party
TransactionsAgreements that Provide Us Effective Control over VisionChina Media Group,
Beijing Eastlong Advertising and Their Respective Subsidiaries on pages 84 and 85.
Accordingly, we treat VisionChina Media Group and Beijing Eastlong Advertising as variable
interest entities and have consolidated their historical financial results in our financial
statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All our revenues are derived from VisionChina Media
Group for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009. After we completed the acquisition of
Digital Media Group in January 2010, Beijing Eastlong Advertising became our consolidated
variable interest entity, and all our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 are
derived from VisionChina Media Group and Beijing Eastlong Advertising
Other than the above contractual arrangements, our company or CDTC does not have any
business relationships with the equity holders of VisionChina Media Group, and our company or
Beijing Esatlong Technology does not have any business relationships with the equity holders of
Beijing Eastlong Advertising.
The nominee shareholders of our consolidated affiliated entities are Limin Li, Yangqing
Yang, Qijun Men and Haifeng Wang. The business relationship between us and Limin Li and his
affiliates is set forth in Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party TransactionsB.
Related Party TransactionsTransactions with Affiliated Companies of Limin Li. Neither
Yanqing Liang nor her affiliated companies have any business relationship with us. Qijun Men
and Haifeng Wang are individual shareholders of Beijing Eastlong Advertising. Qijun Men and
Haifeng Wang are not shareholders of VisionChina and do not have any business relationship or
transactions with us.
Our principal executive offices are located at 1/F Block No. 7, Champs Elysees,
Nongyuan Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, Peoples Republic of China. Our telephone
number at this address is (86 755) 8293-2222 and our fax number is (86 755) 8298-1111. Our
registered office in the Cayman Islands is located at the offices of Maples Corporate
Services Limited, P.O Box 309, Ugland House, South Church Street, George Town, Grand
Cayman KY1-1104, Cayman Islands, British West Indies. Our principal website is
www.visionchina.cn. The information contained on our website is not a part of this annual
report.
33
We had capital expenditures of US$3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010,
US$1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, and US$5.0 million for the year ended
December 31,
2008. Our capital expenditures were made primarily to acquire digital television displays
and related equipment for our network and to upgrade our accounting software and systems.
The digital television displays we acquired have an estimated useful life of 5 years. As of
December 31, 2010, the estimated average remaining useful life of our digital television
displays is approximately 2 years. We believe our existing digital television displays, with
cost value of US$19.0 million as of December 31, 2010, will not become technologically
obsolete before the end of their respective useful lives. Therefore we do not expect
significant capital expenditure for replacement of digital television displays in 2011. Our
capital expenditures are primarily funded by net cash provided by our operating activities
for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, and by proceeds from issuance of our common
shares and proceeds from bank loans for the year ended December 31, 2010. We expect our
capital expenditures in 2011 to primarily consist of purchases of digital television
displays and related equipment as we continue to expand our mobile digital television
advertising network. We believe that we will be able to fund these upgrades and equipment
purchases through our internal cash, and do not anticipate that these obligations will have
a material impact on our liquidity needs.
In connection with the required compliance with the National Standard, we may need to
incur additional capital expenditures in order to upgrade the mobile digital television
receivers, and we believe that these capital expenditures would not materially affect our
liquidity.
Overview
We believe that we operate the largest out-of-home advertising network using real-time
mobile digital television broadcasts to deliver content and advertising on mass transportation
systems in China based on the number of displays. Due to PRC regulatory restrictions on
foreign investments in the advertising and mobile digital television industries, we operate
our advertising business in China through our consolidated affiliated entities. Our
relationships with our consolidated affiliated entities and their shareholders are governed by
a series of contractual arrangements that allow us to effectively control, and derive
substantially all of the economic benefits from, our consolidated affiliated entities. Our
mobile digital television advertising network, or our network, which delivers real-time
content provided by the local television stations in addition to advertising, differentiates
us from other out-of-home advertising networks in China, and we believe this facilitates our
future expansion into different advertising media platforms. Our advertising network consists
of digital television displays located on buses and in subway trains and subway platforms that
receive mobile digital television broadcasts of real-time content and advertising. We also
operate various closed-circuit advertising digital displays in certain subway platforms and
subway trains in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shenzhen and Tianjin and in subway trains in
Hong Kong. As of December 31, 2010, our network and supplemental subway advertising platform
covered 23 cities in China and consisted of approximately 137,395 digital displays. As of May
31, 2011, our mobile digital television advertising network and supplemental subway
advertising platform covered 21 cities in China. In addition, we have expanded the geographic
reach of our advertising operations by purchasing advertising time on existing mobile digital
television networks in cities outside of our network to place advertisements pursuant to the
demands of our clients. According to the public announcements released by subway companies and
local governments, we expect there will be 69 new subway lines commencing operation in 24
cities throughout the PRC during 2010 to 2014.
We believe that our network delivers substantial value to our advertising clients by
reaching the targeted mobile audience in an enclosed environment conducive to capturing their
attention. We also believe that the combination of our advertising content along with
real-time news and stock quotes, weather and traffic updates, sports highlights and other
programs displayed on our network makes the audience more receptive to the advertisements on
our network and ultimately helps make the advertisements more effective for our advertising
clients. In addition, the real-time broadcasting capability of our network allows us to
utilize our network to disseminate public-interest messages and programs that promote the
general welfare of society and other urgent messages during emergency situations such as
typhoons, earthquakes or other events that concern public safety.
We currently place our digital displays primarily on buses and subways. As many urban
areas in China face increasing traffic congestion, many people endure a long average daily
commute time. Therefore, we believe that our network offers our clients the advantages of
both traditional television and out-of-home advertising media by capturing the attention of
the audience in out-of-home locations with real-time broadcasts of programs.
34
We principally derive revenues by selling advertising time during breaks in between the
programs on our network and supplemental subway advertising platform. In addition, we have the
ability to sell soft advertising time embedded in the programs. We charge our advertising
clients by the broadcasting time of the advertisement in each city where they want to place
their advertisement. We divide our cities into different
price categories based on a variety of factors, including the number of installed displays,
population, demand and consumer purchasing power. We also vary pricing based on the time of
day when an advertisement is broadcasted, with higher prices typically during the morning and
evening commute periods.
As of December 31, 2010, we use the following business models for our advertising operations in
China:
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Exclusive agency model refers to our arrangements, with terms ranging up to 12 years,
in 20 cities: Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Changzhou, Chengdu, Dalian, Guangzhou,
Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shanghai , Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan,
Tianjin, Wuhan, Wuxi and Xiamen. We have entered into an exclusive advertising agency
agreement with the partner local mobile digital television company or local subway
authority in each city that typically gives us the exclusive right to sell all of the
advertising time on our local partners mobile digital television network located on
buses or subways. Our exclusive agency arrangements in Changzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi and
Xiamen that gives us the exclusive right to sell a portion of the advertising time that
does not include sales of advertising time to local advertisers within each respective
city. For our supplemental subway advertising operations, we have also entered into an
exclusive advertising agency agreement with the partner subway authority or partner
local mobile digital television company in subway trains and platforms in Beijing,
Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shenzhen and Tianjin and in subway trains in Hong Kong. |
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Direct investment model refers to our arrangements in 12 cities, among which we and a
partner local television station, or its affiliate, have formed a jointly-owned mobile
digital television operating company in which we hold a minority equity interest in 11
cities, and we and a partner local subway authority have formed a jointly-owned mobile
digital television operating company in which we hold a controlling interest in 1 city,
i.e., Chongqing. We refer to these jointly-owned mobile digital television operating
companies as direct investment entities in this annual report. This model gives us the
opportunity to work in conjunction with the local television station to provide programs
to meet the demands of our audience and advertising clients. In the majority of our
direct investment cities, such as Changchun, Changzhou, Chengdu, Dalian,
Ningbo, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Wuhan and Wuxi, we have also entered into an exclusive agency
agreement with our direct investment entity to secure the exclusive right to sell
advertising time on that network. For the cities where we have not entered into an
exclusive agency agreement, we purchase advertising time at commercial prices from our
direct investment entities and resell them to our advertising clients. |
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Outreach agency model refers to our operations in other cities where we purchase
advertising time from an existing mobile digital television company or other advertising
service providers outside of our network, either directly or through an agent at the
request of our clients. This model works in conjunction with our network arrangements to
extend the reach of our advertising operations to cover substantially all of the major
advertising markets in China. |
Through December 31, 2010, 2,021 advertisers had purchased advertising time on our mobile
digital television advertising network or our supplemental subway advertising platform either
directly or through an advertising agent. As a result, our network has attracted a large
number of blue-chip companies to purchase advertising time either directly or through an
agent. Our top three brand name advertisers, Sanjing, Amway and Ruinian International in
aggregate accounted for approximately 12.0% of our advertising service revenue for the year
ended
December 31, 2010. We believe the appeal and effectiveness of our advertising network is
largely evidenced by the number of advertisers who place repeated and multiple advertising
campaigns on our network. We generated total revenues of US$138.1 million in 2010, US$120.7
million in 2009 and US$104.1 million in 2008, respectively. We incurred net loss attributable
to our shareholders of US$151.3 million in 2010, which was primarily due to non-cash impairment charges totaling $145.7 million we recorded in 2010 as a result of the
write-off of goodwill and intangible assets in connection with three out of six advertising
agency businesses we acquired in 2008 and our acquisition of Digital Media Group in January
2010. We achieved a net income attributable to our shareholders of US$26.6 million in 2009
and US$46.8 million in 2008, respectively.
35
Our Advertising Network
As of May 31, 2011, our network and supplemental subway advertising platform covered 21
cities in China. The following map and tables illustrate the geographic scope of our mobile
digital television advertising network and supplemental subway advertising platform as of May
31, 2011:
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Our Mobile Digital Television Advertising Network Cities |
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Exclusive Agency |
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Direct Investment |
Beijing (bus) |
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Beijing (seven subway lines)(1) |
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Changchun |
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Changsha(2) |
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Changzhou(3) |
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Chengdu |
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Dalian |
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Guangzhou |
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Our Mobile Digital Television Advertising Network Cities |
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Exclusive Agency |
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Direct Investment |
Nanjing |
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ü |
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Nanjing (subway Line 1)(4) |
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ü |
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Ningbo |
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ü |
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ü |
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Shanghai (subway)(5) |
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ü |
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Shenyang |
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ü |
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Shenzhen |
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ü |
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ü |
|
Shenzhen
(subway train in Line 1)(6) |
|
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ü |
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ü |
|
Suzhou(7) |
|
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ü |
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ü |
|
Taiyuan |
|
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ü |
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Wuhan |
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ü |
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|
ü |
|
Wuxi(8) |
|
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ü |
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ü |
|
Xiamen(9) |
|
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ü |
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Zhengzhou |
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ü |
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(1) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangement in the Beijing subway gives us the exclusive right
to sell all the advertising time on the mobile digital television network in seven lines
of the Beijing subway (Line 1,Line 2, Line 5, Line 10, Line 13, the Batong Line and the
Olympic Line) from August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2015. |
|
(2) |
|
Our exclusive agency agreement in Changsha gives us the exclusive rights to sell all
the advertising time on Changshas mobile digital television network from January 1,
2010 to December 31, 2012. |
|
(3) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangement in Changzhou gives us the exclusive right to sell a
portion of the advertising time on Changzhous mobile digital television network to
advertisers excluding those from Changzhou from January 1, 2010 to March 18, 2017. |
|
(4) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangement in the Nanjing subway Line 1, which was acquired
through our acquisition of Digital Media Group, gives us the exclusive right to sell all
of the advertising time on the mobile digital television network in Line 1 of the Nanjing
subway from January 2, 2010 to August 31, 2013. |
|
(5) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangement in the Shanghai subway, which was acquired through our
acquisition of Digital Media Group, gives us the exclusive right to sell all of the
advertising time on the mobile digital television network in 13 lines of the Shanghai
subway from January 2, 2010 to December 31, 2013. |
|
(6) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangement in Shenzhen for subway trains in Line 1, which was
acquired through our acquisition of Digital Media Group, gives us the exclusive right to
sell all of the advertising time on the mobile digital television network in Line 1 of
the Shenzhen subway from January 2, 2010 to December 31, 2012. |
|
(7) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangement in Suzhou gives us the exclusive right to sell a
portion of the advertising time on Suzhous mobile digital television network,
excluding sales of advertising time to advertisers from Suzhou. |
|
(8) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangement in Wuxi gives us the exclusive right to sell a
portion of the advertising time on Wuxis mobile digital television network to
advertisers, excluding sales of advertising time to advertisers from Wuxi. |
|
(9) |
|
Our exclusive agency agreement in Xiamen gives us the exclusive rights to sell a
portion of the advertising time on the mobile television network operated by Xiamen TV
Digital Co., Ltd., from October 1, 2009 to December 31, 2012, to non-Xiamen based
national advertisers. |
|
(10) |
|
We terminated the exclusive agency agreement in Shanghai for bus stop shelters at the
end of 2010. We terminated the exclusive agency arrangements in Hangzhou for bus from
February 1, 2010. We did not choose to renew the exclusive agency arrangement in Tianjin
for bus at the end of 2010. |
37
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Our Supplemental Subway Advertising Platform Cities |
|
Exclusive Agency |
|
Direct Investment |
Beijing (subway Line 4)(1) |
|
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ü |
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|
Chongqing(2) |
|
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ü |
(2011) |
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ü |
|
Guangzhou(3) |
|
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ü |
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Hong Kong(4) |
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ü |
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Shenzhen (subway Line 4)(5) |
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ü |
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Shenzhen (three subway lines)(6) |
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ü |
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Tianjin(7) |
|
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ü |
|
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Nanjing
(Line 2 and southern extended line of
Line 1)(8) |
|
|
ü |
|
|
|
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|
|
(1) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangement in Beijing Subway Line 4 gives us the
exclusive right to sell all of the advertising time on the television platform in
subway Lines 4 of the Beijing subway. |
|
(2) |
|
Our arrangement in Chongqing, which was entered into in April
2011, gives our direct investment entity the exclusive right to
sell all of the advertising time on the television platform in Chongqings Light Rail
Line 2 which is currently in use and two light rail lines in which will be put into use in
the future. |
|
(3) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangements give us the exclusive right with respect to the
digital displays on the subway platforms and in the subway trains in Guangzhou and
large digital displays located in the subway stations in Guangzhou. In April 2011, we
renewed the exclusive agency arrangement in Guangzhou subway for a five-year term
effective from May 1, 2011 and expanded our coverage to all of 8 subway lines in
Guangzhou. |
|
(4) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangements in Hong Kong give us the exclusive right to sell
all of the advertising time on the television platform in the Kowloon Through Train and
Airport Express Line in Hong Kong. The exclusive agency arrangement for the Airport
Express Line will be expired on June 30, 2011. |
|
(5) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangement in Shenzhen Line 4 gives us the exclusive right to
sell all the advertising time on the television platform in Line 4 of the Shenzhen
subway. |
|
(6) |
|
In March 2011,we signed an exclusive agency arrangement with Shenzhen subway, which
gives us the exclusive right to sell all the advertising time in subway platforms in
Line 1 , and in subway platforms and subway trains in Line 2 and Line 5 from July
1,2011 to June 30, 2016. We had the exclusive right to sell all the advertising time in
subway platforms in Line 1 from June 1, 2007 up to June 30, 2011 from former exclusive
agency arrangement. |
|
(7) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangements in Tianjin give us the exclusive right to sell all of
the advertising time on the television platform in Line 1 and in Light Rail Jinbin Line
of the Tianjin subway. |
|
(8) |
|
Our exclusive agency arrangements in Nanjing give us the exclusive right to sell all of the
advertising time on the television platform in Line 2 and in the southern extended line of
Line 1 of the Nanjin subway for a period of ten year starting from May 28, 2010. |
Our mobile digital television advertising network and supplemental subway advertising
platform include digital displays installed in the mass transportation systems in 23 cities
around China as of December 31, 2010 and in 21 cities around China as of May 31, 2011. Those
digital television displays in our mobile digital television advertising network receive
real-time programs broadcast by the local television stations on the mobile digital television
frequencies. The digital television screens in our supplemental subway advertising platform
receive programming transmitted through closed circuit digital
networks. As of December 31, 2010, our mobile digital television advertising network and
supplemental subway advertising platform consisted
of approximately 137,395 digital displays.
We believe that our network bridges the gap between traditional television advertising and
other out-of-home advertising networks by combining the advantages of each medium. Our
advertising network captures the attention of the audience with real-time broadcasts of
programs and also reaches the audience in out-of-home locations such as the mass transportation
system. Similar to traditional television broadcasts, our network delivers real-time news and
stock quotes, sports and other entertainment programs for some of the total broadcast time and
advertising content during short breaks between the programs. On the other hand, our network
has similarities to other out-of-home advertising networks because it reaches the audience in
public venues. We believe that our network delivers substantial value to our advertising
clients by reaching the targeted audience while they remain in an enclosed environment.
Our Advertising Network
We conduct our mobile digital television advertising operations under the following three
contractual arrangements:
Our Exclusive Agency Cities
As of December 31, 2010, we operated our advertising network under the exclusive agency model in
20 cities: Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Changzhou, Chengdu, Dalian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong
Kong, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wuhan, Wuxi and
Xiamen. Our advertising network operating under the exclusive agency model in Beijing, Shanghai,
Guangzhou and Shenzhen in aggregate accounted for approximately 65.8% of our advertising service
revenue for the year ended December 31, 2010. We entered into exclusive agency agreements with
Beijing Beiguang Media Mobile Television Co., Ltd. on October 13, 2006 for a term of 10 years and
Shenzhen Mobile Television Co., Ltd. on December 31, 2006 for a term of four years and seven
months and with Guangzhou Zhujiang Mobile Multimedia Information Co., Ltd. on July 26, 2007 for a
term of eight years. We acquired the exclusive agency arrangement in the Shanghai subway through
our acquisition of Digital Media Group, which gives us the exclusive right to sell all of the
advertising time on the mobile digital television network in 13 lines of the Shanghai subway from
January 2, 2010 to December 31, 2013. Our advertising network under the exclusive agency model
expanded to Changsha and Changzhou in 2010.
38
Under our exclusive agency model, we enter into an exclusive agreement with the local mobile
digital television company to become the exclusive advertising agent for that network. Our
exclusive agency arrangements in Changzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi and Xiamen, which give us the exclusive
right to sell a portion of the advertising time on the mobile digital television network in that
city, does not include sales of advertising time to local advertisers from Suzhou, Wuxi and
Xiamen, respectively.
For
our supplemental subway advertising operations, as of
December 31, 2010, we have also entered into exclusive
agency agreements with the partner subway authority or partner local mobile digital
television company in subway trains and platforms in Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shenzhen
and Tianjin and in subway trains in Hong Kong. We entered into
exclusive agency agreement with the partner subway authority for
Light Rail Line 2 in Chongqing in April 2011.
In October 2009, we entered into an agreement (which was amended and restated in
November 2009) to acquire Digital Media Group, which was completed in January 2010. The
total consideration of US$160 million (or US$167 million based on the fair value of the
total consideration on the acquisition date in January 2010) is payable in three
installments over two years in cash and shares. In November 2009, we deposited the initial
installment of US$40 million and 8,476,013 of our common shares, registered under Vision
Best Limited, our
consolidated subsidiary, into an escrow account, a portion of which was released at the
completion of the acquisition and the remaining portion to be released in accordance with the
terms of the agreement and plan relating to our acquisition of Digital Media Group. The second
installment of US$30 million will be paid on the first anniversaries of the acquisition, of
which US$20 million will be in the form of cash and
US$10 million in the form of cash or shares at the option of the eligible former shareholders of Digital Media Group. The number of
our ordinary shares representing the share consideration of the second installment shall be
equal to the quotient of US$10 million divided by the higher of (A) 125% of US$7.0788 (the
Initial Conversion Price) and (B) 80% of the average of the closing sales prices for one ADS
as reported on the Nasdaq Global Market for the twenty consecutive trading days ending (and
including) two day prior to the payment date. The third installment of US$30 million will be
paid on the second anniversaries of the acquisition, of which US$20 million will be in the
form of cash and US$10 million in cash or shares at the option of the eligible former
shareholders of Digital Media Group. The number of our ordinary shares representing the share
consideration of the third installment shall be equal to the quotient of US$10 million divided
by the higher of
(A) 150% of the Initial Conversion Price and (B) 80% of the average of the closing sales prices
for one ADS as reported on the Nasdaq Global
Market for the twenty consecutive trading days ending (and including) one day prior to the payment date.
The second and third installments
totaling $60 million remain unpaid as of June 30, 2011 as a result of our lawsuit against the selling shareholders of Digital Media Group.
Through this acquisition, we obtained exclusive agency rights for the mobile digital
television networks in the subway trains and subway platforms in Nanjing and Shanghai and
subway trains in Shenzhen. In addition, as part of the acquisition, we have obtained the
exclusive agency rights for the digital display network in certain subway trains and platforms
in Beijing (line 4), Tianjin, Chongqing, Nanjing (Line 2 and
southern extended line of Line 1) and Hong Kong.
According to the typical terms of the exclusive agency agreements:
|
|
|
We typically pay a pre-determined media cost each year to the mobile digital
television company to receive the exclusive right to place advertisements on that
network. |
|
|
|
|
We have the responsibility to invest in new digital television displays and install
the displays in new buses in Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shenyang and Shenzhen. For our
supplemental subway advertising operations acquired in connection with our acquisition
of Digital Media Group, we have the responsibility to install displays in the subway
trains and platforms in Beijing (Line 4), Hong Kong, Chongqing, and
Tianjin, as well as displays in the subway trains of Nanjing
Line 2 and southern extended line of Line 1, and we have
the responsibility to upgrade displays in Nanjing. Most of these displays were installed
and upgraded prior to our acquisition of Digital Media Group. |
|
|
|
|
We either sign a contract directly with the local mass transportation companies or
our local partner or our direct investment entity signs the contract with the local
mass transportation companies and assigns the right to install displays to us. |
|
|
|
|
Our local partner or our direct investment entity makes the investment to construct
the broadcasting infrastructure and arranges the necessary approvals from the
regulatory agencies. |
|
|
|
|
Our local partner or our direct investment entity remains responsible for all of the
broadcast programs besides advertising content, but we may provide suggestions for the
purpose of maximizing the effectiveness of our advertising network. |
Our exclusive agency agreement for mobile digital television displays in buses in
Beijing provides that, upon the establishment of a joint venture company between the
parties, the exclusive agency agreement will terminate and we will transfer the operations
to the joint venture company.
39
We have the obligation to install digital television displays in new buses pursuant to
the terms of the agreement between our local operating partner and the local bus company in
Shenzhen. In addition, we have the obligation to maintain all of the digital television
displays installed in our local operating partners mobile digital television network. The
cost of installing and maintaining the digital television displays is
deductible from the media cost. The price we charge for the advertising time on our local operating
partners mobile digital television network in Shenzhen must comply with our local operating
partners pricing system. The local operating partner may request the court in Shenzhen to
terminate this contract as a remedy if the parties fail to reach an agreement with respect to
any disputes that arise regarding our pricing.
In cities where the local television station has already created a mobile digital
television company, we generally prefer to expand our cooperation by engaging in an exclusive
agency agreement. These exclusive arrangements allow our local partner to focus on the
programming and operation of the mobile digital television network without worrying about
generating revenues from advertisement. Our pre-determined payment of
the media cost each year guarantees our local partner a steady stream of income, and our ability to place
advertisements from local, national and international clients may enhance the prestige and
public perception of the local mobile digital television network. In addition, we generally
work closely with our local partner in the operation of the network and may provide
suggestions regarding the programming on the network.
Our Direct Investment Cities
As of December 31, 2010, we operated our business in 12 direct investment cities.
Before 2010, we operated our mobile digital television advertising network under the direct
investment model in 11 cities: Changchun, Changzhou, Chengdu, Dalian, Harbin, Ningbo,
Shenzhen, Suzhou, Wuhan, Wuxi and Zhengzhou. In these 11 cities, in addition to the primary
installations of digital television displays on buses, we also have displays installed in
buildings that receive digital television broadcasts from our mobile digital television
advertising network in Harbin, Wuhan and Wuxi. Under our direct investment model, we form an
operating company together with the local television station authorized to operate the
digital television network in that city. Due to regulatory considerations, we typically own
49% of the direct investment entity and our partner owns the other 51%, but in Shenzhen and
Wuxi we own 25% and 14%, respectively. Under these direct investment agreements:
|
|
|
We appoint the general managers, for appointment by the boards of directors, of most of the
direct investment entities. |
|
|
|
|
We train the locally recruited sales force. |
|
|
|
|
We purchase the advertising time from our direct investment entity and place advertisements for
broadcasting on the local network. |
|
|
|
|
We sell the assembled digital television displays to the direct investment entity. |
|
|
|
|
The local television station obtains the necessary approvals for operating the mobile digital
television station. |
|
|
|
|
The local television station provides the transmission equipment to broadcast the advertising
and program in that city. |
|
|
|
|
The direct investment entity enters into contracts with the local mass transportation
companies to install our digital television displays in the buses and other suitable
locations. |
|
|
|
|
The local television station provides the news, entertainment and other programs
for broadcasting on the direct investment entitys network, and the local television
station ensures that the programs conform to applicable PRC content laws and
regulations. |
40
In cities without mobile digital television operations, we typically attempt to form an
operating company together with the local television station authorized to operate the mobile
digital television network in that city. The direct investment model allows us to secure that
particular city for a long period of time because our contractual arrangements with the local
television stations to form the direct investment entities have durations ranging from ten to
50 years. The direct investment model also allows us to be involved in the process of
determining the mixture of entertainment programs and advertising content broadcast on that
network. In addition, the direct investment model allows us to expand into new media platforms
in the future using mobile digital television broadcasting technology.
We have entered into an exclusive agency agreements with our direct investment entities
in Changchun, Chengdu, Dalian, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Wuhan to control all of the advertising
time on the mobile digital television network operated by such entities in those cities. These
exclusive agency agreements with our direct investment entities usually contain the same terms
in all material respects as the exclusive agency agreements that we sign with independent
local mobile digital television operating companies. However, our exclusive agency
arrangements with our direct investment entities in Changzhou, Suzhou, and Wuxi that give us
the exclusive right to sell a portion of the advertising time on these cities mobile digital
television networks does not include sales of advertising time to advertisers from Changzhou,
Suzhou, and Wuxi, respectively. These exclusive agency agreements grant us the exclusive right
to sell the advertising time on the direct investment network typically for a term ranging
from four years to 8 years. Under these arrangements, we realize all of the advertising
revenues and pay a pre- determined media cost to the direct investment entity. Under
this type of contract, the direct investment entity effectively transfers the operational risk
to us and enjoys a guaranteed stream of revenues. We believe that the terms of these exclusive
agency agreements were negotiated on an arms length basis. See Item 7. Major Shareholders
and Related Party Transactions B. Related Party Transactions Exclusive Agency Agreements
with our Direct Investment Entities.
In January 2010, we completed our acquisition of Digital Media Group and acquired a
direct investment entity in Chongqing in partnership with the local subway authority to
operate digital screen advertising on subway trains and subway platforms in that city.
Our Outreach Agency Cities
We extend our geographic reach outside of our network by purchasing advertising time on
mobile digital television networks or other media either directly or through an agent in
cities outside of our network at the request of our advertising clients.
Our outreach agency model allows our advertising operation to have a larger geographic
presence and provide the local network with advertising from national or international
clients, which may heighten the prestige and public perception of the local network. If our
demand for advertising time at the local network grows to a sufficient threshold, we may
attempt to engage them in an exclusive agency agreement to increase the scope of our
cooperation.
Advertising Clients, Sales and Marketing
Our Advertising Clients
The quality and broad geographic coverage of our mobile digital television advertising
network has attracted a broad base of international and domestic advertisers. Since our
inception, 2,021 advertisers have purchased advertising time on our mobile digital television
advertising network or our supplemental subway advertising platform either directly or
through an agent as of December 31, 2010. We regularly work together with some of the largest
global advertising agencies, or 4A agencies, to place advertisements for their clients. We
have the ability to place a clients advertisements in one or more cities, both within and
beyond our network, according to their demands. As of December 31,
2010, we have placed advertisements in 30 cities across China. As a result, our network has
attracted a large number of blue-chip companies to purchase advertising time either directly
or through an agent pursuant to contracts. Our top three brand name advertisers, Sanjing,
Amway and Ruinian International, in aggregate accounted for approximately 12.0% of our
advertising service revenue for the year ended
December 31, 2010. We believe the appeal and effectiveness of our advertising network is largely
evidenced by the number of advertisers who
place repeated and multiple advertising campaigns on our network.
The following table sets forth a breakdown of our advertisers by industry for the year ended
December 31, 2010:
41
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of total advertising |
Industry |
|
service revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
Food, Beverage, Restaurants, Wines and Spirits |
|
|
26.0 |
% |
Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Supplements |
|
|
27.9 |
% |
Household Products |
|
|
8.9 |
% |
Fashion and Accessories |
|
|
7.2 |
% |
Electronics and Digital Products |
|
|
6.9 |
% |
Financial Services |
|
|
3.7 |
% |
Tourism |
|
|
3.3 |
% |
IT and internet |
|
|
1.3 |
% |
Others |
|
|
14.8 |
% |
Sales and Marketing
As of December 31, 2010, we employed an experienced advertising sales force of 585
employees. We also engaged consultants to assist our marketing efforts. In addition to our
direct sales force, we also sell our advertising time through third party advertising agencies
such as the 4A agencies. We provide in-house education and training to our sales force to
ensure that they provide our current and prospective clients with comprehensive information
about our services, the advantages of using our mobile digital television advertising network
as a marketing
channel and relevant information regarding the advertising industry as a whole. We organize our
sales force into teams to provide specialized
coverage for geographic regions. We believe that our regional coverage teams provide quality
service for our advertisers and allow our sales and marketing teams to focus on building
close relationships and staying abreast of regional market trends. We also market our
advertising services from time to time by placing advertisements on our own network.
We believe our advertisers derive substantial value from our ability to provide
advertising services targeted at specific segments of consumer markets. Since market research
is an important part of evaluating the effectiveness and value of our business to
advertisers, we routinely provide market research reports to our clients as part of our
marketing efforts. We conduct market research, consumer surveys, demographic analysis and
other advertising industry research for internal use to evaluate new and existing advertising
channels. We also purchase or commission studies containing relevant market study data from
reputable third-party market research firms, such as CTR Market Research. We typically
consult such studies to assist us in evaluating the effectiveness of our network to our
advertisers. A number of these studies contain research on the numbers and socio-economic and
demographic profiles of the users of the mass transportation systems in the cities where we
operate.
In May 2008, we agreed with CTR Market Research, the largest media and market research
company in China, to jointly develop the first media evaluation standard for Chinas mobile
digital televisions on public transportation systems. China has experienced rapid growth in
the mobile digital television market in recent years, but the industry lacks a standardized
and authoritative audience measurement index which advertisers and media owners may use to
judge the efficacy and value of advertisements placed on mobile digital television networks on
public transportation systems. The creation of third-party evaluation standards will help
provide criteria to compare mobile digital television with traditional television, which is
expected to help raise the status of the emergent mobile digital television industry.
Advertising Contracts
The standard advertising package includes advertising time on our network in a particular
city on either the mobile digital television advertising network or our supplemental subway
advertising platform, and our clients often combine standard advertising packages to purchase
advertising time across multiple cities. Our sales are made pursuant to written contracts with
commitments ranging from one week to one year. Similar to traditional television advertising,
we primarily sell advertising time during breaks between programs and we also sell soft
advertising embedded into programs. The majority of our customers purchase the advertising time
during breaks between programs and we often provide flexible durations of time to meet the
specific demands of our advertising clients. Our clients may choose to air these advertisements
during specific times of the day or throughout the entire day. Our advertising rates vary
depending on the time of day, the broadcast city and the receiving platform. We divide our
cities into different categories and charge rates consistent with the advertising market in
that city. We evaluate the listed price at the end of each quarter against the prevailing
advertising rates for our competitors in each city and determine any adjustments based on
prevailing market trends. The price we charge for the advertising time differs in each city as
a function of the size of our network, the quality and mixture of the programming,
socioeconomic conditions and other prevailing market considerations.
42
We generally require our clients to submit advertising content at least five days prior
to the first broadcast date for compliance review. We also reserve the right to refuse to
disseminate advertisements that are not in compliance with content requirements under PRC
laws and regulations.
Programming
The mobile digital television network in each city determines its mixture of programming
independently from the others. For our direct investment cities, the direct investment entity
exercises direct control over the mixture of programming and advertising, and for our
exclusive agency cities, we typically work closely with our partner network to enhance the
effectiveness of the broadcasted advertisements. The mobile digital television network
broadcasts real-time news and stock quotes, sports highlights and other entertainment programs
for most of the time and we use short breaks between these programs to broadcast advertising
in order to maximize the effectiveness of our advertising network.
We provide suggestions for some of the programs for broadcast in our direct investment
cities, and the local television station produces the remaining programs by editing the
material used for local television station broadcasts. Our ability to distribute programs
produced by the local television station in one city to other cities in our network gives us
the opportunity to syndicate entertaining programs across all of our local networks and to
attract a greater audience to our network. Our real-time broadcast platform also allows the
local television station to provide real-time news and stock quotes and entertainment
programs.
Relationships with Location Providers
Establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with the local mass transportation
companies is critical to our business. We have entered into the following arrangements to
secure the right to install or use the displays on the mass transportation systems in many
cities in China.
Our Exclusive Agency Cities
In our exclusive agency cities, the local mobile digital television company typically
negotiates directly with the bus companies or other local mass transportation service
providers for a placement agreement to secure the right to install digital television displays
and then exclusively assigns that right to us. In our exclusive agency cities that are also
our direct investment cities, the direct investment entity usually negotiates directly with
the bus companies or other location providers for a placement agreement to secure the right to
install and operate the digital television displays. In Guangzhou, which is an exclusive
agency city, our local affiliate has entered into agreements directly with bus companies to
install and operate the mobile digital television displays. In Changzhou, which is also an
exclusive agency city, we have entered into an agreement directly with the local bus
company to install and operate the mobile digital television displays. For our supplemental
subway advertising operations, we have entered into exclusive agency agreements with the local
subway authorities or their related entities. As a result of our acquisition of Digital Media
Group,
we have acquired supplemental subway advertising operations in Nanjing (Line 1) and Shenzhen
(Subway trains in Line 1) which have exclusive agency agreements with the local mobile digital
television company which, in turn, have agreements in place with the local subway authority.
Our Direct Investment Cities
With the exception of Changzhou, in our direct investment cities, the direct investment
entity negotiates directly with the bus companies or other location providers for a placement
agreement to secure the right to install the digital television displays.
43
Technology
Our digital television advertising network uses digital television technology. This
technology provides a communication method for broadcasting and receiving moving pictures and
sound by using digital signals, which provides better throughput compared to the analog
signals used by analog televisions. The digital television broadcasts use digital modulation
data, which uses an algorithm to digitally compress the data. The transmission equipment
broadcasts the digital bit stream wirelessly over an analog bandpass channel to television
receivers that decode the digital signal. Our digital television displays installed on buses
contain a receiver and decoder component that performs this task and displays the broadcasted
content. This technology enables the uninterrupted reception of audio visual signals while in
motion, thereby allowing the display of real-time programs on moving buses. Our supplemental
subway advertising platform also uses digital displays, and we transmit the advertisements and
information from a broadcast center digitally, through a local area closed circuit network, to
the displays.
Suppliers
The primary hardware required for the operation of our business consists of digital
television displays, mobile digital television receivers, speakers and other related equipment
that we use in our mobile digital television advertising network. Maintaining a steady supply
of our digital television displays is important to our operations and the growth of our mobile
digital television advertising network. We purchase our digital television displays and
receivers from third party manufacturers who build these components according to our
specifications. We select component suppliers based on price and quality. As there are several
other qualified alternative suppliers for our equipment, our obligation to our current
suppliers is not exclusive. We have never experienced any material delay or interruption in
the supply of our digital television displays.
Our primary supplier of LCD screens, Xiamen Overseas Chinese Electronic Co., Ltd., or
Prima, also purchases advertising time on our network and was our customer in 2007 and
2008. None of our transactions with Prima was performed through barter transactions, and we
believe that all of our contracts with Prima have been negotiated at arms length for fair
market value.
Competition
We compete with other advertising companies in China including companies that operate
out-of-home advertising media networks such as Focus Media Holding Limited, AirMedia Group
Inc., Towona Mobile Digital Co., Ltd. and Bus Online Media Co., Ltd. We also compete with
traditional television stations for advertising spending. We compete for advertising clients
primarily on the basis of network size and coverage, location, price, the range of services
that we offer and our brand name. We also compete for overall advertising spending with other
alternative advertising media companies, such as the Internet, street furniture, billboard,
frame and public transport advertising companies, and with traditional advertising media, such
as newspapers, magazines and radio. Some of our competitors operate digital television
advertising networks installed on mass transportation systems primarily playing prerecorded
content saved on compact flash cards or DVDs.
In the future, we may also face competition from new entrants into the out-of-home
television advertising network sector. In addition, starting on December 10, 2005, the
establishment of wholly foreign owned advertising companies has been permitted. Chinas
ongoing deregulation of its advertising market will likely expose us to greater
competition with existing or new advertising companies in China, including PRC
subsidiaries of large well-established multi-national companies that may have
significantly more resources.
We face barriers-to-entry in the mobile digital television advertising industry as a
result of competition. Many smaller mobile digital television companies operate in cities
outside of our network pursuant to exclusive agreements, and we expect to encounter
barriers-to-entry as we attempt to expand our network into these cities. For example, in
Shanghai, Shanghai Oriental Pearl Mobile Television Inc. operates the largest mobile digital
television advertising network using broadcasting technology. As a result, we face
barriers-to-entry to expand our network to the bus platform in Shanghai. In addition, we will
face barriers-to-entry to the extent we expand our out-of-home advertising network to
different media platforms, such as in-building displays or large outdoor LED displays, as
other companies may have already signed exclusive placement agreements to secure the most
desirable locations. These barriers-to-entry may limit our ability to rapidly expand our
network in the cities where we already operate and into new cities.
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Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property consists of our brand, trademarks and design patents related
to some of the equipment. As of December 31, 2010, we held six patents issued in the PRC.
Insurance
We only maintain insurance coverage for our automobiles. We do not maintain any property
insurance policies covering equipment and facilities for losses due to fire, earthquake,
flood or any other disaster. Consistent with customary industry practice in China, we do not
maintain business interruption insurance or key employee insurance for our executive
officers. Uninsured damage to any of our equipment or buildings or a significant product
liability claim could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Regulation
This section sets forth a summary of the most significant regulations or requirements
that affect our business activities in China or our shareholders right to receive
dividends and other distributions from us.
Regulations on the Television Industry
Television content
According to the Regulations on the Administration of Radio and Television, promulgated by
the State Counsel on August 11, 1997, and the Provisions on the Administration of Radio and
Television Program Production promulgated by SARFT on July 19, 2004, entities engaging in the
production of television programs, such as feature programs, general programs, drama series and
animations, and the trading activities and agency services on the copyrights of such programs
must first obtain preliminary approval from SARFT or its provincial branches. The entity must
then register with SAIC, to obtain or update its business license. The television programs
aired on the mobile digital television networks which we rely on in operating our advertising
network are produced by our local operating partners. Our local operating partners are subject
to the regulations with respect to television content. Since we rely on our business
relationships with our local operating partners for operating our advertising network, our
business may be indirectly affected by any changes to the regulations on television content.
Foreign investment in television operations
According to the Regulations on the Administration of Radio and Television, promulgated
by the State Council on August 11, 1997, the Detailed Procedures for the Financing of Radio,
Film and Television Conglomerates, promulgated by SARFT on December 20, 2001, and the
Measures for the Administration of Examination and Approval of Radio Stations and Television
Stations, promulgated by SARFT on
August 18, 2004, television stations or television channels may only be established and
operated by the government. Pursuant to the Several Decisions on the Entry of Private Capital
into the Culture Industry, or the Decisions, issued by the State Council on April 13, 2005 and
the Several Opinions on Foreign Investment in the Culture Sector, or the Opinions, jointly
issued by SARFT, the Ministry of Culture, the General Administration for Press and
Publication, the National Development & Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce on July
6, 2005, foreign investors are prohibited from establishing or operating television stations
or transmission networks, broadcasting television programs, or operating television channels.
Under the Opinions and the Circular on the Further Strengthening of the Supervision of Radio
and Television Channels, or the Supervision Circular, promulgated by SARFT on August 4, 2005,
foreign investors are prohibited from investing in or operating television channels.
We operate our business through our contractual arrangements with our consolidated
affiliated entities, which are PRC companies. Our consolidated affiliated entities in turn
rely on their contractual arrangements with our local operating partners for broadcasting
advertisements and programs. All of our local operating partners that engage in broadcasting
have obtained the required licenses and approvals for broadcasting television programs. Our
PRC legal counsel has advised us that our business operations do not violate any restrictions
on foreign investment in television operations.
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Foreign investments in television content production
According to the Catalogue of Foreign Investment Industries, amended on October 31,
2007 and became effective on December 1, 2007, foreign investors are prohibited from owning
equity interests in companies that are engaged in producing radio and TV programs or drama
series.
Under our contractual arrangements with our local operating partners, our local
operating partners are responsible for the production of television content. We or our direct
investment entities may provide suggestions with respect to the production or sourcing of the
content and advertisements. The content is subject to review and approval by the television
stations which broadcast such content. Our consolidated PRC affiliates engaging in
advertising content production have obtained the requisite licenses and approvals issued by
the local SARFT.
Mobile digital television
On March 27, 2006, SARFT promulgated the Notice Concerning Experimental Mobile Digital
Television, or the March 2006 Notice. The
March 2006 Notice regulates experimental mobile digital television operations and primarily
contains the following provisions:
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no experimental mobile digital television shall be operated without approval of SARFT; |
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no formal operation of mobile digital television shall be conducted before the
establishment and adoption of the national standard of mobile digital television; |
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no foreign investment in mobile digital television operations is permitted; |
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after the adoption of the national mobile digital television standard, all mobile
digital television operations shall comply with such national standard; and |
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existing mobile digital television network operations must apply for SARFT approval
before April 30, 2006, and must stop operating by June 15, 2006 if they failed to
submit an application by April 30, 2006 or their application was disapproved by SARFT. |
The March 2006 Notice also provides that the local SARFT branches have the authority to
order any mobile digital television operators who have violated the March 2006 Notice to stop
operating their mobile digital television networks. The March 2006 Notice does not define the
term experimental mobile digital television. We believe this term was used because when the
notice was promulgated, mobile digital television was a nascent industry in China and
technology standards for such industry had not been adopted. We believe the March 2006 Notice
applies to the mobile digital television operations by our local operating partners.
The National Standard of Frame Structure and Channel Code and Modulation of Digital
Television Ground Broadcasting Transmission System was approved by the Standardization
Administration of the PRC on August 18, 2006, and became effective on August 1, 2007. Under
the March 2006 Notice, all of our local operating partners must adopt the National Standard
for their mobile digital television operations. In addition, the SARFT has officially issued a
notice requiring some of our local operating partners and direct investment entities to
complete the adoption of the National Standard by June 30, 2010. See Item 3. Key Information
D. Risk Factors Risks Relating to Our Company and Our Industry and Risks Related to
Doing Business in China A significant portion of the mobile digital television networks of
our direct investment entities and the digital television broadcasting infrastructure of our
local operating partners currently do not meet the newly adopted PRC national standards for
mobile digital television operations. We may be required to spend significant capital and
other resources to convert the digital television broadcasting infrastructure of our local
operating partners to these national standards, which could materially and adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
SARFT issued a notice to provincial level SARFT branches in China in July 2007 regarding
mobile digital television operations. The notice contains provisions regarding: (i) the
authority of local SARFT branches to control program production and broadcasting on the mobile
digital television networks; (ii) the development of the mobile digital television business;
(iii) permission for non-state-owned enterprises to form joint ventures with SARFT-affiliated
entities to engage in advertising, marketing, program production and equipment installation
services in connection with mobile digital television operations as long as SARFT-affiliated
entities control at least 51% equity interest in such joint ventures; (iv) the transition into
the National Standard for mobile digital television operations; and (v) the requirement that
each local SARFT branch inspect the mobile digital television operations within its
jurisdiction. We do not own over 49% equity interest in any of our direct investment entities
that we have jointly established with relevant local SARFT-affiliated entities.
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SARFT issued a notice regarding strengthening the administration of public audio/visual
media on public transportation vehicles and in public buildings on December 6, 2007. According
to this notice, broadcasting programs on audio/visual media located on public transportation
vehicles and in public buildings using television, internet or other broadcasting technology
must first obtain the approval of SARFT. In addition, programs are prohibited from being
broadcasted on audio/video media located in public transportation vehicles, public buildings
and other indoor and outdoor places using compact flash memory card or DVD technology, as only
advertisements are allowed to be shown on media using these technologies.
Regulations on the Advertising Industry
Foreign investments in advertising
Under the Catalog and the Administrative Provision on Foreign Investment in the
Advertising Industry, jointly promulgated by SAIC and the Ministry of Commerce on March 2,
2004, foreign investors can invest in PRC advertising companies either through wholly owned
enterprises or joint ventures with Chinese parties. Since December 10, 2005, foreign investors
have been allowed to own up to 100% equity interest in PRC advertising companies. However, the
foreign investors must have at least three years of direct operations outside of the PRC in the
advertising industry as their core business. This requirement is reduced to two years if
foreign investment in the advertising company is in the form of a joint venture.
Foreign-invested advertising companies can engage in advertising design, production, publishing
and agency, provided that certain conditions are met and necessary approvals are obtained.
We are a Cayman Islands corporation and a foreign legal person under PRC laws and we have
not directly operated any advertising business outside of China. Therefore, we do not qualify
under PRC regulations to directly provide advertising services. Accordingly, our subsidiary,
CDTC, is ineligible to apply for the required licenses for providing advertising services in
China. Our advertising business is operated by our consolidated affiliated entities, which hold
the requisite licenses to provide advertising services in China. Our advertising business is
currently provided through our contractual arrangements with our consolidated affiliated
entities in China, which hold the requisite licenses to provide advertising services in China.
One of our consolidated affiliated entities, VisionChina Media Group, is currently owned by
Limin Li and Yanqing Liang. We do not have any equity interest in VisionChina Media Group but we
receive the economic benefits of it through various contractual arrangements. See Item 7. Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions B. Related Party Transactions. In January 2010,
we completed our acquisition of Digital Media Group, which operated and continues to operate,
its advertising business through its consolidated affiliated entity in China, Beijing Eastlong
Advertising. Beijing Eastlong Advertising is currently owned by Men Qijun and Wang Haifeng.
Digital Media Group does not have any equity interest in Beijing Eastlong Advertising but
receives the economic benefits and bear economic risks of it through various contractual
arrangements. Our consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries directly operate our
advertising network, enter into direct investment and exclusive and non-exclusive advertising
agency agreements, and sell advertising time to our clients. We have been and expect to continue
to be dependent on our consolidated affiliated entities and their subsidiaries to operate our
advertising business.
Advertising content
PRC advertising laws, rules and regulations set forth certain content requirements for
advertisements in China including, among other things, prohibitions on false or misleading
content, superlative wording, socially destabilizing content or content involving obscenities,
superstition, violence, discrimination or infringement of the public interest. Advertisements
for anesthetic, psychotropic, toxic or radioactive drugs are prohibited. There are also
specific restrictions and requirements regarding advertisements that relate to matters such as
patented products or processes, pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, agrochemicals, foodstuff,
alcohol and cosmetics. In addition, all advertisements relating to pharmaceuticals, medical
instruments, agrochemicals and veterinary pharmaceuticals, together with any other
advertisements which are subject to censorship by administrative authorities according to
relevant laws or regulations, must be submitted to relevant authorities for content approval
prior to dissemination.
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Advertisers, advertising operators, and advertising distributors are required by PRC
advertising laws and regulations to ensure that the content of the advertisements they prepare
or distribute is true and in full compliance with applicable law. In providing advertising
services, advertising operators and advertising distributors must review the supporting
documents provided by advertisers for advertisements and verify that the content of the
advertisements complies with applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations. Prior to distributing
advertisements that are subject to government censorship and approval, advertising
distributors are obligated to verify that such censorship has been performed and approval has
been obtained. Violation of these regulations may result in penalties, including fines,
confiscation of advertising income, orders to cease dissemination of the advertisements and
orders to publish an advertisement correcting the misleading information. In circumstances
involving serious violations, the SAIC or its local branches may revoke violators licenses or
permits for their advertising business operations. Furthermore, advertisers, advertising
agencies or advertising distributors may be subject to civil liability if they infringe on the
legal rights and interests of third parties in the course of their advertising business.
Under the Administrative Measures on Radio and Television Advertisement Broadcasting
issued by the SARFT on September 8, 2009, which became effective on January 1, 2010, or the
Measures, advertisements relating to certain products and services, including tobacco, certain
prescription pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, medical treatments, name analysis and
fortune telling, are specifically prohibited to be disseminated. Advertisements relating to
certain other products and services, including pharmaceuticals, medical instruments,
foodstuffs, cosmetics, agrochemicals, veterinary pharmaceutical and financial management, are
subject to censorship by administrative authorities according to relevant laws or regulations,
and approval for such advertisements must be reviewed and examined prior to dissemination. In
addition, the Measures restrict and administer other types of advertising, including
advertisements in political news programs, advertisements for investment consultations or
franchising businesses, advertisements for lottery or gambling, and advertisements featuring
medical experts in advertisements for pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, medical treatment
and health care information. The Measure also limits the length of
advertising time in each program and requires radio and television broadcasting institutions to
establish management systems to operate, review and disseminate advertisements. Violation of
these regulations may result in penalties, including warning, fines, orders to cease
dissemination
of the advertisements and orders to publish an advertisement correcting the misleading
information. In circumstances involving serious violations, the SARFT or its local
branches may revoke violators licenses or permits for their radio and television
business operations.
Tax
Our operating subsidiary and controlled entities are incorporated in the PRC and are
governed by the PRC income tax law, which subjects them to the PRC enterprise income tax rate
of 25%.
The PRC EIT Law became effective on January 1, 2008. Under the EIT Law and the
implementation regulations under the EIT Law issued by the PRC State Council, China has adopted
a uniform tax rate of 25% for all enterprises (including foreign-invested enterprises) and
revoked the previous tax exemption, reduction and preferential treatments applicable to
foreign-invested enterprises. However, there is a transition period for enterprises, whether
foreign-invested or domestic, that received preferential tax treatments granted by relevant tax
authorities prior to January 1, 2008. Enterprises that were subject to an enterprise income tax
rate lower than 25% prior to January 1, 2008 may continue to enjoy the lower rate and gradually
transition to the new tax rate within five years. Enterprises that were entitled to exemptions
or reductions from the standard income tax rate for a fixed term prior to January 1, 2008 may
continue to enjoy such treatment until the fixed term expires. However,
if a foreign-invested enterprise had not become profitable before the end of December 2007, a
two-year exemption from the enterprise income tax will be granted for the period between the
time the enterprise becomes profitable and December 31, 2009. According to the implementation
regulations, during the transition period, the enterprise income tax rate of CDTC is 18%, 20%,
22%, 24% and 25% in the year of 2008, 2009,
2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Preferential tax treatments may continue to be granted to
industries and projects that are strongly supported and encouraged by the state, and
enterprises classified as new and high technology enterprises strongly supported by the state
are entitled to a
15% enterprise income tax rate. VisionChina Media Group was designated as new and high
technology enterprises strongly supported by the state in November 2008 and, as a result,
will be subject to an enterprise income tax rate of 15% for 2009 and 2010. Therefore, the
enterprise income tax rate of VisionChina Media Group is 0%, 15%, 15%, 24% and 25% in the year
of 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. VisionChina Media Group is currently
applying to be a state-encouraged high-new technology enterprise in 2011, 2012 and 2013 for a
preferential tax rate of 15% in these three years. In accordance with a circular issued in
December 2010, Beijing Eastlong Technology has been recognized as a state-encouraged high-new
technology enterprise starting from 2010, and the status is valid for a period of three years.
As such the EIT rate for Beijing Eastlong Technology is 15% in each of the year of 2010, 2011
and 2012, respectively. One of our operating subsidiaries established in Luzhou in Sichuan
province was recognized as a local government encouraged company and is entitled to
exemption from the enterprise income tax for 2008 and 2009, and reduced tax rate of 7.5%
for the year ended December 31, 2010 and years ending
December 31, 2011 and 2012.
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The EIT Law also provides that enterprises established outside of China whose de facto
management bodies are located in China are considered resident enterprises, and are
generally subject to the uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate as to their global income,
including income received from subsidiaries and consolidated affiliates. Under the
implementation regulations to the EIT Law issued by the PRC State Council, de facto
management body is defined as a body that has material and overall management and control
over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and
treasury, and acquisition and disposition of properties and other assets of an enterprise. If
we are treated as a resident enterprise for PRC tax purposes, we will be subject to PRC tax on
our worldwide income at a rate of 25%.
Furthermore, unlike the PRC Income Tax Law for Enterprises with Foreign Investment and
Foreign Enterprise that was replaced by the EIT Law, which specifically exempts withholding
tax on any dividends payable to non-PRC investors of foreign-invested enterprises, the EIT Law
and implementation regulations issued by the State Council provide that an income tax rate of
10% is normally applicable to dividends payable to non-PRC investors which are derived from
sources within China, although such income tax may be exempted or reduced by the State Council
of the PRC or a tax treaty between China and the jurisdiction where the non-PRC investors
reside. We are a Cayman Islands holding company and substantially all of our income may be
derived from dividends we receive from our operating subsidiary and consolidated affiliates
located in China. If we declare dividends from such income, it may be deemed to be derived
from sources within China under the EIT Law and be subject to income tax under the EIT Law. If
we are required under the EIT Law to pay income tax for any dividends we received from our
subsidiary in China, your investment in us may be materially and adversely affected. In
addition, it is unclear whether dividends paid to our non-PRC shareholders and ADS holders or
any capital gains from the transfer of our common shares or ADSs, would be treated as income
derived from sources within the PRC and subject to PRC tax. If we are required under the EIT
Law to withhold PRC income tax on dividends payable to our non-PRC investors that are
non-resident enterprises or if you are required to pay PRC income tax on the transfer of our
common shares or ADSs, the value of your investment may be materially and adversely affected.
In addition, we conduct advertising business through our contractual arrangements with
our consolidated affiliated entities, which are currently owned by individuals. We must pay
taxes at the individual income tax of 20% on behalf of our employees who hold interests in a
consolidated affiliated entity when that consolidated affiliated entity distributes dividends
in the future. Furthermore, there may be potential business taxes arising from the contractual
arrangements with our consolidated affiliated entities. If we cannot retrieve the
undistributed earnings in our consolidated affiliated entities in a tax free manner, we may
need to pay additional taxes upon distribution of such undistributed earnings.
Regulations on Foreign Currency Exchange
Foreign currency exchange
Pursuant to the Foreign Currency Administration Rules promulgated and effective on August
5, 2008, and various regulations issued by SAFE and other relevant PRC government authorities,
RMB is freely convertible only to the extent of current account items, such as trade- related
receipts and payments, interest and dividends. Foreign currencies received under current
account items can be either retained or sold to financial institutions engaged in the foreign
exchange settlement or sales business without prior approval from SAFE by complying with
relevant regulations. Capital account items, such as direct equity investments, loans,
repatriation of investments and investments in stocks and bonds, require the prior approval
from SAFE or its local branch for conversion of RMB into a foreign currency, such as U.S.
dollars, and remittance of the foreign currency outside the PRC. Payments for transactions
that take place within the PRC must be made in RMB. Foreign currencies received in respect of
capital account items can be retained or sold to financial institutions engaged in the foreign
exchange settlement or sales business only with prior approval from SAFE. Foreign-invested
enterprises may retain foreign exchange in accounts with designated foreign exchange banks
subject to a cap set by SAFE or its local branch.
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The business operations of our PRC subsidiary and affiliated entities, which are subject
to the foreign currency exchange regulations, have all been in accordance with these
regulations. We will take steps to ensure that the future operations of these PRC entities
are in compliance with these regulations.
Foreign exchange registration of offshore investment by PRC residents
Pursuant to SAFEs Notice on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Administration for PRC
Residents to Engage in Financing and
Inbound Investment via Overseas Special Purpose Vehicles, or Circular No. 75, issued on
October 21, 2005, (i) a PRC resident, including a PRC resident natural person or a PRC
company, shall register with the local branch of SAFE before it establishes or controls an
overseas special purpose vehicle, or SPV, for the purpose of overseas equity financing
(including convertible debt financing); (ii) when a PRC resident contributes the assets of or
its equity interests in a domestic enterprise to an SPV, or engages in overseas financing
after contributing assets or equity interests to an SPV, such PRC resident shall register his
or her interest in the SPV and the change thereof with the local SAFE branch; and (iii) when
the SPV undergoes a material event outside of China, such as a change in share capital, or
merger or acquisition, the PRC resident shall, within 30 days of the occurrence of such
event, register such change with the local branch of SAFE. PRC residents who are shareholders
of SPVs established before November 1, 2005 were required to register with the local SAFE
branch before March 31, 2006.
Under Circular No. 75, failure to comply with the registration procedures set forth above may
result in penalties, including restrictions on a
PRC subsidiarys foreign exchange activities in capital accounts and its ability to distribute
dividends to the SPV.
On December 25, 2006, the Peoples Bank of China promulgated the Measures for the
Administration of Individual Foreign Exchange,
and on January 5, 2007, SAFE promulgated the implementation rules on those measures. These
regulations became effective on February 1,
2007. Pursuant to these regulations, PRC citizens who are granted shares or share options by
an overseas listed company according to its employee share option or share incentive plan are
required, through a qualified PRC agent which may be the PRC subsidiary of such overseas
listed company, to register with the SAFE and complete certain other procedures related to the
share option or share incentive plan. Foreign exchange income received from the sale of shares
or dividends distributed by the overseas listed company must be remitted into a foreign
currency account of such PRC citizen or be exchanged into Renminbi. Our PRC citizen employees
who have been granted share options, or PRC optionees, will be subject to these regulations
upon the listing of our ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Market. If we or our PRC optionees fail to
comply with these regulations, we or our PRC optionees may be subject to fines and legal
sanctions.
Dividend Distribution
The principal laws, rules and regulations governing dividends paid by PRC operating
subsidiaries include the Company Law of the PRC (1993), as amended in 2006, the Wholly Foreign
Owned Enterprise Law (1986), as amended in 2000, and the Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise Law
Implementation Rules (1990), as amended in 2001. Under these laws and regulations, PRC
subsidiaries, including wholly foreign owned enterprises, or WFOEs, and domestic companies in
China, may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in
accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations. In addition, PRC subsidiaries and
consolidated affiliates, including WFOEs and domestic companies, are required to set aside at
least 10% of their after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to their
statutory capital reserve fund until the cumulative amount of such reserve reaches 50% of
their respective registered capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends.
C. |
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Organizational Structure |
The following diagram illustrates our companys organizational structure, and the place
of formation, ownership interest and affiliation of each of our principal subsidiaries and
affiliated entities as of May 31, 2011.
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D. |
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Property, Plant and Equipment |
Our principal executive offices are located at our headquarters comprising approximately
920 square meters in Shenzhen, China. We also maintain offices in other cities in China. We
lease all of our facilities and do not own any real property. We lease some of our facilities
from related parties. See Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party TransactionsB.
Related Party TransactionsTransactions with Companies Under Common Control with UsLease
and Loan with Meidi Zhiye. We believe that our leased facilities are adequate to meet our
needs for the foreseeable future, and we believe that we will be able to obtain adequate
facilities, principally through leasing of additional properties, to accommodate our future
expansion plans.
The primary hardware required for the operation of our business consists of digital
television displays, mobile digital television receivers, speakers and other related
equipment that we use in our mobile digital television advertising network. We purchase our
digital television displays and receivers from third party manufacturers who build these
components according to our specifications. As there are several other qualified alternative
suppliers for our equipment, our obligation to our current suppliers is not exclusive. We
have never experienced any material delay or interruption in the supply of our digital
television displays.
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and
results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related
notes included elsewhere in this annual report. This discussion may contain forward-looking
statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual
results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a
result of various factors, including those set forth under Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk
Factors or in other parts of this annual report.
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Overview
We believe that we operate the largest out-of-home advertising network using real-time
mobile digital television broadcasts to deliver content and advertising on mass transportation
systems in China based on the number of displays. As of December 31, 2010, our mobile digital
television advertising network consists primarily of our digital television displays installed
on buses and subways. As of December 31, 2010, our mobile digital television advertising
network and supplemental subway advertising platform covered 23 cities in China and consisted
of approximately 137,395 digital displays. As of May 31, 2011, our mobile digital television
advertising network and supplemental subway advertising platform covered 21 cities in China. We
derive revenues by selling advertising time on our network and our supplemental subway
advertising platform and from sales of advertising equipment to our direct investment entities.
We have experienced significant revenue growth, and the size of our network has grown
significantly since the commercial launch of our advertising network in 2005. In 2008, we
acquired six advertising agency businesses and integrated their customer bases and strong sales
teams into our operation. In January 2010, we completed our acquisition of Digital Media Group
and expanded our advertising network to include various subway lines in China, the Shanghai bus
shelter network and the Hong Kong Airport Express Line. We have expanded our operations through
three different types of arrangements that consist of our exclusive agency model, our direct
investment model and our outreach agency model.
We expect our future growth to be driven by a number of factors and trends including:
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the overall economic growth in China, which we expect to contribute to an increase in
advertising spending in major urban areas in China where consumer spending is concentrated; |
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our ability to establish and maintain business relationships with our local
operating partners, and our and their ability to establish and maintain business
relationships with mass transportation companies; |
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our ability to expand our network and supplemental subway advertising platform into new
locations and additional cities; |
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our ability to secure exclusive agency arrangements with mobile digital
television companies in additional cities to control the advertising time on that
network; |
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our ability to respond to competitive pressures and to compete effectively when expanding the
reach of our network; |
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our ability to increase sales of advertising time and extend the total minutes
available for broadcasting of advertisements across all of our cities; |
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our ability to attract more revenues from our existing clients and expand our client base
through promotion of our services; |
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our ability to provide programs that appeal to the local viewers; |
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our ability to enhance the technology of our network to make our advertising platform more
effective; and |
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our ability to acquire companies that operate advertising businesses complementary to our
existing operations. |
As our advertising service revenue constitutes a significant portion of our revenues, we
focus on factors that directly affect our advertising service revenue such as (i) the total
advertising time that we have available across all of our cities, (ii) the actual price we
charge for our advertising time and (iii) the programming to advertising ratio. The actual price
we charge advertising clients, which equals the official list price minus any discounts, for
time on our network is affected by, among other things, (i) the overall socioeconomic conditions
in each city, (ii) the level of demand for advertising time in each city, and (iii) the
perceived effectiveness of our network in achieving the goals of our advertising clients. The
effectiveness of our network directly relates to our ability to expand the coverage of our
mobile digital television advertising network and our ability to provide programs that draw the
attention of viewers. We also measure our performance using an average revenues per hour
metric, which we calculate by dividing the advertising service revenue by the total hours
of broadcasting in the cities of our network and supplemental subway advertising platform.
As we continue to expand our network, we expect to face a number of challenges. Entering
into a new market requires us to develop a contractual relationship with the local television
station or its mobile digital television affiliate, so expansion into new cities may require an
extended amount of time. To the extent we expand our network beyond mass transportation
systems, we may compete directly with other companies that have already occupied many of the
most desirable locations in Chinas major cities. In addition, we must react to continuing
technological innovations in our industry and changes in the regulatory environment. In
connection with the required compliance with the National Standard for mobile digital
television, our direct investment entities and our local operating partners will need to
upgrade the digital television displays in their networks to conform to the National Standard.
Currently, we cannot accurately estimate the amount and timing of capital expenditures required
to migrate to the National Standard. We have implemented a number of measures to address these
anticipated challenges: (i) we had a special team of ten employees as of December 31, 2010 that
focuses on business development and expansion of our network; (ii) our management maintains an
active dialogue with the relevant regulatory authorities to stay abreast of new developments
and ensure compliance with all current laws and regulations; and (iii) we purchase digital
television displays and other related equipment with easily upgradable components to minimize
the capital expenditures required to upgrade our network in response to technological or
regulatory changes in our industry.
Revenues
We had total revenues of US$104.1 million, US$120.7 million and US$138.1 million for the years
ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and
2010, respectively. We generate revenues from the sales of advertising time both on our mobile
digital television advertising network and on our supplemental subway advertising platform. We
principally derive our advertising service revenue from sales of advertising time between the
programs, and we also have generated revenues from sales of our digital television displays to
our direct investment entities, which we refer to as our advertising equipment revenue. The
following table sets forth a breakdown of our total revenues for the periods indicated.
53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of |
|
|
|
|
|
% of |
|
|
|
|
|
% of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
total |
|
|
|
|
|
total |
|
|
|
|
|
total |
|
|
US$ |
|
revenues |
|
US$ |
|
revenues |
|
US$ |
|
revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising service revenue |
|
|
103,515,250 |
|
|
|
99.5 |
|
|
|
120,686,086 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
138,056,640 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Advertising equipment revenue |
|
|
565,392 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
104,080,642 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
120,686,086 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
138,056,640 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising Service Revenue
We derive the majority of our advertising service revenue from the sales of advertising
time between the programs on our mobile digital television advertising network. Starting in
2007, we also generated some of our advertising service revenue from sales of advertising time
on our mobile digital television advertising network in Beijing and our supplemental subway
advertising platform in certain subway platforms and subway trains in Guangzhou and subway
platforms in Shenzhen. Revenue from subway-related advertising sales in total accounted for
15.2%, 21.5% and 46.7% of our advertising service revenue in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Our
advertising service revenue accounted for 99.5%, 100.0% and 100.0% of our total revenues for
the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
Our advertising service revenue is recorded net of any sales discounts from our official
list prices that we may provide to our advertising clients. These discounts include volume
discounts and other customary incentives offered to our advertising clients, including
additional broadcast time for their advertisements if we have unused time available in a
particular city and represent the difference between our official list price and the amount we
charge our advertising clients. Our advertising clients include advertisers that directly
engage in advertisement
placements with us and advertising agencies retained by some advertisers to place advertisements
on the advertisers behalf. We expect that our advertising service revenue will become the
primary source of our revenues for the foreseeable future.
We typically sign advertising contracts with our advertising clients that require us to
place the advertisements on our network in specific cities for specified periods. We recognize
revenues as the advertisement airs over the contractual term based on the schedule agreed upon
with the customer.
Even though we believe that the regulation regarding registration with the SAIC for outdoor
advertisements and the regulation issued by the
SARFT restricting advertising time do not apply to us, substantially all of our revenues would be impacted if the SAIC or SARFT determine
that such regulations apply to us and impose regulatory sanctions on us. For example, none of our local operating partners are currently
registered with the SAIC, so substantially all of our revenues could be affected if the SAIC determines that registration was necessary and
decides to take regulatory actions. While we currently sell approximately 11% of total broadcasting time each day, if the SARFT determines
that the 20% regulatory limitation on the number of advertising minutes applies to us, our business and results of operations could be materially
and adversely affected as it would limit our potential revenues, while our media costs would continue to increase. See Item 3. Key Information
D. Risk Factors Risks Relating to Our Company and Our Industry If SARFT determines that the regulations on radio and television
advertising operation are applicable to advertising on mobile digital television or establishes similar regulations for mobile digital television,
our business and prospects could be harmed.
Factors that Affect Our Advertising Service Revenue
|
|
|
Advertising Time. The total advertising time available across all of our cities
determines our total capacity and affects our advertising service revenue. Any future
expansion of our network or non-broadcast advertising platform into new cities will
increase the total advertising time available across all of our cities and affect our
advertising service revenue. Geographic expansion of our network or supplemental subway
advertising platform also allows us to attract more advertising clients by providing
greater geographic coverage and exposure. |
|
|
|
|
Our ability to expand into new cities will affect the total advertising time available
across our network and our supplemental subway advertising platform. Our management has
implemented certain measures to facilitate our entrance into new markets. We maintain a
special team of employees to focus on our network expansion efforts. In conjunction with
the members of our management, this team consults with prospective partners to develop
relationships, secure contractual agreements and assist in the deployment and maintenance
of our network. |
|
|
|
|
Actual Price of Advertising Time. The price that we actually charge our clients for
our advertising time directly affects our advertising service revenue. The listed prices
for advertising time on our network and supplemental subway advertising platform vary
significantly from city to city as income levels, standards of living and general
economic conditions vary significantly from region to region in China. In accordance with
standard industry practice, we offer discounts to our clients on an individual basis, so
the actual price we charge for our advertising time after taking into account any
discounts will affect our advertising service revenue. |
54
|
|
|
Demand for advertising time on our network and supplemental subway advertising
platform. The demand for our advertising time directly affects the actual price of our
advertising time and is affected by a variety of factors, including general and economic
conditions and certain special events that may cause significant changes in the number
of riders in the mass transportation systems of our network cities. Special events, such
as the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, may affect our actual price of advertising time.
Such special events may draw more viewers to our real-time broadcasts, making our
advertising network more effective. Conversely, any adverse events, such as an outbreak
of an airborne disease or public safety concerns, may impact usage of mass
transportation systems and have an adverse effect on our actual price of advertising
time. Demand for our advertising services also varies according to the time of day, with
higher demand typically during morning and evening commute times. Demand for advertising
time on our network may also be impacted by corresponding demand on other advertising
outlets such as traditional television. |
|
|
|
|
Number of displays in each city. The number of displays in each of our cities affects our
actual price of advertising time in that city.
An increase in the number of displays will reach a larger audience and make
advertisements more effective. We expect that our actual price of advertising time will
increase as the number of displays increases. |
|
|
|
|
Quality of programs. The quality of the programs broadcast on our network and
supplemental subway advertising platform affects our actual price of advertising time.
Programs that attract the attention of our audience will make our advertising platform
more effective. Our ability to locate, edit and provide suitable programs that appeal to
our intended audience will affect our actual price of advertising time. We have
undertaken steps to increase the quality of programs broadcast on our network by
providing suggestions to the local television stations that provide the programs. |
|
|
|
|
Programming to Advertising Ratio. The mixture of programming to advertising that
gets broadcasted on our network and supplemental subway advertising platform affects
our advertising service revenue. Broadcasting an optimal mix of advertising and
programs will maximize our total revenues. |
|
|
|
|
Maximizing sales of soft advertisements. We began sales of soft advertising in July
2007, and our ability to maximize sales of soft advertisements such as advertisements
embedded within the programs and sponsorships of the programs on our network will allow
us to realize additional revenues from the time reserved for broadcasts of programs.
Increasing our sales of such advertisements is expected to help increase our average
revenue per hour. |
Advertising Equipment Revenue
We derived a portion of our total revenues from the sales of digital television displays
and related equipment to our direct investment entities. We record these revenues as
advertising equipment revenue. We source digital television displays and related equipment from
third-party suppliers and sell them to our direct investment entities in order to ensure
consistent quality of the equipment used in our network and achieve cost efficiency for our
direct investment entities. Our advertising equipment revenue represented 0.5%, nil and nil of
our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. We
generally set the price of our advertising equipment at the unit procurement cost plus an
additional markup. Since sales of equipment in China require the payment of the value added
tax, or VAT, equal to
17%, we record our advertising equipment revenue excluding the VAT payments. We expect that
advertising equipment revenue in future periods will not constitute a significant portion of
our total revenues because we expect our advertising service revenue to grow faster than our
advertising equipment revenue.
55
We recognize advertising equipment revenue upon delivery of the digital television
displays and when the risk of ownership has passed to our direct investment entities.
Factors that Affect Our Advertising Equipment Revenue
|
|
|
Addition of New Direct Investment Entities. The addition of new direct investment
entities directly affects our advertising equipment revenue. We only sell our digital
television displays to our direct investment entities for installation into buses of the
citys mass transportation system and other locations. We anticipate higher sales of our
digital television displays in the earlier stages of the direct investment entitys
operations during the expansion of the mobile digital television network in that city.
Accordingly, as the operations of our direct investment entities reach a greater scale,
we expect the sales of our digital television displays to decrease. |
|
|
|
|
Network Expansion of Direct Investment Entities. The pace of network expansion at
each of our direct investment entities directly affects our advertising equipment
revenue. Since the vast majority of our direct investment entities purchase the digital
television displays exclusively from us, any expansion of the mobile digital television
network will generate advertising equipment revenue for us. In addition, our direct
investment entities will need to purchase new digital television displays from us to
replace their worn or obsolete equipment. |
|
|
|
|
Cost of Equipment. Since we sell our digital television displays at our procurement
cost plus a fixed percentage markup, any changes to the cost of our equipment will
directly affect our advertising equipment revenue. |
Cost of Revenues
Our cost of revenues consists of costs directly related to the offering of our advertising
services and costs related to our sales of advertising equipment. The following table sets
forth our cost of revenues, divided into its major components, by amount and percentage of our
total revenues for the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of total |
|
|
|
|
|
% of total |
|
|
|
|
|
% of total |
|
|
US$ |
|
revenues |
|
US$ |
|
revenues |
|
US$ |
|
revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenues |
|
|
104,080,642 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
120,686,086 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
138,056,640 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Cost of revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising service cost |
|
|
40,602,022 |
|
|
|
39.0 |
|
|
|
61,104,381 |
|
|
|
50.6 |
|
|
|
121,000,454 |
|
|
|
87.6 |
|
Advertising equipment
cost |
|
|
475,432 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenues |
|
|
41,077,454 |
|
|
|
39.5 |
|
|
|
61,104,381 |
|
|
|
50.6 |
|
|
|
121,000,454 |
|
|
|
87.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
63,003,188 |
|
|
|
60.5 |
|
|
|
59,581,705 |
|
|
|
49.4 |
|
|
|
17,056,186 |
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising Service Cost
Our cost of revenues related to the offering of our advertising services consists of
media costs, depreciation, business taxes and surcharges, amortization of intangible assets
and other operating costs.
Media Costs. Our media costs represented the largest component of our cost of revenues and
accounted for approximately 29.7%,
41.4% and 70.8% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010,
respectively. Our media costs primarily consist of:
|
|
|
payments to our exclusive agency partner companies under our
contractual arrangements to purchase the advertising time on that network; |
56
|
|
|
payments to our direct investment entities under our contractual arrangements to purchase
advertising time; and |
|
|
|
|
payments to mobile digital television companies and other advertising service
providers outside of our network, either directly or through third-party advertising
agencies, to purchase advertising time pursuant to the requests of our advertisers. |
The primary factors affecting our media costs include the number of exclusive agency
cities that we have and the amount of advertising time that we purchase from our direct
investment entities and other mobile digital television companies outside of our network.
|
|
|
The number of exclusive agency cities represents the largest factor affecting our
media costs. When we enter into an exclusive agency arrangement with a mobile digital
television company, we typically commit to a pre-determined annual
media cost in
exchange for the exclusive right to place advertisements on all of the time available
for advertisements on that network. We expect the number
of our exclusive agency cities to increase in future periods as we enter into exclusive
agency arrangements with our direct investment entities and with additional mobile digital
television companies in new cities. As a result, we expect our media
cost to
increase in future periods. |
|
|
|
|
The amount of advertising time that we purchase from our direct investment entities
and other mobile digital television companies outside of our network also affect our
media costs. For our direct investment entities without exclusive agency agreements, we
purchase advertising time according to our needs to place advertisements on behalf of
our clients. For the mobile digital television companies and other advertising service
providers outside of our network, we purchase time at the request of our advertising
clients to place advertisements in that city. |
Depreciation. Depreciation for our digital television displays accounted for 1.2%, 1.5%
and 2.5% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010,
respectively. Our depreciation cost only consists of depreciation for the displays directly
owned by us and not the displays owned by our direct investment entities. Generally, we
capitalize the acquisition cost of our digital television displays and recognize depreciation
on a straight-line basis over the term of their useful lives, which we estimate to be five
years. The primary factors affecting our depreciation include the number of digital television
displays in our network, the unit cost of each of our displays and the remaining useful life
of our displays. We expect our depreciation to increase in future periods as a result of
expanding our network by adding more displays.
Business Taxes and Surcharges. Our business taxes and surcharges accounted for 6.0%, 5.6%
and 2.3% of our total revenues for years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
Business taxes and surcharges generally include the 5% business tax and 3% surcharges that our
PRC operating subsidiary must pay for revenues generated from advertising services provided in
China after deduction of allowable media costs.
Amortization of Intangible Assets. In connection with our acquisition of Digital Media
Group in January 2010, we recorded the concession contracts acquired from Digital Media Group
as intangible assets. The cost of these intangible assets was measured at the estimated fair
value of the concession contracts of US$90.9 million on the acquisition date, and is amortized
over its expected useful life of 9 years using straight line method. The amortization of such
intangible assets is recorded within advertising service cost and accounted for 7.4% of our
total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010. There was no amortization of intangible
assets recorded in advertising service cost for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009.
Other Operating Costs. Our other operating costs primarily consist of salaries and
other expenses in relation to the maintenance, development and expansion of our network and
accounted for 2.1%, 2.2% and 4.6% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31,
2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. We expect our other operating costs to increase in future
periods as we expand our network in the cities where we already operate and into new cities.
However, we expect our other operating costs to increase in future periods but remain a
relatively small percentage of total revenues.
Advertising Equipment Cost
Our advertising equipment cost consists of the amounts we pay to our third-party
suppliers for the digital television displays and other related equipment that we sell to our
direct investment entities. Our advertising equipment cost accounted for 0.5%, nil and nil of
our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The
major factors affecting our advertising equipment cost include the number of digital
television displays we sell and the unit cost that we pay for the assembly of each display.
We did not generate advertising equipment revenue in both 2009 and 2010 as our existing
direct investment entities completed the initial expansion of their local networks in 2008
and scaled back their purchases of digital television displays and related equipment from us.
57
Other Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations
In addition to the factors discussed above, our reported results are also affected by the
fluctuations in the value of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar because our reporting
currency is the U.S. dollar while the functional currency of our subsidiary and affiliated
consolidated entities in China, which operate substantially all of our business, is the
Renminbi. In 2008, the Renminbi appreciated against the U.S. dollar by approximately 6.5%, in
2009, the Renminbi depreciated against the U.S. dollar by approximately 0.1%, and in 2010, the
Renminbi appreciated against the U.S. dollar by approximately 3.3%. The appreciation of the
Renminbi against the U.S. dollar contributed to the increase in our net income (loss) reported
in U.S. dollar terms in 2008 and 2010, and the depreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S.
dollar contributed to the decrease in our net income reported in U.S. dollar terms in 2009.
For additional information relating to the fluctuations in the value of the Renminbi against
the U.S. dollar, see Item 3. Key InformationA. Selected Financial DataExchange Rate
Information, Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk FactorsRisks Related to Doing Business in
ChinaFluctuations in exchange rates of the Renminbi could materially affect our reported
results of operations and Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
RiskForeign Exchange Risk.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses consist of selling and marketing expenses, general and
administrative expenses, and impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill. The following
table sets forth our operating expenses, divided into their major categories by amount and as
a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of total |
|
|
|
|
|
% of total |
|
|
|
|
|
% of total |
|
|
US$ |
|
revenues |
|
US$ |
|
revenues |
|
US$ |
|
revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
|
104,808,642 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
120,686,086 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
138,056,640 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
63,003,188 |
|
|
|
60.5 |
|
|
|
59,581,705 |
|
|
|
49.4 |
|
|
|
17,056,186 |
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
Operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
14,711,536 |
|
|
|
14.0 |
|
|
|
24,620,897 |
|
|
|
20.4 |
|
|
|
28,315,592 |
|
|
|
20.5 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
5,414,571 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
7,425,222 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
|
9,499,717 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
|
Impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
145,720,504 |
|
|
|
105.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
20,126,107 |
|
|
|
19.2 |
|
|
|
32,046,119 |
|
|
|
26.6 |
|
|
|
183,535,813 |
|
|
|
132.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and Marketing Expenses. Our selling and marketing expenses primarily
consist of salaries and benefits for our sales staff, marketing and promotional expenses
and other costs related to supporting our sales force. Selling and marketing expenses
accounted for 14.0%, 20.4% and 20.5% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31,
2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. We increased our sales force to 585 employees as of
December 31, 2010 from 368 employees as of December 31, 2009 and 300 employees as of
December 31, 2008. The increase in the scale and scope of our sales force activities has
resulted in a significant increase in selling and marketing expenses. We expect selling and
marketing expenses in future periods to increase as our operations continue to grow.
General and Administrative Expenses. Our general and administrative expenses primarily
consist of salaries and benefits for management, accounting and administrative personnel,
office rentals, depreciation of office equipment, professional service fees, maintenance,
utilities and other office expenses. General and administrative expenses accounted for 5.2%,
6.2% and 6.9% of our total revenues for the years ended December 31,
2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. We expect that our general and administrative expenses will
increase in future periods as we hire additional
personnel and incur additional costs in connection with the expansion of our business and with
being a publicly traded company.
Impairment Loss on Intangible Assets and Goodwill. We recorded impairment loss on our
intangible assets and goodwill totaling US$145.7 million in 2010 with details set out below:
In the second quarter of 2010, we recorded impairment charge of US$89.1 million against the
goodwill and intangible assets for three out of the six advertising agency businesses, namely,
Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead, which we acquired in 2008. Due to the change in relevant regulations in
the PRC in 2010 (please see Item 4. Information on the Company B. Business Overview Regulation
Regulations on the Advertising Industry Advertising content on page 48 for the details of the
Administrative Measures on Radio and Television Advertisement Broadcasting issued by the SARFT and
effective from January 1, 2010), there was a significant decline in customer demand, intense pricing pressure and
increasing competition of Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead reporting units which indicated the potential
impairment loss on the goodwill and intangible assets of these reporting units. We therefore
performed impairment analysis for these reporting units in June 2010. Accordingly, we recorded
impairment loss of US$43.6 million, US$16.7 million and US$21.3 million against the goodwill
allocated to the Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead reporting units, respectively, in the second quarter of
2010. In addition, we recorded impairment loss of US$3.1 million, US$1.4 million and US$3.0 million
against the intangible assets arising from the acquisitions of Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead,
respectively. The remaining three acquired agencies are not subject to this impairment loss.
In December 2010, we recorded impairment charge of US$56.6 million against the goodwill and
intangible assets in connection with our acquisition of Digital Media Group, which was completed
in 2010. When we performed annual impairment test for the Digital Media Group reporting unit in
December 2010, we determined that the poorer than expected performance of the Digital Media Group reporting unit led
to a potential impairment of the goodwill and intangible assets in connection with our acquisition
of Digital Media Group. In addition, we believed that there was false, deceptive and misleading
information concerning Digital Media Groups financial condition and performance provided by the
former management and selling shareholders of Digital Media Group, and as a result, we launched a
lawsuit against the selling shareholders of Digital Media Group in December 2010. Accordingly, we
recorded impairment loss of US$14.9 million against the goodwill of allocated to the Digital Media
Group reporting unit. In addition, we also recorded impairment charge of US$41.7 million against
the intangible assets arising from our acquisition of Digital Media Group.
Impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill accounted for 105.5% of our total revenues
for the year ended December 31, 2010. We did not incur such impairment loss in 2008 or 2009.
Government Grants and Subsidies
VisionChina Media Group, an operating entity of our company, was granted US$0.7 million
in 2008 as a reward because we consummated our initial public offering. It was a one-off
incentive from the PRC local government in Shenzhen, which allows any company in Shenzhen that
has consummated an initial public offering in 2007 to apply for such incentive. We took the
initiative to apply for this incentive after completing our initial public offering in 2007.
Our application was approved, and we received this incentive from the PRC government in
2008.
In 2009, VisionChina Media Group, an operating entity of our company, received a
government grant of US$0.5 million because it qualified as a cultural enterprise in the PRC.
Any company that is recognized as a cultural enterprise by the local government authorities
is qualified to apply for certain incentives granted by the local government. As VisionChina
Media Group is recognized as a cultural enterprise by the local government authorities, it is
qualified to apply for this incentive. We took the initiative to apply for this incentive by
submitting an application to the local government authorities for review. The local government
authorities recognized VisionChina Media Group as a
cultural enterprise and concluded that it is qualified to receive this incentive in 2009.
We did not receive any government grants or subsidies in 2010.
In the future, we expect to receive government grants and incentives from time to
time. If we believe any of our group entities meet the criteria to receive government
grants or incentives, we plan to take the initiative to apply. However, the receipt of any
incentive or grant is subject to review and approval by the relevant government
authorities.
Share-based Compensation
Our share-based compensation expenses represent the compensation expenses recognized in
relation to the share options and other stock awards granted to our employees and consultants.
We allocate our share-based compensation expenses to cost of revenues, general and
administrative expenses or selling and marketing expenses, depending on role of the person
receiving the options under our 2006 Share Incentive Plan, or the 2006 Plan. We have reserved
8,000,000 common shares for issuance under the 2006 Plan. As of December 31, 2010, there were
1,771,824 share options and 243,889 restricted shares outstanding to employees and
consultants. Our total share-based compensation expenses accounted for 1.4%, 3.6% and 0.7% of
our total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. We
expect our share-based compensation expenses to increase in future periods as a result of
further issuances of options and restricted shares to employees and consultants.
58
Loss from Equity Method Investees
Our equity investments primarily consist of our investments in our ten direct
investment entities that we account for using the equity method as of December 31, 2010. We
expect our loss from our existing equity method investees to decrease as they finish
building their networks and begin generating more revenues.
We generate advertising service revenue by sales of advertising time on our mobile digital
television advertising network, which are partly provided by our equity method investees. We
also closely monitor the operating activities of the equity method investees financially. As
the operations of our equity method investees form an integral part to our operating
activities, our share of undistributed earnings or losses of these entities are classified as
part of our operating profit (loss).
Taxation
We are an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and conduct substantially all
of our business through our PRC subsidiaries and our PRC variable interest entities. Our PRC
entities must pay business taxes and surcharges on revenues generated from advertising services
and value added taxes on sales of our advertising equipment, and we account for the business
taxes and surcharges under cost of revenues. Our PRC entities must also pay the enterprise
income tax, or EIT, on their taxable income at the applicable tax rate, except for certain PRC
entities that qualify for preferential tax rates.
Before the new EIT Law and its implementation regulations became effective on January 1,
2008, as an enterprise located in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, both VisionChina Media
Group and CDTC were allowed to enjoy a preferential enterprise income tax rate of 15%. In
addition, since VisionChina Media Group has been recognized as a culture enterprise,
VisionChina Media Group received a full exemption from the EIT from 2006 to 2008. Preferential
tax treatments will continue to be granted to industries and projects that are strongly
supported and encouraged by the state, and enterprises otherwise classified as new and high
technology enterprises strongly supported by the state will be entitled to a 15% enterprise
income tax rate. VisionChina Media Group was designated as new and high technology enterprises
strongly supported by the state in November 2008 and, as a result, will be subject to an
enterprise income tax rate of 15% for 2009 and 2010. VisionChina Media Group is currently
applying to be a state-encouraged high-new technology enterprise in 2011, 2012 and 2013 for a
preferential tax rate of 15% in these three years. In accordance with a circular issued in
December 2010, Beijing Eastlong Technology has been recognized as a state-encouraged high-new
technology enterprise starting from 2010, and the status is valid for a period of three years.
As such the EIT rate for Beijing Eastlong Technology is 15% in each of the year of 2010, 2011
and 2012, respectively. Furthermore, one of our operating subsidiaries in Luzhou in Sichuan
province was recognized as a local government encouraged company and is entitled to exemption
from the enterprise income tax for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, and reduced tax
rate of 7.5% for the year ended December 31, 2010, and years
ending December 31, 2011 and 2012.
Under the new EIT Law, effective since January 1, 2008, China has adopted a uniform tax
rate of 25% for all enterprises (including foreign-invested enterprises) and revoked the
current tax exemption, reduction and preferential treatments applicable to foreign-invested
enterprises. However, there will be a transition period for enterprises, whether
foreign-invested or domestic, that are currently receiving preferential tax treatments granted
by relevant tax authorities. Enterprises that were subject to an enterprise income tax rate
lower than 25% prior to January 1,
2008 may continue to enjoy the lower rate and gradually transition to the new tax rate within
five years after the effective date of the EIT Law. Enterprises that are currently entitled to
exemptions or reductions from the standard income tax rate for a fixed term may continue to
enjoy such treatment until the fixed term expires. However, if a foreign-invested enterprise
had not become profitable by the end of December 2007, a two-year exemption from enterprise
income tax will be granted for the period between the time the enterprise becomes profitable
and
December 31, 2009. According to the implementation regulations, during the transition period, the
enterprise income tax rate of CDTC is 18%,
20%, 22%, 24% and 25% in the years of 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively, and the
enterprise income tax rate of VisionChina Media Group is 0%, 15%, 15%, 24% and 25% in the
years of 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. As a result, we expect our income
tax expense to increase in future years compared to our historical periods.
59
The EIT Law also provides that enterprises established outside of China whose de facto
management bodies are located in China are considered resident enterprises, and will
generally be subject to the uniform 25% enterprise income tax rate as to their worldwide
income, including income received from subsidiaries and consolidated affiliates. Under the
Implementation Rules of the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, a de facto management body is
defined as a body that has material and overall management and control over manufacturing and
business operations, personnel and human resources, finances and treasury, and acquisition and
disposition of properties and other assets of an enterprise. If we are treated as a resident
enterprise for PRC tax purposes, we will be subject to PRC tax on our worldwide income at the
25% tax rate. Because substantially all our revenues on a consolidated basis are generated
in the PRC, and our company does not generate any taxable income on a stand alone basis, even
if it is determined to be a resident enterprise for PRC tax purpose, we do not expect any
material changes to our effective tax rate.
Furthermore, unlike the Income Tax Law for Enterprises with Foreign Investment and Foreign
Enterprises that was replaced by the EIT
Law, which specifically exempts withholding tax on any dividends payable to non-PRC investors,
the EIT Law and implementation regulations provides that an income tax rate of 10% is normally
applicable to dividends payable to non-PRC investors which are derived from sources within
China, although such income tax may be exempted or reduced by the State Council of the PRC or
pursuant to a tax treaty between China and the jurisdictions in which our non-PRC shareholders
reside. We are a Cayman Islands holding company and substantially all of our income may be
derived from dividends we receive from our operating subsidiary and consolidated affiliates
established in China. If we declare dividends from such income, it may be deemed to be derived
from sources within China under the EIT Law and be subject to income tax under the EIT Law. If
we are required under the EIT Law to pay income tax for any dividends we received from our
subsidiary in China, your investment in us may be materially and adversely affected. However,
as we plan to retain and reinvest our earnings to further expand our business in the PRC, our
subsidiary in China does not have plans to declare dividends in the foreseeable future. In
addition, it is unclear
whether dividends paid to our non-PRC shareholders and ADS holders or any capital gains from
the transfer of our common shares or ADSs, would be treated as income derived from sources
within the PRC and subject to PRC tax. If we are required under the EIT Law to withhold PRC
income tax on dividends payable to our non-PRC investors that are non-resident enterprises
or if you are required to pay PRC income tax on the transfer of our common shares or ADSs,
the value of your investment may be materially and adversely affected.
Critical Accounting Policies
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which
requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect: (i) the reported amounts
of our assets and liabilities; (ii) the disclosure of our contingent assets and liabilities at
the end of each reporting period; and (iii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during each reporting period. We continually evaluate these estimates based on our own
historical experience, knowledge and assessment of current business and other conditions, our
expectations regarding the future based on available information and reasonable assumptions,
which together form our basis for making judgments about matters that are not readily apparent
from other sources. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial
reporting process, our actual results could differ from those estimates.
We believe that any reasonable deviation from those judgments and estimates would not have a
material impact on our financial condition
or results of operations. To the extent that the estimates used differ from actual results,
however, adjustments to the statement of operations and corresponding balance sheet accounts
would be necessary. These adjustments would be made in future financial statements.
When reading our financial statements, you should consider: (i) our critical accounting
policies; (ii) the judgment and other uncertainties affecting the application of such
policies; and (iii) the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and
assumptions. We believe the following accounting policies involve the most significant
judgment and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements.
Depreciation of fixed assets
Fixed assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.
Assembly in progress is not depreciated until it is ready for its intended use.
60
Depreciation and amortization is computed on a straight-line basis over the following
estimated useful lives, after taking into account the residual values:
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Media display equipment 5 years |
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Computers and office equipment 5 years |
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Motor vehicles 5 years |
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Leasehold improvements lesser of lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the assets |
Changes in estimation of useful lives and residual values may have impact on the
amount of depreciation expense to be charged to the consolidated statement of operations.
Investments under equity method
The investments for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are
accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, original investments are
recorded at cost and adjusted by our share of undistributed earnings or losses of these
entities, by the amortization of intangible assets recognized upon purchase price allocation
and by dividend distributions or subsequent investments. All unrecognized inter-company
profits or losses have been eliminated under the equity method.
We generate a portion of our revenues from sales of advertising time on mobile television
networks which are owned by our equity method investees. Because the operations of our
investees under equity method form an integral part to our operating activities, our share of
undistributed earnings or losses of these entities is classified as part of our operating
profit (loss).
When the estimated amount to be realized from the investments falls below their carrying
value, an impairment charge is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations when
the decline in value is considered other than temporary.
Other investments
Our investments in non-marketable equity securities for which we do not have the ability
to exercise significant influence or control are accounted for using the cost method.
Dividends and other distributions of earnings from investees, if any, are recognized in the
consolidated statements of operations when declared. We periodically evaluate the carrying
value of investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and any impairment is
included in the consolidated statements of operations.
Goodwill and intangible assets
We carry intangible assets, which consist of concession contracts, customer base,
non-compete agreements, technology, trademark and patents, at cost less accumulated
amortization. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated
economic lives of the intangible assets. The expected useful lives of concession contracts are
nine years, the expected useful lives of customer base are five years, the expected useful
lives of non-compete agreements are ten years, the expected useful life of technology is nine
years, the expected useful life of trademark is ten years, and the expected useful lives of
patents are ten years. Changes in the estimation of useful lives of the intangible assets may
have impact on the amortization expenses to be charged to the consolidated statement of
operations.
We estimated fair value of the identifiable intangible assets acquired on the
respective dates of acquisitions, which primarily consisted of concession contracts,
customer base and non-compete agreements. For our acquisitions completed prior to January
1, 2009, when the additional earn-out considerations payable in connection with the
acquisitions are determined, the excess of amounts paid for acquisitions over the fair
market value of the net identifiable assets acquired are allocated to goodwill.
The determination of the fair value of any intangible assets involves certain judgments
and estimates, including, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to
generate in the future. For a customer base, the fair value was based on the excessive earnings
which take into consideration the projected cash flows to be generated from the customer base.
Future cash flows are estimated based on the net income forecast of the customer base, which
takes into consideration historical customer attrition and revenue growth. The resulting cash
flows are then discounted at our estimated weighted average cost of capital. For a non-compete
agreement, the fair value was determined using a with or without approach, which calculates
the difference between projected cash flows with and without the non-competition agreement.
For a concession contract, the fair value was based on the excessive earnings which take into
consideration the projected cash flows to be generated from the concession contract.
61
We are required to review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment when
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be
recoverable. We assess recoverability of the amortizable intangible assets by comparing the
carrying value of an asset to its estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from
the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If we determine that the carrying values
of acquired intangible assets have been impaired, the carrying values will be written down to
the fair values at the measurement date and impairment charges will be recorded.
Goodwill represents the excess of costs of businesses acquired over fair value of acquired
net tangible and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill are not amortized, but instead
tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 350,
Intangibles Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Goodwill is required to be reviewed for impairment at the reporting unit level at least
annually and more frequently upon the occurrence of certain events. The goodwill impairment
test is a two-step test. Under the first step, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared
with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds
its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered to be impaired and the second step is not
required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an
indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the enterprise must perform
step two of the impairment test (measurement). Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized
for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting units goodwill over the implied fair
value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair
value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual
fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. This
allocation process is only performed for the purpose of evaluating goodwill impairment and does
not result in an entry to implied fair value of goodwill. We estimate the fair value of our
reporting units using a discounted cash flow methodology through internal analysis, which utilizes income approach through the application of discounted
cash flow method. This valuation technique is based on
a number of estimates and assumptions, including the projected operating results of the
reporting units, discounted rate, long-term growth rate and appropriate market comparables. We
performed impairment test for the goodwill in connection with the six advertising agency
businesses we acquired in 2008 in the second quarter of 2010 due to a significant decline in
customer demand as a result of the change in relevant regulations in the PRC in 2010, and
recorded impairment loss of US$81.6 million against the goodwill allocated to three out of the
six acquired businesses. The goodwill allocated to the other three acquired business was not
impaired. We also performed an annual goodwill impairment test for the Digital Media Group
reporting unit in December 2010. We determined that the poorer than expected performance of the Digital Media Group reporting unit led
to a potential impairment of the goodwill allocated to the Digital Media Group reporting unit. In
addition, we believed that there was false, deceptive and misleading information concerning Digital
Media Groups financial condition and performance provided by the former management and selling
shareholders of Digital Media Group, and as a result, we launched a lawsuit against the selling
shareholders of Digital Media Group in December 2010. Accordingly, we
recorded impairment loss of $14.9 million against the goodwill of allocated to the Digital
Media Group reporting unit. The goodwill allocated to the other reporting units were not
impaired in 2010 because the fair value of these reporting unit substantially exceeded their
carrying value at the time of impairment tests. Currently we do not expect to incur future impairment charges in the
coming years.
Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair
value for each reporting unit. Any impairment charges recorded could have a material impact
on our financial condition and results of operations.
Income taxes
We recognize deferred income taxes for temporary differences between the tax basis of
assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, net operating
loss carryforward and tax credit forwards by applying enacted statutory tax rates that will
be in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to reverse.
We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the value we believe is
more likely than not to be realized. In the event we were to determine that we would be able
to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their recorded amount, an
adjustment to our valuation allowance would increase our net income or decrease our net loss
in the period such determination was made. Likewise, if we determine that we would not be able
to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to our
valuation allowance would be reduce our net income or increase our net loss in the period such
determination is made. Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of
the relevant taxing authorities.
As none of our PRC subsidiaries intends to declare dividends to us, their undistributed
earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested and therefore no provisions have been made
for PRC dividend withholding taxes.
In addition, as of December 31, 2010, our consolidated VIEs in the PRC had undistributed
earnings of $74.1 million to our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries. Under US GAAP, deferred tax liability
should be accounted for in respect of the undistributed earnings of our financial
interest in VIE affiliates and domestic subsidiaries. We believe it is more likely than
not that there is no deferred tax liability resulting from the undistributed earnings because we have means available under the PRC tax law to
recover the investment in our consolidated VIEs tax free, including but not limited to the following series of transactions :
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The provision of technical support service by our PRC wholly owned subsidiary to our
consolidated VIEs will cause an expense in the consolidated VIEs, resulting in the
majority of the undistributed earnings of the consolidated VIEs being transferred to
us without incurring any additional income tax expense on the basis that our PRC wholly
owned subsidiary and the consolidated VIEs are in the same tax jurisdiction and subject to
the same income tax rate although such transaction may incur additional business tax
expense to us. The price of the technical support service will be determined on an arms
length basis. |
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We would ensure the significant existing contracts, including the exclusive agency
agreements and the contracts for direct investment arrangements to be signed or renewed
upon expiry of such contracts by our new VIEs, so that all the operations in the
existing consolidated VIEs will be taken by the new VIEs without resulting any capital
gain subject to income taxes; and |
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We or our wholly owned PRC subsidiaries exercise the call option to acquire all the equity interests in the existing consolidated VIEs
from their shareholders after all the operations have been transferred to the new VIEs. Without any operations or substantial
remaining undistributed earnings, the purchase price for the existing consolidated VIEs will approximate their paid-in capital, in which
case it is more likely than not that no gain will be noted and thus no income tax expense will be incurred. |
Share-based compensation
On December 8, 2006, we adopted the 2006 share incentive plan that allows us to offer a
variety of incentive awards to our employees and consultants. For options granted to
employees, share-based payments are measured based on the fair values of share options on the
grant date and are generally recognized as compensation expense over the requisite service
periods with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. Share awards issued to
consultants are measured at fair value at the commitment date and recognized over the period
the service is provided.
62
For the options granted in 2008, 2009 and 2010, we determined the value of the common shares
underlying the options by referring to the sale prices of our ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Market.
We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation Stock
Compensation (formerly SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment). Under the provisions of FASB ASC 718, stock-based compensation
cost is estimated at the grant date based on the awards fair value as calculated by the
Black-Scholes-Merton, or BSM, option-pricing model and is recognized as expense over the
requisite service period. The BSM model requires various highly judgmental assumptions
including volatility and expected option life. If any
of the assumptions used in the BSM model change significantly, stock-based compensation
expense may differ materially in the future from that recorded in the current period. In
addition, we are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense
for those options expected to vest. These estimations are based on past employee retention
rates and our expectations of future retention rates. As our operating history is limited, we
will prospectively revise our forfeiture rates based on actual history. Further, to the extent
our actual forfeiture rate is different from our estimate, stock-based compensation expense is
adjusted accordingly. For share options or restricted shares granted with performance
condition that do not affect the exercise price or factors other than vesting or
exercisability, compensation expense is accrued if it is probable that the performance
condition will be achieved, and compensation expense is not accrued if it is not probable that
the performance condition will be achieved.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
We evaluate the recoverability of our accounts receivable primarily based on the ages of
receivables and factors surrounding the credit risks of specific customers. We regularly
analyze our customer accounts, and when we become aware of a specific customers inability to
meet its financial obligations to us, such as in the case of bankruptcy filings or
deterioration in the customers operating results or financial positions, we record a reserve
for bad debts to reduce the related receivables to the amount we reasonably believe is
collectible. If circumstances related to specific customers change, our estimates of the
recoverability of receivables will be further adjusted. In the event that our accounts
receivables become uncollectible, we record additional adjustments to receivables to reflect
the amounts at net realizable value. We recorded allowance for doubtful debt of US$0.6
million, US$0.6 million and US$0.6 million within general and administrative expenses in 2008,
2009 and 2010, respectively, each representing less than 1% as a percentage to our total
revenues. As of December 31, 2009 and 2010, we had allowance for doubtful debt of US$1.2
million and US$1.2 million, respectively. We assess allowance for doubtful debts based on our
review of aging data and credit risks of specific customers. We had charged off account
receivables of nil, US$0.1 million and US$0.6 million in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively as
we had exhausted all means of collection. We believe that the balance allowance for doubtful
account receivables is sufficient to reflect the recoverability of our accounts
receivable. We do not expect the allowance for doubtful accounts, which is charged to our
statement of operations, to increase significantly as a percentage of our total revenue in
future years. We also do not expect our allowance for doubtful accounts to have a significant
impact on our liquidity and capital resources.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth a summary, for the periods indicated, of our consolidated
results of operations. Our historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of
the results that may be expected for any future period.
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For the Year Ended December 31, |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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2010 |
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(US$, except number of shares) |
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations Data |
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Revenues |
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Advertising service revenue |
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103,515,250 |
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120,686,086 |
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138,056,640 |
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Advertising equipment revenue |
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565,392 |
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Total revenues |
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104,080,642 |
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120,686,086 |
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138,056,640 |
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Cost of revenues |
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Advertising service cost |
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(40,602,022 |
) |
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(61,104,381 |
) |
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(121,000,454 |
) |
Advertising equipment cost |
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(475,432 |
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Total cost of revenues |
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(41,077,454 |
) |
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(61,104,381 |
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(121,000,454 |
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Gross profit |
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63,003,188 |
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59,581,705 |
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17,056,186 |
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Operating expenses |
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(20,126,107 |
) |
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(32,046,119 |
) |
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(183,535,813 |
) |
63
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|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2010 |
|
|
(US$, except number of shares) |
Government grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
538,085 |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from equity method investees |
|
|
(484,969 |
) |
|
|
(998,606 |
) |
|
|
(109,989 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit (loss) |
|
|
42,392,112 |
|
|
|
27,075,065 |
|
|
|
(166,589,616 |
) |
Interest income |
|
|
3,480,212 |
|
|
|
1,860,017 |
|
|
|
2,082,605 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(109,590 |
) |
|
|
(4,952,239 |
) |
Government grant |
|
|
672,515 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other expenses |
|
|
(38,491 |
) |
|
|
(1,278 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
46,506,348 |
|
|
|
28,824,214 |
|
|
|
(169,459,250 |
) |
Income tax benefit (expense) |
|
|
212,325 |
|
|
|
(2,348,254 |
) |
|
|
18,202,289 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
46,718,673 |
|
|
|
26,475,960 |
|
|
|
(151,256,961 |
) |
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest |
|
|
91,277 |
|
|
|
127,043 |
|
|
|
(81,261 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to VisionChina Media Inc. shareholders |
|
|
46,809,950 |
|
|
|
26,603,003 |
|
|
|
(151,338,222 |
) |
Net income (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
0.67 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
(1.83 |
) |
Diluted |
|
|
0.65 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
(1.83 |
) |
Weighted average number of shares used in computation of net income (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
70,064,663 |
|
|
|
71,686,900 |
|
|
|
82,739,234 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
72,404,916 |
|
|
|
72,676,438 |
|
|
|
82,739,234 |
|
Share-based compensation expenses during the related periods included in: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues |
|
|
39,847 |
|
|
|
63,477 |
|
|
|
100,711 |
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
1,163,623 |
|
|
|
3,698,329 |
|
|
|
432,632 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
263,585 |
|
|
|
570,305 |
|
|
|
414,162 |
|
Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2009
Total Revenues. Our total revenues increased to US$138.1 million in 2010 from US$120.7 million
in 2009.
|
|
|
Our advertising service revenue increased to US$138.1 million in 2010 from US$120.7
million in 2009. The increase in advertising service revenue is primarily the combined
effect of (1) increased sales of advertising time on our mobile digital television
advertising network achieved by the expansions of our sales and advertising networks;
(2) a significant decline in customer demand, intense pricing pressure and increasing
competition of our Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead reporting units due to the change in
relevant regulations in the PRC in 2010. |
|
|
|
|
In 2010, by acquiring Digital Media Group, we expanded our network and started to
sell advertising time on the subway platforms in the cities of Shanghai, Nanjing,
Tianjin, Chongqing and Hong Kong. We also sold additional advertising time in the
subway lines in Beijing and Shenzhen which were previously operated by Digital Media
Group. As of December 31, 2010, we provided advertising services through our network
and supplemental subway advertising platform with approximately 137,395 digital
displays in 23 cities in the PRC, compared to 89,299 digital displays in 19 cites as
of December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
As a result of the aforementioned significant decline in customer demand, intense
pricing pressure and increasing competition due to the change in relevant regulations
in the PRC in 2010, we recorded impairment loss in the aggregate of US$81.6 million
against the goodwill allocated to the Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead reporting units, and
impairment loss of US$7.5 million against the intangible assets arising from the
acquisitions of Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead, in the second quarter of 2010. |
|
|
|
|
We did not generate any advertising equipment revenue in 2010, same as that in 2009,
as our existing direct investment entities completed the initial expansion of their
local networks and scaled back their purchases of digital television displays and
related equipment from us. |
Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues, which consisted of advertising service cost only in both
2009 and 2010, increased significantly to US$121.0 million in 2010 from US$61.1 million in 2009.
|
|
|
Our media cost increased to US$97.8 million in 2010 from US$49.9 million in
2009. We experienced an increase in media cost primarily due to a large increase in
the amount of media cost paid to our exclusive agency partner companies to
secure advertising time. Our network rental fees for our exclusive agency cities
increased to US$91.9 million in 2010 from
US$43.3 million in 2009. The number of cities operating under our exclusive
agency model increased to 20 cities as of
December 31, 2010 from 16 cities as of December 31, 2009, which is primarily
attributable to our acquisition of Digital Media Group in January 2010. We also
attribute a portion of the increase in our media cost to the annual increase in the
amount of media cost under the terms of our contracts with our exclusive
agency partner companies in our existing cities. Our media cost in cities operating
under our direct investment and outreach agency models, which require us to purchase
the advertising time from the local mobile digital television network operating in
those cities, remained stable in 2010 compared to that in 2009. |
|
|
|
|
Our depreciation increased to US$3.4 million in 2010 from US$1.8 million in
2009 as a result of the increase in the number of digital television displays
located in our exclusive agency cities. |
|
|
|
|
Our business tax decreased to US$3.2 million in 2010 from US$6.8 million in
2009, which is mainly because the effect of increase. in media cost outweighed the
increase in our advertising service revenue. |
|
|
|
|
Our amortization of intangible assets amounted to US$10.2 million in 2010,
compared to nil in 2009. In connection with our acquisition of Digital Media Group
in January 2010, we recorded the concession contracts acquired from Digital Media
Group as intangible assets. The cost of these intangible assets was measured at
the estimated fair value of the concession contracts of US$90.9 million on the
acquisition date, and is amortized over its expected useful life of 9 years using
straight line method. The amortization of such intangible assets is recorded
within advertising service cost. There was no amortization of intangible assets
recorded in advertising service cost in 2009. |
64
|
|
|
Our other operating costs mainly include salaries and expenses related to
installation and maintenance of the displays in our network, and increased to US$6.4
million in 2010 from US$2.7 million in 2009, primarily due to the expansion of our
network into new cities and also in the cities where we already operated. |
Gross Profit. As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit was US$17.1 million in 2010
compared to US$59.6 million in 2009. Our gross margin decreased to 12.4% in 2010 from 49.4% in
2009. Our gross margin decreased primarily due to the general increase in media costs as we
expanded our media network.
Operating Expenses. Our operating expenses increased to US$183.5 million in 2010 from US$32.0
million in 2009.
|
|
|
Selling and Marketing Expenses. Selling and marketing expenses increased to US$28.3
million in 2010 from US$24.6 million in 2009. Our selling and marketing expenses
increased primarily due to the overall increase in sales activities and the expansion
of our sales force as a result of our acquisition of Digital Media Group. The number of
our selling and marketing employees increased to 585 as of December 31, 2010 from 368
as of December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased to US$9.5
million in 2010 from US$7.4 million in 2009.
The increase in our general and administrative expenses was mainly due to the increase
in the size of our administrative staff and infrastructure to support our growing
operations. |
|
|
|
|
Impairment Loss on Intangible Assets and Goodwill. We recorded impairment loss on our
intangible assets and goodwill totaling US$145.7 million in 2010, but we did not incur such
impairment loss in 2009. |
|
|
|
|
In the second quarter of 2010, we recorded impairment charge of US$89.1 million against the
goodwill and intangible assets for three out of the six acquired advertising agency
businesses, namely, Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead. Due to the change in relevant regulations in
the PRC in 2010, there was a significant decline in customer demand, intense pricing pressure
and increasing competition of Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead reporting units which indicated the
potential impairment loss on the goodwill and intangible assets of these reporting units. We
therefore performed impairment analysis for these reporting units in June 2010. Accordingly,
we recorded impairment loss in aggregate of US$81.6 million against the goodwill allocated to
the Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead reporting units, and impairment loss in aggregate of US$7.5
million against the intangible assets arising from the acquisitions of Peak, Goldwhite and
Ahead. The remaining three acquired agencies are not subject to impairment loss. |
|
|
|
|
When we performed annual impairment test for the Digital Media Group reporting unit in
December 2010, we determined that the poorer than expected performance of the Digital Media Group reporting unit led
to a potential impairment of the goodwill and intangible assets in connection with our acquisition
of Digital Media Group. In addition, we believed that there was false, deceptive and misleading
information concerning Digital Media Groups financial condition and performance provided by the
former management and selling shareholders of Digital Media Group, and as a result, we launched a
lawsuit against the selling shareholders of Digital Media Group in December 2010. As
a result of our impairment test, we recorded impairment loss of US$14.9 million against the
goodwill of allocated to the Digital Media Group reporting unit in December 2010. In
addition, we also recorded impairment charge of US$41.7 million against the intangible assets
arising from our acquisition of Digital Media Group. |
Loss from Equity Method Investees. Our loss from equity method investees decreased to US$0.1
million in 2010 from US$1.0 million in 2009, which is mainly due to the improvement of the operating results of our equity method
investees.
Operating Profit (Loss). As a result of the foregoing, our operating loss amounted to US$166.6
million in 2010 as compared to an operating profit of US$27.1 million in 2009.
Interest Income. Our interest income increased to US$2.1 million in 2010 from US$1.9
million in 2009.
Interest Expense. Our interest expense was US$5.0 million in 2010, compared to US$0.1
million in 2009. The interest expense was primarily attributable to short-term bank loans from
our overseas credit line and long-term bank loan from our long-term credit facilities, which we
entered into in January 2010, as well as the assumption of short-term bank loans and bank
overdrafts, which were borrowed from PRC financial institutions, as a result of our acquisition
of Digital Media Group in 2010.
Income Taxes. We recognized income tax benefit of US$18.2 million in 2010, compared to income tax
expense of US$2.3 million in 2009. The income tax benefit in 2010 was primarily due to (1) a tax credit of US$12.2 million in
connection with the impairment loss on intangible assets and (2) the utilization of deferred tax
liabilities in respect of the intangible assets arising from our acquisitions completed in 2008 and
2010, and (3) the recognition of deferred tax assets for the tax losses carryforwards in certain
consolidated VIE entities. We believe it is more likely than not that these VIE entities can
generate sufficient future taxable income to utilize such tax losses carryforwards.
Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest. Our net income attributable to
noncontrolling interest amounted to US$0.1 million in 2010 compared to net loss attributable
to noncontrolling interest of US$0.1 million in 2009, primarily as a result of the improvement
of operating result of a subsidiary.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to VisionChina Media Inc. Shareholders. As a result of the
foregoing, our net loss amounted to US$151.3 million in 2010 as compared to a net income of US$26.6 million in 2009.
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008
Total Revenues. Our total revenues increased to US$120.7 million in 2009 from US$104.1 million
in 2008.
|
|
|
Our advertising service revenue increased to US$120.7 million in 2009 from US$103.5
million in 2008. We experienced an increase in advertising service revenue primarily as
a result of increased sales of advertising time on our mobile digital television
advertising network achieved by the expansions of our strong sales and advertising
networks in 2009 and acquisitions of six advertising agency businesses in 2008. In 2009,
we expanded our operations to include additional advertising time on buses in Hangzhou,
Tianjin, Suzhou and Xiamen and additional subway advertising time in Beijing. The six
advertising agency businesses we acquired in 2008 contributed to 56% and 53% of our
total revenues in 2008 and 2009, respectively. |
|
|
|
|
We did not generate any advertising equipment revenue in 2009, compared with US$0.6
million in 2008, as our existing direct investment entities completed the initial
expansion of their local networks and scaled back their purchases of digital television
displays and related equipment from us. |
65
Cost of Revenues. Our cost of revenues increased significantly to US$61.1 million in 2009 from
US$41.1 million in 2008.
|
|
|
Our advertising service cost increased significantly to US$61.1 million in 2009 from US$40.6
million in 2008. |
|
|
|
Our media cost increased to US$49.9 million in 2009 from US$30.9 million in
2008. We experienced an increase in media cost primarily due to a large increase in
the amount of media cost paid to our exclusive agency partner companies to
secure advertising time. Our media cost for our exclusive agency cities
increased to US$43.3 million in 2009 from
US$28.0 million in 2008. The number of cities operating under our exclusive
agency model increased to 16 cities as of
December 31, 2009 from 12 cities as of December 31, 2008. To a lesser extent, we also
attribute the increase in our media cost to increased demand for advertising time in
cities operating under our direct investment and outreach agency models that require
us to purchase the advertising time from the local mobile digital television network
operating in that city. We also attribute a
portion of the increase in our media cost to the annual increase in
the amount of media cost under the terms of our
contracts with our exclusive agency partner
companies in our existing cities. |
|
|
|
|
Our depreciation increased to US$1.8 million in 2009 from US$1.2 million in
2008 as a result of the increase in the number of digital television displays
located in our exclusive agency cities. |
|
|
|
|
Our business tax increased to US$6.8 million in 2009 from US$6.3 million in 2008 as a
result of the increase in our revenues. |
|
|
|
|
Our other operating costs include salaries and expenses related to
installation and maintenance of the displays in our network and increased to US$2.7
million in 2009 from US$2.2 million in 2008, primarily due to the expansion of our
network into new cities and also in the cities where we already operated. |
Gross Profit. As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit was US$59.6 million in 2009
compared to US$63.0 million in 2008. Our gross margin decreased to 49.4% in 2009 from 60.5% in
2008. Our gross margin decreased primarily due to the general increase in media costs as we
expanded our media network.
Operating Expenses. Our operating expenses increased to US$32.0 million in 2009 from US$20.1
million in 2008.
|
|
|
Selling and Marketing. Selling and marketing expenses increased to US$24.6 million
in 2009 from US$14.7 million in 2008. Our selling and marketing expenses increased
mainly due to expansion of our sales force and strengthening its sales capabilities,
and the overall increase in sales activities in a challenging market environment in
2009. The number of our selling and marketing employees increased to 368 as of December
31, 2009 from 300 as of December 31, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased to US$7.4 million in
2009 from US$5.4 million in 2008.
Our general and administrative expenses increased mainly due to the increase in the size
of our administrative staff and infrastructure to support our growing operations. |
Loss from Equity Method Investees. Our loss from equity method investees increased to US$1.0
million in 2009 from US$0.5 million in
2008. We experienced an increase in our loss from equity method investees as a result of
further media network development costs and challenging sales environments for certain of
our equity joint-venture entities in 2009.
Operating Profit. As a result of the foregoing, our operating profit amounted to US$27.1 million
in 2009 as compared to US$42.4 million in 2008.
Interest Income. Our interest income decreased to US$1.9 million in 2009 from US$3.5
million in 2008, primarily as a result of a decrease in our cash and cash equivalent balances,
which were primarily used by our investing activities in 2009.
66
Income Taxes. We recognized an income tax expense of US$2.3 million in 2009, compared to an
income tax benefit of US$0.2 million in 2008. The income tax expense was primarily due to the expiration of the tax exemption of our
principal operating entity in China.
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest. Our net loss attributable to
non-controlling interest increased to US$0.13 million in 2009 from US$0.09 million in 2008,
primarily as the result of an increase in net loss of a subsidiary.
Net Income Attributable to VisionChina Media Inc. Shareholders. As a result of the foregoing, our
net income amounted to US$26.6 million in 2009 as compared to US$46.8 million in 2008.
67
|
|
|
B. |
|
Liquidity and Capital Resources |
Our liquidity needs include (i) net cash used in operating activities that consists of
(a) cash required to fund the initial build-out and continued expansion of our network and (b)
our working capital needs, which include payment of our operating expenses and financing of
our accounts receivable; and (ii) net cash used in investing activities that consists of the
investments in our direct investment entities. To date, we have financed our liquidity needs
primarily through proceeds from the issuance of our preferred shares, proceeds from our public
offerings, long-term borrowings from financial institutions and cash flows from operations. We
raised US$40.0 million from the issuance of Series B convertible preferred shares in March and
July 2007. In December 2007, we received gross proceeds of US$100.4 million from our initial
public offering. In August 2008, we received gross proceeds of US$17.6 million from a
follow-on public offering of our ADSs. Starting in
2008, we have relied on and plan to continue relying on cash generated from operations to fund our
capital expenditures.
As of December 31, 2010, we had US$67.2 million in cash and cash equivalents. Our cash
primarily consists of cash on hand and cash deposited in banks and interest-bearing savings
accounts. We believe that our current cash on hand, expected cash flows from operations and
available credit facilities from financial institutions will be sufficient to meet our
anticipated cash needs for at least the next 12 months.
As of December 31, 2010, we had short-term bank loans of US$61.2 million from our
short-term overseas credit line, which is secured by a pledged deposit of the RMB equivalent
of US$70.1 million in the PRC, and bank loans of US$60.5 million maturing within one year
under the credit facilities provided by Bank of China Shenzhen Branch.
In January 2010, as a result of our acquisition of Digital Media Group, we assumed
short-term bank loans of US$7.3 million and bank overdraft of US$35.6 million, which were
borrowed from PRC financial institutions, and were repaid by end of 2010.
In July 2010, following a definitive agreement entered into between our company and our
certain existing shareholders and employees dated June 25, 2010, we issued an aggregate of
4,006,474 common shares at a subscription price of US$3.22 per share, equivalent to US$3.22
per ADS, to these shareholders and employees. We received net proceeds of US$12.9 million
from this share issuance transaction.
In January 2011, we issued 15,331,305, 1,022,087 and 1,022,087 common shares to Focus
Media, JJ Media Investment Holding Limited and Front Lead, respectively, each at a price of
US$3.979 per share, equivalent to US$3.979 per ADS pursuant to the securities purchase
agreements entered into between our company and each of these companies. We received net
proceeds of approximately US$69.0 million from this share issuance transaction.
We did not generate net income for any quarter since our inception until the three
months ended June 30, 2007, in which we generated net income of US$0.3 million. We generated
net income attributable to our shareholders of US$46.8 million and US$26.6 million in 2008
and 2009, respectively, but incurred net loss attributable to our shareholders of US$151.3
million in 2010, mainly as a result of the impairment loss made against goodwill and
intangible assets of US$145.7 million and the decrease in our gross profit due to the
significant increase in our media cost. We intend to maintain our current policies for
collections of accounts receivable, which typically provide a credit period no longer than
180 days following the month in which the advertisement is displayed. We expect our accounts
receivable to increase as a result of the rapid growth in our advertising service revenue. As
we expect the out-of-home advertising market in China to continue growing, we plan to
continue expanding our network in the cities where we already operate and into new cities. We
currently rely on our cash on hand and at bank as well as cash generated from operating
activities to fund our liquidity needs. However, we may need additional cash resources in the
future if we experience changed business conditions or other
developments. We may also need additional cash resources in the future if we find and wish to
pursue opportunities for investment, acquisition, strategic cooperation or other similar
actions. If we determine that our cash requirements exceed the amounts of cash on hand, we may
seek to issue debt or equity securities or obtain additional short-term or long-term bank
financing. Any issuance of equity securities could cause
dilution for our shareholders. Any incurrence of indebtedness could increase our debt service
obligations and cause us to be subject to restrictive operating and financial covenants. It is
possible that, when we need additional cash resources, financing will only be available to us
in amounts or on terms that would not be acceptable to us or financing will not be available at
all.
68
The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(US$) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
|
24,329,809 |
|
|
|
39,397,267 |
|
|
|
(22,210,745 |
) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(21,762,467 |
) |
|
|
(170,649,621 |
) |
|
|
(29,628,601 |
) |
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
24,615,240 |
|
|
|
37,133,503 |
|
|
|
48,340,743 |
|
Effect of changes in exchange rate |
|
|
4,926,045 |
|
|
|
(295,348 |
) |
|
|
1,875,852 |
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
32,108,627 |
|
|
|
(94,414,199 |
) |
|
|
(1,622,751 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year |
|
|
131,139,659 |
|
|
|
163,248,286 |
|
|
|
68,834,087 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year |
|
|
163,248,286 |
|
|
|
68,834,087 |
|
|
|
67,211,336 |
|
Operating Activities
Our net cash used in operating activities amounted to US$22.2 million in 2010, compared
to net cash provided by operating activities of US$39.4 million in 2009 and net cash provided
by operating activities of US$24.3 million in 2008. Our net cash used in operating activities
in 2010 is primarily as a result of the decrease in our gross profit because we expanded our
operations in new cities, especially after we completed our acquisition of Digital Media
Group, and our media cost increased significantly in 2010.
Investing Activities
Our net cash used in investing activities amounted to US$29.6 million in 2010, US$170.6
million in 2009 and US$21.8 million in 2008, respectively. Our net cash used in investing
activities increased in 2010 is primarily attributable to settlement of the consideration
payable of US$68.5 million in connection with six advertising agency businesses we acquired in
2008, which was offset by the cash of US$3.8 million and restricted cash of US$42.4 million we
acquired from Digital Media Group. The restricted cash we acquired
from Digital Media Group mainly represented the cash pledged for short-term bank borrowings, and upon repayment of the short-term bank borrowings
by end of 2010, the restriction on such cash was removed. The remaining amount of net cash used in investing
activities in 2010 was mainly due to an increase in our restricted cash of US$6.0 million.
This restricted cash balance was for a pledge of a bank deposit used to obtain an offshore
bank credit line. The purpose of the offshore bank credit line is to finance foreign currency
payments for our acquisitions mentioned above.
We purchased all of the outstanding equity interests of six British Virgin Islands
companies from sellers of them pursuant to share subscription agreements entered into in
April, May and August 2008 in connection with our acquisition of certain advertising
agency businesses in China. These acquisitions broadened our advertising client base and
expanded our sales team with experienced industry
professionals. With respect to each of the acquired businesses, we entered into a share
subscription agreement with the sellers of such business,
under which we paid a deposit up front. In addition, we and the sellers determined the
earnings (as defined below) generated by such business in the period from the completion of
the acquisition through remainder of 2008 and in 2009 and 2010 after the end of the relevant
periods. If there are earnings for any of these relevant periods, we will make payments to
the sellers, the amount of which will be determined in reference to cash actually received
in respect of the net revenues generated by these businesses.
The purchase price was comprised entirely of contingent consideration based on multiples
ranging from 1.0 to 2.3 on the earnings of the respective acquired businesses for the
years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, contingent upon the collection of the
relevant revenues of respective acquired businesses (the Earn-out Consideration). The
earnings represents advertising service revenue generated by the acquired business as deducted
by the relevant operating costs and expenses (including media costs, business taxes and
surcharges, sales and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, allowance for
doubtful accounts) incurred by the corresponding acquired businesses. The Earn-out
Consideration is assessed quarterly and to be settled on demand.
Earn-out Consideration is accounted for as the purchase price of the acquired businesses
when the contingency as stipulated in the acquisition agreements are resolved, that is when
the relevant revenues of the respective acquired businesses for the years ended December 31,
2008, 2009 and 2010 are collected, by recording additional goodwill with a corresponding credit
to consideration payable.
Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreements, the Group paid initial deposits
of $16.7 million in the year ended December 31,
2008. These initial deposits will be used to offset a portion of the additional consideration
payable at the end of the earn-out period, which is by the end of June 2011 (see below for
details on the additional consideration payable).
The following table summarizes the methodology for calculations of Earn-out Consideration
of the respective acquired businesses upon the relevant revenues are collected:
|
|
|
Acquired businesses |
|
Methodology for calculation of Earn-out Consideration as set out in the acquisition agreements |
|
|
|
Peak
|
|
Multiple of 2.23, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 40 million of, further RMB 75 million of and remaining earnings
of
Peak, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.23, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 46 million of, further RMB 112.5 million
of and remaining earnings of
Peak, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.23, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 52.9 million of, further RMB
135 million of and remaining earnings of
Peak, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Peak is capped at RMB350.0 million. |
|
|
|
Aim
|
|
Multiple of 2.3, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 5 million of, further RMB 46.9 million of and
remaining earnings of
Aim, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.3, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 7 million of, further RMB 53.6 million of and remaining earnings
of
Aim, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.3, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 10 million of, further RMB 60.3 million of and remaining earnings
of
Aim, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Aim is capped at RMB171.6 million. |
|
|
|
Golden
|
|
Multiple of 2.1, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 12 million of, further RMB 30 million of and remaining earnings of
Golden, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.1, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 15 million of, further RMB 37.5 million of and remaining earnings
of
Golden, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.1, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 20 million of, further RMB 45 million of and remaining earnings of
Golden, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Golden is capped at RMB118.5 million. |
|
|
|
Goldwhite
|
|
Multiple of 2.29, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 20 million of, further RMB 30 million of and remaining earnings
of
Goldwhite, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.29, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 23 million of, further RMB 37.5 million of and
remaining earnings of
Goldwhite, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.29, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 26.45 million of, further RMB 45 million of and
remaining earnings of
Goldwhite, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Goldwhite is capped at RMB 151.0 million. |
|
|
|
Ahead
|
|
Multiple of 2.09, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 13 million of, further RMB 42.25 million of and
remaining earnings of
Ahead, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.09, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 32.5 million of, further RMB 78 million of and
remaining earnings of
Ahead, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.09, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 39 million of, further RMB 87.75 million of and
remaining earnings of
Ahead, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Ahead is capped at RMB184.0 million. |
|
|
|
Century
|
|
Multiple of 2.2, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 8 million of, further RMB 12 million of and remaining earnings of
Century, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.2, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 12 million of, further RMB 16 million of and remaining earnings of
Century, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.2, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 15 million of, further RMB 20 million of and remaining earnings of
Century, respectively, for year ended December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Century is capped at RMB 63.9 million. |
The following table summarizes the maximum Earn-out Consideration for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010
if the relevant revenues of the acquired business in 2008, 2009 and 2010 are fully collected:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peak |
|
Aim |
|
Golden |
|
Goldwhite |
|
Ahead |
|
Century |
|
Total |
Total Earn-out Consideration: (US$) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
22,495,063 |
|
|
|
12,682,567 |
|
|
|
8,976,319 |
|
|
|
9,365,189 |
|
|
|
12,191,410 |
|
|
|
3,727,453 |
|
|
|
69,438,001 |
|
2009 |
|
|
25,823,672 |
|
|
|
11,835,676 |
|
|
|
7,732,219 |
|
|
|
11,122,901 |
|
|
|
13,623,225 |
|
|
|
5,096,020 |
|
|
|
75,233,713 |
|
2010 |
|
|
2,309,706 |
|
|
|
983,706 |
|
|
|
495,138 |
|
|
|
1,337,715 |
|
|
|
1,892,764 |
|
|
|
463,174 |
|
|
|
7,482,203 |
|
Unrecognized consideration payable
at December 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
549,031 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,070,378 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,619,409 |
|
The following table summarizes the details of the Earn-out Consideration payables from
that date of acquisition to December 31, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peak |
|
Aim |
|
Golden |
|
Goldwhite |
|
Ahead |
|
Century |
|
Total |
Earn-out Consideration payable at December 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
14,077,134 |
|
|
$ |
3,486,233 |
|
|
$ |
4,037,393 |
|
|
$ |
4,808,952 |
|
|
$ |
4,933,377 |
|
|
$ |
2,167,694 |
|
|
$ |
33,510,783 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional Earn-out Consideration for 2008 |
|
|
8,417,929 |
|
|
|
9,196,334 |
|
|
|
4,938,926 |
|
|
|
4,556,237 |
|
|
|
7,258,033 |
|
|
|
1,559,759 |
|
|
|
35,927,218 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earn-out Consideration for 2009 |
|
|
25,823,672 |
|
|
|
4,881,252 |
|
|
|
5,154,755 |
|
|
|
4,792,551 |
|
|
|
6,917,422 |
|
|
|
4,445,735 |
|
|
|
52,015,387 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Cash settlements in 2009 |
|
|
(20,280,617 |
) |
|
|
(12,268,699 |
) |
|
|
(8,495,113 |
) |
|
|
(8,065,394 |
) |
|
|
(11,840,634 |
) |
|
|
(3,298,945 |
) |
|
|
(64,249,402 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
28,038,118 |
|
|
$ |
5,295,120 |
|
|
$ |
5,635,961 |
|
|
$ |
6,092,346 |
|
|
$ |
7,268,198 |
|
|
$ |
4,874,243 |
|
|
$ |
57,203,986 |
|
Additional Earn-out Consideration for 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,405,393 |
|
|
|
2,577,464 |
|
|
|
6,330,350 |
|
|
|
5,890,039 |
|
|
|
650,285 |
|
|
|
21,853,531 |
|
Earn-out Consideration for 2010 |
|
|
2,309,706 |
|
|
|
983,706 |
|
|
|
495,138 |
|
|
|
1,337,715 |
|
|
|
638,150 |
|
|
|
463,174 |
|
|
|
6,227,589 |
|
Less: Cash settlements in 2010 |
|
|
(23,776,583 |
) |
|
|
(10,921,164 |
) |
|
|
(7,281,461 |
) |
|
|
(9,904,807 |
) |
|
|
(11,930,914 |
) |
|
|
(4,694,249 |
) |
|
|
(68,509,178 |
) |
Offset by prepayment |
|
|
(6,571,241 |
) |
|
|
(1,225,057 |
) |
|
|
(1,427,102 |
) |
|
|
(3,855,604 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,271,392 |
) |
|
|
(14,350,396 |
) |
|
At December 31, 2010 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
537,998 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,865,473 |
|
|
$ |
22,061 |
|
|
$ |
2,425,532 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recorded in the balance sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Current |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
537,998 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,865,473 |
|
|
$ |
22,061 |
|
|
$ |
2,425,532 |
|
- Non-current |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
We have made cash settlement of US$64.2 million and US$68.5 million for the Earn-out
Consideration in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Earn-out consideration payable of US$14.4 million
was offset against the initial deposit we paid in 2008 because all the revenues for the Earn-out
Consideration in four of the acquired advertising agency businesses were fully collected by end of
December 31, 2010. Earn-out consideration is determined based on the net revenues of the acquired
advertising agency businesses and the cash collected in respect to the net revenues generated by
these businesses. The Earn-out Consideration is calculated based on multiples ranging from 1.0 to
2.3 on the earnings , as stipulated in the acquisition agreements, of each of the businesses
acquired. Payment of the Earn-out Consideration is based on the percentage of revenues collected.
Therefore, receivables recorded as of December 31, 2008 related to 2008 revenues that were
subsequently collected in 2009 result in a liability for an additional portion of the 2008
Earn-out Consideration. For the 2009 Earn-out Consideration, because not all of the 2009 revenues
were collected as of December 31, 2009, we recorded payable of 2009 Earn-out Consideration of
US$52.0 million and US$21.9 million in 2009 and 2010, respectively, based on the percentage of
2009 revenues collected in each of these two years, and the remaining 2009 Earn-out Consideration
of US$1.3 million is expected to become payable in 2011 when the receivables recorded as of
December 31, 2009 related to the 2009 revenues are collected. For the maximum 2010 Earn-out
Consideration of US$7.5 million, because not all of the 2010 revenues for the six acquired
businesses were collected as of December 31, 2010, additional Earn-out Consideration payable of
US$1.3 million is expected to be recorded in 2011 as the receivables recorded at December 31, 2010
related to the 2010 revenues are collected in 2011.
The Earn-out Consideration payable of US$2,425,532 as of December 31, 2010 was expected
to be settled in 2011 and is classified as current liability on the consolidated balance
sheet.
In October 2009, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger (which was amended and
restated in November 2009) to acquire Digital Media Group through a merger of a subsidiary with
and into Digital Media Group, which was completed in January 2010. Under the agreement and plan
of merger, the total consideration of US$160 million which is a notional amount is payable in
three installments over two years by means of
cash and our common shares. In November 2009, we deposited cash in the amount of US$40 million
and 8,476,013 of our common shares, registered under Vision Best Limited, our consolidated
subsidiary, as the initial installment, into an escrow account, a portion of which was released
at the completion of the acquisition and the remaining portion to be released in accordance with
the terms of the agreement and plan and merger. Two subsequent installments of US$30 million
each will be paid on the first and second anniversaries of the acquisition, of which US$20
million will be in the form of cash and US$10 million in cash or shares at the option of the
eligible former shareholders of Digital Media Group. Our preliminary valuation of the
acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred was approximately US$167 million,
which was greater than the notional amount of US$160 million due to the fair value adjustments
of consideration payable in the form of shares. We expect to settle the cash consideration
payable with our cash balance. Although we have not paid any of the two subsequent installments
totaling $60 million as a result of an ongoing lawsuit we filed against the selling shareholders
of Digital Media Group in December 2010, we have sufficient cash on hand in the event that such
payment is required by the Supreme Court, and therefore, we do not believe the lawsuit will have
material adverse impact on our liquidity or capital resources.
69
Financing Activities
Our net cash provided by financing activities amounted to US$48.3 million in 2010, compared to
US$37.1 million in 2009 and US$24.6 million in 2008. Our net cash provided by financing
activities in 2008 primarily consisted of proceeds from our public
offering for the sale of
1,150,000 ADSs in August 2008 and proceeds from exercise of
share options. Our net cash provided by financing activities in 2009 is mainly
attributable to (i) an increase of US$40.8 million in net proceeds under an offshore credit
line and (ii) an increase of US$0.7 million in net proceeds from a domestic loan. We also used
US$5.0 million for share repurchases in 2009. Our net cash provided by financing activities in
2010 primarily consisted of proceeds from bank loans of US$78.2 million, and proceeds from
issuance of common shares to our certain existing shareholders and employees of US$12.9
million, which was offset by the repayment of bank loans amounting to US$42.8 million.
Capital Expenditures
We had capital expenditures of US$5.0 million, US$1.6 million and US$3.6 million for the
years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Our capital expenditures were made
primarily to acquire digital television displays and related equipment for our network and,
beginning in 2007, we also made capital expenditures to upgrade our accounting software and
systems. Our capital expenditures are primarily funded by net cash provided by financing
activities and to a lesser extent by cash generated from our operations. We expect our capital
expenditures in 2011 to primarily consist of purchases of digital television displays and
related equipment as we continue to expand our mobile digital television advertising network. We
believe that we will be able to fund these upgrades and equipment purchases through our internal
cash, and do not anticipate that these obligations will have a material impact on our liquidity
needs.
In connection with the required compliance with the National Standard, we may need to
incur additional capital expenditures in order to upgrade the mobile digital television
receivers. As of May 31, 2011, our local operating partners in the nine cities have not begun the
conversion process. Under our exclusive advertising agency agreements, we are responsible for a
portion of such expenditures in five of these nine cities. The total cost of converting the
equipment to the National Standard in these five cities (Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Changchun and
Zhengzhou) is not expected to exceed RMB13 million. However, we and our local operating partners
have not yet determined the allocation of the conversion expenses for
all the nine remaining cities.
We believe that these capital expenditures would not materially affect our liquidity For details
of the required compliance with the National Standard, please refer to Item 3. Key Information
D. Risk Factors Risks Related to Our Company and Our Industry A significant portion of the
mobile digital television networks of our direct investment entities and the digital television
broadcasting infrastructure of our local operating partners currently do not meet the newly adopted
PRC national standards for mobile digital television operations. We will be required to spend
significant capital and other resources to convert the digital television broadcasting
infrastructure of our local operating partners to these national standards, which could materially
and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations on page 11.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2010-13,
Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a
Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity
Security Trades a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. ASU 2010-13 provides
amendments to FASB ASC 718 to clarify that an employee share-based payment award with an
exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the
entitys equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not
a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an
award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. The amendments in this update do
not expand the recurring disclosures required by FASB ASC 718. Disclosures currently required
under FASB ASC 718 are applicable to a share-based payment award, including the nature and the
term of share-based payment arrangements. The amendments in this update are effective for
fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December
15, 2010. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2010-13 on our
financial statements.
In April 2010, the Emerging Issues Task Force reached a final consensus on milestone
method of revenue recognition and published ASU 2010-17, Revenue Recognition Milestone
Method (Topic 605). The scope of this ASU is limited to arrangements that include milestones
relating to research or development deliverables. The consensus specifies guidance that must
be met for a vendor to recognize consideration that is contingent upon achievement of a
substantive milestone in its entirety in the period in which the milestone is achieved. The
guidance applies to milestones in arrangements within the scope of this consensus regardless
of whether the arrangement is determined to have single or multiple deliverables or units of
accounting. The final consensus will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within
those years, beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early application is permitted. We are
currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2010-17 on our financial statements.
In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma
Information for Business Combinations. The objective of this guidance is to address diversity
in practice regarding the interpretation of the pro forma revenue and earnings disclosure
requirements for business combinations. The amendments in this update specify that if a
public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue
and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during
the year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting only. The
amendments also expand the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the
nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the
business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The amendments
affect any public entity as defined by FASB ASC 805 that enters to business combinations that
are material on an individual or aggregated basis. The amendments will be effective for
business combinations consummated in periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and are to be
applied prospectively as of the date of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of
the adoption of ASU 2010-29 on our financial statements.
70
In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-28, When to perform Step 2 of the Goodwill
Impairment test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts. The amendments in
this update modify Step 1 so that for those reporting units, an entity is required to perform
Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill
impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill
impairment exists, an entity is required to consider whether there are any adverse qualitative
factors indicating that an impairment may exist. The qualitative factors are consistent with
existing guidance, which requires that goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment
between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than
not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The guidance is
effective for impairment tests performed during fiscal years (and interim periods within those
years) that begin after December 15, 2010. We are currently evaluating the impact of the
adoption of ASU 2010-28 on our financial statements.
|
|
|
C. |
|
Research and Development |
We do not make, and do not expect to make, significant expenditures on research and development activities.
Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends,
uncertainties, demands, commitments or events for the period from January 1, 2010 to December
31, 2010 that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our net revenues, net
loss, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that caused the disclosed financial
information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial
conditions.
|
|
|
E. |
|
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements |
We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the
payment obligations of any third parties. In addition, we have not entered into any derivative
contracts that are indexed to our own 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. Moreover, we do not have any
variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk
or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services
with us.
|
|
|
F. |
|
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations |
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of
December 31, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than |
|
|
1-3 |
|
|
3-5 |
|
|
More than |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1 year |
|
|
years |
|
|
years |
|
|
5 years |
|
|
|
(US$) |
|
Long-term purchase agreement |
|
|
323,935,000 |
|
|
|
87,839,000 |
|
|
|
159,975,000 |
|
|
|
64,360,000 |
|
|
|
11,761,000 |
|
Operating lease obligations |
|
|
2,067,352 |
|
|
|
1,040,175 |
|
|
|
640,477 |
|
|
|
276,519 |
|
|
|
110,181 |
|
Consideration for an acquisition |
|
|
60,000,000 |
|
|
|
30,000,000 |
|
|
|
30,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual obligations |
|
|
386,002,352 |
|
|
|
118,879,175 |
|
|
|
190,615,477 |
|
|
|
64,636,519 |
|
|
|
11,871,181 |
|
We have entered into several agreements under our exclusive agency model to purchase
advertising time from local mobile digital television companies for a period of five to ten
years. As of December 31, 2010, future minimum purchase commitments under these agreements
totaled approximately US$323.9 million.
Operating lease obligations represent leasing arrangements relating to the lease of
our office premises. Consideration for an acquisition relates to payment obligations for
the remaining two installments, each in the amount of US$30 million, of the total
consideration of our acquisition of Digital Media Group. Eligible former shareholders of
Digital Media Group may elect to receive US$10 million in each of the two US$30 million
installments in the form of cash or our common shares.
71
This annual report contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events,
including our future operating results and conditions, our prospects and our future financial
performance and condition, all of which are largely based on our current expectations and
projections. The forward-looking statements are contained principally in the sections entitled
Item 3. Key InformationD. Risk Factors, Item 4. Information on the Company and Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects. These statements are made under the safe
harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can
identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as
may, will, expect, anticipate, future, intend, plan, believe, estimate,
is/are likely to or other and similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking
statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and
financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations,
business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include, among other
things, statements relating to:
|
|
|
our growth strategies, including our plan or intention to expand the coverage and
penetration of our national network, to maximize our average revenues per hour, to
continue to pursue exclusive arrangements with additional mobile digital television
companies, to continue to explore new digital media technologies and techniques, to
expand our network to other advertising media platforms and to pursue strategic
relationships and acquisitions; |
|
|
|
|
our future business development, results of operations and financial condition; |
|
|
|
|
expected changes in our revenues and certain cost or expense items; |
|
|
|
|
our ability to manage the expansion of our operations; |
|
|
|
|
changes in general economic and business conditions in China; and |
|
|
|
|
trends and competition in the mobile digital television advertising industry. |
The forward-looking statements made in this annual report relate only to events or
information as of the date on which the statements are made in this annual report. Except as
required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date
on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You
should read this annual report completely and with the understanding that our actual future
results may be materially different from what we expect.
|
|
|
Item 6. |
|
Directors, Senior Management and Employees |
|
|
|
A. |
|
Directors and Senior Management |
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers as of
May 31, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position/ Title |
Limin Li
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer |
Haijun Liu
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
Chief Development Officer |
Yan Wang
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
Vice President of Finance |
72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position/ Title |
Yanqing Liang
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
Director |
William Decker
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
Independent Director |
Xisong Tan
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
Independent Director |
Yunli Lou
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Independent Director |
Limin Li is our co-founder and has been chairman of our board of directors since our
inception in 2005 and our chief executive officer since March 2007. Mr. Li has been a director
and chairman of Shenzhen Champs Elysees Venture Capital Management Co., Ltd., a PRC company
engaging in project financing and investment management, since 2003. He has also been a
director and chairman of Shenzhen Meidi Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., a PRC real estate
development company, since 1997. He has also been a director and chairman of Shenzhen Meiye
Enterprise Development Co., Ltd., a PRC manufacturer and distributor of electronic products,
since 1992. Mr. Li received a bachelors degree from Wuhan Institute of Physical Education.
Haijun Liu has been our chief development officer since July 2008. Mr. Liu was the
general manager of Beijing Beiguang Media Mobile Television Advertising Co., Ltd., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of our company from October 2006 to January 2009. From August 2005
to October 2006, Mr. Liu was general manager of Jilin Mobile Television Co., Ltd., a direct
investment entity of our company. From 1996 to
2005, he was general manager of Shenzhen Huali Electronic Co., Ltd. Mr. Liu received a
bachelors degree and a masters degree in electronic materials from Xian Jiaotong University
in 1985 and 1991, respectively.
Yan Wang is our vice president of finance since January 2011. Mr Wang was our senior financial
controller from December 2009 to January
2011. Mr. Wang joined us in April 2009 as a full-time employee. Before joining VisionChina
Media, Mr. Wang was an audit manager at KPMG, an independent public registered accounting
firm. From 2001 to 2009, he worked in the audit department in KPMG Guangzhou office for eight
years, and has led the audit engagements for SEC registrants, including both audits of US GAAP
financial statement and audits of the internal control over financial reporting. Mr. Wang
received a bachelor degree of arts from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies in 2001.
Yanqing Liang is our co-founder and has been a director of our company since our
inception in 2005. Since 2006, she has been a director of Beijing Zonghe Qingrun Investment
Co., Ltd. From 1997 to 2005, Ms. Liang worked for the human resource department of the
Guangdong branch of China Mobile Limited. Ms. Liang received a bachelors degree from Harbin
Normal University in 1997.
William Decker has been a director of our company since December 2007. Mr. Decker has
served as an independent director and the chair of the audit committee of Baidu.com, Inc.
since October 2005. Mr. Decker is a retired partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Prior to
his retirement in July 2005, Mr. Decker was the senior partner in charge of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPs Global Capital Markets Group. He led a team of more than 300
professionals in 25 countries to provide technical support to non-US companies on SEC
regulations and U.S. GAAP
reporting and assistance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance work. He was also one of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPs lead authorities on the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Mr. Decker received a
bachelors degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
73
Xisong Tan has been a director of our company since December 2007. Ms. Tan has served as
a director and chairwoman of the board of directors of Hairun Ogilvy Entertainment
Distribution and Advertising Company since 2005. She also served as a consultant of our
company from 2006 until 2007. From 1999 to 2005, Ms. Tan served as general manager of Hong
Kong China Advertising Company and president of Hairun Advertising Company. Prior to 1999,
she was the director of the advertising department of China Central Television, or CCTV, the
director of CCTVs advertisement and economic information center and assistant president of
CCTV, which operates the largest television network in China. Ms. Tan is a director of China
Advertising Association and a director of China Four-A Advertising Association. She received
a bachelors degree from the Party School of the Central Communist Party Commission.
Yunli Lou has been a director of our company since March 2007. Ms. Lou has been a
non-executive director of Yuhua TelTech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a China-based research and
development company in the wireless industry, since 2004. Ms. Lou has been a managing director
of Milestone Capital Partners Limited since 2007, responsible for the firms overall
management, investor relations as well as deal sourcing and execution. She has been a managing
partner of Milestone Capital Management Limited since 2002. Before founding Milestone Capital
in 2002, Ms. Lou was a vice president of Merrill Lynchs direct investment group, where she was
responsible for the firms investment activities in China. Prior to joining Merrill Lynch in
1995, she worked in the corporate finance division of Goldman Sachs in New York and Hong Kong.
Ms. Lou received a bachelors degree in economics from Harvard University in 1992.
The business address for all of our executive officers and directors, except Yunli Lou, is
1/F Block No. 7, Champs Elysees, Nongyuan Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, the Peoples
Republic of China. Yunli Lou uses her business addresses disclosed in Item 6. Directors,
Senior Management and EmployeesE. Share Ownership.
|
|
|
B. |
|
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers |
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers
In 2010, the aggregate cash compensation to our executive officers, including all the
directors, was US$0.8 million. For options granted to officers and directors, see 2006
Share Incentive Plan.
2006 Share Incentive Plan
We have adopted our 2006 share incentive plan, or the 2006 share incentive plan, to
attract and retain the best available personnel, provide additional incentives to our
employees, directors and consultants, and promote the success of our business. The 2006 share
incentive plan provides for the grant of options, restricted shares, and restricted share
units, collectively referred to as awards. Our board of directors has authorized the
issuance of up to 8,000,000 common shares upon exercise of awards granted under our 2006
share incentive plan.
Plan Administration. Our board of directors, or a committee designated by our board or
directors, will administer the 2006 share incentive plan. The committee or the full board of
directors, as appropriate, will determine the participants to receive awards, the type and
number of awards to be granted, and the terms and conditions of each award grant.
Award Agreements. Awards granted under our 2006 share incentive plan are evidenced by
an award agreement that sets forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each grant,
which may include the term of the award, the provisions applicable in the event that the
grantees employment or service terminates, and our authority to unilaterally or bilaterally
amend, modify, suspend, cancel or rescind the award.
Transfer Restrictions. The right of a grantee in an award granted under our 2006 share
incentive plan may not be transferred in any manner by the grantee other than by will or the
laws of succession and, with limited exceptions, may be exercised during the lifetime of the
grantee only by the grantee.
74
Option Exercise. The term of options granted under the 2006 share incentive plan may not
exceed ten years from the date of grant. The consideration to be paid for our common shares
upon exercise of an option or purchase of shares underlying the option may include cash, check
or other cash-equivalent, common shares, consideration received by us in a cashless exercise,
or any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.
Acceleration upon a Change of Control. If a change of control of our company occurs and a
grantee is terminated without cause within one year after such change of control, our board of
directors may decide to grant one year acceleration to such terminated grantee. There is no
other accelerated vesting in any event.
Termination and Amendment. Unless terminated earlier, our 2006 share incentive plan
will expire after ten years. Our board of directors has the authority to amend or terminate
our 2006 share incentive plan subject to shareholder approval to the extent necessary to
comply with applicable laws. Shareholders approval is required for any amendment to the
2006 share incentive plan that (i) increases the number of common shares available under the
2006 share incentive plan, (ii) permits our board of directors to extend the exercise period
for an option beyond ten years from the grant date, or (iii) results in a material increase
in benefits or a change in eligibility requirements.
Our board of directors has only granted options to participants in our 2006 share
incentive plan. As of March 31, 2011, there were 2,148,858 common shares issuable upon the
exercise of outstanding share options and restricted shares at a weighted average exercise
price of US$4.13 per share, and there were 1,421,560 common shares available for future
issuance upon the exercise of future grants under our 2006 share incentive plan. The following
table summarizes, as of March 31, 2011, the outstanding options granted to our directors and
executive officers and other individuals as a group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options or |
|
Outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
restricted |
|
Options |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Shares |
|
(US$/Share) |
|
Grant Date |
|
Expiration Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limin Li |
|
|
350,000 |
|
|
|
6.545 |
|
|
August 30, 2007 |
|
August 30, 2017 |
Haijun
Liu(1) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
1.00/ |
|
|
December 8, 2006/ |
|
December 8, 2016/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.53 |
|
|
October 8, 2009 |
|
October 8, 2019 |
Yan Wang(2) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
5.48/ |
|
|
June 17, 2009 |
|
June 17, 2019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.53 |
|
|
October 8, 2009 |
|
October 8, 2019 |
William Decker(3) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
6.545 |
|
|
October 31, 2007 |
|
October 31, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.68 |
|
|
April 2, 2010 |
|
April 2, 2020 |
Xisong Tan(4) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
|
December 8, 2007 |
|
December 8, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.68 |
|
|
April 2, 2010 |
|
April 2, 2020 |
Yunli Lou(5) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
5.82/ |
|
|
December 11, 2008/ |
|
December 11, 2018/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8.53 |
|
|
October 8, 2009 |
|
October 8, 2019 |
Other individuals as group |
|
|
1,523,858 |
|
|
|
5.23 |
|
|
(6) |
|
(7) |
|
|
|
* |
|
Upon exercise of all options granted, would beneficially own less than 1% of our
outstanding common shares, assuming the conversion of all of our outstanding preferred
shares. |
|
(1) |
|
A portion of the options was granted on December 8, 2006 with an exercise price of US$1.00 and another portion was granted on
October 8, 2009 with an exercise price of US$8.53. |
|
(2) |
|
A portion of the options was granted on June 17, 2009 with an exercise price of $5.48 and another portion was granted on October 8,
2009 with an exercise price of US$8.53. |
|
(3) |
|
A portion of the options was granted on October 31, 2007 with an exercise price of $6.545 and another portion was granted on April 2,
2010 with an exercise price of US$4.68. |
|
(4) |
|
A portion of the options was granted on December 8, 2006 with an exercise price of $6.545 and another portion was granted on April 2,
2010 with an exercise price of US$4.68. |
|
(5) |
|
A portion of the options was granted on December 11, 2008 with an exercise price of US$5.82 and another portion was granted on
October 8, 2009 with an exercise price of US$8.53. |
|
(6) |
|
Options were granted to other individuals on various dates. |
|
(7) |
|
Other individuals options expire on various dates. |
75
Committees of the Board of Directors
Audit Committee
Our audit committee consists of William Decker, Xisong Tan and Yunli Lou. Our board of
directors has determined that each of William Decker, Xisong Tan and Yunli Lou satisfies the
independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Mr. Decker is the chairman of our
audit committee and meets the criteria of an audit committee financial expert as set forth
under the applicable rules of the SEC. Our audit committee oversees our accounting and
financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our company. The
audit committee is responsible for, among other things:
|
|
|
selecting our independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and
non-auditing services permitted to be performed by our independent auditors; |
|
|
|
|
reviewing with our independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and managements
response; |
|
|
|
|
reviewing and approving all proposed related-party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of
Regulation S-K under the Securities Act; |
|
|
|
|
discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and our independent
auditors; |
|
|
|
|
reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any
special audit steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies; |
|
|
|
|
annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our audit committee charter; |
|
|
|
|
such other matters that are specifically delegated to our audit committee by our board of
directors from time to time; |
|
|
|
|
meeting separately and periodically with management and our internal and independent auditors;
and |
|
|
|
|
reporting regularly to the full board of directors. |
Compensation Committee
Our compensation committee consists of William Decker, Yunli Lou and Xisong Tan. Our
board of directors has determined that each of William Decker, Yunli Lou and Xisong Tan
satisfies the independence requirements of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. Our
compensation committee assists the board in reviewing and approving the compensation
structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive
officers. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any committee meeting during
which his compensation is deliberated. The compensation committee is responsible for, among
other things:
|
|
|
reviewing and making recommendations to the board with respect to the total
compensation package for our three most senior executives; |
|
|
|
|
approving and overseeing the total compensation package for our executives other than the three
most senior executives; |
76
|
|
|
reviewing and making recommendations to the board with respect to the compensation of our
directors; and |
|
|
|
|
reviewing periodically and approving any long-term incentive compensation or equity
plans, programs or similar arrangements, annual bonuses, employee pension and welfare
benefit plans. |
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
Our corporate governance and nominating committee consists of William Decker, Yunli Lou
and Xisong Tan. Our board of directors has determined that each of William Decker, Yunli Lou
and Xisong Tan satisfies the independence requirements of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq
Listing Rules. Our corporate governance and nominating committee assists the board of
directors in selecting individuals qualified to become our directors and in determining the
composition of the board and its committees. The corporate governance and nominating committee
is responsible for, among other things:
|
|
|
selecting and recommending to the board nominees for election or re-election to the board, or
for appointment to fill any vacancy; |
|
|
|
|
reviewing annually with the board the current composition of the board with
regards to characteristics such as independence, age, skills, experience and
availability of service to us; |
|
|
|
|
selecting and recommending to the board the names of directors to serve as members
of the audit committee and the compensation committee, as well as the corporate
governance and nominating committee itself; |
|
|
|
|
advising the board periodically with regards to significant developments in the law
and practice of corporate governance as well as our compliance with applicable laws and
regulations, and making recommendations to the board on all matters of corporate
governance and on any remedial action to be taken; and |
|
|
|
|
monitoring compliance with our code of business conduct and ethics, including
reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our procedures to ensure proper
compliance. |
Duties of Directors
Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a fiduciary duty to act honestly, in good
faith and with a view to our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the
skills they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person
would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our
directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended
and restated from time to time. Our company has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by
our directors is breached.
The functions and powers of our board of directors include, among others:
|
|
|
convening shareholders annual general meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such
meetings; |
|
|
|
|
issuing authorized but unissued shares and redeeming or purchasing outstanding shares of our
company (subject to the Companies Law); |
|
|
|
|
declaring dividends and other distributions; |
|
|
|
|
appointing officers and determining the term of office of officers; |
77
|
|
|
exercising the borrowing powers of our company and mortgaging the property of our company; and |
|
|
|
|
approving the transfer of shares of our company, including the registration of such shares in
our share register. |
Terms of Directors and Executive Officers
Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. Our
directors are not subject to a term of office and hold office until such time as they are
removed from office by special resolution or the unanimous written resolution of all
shareholders. A director will be removed from office automatically if, among other things, the
director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; or
(ii) dies or is found by our company to be or becomes of unsound mind.
Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our senior executive officers. We
may terminate a senior executive officers employment for cause, at any time, without notice or
remuneration, for certain acts of the officer, including, but not limited to, a conviction or
plea of guilty to a felony, willful misconduct to our detriment or a failure to perform agreed
duties. A senior executive officer may terminate his or her employment at any time without
penalty if there is a material reduction in his or her authority, duties and responsibilities
or if there is a material breach by us, provided that we are allowed to correct or cure within
30 days upon receipt of his or her written notice of intent to terminate on such basis.
Furthermore, either we or an executive officer may terminate employment at any time without
cause upon advance written notice to the other party. Each senior executive officer is entitled
to certain benefits upon termination, including a severance payment equal to three months
salary, if he or she resigns for certain specified good reasons or if we terminate his or her
employment due to his or her incapacitation. We will indemnify an executive officer for his or
her losses based on or related to his or her acts and decisions made in the course of his or
her performance of duties within the scope of his or her employment.
Each senior executive officer has agreed to hold in strict confidence any trade secrets
or technical secrets of our company. Each officer also agrees to comply with all material
applicable laws and regulations related to his or her responsibilities at our company as well
as all material written corporate and business policies and procedures of our company.
As of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, we had 473, 553 and 867 full-time employees,
respectively. As of December 31, 2010, we had 102 employees in management and administration,
585 in sales and marketing and 180 in network maintenance and development.
We plan to hire additional employees in all functions as we grow our business. None of our
employees is represented by a labor union or other collective bargaining agreements. Since
establishment, we have never experienced a strike or other disruption of employment. We believe
our relationships with our employees are good.
The remuneration package of our employees includes salary, bonus, stock options, other
cash benefits and benefits in-kind. In accordance with applicable PRC regulations, we
participate in a pension contribution plan, a medical insurance plan, an unemployment
insurance plan, a personal injury insurance plan and a housing reserve fund. Our total
contribution for such employee benefits required by applicable PRC regulations amounted to
US$483,065, US$743,516 and US$1,431,972 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010,
respectively.
The
following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial
ownership of our common shares as of January 13, 2011 upon
completion of the issuance of our common shares to Focus Media, JJ
Media and Front Lead by:
|
|
|
each of our directors and executive officers; and |
78
|
|
|
each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5.0% of our common shares. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Beneficially Owned(1)(2) |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
% |
|
Directors and Executive Officers: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limin Li(3) |
|
|
17,529,849 |
|
|
|
17.1 |
|
Yanqing Liang(4) |
|
|
4,981,714 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
Yunli Lou(5) |
|
|
8,418,513 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
|
Yan Wang |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Haijun Liu |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
William Decker |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Xisong Tan |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
All directors and executive officers as a group(6) |
|
|
31,171,738 |
|
|
|
30.5 |
|
Principal Shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Front Lead Investments Limited(7) |
|
|
17,529,849 |
|
|
|
17.1 |
|
Milestone I, II and III(8) |
|
|
6,684,108 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
|
Massive Sheen Investments Limited(9) |
|
|
4,981,714 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
Columbia Wanger Asset Management, L.P.(10) |
|
|
9,072,800 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
|
FMR LLC(11) |
|
|
5,346,842 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
Focus Media Holding Limited(12) |
|
|
15,331,305 |
|
|
|
15.1 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Upon exercise of all options granted, would beneficially own less than 1.0%
of our outstanding common shares. |
|
(1) |
|
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and
Regulations under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, and includes voting or investment power with respect to the
securities. |
|
(2) |
|
The number of common shares outstanding in calculating the percentages for each listed
person includes the common shares underlying options held by such person that are
exercisable within 60 days of January 13, 2011. Percentage of beneficial ownership of
each listed person is based on 102,250,087 common shares outstanding
as of January 13,
2011, as well as the common shares underlying share options exercisable by such person
within 60 days of January 13, 2011. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 17,187,142 common shares owned by Front Lead Investments Limited, a British
Virgin Islands company, and 342,707 common shares issuable upon the exercise of options
granted to Front Lead Investments Limited that are exercisable within 60 days of the date
of December 31, 2009. Malte International Holdings Limited is the sole shareholder and
sole director of Front Lead Investments Limited. The Li Liu Family Trust, an irrevocable
trust, is the sole shareholder of Malte International Holders Limited. HSBC International
Trustee Limited is the trustee of the Li Liu Family Trust with Limin Li as the settlor.
Certain family members of Limin Li are beneficiaries of the Li Liu Family Trust. The
business address of HSBC International Trustee Limited is Strathvale House, 2nd Floor,
North Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and the business address of
Mr. Li is c/o VisionChina Media Inc., 1/F Block No. 7, Champs Elysees, Nongyuan Road,
Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 4,671,155 common shares owned by Massive Sheen Investments Limited, a British
Virgin Islands company. Ms. Liang is the sole director and sole owner of Massive Sheen
Investments Limited. The business address of Ms. Liang is c/o VisionChina Media Inc.,
1/F Block No. 7, Champs Elysees, Nongyuan Road, Futian District, Shenzhen 518040, China. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes (i) 8,102,176 common shares held by Milestone I, Milestone II, Milestone III and
Milestone IV, and (ii) 277,587 common shares (in ADS form) held by Linden Street Capital
Limited, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the British Virgin
Islands. Yunli Lou, a managing director of Milestone Capital Partners Limited, disclaims
beneficial ownership of shares held by Milestone I, Milestone II, Milestone III and
Milestone IV except to the extent of her pecuniary interest in these shares and (iii)
38,750 common shares issuable upon the exercise of options granted to Yunli Lou. Yunli Lou
is the sole shareholder of Linden Street Capital Limited and her business address is Room
1708 Dominion Centre, 43-59 Queens Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong. |
79
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|
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(6) |
|
Include common shares held by all of our directors and executive officers as a group
and common share issuable upon the exercise of all of the options that are exercisable
within 60 days of January 17, 2011 held by all of our directors and executive officers. |
|
(7) |
|
Malte International Holdings Limited is the sole shareholder and sole director of Front
Lead Investments Limited. The Li Liu Family Trust, an irrevocable trust, is the sole
shareholder of Malte International Holders Limited. HSBC International Trustee Limited is
the trustee of the Li Liu Family Trust with Limin Li as the settlor. Certain family
members of Limin Li are beneficiaries of the Li Liu Family Trust. The business address of
HSBC International Trustee Limited is Strathvale House, 2nd Floor, North Church Street,
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and the business address of Mr. Li is c/o
VisionChina Media Inc., 1/F Block No. 7, Champs Elysees, Nongyuan Road, Futian District,
Shenzhen 518040, China. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 5,684,108 common shares held by Milestone Mobile TV Media Holdings I Limited,
Milestone Mobile TV Media Holdings II Limited, and Milestone Mobile TV Media Holdings III
Limited, each of which is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the
British Virgin Islands. Each of Milestone I, II and III has a mailing address of P.O. Box
957, Offshore Incorporation Center, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Milestone
I, II and III are wholly owned by Milestone China Opportunities Fund II, L.P., an
exempted limited partnership formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The general
partner of the Milestone China Opportunities Fund II, L.P. is Milestone Capital Partners
Limited, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands.
The sole director of Milestone Capital Partners Limited is Cherianne Limited, a company
organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands. Yuen Ho Wan and James Ngai, as
all of the directors of Cherianne Limited, share the investment and voting power of
Cherianne Limited. Ms. Wans and Mr. Ngais business address is Room 1708 Dominion
Centre, 43-59 Queens Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong. |
|
(9) |
|
Yanqing Liang is the sole director and sole owner of Massive Sheen Investments Limited. The
business address of Ms. Liang is c/o
VisionChina Media Inc., 1/F Block No. 7, Champs Elysees, Nongyuan Road, Futian District,
Shenzhen 518040, China. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes 9,072, 800 common shares represented by ADSs held by Columbia Wanger Asset
Management, L.P. and Columbia Acorn Trust according to its Schedule 13G filed with the
SEC on February 10, 2010. Columbia Acorn Trust is a Massachusetts business trust that is
advised by Columbia Wanger Asset Management, L.P. Columbia Wanger Asset Management, L.P.
is a Delaware limited partnership, with the principal business address at 227 West Monroe
Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60606. |
|
(11) |
|
Includes 5,346,842 common shares represented by ADSs owned by FMR LLC according to its
Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on
February 16, 2010. FMR LLC is a Delaware company with the business address at 82 Devonshire
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes 15,331,305 common shares held by Focus Media Holding Limited, a limited
liability company incorporated in the Cayman Islands whose American Depositary Receipts
are traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol FMCN. The mailing address of
Focus Media Holding Limited is Unit No. 1, 20th Floor, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street,
Central, Hong Kong. |
None of our existing shareholders has voting rights that differ from the voting rights
of other shareholders. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date,
result in a change of control of our company. For information regarding our common shares
and ADSs held or beneficially owned by persons in the United States, see Item 9. The
Offering and Listing Market Price for Our American Depositary Shares in this annual
report.
|
|
|
Item 7. |
|
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions |
Please refer to Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees E. Share Ownership.
80
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|
|
B. |
|
Related Party Transactions |
We adopted an audit committee charter, which requires that the audit committee review
all related party transactions on an ongoing basis and all such transactions be approved by
the committee. Set forth below is a description of all of our related party transactions for
the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Transactions with Our Direct Investment Entities
Agreements to Purchase Advertising Time from and Sell Advertising Equipment to Our Direct
Investment Entities
Under our arrangements with our local operating partners, we are responsible for the
procurement of equipment for our direct investment entities, such as digital displays and
digital television receivers. We sell the advertising equipment to our direct investment
entities at negotiated prices and record the sales of advertising equipment to our direct
investment entities as advertising equipment revenue on our financial statements. We had
advertising equipment revenue of US$0.6 million, nil and nil for the years ended December 31,
2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, representing 0.5%, nil and nil of our total revenues in each
respective year.
We also purchase advertising placement services from our direct investment entities at
negotiated prices. For the years ended December 31,
2008, 2009 and 2010, we paid an amount of US$8.0 million, US$10.3 million and US$16.4
million, respectively, to our direct investment entities for the advertising placement
services.
Exclusive Agency Agreements with Our Direct Investment Entities
We entered into an exclusive agency agreement with Shenzhen Mobile Television Co., Ltd.,
or Shenzhen Mobile, in December 2006. This exclusive agency agreement grants us the exclusive
right to sell the advertising time on the mobile digital television network in Shenzhen for a
term from January 1, 2007 to July 31, 2011. Under the
agreement, we pay a pre-determined media cost each year to Shenzhen Mobile. We are responsible for installing additional
digital television displays on the buses of the Shenzhen public transportation companies that
have entered into agreements with Shenzhen Mobile. The cost in connection with such
installation is deductible from the rental fees payable by us. The terms of this exclusive
agency agreement have been negotiated on an arms length basis.
We entered into an exclusive agency agreement with Chengdu China Digital Mobile
Television Co., Ltd., or Chengdu VisionChina Media Group, in July 2007. This exclusive agency
agreement grants us the exclusive right to sell the advertising time on the mobile digital
television network in Chengdu for a term from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2015. Under the
agreement, we pay a pre-determined media cost each year to Chengdu VisionChina Media
Group. Chengdu VisionChina Media Group is responsible for installing additional digital
television displays on the buses of the Chengdu public transportation companies that have
entered into agreements with Chengdu VisionChina Media Group. The terms of this exclusive
agency agreement have been negotiated on an arms length basis.
We entered into exclusive agency agreements with Wuxi Guangtong Digital Mobile Television Co.,
Ltd., or Wuxi Guangtong, in
September 2007. These agreements grant us the exclusive right to sell a portion of the
advertising time on the mobile digital television network in Wuxi to advertisers that are not
from Wuxi for a term from October 1, 2007 to December 31, 2013. Under these agreements, we pay
a pre-determined media cost each year to Wuxi Guangtong. Wuxi Guangtong is responsible
for installing additional digital television displays on the buses of the Wuxi public
transportation companies that have entered into agreements with Wuxi Guangtong. The terms of
this exclusive agency agreement have been negotiated on an arms length basis.
We entered into an exclusive agency agreement with Ningbo China Digital Mobile
Television Co., Ltd., or Ningbo VisionChina Media Group, in November 2007. This exclusive
agency agreement grants us the exclusive right to sell the advertising time on the mobile
digital television network in Ningbo for a term from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012.
Under the agreement, we pay a pre-determined media cost each year to Ningbo
VisionChina Media Group. Ningbo VisionChina Media Group is responsible for installing
additional digital television displays on the buses of the Ningbo public transportation
companies that have entered into agreements with Ningbo VisionChina Media Group. The terms of
this exclusive agency agreement have been negotiated on an arms length basis.
81
We entered into an exclusive agency agreement with Jilin Mobile Television Co.,
Ltd., or Jilin Mobile, in March 2008. This exclusive agency agreement grants us the exclusive
right to sell the advertising time on the mobile digital television network in Changchun for a
term from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2014. Under the
agreement, we pay a pre-determined media cost each year to Jilin Mobile. Jilin Mobile is responsible for installing additional
digital television displays on the buses of the Changchun public transportation companies that
have entered into agreements with Jilin Mobile. The terms of this exclusive agency agreement
have been negotiated on an arms length basis.
We entered into an exclusive agency agreement with Hubei China Digital Mobile Television
Co., Ltd., or Hubei VisionChina Media Group, in March 2008. This exclusive agency agreement
grants us the exclusive right to sell the advertising time on the mobile digital television
network in Wuhan for a term from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2014. Under the agreement, we pay
a pre-determined media cost each year to Hubei VisionChina Media Group. Hubei
VisionChina Media Group is responsible for installing additional digital television displays
on the buses of the Wuhan public transportation companies that have entered into agreements
with Hubei VisionChina Media Group. The terms of this exclusive agency agreement have been
negotiated on an arms length basis.
We entered into an exclusive agency agreement with Dalian China Digital Mobile
Television Co., Ltd., or Dalian VisionChina Media Group, in March 2008. This exclusive agency
agreement grants us the exclusive right to sell the advertising time on the mobile digital
television network in Dalian for a term from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2014. Under the
agreement, we pay a pre-determined media cost each year to Dalian VisionChina Media
Group. Dalian VisionChina Media Group is responsible for installing additional digital
television displays on the buses of the Dalian public transportation companies that have
entered into agreements with Dalian VisionChina Media Group. The terms of this exclusive
agency agreement have been negotiated on an arms length basis.
We entered into an exclusive agency agreement with Suzhou China Digital Mobile Television
Co., Ltd., or Suzhou VisionChina Media Group, in September 2009. This exclusive agency
agreement grants us the exclusive right to sell a portion of the advertising time on the
mobile digital television network in Suzhou to advertisers that are not from Suzhou for a term
from October 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013. Under the
agreement, we pay a pre-determined media cost each year to Suzhou VisionChina Media Group. Suzhou VisionChina Media Group
is responsible for installing additional digital television displays on the buses of the
Suzhou public transportation companies that have entered into agreements with Suzhou VisionChina Media Group. The terms of this exclusive agency
agreement have been negotiated on an arms length basis.
We entered into exclusive agency agreement with Changzhou China Digital Mobile Television
Co., Ltd., or Changzhou VisionChina Media Group , in March 2010. This exclusive agency
agreement grants us the exclusive right to sell a portion of the advertising time on the mobile
digital television network in Changzhou to advertisers that are not from Changzhou for a term
from January 1, 2010 to March 18, 2017. Under the
agreement, we pay a pre-determined media cost each year to Changzhou VisionChina Media Group. Changzhou VisionChina Media Group is
responsible for installing additional digital television displays on the buses of the Changzhou
public transportation companies that have entered into agreements with Changzhou VisionChina Media Group. The terms of this
exclusive agency agreement have been negotiated on an arms length basis.
We entered into exclusive agency agreement with Chongqing Jielong Light Rail Advertising Co.,
Ltd., or Chongqing VisionChina Media Group, in April 2011 This exclusive agency agreement
grants us the exclusive right to sell all the advertising time on the television network in
Line 2 in Chongqing Light Rail for a term from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015. Under the
agreement, we pay a pre-determined media cost each year to Chongqing Jielong Light
Rail Advertising Co., Ltd. The terms of this exclusive agency agreement have been negotiated
on an arms length basis.
Transactions with Affiliated Companies of Limin Li
Lease and loan with Meidi Zhiye
We rented office space from Shenzhen Meidi Zhiye Development Co., Ltd., a former equity
holder of VisionChina Media Group, or Meidi Zhiye, for the office space of our headquarters
and VisionChina Media Group. The rent was determined based on negotiation. Limin Li, our
founder and chairman of our board of directors, owns more than 10% of Meidi Ziyes equity
interest and is the chairman of Meidi Zhiye. The rental expenses totaled US$163,511,
US$191,758 and US$154,153 in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
82
Transactions with Champs Elysees
In 2008, 2009 and 2010, VisionChina Media Group paid renovation charges of US$194,101,
US$236,124 and US$270,864, respectively, to
Champs Elysees Renovations Co., Ltd., or Champs Elysees Renovations. In 2008, 2009 and 2010,
VisionChina Media Group also paid property management fees and utility expenses of US$22,661,
US$26,820 and US$28,702 respectively, to Champs Elysees Renovations. Limin Lis wife is the
chairwoman of Champs Elysees Renovations.
Transaction Related to Our Corporate Structure
Under applicable PRC laws, rules and regulations, to invest in the advertising industry,
foreign investors must have at least two years of direct operations in the advertising
industry as their core businesses outside of the PRC. We are a Cayman Islands corporation and
a foreign legal person under PRC laws and we have not directly operated any advertising
business outside of China. Therefore, we do not qualify under PRC regulations to directly own
equity interest in advertising services providers. Accordingly, our subsidiaries, CDTC and
Beijing Eastlong Technology are ineligible to apply for the required licenses for providing
advertising services in China. Our advertising business inside the PRC is operated through our
contractual arrangements with VisionChina Media Group and Beijing Eastlong Advertising. CDTC
and VisionChina Media Group entered into a series of agreements on March 30, 2006, including a
technology and management service agreement, a domain name license agreement, a loan
agreement, a proxy letter, an option agreement and an equity pledge agreement. CDTC and
VisionChina Media Group entered into a series of new agreements on February 15, 2007, which
replaced the agreements entered into on March 30, 2006 described in the preceding sentence.
Beijing Eastlong Technology and Beijing Eastlong Advertising entered into a series of
agreements, including a business cooperation agreement, loan agreements, option agreements and
equity pledge agreements. These contractual arrangements enable us to exercise effective
control over VisionChina Media Group Beijing Eastlong Advertising and their respective
subsidiaries and receive substantially all of the economic benefits of these entities in
consideration for the services provided by our subsidiary in China. We intend to continue our
business operations in China upon the expiration of these contractual arrangements by renewing
them or entering into new contractual arrangements if the then current PRC law does not allow
us to directly operate advertising businesses in China. We believe that, under these
contractual arrangements, we have sufficient control over VisionChina Media Group, Beijing Eastlong Advertising and their respective equity holders to
renew or enter into new contractual arrangements prior to the expiration of the current
arrangements on terms that would enable us to continue to operate our business in China after
the expiration of the current arrangements.
Agreements that Transfer Economic Benefit to Us
Technology and Management Service Agreement. Pursuant to the technology and management
service agreement entered into on February 15, 2007 between CDTC and VisionChina Media Group,
CDTC provides technology consulting and management services related to the business operations
of VisionChina Media Group. As consideration for such services, VisionChina Media Group has
agreed to pay service fees as specified by CDTC in its fee notice to VisionChina Media Group
from time to time. The fees payable are calculated based on hourly rates set forth in the
agreement or otherwise agreed upon between the parties. The term of this agreement is 25 years
from the date thereof. In the event of a default under this agreement, the non-defaulting
party can terminate this agreement.
Domain Name License Agreement. Pursuant to the domain name license agreement entered into
on February 15, 2007 between CDTC and VisionChina Media Group, CDTC grants VisionChina Media
Group the exclusive right to use its domain names www.cdmtv.tv and www.cdmg.cn, in exchange
for a fee based on the gross annual revenues of VisionChina Media Group. The fee is subject to
periodic adjustments by the parties. The agreement has a term of 25 years, which may be
terminated at any time or extended by CDTC at its discretion. In the event of a default under
this agreement, the non-defaulting party can terminate this agreement.
Business Cooperation Agreement. Pursuant to the business cooperation agreement entered into on
February 22, 2005 between Beijing Eastlong Technology and Beijing Eastlong Advertising, Beijing
Eastlong Advertising may establish entities for the purposes of operating an out-of-home
advertising platform and selling advertisements or value-added-services on that platform.
Beijing Eastlong Technology provides Beijing Eastlong Advertising with technology consulting
services related to the conduct of its business. As consideration for such services, the profits
generated by Beijing Eastlong Advertising shall be distributed to Beijing Eastlong Technology in
accordance with the business cooperation agreement. Beijing Eastlong Technology is the exclusive
and sole cooperating partner of Beijing Eastlong Advertising. The term of this agreement
commences on February 22, 2005 and remains in effect unless Beijing Eastlong Technology ceases
to exist. This agreement can be terminated if Beijing Eastlong Technology is unable to provide
any services to Beijing Eastlong Advertising for a continuous period of more than three years
due to force majeure.
Agreements that Provide Us Effective Control over VisionChina Media Group, Beijing Eastlong
Advertising and Their Respective Subsidiaries
Loan Agreement. CDTC entered into a loan agreement with Limin Li and Yanqing Liang on
February 15, 2007 that allows us to capitalize our PRC operating affiliates in VisionChina
Group and which facilitates the establishment of our current corporate structure in VisionChina
Group. CDTC made an interest-free loan of RMB50 million to the equity holders of VisionChina
Media Group. The loan can be repaid only with the proceeds from the transfer of the equity
interest in VisionChina Media Group by the equity holders to CDTC or to another person
designated by CDTC pursuant to the Option Agreement as discussed below. In the event of a default under
this agreement, the non-defaulting party can terminate this agreement.
Beijing Eastlong Technology entered into a series of loan agreements and amendments
thereto with Qijun Men and Haifeng Wang in February 2005, March 2007 and May 2008, that
allowed Beijing Eastlong Advertising to capitalize its PRC operating affiliates and
facilitates the establishment of the current corporate structure. Beijing Eastlong Technology
made an interest-free loan of RMB20 million to the equity holders of Beijing Eastlong
Advertising. This loan can only be repaid by transferring the equity interest in Beijing
Eastlong Advertising by the equity holders to Beijing Eastlong Technology or to another person
designated by Beijing Eastlong Technology. In the event of a default under this agreement, the
non-defaulting party can terminate this agreement.
83
Proxy Letter. Limin Li and Yanqing Liang signed certain proxy letters on February 15,
2007, pursuant to which Limin Li and Yanqing Liang have granted an employee of CDTC, who is
a PRC citizen, the right to exercise all their voting rights as equity holders of
VisionChina Media Group as provided under its articles of association. Such grant must be
approved by CDTC and the grantee must be an employee of CDTC. If the grantee ceases to be an
employee of CDTC, then the grantors will revoke the proxy and grant a similar proxy to a
then-current employee of CDTC designated by CDTC. The proxy letters will remain effective
until February 15, 2032.
Option Agreement. CDTC and Limin Li and Yanqing Liang entered into an option agreement
on February 15, 2007, pursuant to which CDTC has an exclusive option to purchase, or to
designate another qualified person to purchase, to the extent permitted by PRC law and
foreign investment policies, part or all of the equity interests in VisionChina Media Group
owned by Limin Li and Yanqing Liang. The purchase price for the entire equity interest shall
be the greater of (i) RMB50 million and (ii) the minimum price permitted by applicable PRC
law and agreed upon by the parties. The option agreement remains in effect until the
completion of the transfer of all the equity interest in accordance with the option
agreement. In the event of a default under this agreement, the non-defaulting party can
terminate this agreement.
Beijing Eastlong Technology and Qijun Men and Haifeng Wang entered into a series of option
agreements and amendments thereto in
February 2005, March 2007 and May 2008, pursuant to which Beijing Eastlong Technology has an
exclusive option to purchase, or to
designate another qualified person to purchase, to the extent permitted by PRC law and foreign
investment policies, all of the equity interests in
Beijing Eastlong Advertising owned by Qijun Men and Haifeng Wang. The purchase price for the
entire equity interest shall be
RMB20 million. The option agreement remains in effect until the completion of the transfer
of all the equity interest in accordance with the option agreement.
Equity Pledge Agreement. Pursuant to an equity pledge agreement entered into on February
15, 2007, Limin Li and Yanqing Liang have pledged their equity interest in VisionChina Media
Group to CDTC to secure their obligations under the loan agreement and VisionChina Media
Groups obligations under the technology and management service agreement and domain name
license agreement, each as described above. In addition, shareholders of VisionChina Media
Group agree not to transfer, sell, pledge, dispose of or create any encumbrance on any equity
interests in VisionChina Media Group that would affect the pledgees interests. The equity
pledge agreement will expire when the shareholders fully perform their obligations under the
agreements described above.
Our PRC legal counsel has advised that it is not stipulated or required in the PRC
Property Rights Law whether an equity pledge made before the effectiveness of the PRC Property
Rights Law on October 1, 2007 must be registered with the SAIC. Our equity pledge agreement
was entered into on February 15, 2007, at which time equity pledges were governed by the then
applicable PRC Company Law and PRC Guarantee Law. According to these two PRC laws and
regulations, an equity pledge of a limited liability company does not require any registration
with the SAIC or its local counterparty, and an equity pledge agreement becomes effective soon
after the equity pledge is recorded or filed with a companys Register of Shareholders. As of
December 31, 2010, we, CDTC and VisionChina Media Group are not required by any government
authorities to register with the SAIC, nor are they subject to any penalties or fines. Based
on the foregoing, we believe we are not required by the PRC Property Rights Law to register
the equity pledge with SAIC and that the equity pledge agreement is enforceable in a PRC court
of law.
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C. |
|
Interests of Experts and Counsel |
Not applicable.
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Item 8. |
|
Financial Information |
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|
|
A. |
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Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information |
We have appended consolidated financial statements filed as part of this annual report.
Legal and Administrative Proceedings
Our company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Vision Best Limited, filed a summons with
notice in the Supreme Court of the State of New York on December 27, 2010 against the selling
shareholders of Digital Media Group. The summons and notice alleged that the selling
shareholders of Digital Media Group engaged in an unlawful scheme to induce our company,
through false, deceptive, and misleading statements concerning Digital Media Groups
financial condition and performance, to pay a grossly inflated price to purchase Digital
Media Group in 2010, and has received, or is scheduled to receive, ill-gotten gains from this
unlawful scheme. In the summons and notice we further claimed for indemnification from the
escrow fund that was established at the time of the purchase as a result of the selling
shareholders breaches of representations and warranties contained in the merger agreement.
According to the summons and notice, our company and Vision Best Limited are seeking
relief including: a declaration that we are not obligated to pay further installments
totaling US$60 million in consideration for the acquisition; a declaration that our company
and Vision Best Limited are not obligated to pay any unpaid escrowed cash or shares into the
escrow fund and ordering that such cash or shares be returned to our company and Vision Best
Limited; restitution of all cash and stock wrongfully received by the defendants as a result
of the unlawful scheme; compensatory damages from the selling shareholders of Digital Media
Group in an amount to be determined at trial but not less than US$80 million; punitive
damages from the selling shareholders of Digital Media Group in an amount to be determined at
trial; and interest, attorneys fees and disbursements, costs, and other relief that the
court deems just and proper.
On February 25, 2011, a counter-suit was filed by some of the selling shareholders of
Digital Media Group, or Former Digital Media Group Shareholders, against the lawsuit filed by
our company on December 27, 2010. The complaint alleged that our company breached certain
agreements related to the acquisition of Digital Media Group, by allegedly declining to make
certain installment payments that the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders claim they were
entitled to receive, and allegedly declining to take other actions to facilitate the transfer
of our companys stock that the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders are entitled to
receive in connection with the acquisition of Digital Media Group. The Former Digital Media
Group Shareholders were also seeking specific enforcement of the contracts at issue,
compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial, permanent and preliminary
injunctive relief and such other relief as the court deems just and proper.
Also on February 25, 2011, the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders filed two motions
against our company and Vision Best Limited along with their counter-suit. They submitted a
motion for attachment, seeking an order of attachment in the amount of $30 million against
our company and Vision Best Limited and directing us to transfer assets into the State of New
York to satisfy a prospective judgment. They also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction
to order our company and Vision Best Limited to remove the restrictive legend on certain our
companys stock received by the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders in connection with
the acquisition, and to provide consents or authorizations required to convert our companys
stock that the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders are entitled to receive into American
Depository Shares and make them freely tradable.
We believe that the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders claims and related motions
are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the claims and oppose the motions.
Accordingly, no provision for loss contingencies was recorded in connection with the
litigation with the Former Digital Media Group Shareholders in our consolidated financial
statements. The motions were presented to the Supreme
Court of the State of New York on March 15, 2011. No decision has been reached by court
regarding the initial filing by our company and the countersuit by the Former Digital Media
Group Shareholders as of June 30, 2011.
Other than as disclosed above, we are currently not a party to any other material legal
or administrative proceedings, and we are not aware of threatened material legal or
administrative proceedings against us. We may from time to time become a party to various
legal or administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business.
Dividend Policy
Since our incorporation, we have never declared or paid any dividends and we have no
present plan to declare and pay any dividends on our common shares or ADSs in the near future.
We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings
to operate and expand our business. Our board of directors has complete discretion as to
whether to distribute dividends. Even if our board of directors decides to pay dividends, the
form, frequency and amount will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital
requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other
factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
84
If we pay any dividends, we will pay our ADS holders to the same extent as holders of
our common shares, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, including the fees and
expenses payable thereunder. Cash dividends on our common shares, if any, will be paid in
U.S. dollars.
On December 30, 2010, our company and Focus Media announced that the two companies had entered into a securities purchase agreement, pursuant
to which Focus Media would purchase our 15,331,305 newly issued common shares at a price
of US $3.979 per share, equivalent to US$3.979 per ADS, for a total consideration of
approximately US$61.0 million. JJ Media, an entity owned by
Jason Nanchun Jiang, the chairman and chief executive officer of Focus Media and one of
Focus Medias largest shareholders, and Front Lead, an
entity beneficially owned by Limin Li, also announced their intention to each acquire
1,022,087 newly issued common shares of VisionChina Media at the price of US$3.979 per
share, equivalent to US$3.979 per ADS, each for a consideration of approximately US$4.0
million. The transaction was subject to customary closing conditions and was completed in
January 2011. Following the transaction, Front Lead, an entity beneficially owned by Limin
Li, remained our largest shareholder with 17.1% of our outstanding issued common shares.
To date, we have received all the consideration of this share issuance transaction in
cash of approximately $69.1 million, with a corresponding increase in our equity.
We have not experienced any other significant changes since the date of our audited
consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.
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Item 9. |
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The Offer and Listing |
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A. |
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Offering and Listing Details. |
Our ADSs, each representing one of our common shares, have been listed on the Nasdaq
Global Market since December 6, 2007 under the symbol VISN. The table below shows, for the
periods indicated, the high and low market prices for our ADSs. The closing price for our
ADSs on the Nasdaq Global Market on March 21, 2011 was US$4.08 per ADS.
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Market Price Per ADS |
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High |
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Low |
Yearly: |
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2007 (since December 6) |
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9.80 |
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7.63 |
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2008 |
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25.60 |
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4.25 |
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2009 |
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12.27 |
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4.80 |
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2010 |
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11.85 |
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2.51 |
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Quarterly: |
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2009 |
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First quarter |
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7.80 |
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5.06 |
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Second quarter |
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8.18 |
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4.80 |
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Third quarter |
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8.15 |
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5.21 |
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Fourth quarter |
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12.27 |
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7.04 |
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2010 |
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First quarter |
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11.85 |
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4.61 |
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Second quarter |
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5.04 |
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2.51 |
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Third quarter |
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4.70 |
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2.90 |
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Fourth quarter |
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5.10 |
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3.41 |
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Monthly: |
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2010 |
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September |
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4.70 |
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3.55 |
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October |
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5.10 |
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4.11 |
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November |
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4.24 |
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3.41 |
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December |
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4.72 |
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3.57 |
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2011 |
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January |
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4.83 |
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4.30 |
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February |
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4.99 |
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4.28 |
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March |
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4.38 |
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3.75 |
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April |
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4.49 |
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3.87 |
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May |
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4.68 |
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3.78 |
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June
(through June 29) |
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3.85 |
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2.22 |
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85
As of May 31, 2011, a total of 64,155,749 ADSs were outstanding. As of May 31, 2011, a
total of 64,155,749 common shares were registered in the name of a nominee of The Bank of
New York Mellon, the depositary for the ADSs. We have no further information as to common
shares or ADSs held, or beneficially owned, by U.S. persons.
Not applicable.
Our ADSs, each representing one of our common shares, have been listed on the Nasdaq
Global Market since December 6, 2007 under the symbol VISN.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
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Item 10. |
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Additional Information |
Not applicable.
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B. |
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Memorandum and Articles of Association |
We incorporate by reference into this annual report the description of our amended and
restated memorandum of association contained in our F-1 registration statement (File No.
333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on November 29, 2007. Our
shareholders adopted our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association by
Special Resolution passed on November 8, 2007 and effective upon completion of our initial
public offering of common shares represented by our ADSs.
We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of
business and other than those described in Item 4. Information on the Company or elsewhere
in this annual report.
Foreign Currency Exchange
Foreign currency exchange regulation in China is primarily governed by the following rules:
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Foreign Currency Administration Rules (1996), as amended, or the Exchange Rules; and |
86
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Administration Rules of the Settlement, Sale and Payment of Foreign Exchange (1996), or the
Administration Rules. |
Under the Exchange Rules, the Renminbi is convertible for current account items,
including the distribution of dividends, interest payments, trade and service-related foreign
exchange transactions. Conversion of Renminbi for capital account items, such as direct
investment, loan, security investment and repatriation of investment, however, is still
subject to the approval of the PRC State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE.
Under the Administration Rules, foreign-invested enterprises may only buy, sell and/or
remit foreign currencies at those banks authorized to conduct foreign exchange business after
providing valid commercial documents and, in the case of capital account item transactions,
obtaining approval from the SAFE. Capital investments by foreign-invested enterprises outside
of China are also subject to limitations, which include approvals by the Ministry of Commerce,
the SAFE and the State Reform and Development Commission.
Cayman Islands Taxation
The Cayman Islands currently levies no taxes on individuals or corporations based upon
profits, income, gains or appreciation and there is no taxation in the nature of inheritance
tax or estate duty. There are no other taxes likely to be material to us levied by the
Government of the Cayman Islands except for stamp duties which may be applicable on
instruments executed in, or brought within the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman
Islands is not party to any double tax treaties. There are no exchange control regulations or
currency restrictions in the Cayman Islands.
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following summary describes the material United States federal income tax
consequences of the ownership of our common shares and ADSs as of the date hereof. The
discussion is applicable to United States Holders (as defined below) who hold our common
shares or ADSs as capital assets. As used herein, the term United States Holder means a
beneficial owner of a common share or ADS that is for United States federal income tax
purposes:
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an individual citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for United States federal
income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States,
any state thereof or the District of Columbia; |
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an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of
its source; or |
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a trust if it (1) is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United
States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under
applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person. |
This summary does not represent a detailed description of the United States federal
income tax consequences applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the
United States federal income tax laws, including if you are:
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a dealer in securities or currencies; |
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a financial institution; |
87
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a regulated investment company; |
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a real estate investment trust; |
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an insurance company; |
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a tax-exempt organization; |
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a person holding our common shares or ADSs as part of a hedging, integrated or
conversion transaction, a constructive sale or a straddle; |
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a trader in securities that has elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for your
securities; |
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a person liable for alternative minimum tax; |
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a person who owns or is deemed to own 10% or more of our voting stock; |
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a partnership or other pass-through entity for United States federal income tax purposes; or |
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a person whose functional currency is not the United States dollar. |
The discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the Code), and regulations, rulings and judicial decisions thereunder as of the
date hereof, and such authorities may be replaced, revoked or modified so as to result in
United States federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. In
addition, this summary is based, in part, upon representations made by the depositary to us
and assumes that the deposit agreement, and all other related agreements, will be performed in
accordance with their terms.
If a partnership holds our common shares or ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner will
generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If
you are a partner of a partnership holding our common shares or ADSs, you should consult
your tax advisors.
This summary does not contain a detailed description of all the United States federal
income tax consequences to you in light of your particular circumstances and does not address
the effects of any state, local or non-United States tax laws. If you are considering the
purchase, ownership or disposition of our common shares or ADSs, you should consult your own
tax advisors concerning the United
States federal income tax consequences to you in light of your particular situation as well as
any consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.
The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that intermediaries in the chain of ownership
between the holder of an ADS and the issuer of the security underlying the ADS may be taking
actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for United States
holders of ADSs. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate
of tax, described below, applicable to dividends received by certain non-corporate holders.
Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of PRC taxes and the availability of the
reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain non-corporate holders, each described
below, could be affected by actions taken by intermediaries in the chain of ownership between
the holder of an ADS and our company.
ADSs
If you hold ADSs, for United States federal income tax purposes, you generally will be
treated as the owner of the underlying common shares that are represented by such ADSs.
Accordingly, deposits or withdrawals of common shares for ADSs will not be subject to
United States federal income tax.
88
Taxation of Dividends
Subject to the discussion under Passive Foreign Investment Company below, the gross
amount of distributions on the ADSs or common shares (including any amounts withheld to reflect
PRC withholding taxes) will be taxable as dividends, to the extent paid out of our current or
accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax
principles. Such income (including withheld taxes) will be includable in your gross income as
ordinary income on the day actually or constructively received by you, in the case of the common
shares, or by the depositary, in the case of ADSs. Such dividends will not be eligible for the
dividends received deduction allowed to corporations
under the Code.
With respect to non-corporate United States Holders, certain dividends received in taxable
years beginning before January 1, 2013 from a qualified foreign corporation may be subject to
reduced rates of taxation. A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation
with respect to dividends received from that corporation on shares (or ADSs backed by such
shares) that are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States.
United States Treasury Department guidance indicates that our ADSs (which are listed on the
Nasdaq Global Market), but not our common shares, are readily tradable on an established
securities market in the United States. Thus, we believe that dividends we pay on our common
shares that are represented by ADSs, but not on our common shares that are not so represented,
currently meet the conditions required for the reduced tax rates. There can be no assurance
that our ADSs will be considered readily tradable on an
established securities market in later years. A qualified foreign corporation also includes a
foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of certain income tax treaties with the
United States. In the event that we are deemed to be a Chinese (or PRC) resident enterprise
under the
PRC tax law, we may be eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the United
States and the PRC, and if we are eligible for such benefits, dividends we pay on our common
shares, regardless of whether such shares are represented by ADSs, would be subject to the
reduced rates of taxation. Non-corporate United States Holders that do not meet a minimum
holding period requirement during which they are not protected from the risk of loss or that
elect to treat the dividend income as investment income pursuant to Section 163(d)(4) of the
Code will not be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation regardless of our status as a
qualified foreign corporation. In addition, the rate reduction will not apply to dividends if
the recipient of a dividend is obligated to make related payments with respect to positions in
substantially similar or
related property. This disallowance applies even if the minimum holding period has been
met. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding the application of these rules to
your particular circumstances.
Non-corporate United States Holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of taxation
on any dividends received from us in taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 2013, if we
are a PFIC in the taxable year in which such dividends are paid or in the preceding taxable
year.
The amount of any dividend paid in Renminbi will equal the United States dollar value of
the Renminbi received calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date the
dividend is received by you, regardless of whether the Renminbi are converted into United
States dollars. If the Renminbi received as a dividend are converted into United States dollars
on the date they are received, you generally will not be required to recognize foreign currency
gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. If the Renminbi received as a dividend are not
converted into United States dollars on the date of receipt, you will have a basis in the
Renminbi equal to their United States dollar value on the date of receipt. Any gain or loss
realized on a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Renminbi will be treated as
United States source ordinary income or loss.
In the event that we are deemed to be a Chinese (or PRC) resident enterprise under the
PRC tax law, you may be subject to PRC withholding taxes on dividends paid to you with respect
to the ADSs or common shares. In that case, however, you may be able to obtain a reduced rate
of PRC withholding taxes under the treaty between the United States and the PRC if certain
requirements are met. In addition, subject to certain conditions and limitations, PRC
withholding taxes on dividends, if any, may be treated as foreign taxes eligible for credit
against your United States federal income tax liability. For purposes of calculating the
foreign tax credit, dividends paid on the ADSs or common shares will be treated as
foreign-source income and will generally constitute passive category income. Furthermore, in
certain circumstances, if you have held the ADSs or common shares for less than a specified
minimum period during which you are not protected from risk of loss, or are obligated to make
payments related to the dividends, you will not be allowed a foreign tax credit for any PRC
withholding taxes imposed on dividends paid on the ADSs or common shares. The rules governing
the foreign tax credit are complex. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the
availability of the foreign tax credit given your particular circumstances.
To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds our current and accumulated
earnings and profits for a taxable year, as determined under United States federal income tax
principles, the distribution will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a
reduction in the adjusted basis of the ADSs or common shares (thereby increasing the amount of
gain, or decreasing the amount of loss, to be recognized by you on a subsequent disposition of
the ADSs or common shares), and the balance in excess of adjusted basis will be taxed as
capital gain recognized on a sale or exchange. Consequently, such distributions in excess of
our current and accumulated earnings and profits would generally not give rise to foreign
source income and you would generally not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from
any PRC
withholding tax imposed on such distributions unless such credit can be applied (subject to
applicable limitations) against United States federal income tax due on other foreign source
income in the appropriate category for foreign tax credit purposes. However, we do not expect
to keep earnings and profits in accordance with United States federal income tax principles.
Therefore, you should expect that a distribution will generally be treated as a dividend (as
discussed above).
89
Passive Foreign Investment Company
Based on our financial statements, relevant market data, and the projected composition of
our income and valuation of our assets, including goodwill, we do not believe that we were a
PFIC for 2010, and we do not expect to be a PFIC for 2011 or to become one in the foreseeable
future, although there can be no assurance in this regard. In general, we will be a PFIC for
any taxable year in which:
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at least 75% of our gross income is passive income, or |
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at least 50% of the value (determined based on a quarterly average) of our assets
is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive
income. |
For this purpose, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, royalties and
rents (other than royalties and rents derived in the active conduct of a trade or business and
not derived from a related person). If we own at least 25% (by value) of the stock of another
corporation, we will be treated, for purposes of the PFIC tests, as owning our proportionate
share of the other corporations assets and receiving our proportionate share of the other
corporations income.
The determination of whether we are a PFIC is made annually. Accordingly, it is possible
that we may become a PFIC in the current or any future taxable year due to changes in our
asset or income composition. Because we have valued our goodwill based on the market value of
our equity, a decrease in the price of our ADSs may also result in our becoming a PFIC. In
addition, there exist substantial uncertainties regarding the application, interpretation and
enforcement of relevant current and future PRC laws and regulations and their potential effect
on our corporate structure and contractual arrangements with certain of our consolidated
affiliated PRC entities. Further, even if the uncertainties as to PRC laws and regulations did
not exist, there are also substantial uncertainties as to the treatment of our corporate
structure and ownership of these consolidated affiliated PRC entities for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. If it is determined that we do not own the stock of the consolidated affiliated
PRC entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would likely be treated as a PFIC for
2010 and any taxable year thereafter. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you
hold our ADSs or common shares, you will be subject to special tax rules discussed below.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs or common shares, you
will be subject to special tax rules with respect to any excess distribution received and any
gain realized from a sale or other disposition, including a pledge, of ADSs or common shares.
Distributions received in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual
distributions received during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding
period for the ADSs or common shares will be treated as excess distributions. Under these
special tax rules:
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the excess distribution or gain will be allocated ratably over your holding period for the ADSs
or common shares, |
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the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the
first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, will be treated as ordinary income, and |
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the amount allocated to each other year will be subject to tax at the highest tax
rate in effect for that year and the interest charge generally applicable to
underpayments of tax will be imposed on the resulting tax attributable to each such
year. |
In addition, non-corporate United States Holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of
taxation on any dividends received from us in taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 2013,
if we are a PFIC in the taxable year in which such dividends are paid or in the preceding
taxable year. You will be required to file Internal Revenue Service Form 8621 if you hold our
ADSs or common shares in any year in which we are classified as a PFIC.
90
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs or common shares
and any of our non-United States subsidiaries is also a PFIC, a United States Holder would be
treated as owning a proportionate amount (by value) of the shares of the lower-tier PFIC for
purposes of the application of these rules. You are urged to consult your tax advisors about
the application of the PFIC rules to any of our subsidiaries.
In certain circumstances, in lieu of being subject to the excess distribution rules
discussed above, you may make an election to include gain on the stock of a PFIC as ordinary
income under a mark-to-market method, provided that such stock is regularly traded on a
qualified exchange. Under current law, the mark-to-market election may be available to holders
of ADSs because the ADSs are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market, which constitutes a qualified
exchange, although there can be no assurance that the ADSs will be regularly traded for
purposes of the mark-to-market election. It should be noted that only the ADSs, and not the
common shares, are listed on the Nasdaq Global Market. Consequently, if you are a holder of
common shares that are not represented by ADSs, you generally will not be eligible to make a
mark-to-market election if we are or were to become a PFIC. If you make an effective
mark-to-market election, you will include in each year as ordinary income the excess of the
fair market value of your ADSs at the end of the year over your adjusted tax basis in the ADSs.
You will be entitled to deduct as an ordinary loss in each such year the excess of your
adjusted tax basis in the ADSs over their fair market value at the end of the year, but only to
the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market
election. If you make an effective market-to-market election, any gain you recognize upon the sale or other disposition
of your ADSs will be treated as ordinary income and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss,
but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the
mark-to-market election.
Your adjusted tax basis in the ADSs will be increased by the amount of any income inclusion and
decreased by the amount of any
deductions under the mark-to-market rules. If you make a mark-to-market election it will be
effective for the taxable year for which the election is made and all subsequent taxable years
unless the ADSs are no longer regularly traded on a qualified exchange or the Internal Revenue
Service consents to the revocation of the election. You are urged to consult your tax
advisor about the availability of the mark-to-market election, and whether making the
election would be advisable in your particular circumstances.
A U.S. investor in a PFIC generally can mitigate the consequences of the rules described
above by electing to treat the PFIC as a qualified electing fund under Section 1295 of the
Code. However, this option is not available to you because we do not intend to comply with the
requirements necessary to permit you to make this election. You are urged to consult your tax
advisors concerning the United States federal income tax consequences of holding ADSs or
common shares if we are considered a PFIC in any taxable year.
Taxation of Capital Gains
For United States federal income tax purposes and subject to the discussion under
Passive Foreign Investment Company above, you will recognize taxable gain or loss on any
sale or exchange of ADSs or common shares in an amount equal to the difference between the
amount realized for the ADSs or common shares and your tax basis in the ADSs or common shares.
Such gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss. Capital gains of individuals derived
with respect to capital assets held for more than one year are eligible for reduced rates of
taxation. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Any gain or loss
recognized by you will generally be treated as United States source gain or loss.
Consequently, you may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any PRC tax
imposed on the disposition of our ADSs or common share unless such credit can be applied
(subject to applicable limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from
foreign sources. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the tax consequences if
PRC tax is imposed on gain on a disposition of our ADSs or common shares, including the
availability of the foreign tax credit under your particular circumstances.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
In general, information reporting will apply to dividends in respect of our ADSs or common
shares and the proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of our ADSs or common shares that
are paid to you within the United States (and in certain cases, outside the United States),
unless you are an exempt recipient such as a corporation. A backup withholding tax may apply to such payments if you
fail to provide a taxpayer identification number or certification of other exempt status or
fail to report in full dividend and interest income.
91
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a
credit against your United States federal income tax liability provided the required
information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner.
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F. |
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Dividends and Paying Agents |
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
We have filed this annual report, including exhibits, with the SEC. As allowed by the
SEC, in Item 19 of this annual report, we incorporate by reference certain information we
filed with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring
you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by
reference is considered to be part of this annual report.
You may read and copy this annual report, including the exhibits incorporated by
reference in this annual report, at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the SECs regional offices in New York, New York and Chicago,
Illinois. You can also request copies of this annual report, including the exhibits
incorporated by reference in this annual report, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing
information on the operation of the SECs Public Reference Room.
The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements
and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. Our annual
report and some of the other information submitted by us to the SEC may be accessed through
this web site.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules under the Exchange Act
prescribing the furnishing and content of quarterly reports and proxy statements, and
officers, directors and principal shareholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing
profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
We will furnish our shareholders with annual reports, which will include a review of
operations and annual audited consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with
U.S. GAAP.
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I. |
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Subsidiary Information |
For a listing of our subsidiaries, see Item 4. Information on the Company C. Organizational
Structure
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Item 11. |
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
Foreign Exchange Risk
Substantially all of our revenues, costs and expenses are denominated in Renminbi.
Although the conversion of the Renminbi is highly regulated in China, the value of the
Renminbi against the value of the U.S. dollar or any other currency nonetheless may fluctuate
and be affected by, among other things, changes in Chinas political and economic conditions.
Under the currency policy in effect in China today, the value of the Renminbi is permitted to
fluctuate within a narrow band against a basket of certain foreign currencies. China is
currently under significant international pressures to liberalize this government currency
policy, and if such liberalization were to occur, the value of the Renminbi could appreciate
or depreciate against the U.S. dollar.
92
We use the U.S. dollar as the reporting currency for our financial statements. Our
companys functional currency is the U.S. dollar and the functional currency of our PRC
subsidiaries is the Renminbi. All of our subsidiarys transactions in currencies other than
the Renminbi during the year are recorded at the exchange rates prevailing on the relevant
dates of such transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities of our subsidiary existing at the
balance sheet date denominated in currencies other than the Renminbi are re-measured at the
exchange rates prevailing on such date. Exchange differences are recorded in our consolidated
statements of operations. Fluctuations in exchange rates may also affect our consolidated
financial statements and operations. For example, to the extent that we need to convert U.S.
dollars received in our public offering in August 2008 into Renminbi for our operations,
appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on the
amount of Renminbi that we receive from the conversion. Conversely, if we decide to convert
Renminbi into U.S. dollars for the purpose of making payments for dividends on our common
shares or ADSs or for other business purposes, appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the
Renminbi would have a negative effect on the U.S. dollar amounts available to us. Except for
certain cash balances, majority of our transactions are denominated in Renminbi. Considering
the amount of our cash balance as of December 31, 2010, a 1.0% change in the exchange rates
between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar will result in an increase or decrease of RMB4.0
million (US$0.6 million) for our total amount of cash balance,
with a corresponding decrease or increase in operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2010.
We do not believe that we currently have any significant direct foreign exchange risk and
have not used any derivative financial instruments to hedge exposure in foreign exchange risk.
Interest Rate Risk
Our risk exposure to changes in interest rates relates primarily to the interest income
generated by cash deposited in interest-bearing savings accounts and interest expenses arising
from bank borrowings.
On December 3, 2009, we entered into a credit facility agreement with the Bank of China to
provide a maximum loan amount of RMB 400 million (US$60.6 million). The long-term loan under this credit facility may be drawn at
any time within two years from the effective date of the agreement and will mature in a period
up to two years after it is drawn. The loan, when drawn, will carry a floating interest rate
equal to of 90% of the Peoples Bank of China benchmark rate. As of December 31, 2010, we had
a loan of US$60.5 million, which will be repayable in full on December 30, 2011, under this
credit facility.
As of December 31, 2010, we had short-term loans of $61.2 million with Macau Branch of
Bank of China, which was secured by RMB equivalent of US$70.1 million pledged with Shenzhen
Branch of the Bank of China. The loans carried an annual interest rate of 1.72%, and the
pledged deposits carried an annual interest rate of 2.25%.
Our management monitors the banks prime rates in conjunction with our cash requirements
to determine the appropriate level of debt balances relative to other sources of funds.
Historically, we have not been exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates;
however, our future interest income may decrease or interest expense on our borrowings may
increase due to changes in market interest rates. We have not used, and do not expect to use
in the future, any derivative financial instruments to hedge our interest risk exposure.
|
|
|
Item 12. |
|
Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities |
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
93
|
|
|
D. |
|
American Depositary Shares |
Depositary Fees
Under the terms of the deposit agreement for our ADSs, an ADS holder may have to pay the
following service fees to the depositary:
|
|
|
Service |
|
Fees |
Issuance of ADSs |
|
Up to US$0.05 per ADS issued |
Cancellation of ADSs |
|
Up to US$0.05 per ADS cancelled |
Distribution of cash dividends or other cash distributions |
|
Up to US$0.02 per ADS held |
Distribution of ADSs pursuant to stock dividends, free stock distributions or exercises
of rights |
|
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held |
Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs |
|
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held |
Depositary Charges
In addition, an ADS holder shall be responsible for the following charges:
|
|
|
taxes and other governmental charges; |
|
|
|
|
such registration fees as may from time to time be in effect for the registration of
common shares or other deposited securities on the share register and applicable to
transfers of common shares or other deposited securities to or from the name of the
custodian, the depositary or any nominees upon the making of deposits and withdrawals,
respectively; |
|
|
|
|
such cable, telex and facsimile transmission and delivery expenses as are
expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be at the expense of ADS holders and
beneficial owners of ADSs; |
|
|
|
|
the expenses and charges incurred by the depositary in the conversion of foreign currency; and |
|
|
|
|
the fees and expenses incurred by the depositary, the custodian or any nominee
in connection with the servicing or delivery of deposited securities. |
Depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancellation of ADSs are typically paid to
the depositary by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) receiving the newly-issued ADSs
from the depositary and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to
the depositary for cancellation. The brokers in turn charge these transaction fees to their
clients.
Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS
holders and the depositary services fee are charged by the depositary to the holders of record
of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date. The depositary fees payable for cash
distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed. In the case of
distributions other than cash (i.e., stock dividends, rights offerings), the depositary
charges the applicable fee to the ADS record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In
the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or
un-certificated in direct registration), the depositary sends invoices to the applicable
record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts via the
central clearing and settlement system, The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, the depositary
generally collects its fees through the systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the
registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in
their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients ADSs in DTC accounts in
turn charge their clients accounts the amount of the fees paid to the depositary.
In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary may, under the terms
of the deposit agreement, refuse the requested service until payment is received or may set
off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder.
The fees and charges ADS holders may be required to pay may vary over time and may be changed by
us and by the depositary. ADS
holders will receive prior notice of such changes.
94
Payments by Depositary
In 2010, we received the following payments from The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary
bank for our ADR program:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
Item |
|
(in thousands) |
Reimbursement of investor relations efforts |
|
|
272 |
|
Reimbursement of legal fees |
|
|
1 |
|
Reimbursement of Nasdaq listing fees |
|
|
5 |
|
Reimbursement of proxy process expenses |
|
|
19 |
|
Reimbursement of SEC filing fees |
|
|
42 |
|
Reimbursement of Sarbanes-Oxley and accounting-related expenses in connection with ongoing SEC
compliance and listing requirements |
|
|
|
|
Reimbursement of other ADR program-related expenses |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
343 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part II
|
|
|
Item 13. |
|
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies |
None.
|
|
|
Item 14. |
|
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds |
Material Modifications to the Rights of Securities Holders
See Item 10. Additional Information for a description of the rights of securities holders,
which remain unchanged.
Use of Proceeds
We completed our initial public offering of 13,500,000 common shares, in the form of
ADSs, at US$8.00 per ADS in December 2007, after our common shares and American Depositary
Receipts were registered under the Securities Act. The aggregate price of the offering amount
registered and sold was US$108.0 million, of which we received net proceeds of US$96.7
million. The effective date of our registration statement on Form F-1 (File number:
333-147275) was December 5, 2007. Credit Suisse and Merrill Lynch were the joint global
coordinators and book runners for the global offering of our ADSs.
We completed a subsequent public offering of 1,150,000 newly issued common shares, in the form of
ADSs, at US$16.00 per ADS in August 2008, after our common shares and American Depositary
Receipts were registered under the Securities Act. The aggregate price of the offering amount
registered and sold was US$18.4 million, of which we received net proceeds of US$16.0 million.
The effective date of our registration statement of Form F-1 (File number: 333-152726) was
August 1, 2008. Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch were the joint global
coordinators and book runners for the global offering of our ADSs.
As of March 31, 2010, approximately US$80.4 million of the net proceeds from our public
offerings has been used for acquisitions of six advertising agency companies and Digital
Media Group and capital expenditures, and approximately US$32.3 million has been used for
general corporate purposes.
95
|
|
|
Item 15. |
|
Controls and Procedures |
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this annual report, an evaluation has been carried
out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief
executive officer and our vice president of finance (principal financial officer), of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such
term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer
have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that
material information required to be disclosed in this annual report is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported to them for assessment, and required disclosure is made within the
time period specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
We believe that a system of disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well
designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the
controls and procedures are met.
Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control
over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for our company.
Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial
reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to consolidated financial
statement preparation and presentation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules as
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, management assessed the effectiveness
of the internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 using criteria
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Based on this assessment, management concluded that the our internal control over financial
reporting was effective as of December 31,
2010 based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission.
The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010
has been audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, an independent registered public accounting
firm, who has also audited our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December
31, 2010.
96
Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and the Shareholders of VisionChina Media Inc.:
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of VisionChina Media Inc.
and its subsidiaries and variable interest entity (the
Company) as of December 31, 2010,
based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Companys management is
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the
accompanying Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys internal control over financial
reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting
was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of
internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists,
testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under
the supervision of, the companys principal executive and principal financial officers, or
persons performing similar functions, and effected by the companys board of directors,
management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance
of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and
(3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect
on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting,
including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material
misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also,
projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial
reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31,
2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial
statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010 of the Company, and our
report dated June 30, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedule.
/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Hong Kong
June 30, 2011
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the year ended December 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
|
|
|
Item 16A. |
|
Audit Committee Financial Expert |
Our Board of Directors has determined that William Decker qualify as audit committee
financial expert as defined in Item 16A of Form
20-F. Each of the members of the Audit Committee is an independent director within the
meaning of NYSE Manual Section 303A(2) and meet the criteria for independent set forth in
Section 10A(m)(3) of the Exchange Act.
97
Our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics that applies to our directors,
officers, employees and agents, including certain provisions that specifically apply to our
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Development Officer, Vice Presidents and any other persons who
perform similar functions for us. We have filed our code of business conduct and ethics as an
exhibit to our registration statement on Form F-1. We hereby undertake to provide to any
person without charge, a copy of our
code of business conduct and ethics within ten working days after we receive such persons written
request.
|
|
|
Item 16C. |
|
Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
The following table sets forth the aggregate fees by categories specified below in
connection with certain professional services rendered by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, our principal external auditors. We did not pay any other fees to our
auditors during the periods indicated below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
(US$) |
|
Audit Fees(1) |
|
|
850,000 |
|
|
|
1,050,000 |
|
Audit-Related Fees(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Fees(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
450,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
850,000 |
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Audit fees include the aggregate fees billed in each of the fiscal period listed for
professional services rendered by our principal auditors for the audit of our annual
financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. |
|
(2) |
|
Audit-related fees include the aggregate fees billed in each of fiscal period listed
for assurance and related services by our principal auditors that are reasonably related
to the performance of audit or review of our annual financial statements not reported
under our audit fees. |
|
(3) |
|
Tax fees include fees billed for tax consultations. |
|
(4) |
|
Other fees include the fees billed by our principal auditors in connection with their
audit of the financial statements of Digital Media Group for fiscal years ended December
31, 2008 and 2009, which could be used in the filing of registration
statement on Form F-3, if any, with the SEC. |
The policy of our audit committee or our board of directors is to pre-approve all audit
and non-audit services provided by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, including audit services,
audit-related services, tax services and other services as described above, other than those
for de minimis services which are approved by the Audit Committee or our board of directors
prior to the completion of the audit.
|
|
|
Item 16D. |
|
Exemptions From the Listing Standards For Audit Committees |
Not applicable.
|
|
|
Item 16E. |
|
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers. |
On November 14, 2008, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program, under
which we may repurchase up to US$50 million worth of our issued and outstanding ADSs from the
open market from time to time and before December 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2009, we have
repurchased 940,380 of our ADSs for a total purchase price of approximately US$5.0 million
pursuant to this program. All of the repurchased shares have been retired from our outstanding
common shares. The repurchases were made on the open market at prevailing
market prices or in block trades and subject to restrictions relating to volume, price and
timing. Set for below contains certain information regarding our share repurchase program.
98
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Approximate Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of ADSs that May |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yet be |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Price |
|
Total Number of |
|
Purchased |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid |
|
ADSs Purchased |
|
Under the |
|
|
Total Number of |
|
per ADS |
|
Under the |
|
Program(1) |
Period |
|
ADSs Purchased |
|
(US$) |
|
Program |
|
(US$ in thousands) |
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December |
|
|
281,400 |
|
|
|
5.1360 |
|
|
|
281,400 |
|
|
|
48,557 |
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January |
|
|
23,775 |
|
|
|
5.4962 |
|
|
|
23,775 |
|
|
|
48,426 |
|
February |
|
|
2,550 |
|
|
|
5.5000 |
|
|
|
2,550 |
|
|
|
48,412 |
|
March |
|
|
346,087 |
|
|
|
5.4155 |
|
|
|
346,087 |
|
|
|
46,543 |
|
April |
|
|
286,568 |
|
|
|
5.3827 |
|
|
|
286,568 |
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
Total |
|
|
940,380 |
|
|
|
5.3241 |
|
|
|
940,380 |
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
According to the share repurchase program, we may repurchase up to US$50 million worth of
our issued and outstanding ADSs from the open market from time to time and before December
31, 2009. |
|
|
|
Item 16F. |
|
Change in Registrants Certifying Accountant |
Not applicable.
|
|
|
Item 16G. |
|
Corporate Governance |
Rule 5615(a)(3) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules permits foreign private issuers like us
to follow home country practice with respect to certain corporate governance matters. We are
not aware of any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those
followed by U.S. domestic companies under the Nasdaq Listing Rules.
Part III
|
|
|
Item 17. |
|
Financial Statements |
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18.
|
|
|
Item 18. |
|
Financial Statements |
The following financial statements are filed as part of this annual report, together with
the report of the independent auditors:
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2010 |
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 |
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Changes of Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years
ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 |
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 |
|
|
|
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
|
|
|
|
Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Schedule I |
99
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description of Document |
1.1
|
|
Memorandum and Articles of Association of VisionChina Media Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 from our F-1 registration
statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the
Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
Form of Second Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association
of VisionChina Media Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 from
our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended,
initially filed with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
Specimen Certificate for Common Shares of VisionChina Media Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 from our F-1 registration
statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the
Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Form of American Depositary Receipt of VisionChina Media Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 from our F-1 registration
statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the
Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
Form of Deposit Agreement among VisionChina Media Inc., the depositary and
owners and beneficial owners of the American Depositary Receipts
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 from our F-1 registration
statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the
Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Share Purchase Agreement, dated April 12, 2006, in respect of the sale of
Series A preferred shares of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.4 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as
amended, initially filed with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Share Purchase Agreement, dated March 9, 2007, in respect of the sale of
Series B preferred shares of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.5 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as
amended, initially filed with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Shareholders Agreement, dated April 12, 2006, among the Registrant and
certain investors in Registrants Series A preferred shares (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.6 from our F-1 registration statement (File No.
333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on November
9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated March 9, 2007, among
the Registrant and certain investors in Registrants Series A preferred
shares and certain investors in Registrants Series B preferred shares
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 from our F-1 registration
statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the
Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Shareholders Agreement, dated
November 8, 2007, among the same parties (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.8 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as
amended, initially filed with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
Registrants 2006 Share
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from our
F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the
Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
Form of Indemnification Agreement with the Registrants directors
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 from our F-1 registration
statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the
Commission on November 9, 2007) |
100
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description of Document |
4.8
|
|
Translation of Loan Agreement dated February 15, 2007 among China Digital
Technology Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and Limin Li and Yanqing
Liang (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 from our F-1 registration
statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the
Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
Translation of Loan Agreement dated March 31, 2006 among China Digital
Technology Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and Limin Li and Yanqing
Liang (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 from our F-1 registration
statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the
Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.10
|
|
Translation of Technology Service and Management Agreement dated February
15, 2007 between China Digital Technology Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
and China Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.5 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275),
as amended, initially filed with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.11
|
|
Translation of Technology Service and Management Agreement dated March 31,
2006 between China Digital Technology Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and
China Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as
amended, initially filed with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.12
|
|
Translation of Domain Name License Agreement dated February 15, 2007
between China Digital Technology Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and China
Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.7 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as
amended, initially filed with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.13
|
|
Translation of Domain Name License Agreement dated March 31, 2006 between
China Digital Technology Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and China Digital
Mobile Television Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8
from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended,
initially filed with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.14
|
|
Translation of Option Agreement dated February 15, 2007 among China
Digital Technology Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and Limin Li and
Yanqing Liang. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 from our F-1
registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed
with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.15
|
|
Translation of Option Agreement dated March 31, 2006 among China Digital
Technology Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and Limin Li and Yanqing Liang.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 from our F-1 registration
statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the
Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.16
|
|
Translation of Proxy Letter dated March 31, 2006 and Amendment to Proxy
Letter dated February 15, 2007 of Limin Li. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.11 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275),
as amended, initially filed with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.17
|
|
Translation of Proxy Letter dated March 31, 2006 and Amendment to Proxy
Letter dated February 15, 2007 of Yanqing Liang (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.12 from our F-1 registration statement (File No.
333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on November
9, 2007) |
101
|
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description of Document |
4.18
|
|
Translation of Equity Pledge Agreement dated February 15, 2007 among China
Digital Technology Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and Limin Li and
Yanqing Liang (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 from our F-1
registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed
with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.19
|
|
Translation of Equity Pledge Agreement dated March 31, 2006 among China
Digital Technology Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. and Limin Li and
Yanqing Liang (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 from our F-1
registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed
with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.20
|
|
Translation of Cooperation Agreement dated October 13, 2006 between China
Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd. and Beijing Beiguang Media Mobile
Television Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 from our
F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially
filed with the Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.21
|
|
Translation of Advertising Time on Bus Mobile Television Platform in
Shenzhen Exclusive Agency Agreement dated December 31, 2006 between China
Digital Mobile Television Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Mobile Television Co.,
Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 from our F-1 registration
statement (File No. 333-147275), as amended, initially filed with the
Commission on November 9, 2007) |
|
|
|
4.22 |
|
Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger dated November 16, 2009,
among VisionChina Media Inc., Vision Best Limited, Digital Value Holdings
Limited, Digital Media Group Company Limited and the Shareholder
Representative (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.22 from our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-
33821), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on June 23, 2010)
|
|
|
|
4.23
|
|
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 16, 2009 among
VisionChina Media Inc. and the investors signatories thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 from our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-
33821), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on June 23, 2010) |
|
|
|
4.24
|
|
Translation of RMB Loan Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2009, between
VisionChina Media Group Inc., and Bank of China, Shenzhen Branch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.24 from our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-
33821), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on June 23, 2010)
|
|
|
|
4.25
|
|
Translation of Guarantee Contract between VisionChina Digital Company and
Bank of China Shenzhen Branch (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.25 from our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-
33821), as amended, initially filed with the Commission on June 23, 2010)
|
|
|
|
4.26
|
|
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2010 by and among VisionChina
Media Inc., Focus Media Holding Limited and the other investors named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.26 from our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-
33821), as amended, filed with the Commission on June 27, 2011) |
|
|
|
4.27
|
|
Shareholders Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2011 by and among Focus Media Holding
Limited, JJ Media Investment Holding Limited, Front Lead Investments Limited, Limin Li, and VisionChina Media Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 from our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-
33821), as amended, filed with the Commission on June 27, 2011) |
|
|
|
4.28
|
|
Registration Right Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2011 by and among VisionChina Media
Inc., Focus Media Holding Limited, JJ Media Investment Holding Limited, and Front Lead Investments
Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.28 from our annual report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-
33821), as amended, filed with the Commission on January 21, 2011) |
|
|
|
8.1*
|
|
List of Subsidiaries |
|
|
|
11.1
|
|
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
99.1 from our F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-147275), as
amended, initially filed with the Commission on November 29, 2007) |
|
|
|
12.1*
|
|
CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
12.2*
|
|
Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
13.1*
|
|
CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
13.2*
|
|
Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
23.1*
|
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Filed with this annual report |
102
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing its annual
report on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual
report on its behalf.
|
|
|
|
|
|
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
|
|
|
By |
/s/ Limin Li
|
|
|
Name: |
Limin Li |
|
|
Title: |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
Date:
June 30, 2011
103
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PAGE |
|
|
|
|
F-1 |
|
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|
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|
F-2
F-3 |
|
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|
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|
|
F-4 |
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|
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F-5 |
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|
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F-6 |
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F-7
F-57 |
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|
|
F-58
F-62 |
|
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and the Shareholders of VisionChina Media Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of VisionChina Media Inc. and
subsidiaries and variable interest entities (the Company) as of December 31, 2009 and
2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes of equity and
comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2010. Our audits also include the financial statement schedule listed in the
Index as Schedule I. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule
based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2009 and 2010, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as whole,
presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States), the Companys internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and
our report dated June 30, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Companys
internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Hong Kong
June 30, 2011
F-1
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
68,834,087 |
|
|
$ |
67,211,336 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,368,455 |
|
|
|
70,061,961 |
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance
for doubtful accounts of $1,177,190 and $1,241,874 as of
December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
37,050,076 |
|
|
|
51,084,505 |
|
Amounts due from related parties |
|
|
20 |
(a) |
|
|
4,334,472 |
|
|
|
3,177,665 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
10,049,007 |
|
|
|
32,031,943 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
41,309 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
184,677,406 |
|
|
$ |
223,567,410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed assets, net |
|
|
6 |
|
|
$ |
9,192,741 |
|
|
$ |
14,307,881 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
109,017,669 |
|
|
|
134,570,979 |
|
Intangible assets, net |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
11,455,972 |
|
|
|
43,941,934 |
|
Investments under equity method |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
6,670,189 |
|
|
|
6,618,828 |
|
Other investments |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
2,660,189 |
|
|
|
2,750,876 |
|
Long-term prepayments and deposits |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
65,241,570 |
|
|
|
13,778,574 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
302,489 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,120,980 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
204,238,330 |
|
|
$ |
219,392,541 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
388,915,736 |
|
|
$ |
442,959,951 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term bank loans |
|
|
12 |
|
|
$ |
40,800,000 |
|
|
$ |
121,697,898 |
|
Accounts payable
(including accounts payable of the consolidated variable
interest entities (VIEs) without recourse to VisionChina
Media Inc. (the Company) of $2,207,147 and $11,528,688
as of December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,311,224 |
|
|
|
13,242,872 |
|
Amounts due to related parties |
|
|
20 |
(b) |
|
|
213,029 |
|
|
|
1,752,061 |
|
Consideration payable
(including consideration payable of the consolidated VIEs
without recourse to the Company of $47,873,901 and
$2,425,532 as of December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively) |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
47,873,901 |
|
|
|
36,425,532 |
|
Income tax payable
(including income tax payable of the consolidated VIEs
without recourse to the Company of $2,411,156 and $443,350
as of December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,411,156 |
|
|
|
443,350 |
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
(including accrued expenses and other current liabilities
of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company
of $7,272,649 and $9,110,362 as of December 31, 2009
and 2010, respectively) |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
9,326,208 |
|
|
|
11,953,226 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
102,935,518 |
|
|
$ |
185,514,939 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-2
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS continued
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Non-current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term bank loan |
|
|
12 |
|
|
$ |
731,294 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Consideration payable (including consideration payable
of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the Company
of $9,330,085 and Nil as of December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively) |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
9,330,085 |
|
|
|
29,631,318 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
2,503,125 |
|
|
|
10,896,392 |
|
Other non-current liability (including other non-current
liability of the consolidated VIEs without recourse to the
Company of Nil and $1,664,768 as of December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,664,768 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,564,504 |
|
|
|
42,192,478 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
115,500,022 |
|
|
$ |
227,707,417 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares ($0.0001 par value;
200,000,000 shares authorized; 72,140,684 and
84,894,888 shares issued and outstanding as of
December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively) |
|
|
14 |
|
|
$ |
7,214 |
|
|
$ |
8,490 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
192,362,565 |
|
|
|
273,934,960 |
|
Accumulated profits (deficit) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,112,299 |
|
|
|
(81,225,923 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,499,278 |
|
|
|
22,067,477 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total VisionChina Media Inc. shareholders equity |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
272,981,356 |
|
|
$ |
214,785,004 |
|
Noncontrolling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
434,358 |
|
|
|
467,530 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
273,415,714 |
|
|
|
215,252,534 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
388,915,736 |
|
|
$ |
442,959,951 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising service revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
103,515,250 |
|
|
$ |
120,686,086 |
|
|
$ |
138,056,640 |
|
Advertising equipment revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
565,392 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
104,080,642 |
|
|
$ |
120,686,086 |
|
|
$ |
138,056,640 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising service cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,602,022 |
|
|
|
61,104,381 |
|
|
|
121,000,454 |
|
Advertising equipment cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
475,432 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,077,454 |
|
|
|
61,104,381 |
|
|
|
121,000,454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
63,003,188 |
|
|
|
59,581,705 |
|
|
|
17,056,186 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,711,536 |
|
|
|
24,620,897 |
|
|
|
28,315,592 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,414,571 |
|
|
|
7,425,222 |
|
|
|
9,499,717 |
|
Impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill |
|
|
7&8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
145,720,504 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,126,107 |
|
|
|
32,046,119 |
|
|
|
183,535,813 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
538,085 |
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from equity method investees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(484,969 |
) |
|
|
(998,606 |
) |
|
|
(109,989 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,392,112 |
|
|
|
27,075,065 |
|
|
|
(166,589,616 |
) |
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,480,212 |
|
|
|
1,860,017 |
|
|
|
2,082,605 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(109,590 |
) |
|
|
(4,952,239 |
) |
Government grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
672,515 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(38,491 |
) |
|
|
(1,278 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,506,348 |
|
|
|
28,824,214 |
|
|
|
(169,459,250 |
) |
Income tax benefit (expense) |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
212,325 |
|
|
|
(2,348,254 |
) |
|
|
18,202,289 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,718,673 |
|
|
|
26,475,960 |
|
|
|
(151,256,961 |
) |
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,277 |
|
|
|
127,043 |
|
|
|
(81,261 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to VisionChina
Media Inc. shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
46,809,950 |
|
|
$ |
26,603,003 |
|
|
$ |
(151,338,222 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.67 |
|
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
$ |
(1.83 |
) |
Diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.65 |
|
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
$ |
(1.83 |
) |
Weighted average number of shares used in computation
of net income (loss) per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,064,663 |
|
|
|
71,686,900 |
|
|
|
82,739,234 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,404,916 |
|
|
|
72,676,438 |
|
|
|
82,739,234 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation expenses during the
related periods included in: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
39,847 |
|
|
$ |
63,477 |
|
|
$ |
100,711 |
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,163,623 |
|
|
|
3,698,329 |
|
|
|
432,632 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
263,587 |
|
|
|
570,305 |
|
|
|
414,162 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES OF
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VisionChina Media Inc. shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VisionChina |
|
|
Attributable to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares |
|
|
paid-in |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
comprehensive |
|
|
Noncontrolling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Media Inc. |
|
|
noncontrolling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
capital |
|
|
(deficit) profits |
|
|
income |
|
|
interest |
|
|
Total |
|
|
shareholders |
|
|
interest |
|
|
Total |
|
Balance as of January 1, 2008 |
|
|
68,386,838 |
|
|
$ |
6,839 |
|
|
$ |
163,820,443 |
|
|
$ |
(3,300,654 |
) |
|
$ |
3,502,191 |
|
|
|
652,678 |
|
|
$ |
164,681,497 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common
shares pursuant to
follow-on offering |
|
|
1,150,000 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
17,569,585 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,569,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct offering expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,613,738 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,613,738 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares repurchase |
|
|
(281,400 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
(1,454,628 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,454,656 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of share options |
|
|
2,525,893 |
|
|
|
252 |
|
|
|
10,906,004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,906,256 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted shares |
|
|
38,111 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,467,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,467,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative translation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,359,826 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,359,826 |
|
|
$ |
7,359,826 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
7,359,826 |
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,809,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(91,277 |
) |
|
|
46,718,673 |
|
|
|
46,809,950 |
|
|
|
(91,277 |
) |
|
|
46,718,673 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
54,169,776 |
|
|
$ |
(91,277 |
) |
|
$ |
54,078,499 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
71,819,442 |
|
|
$ |
7,182 |
|
|
$ |
190,694,719 |
|
|
$ |
43,509,296 |
|
|
$ |
10,862,017 |
|
|
|
561,401 |
|
|
$ |
245,634,615 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares repurchase |
|
|
(658,980 |
) |
|
|
(66 |
) |
|
|
(3,582,449 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,582,515 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of share options |
|
|
423,139 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
918,240 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
918,282 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted shares |
|
|
557,083 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,332,111 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,332,111 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative translation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(362,739 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(362,739 |
) |
|
$ |
(362,739 |
) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(362,739 |
) |
Net income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,603,003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(127,043 |
) |
|
|
26,475,960 |
|
|
|
26,603,003 |
|
|
|
(127,043 |
) |
|
|
26,475,960 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
26,240,264 |
|
|
$ |
(127,043 |
) |
|
$ |
26,113,221 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
72,140,684 |
|
|
$ |
7,214 |
|
|
$ |
192,362,565 |
|
|
$ |
70,112,299 |
|
|
$ |
10,499,278 |
|
|
$ |
434,358 |
|
|
$ |
273,415,714 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares issued for DMG Acquisition
(as defined in Note 3) |
|
|
8,476,013 |
|
|
|
848 |
|
|
|
67,566,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,567,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares issued to certain
subscribers (Note 14) |
|
|
4,006,474 |
|
|
|
401 |
|
|
|
12,900,846 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,901,247 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncontrolling interest acquired
in DMG Acquisition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,403 |
|
|
|
2,403 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of share options |
|
|
202,800 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
157,513 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
157,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted shares |
|
|
68,917 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
947,505 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
947,505 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend paid to a noncontrolling
interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(50,492 |
) |
|
|
(50,492 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative translation adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,568,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,568,199 |
|
|
$ |
11,568,199 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
11,568,199 |
|
Net (loss) income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(151,338,222 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
81,261 |
|
|
|
(151,256,961 |
) |
|
|
(151,338,222 |
) |
|
|
81,261 |
|
|
|
(151,256,961 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(139,770,023 |
) |
|
|
81,261 |
|
|
$ |
(139,688,762 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2010 |
|
|
84,894,888 |
|
|
|
8,490 |
|
|
|
273,934,960 |
|
|
|
(81,225,923 |
) |
|
|
22,067,477 |
|
|
|
467,530 |
|
|
|
215,252,534 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
46,718,673 |
|
|
$ |
26,475,960 |
|
|
$ |
(151,256,961 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
by (used in) operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
675,108 |
|
|
|
627,169 |
|
|
|
585,502 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,285,032 |
|
|
|
5,150,952 |
|
|
|
16,410,245 |
|
Impairment loss on intangible assets and goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
145,720,504 |
|
Write-off of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,005 |
|
|
|
61,056 |
|
Loss from equity method investees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
484,969 |
|
|
|
998,606 |
|
|
|
109,989 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,467,057 |
|
|
|
4,332,111 |
|
|
|
947,505 |
|
Finance cost on consideration payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
664,246 |
|
Deferred tax |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
(251,433 |
) |
|
|
(183,138 |
) |
|
|
(18,008,959 |
) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24,799,643 |
) |
|
|
620,661 |
|
|
|
(9,237,956 |
) |
Amounts due from related parties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(138,304 |
) |
|
|
891,092 |
|
|
|
1,307,017 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,268,436 |
) |
|
|
(3,971,230 |
) |
|
|
(13,676,430 |
) |
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,292,601 |
) |
|
|
1,073,962 |
|
|
|
7,484,947 |
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,060,020 |
|
|
|
1,552,425 |
|
|
|
(1,686,546 |
) |
Amounts due to related parties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
350,158 |
|
|
|
(573,255 |
) |
|
|
811,541 |
|
Income tax payable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,209 |
|
|
|
2,371,947 |
|
|
|
(2,446,445 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,329,809 |
|
|
|
39,397,267 |
|
|
|
(22,210,745 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlements of consideration payable |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64,249,402 |
) |
|
|
(68,509,178 |
) |
|
Net cash inflow from acquisition of subsidiaries |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,840,983 |
|
Acquisitions of fixed assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,961,083 |
) |
|
|
(1,408,117 |
) |
|
|
(3,435,173 |
) |
Acquisitions of intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(234,599 |
) |
|
|
(133,095 |
) |
(Increase)
decrease in restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64,368,455 |
) |
|
|
38,607,862 |
|
Deposits for acquisitions of subsidiaries |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
(16,689,988 |
) |
|
|
(40,000,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Investment in other investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(389,048 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Investment in equity method investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(111,396 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(21,762,467 |
) |
|
|
(170,649,621 |
) |
|
|
(29,628,601 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from bank loans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,531,294 |
|
|
|
78,181,484 |
|
Repayment of bank loans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(42,849,029 |
) |
Proceeds from issuance of common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,569,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,901,247 |
|
Proceeds from exercise of share options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,906,256 |
|
|
|
918,282 |
|
|
|
157,533 |
|
Share repurchases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,037,171 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Payments of direct offering expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,860,716 |
) |
|
|
(278,902 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Dividend paid to a noncontrolling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(50,492 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,615,240 |
|
|
|
37,133,503 |
|
|
|
48,340,743 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of changes in exchange rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,926,045 |
|
|
|
(295,348 |
) |
|
|
1,875,852 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,108,627 |
|
|
|
(94,414,199 |
) |
|
|
(1,622,751 |
) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
131,139,659 |
|
|
|
163,248,286 |
|
|
|
68,834,087 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
163,248,286 |
|
|
$ |
68,834,087 |
|
|
|
67,211,336 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes paid |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
159,445 |
|
|
$ |
2,253,115 |
|
Interest paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,397,583 |
|
|
Non-cash investing and financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalization of an amount due from an existing
equity method investee |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
897,032 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Shares issued as part of consideration
for acquisition of subsidiaries (Note 3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,567,386 |
|
Shares repurchase not yet settled |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,454,656 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
1. |
|
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
VisionChina Media Inc. (the Company) was incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands
on January 27, 2006. The Company and its subsidiaries and variable interest entities (the
Group) sell advertising time on its out-of-home digital television networks in the
Peoples Republic of China (the PRC). The Groups principal geographic market is in the
PRC. |
|
|
|
The Company holds its interest in the operating subsidiaries and investees through a holding
company, China Digital Technology Consulting Co., Ltd. (CDTC), which is a wholly owned
company established in the PRC on March 9, 2006. The Company does not conduct any
substantive operations of its own, but conducts its primary business operations through
CDTCs variable interest entity (VIE), VisionChina Media Group Limited (VisionChina Media
Group) and VisionChina Media Groups subsidiaries and investees. VisionChina Media Group
was established under the laws of the PRC on April 8, 2005. |
|
|
|
In January 2010, pursuant to an agreement entered into between the Company and Digital Media
Group Company Limited (DMG), the Company acquired a 100% equity interest in DMG, which
sells advertising time on its out-of-home digital television networks in the PRCs subway. |
|
|
|
DMG was incorporated under the laws of the British Virgin Islands on May 13, 2003. DMG, its
subsidiaries and VIE sell advertising time on its out-of-home digital television networks in
the PRC and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HK) and provide passenger information
and direction system (PIDS) in the PRC. DMG does not conduct any substantive operations
of its own, but conducts its primary business through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, DMG
(HK) Co., Limited (DMG HK), Beijing Eastlong Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Eastlong
Technology), Eastlong Technologys VIE, Beijing Eastlong Advertising Co., Ltd. (Eastlong
Advertising), and Eastlong Advertisings subsidiaries and equity investees. |
|
|
|
The VIE contractual arrangements |
|
|
|
Chinese laws and regulations prohibit or restrict foreign ownership of media content and
advertising business. To comply with these foreign ownership restrictions, the Group
invests in ventures with local television stations and provides advertising services on its
out-of-home digital television networks in the PRC through VisionChina Media Group and
Eastlong Advertising, which are PRC legal entities established by co-founders of the Company
and DMG, respectively. |
|
|
|
Applicable PRC laws and regulations prohibit foreign investment in and ownership of mobile
advertising agencies. As a Cayman Islands corporation, the Company is deemed a foreign legal
person under PRC laws. |
|
|
|
To provide the Company with effective control over the two VIEs, namely VisionChina Media
Group and Eastlong Advertising, and the ability to receive substantially all of the economic
benefits of the VIEs and their subsidiaries, a series of contractual arrangements were
entered amongst: |
|
|
|
CDTC, VisionChina Media Group and direct equity holders of VisionChina Media Group;
and |
|
|
|
|
Eastlong Technology, Eastlong Advertising and direct equity holders of Eastlong
Advertising. |
F-7
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
1. |
|
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES continued |
|
|
|
The VIE contractual arrangements continued |
|
|
|
Agreements that transfer economic benefits to CDTC and Eastlong Technology: |
|
|
|
Technology and management services agreement |
|
|
|
Pursuant to the technology and management service agreement and amendments thereto entered
into on March 30, 2006 and February 15, 2007 between CDTC and VisionChina Media Group, CDTC
provides technology consulting and management services related to the business operations of
VisionChina Media Group. As consideration for such services, VisionChina Media Group has
agreed to pay service fees as specified by CDTC in its fee notice to VisionChina Media Group
from time to time. The fees payable are calculated based on hourly rates set forth in the
agreement or otherwise agreed upon between the parties. The term of this agreement is 25
years from the date thereof. In the event of a default under this agreement, the
non-defaulting party can terminate this agreement. |
|
|
|
Domain Name License Agreement |
|
|
|
Pursuant to the domain name license agreement and amendments thereto entered into on March
30, 2006 and February 15, 2007 between CDTC and VisionChina Media Group, CDTC grants
VisionChina Media Group the exclusive right to use its domain names, in exchange for a fee
based on the gross annual revenues of VisionChina Media Group. The fee is subject to
periodic adjustments by the parties. The agreement has a term of 25 years, which may be
terminated at any time or extended by CDTC at its discretion. In the event of a default
under this agreement, the non-defaulting party can terminate this agreement. |
|
|
|
Business Cooperation Agreement |
|
|
|
Pursuant to the business cooperation agreement and amendments thereto entered into on
February 22, 2005 between Eastlong Technology and Eastlong Advertising, Eastlong Advertising
may establish entities for the purposes of operating an out-of-home advertising platform and
selling advertisements or value-added services on that platform. Eastlong Technology
provides Eastlong Advertising with technology consulting services related to the conduct of
its business. As consideration for such services, the profits generated by Eastlong
Advertising shall be transferred to Eastlong Technology in accordance with the business
cooperation agreement. Eastlong Technology is the exclusive and sole cooperating partner of
Eastlong Advertising. Eastlong Technology has right to appoint and elect board members and
senior management members of Eastlong Advertising. The term of this agreement commences on
February 22, 2005 and remains in effect unless Eastlong Technology ceases to exist. This
agreement can be terminated if Eastlong Technology is unable to provide any services to
Eastlong Advertising for a continuous period of more than three years due to force majeure. |
F-8
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
1. |
|
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES continued |
|
|
|
The VIE contractual arrangements continued |
|
|
|
Agreements that provide the Company with effective control over VisionChina Media Group and
Eastlong Advertising: |
|
|
|
Loan Agreements |
|
|
|
CDTC entered into a loan agreement and amendments thereto with Mr. Limin Li and Ms. Yanqing
Liang, direct equity holders of VisionChina Media Group, on March 30, 2006 and February 15,
2007, which allows the Company to capitalize the PRC operating affiliates in VisionChina
Media Group and facilitates the establishment of the current corporate structure in
VisionChina Media Group. CDTC made an interest-free loan of RMB50 million to the direct
equity holders of VisionChina Media Group. The loan can be repaid only with the proceeds
from the transfer of equity interest in VisionChina Media Group owned by the direct equity
holders to CDTC or to another person designated by CDTC pursuant to the Option Agreement as
discussed below. In the event of a default under this agreement, the non-defaulting party
can terminate this agreement. |
|
|
|
Eastlong Technology entered into a series of loan agreements and amendments thereto with Mr.
Qijun Men and Mr. Haifeng Wang, direct equity holders of Eastlong Advertising, in February
2005, March 2007 and May 2008, respectively, which allowed Eastlong Advertising to
capitalize its PRC operating affiliates and facilitates the establishment of the corporate
structure. Eastlong Technology made an interest-free loan of RMB20 million to the direct
equity holders of Eastlong Advertising. This loan can only be repaid by transferring the
equity interest in Eastlong Advertising owned by the direct equity holders to Eastlong
Technology or to another person designated by Eastlong Technology. In the event of a default
under this agreement, the non-defaulting party can terminate this agreement. |
|
|
|
Proxy Letter |
|
|
|
Mr. Limin Li and Ms. Yanqing Liang, direct equity holders of VisionChina Media Group, signed
certain proxy letters on February 15, 2007, pursuant to which Mr. Limin Li and Ms. Yanqing
Liang have granted an employee of CDTC, who is a PRC citizen, the right to exercise all
their voting rights as equity holders of VisionChina Media Group as provided under its
articles of association, including the right to appoint and elect board members and senior
management members of VisionChina Media Group. Such grant must be approved by CDTC and the
grantee must be an employee of CDTC. If the grantee ceases to be an employee of CDTC, then
the grantors will revoke the proxy and grant a similar proxy to a then-current employee of
CDTC designated by CDTC. The proxy letters will remain effective until February 15, 2032. |
|
|
|
Option Agreements |
|
|
|
CDTC, Mr. Limin Li and Ms. Yanqing Liang entered into an option agreement on February 15,
2007, pursuant to which CDTC has an exclusive option to purchase, or to designate another
qualified person to purchase, to the extent permitted by PRC law and foreign investment
policies, part or all of the equity interests in VisionChina Media Group owned by Mr. Limin
Li and Ms. Yanqing Liang. The purchase price for the entire equity interest shall be the
greater of (i) RMB50 million and (ii) the minimum price permitted by applicable PRC law and
agreed upon by the parties. The option agreement remains in effect until the completion of
the transfer of all the equity interests in accordance with the option agreement. In the
event of a default under this agreement, the non-defaulting party can terminate this
agreement. |
F-9
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
1. |
|
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES continued |
|
|
|
The VIE contractual arrangements continued |
|
|
|
Agreements that provide the Company with effective control over VisionChina Media Group and
Eastlong Advertising continued: |
|
|
|
Eastlong Technology, Mr. Qijun Men and Mr. Haifeng Wang entered into a series of option
agreements and amendments thereto in February 2005, March 2007 and May 2008, respectively,
pursuant to which Eastlong Technology has an exclusive option to purchase, or to designate
another qualified person to purchase, to the extent permitted by the PRC law and foreign
investment policies, all of the equity interests in Eastlong Advertising owned by Mr. Qijun
Men and Mr. Haifeng Wang. The purchase price for the entire equity interest shall be RMB20
million. The option agreement remains in effect until the completion of the transfer of all
the equity interests in accordance with the option agreements. |
|
|
|
The above contractual arrangements allow the Group to effectively control VisionChina Media
Group, Eastlong Advertising and their subsidiaries, and to derive substantially all of the
economic benefits from them. Accordingly, the Group treats VisionChina Media Group and
Eastlong Advertising as VIEs. Because the Group is the primary beneficiary of VisionChina
Media Group and Eastlong Advertising, the Group has consolidated the financial results of
VisionChina Media Group and Eastlong Advertising and their subsidiaries. |
|
|
|
These agreements are currently legally enforceable in the PRC. However, there are certain
risks related to the VIE arrangements, which include but are not limited to the following: |
|
|
|
If the ownership structure and contractual arrangements are found to be in
violation of any existing or future PRC laws or regulations, the Group could be subject
to severe penalties; |
|
|
|
|
The Group relies on contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their equity
holders for substantially all of its PRC operations, which may not be as effective as
direct ownership in providing operational control; and |
|
|
|
|
The Group may have to incur significant cost to enforce, or may not be able to
effectively enforce, the contractual arrangements with the VIEs and their equity
holders in the event of a breach or non-compliance by the VIEs or their equity holders. |
|
|
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an authoritative
pronouncement to amend the accounting rules for variable interest entities. The amendments
effectively replace the quantitative-based risks-and-rewards calculation for determining
which reporting entity, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest
entity with an approach focused on identifying which reporting entity has (1) the power to
direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly affect the
entitys economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to
receive benefits from, the entity. Additionally, an enterprise is required to assess whether
it has an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a variable interest entity
operates as designed when determining whether it has the power to direct the activities of
the variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entitys economic
performance. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures about a reporting
entitys involvement with variable interest entities and about any significant changes in
risk exposure as a result of that involvement. The Company adopted the new guidance for the
year ended December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
The Company has two VIEs, VisionChina Media Group and Eastlong Advertising, which it has
consolidated under the authoritative literature because it is the primary beneficiary of the
VIEs. Since the Company, through its subsidiaries, has (1) the power to direct the
activities of the VIEs that most significantly affect the VIEs economic performance and (2)
the right to receive benefits from the VIE, the Company will continue to consolidate the
VIEs upon the adoption of the new guidance, which, other than for additional disclosures,
has no accounting impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements. |
F-10
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
1. |
|
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES continued |
|
|
|
The VIE contractual arrangements continued |
|
|
|
The financial information of the Companys VIEs and VIEs subsidiaries as of December 31,
2009 and 2010 and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
268,576,744 |
|
|
$ |
414,749,161 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
(165,550,085 |
) |
|
|
(464,874,596 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Total revenues |
|
$ |
102,830,126 |
|
|
$ |
120,747,711 |
|
|
$ |
138,056,640 |
|
Net income (loss) |
|
|
48,586,681 |
|
|
|
33,145,938 |
|
|
|
(110,259,691 |
) |
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
18,991,827 |
|
|
|
41,206,699 |
|
|
|
1,760,983 |
|
Net cash
provided by (used in) investing activities |
|
|
7,494,751 |
|
|
|
(92,614,579 |
) |
|
|
(55,717,423 |
) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
61,356,102 |
|
|
|
(16,810,699 |
) |
|
|
(58,334,979 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Groups consolidated assets do not include any collateral for VisionChina Media Groups
and Eastlong Advertisings obligations. |
|
|
|
There was no pledge or collateral of the assets either in VisionChina Media Group or
Eastlong Advertising. Creditors of VisionChina Media Group have no recourse to the general
credit of CDTC or the Company, which is the primary beneficiary of VisionChina Media Group.
Creditors of Eastlong Advertising have no recourse to the general credit of Eastlong
Technology or the Company, which is primary beneficiary of Eastlong Advertising. |
F-11
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
1. |
|
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES continued |
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010, the Companys subsidiaries and VIEs and VIEs subsidiaries include
the following entities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date of |
|
Date of |
|
Place of |
|
|
|
|
acquisition |
|
establishment/ |
|
establishment/ |
|
Percentage of |
Companies |
|
by the Company |
|
incorporation |
|
incorporation |
|
ownership |
Subsidiaries of the Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CDTC |
|
N/A |
|
March 9, 2006 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Aim Sky International Limited (Aim) |
|
April 1, 2008 |
|
January 1, 2008 |
|
British Virgin Islands (BVI) |
|
100% |
Win Prosper Development Limited |
|
N/A |
|
April 23, 2008 |
|
HK |
|
100% |
Century Port Limited (Century) |
|
May 1, 2008 |
|
March 20, 2008 |
|
BVI |
|
100% |
Golden Carriage International
Limited (Golden) |
|
May 1, 2008 |
|
December 13, 2007 |
|
BVI |
|
100% |
Goldwhite Limited (Goldwhite) |
|
May 1, 2008 |
|
March 21, 2008 |
|
BVI |
|
100% |
Peak Win Limited (Peak) |
|
May 1, 2008 |
|
March 19, 2008 |
|
BVI |
|
100% |
Ahead Smart Holdings Limited (Ahead) |
|
August 4, 2008 |
|
June 18, 2008 |
|
BVI |
|
100% |
Vision Best Limited (Vision Best) |
|
N/A |
|
September 23, 2009 |
|
BVI |
|
100% |
Whole Genius Limited |
|
N/A |
|
May 16, 2008 |
|
HK |
|
100% |
DMG |
|
January 2, 2010 |
|
May 15, 2003 |
|
BVI |
|
100% |
DMG HK |
|
January 2, 2010 |
|
October 10, 2003 |
|
HK |
|
100% |
Eastlong Technology |
|
January 2, 2010 |
|
December 10, 2001 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Shenzhen Huachangshi Digital
Technology Co., Ltd.
(Huachangshi) |
|
N/A |
|
November 27, 2008 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Shenzhen Huadingshi Digital
Technology Co., Ltd.
(Huadingshi) |
|
N/A |
|
December 20, 2010 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Dienzhi Advertising (Shanghai)
Co., Ltd |
|
January 2, 2010 |
|
March 19, 2009 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VIE of CDTC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VisionChina Media Group |
|
N/A |
|
April 8, 2005 |
|
PRC |
|
(a) |
F-12
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
1. |
|
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES continued |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date of |
|
Date of |
|
Place of |
|
|
|
|
acquisition |
|
establishment/ |
|
establishment/ |
|
Percentage of |
Companies |
|
by the Company |
|
incorporation |
|
incorporation |
|
ownership |
Subsidiaries of VisionChina Media Group |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shenzhen HDTV Industry
Investment Co., Ltd.
(Shenzhen HDTV) |
|
February 17, 2006 |
|
June 16, 2004 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Beijing Beiguang Media
Mobile Television Advertising
Co., Ltd. (Beiguang Media) |
|
N/A |
|
December 18, 2006 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Beijing Huaguangshi Co., Ltd. |
|
N/A |
|
April 22, 2008 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Beijing Hua Jingshi Media Advertising
Co., Ltd. (Beijing Hua Jingshi) |
|
N/A |
|
July 26, 2007 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Beijing Hua Meishi Advertising
Co., Ltd. (Beijing Hua Meishi) |
|
N/A |
|
May 25, 2007 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Luzhou Huashi Digital Technology
Co., Ltd. (Luzhou Huashi) |
|
N/A |
|
November 21, 2008 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Nanjing Hua Meishi Advertising
Co., Ltd. (Nanjing Hua Meishi) |
|
N/A |
|
July 16, 2007 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Shenzhen Hua Meishi Advertising
Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen Hua Meishi) |
|
N/A |
|
June 29, 2007 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Shenzhen Huashixin Culture Media
Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen Huashixin) |
|
N/A |
|
September 3, 2007 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Nanjing Media Culture
Co., Ltd. (Nanjing Media Culture) |
|
N/A |
|
March 28, 2007 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Guangzhou Jiaojian Multimedia
Information Technology
Co., Ltd. (Guangzhou Jiaojian) |
|
N/A |
|
October 8, 2007 |
|
PRC |
|
50% |
Shanghai Junshi Advertising
Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Junshi) |
|
N/A |
|
June 11, 2008 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Xian Qujiang Huachangshi Digital
Technology Co., Ltd.
(Xian Huachangshi) |
|
N/A |
|
November 12, 2009 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VIE of Eastlong Technology |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eastlong Advertising |
|
January 2, 2010 |
|
March 30, 2004 |
|
PRC |
|
(b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subsidiaries of Eastlong Advertising |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chongqing Light Rail Information
Services Co., Ltd. (DMG
Chongqing) |
|
January 2, 2010 |
|
December 30, 2004 |
|
PRC |
|
61.75% |
Nanjing Metro Operation
Information Service Co., Ltd.
(DMG Nanjing) |
|
January 2, 2010 |
|
September 13, 2006 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Shenzhen Metro Operation
Information Service Co., Ltd.
(DMG Shenzhen) |
|
January 2, 2010 |
|
August 10, 2005 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Tianjin Metro Operation
Information Service Co., Ltd.
(DMG Tianjin) |
|
January 2, 2010 |
|
September 22, 2005 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
Dienzhi Advertising (Beijing)
Co., Ltd. |
|
January 2, 2010 |
|
June 17, 2009 |
|
PRC |
|
100% |
|
|
|
(a): |
|
Through a series of contractual arrangements, VisionChina
Media Group became a VIE of CDTC. |
|
(b): |
|
Through a series of contractual arrangements, Eastlong
Advertising became a VIE of Eastlong Technology. |
F-13
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
1. |
|
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES continued |
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010, the Groups equity method investees include the following entities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
acquisition |
|
Date of |
|
Place of |
|
Percentage of |
Investee companies |
|
by the Company |
|
establishment |
|
establishment |
|
ownership |
Chengdu Mobile Digital
Television Company Limited
(Chengdu Mobile) |
|
N/A |
|
April 29, 2005 |
|
PRC |
|
49% |
Haerbin China Mobile
Television Company limited
(Haerbin Mobile) |
|
N/A |
|
November 10, 2005 |
|
PRC |
|
49% |
Jilin Mobile
Television Company Limited
(Jilin Mobile) |
|
N/A |
|
November 8, 2005 |
|
PRC |
|
49% |
Dalian Mobile Digital
Television Company Limited
(Dalian Mobile) |
|
N/A |
|
February 20, 2006 |
|
PRC |
|
49% |
Henan China Digital Mobile
Television Company Limited
(Henan Mobile) |
|
N/A |
|
July 4, 2006 |
|
PRC |
|
49% |
Hubei China Digital
Television Company Limited
(Hubei Mobile) |
|
N/A |
|
July 26, 2006 |
|
PRC |
|
49% |
Suzhou China Digital Mobile
Television Company Limited
(Suzhou Mobile) |
|
N/A |
|
February 17, 2007 |
|
PRC |
|
49% |
Changzhou China Digital Mobile
Television Company Limited
(Changzhou Mobile) |
|
N/A |
|
March 19, 2007 |
|
PRC |
|
49% |
Ningbo China Digital Mobile
Television Company Limited
(Ningbo Mobile) |
|
N/A |
|
April 5, 2007 |
|
PRC |
|
49% |
Zhongguanguoji Metro TV
(Beijing) Co., Ltd.
(Zhongguanguoji) |
|
January 2, 2010 |
|
December 22, 2005 |
|
PRC |
|
49% |
|
|
Apart from Zhongguanguoji, the Groups equity method investees have been separately
formed with nine separate parties for the purpose of engaging in provision of digital mobile
television advertising services in the PRC. VisionChina Media Group contributed cash and
another investor contributed advertising broadcasting rights to the equity method investees
for 49% and 51% equity interests, respectively. |
F-14
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
|
(a) |
|
Basis of presentation |
|
|
|
|
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance
with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
(US GAAP). |
|
|
(b) |
|
Principles of Consolidation |
|
|
|
|
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the
Company, its subsidiaries and VIEs for which the Company is the primary beneficiary.
All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation. |
|
|
(c) |
|
Noncontrolling interest |
|
|
|
|
Noncontrolling interest has been reported as a component of equity in the
consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of changes of equity and
comprehensive income (loss) for all periods presented in accordance with Accounting Standard
Codification (ASC) 810, Consolidation Noncontrolling Interest in a Subsidiary,
issued by FASB. |
|
|
(d) |
|
Significant risks and uncertainties |
|
|
|
|
The Group participates in a dynamic industry and believes that changes in any of the
following areas could have a material adverse effect on the Groups future financial
position, results of operations or cash flows: advances and trends in new
technologies or industry standards; competition; changes in key suppliers; changes in
certain strategic relationships; regulatory or other PRC related factors such as PRC
tax rules and etc.; risks associated with the Groups ability to attract and retain
employees necessary to support its growth; and general risks associated with the
advertising industry. |
|
|
(e) |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments which
are unrestricted as to withdrawal or use, and which have maturities of three months
or less when purchased. |
|
|
(f) |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash represents the amount of cash pledged as securities for outstanding
bank loans to financial institutions and the bank deposits placed in escrow accounts
as the performance security for certain PIDS agreements. Restricted cash pledged as
securities for outstanding short-term bank loans to financial institutions is
classified as current asset, while restricted cash related to bank deposits in escrow
accounts as the performance security for certain PIDS agreements which are not
expected to be completed within one year is classified as non-current asset. |
F-15
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued |
|
(g) |
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable primarily represent amounts due from customers, which are
recorded at the invoiced amount or at an amount in accordance with the contractual
terms agreed with the advertising customers, and do not bear interest. The Group
reviews its accounts receivable on a periodic basis and records allowances when there
is a doubt as to the collectibility of the balance. In evaluating the collectibility
of the accounts receivable balances, the Group considers various factors, including
the age of the balance, customer specific facts and economic conditions. Accounts
receivable balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of
collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
The Group does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its
customers. |
|
|
(h) |
|
Intangible assets, net |
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets, which consist of concession contracts, customer base, non-compete
agreements, technology, trademark and patents are carried at cost less accumulated
amortization. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over their
respective expected useful lives as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated use life |
|
Customer base |
|
5 years |
Non-compete agreements |
|
10 years |
Patents |
|
10 years |
Trademark |
|
10 years |
Concession contracts |
|
9 years |
Technology |
|
9 years |
|
(i) |
|
Fixed assets, net |
|
|
|
|
Fixed assets are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.
Assembly in progress is not depreciated until it is ready for its intended use. |
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization is computed on a straight-line basis over the following
estimated useful lives, after taking into account the residual values: |
|
|
|
Media display equipment |
|
5 years |
Computers and office equipment |
|
5 years |
Motor vehicles |
|
5 years |
Leasehold improvements |
|
lesser of lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the assets |
|
(j) |
|
Investments under equity method |
|
|
|
|
The investments for which the Group has the ability to exercise significant influence
are accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method, original
investments are recorded at cost and adjusted by the Groups share of undistributed
earnings or losses of these entities, by the amortization of intangible assets
recognized upon purchase price allocation and by dividend distributions or subsequent
investments. All unrecognized inter-company profits or losses have been eliminated
under the equity method. |
F-16
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued |
|
(j) |
|
Investments under equity method continued |
|
|
|
|
The Group generates a portion of its revenues from sales of advertising time on
mobile television networks which are owned by its equity method investees. Because
the operations of the Groups investees under equity method form an integral part to
the Groups operating activities, the Groups share of undistributed earnings or
losses of these entities is classified as part of the Groups operating profit
(loss). |
|
|
|
|
When the estimated amount to be realized from the investments falls below its
carrying value, an impairment charge is recognized in the consolidated statements of
operations when the decline in value is considered other than temporary. |
|
|
(k) |
|
Other investments |
|
|
|
|
The Groups investments in non-marketable equity securities for which the Group does
not have the ability to exercise significant influence or control are accounted for
using the cost method. Dividends and other distributions of earnings from investees,
if any, are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations when declared.
The Group periodically evaluates the carrying value of investments accounted for
under the cost method of accounting and any impairment is included in the
consolidated statements of operations. |
|
|
(l) |
|
Impairment of long-lived assets |
|
|
|
|
The Group reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may no longer be
recoverable. When these events occur, the Group measures impairment by comparing the
carrying value of the long-lived assets to the estimated undiscounted future cash
flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition.
If the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flow is less than the carrying amount of
the assets, the Group recognizes an impairment loss based on the fair value of the
assets. No impairment charge is recognized for long-lived assets during the years
ended December 31, 2008 and 2009. The Group recorded an impairment charge of
$49,193,681 against intangible assets in the consolidated statements of operations
during the year ended December 31, 2010 as detailed in Note 8. |
|
|
(m) |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
|
|
Goodwill represents the excess of costs of businesses acquired over fair value of
acquired net tangible and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized,
but instead tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions
of FASB ASC 350, Intangibles Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. |
F-17
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued |
|
(m) |
|
Goodwill continued |
|
|
|
|
Goodwill is required to be reviewed for impairment on an annual basis. The goodwill
impairment test is a two-step test. Under the first step, the fair value of the
reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill). If the fair
value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill
impairment exists for the reporting unit and the enterprise must perform step two of the
impairment test (measurement). Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any
excess of the carrying amount of the reporting units goodwill over the implied fair
value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating
the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation.
The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting
units goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value,
step two does not need to be performed. |
|
|
|
|
No impairment charge is recognized against goodwill during the years ended December 31,
2008 and 2009. An impairment charge against goodwill of $96,526,823 was recorded in the
consolidated statements of operations during the year ended December 31, 2010 as
detailed in Note 7. |
|
|
(n) |
|
Business combinations |
|
|
|
|
Business combinations are recorded using the acquisition method of accounting. On
January 1, 2009, the Group adopted a new accounting pronouncement with prospective
application which made certain changes to the previous authoritative literature on
business combinations. From January 1, 2009, the assets acquired, the liabilities
assumed, and any noncontrolling interest of the acquiree at the acquisition date, if
any, are measured at their fair values as of that date. Goodwill is recognized and
measured as the excess of the total consideration transferred plus the fair value of any
noncontrolling interest of the acquiree, if any, at the acquisition date over the fair
values of the identifiable net assets acquired. Previously, any noncontrolling interest
was reflected at historical cost. Common forms of the consideration made in acquisitions
include cash and common equity instruments. Consideration transferred in a business
combination is measured at the fair value as of the date of acquisition. For shares
issued in a business combination, the Group has estimated the fair value as of the date
of acquisition. |
|
|
|
|
Where the consideration in an acquisition includes contingent consideration, the payment
of which depends on the achievement of certain specified conditions post-acquisition,
from January 1, 2009 the contingent consideration is recognized and measured at its fair
value at the acquisition date and if recorded as a liability, it is subsequently carried
at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in the
consolidated statements of operations. For business acquired in
the periods prior to January 1, 2009, contingent consideration was not recorded until
the contingency was resolved. |
F-18
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued |
|
(1) |
|
Time-based advertising services |
|
|
|
|
For time-based advertising services, the Group recognizes revenues as the
advertisements are aired over the contractual term based on the schedules agreed
with the customers. Payments received in advance of services provided are
recorded as customer deposits. |
|
|
|
|
Revenue is deferred until persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery
has occurred (provided that there are no significant post delivery obligations to
the customers), the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collection is
reasonably assured. |
|
|
(2) |
|
Barter transactions |
|
|
|
|
The Group engages in barter transactions which are generally recorded at fair
value. The amount of revenues recognized for barter transactions was
insignificant for each of the periods presented. |
|
|
(3) |
|
Sales of advertising equipment |
|
|
|
|
Revenues from sales of advertising equipment, which are from related parties, are
recognized upon delivery, at which time all of the following four criteria are
met: (i) pervasive evidence that an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery of the
products and/or services has occurred and risks and rewards of ownership have
passed to the customer; (iii) the selling price is both fixed and determinable,
and (iv) collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. |
|
|
|
|
Advertising equipment revenues are recorded net of value-added tax incurred,
which amounted to $96,117, Nil and Nil for the years ended December 31, 2008,
2009 and 2010, respectively. |
|
|
(4) |
|
Sales of PIDS |
|
|
|
|
The Group entered into certain arrangements for sales of PIDS where it is
obligated to deliver multiple products and/or services (multiple elements),
including the equipment necessary for the operation of PIDS, free post-delivery
support and training. The Group is unable to establish vendor-specific objective
evidence or third party evidence of fair value for any of the elements in the
arrangement because they are not sold separately, nor is the Group able to
establish the estimated selling prices for each components in the arrangements
for sales of PIDS. Recognition of revenue from the sales of PIDS is therefore
deferred until the earlier of the point at which such sufficient vendor-specific
objective evidence does exist or all elements of the arrangement have been
delivered. No revenues from the sales of PIDS have been recognized in the
consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009
and 2010. |
F-19
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued |
|
(p) |
|
Cost of revenues |
|
|
|
|
Cost of advertising services consists primarily of media costs payable under advertising
agreements, depreciation, amortization of certain intangible assets, business taxes and
surcharges and other operating costs. Media costs are expensed as incurred. |
|
|
|
|
The amount of business taxes and surcharges included in advertising services cost
totalled $6,263,811, $6,750,536 and $3,242,640 for the years ended December 31, 2008,
2009 and 2010, respectively. |
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales of PIDS consists primarily of purchase cost of digital television displays
and other related equipment. Cost incurred for PIDS is recorded in deferred cost of
revenue within long-term prepayments and deposits in the consolidated balance sheets
until the corresponding revenue is recognized in the consolidated statements of
operations. |
|
|
(q) |
|
Operating leases |
|
|
|
|
Leases in which substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain
with the leasing group are accounted for as operating leases. Payments made under
operating leases are charged to the consolidated statement of operations on a
straight-line basis over the lease periods. |
|
|
(r) |
|
Foreign currency translation |
|
|
|
|
The functional and reporting currency of the Company is the United States dollar (US
dollar). Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the US
dollar are translated into US dollars at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet
date. Transactions in currencies other than US dollars during the year are converted
into the US dollars at the applicable rates of exchange prevailing on the respective
dates of the transactions. Transaction gains and losses are recognized in the
consolidated statements of operations. |
|
|
|
|
The financial records of the Companys subsidiaries and VIEs are maintained in their
respective local currencies, the Renminbi (RMB) or Hong Kong Dollar, which are also
their respective functional currencies. Assets and liabilities are translated into US dollars at the
exchange rates at the balance sheet date; equity accounts are translated at historical
exchange rates; revenues, expenses and gains and losses are translated using the average
rates for the period. Translation adjustments are reported as cumulative translation
adjustments and are recorded within accumulated other comprehensive income in the
consolidated statements of changes of equity and comprehensive income (loss). |
F-20
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued |
|
(s) |
|
Net income (loss) per share |
|
|
|
|
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable
to VisionChina Media Inc. shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding during the year. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the potential
dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common shares were
exercised or converted into common shares. The Companys dilutive securities consist of
outstanding share options and restricted shares. Certain common share equivalents (e.g.
share options and restricted shares) are excluded from calculation of
diluted net income
(loss) per share as their effect is anti-dilutive. The Company had 2,768,550, 2,399,658
and 1,771,824 outstanding share options as of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010,
respectively. As of December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Company had 204,889, 90,723
and 243,889 outstanding restricted shares, respectively. |
|
|
|
|
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss)
attributable to VisionChina Media Inc. shareholders per share. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to VisionChina
Media Inc. shareholders |
|
$ |
46,809,950 |
|
|
$ |
26,603,003 |
|
|
$ |
(151,338,222 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding basic |
|
|
70,064,663 |
|
|
|
71,686,900 |
|
|
|
82,739,234 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of dilutive securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share options and restricted shares |
|
|
2,340,253 |
|
|
|
989,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator used for diluted earnings per share |
|
|
72,404,916 |
|
|
|
72,676,438 |
|
|
|
82,739,234 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income (loss) per share |
|
$ |
0.67 |
|
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
$ |
(1.83 |
) |
Diluted net income (loss) per share |
|
$ |
0.65 |
|
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
$ |
(1.83 |
) |
|
(t) |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the
financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and operating loss and tax
credit carryforwards using enacted tax rates that will be in effect for the period in
which the differences are expected to reverse. The Group records a valuation allowance
against the amount of deferred tax assets that it determines is not more likely than not
of being realized. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized
in the consolidated statements of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. |
|
|
|
|
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are
more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured
at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in
recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment
occurs. The Company has elected to record interest related to unrecognized tax benefits
and penalties, if any, within income tax benefit (expense). |
F-21
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued |
|
(u) |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
Share-based payments to employees are measured based on the fair values of share options
and restricted shares on the respective grant dates and recognized as compensation
expense over the requisite service periods with a corresponding credit to additional
paid-in capital. For share options and restricted shares granted with performance
condition that do not affect the exercise price or factors other than vesting or
exercisability, compensation expense is accrued if it is probable that the performance
condition will be achieved, and compensation expense is not accrued if it is not
probable that the performance condition will be achieved. |
|
|
|
|
Share awards issued to non-employees are measured at fair value at the earlier of the
commitment date or the date the services is completed and recognized over the period the
service is provided or as goods are received. |
|
|
|
|
The Group uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to measure the value of options
granted to non-employees and employees at each measurement date. |
|
|
(v) |
|
Comprehensive income (loss) |
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of the Group during a
period from transactions and other events and circumstances excluding transactions
resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Comprehensive income
(loss) is reported in the consolidated statements of changes of equity and comprehensive
income (loss). Comprehensive income (loss) of the Group
represents the cumulative foreign
currency translation adjustments and net income (loss) for the year. |
|
|
(w) |
|
Use of estimates |
|
|
|
|
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Significant accounting estimates reflected in the Groups
consolidated financial statements include allowance for doubtful debts, valuation of
fixed assets, valuations of goodwill and intangible assets, valuation of investments
under equity method, valuation of other investments, valuation of deferred tax assets,
useful lives of fixed assets and intangible assets, fair value of share options and
restricted shares and provision for litigation. These estimates are often based on
complex judgments and assumptions that management believes to be reasonable but are
inherently uncertain and unpredictable. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. |
|
|
(x) |
|
Government grants |
|
|
|
|
Government grants represent cash subsidies received from the PRC government by the
operating subsidiaries or VIEs of the Company. Government grants are recognized after
the grants have been received and all of the conditions specified in the grant have been
met, and are classified as operating or non-operating profit based on the nature of the
government grants in accordance to FASB ASC 225. |
F-22
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued |
|
(x) |
|
Government grants continued |
|
|
|
|
In 2008, the Company received a government incentive of $672,515 from the local
government as a one-off award for the consummation of the Companys initial public
offering. This incentive was classified as non-operating income as it did not relate to
the Companys continuing business operations. In 2009, the Company received government
incentive of $538,085 from the local government for its local business operations. This
incentive has been classified as operating profit because it was related to the
Companys continuing business operations. In 2010, no such subsidy has been received by
the Group. |
|
|
(y) |
|
Concentration of Risks |
|
|
|
|
Concentration of Credit Risk |
|
|
|
|
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentration
of credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and
accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2009 and 2010, substantially all of the Groups
cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash were managed by financial institutions
with high credit ratings and quality. Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and
are derived from revenues earned from customers in the PRC. The risk with respect to
accounts receivable is mitigated by credit evaluations performed on the customers and
ongoing monitoring of outstanding balances. The Group maintains and records an
allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its
customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on a
review of aging data and specifically identified accounts. Accounts receivable are
charged against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the
potential for recovery is considered remote. The accounts receivable from customers
with individual balances over 10% of the accounts receivable, net of allowance of
doubtful accounts, represent 23.66% and Nil of the balances of accounts receivable as of
December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively. |
|
|
|
|
Current vulnerability due to certain other concentrations |
|
|
|
|
Substantially all of the Groups businesses are transacted in RMB, which is not freely
convertible into foreign currencies. On January 1, 1994, the PRC government abolished
the dual rate system and introduced a single rate of exchange as quoted daily by the
Peoples Bank of China. However, the unification of the exchange rates does not imply
the full convertibility of RMB into US dollar or other foreign currencies. All foreign
exchange transactions continue to take place either through the Peoples Bank of China
or other banks authorized to buy and sell foreign currencies at the exchange rates
quoted by the Peoples Bank of China. Approval of foreign currency payments by the
Peoples Bank of China or other institutions requires submitting a payment application
form together with supplier invoices, shipping documents and signed contracts. |
F-23
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued |
|
(z) |
|
Fair value of financial instruments |
|
|
|
|
The Group applies the provisions of FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements, or FASB
ASC 820-10, for fair value measurements of financial assets and financial liabilities
and for fair value measurements of nonfinancial items that are recognized or disclosed
at fair value in the financial statements. FASB ASC 820-10 also establishes a framework
for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. |
|
|
|
|
FASB ASC 820-10 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset
or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at
the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and
liabilities required or permitted to be recorded at fair value, the Group considers the
principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and it considers
assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. |
|
|
|
|
FASB ASC 820-10 establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize
the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring
fair value. FASB ASC 820-10 establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to
measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted
prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and
the lowest priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3
measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active
markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
|
|
|
|
Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted
prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability such as
quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for
identical asset or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent
transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant
inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable
market data. |
|
|
|
|
Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the
valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the
assets or liabilities. |
|
|
|
|
The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its
entirety falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value
measurement in its entirety. |
|
|
|
|
The Group did not have any financial assets and liabilities or nonfinancial assets and
liabilities that were required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at
December 31, 2009 and 2010. Other than the impaired goodwill and intangible assets (see
Note 7 and Note 8), the Group did not have any assets and liabilities that were measured
at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The estimated fair value of the impaired
goodwill and intangible assets at the time of impairment tests was estimated by applying
unobservable inputs to the discounted cash flow valuation methodology that are
significant to the measurement of the fair value of these assets (Level 3). |
F-24
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
|
(z) |
|
Fair value of financial instruments continued |
|
|
|
|
The carrying amounts of financial instruments, which consist of cash and cash
equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, amounts due from related parties,
other current assets, short-term bank loans, accounts payable, amounts due to related
parties, consideration payable and other current liabilities approximate their fair
values due to the short term nature of these instruments. The fair values of
investments under equity method and other investments accounted for under cost method
cannot be reasonably estimated without incurring excessive cost. |
|
|
(aa) |
|
Recently issued accounting standards |
|
|
|
|
In April 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2010-13,
Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price
of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying
Equity Security Trades a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. ASU
2010-13 provides amendments to FASB ASC 718 to clarify that an employee share-based
payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a
substantial portion of the entitys equity securities trades should not be considered to
contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore,
an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as
equity. The amendments in this update do not expand the recurring disclosures required
by FASB ASC 718. Disclosures currently required under FASB ASC 718 are applicable to a
share-based payment award, including the nature and the term of share-based payment
arrangements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim
periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The Company
is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2010-13 on its financial
statements. |
F-25
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
2. |
|
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
continued |
|
(aa) |
|
Recently issued accounting standards continued |
|
|
|
|
In April 2010, the Emerging Issues Task Force reached a final consensus on milestone
method of revenue recognition and published ASU 2010-17, Revenue Recognition
Milestone Method (Topic 605). The scope of this ASU is limited to arrangements that
include milestones relating to research or development deliverables. The consensus
specifies guidance that must be met for a vendor to recognize consideration that is
contingent upon achievement of a substantive milestone in its entirety in the period
in which the milestone is achieved. The guidance applies to milestones in
arrangements within the scope of this consensus regardless of whether the arrangement
is determined to have single or multiple deliverables or units of accounting. The
final consensus will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those
years, beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early application is permitted. The
Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2010-17 on its
financial statements. |
|
|
|
|
In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma
Information for Business Combinations. The objective of this guidance is to address
diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of the pro forma revenue and
earnings disclosure requirements for business combinations. The amendments in this
update specify that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the
entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the
business combination(s) that occurred during the year had occurred as of the
beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting only. The amendments also expand
the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and
amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the
business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The
amendments affect any public entity as defined by FASB ASC 805 that enters to
business combinations that are material on an individual or aggregated basis. The
amendments will be effective for business combinations consummated in periods
beginning after December 15, 2010 and are to be applied prospectively as of the date
of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU
2010-29 on its financial statements. |
|
|
|
|
In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-28, When to perform Step 2 of the Goodwill
Impairment test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts. The
amendments in this update modify Step 1 so that for those reporting units, an entity
is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely
than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely
than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity is required to consider whether
there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist.
The qualitative factors are consistent with existing guidance, which requires that
goodwill of a reporting unit be tested for impairment between annual tests if an
event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair
value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The guidance is effective for
impairment tests performed during fiscal years (and interim periods within those
years) that begin after December 15, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the
impact of the adoption of ASU 2010-28 on its financial statements. |
F-26
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
3. |
|
ACQUISITIONS |
|
|
|
Acquisitions in 2008 |
|
|
|
Between April 1, 2008 and August 4, 2008, the Group acquired a 100% equity interest in the
following entities: Peak, Aim, Golden, Goldwhite, Ahead and Century. These six entities are
investing holding companies which own six different advertising agency businesses and were
acquired by the Group separately from six unrelated entities. The purpose of the
acquisitions was to leverage the blue-chip customer base of the advertising planning
companies and integrate their strong sales teams into the Groups sales network to increase
value for shareholders. The purchase price was comprised entirely of contingent
consideration based on multiples ranging from 1.0 to 2.3 on the Earnings (as defined below)
of the respective acquired businesses for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010,
contingent upon the collection of the relevant revenues of respective acquired businesses
(the Earn-out Consideration). The Earnings represent advertising service revenues
generated by the acquired business as deducted by the relevant operating costs and expenses
(including media costs, business taxes and surcharges, sales and marketing expenses, general
and administrative expenses, allowance for doubtful accounts) incurred by the corresponding
acquired business (Earnings). The Earnout Consideration is assessed quarterly and to be
settled on demand. Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition agreements, the Group paid
initial deposits of $16,689,988 (see note 11) in the year ended December 31, 2008. These
initial deposits will be used to offset a portion of the additional consideration payable at
the end of the Earn-out Considearation period, which is by end of June 2011. |
|
|
|
Earn-out Consideration is accounted for as the purchase price of the acquired businesses
when the contingency as stipulated in the acquisition agreements are resolved, that is when
the relevant revenues of the respective acquired businesses for the years ended December 31,
2008, 2009 and 2010 are collected, by recording additional goodwill with a corresponding
credit to consideration payable. |
|
|
|
The following tables summarize the methodology for calculations of Earn-out Consideration of
the respective acquired businesses upon the relevant revenue are collected: |
|
|
|
Acquired
businesses
|
|
Methodology for calculation of Earn-out Consideration as set out in the
acquisition agreements |
|
|
|
Peak
|
|
Multiple of 2.23, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 40 million of, further RMB 75
million of and remaining Earnings of Peak, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.23, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 46 million of, further RMB
112.5 million of and remaining Earnings of Peak, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.23, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 52.9 million of, further RMB
135 million of and remaining Earnings of Peak, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Peak is capped at RMB 350.0 million. |
F-27
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
3. |
|
ACQUISITIONS continued |
|
|
|
Acquisitions in 2008 continued |
|
|
|
Acquired
businesses
|
|
Methodology for calculation of Earn-out Consideration as set out in the
acquisition agreements |
|
|
|
Aim
|
|
Multiple of 2.3, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 5 million of, further RMB 46.9
million of and remaining Earnings of Aim, respectively, for year ended December
31, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.3, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 7 million of, further RMB 53.6
million of and remaining Earnings of Aim, respectively, for year ended December
31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.3, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 10 million of, further RMB 60.3
million of and remaining Earnings of Aim, respectively, for year ended December
31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Aim is capped at RMB 171.6 million. |
|
|
|
Golden
|
|
Multiple of 2.1, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 12 million of, further RMB 30
million of and remaining Earnings of Golden, respectively, for year ended December
31, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.1, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 15 million of, further RMB 37.5
million of and remaining Earnings of Golden, respectively, for year ended December
31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.1, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 20 million of, further RMB 45
million of and remaining Earnings of Golden, respectively, for year ended December
31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Golden is capped at RMB 118.5 million. |
|
|
|
Goldwhite
|
|
Multiple of 2.29, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 20 million of, further RMB 30
million of and remaining Earnings of Goldwhite, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.29, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 23 million of, further RMB 37.5
million of and remaining Earnings of Goldwhite, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.29, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 26.45 million of, further RMB 45
million of and remaining Earnings of Goldwhite, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Goldwhite is capped at RMB 151.0 million. |
F-28
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
3. |
|
ACQUISITIONS continued |
|
|
|
Acquisitions in 2008 continued |
|
|
|
Acquired
businesses
|
|
Methodology for calculation of Earn-out Consideration as set out in the
acquisition agreements |
|
|
|
Ahead
|
|
Multiple of 2.09, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 13 million of, further RMB 42.25
million of and remaining Earnings of Ahead, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.09, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 32.5 million of, further RMB 78
million of and remaining Earnings of Ahead, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.09, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 39 million of, further RMB 87.75
million of and remaining Earnings of Ahead, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Ahead is capped at RMB 184.0 million. |
|
|
|
Century
|
|
Multiple of 2.2, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 8 million of, further RMB 12
million of and remaining Earnings of Century, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.2, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 12 million of, further RMB 16
million of and remaining Earnings of Century, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
Multiple of 2.2, 1.9 and 1.0 on the first RMB 15 million of, further RMB 20
million of and remaining Earnings of Century, respectively, for year ended
December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
|
The total contingent consideration for Century is capped at RMB 63.9 million. |
F-29
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
3. |
|
ACQUISITIONS continued |
|
|
|
Acquisitions in 2008 continued |
|
|
The following table summarizes the maximum Earn-out Consideration for the years ended
December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 if the relevant revenues of the acquired businesses in
2008, 2009 and 2010 are fully collected: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peak |
|
|
Aim |
|
|
Golden |
|
|
Goldwhite |
|
|
Ahead |
|
|
Century |
|
|
Total |
|
Total maximum Earn-out Consideration: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 2008 |
|
|
22,495,063 |
|
|
|
12,682,567 |
|
|
|
8,976,319 |
|
|
|
9,365,189 |
|
|
|
12,191,410 |
|
|
|
3,727,453 |
|
|
|
69,438,001 |
|
- 2009 |
|
|
25,823,672 |
|
|
|
11,835,676 |
|
|
|
7,732,219 |
|
|
|
11,122,901 |
|
|
|
13,623,225 |
|
|
|
5,096,020 |
|
|
|
75,233,713 |
|
- 2010 |
|
|
2,309,706 |
|
|
|
983,706 |
|
|
|
495,138 |
|
|
|
1,337,715 |
|
|
|
1,892,764 |
|
|
|
463,174 |
|
|
|
7,482,203 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table summarizes the movements of the Earn-out Consideration payables: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peak |
|
|
Aim |
|
|
Golden |
|
|
Goldwhite |
|
|
Ahead |
|
|
Century |
|
|
Total |
|
As of January 1, 2009 |
|
$ |
14,077,134 |
|
|
$ |
3,486,233 |
|
|
$ |
4,037,393 |
|
|
$ |
4,808,952 |
|
|
$ |
4,933,377 |
|
|
$ |
2,167,694 |
|
|
$ |
33,510,783 |
|
Additional Earn-out Consideration for 2008 |
|
|
8,417,929 |
|
|
|
9,196,334 |
|
|
|
4,938,926 |
|
|
|
4,556,237 |
|
|
|
7,258,033 |
|
|
|
1,559,759 |
|
|
|
35,927,218 |
|
Earn-out Consideration for 2009 |
|
|
25,823,672 |
|
|
|
4,881,252 |
|
|
|
5,154,755 |
|
|
|
4,792,551 |
|
|
|
6,917,422 |
|
|
|
4,445,735 |
|
|
|
52,015,387 |
|
Less: Cash settlements in 2009 |
|
|
(20,280,617 |
) |
|
|
(12,268,699 |
) |
|
|
(8,495,113 |
) |
|
|
(8,065,394 |
) |
|
|
(11,840,634 |
) |
|
|
(3,298,945 |
) |
|
|
(64,249,402 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
28,038,118 |
|
|
|
5,295,120 |
|
|
|
5,635,961 |
|
|
|
6,092,346 |
|
|
|
7,268,198 |
|
|
|
4,874,243 |
|
|
|
57,203,986 |
|
Additional Earn-out Consideration for 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,405,393 |
|
|
|
2,577,464 |
|
|
|
6,330,350 |
|
|
|
5,890,039 |
|
|
|
650,285 |
|
|
|
21,853,531 |
|
Earn-out Consideration for 2010 |
|
|
2,309,706 |
|
|
|
983,706 |
|
|
|
495,138 |
|
|
|
1,337,715 |
|
|
|
638,150 |
|
|
|
463,174 |
|
|
|
6,227,589 |
|
Less: Cash settlements in 2010 |
|
|
(23,776,583 |
) |
|
|
(10,921,164 |
) |
|
|
(7,281,461 |
) |
|
|
(9,904,807 |
) |
|
|
(11,930,914 |
) |
|
|
(4,694,249 |
) |
|
|
(68,509,178 |
) |
Offset by prepayment |
|
|
(6,571,241 |
) |
|
|
(1,225,057 |
) |
|
|
(1,427,102 |
) |
|
|
(3,855,604 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,271,392 |
) |
|
|
(14,350,396 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
537,998 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,865,473 |
|
|
$ |
22,061 |
|
|
$ |
2,425,532 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recorded in the balance sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010 as: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Current |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
537,998 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,865,473 |
|
|
$ |
22,061 |
|
|
$ |
2,425,532 |
|
- Non-current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009 as: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Current |
|
$ |
23,578,136 |
|
|
$ |
4,708,215 |
|
|
$ |
4,829,839 |
|
|
$ |
4,225,197 |
|
|
$ |
6,465,574 |
|
|
$ |
4,066,940 |
|
|
$ |
47,873,901 |
|
- Non-current |
|
|
4,459,982 |
|
|
|
586,905 |
|
|
|
806,122 |
|
|
|
1,867,149 |
|
|
|
802,624 |
|
|
|
807,303 |
|
|
|
9,330,085 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-30
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
3 |
|
ACQUISITIONS continued |
|
|
|
Acquisitions in 2008 continued |
|
|
|
The maximum amount of Earn-out Consideration is payable with a corresponding increase to the
goodwill carrying amount, which is not deductible for income tax purposes and primarily
represents the synergies through economies of scale, as and when the related revenues are
collected. The Company recorded a liability for Earn-out Consideration payable based on the
percentage of revenues collected. For the maximum 2008 Earn-out Consideration of $69.4
million, because part of the revenues generated in 2008 was collected in 2008, and part of
such revenues was collected in 2009, the Company recorded payable of 2008 Earn-out
Consideration of $33.5 million based on the percentage of 2008 revenues collected up to
December 31, 2008, and the remaining portion of 2008 Earn-out Consideration of $35.9 million
became payable in 2009 when the accounts receivable as of December 31, 2008 were fully
collected. |
|
|
|
Similarly, for the maximum 2009 Earn-out Consideration of $75.2 million, because not all of
the 2009 revenues were collected as of December 31, 2009 and 2010, the Company recorded
payable of 2009 Earn-out Consideration of $52.0 million and $21.9 million in 2009 and 2010,
respectively, based on the percentage of 2009 revenues collected in each of these two years,
and the remaining 2009 Earn-out Consideration of $1.3 million is expected to become payable
in 2011 when the accounts receivable recorded at December 31, 2009 related to the 2009
revenues being collected. |
|
|
|
For the maximum 2010 Earn-out Consideration of $7.5 million, because not all of the 2010
revenues for the six acquired businesses were collected as of December 31, 2010, the Company
recorded payable of 2010 Earn-out Consideration of $6.2 million in 2010, based on the
percentage of 2010 revenues collected in 2010, and the remaining 2010 Earn-out Consideration
payable of $1.3 million will be recorded in 2011 when the accounts receivable recorded at
December 31, 2010 related to the 2010 revenues are collected in 2011. |
|
|
|
The Company settled Earn-out Consideration of $64.2 million in 2009, and the current portion
of Earn-out Consideration payable as of December 31, 2009 of $47.9 million was paid in 2010.
The non-current portion of Earn-out Consideration payable of $9.3 million as of December
31, 2009 was previously expected to be offset against the deposit for the respective
acquisitions at the end of the Earn-out Consideration period, which is by end of June 2011.
Because the revenues for the Earn-out Consideration in four of the acquired advertising
agency businesses were fully collected by end of December 31, 2010, the majority of the
non-current Earn-out Consideration payable as of December 31, 2009 was offset against the
deposits for the acquisitions in 2010. The Earn-out Consideration payable of $2,425,532 as
of December 31, 2010 is expected to be settled in 2011. |
|
|
|
Due to the additional Earn-out Consideration for 2009 upon the collection of 2009 revenues
in 2010, and Earn-out Consideration for 2010 upon the receipt of the
2010 revenues in 2010,
the goodwill for Peak, Aim, Golden, Goldwhite, Ahead and Century increased by $2,309,706,
$7,389,099, $3,072,602, $7,668,065, $6,528,189, $1,113,459, respectively, during the year
ended December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
In 2010, cash settlement of Earn-out Consideration payable of $23.8 million was made for
Peak in January 2010 and February 2010; cash settlement of Earn-out Consideration payable of
$10.9 million was made for Aim in January 2010, February 2010 and July 2010; cash settlement
of Earn-out Consideration payable of $7.3 million was made for Golden in January 2010,
February 2010 and April, 2010; cash settlement of Earn-out Consideration payable of $9.9
million was made for Goldwhite in January 2010, February 2010, April 2010 and June 2010;
cash settlement of Earn-out Consideration payable of $11.9 million was made for Ahead in
January 2010, March 2010 and April 2010; cash settlement of $4.7 million was made for
Century in January 2010 and March 2010. |
F-31
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
3. |
|
ACQUISITIONS continued |
|
|
|
Acquisition in 2010 |
|
|
|
On October 15, 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with DMG to acquire a 100% equity
interest in DMG (the DMG Acquisition). Prior to the acquisition, DMG through its
subsidiaries and VIE, was principally engaged in selling advertising time on its out-of-home
digital television networks in subway platforms in the PRC and HK. The purpose of this
acquisition is to eliminate the competition with DMG and increase the Groups market share
in selling advertisement time on mobile digital television networks in the PRC. The
acquisition was completed in January 2010. The total fair value of consideration on the
acquisition date of $166,534,458 is payable by means of cash and/or the Companys common
shares to the selling shareholders of DMG in three instalments over two years, including an
initial instalment of $100,000,000 payable at the closing of the transaction. The initial
instalment of consideration consists of payment of $40,000,000 in cash (the First Cash
Instalment) and the delivery of 8,476,013 common shares of the Company. The agreement
specifies that the two subsequent instalments of $30,000,000 each, in which $20,000,000 will
be payable in cash and $10,000,000 will be payable, at the election of the selling
shareholders of DMG, either in cash or in common shares of the Company, is to be due on the
first and second anniversaries of the closing of the transaction, which is in 2011 and 2012,
respectively. The 8,476,013 common shares issuable to the selling shareholders of DMG under
the initial instalment are subject to a one-year lock-up period. For the $10,000,000
payable in cash or in common shares of the Company in each of the two subsequent
instalments, if the selling shareholders of DMG elected to receive common shares, the
agreement specifies that these common shares are to be subject to a lock-up period of 3
months from the date of issuance. The transaction cost in relation to the DMG Acquisition
was approximated to $472,000 which is included in general and administrative expense for the
year ended December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
Pursuant to the agreement, the Group placed $40,000,000 (see Note 11) in the designated
escrow account in 2009, $36,000,000 of which was subsequently released as payment for the
First Cash Instalment during the year ended December 31, 2010. The remaining deposit of
$4,000,000 is expected to be released to the selling shareholders of DMG by the escrow agent
in 2011, and is recorded in the consolidated balance sheet within prepaid expenses and other
current assets (see Note 5) as of December 31, 2010. Upon release, the remaining deposit
will be offset against the current portion of consideration payable relating to the first
instalment of consideration. The Company issued 8,476,013 new common shares in 2010 for the
DMG Acquisition, 7,628,412 common shares of which have been released to the selling
shareholders of DMG in 2010, while the remaining 847,601 common shares have not been
released to the selling shareholders of DMG as of December 31, 2010. |
|
|
|
The second instalment of consideration of $30,000,000 for the DMG Acquisition is recorded
within current portion of consideration payable, and the third instalment of consideration
of $30,000,000 is discounted using effective interest method to $29,631,318 and recorded as
non-current consideration payable on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010. |
F-32
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
3. |
|
ACQUISITIONS continued |
|
|
|
Acquisition in 2010 continued |
|
|
|
The Company accounted for this business combination using the acquisition method of
accounting. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for DMG Acquisition and
the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized based on their fair
values as of the acquisition date, as well as the fair value at the acquisition date of the
noncontrolling interest in DMG. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
|
Acquisition date |
|
|
period |
|
Consideration |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash (Note a) |
|
$ |
79,311,438 |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity instruments
(8,476,013 common shares of the Company) (Note b) |
|
|
67,567,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash / Equity instruments (Note c) |
|
|
19,655,634 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of total consideration transferred |
|
$ |
166,534,458 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired
and liabilities assumed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Identifiable
intangible assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Concession contracts |
|
$ |
90,653,467 |
|
|
9 years |
- Technology |
|
|
336,838 |
|
|
9 years |
- Non-compete agreements |
|
|
161,097 |
|
|
10 years |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
3,840,983 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
42,409,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed assets |
|
|
6,795,102 |
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other receivables and other assets |
|
|
9,175,868 |
|
|
|
|
|
Short-term bank borrowings |
|
|
(42,898,604 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables and other current liabilities |
|
|
(10,631,163 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities non-current |
|
|
(22,787,850 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total identifiable net assets |
|
|
77,055,238 |
|
|
|
|
|
Noncontrolling interest |
|
|
(2,403 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
89,481,623 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
166,534,458 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows arising on acquisition in 2010: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents acquired |
|
|
3,840,983 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
(a) |
|
This amount represents the cash deposit of $40,000,000 paid in 2009 (see Note
11) and fair value of the portion of consideration payable to be settled in cash
totalling $40,000,000 due in 2011 and 2012. As of June 30, 2011, the consideration
payable of $20,000,000 due in 2011 remains unpaid as a result of the litigation with the selling
shareholders of DMG as set out in Note 18(c). |
|
(b) |
|
The Company issued 8,476,013 common shares in 2010 for the DMG Acquisition,
7,628,412 common shares of which has been released to the selling shareholders of DMG
in 2010, while the remaining 847,601 common shares has not been released to the selling
shareholders of DMG as of December 31, 2010. |
|
(c) |
|
This amount represents fair value of the portion of consideration payable
totalling $20,000,000, which pursuant to the agreement will be settled, at the election
of the selling shareholders of DMG, either in cash or in common shares of the Company,
in 2011 and 2012. As of June 30, 2011, the consideration payable
of $10,000,000 due in 2011 remains
unpaid as a result of the litigation with the selling shareholders of DMG as set out in
Note 18(c). |
|
|
The fair values of intangible assets were derived from a valuation report prepared with
the assistance of an unrelated valuation expert. |
F-33
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
3. |
|
ACQUISITIONS - continued |
|
|
|
Acquisition in 2010 - continued |
|
|
|
The fair value of the 8,476,013 common shares issued as part of the consideration paid for
DMG Acquisition ($67,567,386) was determined based on the closing market price of the
Companys common shares on the acquisition date, adjusted for lower liquidity of lock-up
period of such shares. |
|
|
|
The fair value of the trade and other receivables and other
assets includes accounts receivable with a fair value of $3,719,694. The gross amount due under the contracts is
$3,923,478, of which $203,784 is expected to be uncollectible. |
|
|
|
The amount of goodwill resulting from the purchase price allocation represents the premium
paid for potential synergies expected to be generated from the acquisition. None of the
goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. |
|
|
|
The fair value of the noncontrolling interest in DMG, a private entity, was estimated by
applying the income approach and the market approach. This fair value measurement is based on
significant inputs that are not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3
measurement. Key assumptions include a discount rate of 16%, a terminal value based on
long-term sustainable growth rates of 3%, and adjustments because of the lack of control or
lack of marketability that market participants would consider when estimating the fair value
of the noncontrolling interest in DMG. |
|
|
|
The amounts of DMGs revenues and results of operations included in the Groups consolidated
statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010, and the revenues and results
of operations of the combined entities had the acquisition date been January 1, 2010, or
January 1, 2009, are as follows. This pro forma financial information is presented for
information purposes only. It is based on historical information and does not purport to
represent the actual results that may have occurred had the Company consummated the
acquisition on January 1, 2009 or 2010, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results
of operations of the consolidated enterprise. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
Net
Loss |
|
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
The amount attributable to DMG in the Groups consolidated
statement of operations for year ended December 31, 2010 |
|
$ |
30,662,842 |
|
|
$ |
(50,809,446 |
) |
Supplemental pro forma for year ended December 31, 2009 |
|
|
140,917,542 |
|
|
|
(34,320,800 |
) |
Supplemental pro forma for year ended December 31, 2010 |
|
|
138,056,640 |
|
|
|
(151,256,961 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please refer to Note 18(c) for further details on the litigation with former shareholders of
DMG. |
F-34
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Accounts receivable |
|
$ |
38,227,266 |
|
|
$ |
52,326,379 |
|
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
(1,177,190 |
) |
|
|
(1,241,874 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
37,050,076 |
|
|
$ |
51,084,505 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Movements in allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Balance at beginning of the year |
|
$ |
612,135 |
|
|
$ |
1,177,190 |
|
Exchange realignment |
|
|
(1,316 |
) |
|
|
40,131 |
|
Current year additions |
|
|
627,169 |
|
|
|
585,502 |
|
Current year write-offs |
|
|
(60,798 |
) |
|
|
(560,949 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,177,190 |
|
|
$ |
1,241,874 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009 and 2010, the Group had billed accounts receivable of $29,370,464
and $36,234,818 and unbilled accounts receivable of $8,856,802 and $16,091,561 respectively.
Unbilled accounts receivable represent amounts earned under advertising contracts in
progress but not billable as of December 31, 2009 and 2010. These amounts become billable
according to contract terms. The Group anticipates that substantially all of such unbilled
amounts will be billed and collected within twelve months from the balance sheet date. |
F-35
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
5. |
|
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Advances to suppliers |
|
$ |
6,772,210 |
|
|
$ |
13,543,566 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
713,173 |
|
|
|
7,901,897 |
|
Deposit for DMG Acquisition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
Deposit for acquisitions of advertising agency businesses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,339,592 |
|
Staff advances |
|
|
782,539 |
|
|
|
827,904 |
|
Other deposits |
|
|
390,096 |
|
|
|
400,593 |
|
Interest receivable |
|
|
158,257 |
|
|
|
262,841 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
1,232,732 |
|
|
|
2,755,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
10,049,007 |
|
|
$ |
32,031,943 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances to suppliers mainly represent prepayment for media costs. Other deposits mainly
represent deposits for media cost agreements that will expire within one year. |
|
|
Fixed assets consist of the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Media display equipment |
|
$ |
10,577,304 |
|
|
$ |
19,008,051 |
|
Computers and office equipment |
|
|
1,333,285 |
|
|
|
1,946,109 |
|
Motor vehicles |
|
|
429,500 |
|
|
|
446,815 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
1,105,249 |
|
|
|
1,613,887 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sub-total |
|
$ |
13,445,338 |
|
|
|
23,014,862 |
|
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization |
|
|
4,252,597 |
|
|
|
8,706,981 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
9,192,741 |
|
|
$ |
14,307,881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,614,135, $2,368,155 and $4,345,512 for the
years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. |
|
|
Included in media display equipment are assembly in progress of $1,348,046 and $1,159,568 as
of December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively. These assets are expected to be placed in
service in the following year. |
F-36
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
|
|
The Groups goodwill primarily arises from the consideration paid and subsequent settlement
of contingent consideration of its acquisitions. The changes in the carrying amount of
goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010 are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of January 1, 2009 |
|
$ | 21,074,228 |
|
Representing: gross goodwill |
|
|
21,074,228 |
|
accumulated impairment loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange realignment |
|
|
836 |
|
Addition as a result of contingent consideration resolved (note 3) |
|
|
87,942,605 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
109,017,669 |
|
Representing: gross goodwill |
|
|
109,017,669 |
|
accumulated impairment loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange realignment |
|
|
4,517,390 |
|
Addition as a result of contingent consideration resolved (note 3) |
|
|
28,081,120 |
|
Addition from DMG Acquisition (note 3) |
|
|
89,481,623 |
|
Impairment loss |
|
|
(96,526,823 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2010 |
|
$ |
134,570,979 |
|
Representing: gross goodwill |
|
|
231,097,802 |
|
accumulated impairment loss |
|
|
(96,526,823 |
) |
|
|
Due to the change in relevant regulations for advertising industry in the PRC in 2010, there
was a significant decline in customer demand, resulting in intense pricing pressure and
increasing competition of the Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead reporting units, which indicated a
potential impairment loss on the goodwill of these reporting units. The Company therefore
performed an impairment analysis for these reporting units in June 2010. The Company
performed the first step of its goodwill impairment test and determined that the carrying
value of the Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead reporting units exceeded their fair value. The fair
value of these reporting units was estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology
through internal analysis, which utilizes income approach through the application of
discounted cash flow method. The valuation technique is based on a number of estimates and
assumptions, including the projected future cash inflow from the reporting units,
appropriate discount rates and long-term growth rates. Having determined that the
goodwill of the Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead reporting units was potentially impaired, the
Company began performing the second step of the goodwill impairment analysis which involved
calculating the implied fair value of the goodwill by allocating the fair value of the
reporting units to all of their assets and liabilities other than goodwill and comparing the
residual amount to the carrying value of goodwill. Accordingly, the Company recorded
impairment losses of $43,579,230, $16,666,126 and $21,328,128 against the goodwill allocated
to the Peak, Goldwhite and Ahead reporting units, respectively, for the year ended December
31, 2010. |
F-37
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
7. |
|
GOODWILL continued |
|
|
|
The Company performed an annual impairment test for other reporting units in December 2010.
The Company performed the first step of its goodwill impairment test and determined that the
carrying value of the DMG reporting unit exceeded its fair value which was estimated using a
discounted cash flow methodology. Management determined that the poorer than expected
performance of the DMG reporting unit led to a potential impairment of the goodwill of DMG
reporting unit. In addition, management believes that there was false, deceptive and
misleading information concerning DMGs financial condition and performance provided by the
former management and selling shareholders of DMG, and as a result, the Company launched a
lawsuit against the selling shareholders of DMG in December 2010 (see note 18(c)). The fair
value of these reporting units was estimated using a discounted cash flow methodology
through internal analysis, which utilizes income approach through the application of
discounted cash flow method. The valuation technique is based on a number of estimates and
assumptions, including the projected future cash inflow from the reporting units,
appropriate discount rates and long-term growth rates. Having determined that the goodwill
of the DMG reporting unit was potentially impaired, the Company began performing the second
step of the goodwill impairment analysis which involved calculating the implied fair value
of its goodwill by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of its assets and
liabilities other than goodwill and comparing the residual amount to the carrying value of
goodwill. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $14,953,339 against the
goodwill of DMG reporting unit for the year ended December 31, 2010. |
8. |
|
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET |
|
|
As of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010, the Group had the following amounts related to the intangible assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
|
|
average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Net Carrying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
Impairment |
|
|
Net Carrying |
|
|
|
economic life |
|
|
Cost |
|
|
amortization |
|
|
values |
|
|
Cost |
|
|
amortization |
|
|
loss |
|
|
values |
|
Customer base |
|
5 years |
|
$ |
11,984,292 |
|
|
$ |
(3,852,208 |
) |
|
$ |
8,132,084 |
|
|
$ |
12,392,843 |
|
|
$ |
(5,722,057 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,155,818 |
) |
|
$ |
1,514,968 |
|
Non-compete
agreements |
|
10 years |
|
|
3,687,182 |
|
|
|
(580,675 |
) |
|
|
3,106,507 |
|
|
|
3,979,249 |
|
|
|
(1,017,737 |
) |
|
|
(2,450,765 |
) |
|
|
510,747 |
|
Patents |
|
10 years |
|
|
234,599 |
|
|
|
(17,218 |
) |
|
|
217,381 |
|
|
|
242,597 |
|
|
|
(39,293 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
203,304 |
|
Trademark |
|
10 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
133,095 |
|
|
|
(13,310 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
119,785 |
|
Concession
contracts |
|
9 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93,620,494 |
|
|
|
(10,746,917 |
) |
|
|
(41,280,447 |
) |
|
|
41,593,130 |
|
Technology |
|
9 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
347,863 |
|
|
|
(41,212 |
) |
|
|
(306,651 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,906,073 |
|
|
$ |
(4,450,101 |
) |
|
$ |
11,455,972 |
|
|
$ |
110,716,141 |
|
|
$ |
(17,580,526 |
) |
|
$ |
(49,193,681 |
) |
|
$ |
43,941,934 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company estimates the fair value of the intangible assets through internal
analysis, which utilizes income approach through the application of discounted cash flow
method. The valuation technique is based on a number of estimates and assumptions, including
the projected future cash inflow from the intangible assets, appropriate discount rates and
long-term growth rates. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Group recorded
an impairment loss of $49,193,681 on its intangible assets, in connection with the three
advertising businesses which were acquired in 2008 as well as DMG which was acquired in 2010
due to poorer than expected performance of these businesses of the Group in 2010 as detailed
in Note 7. |
|
|
|
The Group recorded amortization expense as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Cost of revenues |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
10,184,158 |
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
1,670,897 |
|
|
|
2,765,578 |
|
|
|
1,846,770 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,219 |
|
|
|
33,805 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,670,897 |
|
|
$ |
2,782,797 |
|
|
$ |
12,064,733 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-38
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
8. |
|
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET continued |
|
|
|
The Group will record amortization expense of $5,956,510 for each of the years ending
December 31, 2011 and 2012, $5,513,296 for the year ending December 31, 2013, and $5,303,783
for each of the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. |
9. |
|
INVESTMENTS UNDER EQUITY METHOD |
|
|
In 2007, VisionChina Media Group made cash investments totalling $965,581, $772,465 and
$643,720 for its 49% equity interests in Suzhou Mobile, Changzhou Mobile and Ningbo Mobile,
respectively. These equity method investees have been separately established with three
separate parties for the purpose of engaging in provision of digital mobile television
advertising services in the PRC. |
|
|
VisionChina Media Group also made additional cash investments in 2007 of $965,580 and
$507,154 to its existing equity method investees, Dalian Mobile and Hubei Mobile,
respectively. |
|
|
In 2008, VisionChina Media Group made additional cash investments of $111,396 to its
existing equity method investee, Haerbin Mobile and capitalized an amount due from its
existing equity method investee, Henan Mobile, of $897,032. |
|
|
As of December 31, 2009, the Group had, in total, nine equity method investees, and as of
December 31, 2010, the Group had ten equity method investees. The Group has accounted for
these investments using the equity method of accounting. |
|
|
The combined results of operations and financial position of these investments are
summarized below: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Condensed statement of operations information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
$ |
5,019,647 |
|
|
$ |
6,607,047 |
|
|
$ |
8,224,393 |
|
Net losses |
|
|
(482,795 |
) |
|
|
(1,708,199 |
) |
|
|
(527,690 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Groups equity in net loss of investees |
|
$ |
(236,570 |
) |
|
$ |
(837,018 |
) |
|
$ |
(258,568 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Condensed balance sheet information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
$ |
5,300,868 |
|
|
$ |
7,635,498 |
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
8,167,873 |
|
|
|
6,691,325 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
13,468,741 |
|
|
$ |
14,326,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
$ |
4,913,433 |
|
|
$ |
5,022,263 |
|
Equity |
|
|
8,555,308 |
|
|
|
9,304,560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and equity |
|
$ |
13,468,741 |
|
|
$ |
14,326,823 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Groups share of net assets |
|
$ |
4,192,101 |
|
|
$ |
4,559,234 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-39
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
9. |
|
INVESTMENTS UNDER EQUITY METHOD continued |
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009 and 2010, the carrying value of the Groups investments under the
equity method was $6,670,189 and $6,618,828, respectively. The difference between the
carrying value of the Groups investments under the equity method and the Groups share in
its investees net assets was attributable to the elimination of unrealized profits on the
sales of certain media display equipment to its investees; and the adjustment attributable
to intangible assets, which represent the broadcasting rights contributed by the investors
and identified on formation, and their related amortization. |
|
|
In 2006, the Group acquired a 25% voting interest in Shenzhen Mobile, through VisionChina
Media Groups subsidiary, Shenzhen HDTV. Shenzhen Mobile was established in the PRC and
engages in the provision of digital mobile television advertising services in the PRC. As
the Group cannot exercise significant influence over Shenzhen Mobiles operating and
financial activities, the Group accounts for this investment using the cost method of
accounting. |
|
|
In 2006, the Group acquired a 14% voting interest in Wuxi Guangtong Digital Mobile
Television Company Limited (Guangtong Mobile). During the year ended December 31, 2009,
all shareholders of Guangtong Mobile made an additional capital injection and in order to
retain the same percentage of ownership, the Company also made an additional capital
injection of $389,048. Guangtong Mobile was established in the PRC and engages in the
provision of digital mobile television advertising business in the PRC. The Group accounts
for this investment using the cost method of accounting. |
11. |
|
LONG-TERM PREPAYMENTS AND DEPOSITS |
|
|
Long-term prepayments and deposits consist of the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Prepaid service fees |
|
$ |
705,798 |
|
|
$ |
956,552 |
|
Deposits for acquisition of advertising agency businesses |
|
|
16,689,988 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits for DMG Acquisition |
|
|
40,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Prepayments for acquisition of fixed assets |
|
|
1,311,766 |
|
|
|
1,371,992 |
|
Deferred cost of revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,844,076 |
|
Other deposits |
|
|
6,534,018 |
|
|
|
9,605,954 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
65,241,570 |
|
|
$ |
13,778,574 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other deposits mainly represent deposits for media cost agreements. Deferred cost of
revenue represents the direct costs associated with the sales of PIDS for which the revenue
has been deferred in accordance with the Company revenue recognition policy. |
F-40
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
|
|
The Groups bank loans consist of the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Bank of China (Shenzhen branch) (BOC (SZ)) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Fixed interest rate at 90% of Peoples Bank of China
benchmark rate, denominated in RMB (1) |
|
$ |
731,294 |
|
|
$ |
60,497,898 |
|
|
Bank of China (Macau branch) (BOC (Macau)) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Fixed interest rate at 1.72% per annum, denominated in USD (2) (4) |
|
|
40,800,000 |
|
|
|
40,800,000 |
|
- Fixed interest rate at 1.72% per annum, denominated in USD (3) (4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,400,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total bank loans |
|
|
41,531,294 |
|
|
|
121,697,898 |
|
|
Less: Amount due within one year shown under current liabilities |
|
|
40,800,000 |
|
|
|
121,697,898 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount due after one year shown under non-current liabilities |
|
$ |
731,294 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts will be repayable in full on December 30, 2011. |
|
(2) |
|
The amount represents a one-year term loan which was granted during the year
ended December 31, 2009 with maturity of December 11, 2010. The maturity of such loan
was further extended for an additional eleven months during the year ended December 31,
2010. The amounts will be repayable in full by October 11, 2011. |
|
(3) |
|
An additional $20,400,000 one-year term bank loan was granted during the year
ended December 31, 2010. The amounts were repaid in full by January 4, 2011. |
|
(4) |
|
Due to foreign currency exchange regulation, in order for the Group to borrow
amounts denominated in currencies other than RMB, one of the Companys subsidiaries in
the PRC entered into an arrangement with BOC (SZ) pursuant to which this subsidiary
placed a deposit denominated in RMB in the amount of $70,061,961 with
BOC (SZ), which is recorded as
restricted cash, and BOC (Macau) provided this loan to another subsidiary of the
Company incorporated in Hong Kong. |
|
|
There were no restrictive financial covenants associated with these loans. |
13. |
|
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Accrued payroll and welfare |
|
$ |
4,086,989 |
|
|
$ |
3,470,619 |
|
Customer deposits |
|
|
1,107,594 |
|
|
|
2,993,806 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
1,415,666 |
|
|
|
2,976,613 |
|
Accrued professional service fees |
|
|
463,377 |
|
|
|
414,024 |
|
Other taxes payable |
|
|
1,746,943 |
|
|
|
959,710 |
|
Others |
|
|
505,639 |
|
|
|
1,138,454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
9,326,208 |
|
|
$ |
11,953,226 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-41
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
|
|
There were 72,140,684 common shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009 after
423,139 share options and 557,083 restricted shares were exercised with the issuance of
980,222 common shares (see Note 16), and 658,980 common shares were repurchased by the
Company during the year ended December 31, 2009. |
|
|
There were 84,894,888 common shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2010 after the
issuance of 8,476,013 common shares as part of the consideration for the DMG Acquisition
(see Note 3), the issuance of 4,006,474 common shares to certain existing shareholders and
employees pursuant to a definitive agreement with them dated June 25, 2010 at a
consideration of $3.22 per share, and the issuance of 271,717 common shares as a result of
the exercise of 202,800 shares options and issuance of 68,917 restricted shares during the
year ended December 31, 2010 (see Note 16). Among the 8,476,013 common shares
issued in connection with the DMG Acquisition, 7,628,412 common shares have been released to
the selling shareholders of DMG in 2010, while the remaining 847,601 common shares have not
been released to the selling shareholders of DMG as of December 31, 2010. |
|
|
The Company is a tax exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and conducts
substantially all of its business through its PRC subsidiaries, CDTC and Eastlong
Technology, and their VIEs, VisionChina Media Group and Eastlong Advertising. |
|
|
|
Cayman Islands and BVI |
|
|
The Company which was incorporated in the Cayman Islands and its subsidiaries incorporated
in Cayman Islands and BVI are not subject to income tax under the current laws of the Cayman
Islands or BVI. In addition, upon payments of dividends by the Company to its shareholders,
no Cayman Islands or BVI withholding tax will be imposed. |
|
|
|
Hong Kong |
|
|
The Companys subsidiaries established in HK are subject to HK profits tax on all profits
(excluding profits arising from the sale of capital assets, dividend income and interest
income) arising in or derived from HK from its trade, profession or business. The
applicable profits tax rate is 16.5% for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010. |
|
|
|
The PRC |
|
|
On January 1, 2008, the new enterprise income tax (EIT) law in the PRC (the New EIT
Laws) took effect. It applies a uniform tax rate of 25% for all enterprises (including
foreign-invested enterprises) and revoked the current tax exemption, reduction and
preferential treatments applicable to foreign-invested enterprises. However, there will be
a transition period for enterprises, whether foreign-invested or domestic, that were
receiving preferential tax treatments granted by relevant tax authorities. Enterprises that
were subject to an EIT rate lower than 25% prior to January 1, 2008 may continue to enjoy
the lower rate and gradually transition to the new tax rate over the five year period after
the effective date of the New EIT Law. According to the implementation regulations, during
the transition period, the EIT rate for CDTC, Shenzhen HDTV and DMG Shenzhen is 18%, 20%,
22%, 24% and 25% in the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. |
F-42
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
15. |
|
INCOME TAXES continued |
|
|
In addition, the Ministry of Finance of the PRC and the State Administration of Taxation
issued a circular Notice on preferential tax treatment of enterprise income tax in
February 2008. The circular stipulates that newly established culture enterprises can enjoy
the corporate income tax exemption treatment which has been approved by the authorities
until the end of the holiday. VisionChina Media Group has already obtained the tax
exemption approval certificate for the year 2008 and thus continued to enjoy a full
exemption from EIT in 2008. Further, in accordance with another circular issued in November
2008, VisionChina Media Group has been recognized as a state-encouraged high-new technology
enterprise starting from 2008, and the status is valid for a period of three years. Under
the New EIT Law, a high-new technology enterprise is entitled to a preferential tax rate of
15%. As such, the EIT rate for VisionChina Media Group is 0%, 15%, 15%, 24% and 25% in the
years of 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. |
|
|
VisionChina Media Group is currently applying to be a state-encouraged high-new technology
enterprise in 2011, 2012 and 2013 for a preferential tax rate of 15% in these three years. |
|
|
In accordance with a circular issued in December 2010, Eastlong Technology has been
recognized as a state-encouraged high-new technology enterprise starting from 2010, and the
status is valid for a period of three years. As such the EIT rate for Eastlong Technology
is 25% in 2009, and 15% in each of the years of 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. |
|
|
Xian Huachangshi and Huadingshi were established subsequent to the promulgation of the New
EIT Law and as such, are subject to the uniform income tax rate of 25%. |
|
|
Luzhou Huashi was established in Sichuan. It is recognized as a Local government
encouraged company and is entitled to exemption from EIT for the years ended December 31,
2008 and 2009, and reduced tax rate of 7.5% for the year ended December 31, 2010 and years
ending 2011 and 2012. |
|
|
The Company and its other PRC subsidiaries does not have major
operations, and the Group has
minimal operations in jurisdictions other than the PRC. |
|
|
The current and deferred components of the income tax (benefit) expense appearing in the
consolidated statements of operations are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Current tax |
|
$ |
39,108 |
|
|
$ |
2,531,392 |
|
|
|
(193,330 |
) |
Deferred tax |
|
|
(251,433 |
) |
|
|
(183,138 |
) |
|
|
(18,008,959 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(212,325 |
) |
|
$ |
2,348,254 |
|
|
$ |
(18,202,289 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-43
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
15. |
|
INCOME TAXES continued |
|
|
The principal components of the Groups deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carrying forward |
|
$ |
2,154,303 |
|
|
$ |
18,447,926 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets |
|
|
2,154,303 |
|
|
|
18,447,926 |
|
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets |
|
|
(2,112,994 |
) |
|
|
(15,326,946 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax assets |
|
$ |
41,309 |
|
|
$ |
3,120,980 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets |
|
$ |
2,503,125 |
|
|
$ |
10,896,392 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Classification on consolidated balance sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Current |
|
$ |
41,309 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
- Non-current |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
3,120,980 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Non-current |
|
$ |
2,503,125 |
|
|
$ |
10,896,392 |
|
Movement of valuation allowance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
At the beginning of the year |
|
$ |
207,759 |
|
|
$ |
962,556 |
|
|
$ |
2,112,994 |
|
Arising from DMG Acquisition |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,882,116 |
|
Exchange realignment |
|
|
14,376 |
|
|
|
(2,070 |
) |
|
|
613,465 |
|
Change in tax rate |
|
|
11,976 |
|
|
|
24,248 |
|
|
|
(1,285,778 |
) |
Increase
(decrease) in valuation allowance |
|
|
728,445 |
|
|
|
1,128,260 |
|
|
|
(1,995,851 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At the end of the year |
|
$ |
962,556 |
|
|
$ |
2,112,994 |
|
|
$ |
15,326,946 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A valuation allowance has been provided on the deferred tax assets because the Group
believes that it is not more likely than not that the assets will be utilized. As of
December 31, 2009 and 2010, a valuation allowance was provided for the deferred tax assets
relating to the future benefit of net operating loss carryforward as the management
determined that the utilization of those net operating loss carryforward is not more likely
than not. If events occur in the future that allow the Group to realize more of its
deferred tax assets than the presently recorded amount, an adjustment to the valuation
allowance will be made when those events occur. |
|
|
As of December 31, 2010, the Group had net operating loss carryforward of approximately
$1,914,876, $2,834,842, $10,882,962, $46,628,231 and $25,325,955 that will expire in the
years ending December 31, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. |
F-44
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
15. |
|
INCOME TAXES continued |
|
|
A reconciliation of the income tax (benefit) expense to the amount computed by applying the
current tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes in the statements of operations is as
follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Expected taxation at PRC EIT statutory rate
of 25% |
|
$ |
11,626,587 |
|
|
$ |
7,206,054 |
|
|
$ |
(42,364,813 |
) |
Effect of different tax rates |
|
|
(36,866 |
) |
|
|
(55,207 |
) |
|
|
(1,296,247 |
) |
Effect of loss that cannot be carried forward |
|
|
370,960 |
|
|
|
1,474,310 |
|
|
|
1,785,662 |
|
Tax expense arising from items which are
not deductible for tax purpose: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- non-deductible entertainment
expenses |
|
|
472,294 |
|
|
|
766,046 |
|
|
|
1,269,481 |
|
- goodwill impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,131,706 |
|
- others, net |
|
|
58,474 |
|
|
|
280,650 |
|
|
|
528,275 |
|
Effect of tax exemption and tax concessions |
|
|
(13,432,219 |
) |
|
|
(8,412,656 |
) |
|
|
(67,172 |
) |
Overprovision in prior year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(39,203 |
) |
|
|
(193,330 |
) |
Change in valuation allowance |
|
|
728,445 |
|
|
|
1,128,260 |
|
|
|
(1,995,851 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income tax (benefit) expense |
|
$ |
(212,325 |
) |
|
$ |
2,348,254 |
|
|
$ |
(18,202,289 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amounts of $13,432,219, $8,412,656 and $67,172 would otherwise have been payable without
tax exemptions or tax concessions for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010,
respectively. In addition, $0.19, $0.12 and $0.001 would have been deducted from the basic
net income per share or added back to the basic net loss per share for the years ended
December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. |
|
|
Uncertainties exist with respect to how the PRCs current income tax law applies to the
Companys overall operations, and more specifically, with regard to tax residency status.
The New EIT Law includes a provision specifying that legal entities organized outside of the
PRC will be considered residents for PRC income tax purposes if their place of effective
management or control is within the PRC. The Implementation Rules to the New Law provides
that non-resident legal entities will be considered PRC residents if substantial and overall
management and control over the manufacturing and business operations, personnel,
accounting, properties, etc. occur within the PRC. The Company does not believe that its
legal entities organized outside of the PRC should be treated as residents for the New EIT
Laws purposes. Because substantially all of the Companys revenues on a consolidated basis
are generated in the PRC, and the Companys legal entities organized outside of the PRC do
not generate any taxable income on a stand alone basis, even if one or more of the Companys
legal entities organized outside of the PRC were characterized as PRC tax residents, the
Company does not expect any significant adverse impact on the Companys consolidated results
of operations. |
|
|
Aggregate undistributed earnings of the Companys subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC that are
available for distribution to the Company of approximately $74.1 million as of December 31,
2010 are considered to be indefinitely reinvested under FASB ASC 740, and accordingly, no
provision has been made for the PRC dividend withholding taxes that would be payable upon
the distribution of those amounts to the Company. In an announcement formally made on
February 22, 2008, the PRC authorities clarified that the distributions made out of
undistributed earnings that arose prior to January 1, 2008 would not give rise to
withholding tax. |
F-45
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
15. |
|
INCOME TAXES continued |
|
|
Under US GAAP, deferred tax liability should be accounted for in respect of the
undistributed earnings of the Companys financial interest in VIE affiliates and domestic
subsidiaries. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that there is no deferred
tax liability resulting from the undistributed earnings because the Company has means
available under the PRC tax law to recover the investment in its consolidated VIE tax free,
including but not limited to the following series of transactions: |
|
|
|
The provision of technical support service by the Companys PRC wholly owned
subsidiary to its consolidated VIE will cause an expense to the consolidated VIE,
resulting in the majority of the undistributed earnings of the consolidated VIE being
transferred to the Company without incurring any additional income tax expense on the
basis that the Companys PRC wholly owned subsidiary and the consolidated VIE are in
the same tax jurisdiction and subject to the same income tax rate. The price of the
technical support service will be determined on an arms length basis. |
|
|
|
The Company would ensure the significant existing contracts, including the
exclusive agency agreements and the contracts for direct investment arrangements to be
signed or renewed upon expiry of such contracts by a new VIE of the
Company. Therefore, all the operations in the existing consolidated VIE will be taken by the new VIE
without resulting any capital gain subject to income taxes; and |
|
|
|
The Company or its wholly owned PRC subsidiary would exercise the call option to
acquire all the equity interests in the existing consolidated VIE from its shareholders
after all the operations have been transferred to the new VIE. Without any continuing
operations or substantial remaining undistributed earnings, the purchase price for the
existing consolidated VIE would be approximately valued at its
paid-in capital, in which case it is not more likely than not that it
would give rise to income tax resulting from any capital gain. |
|
|
The Group has made its assessment of the level of tax authority for each tax position
(including the potential application of interest and penalties) based on the technical
merits in each case, and has measured the unrecognized tax benefits associated with the tax
positions. Based on this evaluation, the Group has concluded that there are no significant
uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in its consolidated financial statements. The
Group does not anticipate any significant increases or decreases to its liability for
unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months. The Group classifies interest
and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax benefit (expense). As of
December 31, 2010, there is no interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
The years 2005 to 2010 remain subject to examination by the PRC tax authorities. |
F-46
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
|
|
On December 8, 2006, the Group adopted the 2006 share incentive plan (the Plan) which
allows the Group to offer a variety of incentive awards to consultants and employees. The
Group reserved 7,000,000 ordinary shares in 2006 and 2007 for issuance under the Plan. In
December 2008, the total number of share issuable under the Plan was increased to 8,000,000
shares. In 2008, the Group granted 925,000 share options to consultants and employees with
exercise prices ranging from $5.82 to $18.00. In 2008, the Group also granted 288,000
restricted shares to consultants and employees. In 2009, the Group granted 649,550 share
options to employees with exercise prices ranging from $5.48 to $8.53. In 2009, the Group
also granted 500,000 restricted shares to consultants and employees. In 2010, the Group
granted 379,000 share options to employees with exercise prices ranging from $4.32 to $4.71.
In 2010, the Group also granted 470,000 restricted shares to consultants and employees. |
|
|
The contractual term of the options granted is generally ten years. The majority of the
options granted vest 25% after the first year of service and rateably over the remaining
36-month period, and certain of the options vest contingent upon meeting performance
criteria set by the Company over a performance period ranging from 9 months to 48 months
from the respective grant dates For the options that would vest based on performance
conditions, the performance criteria are linked to the employees job performance, and at
the end of the performance period, the Company determines at its sole discretion whether
each employee has met all performance criteria for the vesting of the share options. The
performance criteria do not affect the exercise price or factors other than vesting or
exercisability. Included in the 379,000 share options granted during 2010 are 80,100
options that would vest based on performance conditions. Included in the 649,550 share
options granted during 2009 are 63,700 options that would vest based on performance
conditions. Included in the 925,000 share options granted in 2008 are 394,500 options that
would vest based on performance conditions. |
|
|
The fair value of restricted shares was determined to be the market value of the common
shares on the date of grant whereas the fair value of options granted to employees was
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following assumptions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
0.51 3.65 |
% |
|
|
1.11 2.69 |
% |
|
|
0.46% 2.67 |
% |
Expected life |
|
0.254 years |
|
2.54 years |
|
0.754 years |
Expected volatility |
|
|
0.382 1.122 |
|
|
|
1.18 1.32 |
|
|
|
0.66 1.52 |
|
Expected dividends |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
Expected volatility was determined by reference to the historical volatility of the Company
or the average annualized standard deviation of the share price of listed comparable
companies. The expected life of the options is based on the assumption that they will be
exercised evenly throughout the option life. The risk-free interest rate is based on the
yield to maturity of the PRC government bond as of the grant date with maturity closest to
the relevant option expiry date. |
F-47
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
16. |
|
SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN continued |
|
|
|
The fair values of share options granted in 2008, 2009 and 2010 were determined on a
contemporaneous basis by management of the Company with reference to the market value of the
Companys shares. |
|
|
|
Share Options |
|
|
|
A summary of share options under the Plan during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 is presented
below: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
average |
|
|
average |
|
|
|
of |
|
|
average |
|
|
remaining |
|
|
fair value |
|
|
|
shares |
|
|
exercise price |
|
|
contractual life |
|
|
at grant date |
|
Outstanding as of January 1, 2008 |
|
|
4,838,359 |
|
|
$ |
3.78 |
|
|
|
9.46 |
|
|
$ |
0.31 |
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- March 14, 2008 |
|
|
445,000 |
|
|
$ |
10.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.46 |
|
- June 3, 2008 |
|
|
128,000 |
|
|
|
18.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.01 |
|
- June 23, 2008 |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
12.64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.09 |
|
- September 29, 2008 |
|
|
170,000 |
|
|
|
15.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.37 |
|
- December 11, 2008 |
|
|
82,000 |
|
|
|
5.82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.48 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(2,525,893 |
) |
|
|
4.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(468,916 |
) |
|
|
9.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
2,768,550 |
|
|
$ |
5.19 |
|
|
|
8.58 |
|
|
$ |
1.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- January 22, 2009 |
|
|
25,100 |
|
|
$ |
6.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4.63 |
|
- March 4, 2009 |
|
|
47,450 |
|
|
|
5.81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.48 |
|
- June 17, 2009 |
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
|
5.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.48 |
|
- June 29, 2009 |
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
6.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.86 |
|
- September 6, 2009 |
|
|
76,000 |
|
|
|
5.85 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.74 |
|
- October 8, 2009 |
|
|
196,000 |
|
|
|
8.53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.18 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(423,139 |
) |
|
|
1.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(595,303 |
) |
|
|
9.69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.39 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
2,399,658 |
|
|
$ |
5.10 |
|
|
|
8.00 |
|
|
$ |
1.87 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- April 2, 2010 |
|
|
172,000 |
|
|
$ |
4.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2.58 |
|
- April 20, 2010 |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
4.71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.71 |
|
- September 26, 2010 |
|
|
107,000 |
|
|
|
4.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.78 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(202,800 |
) |
|
|
0.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(804,034 |
) |
|
|
8.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding as of December 31, 2010 |
|
|
1,771,824 |
|
|
$ |
4.13 |
|
|
|
7.34 |
|
|
$ |
1.45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable as of December 31, 2010 |
|
|
1,336,432 |
|
|
$ |
4.11 |
|
|
|
6.91 |
|
|
$ |
0.64 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-48
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
16. |
|
SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN continued |
|
|
|
The Company received proceeds of $10,906,256, $918,282 and $157,533 from exercise of share
options by the employee during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010,
respectively. |
|
|
|
The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding share options was $2,053,479 as of December
31, 2010 and the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable as of December 31, 2010
was $1,962,881. |
|
|
|
The aggregate intrinsic values of share options exercised during the years ended December
31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were $38,778,583, $3,879,831 and $1,561,267, respectively. |
|
|
|
Restricted shares |
|
|
|
A summary of restricted shares under the Plan during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009
and 2010 is presented below: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
average |
|
|
|
shares |
|
|
fair value |
|
Outstanding as of January 1, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Granted |
|
|
288,000 |
|
|
|
8.81 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(45,000 |
) |
|
|
9.70 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(38,111 |
) |
|
|
6.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
204,889 |
|
|
$ |
8.96 |
|
Granted |
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
5.81 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(57,083 |
) |
|
|
7.25 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(557,083 |
) |
|
|
6.33 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
90,723 |
|
|
$ |
8.80 |
|
Granted |
|
|
470,000 |
|
|
|
4.30 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(247,917 |
) |
|
|
5.78 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(68,917 |
) |
|
|
6.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding as of December 31, 2010 |
|
|
243,889 |
|
|
$ |
3.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted shares are granted subject to certain restrictions. The majority of the
restricted shares generally vest 25% after the first year of service and rateably over the
remaining 36-month period, and certain of the restricted shares vest based on certain
performance conditions. Included in the 470,000 restricted shares granted during 2010 are
450,000 restricted shares that would vest based on certain performance conditions. |
|
|
|
The total share-based compensation expenses in relation to options and restricted shares
recognized in the statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and
2010 was $1,467,057, $4,332,111 and $947,505, respectively. |
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010, there was $2,314,240 of total unrecognized share-based compensation
expenses related to non-vested share options and non-vested restricted shares granted under
the Plan. That expense is expected to be recognized over 4 years. |
F-49
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
17 |
|
PRC CONTRIBUTION PLAN |
|
|
|
The Groups full time employees in the PRC participate in a
government-mandated multiemployer defined contribution plan pursuant
to which certain medical care unemployment insurance, employee housing
fund and other welfare benefits are provided to employees. The PRC
labour regulations require the Group to accrue for these benefits
based on certain percentages of the employees salaries. The total
contributions for such employee benefits for the years ended December
31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were $483,065, $743,516 and $1,431,972,
respectively. |
|
18 |
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
|
(a) |
|
Lease commitments |
|
|
|
|
The Group has entered into certain leasing arrangements relating to the lease of the
Groups office premises. Rental expense under these operating leases for the years
ended 2008, 2009 and 2010 was $640,007, $1,007,991 and $1,660,007, respectively. |
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2010, the Group was obligated under certain operating leases,
relating to the rental of office premises, requiring minimum rental payments as
follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
Year ending December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2011 |
|
$ |
1,040,175 |
|
2012 |
|
|
452,348 |
|
2013 |
|
|
188,129 |
|
2014 |
|
|
144,434 |
|
2015 |
|
|
132,085 |
|
2016 and thereafter |
|
|
110,181 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,067,352 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-50
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
18. |
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES continued |
|
(b) |
|
Other commitments |
|
|
|
|
The Group has entered into several agreements to pay media costs for periods of
typically 5 to 10 years. As of December 31, 2010, future minimum purchase
commitments under these agreements totalled approximately $323,935,000, which will be
payable as follow: |
|
|
|
|
|
Year ending December 31, |
|
|
|
|
2011 |
|
$ |
87,839,000 |
|
2012 |
|
|
90,098,000 |
|
2013 |
|
|
69,877,000 |
|
2014 |
|
|
39,489,000 |
|
2015 |
|
|
24,871,000 |
|
2016 and thereafter |
|
|
11,761,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
323,935,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
|
Litigation with former shareholders of DMG |
|
|
|
|
The Company filed a summons with notice in the Supreme Court of the State of New York
(Supreme Court) on December 27, 2010 against the selling shareholders of DMG. The
summons and notice alleges that the selling shareholders of DMG engaged in an
unlawful scheme to induce the Group, through false, deceptive, and misleading
statements concerning DMGs financial condition and performance, to pay a grossly
inflated price to purchase DMG in 2010, and has received, or is scheduled to receive,
ill-gotten gains from this unlawful scheme. The summons and notice further alleges
that the Group is owed indemnification from an escrow fund, established at the time
of the purchase, as a result of breaches of representations and warranties contained
in the merger agreement. The litigation is in progress as of
June 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
|
On February 25, 2011, a counter-suit was filed by the Gobi Partners, Inc., Gobi Fund,
Inc., Gobi Fund II, L.P., Oak Investment Partners XII, L.P., Thomas Gai Tei Tsao and
other as-yet unnamed participants (collectively, Former DMG Shareholders) to the
lawsuit filed by the Company on December 27, 2010 against the Former DMG
Shareholders. The complaint alleges that the Company breached certain agreements
related to the DMG Acquisition, by allegedly declining to make certain instalment
payments that the Former DMG Shareholders claim they were entitled to receive, and
allegedly declining to take other steps to facilitate the transfer of Company stock
that the Former DMG Shareholders are entitled to receive in connection with the DMG
Acquisition. The Former DMG Shareholders were also seeking specific enforcement of
the contracts at issue, compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial,
permanent and preliminary injunctive relief and such other relief as the court deems
just and proper. |
|
|
|
|
The Company believes that the Former DMG Shareholders claims and related motions are
without merit and intend to vigorously defend the claims and oppose the motions.
Accordingly, no provision for contingent loss was recorded in connection with the
litigation with the Former DMG Shareholders in the Companys consolidated financial
statements although consideration payable in connection with the DMG Acquisition has
been fully provided for in the consolidated financial statements (See note 3). The
motions were presented to the Supreme Courts consideration on March 15, 2011. No
decision has been reached by court regarding the initial filing by the Company and
the counter-suit by the Former DMG Shareholders up to June 30, 2011. |
F-51
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
18. |
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES continued |
|
(d) |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
The National Standard of Frame Structure and Channel Code and Modulation of Digital
Television Ground Broadcasting Transmission System (the National Standard), was
approved by the Standardization Administration of the PRC on August 18, 2006, and
became effective on August 1, 2008. On March 27, 2006, the PRC State Administration
of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) promulgated the Notice Concerning
Experimental Mobile Digital Television (the March Notice), which required all of
the Groups local operating partners to adopt the National Standard for their mobile
digital television operations and the SARFT has officially issued a notice to require
some of the Groups local operating partners and direct equity investment entities to
complete the adoption of the National Standard by June 30, 2010. As of April 1,
2010, the mobile digital television network of the Groups equity method investees
and the digital television broadcasting infrastructure of the Groups local operating
partners in 11 cities have been converted to the National Standard, but those in
another 9 cities have not yet completed the conversion and do not meet the
requirements of the National Standard. The Groups direct equity investment entities
and local operating partners may be required to spend significant capital and other
resources, including the acquisition of new equipment, to convert their digital
television broadcasting infrastructure to the National Standard. Under some of the
Groups exclusive advertising agency agreements, the Group may be responsible for a
portion of such expenditures in 5 of the 9 cities that have not yet completed the
conversion. The total cost of converting the equipment to the National Standard in
these five cities is expected to be less than RMB13 million. However, the Group and
its local operating partners in these five cities have not yet determined the
allocation of such capital expenditures, and there is no reliable basis for
management to accurately estimate the amount and timing of capital expenditures
required for these local operating partners. Accordingly, no accrual for such
liability has been made in the consolidated financial statements. |
F-52
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
19 |
|
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION |
|
|
|
The Group operates and manages its business as a single segment. The Groups chief operating decision maker has
been identified as the Chief Executive Officer, who reviews the consolidated results when making decisions about
allocating resources and assessing performance of the Group. |
|
|
|
Geographical information |
|
|
|
The Group operates in the PRC and all of the Groups identifiable assets are located in the PRC. |
|
|
|
Although the Group operates in multiple cities in the PRC which include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen,
Nanjing and other cities, it believes it operates in one segment as the Group provides services to customers
irrespective of their locations. Accordingly all relevant information about the Groups operations can be found in
the consolidated financial statements. |
|
|
|
Major Customers |
|
|
|
The Group contracts either directly with advertisers or through advertising agents. The Group had contracted with
the following advertisers or advertising agents that accounted for 10% or more of the total advertising service
revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of revenue |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Agent A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
10.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accounts receivable from customers with balances over 10% of the accounts receivable, net are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of |
|
|
|
accounts receivable |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
% |
|
|
% |
|
Agent A |
|
|
11.19 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Agent B |
|
|
12.47 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-53
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
20 |
|
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
|
(a) |
|
Details of amounts due from related parties as of December 31, 2009 and 2010
are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Chengdu Mobile |
|
$ |
580,025 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Haerbin Mobile |
|
|
|
|
|
|
284,107 |
|
Hubei Mobile |
|
|
186,621 |
|
|
|
217,939 |
|
Jilin Mobile |
|
|
513,514 |
|
|
|
417,995 |
|
Suzhou Mobile |
|
|
54,847 |
|
|
|
|
|
Changzhou Mobile |
|
|
614,358 |
|
|
|
29,074 |
|
Shenzhen Mobile |
|
|
2,170,838 |
|
|
|
1,854,810 |
|
Guangtong Mobile |
|
|
214,269 |
|
|
|
90,747 |
|
Zhongguanguoji |
|
|
|
|
|
|
131,748 |
|
Chongqing Rail Transit General Corporation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
151,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,334,472 |
|
|
$ |
3,177,665 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amounts due from related parties are non-interest bearing and repayable on
demand. |
|
(b) |
|
Details of amounts due to related parties as of December 31, 2009 and 2010 are
as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Chengdu Mobile |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
510,018 |
|
Dalian Mobile |
|
|
19,132 |
|
|
|
19,784 |
|
Haerbin Mobile |
|
|
2,194 |
|
|
|
3,123 |
|
Hubei Mobile |
|
|
29,552 |
|
|
|
30,560 |
|
Henan Mobile |
|
|
36,902 |
|
|
|
23,603 |
|
Ningbo Mobile |
|
|
64,162 |
|
|
|
271,839 |
|
Changzhou Mobile |
|
|
2,343 |
|
|
|
2,423 |
|
Zhongguanguoji |
|
|
|
|
|
|
834,365 |
|
Shenzhen Meidi Zhiye Development Co., Ltd. (Zhiye) |
|
|
27,800 |
|
|
|
56,346 |
|
Shenzhen Champs Elysees Renovations Co., Ltd.
(Champs Elysees) |
|
|
30,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
213,029 |
|
|
$ |
1,752,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amounts due to related parties are non-interest bearing and repayable on demand. |
|
|
|
Zhiye is a company in which the chief executive officer of the Company holds a beneficial
interest and Champs Elysees is a company in which the chief executive officers wife holds a
beneficial interest. |
|
|
|
The amounts due from/to related parties mainly arise from trading transactions with related
parties (such as sales of advertising equipment to related parties and/or receipt of
services rendered by related parties) and payments of expenses on behalf of the related
parties. |
F-54
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
20. |
|
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS continued |
|
(c) |
|
Advertising equipment sales to investee companies |
|
|
|
|
The Group sold digital equipment at negotiated price to related parties for a total
amount of, $565,392, Nil and Nil for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and
2010, respectively. Details are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Chengdu Mobile |
|
$ |
15,531 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Dalian Mobile |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Haerbin Mobile |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Henan Mobile |
|
|
162,546 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hubei Mobile |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suzhou Mobile |
|
|
157,352 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changzhou Mobile |
|
|
150,407 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ningbo Mobile |
|
|
79,556 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
565,392 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d) |
|
Services rendered by investee companies |
|
|
|
|
The Group has received broadcasting service and other services from related parties
at negotiated prices for a total amount of $7,989,832, $10,251,290 and $16,357,610
for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Details are as
follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Chengdu Mobile |
|
$ |
1,007,951 |
|
|
$ |
1,105,108 |
|
|
$ |
1,814,631 |
|
Dalian Mobile |
|
|
883,650 |
|
|
|
1,178,596 |
|
|
|
1,308,066 |
|
Guangtong Mobile |
|
|
345,491 |
|
|
|
521,450 |
|
|
|
884,801 |
|
Jilin Mobile |
|
|
274,013 |
|
|
|
451,700 |
|
|
|
483,320 |
|
Hubei Mobile |
|
|
430,587 |
|
|
|
617,992 |
|
|
|
795,583 |
|
Haerbin Mobile |
|
|
51,333 |
|
|
|
15,286 |
|
|
|
18,104 |
|
Ningbo Mobile |
|
|
1,334,749 |
|
|
|
1,281,127 |
|
|
|
1,264,212 |
|
Suzhou Mobile |
|
|
133,183 |
|
|
|
303,346 |
|
|
|
663,863 |
|
Changzhou Mobile |
|
|
268 |
|
|
|
408,225 |
|
|
|
|
|
Henan Mobile |
|
|
41,325 |
|
|
|
101,198 |
|
|
|
171,908 |
|
Shenzhen Mobile |
|
|
3,487,282 |
|
|
|
4,267,262 |
|
|
|
8,769,071 |
|
Zhongguangguoji |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
184,051 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7,989,832 |
|
|
$ |
10,251,290 |
|
|
$ |
16,357,610 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-55
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
20. |
|
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS continued |
|
(e) |
|
Rental expense |
|
|
|
|
During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Group rented office
space from Zhiye. The rate for rent was determined based on negotiated prices. The
rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 was $163,511,
$191,758 and $154,153, respectively. |
|
|
(f) |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Group paid office
decoration charges of $194,101, $236,124 and $270,864, respectively, to Champs
Elysees. During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Group also
paid property management fees and utility expenses of $22,661,
$26,820 and $28,702,
respectively, to Champs Elysees. |
21. |
|
PROFIT APPROPRIATION |
|
|
|
In accordance with the Regulations on Enterprises with Foreign
Investment of China and the articles of association of the Companys
subsidiaries, the Companys subsidiaries, being foreign invested
enterprises established in China, are required to provide certain
statutory reserve funds, namely general reserve fund, enterprise
expansion fund and staff welfare and bonus funds, all of which are
appropriated from net profit as reported in their PRC statutory
accounts. The Companys subsidiaries are required to allocate at
least 10% of their after-tax profits to the general reserve fund until
such fund has reached 50% of their respective registered capital.
Appropriations to the enterprise expansion fund and staff welfare and
bonus fund are at the discretion of the board of directors of the
Companys subsidiaries. |
|
|
|
In accordance with the PRC Company Laws, the Companys VIEs and their
subsidiaries must make appropriations from their after-tax profits as
reported in their PRC statutory accounts to non-distributable reserve
funds, namely statutory surplus fund, statutory public welfare fund
and discretionary surplus fund. The Companys VIEs and their
subsidiaries are required to allocate at least 10% of their after-tax
profits to the statutory surplus fund until such fund has reached 50%
of their respective registered capital. Appropriations to the
statutory public welfare fund and discretionary surplus fund are at
the discretion of the Companys VIEs and their subsidiaries. |
|
|
|
The general reserve fund and statutory surplus fund are restricted to
set-off against losses, expansion of production and operation and
increasing registered capital of the respective company. The staff
welfare and bonus fund and statutory public welfare fund are
restricted to capital expenditures for the collective welfare of
employees. These reserves are not allowed to be transferred to the
Company in terms of cash dividends or loans or advances, nor can they
be distributed except under liquidation. |
|
|
|
There were no appropriations to reserves by the Company other than the
Companys VIEs and certain of the VIEs subsidiaries in the PRC during
any of the periods presented. During the years ended December 31,
2008, 2009 and 2010, approximately $5,597,415, $4,249,280 and $34,442
was appropriated from retained earnings to the statutory surplus fund,
respectively, which are included in the accumulated profits (deficit) of the Group. |
F-56
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares or otherwise stated)
22. |
|
RESTRICTED NET ASSETS |
|
|
|
Under PRC laws and regulations, there are certain restrictions on the
Companys PRC subsidiaries and VIEs with respect to transferring
certain of their net assets and reserves to the Company either in the
form of dividends, loans, or advances. Amounts restricted include
restricted cash, paid-up capital, reserves and accumulated profits
(deficit) of the Companys PRC subsidiaries and VIEs, totaling
approximately $205,369,450 and $110,240,586 as of December 31, 2009
and 2010, respectively. |
|
23. |
|
SUBSEQUENT EVENT |
|
|
|
Investments from Focus Media Holding Limited |
|
|
|
On January 13, 2011, the Company and Focus Media Holding Limited (Focus Media) announced
the closing of a securities purchase transaction in which Focus Media, JJ Media Investment
Holding Limited and Front Lead Investments Limited have purchased 15,331,305, 1,022,087 and
1,022,087, respectively, newly issued common shares of the Company at a price of $3.979 per
share, equivalent to $3.979 per ADS. |
F-57
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT SCHEDULE I
BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
6,961,436 |
|
|
$ |
14,788,170 |
|
Amounts due from subsidiaries |
|
|
68,114,565 |
|
|
|
87,821,975 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
2,439 |
|
|
|
364,357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
$ |
75,078,440 |
|
|
$ |
102,974,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed assets, net |
|
$ |
93,676 |
|
|
$ |
71,384 |
|
Investment in subsidiaries and variable interest entities |
|
|
205,794,723 |
|
|
|
136,475,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current assets |
|
$ |
205,888,399 |
|
|
|
136,547,212 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS |
|
$ |
280,966,839 |
|
|
$ |
239,521,714 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts due to subsidiaries |
|
$ |
6,157,970 |
|
|
$ |
23,906,496 |
|
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
1,827,513 |
|
|
|
830,214 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
$ |
7,985,483 |
|
|
$ |
24,736,710 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares ($0.0001 par value;
200,000,000 shares authorized; 72,140,684 and
84,894,888 shares issued and outstanding as of
December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively) |
|
$ |
7,214 |
|
|
$ |
8,490 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
192,362,565 |
|
|
|
273,934,960 |
|
Accumulated profits (deficit) |
|
|
70,623,826 |
|
|
|
(80,714,396 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
9,987,751 |
|
|
|
21,555,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total VisionChina Media Inc. shareholders equity |
|
$ |
272,981,356 |
|
|
$ |
214,785,004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY |
|
$ |
280,966,839 |
|
|
$ |
239,521,714 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-58
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT SCHEDULE I
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars (US$), except number of shares)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
$ |
(2,884,499 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,711,551 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,560,680 |
) |
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries
and variable interest entities |
|
|
48,252,862 |
|
|
|
32,260,524 |
|
|
|
(148,454,480 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating profit (loss) |
|
|
45,368,363 |
|
|
|
26,548,973 |
|
|
|
(151,015,160 |
) |
Interest income |
|
|
1,441,587 |
|
|
|
54,030 |
|
|
|
1,303 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(324,365 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
46,809,950 |
|
|
$ |
26,603,003 |
|
|
$ |
(151,338,222 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-59
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT SCHEDULE I
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES OF EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars ($), except number of shares)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
other |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares |
|
|
paid-in |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
comprehensive |
|
|
shareholders |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
capital |
|
|
(deficit) profits |
|
|
income |
|
|
equity |
|
|
income (loss) |
|
Balance as of January 1, 2008 |
|
|
68,386,838 |
|
|
$ |
6,839 |
|
|
$ |
163,820,443 |
|
|
$ |
(2,789,127 |
) |
|
$ |
2,990,664 |
|
|
$ |
164,028,819 |
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common shares
pursuant to follow-on offering |
|
|
1,150,000 |
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
17,569,585 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,569,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
Direct offering expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,613,738 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,613,738 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Shares repurchase |
|
|
(281,400 |
) |
|
|
(28 |
) |
|
|
(1,454,628 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,454,656 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of share options |
|
|
2,525,893 |
|
|
|
252 |
|
|
|
10,906,004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,906,256 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted shares |
|
|
38,111 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,467,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,467,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative translation
adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,359,826 |
|
|
|
7,359,826 |
|
|
$ |
7,359,826 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,809,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,809,950 |
|
|
|
46,809,950 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
54,169,776 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
71,819,442 |
|
|
$ |
7,182 |
|
|
$ |
190,694,719 |
|
|
$ |
44,020,823 |
|
|
$ |
10,350,490 |
|
|
$ |
245,073,214 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shares repurchase |
|
|
(658,980 |
) |
|
|
(66 |
) |
|
|
(3,582,449 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,582,515 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Exercise of share options |
|
|
423,139 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
918,240 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
918,282 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted shares |
|
|
557,083 |
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,332,111 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,332,111 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative translation
adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(362,739 |
) |
|
|
(362,739 |
) |
|
$ |
(362,739 |
) |
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,603,003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,603,003 |
|
|
|
26,603,003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
26,240,264 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
72,140,684 |
|
|
$ |
7,214 |
|
|
$ |
192,362,565 |
|
|
$ |
70,623,826 |
|
|
$ |
9,987,751 |
|
|
$ |
272,981,356 |
|
|
|
|
|
Share issued for DMG Acquisition |
|
|
8,476,013 |
|
|
|
848 |
|
|
|
67,566,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,567,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shares issued to certain subscribers |
|
|
4,006,474 |
|
|
|
401 |
|
|
|
12,900,846 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,901,247 |
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of share options |
|
|
202,800 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
157,513 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
157,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted shares |
|
|
68,917 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
947,505 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
947,505 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative translation
adjustment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,568,199 |
|
|
|
11,568,199 |
|
|
|
11,568,199 |
|
Net loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(151,338,222 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(151,338,222 |
) |
|
|
(151,338,222 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(139,770,023 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2010 |
|
|
84,894,888 |
|
|
$ |
8,490 |
|
|
$ |
273,934,960 |
|
|
$ |
(80,714,396 |
) |
|
$ |
21,555,950 |
|
|
$ |
214,785,004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-60
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT SCHEDULE I
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars (US$), except number of shares)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) |
|
$ |
46,809,950 |
|
|
$ |
26,603,003 |
|
|
$ |
(151,338,222 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
4,514 |
|
|
|
17,917 |
|
|
|
22,292 |
|
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries
and variable interest entities |
|
|
(48,252,862 |
) |
|
|
(32,260,524 |
) |
|
|
148,454,480 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
1,467,057 |
|
|
|
4,332,111 |
|
|
|
947,505 |
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
37,820 |
|
|
|
278,663 |
|
|
|
(361,918 |
) |
Amounts due from subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(50,000,342 |
) |
|
|
(19,707,410 |
) |
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |
|
|
1,654,096 |
|
|
|
123,091 |
|
|
|
(997,299 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
|
1,720,575 |
|
|
|
(50,906,081 |
) |
|
|
(22,980,572 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of fixed assets |
|
|
(70,526 |
) |
|
|
(45,581 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Amounts due (to) from subsidiaries |
|
|
(12,061,513 |
) |
|
|
6,157,970 |
|
|
|
17,748,526 |
|
Investments in subsidiaries |
|
|
(59,999,997 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
|
|
(72,132,036 |
) |
|
|
6,112,388 |
|
|
|
17,748,526 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net of
issuance cost |
|
|
13,708,984 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of share options |
|
|
10,906,256 |
|
|
|
918,282 |
|
|
|
157,533 |
|
Payments of direct offering expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(278,902 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Share repurchases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,037,171 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of common shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,901,247 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
24,615,240 |
|
|
|
(4,397,791 |
) |
|
|
13,058,780 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(45,796,221 |
) |
|
|
(49,191,484 |
) |
|
|
7,826,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year |
|
|
101,949,141 |
|
|
|
56,152,920 |
|
|
|
6,961,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
|
$ |
56,152,920 |
|
|
$ |
6,961,436 |
|
|
$ |
14,788,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash financing and investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares repurchase not yet settled |
|
|
1,454,656 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares issued as part of consideration for acquisition
of subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,567,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-61
VISIONCHINA MEDIA INC.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT SCHEDULE I
(Amounts in U.S. Dollars (US$))
Schedule 1 has been provided pursuant to the requirements of Rules 12-04(a) and 4-08(e)(3) of SEC
Regulation S-X, which require condensed financial information as to financial position, changes in
financial position and results of operations of a parent company as of the same dates and for the
same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements have been presented when the
restricted net assets of consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries together exceed 25 percent of
consolidated net assets as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. As of December
31, 2009 and 2010, approximately $205,369,450 and $110,240,586 of the registered capital and
reserves are not available for distribution, respectively, and as such, the condensed financial
information of VisionChina Media Inc. has been presented for the years ended December 31, 2008,
2009 and 2010.
Basis of Presentation
For the purposes of the presentation of the financial information of the parent company only, the
Company records its investment in subsidiaries under the equity method of accounting as prescribed
in FASB ASC 323 Investments in Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Such investment is presented on
the balance sheet as Investment in subsidiaries and variable interest entities and share of the
subsidiaries profit or loss as Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries and variable interest
entities on the statements of operations.
F-62