Form 20-F
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
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o |
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (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, 2009
OR
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o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
OR
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SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number: 000-50705
SHANDA INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of Registrants name into English)
Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
No. 208 Juli Road
Pudong New Area
Shanghai 201203, Peoples Republic of China
(Address of principal executive offices)
Grace Wu
Chief Financial Officer
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited
No. 208 Juli Road
Pudong New Area
Shanghai 201203, Peoples Republic of China
Telephone: (86-21) 5050-4740
Fax: (86-21) 5080-5132
(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 |
American Depositary Shares, each representing
2 ordinary shares, par value US$0.01 per share
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The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
The NASDAQ Global Select 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: 134,862,854 ordinary shares, par
value US$0.01 per share.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act.
þ Yes o No
If this report is an annual or transaction 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.
o Yes þ No
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.
þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Website, 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).
o Yes o No
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.:
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þ Large accelerated filer
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o Accelerated filer
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o Non-accelerated filer |
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial
statements included in this filing.
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þ U.S. GAAP
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o International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standard Boards
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o Other |
If Other has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which
financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
o Item 17 o Item 18
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 Exchange Act).
o Yes þ No
Introduction
CONVENTIONS WHICH APPLY TO THIS FORM
Except where the context otherwise requires and for purposes of this form only:
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advanced casual game refers to a more sophisticated sub-category of casual games which
are generally less time consuming and require less focus and attention than MMORPGs but
possess certain elements of MMORPGs including a story line, elaborate graphics,
availability of virtual items and frequent interactions among game players; |
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expansion pack refers to an addition to an existing game that usually includes new
game areas, weapons, objects, and/or an extended story line to a complete and already
released game; |
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Hongwen entities refers to Qidian, Jinjiang, Hongxiu, Jushi, and Huawen Tianxia; |
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Hurray!s affiliated music companies refers to Hurray! Freeland Digital Music
Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Huayi Brothers Music Co., Ltd. (Huayi Music), Beijing New Run Entertainment
Development Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Hurray! Secular Bird Culture Communication Co., Ltd., Seed
Music Group Limited, Xifule (Beijing) Culture Broker Co., Ltd (Xifule) and Beijing
Hurray! Fly Songs International Culture Co., Ltd.; |
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Hurray! entities refers to Hurray! Media, Seed Music Group Limited, Seed Music Co.
Ltd., Leguan Seed (Beijing) Culture Consulting Co., Ltd. and Beijing Hurray! Times and,
when referring to the Hurray! entities on or after January 18, 2010, Ku6 (Beijing)
Technology Co., Ltd. and WeiMoSanYi (Tianjin) Technology Co., Ltd.; |
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Hurray! Holding refers to Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd., a Cayman Islands company. In June
2009, we entered into a tender offer agreement with Hurray! Holding under which we
commenced a tender offer to acquire at least 51% of Hurray! Holdings outstanding ordinary
shares. The tender offer was successfully completed in July 2009. As of March 31, 2010, we
owned approximately 42.0% of Hurray! Holdings outstanding ordinary shares. Unless the
context requires otherwise, Hurray! also refers to the Hurray! entities, Hurray!s
affiliated music companies, Invest China Group Limited, Hurray Technologies, Profita
Publishing Ltd., Leguan Seed (Beijing) Culture Consulting Co., Ltd., Beijing Hand-in-Hand,
Shanghai Fu Ming Information Technology, Hurray Digital Media, Huayi Brothers Music, Huayi
Brothers Broker, Huayi! Freeland Culture, Wuxi New Run Digital Music, and, in the context
of describing its operations, the Hurray! VIEs, and, when referring to Hurray! Holding on
or after January 18, 2010, Ku6 Holding Limited; |
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Hurray! PRC subsidiaries refers to Beijing Hurray! Times and Leguan Seed (Beijing)
Culture Consulting Co., Ltd. and, when referring to the Hurray! entities on or after
January 18, 2010, Ku6 (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. and WeiMoSanYi (Tianjin) Technology
Co., Ltd; |
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Hurray! VIEs refers to Hurray! Solutions Ltd. (Hurray! Solutions), Beijing WVAS
Solutions Ltd., Beijing Enterprise Network Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Palmsky Technology
Co., Ltd., Beijing Hutong Wuxian Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Magma Digital Technology
Co., Ltd., Beijing Hengji Weiye Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd., Shanghai Saiyu Information
Technology Co., Ltd., Henan Yinshan Digital Network Technology Co., Ltd., Xifule and their
subsidiaries, and, when referring to the Hurray! entities on or after January 18, 2010, Ku6
(Beijing) Information Technology Co. Ltd. (Ku6 Information), Tianjin Ku6 Zheng Yuan
Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Tianjin Ku6) and their subsidiaries; |
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light casual games refers to flash games without user-end software operated by Mochi
Media, Inc. (Mochi Media) and online chess and board games operated by Hangzhou Bianfeng
Networking Co., Ltd., (Bianfeng) and its subsidiaries; |
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MMORPG refers to massively multi-player online role-playing game; |
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online game refers to MMORPGs, advanced casual games, and light casual games; |
3
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our PRC subsidiaries refers to Shanda Computer, Shengqu, Shengting and the Hurray! PRC
subsidiaries; |
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our PRC operating companies refers to the Shanda Networking entities, the Shulong
entities, the Hongwen entities and the Hurray! VIEs; |
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the Reorganization refers to the reorganization effort which we commenced in 2008, resulting in the establishment of Shanda Games,
Shanda Online and Shanda Literature; |
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the Separation refers to our transfer effective July 1, 2008 of substantially all
of our assets and liabilities related to the MMORPG and advanced casual game business to
Shanda Games, and Shengqus transfer of substantially all of its assets and liabilities
unrelated to the MMORPG and advanced casual game business to Shanda Computer and Shandas
other entities; |
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Shanda Games refers to Shanda Games Limited, a Cayman Islands company, and, unless the
context requires otherwise, includes its subsidiaries, including Shanda Games Holdings (HK)
Limited, Shanda Games International (Pte) Ltd., Shanda Games Technology (HK) Limited,
Shanda Games Korean Investment Limited, Actoz Soft Co., Ltd., Shengqu Information
Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Shengqu), Shengji Information Technology (Shanghai) Co.,
Ltd. (Shengji), Lansha Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., and, in the
context of describing its operations, its VIEs, including the Shulong entities and Shanghai
Hongli Digital Technology Co., Ltd., and, when referring to Shanda Games after December 31, 2009,
Goldcool Holdings Limited, Goldcool Holdings (HK) Limited, Kuyin Software (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
and Mochi Media; |
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Shanda Interactive refers to Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited; |
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Shanda Literature refers to Shanda Literature Corporation, a Cayman Islands company
wholly-owned by us, and, unless the context requires otherwise, its subsidiaries, including
Shanda Literature Limited (HK), Shengting Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
(Shengting), and, in the context of describing its operations, also includes its VIEs,
including Shanghai Hongwen Networking Technology Co., Ltd. (Hongwen), Shanghai Xuanting
Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd. (Qidian), Jinjiang Literature City (Jinjiang,
Hongxiu.com (Hongxiu), Tianjin Jushi Wenhua Book Distribution Co., Ltd. (Jushi) and
Tianjin Huawen Tianxia Book Distribution Co., Ltd. (Huawen Tianxia); |
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Shanda Networking entities refers to Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda, Shengfutong
and Yichong; |
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Shanda Online refers to Shanda Online International (HK) Limited, a Hong Kong company
wholly-owned by us, and, unless the context requires otherwise, its subsidiaries, including
Shanda Computer (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Shanda Computer), and, in the context of describing
its operations, also includes its VIEs, including Shanghai Shanda Networking Co., Ltd.
(Shanda Networking), Nanjing Shanda Networking Co., Ltd. (Nanjing Shanda), Shanghai
Shengfutong Electronic Business Co., Ltd. (Shengfutong) and Shanghai Yichong Electronic
Business Co., Ltd. (Yichong); |
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Shulong entities refers to Shanghai Shulong Technology Development Co., Ltd.
(Shanghai Shulong), Shanghai Shulong Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (Shulong Computer),
Nanjing Shulong Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (Nanjing Shulong), Chengdu Aurora
Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Chengdu Aurora), Chengdu Simo Technology Co., Ltd.
(Chengdu Simo), Tianjin Youji Technology Co., Ltd. (Tianjin Youji) and Chengdu Youji
Technology Co., Ltd. (Chengdu Youji); |
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VIEs refers to variable interest entities; |
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VIE agreements refers to a series of contractual arrangements between a PRC company,
on the one hand, and its VIEs and their shareholders, on the other hand, including
contracts relating to the provision of services, software licenses and equipment, and
certain shareholder rights and corporate governance matters; and |
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we, us, our company and our refer to Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited,
its predecessor entities and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates. |
4
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements that are based on our
current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about us and our industry. All
statements other than statements of historical fact in this form are forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as may, will,
expect, anticipate, estimate, plan, believe, is/are likely to or other similar
expressions. The forward-looking statements included in this form relate to, among others:
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our goals and strategies; |
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our future business development, financial condition and results of operations; |
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our projected revenues, earnings, profits and other estimated financial information; |
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expected changes in our margins and certain costs or expenditures; |
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our plans to expand and diversify the sources of our revenues; |
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expected changes in the respective shares of our revenues from particular sources; |
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our plans for staffing, research and development and regional focus; |
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our plans to launch new products and services, and their projected economic lifespans; |
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our plans for strategic partnerships with other businesses; |
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our acquisition and divestiture strategy, and our ability to successfully integrate past
or future acquisitions with our existing operations and complete planned divestitures; |
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competition in the relevant industries; |
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the outcome of ongoing, or any future, litigation or arbitration; |
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the outcome of our annual PFIC evaluation; |
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the expected growth in the number of Internet and broadband users in China, growth of
personal computer penetration and developments in the ways most people in China access the
Internet; |
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changes in PRC governmental preferential tax treatment and financial incentives we
currently qualify for and expect to qualify for; and |
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PRC governmental policies relating to media and the Internet and Internet content
providers and to the provision of advertising over the Internet. |
These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. Although we believe
that our expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot
assure you that our expectations will turn out to be correct. Our actual results could be
materially different from and worse than our expectations. Important risks and factors that could
cause our actual results to be materially different from our expectations are generally set forth
in the Risk Factors section of Item 3 and elsewhere in this annual report. 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. We undertake no obligation to update any
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the
statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
5
EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION
This annual report contains translations of Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars at specific
rates solely for the convenience of the reader. For all dates and periods through December 31,
2008, exchange rates of Renminbi into U.S. dollars are based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers of
Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. For January 1,
2009 and all later dates and periods, the exchange rate refers to the exchange rate as set forth in
the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. These rates are provided solely for
your convenience and we make no representation that any Renminbi or U.S. dollar amounts could have
been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Renminbi, as the case may be, at any particular
rate, the rates stated below, or at all.
The following table sets forth information concerning the exchange rates in Renminbi and U.S.
dollars for the periods indicated.
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Renminbi per U.S. Dollar Noon Buying Rate |
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Average(1) |
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High |
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Low |
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Period End |
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2005 |
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8.1826 |
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8.2765 |
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8.0702 |
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8.0702 |
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2006 |
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7.9579 |
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8.0702 |
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7.8041 |
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7.8041 |
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2007 |
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7.5806 |
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7.8127 |
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7.2946 |
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7.2946 |
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2008 |
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6.9193 |
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7.2946 |
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6.7800 |
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6.8225 |
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2009 |
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6.8295 |
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6.8470 |
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6.8176 |
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6.8259 |
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Renminbi per U.S. Dollar Exchange Rate |
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High |
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Low |
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December 2009 |
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6.8299 |
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6.8244 |
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January 2010 |
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6.8295 |
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6.8258 |
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February 2010 |
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6.8330 |
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6.8258 |
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March 2010 |
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6.8270 |
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6.8254 |
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April 2010 |
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6.8275 |
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6.8229 |
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May 2010 (through May 14, 2010) |
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6.8285 |
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6.8245 |
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(1) |
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Annual averages are calculated using month-end rates. |
On December 31, 2009, the daily exchange rate was RMB6.8259 to US$1.00. On May 14, 2010, the
daily exchange rate was RMB6.8263 to US$1.00.
PART I
Item 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
Not Applicable
Item 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not Applicable
Item 3. KEY INFORMATION
A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated statement of operations data for the three years ended
December 31, 2009 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 have
been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which have been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company, an independent registered public accounting
firm. The report of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company on our consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2009 is included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.
6
During the year ended
December 31, 2009, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts
for business combinations with the adoption of Accounting Standard Codification, or ASC, 805
(formerly referred to as SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business combination), and
retrospectively applied ASC 810 (formerly referred to as SFAS 160, Non-controlling Interest in
Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of ARB No. 51) relating to presentation
and disclosure of noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries and ASC 470-20 (formerly referred to
as FSP APB14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments that may be settled in cash upon
conversion (including partial cash settlement) with respect to accounting for convertible debt.
As a result, our selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years
ended December 31, 2005 and 2006 and our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2005, 2006
and 2007 have been revised from our previously audited consolidated financial statements, which are
not included in this annual report on Form 20-F to give effect to those changes. You should read
the selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
and the related notes included under Item 18. Financial Statements and Item 5. Operating and
Financial Review and Prospects included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F. 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.
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For the year ended December 31, (1) |
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2005 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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(in thousands) |
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RMB |
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RMB |
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RMB |
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RMB |
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RMB |
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US$ |
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Consolidated Statements of Operations
and Comprehensive Income Data |
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Net revenues |
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1,896,611 |
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1,654,460 |
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2,467,265 |
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3,569,068 |
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5,240,799 |
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767,781 |
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Cost of revenue |
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(614,427 |
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(689,805 |
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(807,102 |
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(1,020,470 |
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(1,482,191 |
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(217,142 |
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Gross profit |
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1,282,184 |
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964,655 |
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1,660,163 |
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2,548,598 |
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3,758,608 |
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550,639 |
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Operating expenses |
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(660,285 |
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(587,023 |
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(658,199 |
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(1,106,315 |
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(1,719,225 |
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(251,868 |
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Income from operations |
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621,899 |
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377,632 |
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1,001,964 |
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1,442,283 |
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2,039,383 |
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298,771 |
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Interest income and investment income |
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23,127 |
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97,104 |
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535,622 |
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80,771 |
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113,652 |
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16,650 |
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Interest expenses (1) |
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(166,226 |
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(174,653 |
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(144,091 |
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(30,023 |
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(100,739 |
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(14,758 |
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Other income, net |
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174,903 |
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133,913 |
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28,041 |
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29,380 |
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203,578 |
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29,824 |
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Income before income tax expenses,
equity in loss of affiliated
companies |
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653,703 |
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433,996 |
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1,421,536 |
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1,522,411 |
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2,255,874 |
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330,487 |
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Income tax expenses |
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(96,711 |
) |
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(36,489 |
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(133,836 |
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(276,471 |
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(485,774 |
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(71,166 |
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Equity in loss of affiliated companies |
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(544,268 |
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(26,227 |
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(15,503 |
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(337 |
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(50,545 |
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(7,405 |
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Net income |
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12,724 |
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371,280 |
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1,272,197 |
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1,245,603 |
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1,719,555 |
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251,916 |
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Net income attributable to
non-controlling interests and
redeemable preferred shares issued by
a subsidiary |
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4,825 |
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767 |
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(7,015 |
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(16,929 |
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(126,991 |
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(18,604 |
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Net income attributable to Shanda
Interactive |
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17,549 |
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372,047 |
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1,265,182 |
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1,228,674 |
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1,592,564 |
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233,312 |
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For the year ended December 31, (1) |
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2005 |
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2006 |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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(in thousands, except per share and per ADS data) |
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RMB |
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RMB |
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RMB |
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RMB |
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RMB |
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US$ |
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Earnings per Share Data: |
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Income attributable to
Shanda Interactive |
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17,549 |
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372,047 |
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|
|
1,265,182 |
|
|
|
1,228,674 |
|
|
|
1,592,564 |
|
|
|
233,312 |
|
Earnings per share, basic |
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
2.61 |
|
|
|
8.83 |
|
|
|
8.59 |
|
|
|
11.86 |
|
|
|
1.74 |
|
Earnings per share, diluted |
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
2.57 |
|
|
|
8.65 |
|
|
|
8.49 |
|
|
|
11.45 |
|
|
|
1.68 |
|
Earnings per ADS, basic(2) |
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
|
5.22 |
|
|
|
17.66 |
|
|
|
17.18 |
|
|
|
23.72 |
|
|
|
3.48 |
|
Earnings per ADS, diluted(2) |
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
|
5.14 |
|
|
|
17.30 |
|
|
|
16.98 |
|
|
|
22.90 |
|
|
|
3.36 |
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, (1) |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
US$(1) |
|
Consolidated Balance
Sheets Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
949,622 |
|
|
|
1,291,901 |
|
|
|
1,985,302 |
|
|
|
3,397,844 |
|
|
|
10,959,313 |
|
|
|
1,605,548 |
|
Working capital(3) |
|
|
2,742,420 |
|
|
|
1,087,633 |
|
|
|
2,133,422 |
|
|
|
3,355,817 |
|
|
|
11,733,987 |
|
|
|
1,719,039 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
4,465,108 |
|
|
|
5,143,246 |
|
|
|
4,762,732 |
|
|
|
6,467,847 |
|
|
|
16,159,447 |
|
|
|
2,367,372 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
2,535,739 |
|
|
|
2,591,981 |
|
|
|
923,017 |
|
|
|
2,348,053 |
|
|
|
3,012,172 |
|
|
|
441,286 |
|
Redeemable preferred
shares issued by a
subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
144,735 |
|
|
|
157,983 |
|
|
|
23,144 |
|
Total Shanda Interactive
shareholders equity |
|
|
1,925,980 |
|
|
|
2,548,355 |
|
|
|
3,623,417 |
|
|
|
3,831,029 |
|
|
|
11,546,023 |
|
|
|
1,691,502 |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
|
3,389 |
|
|
|
2,910 |
|
|
|
216,298 |
|
|
|
144,030 |
|
|
|
1,443,269 |
|
|
|
211,440 |
|
Total shareholders equity |
|
|
1,929,369 |
|
|
|
2,551,265 |
|
|
|
3,839,715 |
|
|
|
3,975,059 |
|
|
|
12,989,292 |
|
|
|
1,902,942 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Reflects retrospective application of ASC 810 (formerly referred to as SFAS 160,
Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51.)
and ASC 470 (formerly referred to as FSP APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt
Instruments that May be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement).) |
|
(2) |
|
Each ADS represents two ordinary shares. |
|
(3) |
|
Working capital represents total current assets less total current liabilities. |
B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
Not applicable
C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable
D. RISK FACTORS
Risks Relating to Our Online Game Business
We depend substantially on Shanda Gamess online game business.
In 2008, we commenced a reorganization of our businesses, which included the transfer of
substantially all of our assets and liabilities related to our MMORPG and advanced casual game
businesses to a newly-established legal entity, Shanda Games. On September 30, 2009, Shanda Games
completed its initial public offering of its ADSs on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. As of March
31, 2010, we owned approximately 71.6% of Shanda Gamess outstanding ordinary shares. We are
dependent upon Shanda Gamess online game business for a substantial majority of our net revenues.
In 2008 and 2009, Shanda Gamess business accounted for approximately 94.6% and 91.7%,
respectively, of our net revenues. We expect to continue to derive a substantial majority of our
net revenues from Shanda Games in the near term. Thus, our business prospects, financial condition
and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected by any factor that contributes
to a decline in revenues from Shanda Games.
8
Shanda Games depends substantially on two MMORPGs, which accounted for approximately 75.9% and
78.2% of its net revenues in 2008 and 2009, respectively, and 71.6% and 71.4% of our net revenues
in 2008 and 2009, respectively, and have finite commercial lifespans.
Mir II and Woool, which are two of Shanda Gamess MMORPGs, contributed approximately 55.3% and
20.6% of Shanda Gamess net revenues, respectively, in 2008 and 56.4% and 21.8% of Shanda Gamess
net revenues, respectively, in 2009. In turn, Mir II and Woool contributed approximately 52.1% and 19.5% of
our net revenues, respectively, in 2008 and 51.5% and 19.9% of our net revenues, respectively, in
2009. We expect Shanda Games to continue to derive a substantial majority of its net revenues from
Mir II and Woool in the near term. Thus, our business prospects, financial condition and results of
operations would be materially and adversely affected by any factor that contributes to a decline
in revenues from Mir II or Woool, including:
|
|
|
any reduction in purchases of virtual items by Mir II or Woool players; |
|
|
|
a decrease in the popularity of either game in China due to increased competition or
other factors; |
|
|
|
the loss of its rights to operate either game due to a termination of a license or other
reasons; |
|
|
|
failure to improve, update or enhance Mir II or Woool in a timely manner; or |
|
|
|
any lasting or prolonged server interruption due to network failures or other factors or
any other adverse developments specific to Mir II or Woool. |
For example, in December 2009, Shanda Games introduced an expansion pack in Mir II which was
not well received by the games users and led to some of the games users ceasing to purchase
in-game items. Primarily as a result of the introduction of that expansion pack, we expect that
Shanda Gamess quarter over quarter revenues for the first quarter of 2010 will decrease and our
financial results will be adversely affected. While Shanda Games has introduced an additional
expansion pack which it believes will assist to reverse the decline in revenues from Mir II, it
cannot be certain that this expansion pack will in fact, achieve this desired goal.
As with other online games, Mir II and Woool have finite commercial lifespans. Shanda Games
believes that Mir II and Woool, which were launched in 2001 and 2003, respectively, are in the more
mature stages of their commercial lifespans. While Shanda Games was able to reverse the decreasing
trend in revenues from these two games with the adoption of the item-based revenue model in
November 2005 and has since been able to continue to increase its revenues from both games, we
cannot assure you that Shanda Gamess revenues from these games will not decline in the future.
Shanda Games may also be able to extend the commercial lifespan of Mir II and Woool by enhancing,
expanding and upgrading Mir II and Woool to include new features that appeal to existing players
and attract new players. If Shanda Games is not able to extend the commercial lifespan of Mir II
and Woool, our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be materially
and adversely affected.
Shanda Gamess future success relies on developing and sourcing new online games.
To remain competitive, Shanda Games must continue to develop and source new online games that
appeal to game players. Shanda Games develops and sources new online games through its
multi-channel strategy, including in-house development, licensing, investments and acquisitions,
co-development and co-operation. However, we cannot assure you that Shanda Games will be successful
in executing such a strategy. If Shanda Games fails to do so, our business, financial condition,
results of operations and business prospects would be materially and adversely affected. The
following summarizes risks relating to Shanda Gamess multi-channel strategy.
|
|
|
In-house development of new online games and introduction of expansion packs for Shanda
Gamess existing online games. |
Shanda Games must continue to successfully develop new online games in-house to expand its
game portfolio and introduce updates and expansion packs, which are more substantial
enhancements than updates, for its existing games to extend the commercial lifespan of its
existing games.
Shanda Gamess ability to develop successful new online games in-house will largely depend
on its ability to (i) anticipate and effectively respond to changing game player interests and
preferences and technological advances in a timely manner, (ii) attract, retain and motivate
talented online game development personnel and (iii) execute effectively its online game
development plans. In-house development requires a substantial initial investment prior to the
launch of a game, as well as a significant commitment of future resources to produce updates and
expansion packs.
Shanda Gamess ability to introduce successful updates and expansion packs for its existing
online games will also depend on its ability to collect and analyze user behavior data and
feedback from the player community in a timely manner and to effectively incorporate features
into its updates and expansion packs to improve the variety and attractiveness of its virtual
items. We cannot assure you that Shanda Games will be able to collect and analyze game player
behavior data on a timely basis or that such data will accurately reflect game player behavior.
9
|
|
|
Maintaining good relationships with its licensors, extending licenses for its existing
licensed online games and licensing new online games. |
Shanda Games licenses many of its online games, including some of its most popular games,
from third parties. In 2008 and 2009, Shanda Games derived approximately 65.7% and 69.1% of its
net revenues, respectively, from online games that were licensed from third parties. As of March
31, 2010, Shanda Games licensed nine of its 26 MMORPGs and five of its eight advanced casual
games from other game developers. See Business Overview Shanda Games section of Item 4B.
Shanda Games must maintain good relations with its licensors to ensure the continued smooth
operation of its licensed games. Additionally, Shanda Games depends upon its licensors to
provide technical support necessary for the operation of the licensed games, as well as updates
and expansion packs that help to sustain interest in games. Moreover, certain marketing
activities often require the consent of its licensors. Finally, its licenses may be terminated
upon the occurrence of certain events, such as a material breach by Shanda Games. Only some of
its license agreements allow it to automatically extend the term of the license without
renegotiating with the licensors. Shanda Games may want to extend a license upon its expiration
but may not be able to do so on terms acceptable to it or at all. Its licensors may also demand
new royalty terms that are unacceptable to it. Shanda Gamess ability to continue to license its
online games and to maintain good relationships with its licensors also affects its ability to
license new games developed by the same licensors.
|
|
|
Investments in and acquisitions of other businesses that Shanda Games believes may
benefit its business. |
Shanda Games intends to continue to invest in or acquire other businesses that complement
its business or games that it believes may benefit it in terms of game player base or game
portfolio. For example, in January 2010, Shanda Games entered into agreements to purchase
Goldcool Holdings Limited, or Goldcool, a Shanghai-based online game developer and operator,
and Mochi Media, which operates a leading platform for distributing and monetizing
browser-based games worldwide. However, Shanda Gamess ability to grow through investments and
acquisitions will depend on the availability of suitable candidates at an acceptable cost and
its ability to consummate such transactions on commercially reasonable terms, such as its
acquisitions of Goldcool and Mochi Media, as well as its ability to obtain any required
governmental approvals. The identification and completion of these transactions may also
require it to expend significant management and other resources. Moreover, the benefits of an
investment or acquisition may take considerable time to materialize, and we cannot assure you
that any particular transaction will achieve the intended benefits. Future acquisitions could
also expose Shanda Games to potential risks, including those associated with the integration of
new operations, technologies and personnel, unforeseen or hidden liabilities, the inability to
generate sufficient revenues to offset the costs and expenses of the acquisitions and potential
loss of, or harm to, its relationships with employees, customers, licensors and other suppliers
as a result of integration of new businesses.
|
|
|
Sourcing of new online games through co-development and co-operation. |
Shanda Games co-develops online games with international game developers. Shanda Games
also co-operates certain games in China under nonexclusive licenses granted by third-party
Chinese developers who also operate those same games on their own platform. Shanda Games must
maintain good relations with its co-developers and co-operators to ensure the continued smooth
development and operation of its co-developed and co-operated games. Shanda Games may incur
significant cost overrun in game product development in its co-development arrangements. In
addition, its newly co-developed games may not be well received by its game players. Shanda
Gamess ability to co-develop and co-operate successful online games also depends on the
availability of co-development and co-operation partner candidates.
10
Shanda Gamess new games, such as AION, may not be commercially successful, and Shanda Games may
fail to launch new games according to its timetable, or at all.
In order to remain competitive, Shanda Games must introduce new online games that are
attractive to its game players and can generate additional revenues and diversify its revenue
sources. The games in its announced pipeline only represent its current expectations. Shanda Games
may not launch these games or, if launched, they may not be commercially successful. The
performance of Shanda Gamess existing online games is not an indication of the future performance
of any game it is currently developing. Although Shanda Games has launched several new online
games in the past three years, none of these games individually has been able to contribute 10% or
more of its net revenues annually. There are many factors that could adversely affect the
popularity of Shanda Gamess new games, and if its new games are not commercially successful, it
may not be able to recover its game sourcing or development costs, which can be significant. For
example, in April 2009, Shanda Games launched AION, an MMORPG that it licensed from NCSoft
Corporation, a leading South Korean game developer, operator and publisher. While the launch of
AION has generated significant market attention, we cannot assure you that AION will be
commercially successful or meet market expectations. The failure of new games such as AION to
become commercially successful could adversely affect market confidence in Shanda Gamess and in
turn our future growth prospects and result in a drop in the market price of our ADSs.
The timing of the launch of Shanda Gamess pipeline games is also critical to its business. We
also cannot assure you these games will be launched based on their current timetables or at all. A
number of factors, including technical difficulties, insufficient game development personnel, a
lack of marketing or other resources or acceptance of or interest in the new games among game
players during the testing phase and adverse developments in Shanda Gamess relationship with the
licensors of its new licensed games, could result in delays in launching or prevent it from
launching its new games at all. If Shanda Games fails to launch new games according to its
timetable or at all, it may disappoint the game player base, fail to meet the targets for its
anticipated financial and operating results or lose its market leadership position to its
competitors, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
Shanda Gamess new games may attract game players away from its existing games.
Shanda Gamess new online games may attract game players away from its existing games and
shrink its existing games player base, which could in turn make those existing games less
attractive to other game players, resulting in decreased revenues from its existing games. Players
of its existing games may also spend less money to purchase virtual items in its new games than
they would have spent if they had continued playing its existing games. In addition, its game
players may migrate from its existing games with a higher profit margin to new games with a lower
profit margin. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material and adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes or adjustments Shanda Games makes to its existing or new games may not be well received by
its game players.
As Shanda Games develops new online games or introduces updates and expansion packs to its
existing games, it closely monitors its game players tastes and preferences and may introduce or
change certain game features or game play styles to make its games more attractive. We cannot
assure you that these changes or adjustments will be well received by its game players, who may
decide not to play the new game or cease playing the existing game. For example, in December 2009,
Shanda Games introduced an expansion pack in Mir II which was not well received by the games users
and led to some of the games users ceasing to purchase in-game items. As a result, any changes or
adjustments Shanda Games makes to existing or new games may adversely impact our revenues and
business prospects.
11
The revenue models Shanda Games adopts for its online games may not be suitable.
Shanda Games currently operates substantially all of its online games using the item-based
revenue model and has generated, and expects to continue to generate, a substantial majority of its
revenues using this revenue model. Under the item-based model, its game players can play games for
free, but may choose to pay for in-game virtual items and other value-added services provided by
Shanda Games to enhance the game-playing experience.
Although Shanda Games has adopted the item-based revenue model for substantially all of its
online games, it may not be the best revenue model for its games. The item-based revenue model
requires Shanda Games to develop or license online games that not only attract game players to
spend more time playing, but also encourage them to purchase virtual items. The sale of virtual
items requires Shanda Games to track closely game players tastes and preferences, especially as to
in-game consumption patterns. If Shanda Games fails to develop or offer virtual items which game
players purchase, it may not be able to effectively convert its game player base into paying users.
In addition, the item-based revenue model may cause additional concerns from PRC regulators who
have been implementing regulations designed to reduce the amount of time that the Chinese youth
spend on online games and intend to limit the total amount of virtual currency issued by online
game operators and the amount purchased by an individual game player. A revenue model that does not
charge for playing time may be viewed by the PRC regulators as inconsistent with this goal.
Furthermore, Shanda Games may change the revenue model for some of its online games if it believes
the existing revenue models are not optimal. We cannot assure you that the revenue model that
Shanda Games has adopted for any of its online games will continue to be suitable for that game, or
that Shanda Games will not in the future need to switch its revenue model or introduce a new
revenue model for that game. A change in revenue model could result in various adverse
consequences, including disruptions of the game operations, criticism from game players who have
invested time and money in a game and would be adversely affected by such a change, decreases in
the number of game players or decreases in the revenues Shanda Games generates from the online
games, which could materially and adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Shanda Games faces risks associated with the licensing of its games internationally, and if it is
unable to effectively manage these risks, its ability to expand its business internationally could
be impaired.
As of March 31, 2010, Shanda Games licensed 15 online games to game operators in a number of
countries or regions. Shanda Games plans to further license its existing and new games in more
countries and regions.
Licensing its games in international markets exposes Shanda Games to a number of risks,
including:
|
|
|
identifying and maintaining good relations with game operators who are knowledgeable in,
and can effectively distribute and operate its games in, international markets; |
|
|
|
negotiating licensing agreements with game operators on terms that are commercially
acceptable to Shanda Games and enforcing the provisions of those agreements; |
|
|
|
developing games, updates and expansion packs catering to overseas markets and renewing
Shanda Gamess license agreements with game operators upon expiration; |
|
|
|
maintaining the reputation of Shanda Games and its games, given that its games are
operated by game operators in the international markets with different standards; |
|
|
|
protecting Shanda Gamess intellectual property rights overseas and managing the related
costs; |
|
|
|
auditing the royalties Shanda Games is entitled to receive; |
|
|
|
complying with the different commercial and legal requirements of the international
markets in which Shanda Gamess games are offered, such as game import regulatory
procedures, taxes and other restrictions and expenses; and |
|
|
|
managing foreign currency risks. |
In addition, Shanda Gamess plan to continue to license its games in international markets may
also be adversely affected by public opinion or government policies in markets in which it licenses
its games. For example, South Korea requires online game operators, such as Actoz, to obtain
ratings classifications for online games and implement procedures to restrict minors from accessing
online games. More recently, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in South Korea has enacted
rules which require certain online game operators to automatically log off underage users of
certain online games and to slow down the Internet speed for underage users who have been logged on
continuously for too many hours. If Shanda Games is not able to license its games internationally
as planned, our business, financial conditions and results of operations would be materially and
adversely affected.
12
Shanda Gamess business may be materially harmed if its online games are not featured prominently
in a sufficient number of Internet cafes in China.
A substantial number of game players access Shanda Gamess games through Internet cafes in
China. Due to limited hardware capacity, Internet cafes generally feature a limited number of games
on their computers. Shanda Games thus competes with a growing number of online game operators to
have its online games featured on these computers. This competition has intensified in China due to
a nationwide suspension of approval for the establishment of new Internet cafes in 2007. See
Risks Relating to Regulation of the Internet and to Our Structure The PRC government has
tightened its regulation of Internet cafes, which are currently one of the primary venues for
Shanda Gamess users to play online games. If Shanda Games fails to feature its games prominently
and sufficiently in Internet cafes in China or fails to do so in a cost-effective manner, our
business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
The growth of the online game industry and market acceptance of Shanda Gamess online games
remains uncertain.
The growth of the online game industry and the level of demand and market acceptance of Shanda
Gamess online games are subject to a high degree of uncertainty and will depend on factors beyond
its control, including:
|
|
|
the growth rate in the number of users of personal computers, Internet and broadband in
China and other markets in which Shanda Gamess online games are offered; |
|
|
|
whether the online game industry, particularly in China and the rest of the Asia-Pacific
region, continues to grow and the rate of any such growth; |
|
|
|
changes in consumer demographics, tastes or preferences; |
|
|
|
the popularity and price of new online games and virtual items that Shanda Games and its
competitors launch and distribute; |
|
|
|
Shanda Gamess ability to timely upgrade and improve its existing games to extend their
commercial lifespan and to maintain or expand their market share in the online game
industry; |
|
|
|
the availability and popularity of other forms of entertainment, particularly console
system games such as those made by Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony, which are popular in many
other countries and are becoming increasingly popular in China and other countries or
regions in which Shanda Games markets its online games; and |
|
|
|
general economic conditions, particularly economic conditions that impact the level of
discretionary consumer spending. |
Shanda Gamess ability to plan for product development and distribution and promotional
activities will be significantly affected by its ability to anticipate and adapt to relatively
rapid changes in consumer tastes and preferences. Although MMORPGs are currently popular in China,
there is no assurance that they will continue to be popular in China or elsewhere. A decline in the
popularity of online games in general, or the MMORPGs that Shanda Games operates, would adversely
affect our business prospects and results of operations. Shanda Games must be able to track and
respond to these changes in game players preferences in a timely and effective manner.
Furthermore, given that the item-based revenue model relies on in-game purchases, Shanda Games must
be able to track and respond quickly to changes in game preferences and consumer spending trends.
Shanda Games may not be able to adapt to the rapidly evolving online game industry in China.
Chinas online game industry is rapidly evolving. Shanda Games must adapt to new industry
trends, including changes in game players preferences, new revenue models, new game content
distribution models, new technologies and new governmental regulations. Shanda Games strives to
adapt its business in response to evolving trends and operations in order to maintain and
strengthen its leadership in the industry. However, we cannot assure
you that Shanda Games will be able to do so successfully, which may have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
13
Shanda Games faces significant competition in the online game industry in China.
The online game industry in China is increasingly competitive. In recent years, numerous
competitors have entered the online game industry in China. We expect more companies to enter the
market and we expect a wider range of online games to be introduced to China. Competition from
other online game operators, both based in China as well as overseas, is likely to increase in the
future. Other online game operators or developers, such as China-based Changyou.com Limited, Giant
Interactive Group, Inc., Kingsoft Corporation Limited, or Kingsoft, NetDragon Websoft Inc.,
NetEase.com, Nineyou International Limited, Perfect World Co., Ltd., Tencent Holdings Limited, and
The9 Limited, as well as international game developers, such as Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.,
Electronic Arts Inc., NCSoft Corporation, Nexon Corporation, NHN Corp. and Webzen, Inc., are Shanda
Gamess current or potential future competitors. As the online game industry in China is constantly
evolving, Shanda Gamess current or future competitors may compete more successfully as the
industry matures. In particular, any of these competitors may offer products and services that
provide significant performance, price, creativity or other advantages over those offered by Shanda
Games. These products and services may weaken Shanda Gamess brand name and achieve greater market
acceptance than those of Shanda Games. In addition, at or around the time when Shanda Games
launches its new MMORPGs or advanced casual games, competitors may launch similar games, which may
compete with Shanda Gamess games for potential game players. Furthermore, any of Shanda Gamess
current or future competitors may be acquired by, receive investments from or enter into other
strategic or commercial relationships with, larger, more established and better financed companies
and therefore obtain significantly greater financial, marketing and game licensing and development
resources than Shanda Games has. In addition, increased competition in the online game industry in
China could make it difficult for Shanda Games to retain existing players and attract new players.
Moreover, Shanda Games may face competition from console games that have achieved significant
success in markets other than China but have yet to be permitted to be sold in China due to
regulatory and other reasons. If these game consoles, many of which are strengthening their online
game features, are permitted to be sold in China, Shanda Games would face additional competition.
Shanda Games also competes with other forms of entertainment, such as television and movies. If
Shanda Games is unable to compete effectively, our business, financial condition and results of
operations would be materially and adversely affected.
If Shanda Games fails to anticipate or successfully implement new technologies, its games may
become obsolete or uncompetitive.
The online game industry is subject to rapid technological change. Shanda Games must
anticipate the emergence of new technologies and assess their market acceptance. In addition,
government authorities or industry organizations may adopt new standards that apply to game
development. Shanda Games also must invest significant financial resources in product development
to keep pace with technological advances. However, development activities are inherently uncertain,
and Shanda Gamess significant expenditures on technologies may not generate corresponding
benefits. If Shanda Games falls behind in adopting new technologies or standards, its existing
games may lose popularity, and its newly developed games may not be well received by its game
players. In addition, Shanda Games may incur significant cost overruns in product development,
which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Shanda Gamess online games may contain errors or defects and are susceptible to cheating
programs.
Shanda Gamess online games may contain errors or other defects. In addition, parties
unrelated to it have developed, and may continue to develop, Internet cheating programs that enable
game players to obtain unfair advantages over other game players who do not use such programs.
Furthermore, certain cheating programs could cause the loss of a characters superior features
acquired by a player. The occurrence of errors or defects in Shanda Gamess online games or its
failure to discover and disable cheating programs affecting the fairness of its game environment
could disrupt its operations, damage its reputation and discourage players from playing its games.
As a result, such errors, defects and cheating programs could materially and adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
14
Risks Related to Shanda Online
Our companys content providers depend on Shanda Online to provide services that are critical to
our business.
Many of our companys content providers, including Shanda Games, have engaged Shanda Online to
provide certain integrated platform services. These content providers depend on Shanda Online for
the provision of services that are critical to the operation of their businesses, including, among
others, online billing and payment, customer service, user authentication, pre-paid card marketing
and distribution and data support service. If Shanda Online breaches its obligations under the
contractual arrangements to provide such service to any of our content providers, or refuses to
renew these service agreements on terms acceptable to any of our content providers, or at all, our
content providers may not be able to find a suitable alternative service provider or establish its
own integrated service platform in a timely manner. Similarly, any failure of or significant
quality deterioration in Shanda Onlines integrated service platform could materially and adversely
affect our content providers businesses. For example, some of our companys content providers
rely on Shanda Onlines customer service representatives as the first point of contact to serve
their users. Shanda Online handles such customer requests such as adding virtual currencies to
accounts with pre-paid cards, retrieving forgotten passwords and recovering lost user accounts, and
liaising with our content providers, for example to Shanda Gamess game management team if the
inquiries involve game-related technical problems, such as recovering virtual items and in-game
characters. Our content providers also rely on Shanda Online to provide user authentication
services for their users who access their content through Shanda Onlines service platform, and for
pre-paid card distribution. If Shanda Online fails to address customer service requests properly
and in a timely manner, our users may be unable to access our content or attribute any unpleasant
experience with Shanda Onlines customer service to our content providers or to us. Any negative
impact to our reputation could lead to Shanda Online failing to retain current or failing to
attract new users or content providers, in which case, our business, financial condition and
results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Because Shanda Online offers its services to third-party content providers, our users may consume
less of our internal content.
Shanda Online provides integrated services to third-party content providers that compete with
our companys content providers and may enter into additional similar commercial relationships with
other content providers. These commercial relationships may strengthen these third-parties market
shares and enable them to achieve market acceptance for their products and services, which may have
a material adverse effect on our companys content providers business. For example, the online
games that Shanda Gamess competitors offer through Shanda Onlines integrated services platform
may attract away players of Shanda Gamess online games and shrink its player bases. Furthermore,
even though Shanda Online charges service fees to these third-party content providers, if Shanda
Gamess current users spend money on its competitors games which are offered through Shanda
Onlines integrated services platform that would otherwise have been spent on Shanda Gamess online
games, our business, financial conditions and results of operations could be materially and
adversely affected.
We could be liable for failure of, disruptions in, or third-party breaches of security of Shanda
Onlines online payment platform.
Currently, many of our content providers rely on Shanda Onlines integrated service platforms
online payment system to sell virtual pre-paid cards to our users. Secured transmission of
confidential information, such as our users credit card numbers and expiration dates, personal
information and billing addresses, over public networks is essential to maintaining consumer
confidence in such payment channels, which allow our content providers to collect payments on a
timely basis. In addition, we expect that an increasing amount of the sales of pre-paid cards will
be conducted over the Internet as a result of the growing use of online payment systems. As a
result, associated
online crime will likely increase as well and we cannot assure you that Shanda Onlines
current security measures and those of the third parties with whom Shanda Online transacts
business, are adequate. Security breaches of these online payment systems could result in
non-collection of payments and expose Shanda Online or us to litigation and possible liability for
failing to protect confidential game player information, which could harm Shanda Onlines
reputation and its ability to attract users to its platform.
15
Shanda Online relies on third-party distributors to maintain a stable and efficient distribution
and payment network.
Online payment systems in China are at a developmental stage and are not as widely available
or acceptable to consumers in China as in the United States. As a result, Shanda Online relies
heavily on a multi-layer distribution and payment network comprised of third-party distributors for
sales to, and collection of payment from, our users. As Shanda Online does not enter into long-term
agreements with any of its distributors, we cannot assure you that Shanda Online will continue to
maintain favorable relationships with them. Shanda Online also relies on third-party distributors
to distribute pre-paid cards to users which allow access to our online entertainment content.
Shanda Online typically offers discount pricing rates to distributors based on different factors.
If Shanda Online fails to maintain a stable and efficient distribution and payment network, or the
discount rates it pays to distributors were to increase, our business, financial condition and
results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Shanda Onlines business may be affected by network interruptions, capacity shortfalls, security
breaches or computer viruses.
Any failure to maintain the satisfactory performance, reliability, security and availability
of Shanda Onlines network infrastructure, including as a result of natural disasters such as
earthquakes and floods, may cause significant harm to Shanda Onlines reputation and its ability to
attract and maintain users. Shanda Online maintains a distributed server network architecture with
third-party service providers hosting servers in more than one hundred cities throughout China.
Shanda Online does not maintain full backup for its server network hardware.
Major risks involved in such network infrastructure include:
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any break-downs or system failures resulting in a sustained shutdown of all or a
material portion of Shanda Onlines servers, including failures which may be
attributable to sustained power shutdowns, or efforts to gain unauthorized access to
its systems causing loss or corruption of data or malfunctions of software or hardware; |
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any unanticipated surge in users or inability to support content resulting in an
overload to Shanda Onlines server network which may cause interruptions to the service; and |
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any disruption or failure in the national backbone network, which would prevent our
users outside Shanghai from logging on to any of our content, for which the servers are
all located in Shanghai. |
In the past, Shanda Onlines server network has experienced unexpected outages for several
hours and occasional slower performance in a number of locations in China as a result of failures
by third-party service providers. Shanda Onlines network systems are also vulnerable to damage
from fire, flood, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer virus, hackings and similar
events. Any network interruption or inadequacy that causes interruptions in the availability of the
online entertainment content on its service platform or deterioration in the quality of access to
Shanda Onlines online entertainment content could reduce its users satisfaction. In addition, any
security breach caused by hacking, which involves efforts to gain unauthorized access to
information or systems, or to cause intentional malfunctions or loss or corruption of data,
software, hardware or other computer equipment, and the inadvertent transmission of computer
viruses could have a material adverse effect on Shanda Onlines business, financial condition and
results of operations. Shanda Online does not maintain insurance policies covering losses relating
to its systems and it does not have business interruption insurance.
16
The successful operation of Shanda Onlines business and implementation of its growth strategies,
including its ability to accommodate additional content providers and users in the future, depend
upon the performance and reliability of the Internet infrastructure and fixed line and wireless telecommunications
networks in China.
Although there are private sector Internet service providers in China, almost all access to
the Internet is maintained through state-owned telecommunications operators under the
administrative control and regulatory supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology, or the MIIT. Shanda Online relies on this infrastructure to provide data communications
capacity primarily through local telecommunications lines and wireless telecommunications networks.
In addition, the national networks in China are connected to the Internet through international
gateways controlled by the PRC government. These international gateways are the only channels
through which a domestic user can connect to the Internet. Although the PRC government has
announced plans to develop aggressively the national information infrastructure, Shanda Online
cannot assure you that this infrastructure will be developed as planned or at all. In addition,
Shanda Online has no access to alternative networks and services on a timely basis, if at all, in
the event of any infrastructure disruption or failure. The Internet infrastructure in China may not
support the demands necessary for the continued growth in Internet usage.
Shanda Online relies on Shanda Games for substantial portion of its revenues.
Shanda Online
operates its integrated services platform through the Shanda Networking
entities, including Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda, Shengfutong and Yichong which entered into a cooperation agreement with the Shulong
entities, VIEs of Shanda Games, to provide certain online e-commerce platform services to Shanda
Games for a period of five years commencing on July 1, 2008. Shanda Games has agreed to pay
the Shanda Networking entities an amount equal to the difference between (x) the amount Shengfutong receives from
distributors or users from the sale of the pre-paid cards and (y) a fixed percentage of the face
value of a pre-paid card as agreed upon between Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and Shanda Games. See Our companys
content providers depend on Shanda Online to provide services that are critical to our business.
This cooperation agreement is the source of a significant portion of Shanda Onlines revenues. If
Shanda Games were to decide to not renew this agreement for any number of reasons, including user
dissatisfaction with Shanda Onlines services, it could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Use of Shanda Onlines services for illegal purposes could harm its business.
The law relating to the liability of providers of online services for the activities of their
users on their service is often challenged in the PRC and internationally. In violation of our
policies, unlawful goods and stolen goods have been listed and traded on our services. Shanda
Online may be unable to prevent our users from selling unlawful or stolen goods or unlawful
services or selling goods or services in an unlawful manner, and it may be subject to allegations
of civil or criminal liability for unlawful activities carried out by users through our services.
The PRC government has also raised concerns about the
use of online services for gambling, money laundering and illicit trade. See Risks Relating to
Regulation of the Internet and to Our Structure The PRC government may prevent us from
distributing, and we may be subject to liability for, content deemed to be inappropriate.
Although Shanda Online has prohibited the listing of stolen goods and certain high-risk items
and implemented other protective measures, it may be required to spend substantial resources to
take additional protective measures or discontinue certain service offerings, any of which could
harm its business. Any costs incurred as a result of potential liability relating to the alleged or
actual sale of unlawful goods or the unlawful sale of goods could harm its business. In addition,
Shanda Online may receive media attention relating to the listing or sale of unlawful goods and
stolen goods using our services. This negative publicity, even if factually incorrect, could damage
its reputation, diminish the value of its brand names and make users reluctant to use its services.
Shanda Onlines payment system is also susceptible to potentially illegal or improper uses. These
may include illegal online gambling, fraudulent sales of goods or services, illicit sales of
prescription medications or controlled substances, piracy of software and other intellectual
property, money laundering, bank fraud, child pornography trafficking, prohibited sales of
alcoholic beverages or tobacco products, and online securities fraud. Recent changes in law have
increased the penalties for intermediaries providing payment services for certain illegal
activities. Despite measures it has taken to
detect and lessen the risk of this kind of conduct, including its ability to take legal action
to recover its losses for certain violations of its acceptable use policy, illegal activities could
still be funded using Shanda Online. Any resulting claims or liabilities could adversely affect our
business.
17
Shanda Online is dependent on the business performance of its content provider customers.
Shanda Online generates revenue from services it provides to both our companys content providers
and third-party content providers. The amount of services Shanda Online provides to these content
providers is dependent on the amount of services that their users demand. The failure to secure new
key customers, the loss of key customers or the occurrence of significant reductions in sales from
a key customer would cause Shanda Onlines revenues to decrease and could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Shanda Onlines business is subject to online security risks, including security breaches and
identity theft.
To succeed, online commerce and communications must provide a secure transmission of
confidential information over public networks. Shanda Onlines security measures may not detect or
prevent security breaches that could harm its business. Currently, a significant number of its
users authorize it to bill their credit card accounts directly for all transaction fees charged by
it. Its users routinely provide credit card and other financial information. Shanda Online relies
on encryption and authentication technology licensed from third parties to provide the security and
authentication to effectively secure transmission of confidential information, including customer
credit card numbers. Advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of
cryptography or other developments may result in a compromise or breach of the technology used by
us to protect transaction data. In addition, any party who is able to illicitly obtain a users
password could access the users transaction data. An increasing number of websites have reported
breaches of their security. Any compromise of its security could harm Shanda Onlines reputation
and business, and could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws. In addition, a
party that is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary
information, cause interruption in its operations, damage its computers or those of its users, or
otherwise damage its reputation and business. Under credit card rules and its contracts with its
card processors, if there is a breach of credit card information that it stores, or that is stored
by PayPals direct credit card processing customers, Shanda Online could be liable to the credit
card issuing banks for their cost of issuing new cards and related expenses. In addition, if Shanda
Online fails to follow credit card industry security standards, even if there is no compromise of
customer information, it could incur significant fines or loose its ability to give customers the
option of using credit cards to fund their payments or pay their fees. If Shanda Online were unable
to accept credit cards, our business would be seriously damaged.
Shanda Onlines servers are also vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic
break-ins, and similar disruptions, and it has experienced denial-of-service type attacks on our
system that have made all or portions of its website unavailable for periods of time. Shanda Online
may need to expend significant resources to protect against security breaches or to address
problems caused by breaches. These issues are likely to become more difficult as it expands the
number of places where it operates. Security breaches, including any breach by Shanda Online or by
parties with which it has commercial relationships that result in the unauthorized release of its
users personal information, could damage its reputation and expose it to a risk of loss or
litigation and possible liability.
Shanda Onlines users, as well as those of other prominent Internet companies, have been and
will continue to be targeted by parties using fraudulent spoof and phishing emails to
misappropriate passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal information or to introduce
viruses through trojan horse programs to its users computers. These emails appear to be
legitimate emails sent by Shanda Online or a user of one of those businesses, but direct recipients
to fake websites operated by the sender of the email or request that the recipient send a password
or other confidential information via email or download a program. Despite its efforts to mitigate
spoof and phishing emails through product improvements and user education, spoof and
phishing
remain a serious problem that may damage the Shanda brand, discourage use of the Shanda Online
website, and increase its costs.
System failures could harm Shanda Onlines business.
Shanda Online has experienced system failures from time to time, and any interruption in the
availability of its website will reduce its current revenues and profits, could harm its future
revenues and profits, and could subject it to regulatory scrutiny.
Frequent or persistent interruptions in its services could cause current or potential
users to believe that its systems are unreliable, leading them to switch to its competitors or to
avoid its site, and could permanently harm its reputation and brands. Additionally, because Shanda
Onlines customers may use its products for critical transactions, any system failures could result
in damage to its customers businesses. These customers could seek significant compensation from
Shanda Online or us for their losses. Even if unsuccessful, this type of claim likely would be time
consuming and costly to address.
18
Although Shanda Onlines systems have been designed around industry-standard architectures to
reduce downtime in the event of outages or catastrophic occurrences, they remain vulnerable to
damage or interruption from earthquakes, floods, fires, power loss, telecommunication failures, terrorist attacks,
computer viruses, computer denial-of service attacks, and similar events. Some of its systems are
not fully redundant, and its disaster recovery planning is not sufficient for all eventualities.
Shanda Onlines systems are also subject to break-ins, sabotage, and intentional acts of vandalism.
Despite any precautions it may take, the occurrence of a natural disaster, a decision by any of its
third-party hosting providers to close a facility it uses without adequate notice for financial or
other reasons, or other unanticipated problems at its hosting facilities could result in lengthy
interruptions in its services.
Customer complaints or negative publicity about customer support or anti-fraud measures could
diminish use of Shanda Onlines services.
Customer complaints or negative publicity about our customer support could severely diminish
consumer confidence in and use of its services. Measures Shanda Online sometimes takes to combat
risks of fraud and breaches of privacy and security have the potential to damage relations with its
customers or decrease activity on its sites by making its sites more difficult to use or
restricting the activities of certain users. These measures heighten the need for prompt and
accurate customer support to resolve irregularities and disputes. Effective customer support
requires significant personnel expense, and this expense, if not managed properly, could
significantly impact our profitability. Failure to manage or train our customer support
representatives properly could compromise our ability to handle customer complaints effectively. If
Shanda Online does not handle customer complaints effectively, its reputation may suffer and it may
lose its customers confidence.
Because Shanda Online provides a financial service and operates in a highly regulated
environment, it must provide telephone as well as email customer support and must resolve certain
customer contacts within relatively short time frames. As part of Shanda Onlines program to reduce
fraud losses and prevent money laundering, it may temporarily restrict the ability of customers to
withdraw their funds if such funds or the customers account activity are identified by Shanda
Onlines risk models as suspicious. If Shanda Online is unable to provide quality customer support
operations in a cost-effective manner, its users may have negative experiences, it may receive
additional negative publicity, its ability to attract new customers may be damaged, and it could
become subject to litigation. Negative publicity about, or negative experiences with, customer
support for Shanda Online could cause its reputation to suffer or affect consumer confidence in the
Shanda brand as a whole.
Risks Related to Our Other Businesses
The risk factors set forth below are believed to be important in that they may have a material
impact upon the future financial performance of our other businesses, including Shanda Literature
and Hurray!. For more information on the contribution of those business to our companys financial
results, see Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.
Shanda Literature faces the risks of uncertainties regarding the growth of the online literature
industry and market acceptance.
Shanda Literature operates an online-reading website where users can read literature published
on the Internet. The online literature business is a relatively new and evolving industry and
concept. Shanda Literature is dependent on authors using its various online platforms, as opposed
to the traditional paperback format, to publish their literary works. As
reading literary
works online represents a new means of reading literary works, Shanda Literature cannot be certain
that its users will prefer to read literary works online as opposed to the traditional paperback form.
In addition, Shanda Literature cannot be certain that the authors will prefer to publish their
literary works online on one of its literature platforms, as opposed to in paperback form. The
failure of authors to publish, and its users to read, literary works online will likely adversely
affect Shanda Literatures business and prospects.
Shanda Literatures business is dependent on its authors.
The literary works published on Shanda Literatures online literature platforms are written by
independent authors, including a small percentage of whom are responsible for a substantial amount
of its revenues. Most of these authors are not bound by exclusivity restrictions. Shanda
Literature has also recently begun contracting with popular offline authors to produce online
content. If Shanda Literature is unable to retain its most popular authors or if those authors or
its offline authors do not produce content that is appealing to its users, the revenues and
profitability of Shanda Literature could by materially and adversely affected.
Pirated versions of copyrighted content on Shanda Literature may be viewable through other
websites.
Pirated copies of literature works that are licensed to Shanda Literature are often posted on
third-party websites. Unauthorized and pirated copies of Shanda Literatures content may reduce the
revenue it generates. Shanda Literature has taken, and will continue to take, a variety of actions
to combat piracy. For example, in March 2010, Shanda Literature filed a copyright infringement case
against Baidu, alleging that pirated copies of five of its novels could be viewed through links in
Baidu search results and on a Baidu message board service. There can be no
assurance that Shanda Literatures efforts to enforce its rights and protect its intellectual
property will be successful in preventing content piracy. Furthermore, litigation in China is
generally expensive and time consuming and the amount of damage rewards are low in comparison to
those in the United States and other developed countries.
Changes
in Shanda Literatures contracts with Chinas telecommunications operators or the policies of the telecommunications operators could harm its business.
Shanda Literature has begun to offer wireless value-added services (WVAS) which allow its
users to read literature it publishes over mobile networks. Shanda Literatures WVAS business is
subject to the risk that (i) it may not be able to successfully negotiate favorable terms with the
three principal telecommunications operators in China, China Mobile Communications Corporation, or
China Mobile, China United Telecommunications Corporation, or China Unicom, and China
Telecommunications Corporation, or China Telecom (together, the telecommunications operators) and
their provincial affiliates, (ii) the MIIT or the telecommunications operators may unilaterally
change their policies and/or the enforcement of their current policies or (iii) the
telecommunication operators may impose higher service or network fees on it, any of which could
have a material and adverse effect on Shanda Literatures revenues and profitability.
19
Hurray! depends on China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, the three principal
telecommunications network operators in China, for the major portion of its revenue.
Hurray! offers its services over
mobile networks to consumers through the
telecommunications operators. These principal
operators service the major portion of Chinas approximately 747 million mobile phone subscribers
as of December 31, 2009, according to the 2009 Statistic Bulletin on National Telecommunication
Industry issued by Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or the MIIT. Hurray!s
agreements with these operators and their provincial affiliates are non-exclusive and have a
limited term (generally one year for China Mobile and one or two years for China Unicom). Hurray!
usually renews these agreements or enter into new ones when the prior agreements expire, but
occasionally the renewal or new agreements can be delayed by periods of one month or more. In 2008,
China Telecom and its provincial affiliates entered into new agreements with Hurray! in connection
with the network assets that they acquired from China Unicom (as discussed below).
If any of China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom ceases to continue to cooperate with
Hurray!, it would be impossible to find appropriate replacement telecommunications operators with
the requisite licenses and permits, infrastructure and customer base to offer Hurray!s
WVAS to customers of such telecommunications operator. Hurray! derived
approximately 50% of its combined WVAS revenue from China Mobile, 25% from China Unicom, and 21%
from China Telecom in 2009.
In addition, the Chinese government has extensive involvement in determining the structure of
the telecommunications industry in China. During the development of this industry, changes in
government policy have resulted in major restructurings of the telecommunications operators,
including the establishment of new operators and the combination of all or part of existing
operators. In an effort to promote greater competition among the telecommunications operators and
foster the development of 3G mobile networks, on May 24, 2008, the MIIT, the PRC National
Development and Reform Commission, or the NDRC, and the PRC Ministry of Finance jointly issued the
Notice on Strengthening the Reform of Telecommunications Systems, or the Telecommunications Notice,
which aims to consolidate Chinas existing telecommunications operators into three new
telecommunications operators that can offer both mobile and fixed-line services. Under the
Telecommunications Notice, China Mobile merged with China Railway Communication Co., Ltd., which
operated a national fixed-line network, China Telecom acquired the Code Division Multiple Access
(CDMA) wireless business and network from China Unicom, and China Unicom, which operates a Global
System for Mobile communications (GSM) network and business, merged with China Netcom, which was
principally a fixed-line operator. Due to the restructuring, Hurray!s services to China Telecom
have increased and its services to China Unicom have decreased beginning from October 1, 2008, the
date that China Telecom officially acquired the CDMA wireless business and network from China
Unicom. On January 7, 2009, the MIIT issued 3G licenses to China Mobile, China Unicom and China
Telecom. China Mobile operates the TD-SCDMA network, Chinas self-developed 3G standard, China
Unicom operates the WCDMA, a 3G standard originally developed in Europe, and China Telecom operates
CDMA2000, a 3G standard originally developed in the U.S.
Any future significant restructuring of any segment of the telecommunications industry in
China, including in particular China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom (which are collectively
referred to hereinafter in this annual report on Form 20-F as the telecommunications operators)
or any other telecommunications operators in China and the potential combination of the mobile
operations of various telecommunications operators in China, could significantly affect Hurray!s
relationships with these telecommunications operators. Due to Hurray!s reliance on the
telecommunications operators for its WVAS, any loss or deterioration of its relationships with
them, due to their own business decisions or government-imposed restructurings, may result in
severe disruptions to its business operations and the loss of a significant portion of revenue.
20
Hurray! may not be able to successfully negotiate favorable terms with the telecommunications
operators and their provincial affiliates.
Given the dominant market position of China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, Hurray!s
leverage with these telecommunications operators is limited in terms of negotiating agreements,
resolving disputes or otherwise. In particular, its agreements with them can be terminated in
advance, penalties may be imposed or other parts of its services may be suspended or terminated,
and approval for its new services may be delayed for a variety of reasons which vary among the
individual agreements with the telecommunications operators, including, for example, if Hurray!
breaches its obligations under the agreements, a high number of customer complaints are made about
its services or it cannot satisfy the operational or financial performance criteria established by
the applicable telecommunications operator.
Hurray! may also be compelled to alter its agreements with these telecommunications operators
in ways which adversely affect its business, such as by limiting the services it can offer or
imposing other changes that limit the revenue it can derive from such agreements. In the past,
telecommunications operators have entered into new contracts in certain provinces with service
providers which change the share percentages it retained for customer payments. The percentage of
the payments from customers received by service providers has been decreasing since 2006. Hurray!
may not be able to adequately respond to any such changes because it is not able to predict whether
the telecommunications operators will unilaterally amend its contracts with them.
Unilateral changes in the policies of the MIIT and the telecommunications operators and in their
enforcement of their policies have resulted in service suspensions and Hurray! having to pay
additional charges to the telecommunications operators.
The MIIT and the telecommunications operators have a wide range of policies and procedures
regarding customer service, quality control and other aspects of the WVAS industry. As the industry
has evolved over the last several years, the telecommunications operators have refined these
policies to improve overall service quality and increase customer satisfaction. For example, in May
2007, China Mobile began the operational practice of displaying service fee reminders and seeking
express confirmation prior to processing the wireless application protocol (WAP) page download
requests of mobile phone users. China Mobile also began the practice of only including links to its
own WVAS offerings on the embedded menus of certain mobile handsets with customized software for
China Mobile users. In the past, such embedded menus featured links to all popular products
offered on China Mobiles networks, including Hurray!s products.
In August 2007, MIIT introduced new policies regarding WVAS that mobile phone users subscribe
to on a free trial basis. Service providers are now required to notify such mobile phone users
once the free trial period ends and must obtain confirmation from them prior to charging them for
continued subscription to the services. Upon obtaining such confirmation, service providers are
then required to notify mobile phone users of the exact pricing for such service and send billing
reminders to them.
In November 2009, the telecommunications operators suspended the ability of their WAP service
partners to charge for services in an effort to eradicate mobile pornography from their networks.
The suspension applied to all of the telecommunications operators WAP service partners in China,
regardless of a partners propensity to disseminate pornography. The telecommunications operators
have not yet indicated how long their suspensions would last or whether they will expand current
measures. These measures may bring pressure on the WVAS market in China and add to uncertainty of
Hurray!s WVAS operation in the coming quarters.
In addition, in the last several years, acting under the guidance of the MIIT, the
telecommunications operators have been enforcing their customer service policies more rigorously
than in the past and have initiated steps to improve customer service. This rigorous enforcement
has resulted in a number of severe penalties imposed on Hurray! and other participants in the
market in recent years. Penalties have included precluding service providers from offering certain
services over a mobile operators network or from offering new services for a fixed period.
21
Hurray! may not be able to adequately respond to these or other developments in mobile
operator policies, or changes in the manner in which such policies are enforced. Furthermore,
because the telecommunications operators policies are in a state of flux at this time and they are
highly sensitive to customer complaints (even if the complaints
have no merit), we cannot be certain that Hurray!s business activities will always be deemed
in compliance with those policies despite its efforts to so comply. Accordingly, Hurray! may be
subject to monetary penalties or service suspensions or both, even for conduct which Hurray!
believed to be permissible. Any future noncompliance with the telecommunications operators
policies by Hurray!, whether inadvertent or not, could result in a material and adverse effect on
its revenue and profitability.
The telecommunications operators may impose higher service or network fees on Hurray! for their
own business purposes or if Hurray! is unable to satisfy customer usage and other performance
criteria.
Fees for Hurray!s WVAS are charged on a monthly subscription or per-use basis. As provided in
its network service agreements, Hurray! relies on the telecommunications operators for both billing
of and collection from, mobile phone users of fees for its services. As noted above under The
termination or alteration of Hurray!s various agreements with the telecommunications operators and
their provincial affiliates would materially and adversely impact its revenue and profitability,
Hurray!s negotiating leverage with the telecommunications operators is limited. As a result, the
telecommunications operators could for their own business purposes unilaterally amend Hurray!s
agreements with them to increase the service or network fees that they retain from the revenues
generated by Hurray!s WVAS.
In addition, under these agreements, these service fees in some cases rise if Hurray! fails to
meet certain customer usage, revenues and other performance criteria. Moreover, for 2G services, to
the extent that the number of messages sent by Hurray! over networks of the telecommunications
operators exceeds the number of messages its customers send to it, it must pay per message network
fees, which decrease in several provinces as the volume of customer usage of its services
increases. The number of messages sent by Hurray! will exceed those sent by its users, for example,
if a user sends Hurray! a single message to order a game but Hurray! in turn must send that user
several messages to confirm his or her order and deliver the game itself. We cannot be certain that
Hurray! will be able to satisfy any performance criteria in the future or that the
telecommunications operators will keep the criteria at their current levels. Any increase in the
service or network fees of the telecommunications operators could reduce its gross margins.
The telecommunications operators may change their practices with regard to how service selections
appear on their WAP portals.
The current practice of the telecommunications operators is generally to place the most
popular WAP services at the top of the menu on the first page of the list of services available in
each service category on their WAP portals. Services at the top of the menu are more accessible and
therefore more frequently accessed than those services lower on the menu. This effectively
reinforces the position of the most popular services. The placement of services on these menus
creates significant competitive advantages for the top-ranked services and significant challenges
for newer and less popular services. We believe that Hurray!s prominent position on the WAP
portals of the telecommunications operators has historically helped Hurray! maintain its position
in the market. If any of the telecommunications operators changes its current practices so that the
most popular services are not those that are the most accessible to customers, restricts the number
or type of services a service provider is permitted to place on service menus or adopts new
interface technologies that eliminate the current service menus, Hurray!s services could become
more difficult for users to access and could, therefore, become less popular. In addition, China
Mobile only includes links to its own WVAS offerings on the embedded menus of mobile handsets with
customized software for China Mobile users while excluding links to products from third-party WVAS
service providers such as Hurray!. This practice has adversely affected Hurray!s revenues. If
additional similar changes occur, they will likely materially and adversely affect the revenue from
Hurray!s services.
The businesses of Hurray!s affiliated music companies are subject to constantly changing consumer
tastes.
Hurray! engages in artist development, music production, offline distribution and event
organization in Mainland China and Taiwan through Hurray!s affiliated music companies. Hurray! has
also recently expanded its artist agency business.
22
Each music recording and concert performance is an individual artistic work. The commercial
success of a music product or concert depends on consumer taste, the quality and acceptance of
competing offerings or events
released into the marketplace at or near the same time, the availability of alternative forms
of entertainment and leisure time activities, general economic conditions and other tangible and
intangible factors, all of which can change quickly. Accordingly, there can be no assurance as to
the financial success of any particular product, the timing of such success, or the popularity of
any particular artist.
The future success of Hurray!s affiliated music companies depends on their ability to
continue to develop recorded music and organize concerts that are interesting and engaging to their
target audience, primarily users of the Internet and WVAS in the case of their recorded music. If
the audience determines that the content does not reflect their tastes, then the audience size
could decrease, which would adversely affect Hurray!s results of operations. The ability of
Hurray!s affiliated music entities to develop compelling content depends on several factors,
including the following:
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technical expertise of their production and recording staff; |
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popularity of the artists represented by Hurray!s affiliated music companies; |
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access to songs or songwriters; and |
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effectiveness of online and offline marketing and promotional activities. |
Furthermore, Hurray!s affiliated music companies must invest significant amounts for
development prior to the release of any product or organization of an event. These costs may not be
recovered if the product or event is unsuccessful. There can be no assurance that such products or
events will be successful releases or that any product or events will generate revenues sufficient
to cover the cost of development or organization.
Hurray!s expansion into the online video market may not be successful. Chinas online video
market is highly competitive, and Ku6 may be unable to compete successfully against established
industry competitors and new entrants, some of which have greater financial resources than Ku6
does or currently enjoy a superior market position than Ku6 does.
In January 2010, Hurray! acquired Ku6, an online video site in China. Ku6s operating results
have varied significantly in the past, and may vary significantly in the future due to a number of
factors that could have an adverse impact on the business, such as reliance on advertisers in
certain industries for brand advertising revenues and reliance on certain key content providers for
online video entertainment services. Hurray! may not be able to effectively utilize Ku6s online
video portal. Thus, the operational and financial results of the merger may differ from Hurray!s
expectations.
Additionally, there is significant competition among online video sites, which Hurray!s
management estimates to currently number over one hundred in China. A large number of independent
online video sites, such as Youku.com and Tudou.com, compete against Ku6. In addition, the Internet
portals in China, including Sina.com, Sohu.com and Baidu.com, which have longer operating histories
and more experience in attracting and retaining users and managing customers than Ku6 does, have
begun to launch their own video businesses. Online video sites are also increasingly competing to
obtain rights to licensed content for their websites, which may
result in increases in the price of
licensed content and prevent Ku6 from obtaining attractive content on acceptable terms. Any of
Ku6s present or future competitors may offer online video services which provide significant
technology, performance, price, creativity or other advantages over those offered by Ku6, and
therefore achieve greater market acceptance than Ku6s.
Ku6 and its affiliates (including Hurray! and/or Shanda) are, and may in the future be, subject to
intellectual property rights claims due to infringement of video on Ku6.com, which are costly to
defend against and, could result in payment of money damages.
Ku6 has had copyright claims filed against it by companies alleging that certain videos on
Ku6.com infringe the rights of others. As a result of Hurray!s acquisition of Ku6, Hurray! and
Shanda may also be subject to copyright claims filed in certain jurisdictions due to Ku6s
infringement. Adverse results in these lawsuits may include awards of substantial monetary damages,
costly royalty or licensing agreements, and may also result in a change in Ku6s business
practices, which could result in a loss of revenues for Ku6 or otherwise harm Ku6s business.
23
Ku6 depends on online advertising for a significant portion of its revenues, but the online
advertisement market includes many uncertainties, which could cause its advertising revenues to
decline.
Ku6 derives a significant portion of its revenues, and expects to derive a significant portion
of its revenues for the foreseeable future, from the sale of advertising on its website. The growth
of Ku6s advertising revenues relies on increased revenue from the sale of advertising spaces on
its website, which may be affected by many of the following risk factors:
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The online advertising market is new and rapidly evolving, particularly in China. As a
result, many of Ku6s current and potential advertising clients have limited experience
using the Internet for advertising purposes and historically have not devoted a significant
portion of their advertising budget to Internet-based advertising; |
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Changes in government policy could restrict or curtail Ku6s online advertising
services. For example, in 2006 and 2007, the PRC government enacted a series of
regulations, administrative instructions and policies to restrict online medical
advertising. As a result of these regulations, Ku6 may lose some of its existing medical
advertising clients; |
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Advertising clients that have invested substantial resources in other methods of
conducting business may be reluctant to adopt a new strategy that may limit or compete with
their existing efforts; and |
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The acceptance of the Internet as a medium for advertising depends on the development of
a measurement standard. |
No standards have been widely accepted for the measurement of the effectiveness of online
advertising. Industry-wide standards may not develop sufficiently to support the Internet as an
effective advertising medium. If these standards do not develop, advertisers may choose not to
advertise on the Internet in general or through Ku6.com.
In addition, Ku6s ability to generate and maintain significant online advertising revenues
will also depend upon:
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the development of a large base of users possessing demographic characteristics
attractive to advertising clients; |
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the acceptance of online advertisement as an effective way for business marketing by
advertising clients; |
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the effectiveness of its advertising delivery, tracking and reporting systems; and |
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the resistance pressure on online advertising prices and limitations on inventory. |
Maintaining copyright protection controls may prove to be costly and Ku6s revenue from online
marketing services may not be able to offset its cost in acquiring legally licensed content.
Due to the prevalence of piracy in China, many online video sites provide links to and host
content on their websites which may be protected by copyright. Ku6 has enhanced its monitoring
efforts and instituted new policies that prohibit users from uploading copyright-protected content
to Ku6.com. And althought Ku6 launched a campaign in November 2009 to delete all illegally
uploaded foreign films, television series and other content which may be protected by copyright, we
cannot be certain that all such content has been deleted.
Ku6 may be placed at a competitive disadvantage compared with its competitors who incur lower
operating expenses by offering and not monitoring their websites for illegal content. While Ku6
derives most of its revenue from online marketing services, which may not be sufficient to offset
the cost of acquiring legally licensed content, its competitors may be able to derive revenue from
illegal content which requires little or no capital expenditure. Additionally, Hurray!s
management believes that the acquisition of Ku6 may have an impact on its future liquidity or
capital resources as it purchases licensed content for Ku6.com. Hurray! may allocate a significant
portion of its working capital to finance such acquisitions, working capital which would otherwise
be available for other business
segments. Hurray! may also require additional cash resources to operate Ku6. Hurray! cannot
assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to it, if at all. If
Hurray! is unable to adequately finance its video business, the growth prospects of Ku6 and Hurray!
could be adversely affected.
24
Other Risks Related to Our Businesses
We face intense competition.
The businesses that the Shanda group engage in are rapidly evolving and intensely competitive,
and are subject to changing technology, shifting user needs and frequent introductions of new
products and services. We have many competitors in different industries, including online game
operators, traditional portal operators, traditional search engine operators and e-commerce sites,
social networking sites, traditional media companies, and providers of online products and
services. Our current and potential competitors range from large and established companies to
emerging start-ups. Established companies have longer operating histories and more established
relationships with customers and end users, and they can use their experience and resources against
us in a variety of competitive ways, including by making acquisitions and investing aggressively in
research. Emerging start-ups may be able to innovate and provide products and services faster than
we can. If our competitors are more successful than we are in developing compelling products and
services or in attracting and retaining users, advertisers, and content providers, our revenues and
growth rates could decline.
Acquisitions and investments could result in operating difficulties, dilution and other harmful
consequences. We may also reorganize our business, including disposition of certain assets.
We have acquired a number of businesses in the past. We expect to continue to evaluate and
enter into discussions regarding a wide array of potential strategic transactions to strengthen or
supplement our core online interactive entertainment business. These transactions could be material
to our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, in line with our objective to
improve our operating results, we may reorganize our business, including the disposition of certain
assets and business units in order to allow management to focus on our core businesses. The process
of integrating an acquired company, business, or technology or reorganizing has created, and will
continue to create, unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. The areas where we face
risks include:
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implementation or remediation of controls, procedures, and policies at the acquired
company; |
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diversion of management time and focus from operating our business to acquisition
integration challenges; |
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coordination of product, engineering, and sales and marketing functions; |
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transition of operations, users, and customers onto our existing platforms; |
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cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into
our organization; |
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retention of employees from the businesses we acquire; |
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integration of the acquired companys accounting, management information, human
resource, and other administrative systems; |
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liability for activities of the acquired company before and after the acquisition,
including patent and trademark infringement claims, violations of laws, commercial
disputes, tax liabilities and other known and unknown liabilities; |
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litigation or other claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims
from terminated employees, customers, former shareholders or other third parties; |
25
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in the case of foreign acquisitions, the need to integrate operations across different
cultures and languages and to address the particular economic, currency, political, and
regulatory risks associated with specific countries; and |
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failure to successfully further develop the acquired business. |
Our failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past
or future acquisitions, investments and reorganizations could cause us to fail to realize the
anticipated benefits of such transactions, incur unanticipated liabilities, and harm our business
generally. Future acquisitions or reorganizations could also result in dilutive issuances of our
equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, or amortization expenses, or
write-offs of goodwill, any of which could harm our financial condition. Also, the anticipated
benefit of such acquisitions, investments or reorganizations may not materialize. Furthermore, we
may incur significant costs related to such transactions, including legal, accounting and other
fees and expenses.
There can be no assurance that our diversification strategy will achieve its intented strategic
objectives or improve our results of operations.
We plan to further diversify our business to other related interactive media businesses. For
example, in July 2009, we acquired a 52.6% interest in Hurray! (which has subsequently been diluted
to approximately 42.0% as of March 31, 2010) and in January 2010, Hurray! acquired a 100% interest in Ku6. In
November 2009, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Hunan Broadcasting and Television
Group, or Hunan TV, to establish a film and television production and distribution company. Each
new business line may require the investment of additional capital and the significant involvement
of our senior management to acquire or develop a new line of business and integrate it with our
operations. We may experience delays, regulatory impediments and other complications in
implementing our diversification strategy that could reduce our profitability and ultimately cause
the strategy to fail. These complications may include obtaining licenses and registrations,
adapting our technology platform, hiring personnel and raising capital. Our acquisition of Hurray!
and its subsequent acquisition of Ku6 may have an impact on our profitability as Ku6 makes
expenditures to purchase licensed content. Our expansion into new businesses will increase capital
expenditures and research and development expenditures. There can be no assurance that we will be
able to manage our recent or any future expansion or acquisition successfully, and any inability to
do so could adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
We may be subject to intellectual property infringement claims, which may force us to incur
substantial legal expenses and, if determined adversely against us may materially disrupt our
business.
We cannot be certain that entertainment content available on our website does not and will not
infringe upon patents, copyrights, trademarks or other intellectual property rights held by third
parties. We may be perceived or alleged to infringe upon patents, copyrights, trademarks or other
intellectual property rights held by third parties and become subject to legal proceedings and
claims from time to time relating to the intellectual property rights of others. For example, in
2003, Actoz and Wemade Entertainment Co., Ltd. filed a lawsuit against us in the Beijing First
Intermediate Peoples Court alleging copyright infringement and unfair competition claims with
respect to Woool. These claims were settled in February 2007.
If we are found to have violated the intellectual property rights of others, we may be subject
to monetary damages and be enjoined from using such intellectual property, or we may incur new or
additional licensing costs if we wish to continue using the infringing content, be forced to
develop or license alternatives or be forced to stop operating such entertainment content, any of
which may materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, we
may incur substantial expenses and require significant attention of management in defending against
these third-party infringement claims, regardless of their merit.
Some of our employees were previously employed at other companies, including some of our
current and potential competitors. To the extent these employees or any employees we may hire in
the future are involved in research that is similar to the research that they performed at their
former employers, our competitors may file lawsuits or initiate proceedings against us alleging
that these employees violated the intellectual property rights, such as trade secret rights, of
their former employers. Although we are not aware of any pending or threatened claims alleging
these types of violations of intellectual property rights, if any such claim arises in the future,
litigation or other dispute resolution proceedings may be necessary to retain our ability to
offer our current and future games, which could be costly and divert financial and management
resources.
26
Unauthorized use of our intellectual property by third parties, and the expenses incurred in
protecting our intellectual property rights, may adversely affect our business.
We regard our copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade secrets and other intellectual
property as critical to our success. Unauthorized use of the intellectual property used in our
business, whether owned by us or licensed to us, may adversely affect our business and reputation.
We rely on copyright, trademark, trade secret and other intellectual property law, as well as
non-competition, confidentiality and license agreements with our employees, licensors, business
partners and others to protect our intellectual property rights. Our employees are generally
required to sign agreements acknowledging that all inventions, trade secrets, works of authorship,
developments and other processes generated by them on our behalf are our property, and assigning to
us any ownership rights that they may claim in those works. Despite our precautions, third parties
may obtain and use intellectual property that we own or license without our consent. Unauthorized
use of our intellectual property by third parties, and the expenses incurred in protecting our
intellectual property rights may materially and adversely affect our business.
For instance, pirate game servers illegally operate unauthorized copies of our online games
and enable players to play those games without purchasing prepaid cards for our online games.
Despite our efforts to shut down pirate game servers, we believe that a significant number of
pirate game servers continue to operate unauthorized copies of our online games. If pirate game
servers continue to operate any of our online games, our business, financial condition and results
of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
The validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property in
Internet-related industries are uncertain and still evolving. In particular, the laws and
enforcement procedures in the PRC are uncertain and do not protect intellectual property rights in
this area to the same extent as do the laws and enforcement procedures in the United States and
other developed countries. Policing unauthorized use of intellectual properties is difficult and
expensive. Any steps we have taken to prevent the misappropriation of our intellectual properties
may be inadequate. Moreover, litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual
property rights. Future litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of our
resources, and could disrupt our business, as well as have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition and results of operations.
We depend on our key personnel, and our business and growth prospects may be severely disrupted if
we lose their services.
Our future success is heavily dependent upon the continued service of our key executives and
other key employees. In particular, we rely on the expertise, experience and leadership ability of
Tianqiao Chen, our founder, chairman of our board of directors, chief executive officer and
president, in our business operations, and rely on his personal relationships with our employees,
the relevant regulatory authorities, our content providers and service suppliers. We also rely on
a number of key technology officers and staff for the development and operation of our content
offerings.
If one or more of our key personnel are unable or unwilling to continue in their present
positions, we may not be able to easily replace them and may incur additional expenses to recruit
and train new personnel, our business could be severely disrupted, and our financial condition and
results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, since our industry
is characterized by high demand and intense competition for talent, we may need to offer higher
compensation and other benefits in order to attract and retain key personnel in the future. We
cannot assure you that we will be able to attract or retain the key personnel that we will need to
achieve our business objectives. Furthermore, we do not maintain key-man life insurance for any of
our key personnel.
27
You should not place undue reliance on our financial guidance, nor should you rely on our
quarterly operating results as an indication of our future performance because our quarterly
operating results may be subject to significant fluctuations.
We may experience significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a variety
of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Significant fluctuations in our quarterly
operating results could be caused by any of the factors identified in this section, including, but
not limited to:
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our ability to retain existing users, attract new users at a steady rate and maintain
user satisfaction; |
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the announcement or introduction of, or updates to, our existing games and other
entertainment content by us or our competitors; |
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technical difficulties, system downtime or Internet failures; |
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the amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to expansion
of our business, operations and infrastructure; |
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governmental regulations; |
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seasonality effect for our business; |
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a shortfall in our revenues relative to our forecasts and a decline in our operating
results due to our inability to adjust to our users spending quickly; |
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the inability to direct the performance of our independent public subsidiaries, Shanda
Games and Hurray!; |
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the introduction and nationwide roll-out of the third-generation wireless
telecommunications network in China; and |
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general economic conditions and economic conditions specific to the online entertainment
industry and China. |
As a result, you should not rely on quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results as
indicators of likely future performance. Our operating results may be below our expectations or the
expectations of public market analysts and investors in one or more future quarters. If that
occurs, the price of our ADSs could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment.
The PRC government may discontinue the preferential tax treatments or the government financial
incentives currently available to us in the PRC.
On March 16, 2007, the National Peoples Congress of China enacted a new enterprise income tax
law, or the New EIT Law, as supplemented by various detailed implementation guidance, which became
effective as of January 1, 2008. Under the New EIT Law, a preferential tax rate of 15% is
applicable to enterprises that qualify as high and new technology enterprises, a status
reassessed every three years. In addition, an enterprise is entitled to a 10% income tax rate for
the year in which it is recognized as a national key software enterprise, a status reassessed
every year. Shengqu, Shanda Computer, Shanda Networking, Bianfeng, Shanghai Shulong, Chengdu
Aurora, Shanghai Holdfast Online Information Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu Jisheng Technology Co.,
Ltd., or Chengdu Jisheng, were recognized as high and new technology enterprises in 2008 and are
entitled to a 15% preferential income tax rate for the three-year period ending December 31, 2010.
In addition, Shengqu also qualified as a national key software enterprise in 2008 and 2009,
respectively, on December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009. Accordingly, Shengqu was subject to a
preferential income tax rate of 10% for 2008 and 2009. However, we cannot assure you that these
enterprises will be able to maintain their status as high and new technology enterprises and/or
national key software enterprise. If any of these enterprises that qualified as high and new
technology enterprise or national key software enterprise fails to continue to qualify for such
status, our income tax expenses would increase, which would have a material adverse effect on our
net income and results of operations.
28
In 2007, 2008, and 2009, we received aggregate government financial incentives of RMB57.5
million, RMB62.3 million and RMB221.9 million (US$32.5 million), respectively, which were
calculated with reference to taxable revenue and taxable income. To be eligible for the government
financial incentives, we are required to continue to meet a number of financial and non-financial
criteria and to be further subject to the discretion of the municipal governments. If we had not
received these government financial incentives in 2007, our income before income tax expenses,
equity in loss of affiliated companies, non-controlling interests and redeemable preferred shares
issued by a subsidiary would have been RMB1,364.0 million, a decrease of 4.0% from the reported
amount. If we had not received these government financial incentives in 2008, our income before
tax expenses, equity in loss of affiliated companies, non-controlling interests and redeemable
preferred shares issued by a subsidiary would have been RMB1,460.1 million, a decrease of 4.1 %
from the reported amount. If we had not received these government financial incentives in 2009,
our income before tax expenses, equity in loss of affiliated companies, non-controlling interests
and redeemable preferred shares issued by a subsidiary would have been RMB2,034.0 million (US$298.0
million), a decrease of 9.8% from the reported amount. As the receipt of these government
financial incentives is subject to periodic time lags and inconsistent municipal government
practice on payment times, for so long as we continue to receive these government financial
incentives, our net income in a particular quarter may be higher or lower relative to other
quarters based on the potentially uneven receipt by us of these government financial incentives in
addition to any business or operating related factors we may otherwise experience. Moreover, the
central government or municipal governments could determine at any time to eliminate or reduce
these government financial incentives, generally with prospective effect. We cannot assure you that
we will continue to enjoy these preferential tax treatments or government financial incentives in
the future. The discontinuation or reduction of these preferential tax treatments or government
financial incentives could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
There are significant uncertainties under the New EIT Law relating to our PRC enterprise income
tax liabilities.
Under the New EIT Law, the profits of a foreign invested enterprise which are distributed to
its immediate holding company outside the PRC will be subject to a withholding tax rate of 10%.
Pursuant to a special arrangement between Hong Kong and the PRC, such rate is lowered to 5% if a
Hong Kong resident enterprise owns over 25% of the PRC companies. However, according to a tax
circular issued by the State Administration of Taxation in February 2009, if the main purpose of an
offshore arrangement is to obtain a preferential tax treatment, the PRC tax authorities have the
discretion to adjust the preferential tax rate enjoyed by the relevant offshore entity. In
addition, under the New EIT Law, enterprises established under the laws of jurisdictions outside
China with their de facto management bodies located within China may be considered to be PRC tax
resident enterprises for tax purposes. For additional details on the preferential tax status, see
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects Taxation PRC Enterprise Income Tax and
Item 10. Additional Information Exchange Controls.
Although we are a Cayman Islands company and wholly own subsidiaries incorporated in Hong
Kong, the PRC tax authorities may regard the main purpose of these Hong Kong entities as obtaining
a lower withholding tax rate of 5%. As a result, the PRC tax authorities could levy a higher
withholding tax rate to dividends received by our wholly-owned subsidiaries incorporated in Hong
Kong from our PRC subsidiaries. In addition, a substantial majority of the members of our
management team are located in China. Under current PRC laws and regulations, it is also uncertain
whether we would be deemed PRC tax resident enterprises under the New EIT Law. If we are deemed PRC
tax resident enterprises, our global income will be subject to PRC enterprise income tax at the
rate of 25%.
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It is not clear whether or not we were a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for the
taxable year ending December 31, 2009.
It is not clear whether or not we were a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for the
taxable year ending December 31, 2009. That determination is subject to uncertainty because it is
not clear how the VIE agreements between the PRC operating companies and us will be treated for
purposes of the PFIC rules, and because of the uncertainty with respect to the valuation of our
assets as well as the uncertain characterization of our assets
and income, including goodwill, for purposes of the PFIC rules. If we are or were to become a
PFIC, such characterization could result in adverse U.S. tax consequences to you if you are a U.S.
investor. For example, if we are a PFIC, our U.S. investors will be subject to increased tax
liabilities under U.S. tax laws and regulations and will become subject to additional reporting
requirements. PFIC classification is tested annually, and our classification will therefore depend
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 by 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 quarterly market value of our
shares and ADSs, which is subject to change. We cannot assure you that we were not a PFIC for 2009
or that we will not be a PFIC for 2010 or any future taxable year. For more information on the U.S.
tax consequences to you that would result from our classification as a PFIC, please see the section
entitled TaxationU.S. Federal Income
TaxationPassive Foreign Investment Company Rules.
We may need to record impairment charges to earnings if our acquisition goodwill, investments in
affiliate companies or acquired intangible assets is determined to be impaired.
We acquire, invest in or license content from various content providers and record any
acquisition goodwill, investments in affiliate companies and acquired intangible assets on our
balance sheet in connection with such acquisitions, investments and licensing, respectively. We are
required to review our acquisition goodwill for impairment at least annually and review our
investments in affiliate companies and acquired intangible assets for impairment when events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, including a
decline in stock price and market capitalization and slow down in our industry, which may result
from recent global economic slowdown. If the carrying value of our acquisition goodwill,
investments in affiliate companies or acquired intangible assets were determined to be impaired, we
would be required to write down the carrying value. For example, we completed the purchase of a
29.9% equity stake in Actoz, the co-owner of Mir II, in February 2005, for a total consideration of
RMB878 million (US$106.1 million), which represented an 81% premium over the open market price at
the time that we entered into the purchase agreement in October 2004. In the fourth quarter of
2005, however, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of RMB521.5 million (US$64.6 million) to
reflect the fair value of our 38.1% stake in Actoz. We recognized the impairment charge primarily
as a result of the continued decline in royalties payable to Actoz from our operation of Mir II in
China. The decision to recognize impairment was also influenced by the decline in the market price
for shares of Actoz, which in the fourth quarter of 2005 was determined to be other than temporary,
mainly due to the continued decline in Mir II royalties.
We cannot assure you that we will have the ability to effectively integrate the operation of
the acquired companies into our own and achieve the synergies contemplated at the time of entering
into these transactions. If we are unable to achieve the synergies contemplated at the time of
acquiring these companies, the carrying value of the acquired companies may not be recoverable. We
are required by U.S. GAAP to review the impairment of goodwill at least on an annual basis. If an
impairment is determined and charged to the earnings in our financial statements, we would be
required to record charges to earnings in our financial statements during the period and our
financial condition and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
We may lose the ability to consolidate certain of our businesses in our financial statements if
our ownership percentage in those businesses is diluted.
We currently consolidate several businesses in which we hold less than 100% of the outstanding
equity interests. These businesses may issue stock in connection with business transactions that
could dilute our ownership percentage such that we no longer control those businesses and in which
event we would have to deconsolidate them from our financial statements. For example, in June
2009, we entered into a tender offer agreement with Hurray! under which we commenced a tender offer
to acquire at least 51% of Hurray!s outstanding ordinary shares. We successfully completed the
tender offer in July 2009, acquiring 52.6% of Hurray!s outstanding ordinary shares, and began
consolidating Hurray! in our financial statements. In January 2010, Hurray! issued common stock in
connection with the acquisition of Ku6, which diluted our ownership percentage. As of March 31,
2010, we owned approximately 42.0% of Hurray!s outstanding ordinary shares but appointed a
majority of Hurray!s directors. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009, we consolidated
Hurray! in our financial statements. If we do not increase our holdings in Hurray! or if Hurray!
issues additional common stock for any number of reasons, we may
have to deconsolidate Hurray! Holding. Such a deconsolidation of Hurray! or our other
businesses could affect our quarter over quarter financial comparison and could have a material and
adverse impact on our financial statements.
30
While we believe that we currently have adequate internal control procedures in place, we are
still exposed to potential risks from legislation requiring companies to evaluate controls under
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
We are subject to the reporting obligations under the U.S. securities laws. The Securities and
Exchange Commission (the SEC or the Commission), as required under Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, has adopted rules requiring public companies to include a report of
management on the effectiveness of such companies internal control over financial reporting in
their respective annual reports. In addition, an independent registered public accounting firm for
a public company must issue an attestation report on the effectiveness of such companys internal
control over financial reporting. Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of
our internal control over financial reporting and concluded that our internal control over
financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009. In addition, our independent registered
public accounting firm attested as to the effectiveness of our internal control and reported that
our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009. If we fail to
maintain the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to
conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in
accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, effective internal control over financial
reporting is necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports. As a result, any failure to
maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in the loss of investor
confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, which in turn could negatively impact
the trading price of our ADSs. Furthermore, we may need to incur additional costs and use
additional management and other resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other requirements going forward.
Risks Relating to Regulation of the Internet and to Our Structure
If the PRC government finds that the agreements that establish the structure for operating our
China business do not comply with PRC government restrictions on foreign investment in the online
culture industry, including online game, online literature and online video, we could be subject
to severe penalties.
On December 11, 2001, the PRC State Counsel promulgated the Regulations for the Administration
of Foreign-invested Telecommunications Enterprises, or the FITE Regulations, which became effective
on January 1, 2002 and were subsequently amended on September 10, 2008. Under the FITE
Regulations, foreign ownership of companies that provide value-added telecommunications services is
limited to 50%. In addition, foreign and foreign-invested enterprises are currently not able to
apply for the licenses required to operate online culture products (including online games,
literature and video) in China or to provide Internet information content, such as online
advertising.
Accordingly, we operate our Internet-related businesses in China through our PRC operating
companies, which are VIEs that are PRC domestic companies owned principally or completely by
certain of our PRC employees, shareholders or PRC employees of our directly-owned subsidiaries. We
control these companies and operate these businesses through contractual arrangements with the
respective companies and their individual owners, but we have no equity control over these
companies. Such restrictions and arrangements are prevalent in other PRC companies we have
acquired. See Item 4.C. Organizational Structure.
On July 13, 2006, the MIIT issued the Circular on Strengthening the Administration of Foreign
Investment in Value-added Telecommunications Services, or the MIIT Circular 2006. According to the
MIIT Circular 2006, since the FITE Regulations went into effect, some foreign investors had engaged
in value-added telecommunications services illegally by working with domestic value-added
telecommunications enterprises to circumvent the requirements of the FITE Regulations by delegating
domain names and licensing trademarks. In order to further strengthen the administration of FITEs,
the MIIT Circular 2006 provides that any domain name or trademark used by a value-added
telecommunications carrier shall be legally owned by such carrier or its shareholders. The MIIT
Circular 2006 also provides that the operation site and facilities of a value-added
telecommunications carrier shall be installed within the scope as prescribed by operating licenses
obtained by the carrier and shall correspond to the value-added telecommunications services that
the carrier has been approved to provide. In addition, value-added telecommunications carriers are
required to establish or improve the measures of ensuring network security. As to
the companies which have obtained the operating licenses for value-added telecommunications
services, they are required to conduct self-examination and self-correction according to the said
requirements and report the result of such self-examination and self-correction to the provincial
branches of the MIIT.
31
We cannot be sure that the PRC government would view our operating arrangements to be in
compliance with PRC licensing, registration or other regulatory requirements, including without
limitation the requirements described in the MIIT Circular 2006, with existing policies or with
requirements or policies that may be adopted in the future. For example, as some of the domain
names and trademarks that Shanda Games uses in its operations are not owned by Shanghai Shulong or
its shareholders, Shanda Games may be in violation of the provisions of the MIIT Circular 2006. If
any of our businesses is determined not to be in compliance with the MIIT Circular 2006, the PRC
government could take a number of regulatory or enforcement actions that could be harmful to our
business, including but not limited to: levying fines, revoking its business and operating
licenses, requiring it to discontinue or restrict its operations, blocking its website, requiring
us to restructure our business or imposing additional conditions or requirements with which it may
not be able to comply. We may also encounter difficulties in obtaining performance under or
enforcement of related contracts.
In the opinion of our PRC counsel, except for otherwise disclosed in this annual report, in
all material aspects, (1) the ownership structures of our company, Shanda Computer, Shengqu,
Shengting and our PRC operating companies, other than the Hurray! entities, are in compliance with
existing PRC laws and regulations; (2) our contractual arrangements with Shanda Networking,
Shanghai Shulong, Hongwen and their respective shareholders are valid, binding and enforceable, and
will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and (3) the
business operations of our company, Shanda Computer, Shengqu, Shengting and our PRC operating
companies, other than the Hurray! entities, as described in this annual report, are in compliance
with existing PRC laws and regulations. Additionally, in the opinion of Hurray!s management,
except for otherwise disclosed in this annual report, in all material aspects, (1) the ownership
structures of Hurray! Holding, the Hurray! entities and the Hurray! VIEs are in compliance with
existing PRC laws and regulations; (2) Hurray!s contractual arrangements with the Hurray! VIEs and
their respective shareholders are valid, binding and enforceable, and will not result in any
violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and (3) the business operations of
Hurray! Holding, the Hurray! entities and the Hurray! VIEs, as described in this annual report, are
in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations.
There are, however, substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of
current or future PRC laws and regulations. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the PRC
regulatory authorities will not ultimately take a view that is contrary to our view. If we, our
subsidiaries or any of our PRC operating companies are found to be in violation of any existing or
future PRC laws or regulations, the relevant regulatory authorities would have broad discretion in
dealing with such violations, including:
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revoking our PRC operating companies business and operating licenses; |
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discontinuing or restricting our PRC operating companies operations; |
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imposing conditions or requirements with which we, our subsidiaries or any of our PRC
operating companies may not be able to comply; |
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requiring us, our subsidiaries or any of our PRC operating companies to restructure the
relevant ownership structure or operations; or |
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taking other regulatory or enforcement actions, including levying fines, that could be
harmful to our business. |
Any of these actions could cause our business, financial condition and results of operations
to suffer and the price of our ADSs to decline.
32
The contractual arrangements related to critical aspects of our operations with our PRC operating
companies and their respective shareholders may not be as effective in providing operational
control as direct ownership.
We rely on contractual arrangements with our PRC operating companies and their respective
shareholders to operate our business. These contractual arrangements may not be as effective as
direct ownership in providing us control over our PRC operating companies. Direct ownership would
allow us, for example, to directly or indirectly exercise our rights as a shareholder to effect
changes in the boards of our PRC operating companies, which, in turn, could effect changes, subject
to any applicable fiduciary obligations, at the management level. However, under the current
contractual arrangements, as a legal matter, if our PRC operating companies or their respective
shareholders fails to perform its, his or her respective obligations under these contractual
arrangements, we may have to incur substantial costs and expend significant resources to enforce
those arrangements and rely on legal remedies under PRC law. These remedies may include seeking
specific performance or injunctive relief, and claiming damages, any of which may not be effective.
Pursuant to equity pledge agreements, the shareholders of our PRC operating companies have
pledged their ordinary shares in our PRC operating companies to several of our PRC subsidiaries.
According to the PRC Property Rights Law, which became effective October 1, 2007, a pledge is
created only when such pledge is registered with the relevant Administration for Industry and
Commerce office. We have registered the equity pledges of the shareholders of Shanda Networking,
Shanghai Shulong and Hongwen with the relevant Administration for Industry and Commerce. Hurray!
is in the process of registering the equity pledges of the Hurray! VIEs with the relevant
Administration for Industry and Commerce. However, all of these contractual arrangements are
governed by PRC laws 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
laws and any disputes would be resolved in accordance with PRC legal procedures. The legal
environment in the PRC is not as developed as in 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 be unable to exert effective control over our PRC operating companies, and our ability to
conduct our business may be materially and adversely affected.
Shareholders of our PRC operating companies may potentially have a conflict of interest with us,
and they may breach their contracts with us or cause such contracts to be amended in a manner
contrary to the interest of our company.
We conduct substantially all of our operations, and generate substantially all of our
revenues, through our PRC operating companies. Our control over these entities is based upon the
VIE agreements which are contractual arrangements with our PRC operating companies and their
respective shareholders that provide us with the substantial ability to control our PRC operating
companies. These shareholders may potentially have a conflict of interest with us, and they may
breach their contracts with us or cause such contracts to be amended in a manner contrary to the
interest of our company.
For example, the two shareholders of Shanda Networking, Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen, are
also our controlling shareholders. As a result, they may be able to cause the contractual
arrangements they have entered into with us to be amended in a manner to maximize their interest,
economically or otherwise, even if such amendment is contrary to the interest of our company and
our other shareholders. Although our audit committee charter requires the approval of our audit
committee, which is comprised of our independent directors, to make any amendment to these
agreements, we cannot assure you that such mechanism will be effective in preventing such
amendment. Furthermore, the shareholders of our PRC operating companies may decide to breach their
contracts with us if they believe such action furthers their own interest, or if they otherwise act
in bad faith. In particular, the two shareholders of Shanghai Shulong, Dongxu Wang and Yingfeng
Zhang and the two shareholders of Hongwen, Dongxu Wang and Mingfeng Chen are our employees. They
are not our directors or principal shareholders. Therefore, they do not owe any fiduciary duty to
our company and given that their economic stake in us is relatively small compared to their
ownership interest in Shanghai Shulong and Hongwen, they may take actions that adversely affect us.
If the shareholders of our PRC operating companies breach their contracts with us or otherwise have
disputes with us, we may have to initiate legal proceedings, which involves significant
uncertainty. Such disputes and proceedings may significantly disrupt our business operations,
adversely affect our ability to control our PRC
operating companies, and we cannot assure you that the outcome of such disputes and
proceedings will be in our favor.
33
Our arrangements with our PRC operating companies may be subject to scrutiny by the PRC tax
authorities for transfer pricing adjustments.
We also could face material and adverse tax consequences if the PRC tax authorities determine
that our contracts with our PRC operating companies were not entered into based on arms length
negotiations. Although we based our contractual arrangements on those of similar businesses, if the
PRC tax authorities determine that these contracts were not entered into on an arms length basis,
they may adjust our income and expenses for PRC tax purposes in the form of a transfer pricing
adjustment. A transfer pricing adjustment could result in a reduction, for PRC tax purposes, of
deductions recorded by our PRC operating companies, which could adversely affect us by:
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increasing our PRC operating companies tax liability without reducing our PRC
subsidiaries tax liability, which could further result in late payment fees and other
penalties to our PRC operating companies for under-paid taxes; or |
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limiting our PRC subsidiaries ability to maintain preferential tax treatments and
government financial incentives, if the transfer pricing adjustment is significant. |
As a result, any transfer pricing adjustment could have a material and adverse impact upon our
financial condition.
Our corporate structure may restrict our ability to receive dividends from, and transfer funds to,
our PRC subsidiaries and our PRC operating companies, which could restrict our ability to act in
response to changing market conditions and reallocate funds from one Chinese affiliated entity to
another in a timely manner.
We are a Cayman Islands holding company and substantially all of our operations are conducted
through our PRC operating companies. We rely principally on dividends and other distributions on
equity paid by our PRC subsidiaries for our cash requirements, including the funds necessary to
allow us to pay dividends on the shares underlying our ADSs and the funds necessary to service any
debt we may incur, or financing we may need for operations other than through our PRC subsidiaries.
If our PRC subsidiaries incur debt on their own behalf in the future, the instruments governing the
debt may restrict our PRC subsidiaries ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to the
intermediate holding company and thus to us. We generate substantially all of our revenues through
contractual arrangements with our PRC operating companies. However, PRC governmental authorities
may require us to amend these contractual arrangements in a manner that would materially and
adversely affect our PRC subsidiaries ability to pay dividends and other distributions to us.
Furthermore, PRC legal restrictions permit payments of dividends by our PRC subsidiaries only out
of their retained earnings, if any, determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and
regulations. Under PRC law, our PRC subsidiaries are also required to set aside a portion of their
net income each year to fund certain reserve funds. These reserves are not distributable as cash
dividends. As a result of these and other restrictions under PRC laws and regulations, our PRC
subsidiaries and our PRC operating companies are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion
of their net assets to us in the form of dividends, loans or advances, which restricted portion
amounted to approximately RMB2,550.0 million (US$373.6 million), or 22.1%, of our total
consolidated net assets as of December 31, 2009. Any limitation on the ability of our PRC
subsidiaries and our PRC operating companies to transfer funds to us in the form of dividends,
loans or advances could materially and adversely limit our ability to grow, make investments or
acquisitions that could be beneficial to our businesses, pay debt or dividends, and otherwise fund
and conduct our business.
In addition, any transfer of funds from us to any of our PRC subsidiaries, either as a
shareholder loan or as an increase in registered capital, is subject to registration or approval of
PRC governmental authorities, including the relevant administration of foreign exchange and/or the
relevant examining and approval authority. It is not permitted under PRC law for our PRC companies
to directly lend money to each other. Therefore, it is difficult to change our capital expenditure
plans once the relevant funds have been remitted from our company to our PRC subsidiaries. These
limitations on the free flow of funds between us and our PRC companies could restrict our ability
to act in response to changing market conditions and reallocate funds from one Chinese entity to
another in a timely manner.
34
Regulations relating to offshore investment activities by PRC residents may subject us to fines or
sanctions imposed by the PRC government, including restrictions on our PRC subsidiaries ability
to pay dividends or make distributions to us and our ability to increase our investment in our PRC
subsidiaries.
In October 2005, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, promulgated the
Circular on Relevant Issues Concerning Foreign Exchange Control on Domestic Residents Corporate
Financing and Roundtrip Investment Through Offshore Special Purpose Vehicles, or Circular 75, which
states that if PRC residents use assets or ordinary shares in their PRC entities as capital
contributions to establish offshore companies or inject assets or ordinary shares of their PRC
entities into offshore companies to raise capital overseas, they must register with local SAFE
branches with respect to their overseas investments in offshore companies. They must also file
amendments to their registrations if their offshore companies experience material events involving
capital variation, such as changes in share capital, share transfers, mergers and acquisitions,
spin-off transactions, long-term equity or debt investments or uses of assets in China to guarantee
offshore obligations. Under this regulation, their failure to comply with the registration
procedures set forth in such regulation may result in fines or sanctions imposed by the PRC
government including restrictions being imposed on the foreign exchange activities of the relevant
PRC entity, including the payment of dividends and other distributions to its offshore parent, as
well as restrictions on the capital inflow from the offshore entity to the PRC entity.
We are committed to complying with and to ensuring that our shareholders who are subject to
the regulations will comply with the relevant rules. However, we cannot assure you that all of our
shareholders who are PRC residents will comply with our request to make or obtain any applicable
registrations or comply with other requirements required by Circular 75 or other related rules. Any
future failure by any of our shareholders who is a PRC resident, or controlled by a PRC resident,
to comply with relevant requirements under this regulation could subject us to fines or sanctions
imposed by the PRC government, including restrictions on our PRC subsidiaries ability to pay
dividends or make distributions to us and our ability to increase our investment in our PRC
subsidiaries.
The laws and regulations governing the online entertainment industry in China are developing and
subject to future changes. If we or any of our PRC operating companies fail to obtain or maintain
all applicable permits and approvals, our business and operations would be materially and
adversely affected.
The online entertainment industry in China is highly regulated by the PRC government. Various
regulatory authorities of the PRC government, such as the State Council, the MIIT, the State
Administration of Industry and Commerce, or the SAIC, the Ministry of Culture, or the MOC, the
General Administration of Press and Publication, or the GAPP, the State Administration of Radio,
Film and Television, or the SARFT, and the Ministry of Public Security, are empowered to promulgate
and implement regulations governing various aspects of the Internet and the online entertainment
industry.
Our PRC operating companies are required to obtain applicable permits or approvals from
different regulatory authorities in order to provide their services. For example, an Internet
content provider, or ICP, must obtain a value-added telecommunications business operation license,
or ICP license, from the MIIT or its local offices in order to engage in any commercial operations
online within China. An online game operator must also obtain an Internet culture operation license
from the MOC, an Internet publishing license from the GAPP in order to distribute games through the
Internet and approval from the MIIT to provide online bulletin board services. Shanghai Shulong
currently holds an ICP license as well as the Internet culture operation license. Chengdu Aurora
currently holds a regional ICP license as well as an Internet culture operation license. Shanghai
Shulong currently does not hold an Internet publishing license and publishes its online games
through cooperation with Shanda Networking, which holds such a license. In addition, Shanghai
Shulong and Chengdu Aurora are in the process of applying for approval to provide online bulletin
board services. If any of our PRC operating companies fails to obtain or maintain any of the
required permits or approvals or if our practice is later challenged by government authorities,
they may also be subject to various penalties, including fines and the discontinuation of or
restriction on our operations. Any such disruption in business operations would materially and
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
35
As the online entertainment industry is at an early stage of development in China, new laws
and regulations may be adopted in the future to address new issues that arise from time to time.
For example, in December 2009, the
Also, different regulatory authorities may have different views regarding the licensing
requirements for the operation of online entertainment and related businesses. As a result,
substantial uncertainties exist regarding the interpretation and implementation of current and any
future PRC laws and regulations applicable to the online entertainment industry and related
businesses. While we believe that we comply with all material respects with all applicable PRC laws
and regulations currently in effect, we cannot assure you that we will not be found in violation of
any current or future PRC laws and regulations.
If we are required to comply with or are found to violate any laws or regulations governing
virtual currency, pre-paid card issuance and usage, online payment or money laundering, we may
have to obtain additional licenses or approvals, be forced to change our current business
practice, or be subject to certain penalties.
On April 16, 2009, the Peoples Bank of China, or PBOC, issued a notice regarding the payment
and clearance business carried out by non-financial institutions, or the PBOC Notice. The PBOC
Notice required non-financial institutions which engage in payment and clearance business to
register with PBOC before July 31, 2009.
Because certain services currently provided by Shanda Online may be subject to the
requirements of the PBOC Notice, Shengfutong, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanda Online has
registered with PBOC. However, if PBOC requires Shanda Online to obtain additional licenses or
approvals for its services, there is no guarantee that Shanda Online will be able to obtain such
licenses or approvals. For example, in December 2009, the PBOC announced plans to require online
payment service businesses to hold a license to operate its business. We cannot assure you that,
if required, Shanda Online will be able to obtain such a license. In the event that Shanda Online
fails to obtain any or all of the licenses or approvals required by PBOC, our business and
financial condition, operations results and business prospects may be materially and adversely
affected.
On June 4, 2009, the MOC and the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM, jointly issued a notice
regarding strengthening online game virtual currency administration, or the Virtual Currency
Notice. The Virtual Currency Notice requires enterprises which issue online game virtual currency
(in the form of pre-paid card, pre-payment or pre-paid card point) or provide online game virtual
currency transaction services, to apply for approval from the MOC through its provincial branches
within 3 months following the date of the Virtual Currency Notice. Any enterprises which fail to
submit the application will be subject to sanctions. In addition, the Virtual Currency Notice
regulates, among other items, the amount of virtual currency an enterprise can issue, the retention
period of user record, the function of virtual currency, and the return of unused virtual currency
upon termination of online services. The Virtual Currency Notice prohibits enterprises, which
provide online game virtual currency transaction services, from providing transaction services to
players under the age of 18. It also prohibits online game operators from awarding in-game items
or virtual currency to players based on random selection through lucky draws, wagers or lotteries.
Shanghai Shulong and Chengdu Aurora have applied for and obtained the above mentioned approval
for its online game virtual currency related businesses. If our current or future operations are
found to violate the Virtual Currency Notice or any other related regulations, our business and
financial condition, operation results and business prospects may be materially and adversely
affected.
Negative publicity in China has resulted in additional government regulations directed at online
entertainment.
The media in China has reported incidents of violent crimes allegedly provoked by, or
committed in connection with, online entertainment, especially online games. In addition, there
have been widespread negative media reports that focus on how online games are addictive and how
excessive game playing could distract students and interfere with their education. Certain
non-governmental organizations may also organize protests or publicity campaigns against online
game companies in order to protect youth from the risk of becoming addicted to certain online
games. The PRC government may decide to adopt more stringent policies to monitor the online game
industry as a result of adverse public reaction to perceived addiction to such games, particularly
by minors. In 2007, eight PRC government authorities, including the GAPP, the Ministry of Education
and the MIIT, jointly issued a notice requiring all Chinese online game operators to adopt an
anti-fatigue compliance system in an effort to curb addiction to online games by minors. Under
the anti-fatigue compliance system, three hours or less of continuous play is defined to be
healthy, three to five hours is defined to be fatiguing, and five hours or more is defined to
be unhealthy. Game operators are required to reduce the value of game benefits for minor game
players by half when those game players reach the fatigue level, and to zero when they reach the unhealthy
level. In addition, online game players in China are now required to register their identity card
numbers before they can play an online game. This system allows game operators to identify which
game players are minors. It is unclear whether these restrictions would be expanded to apply to
adult game players in the future. More stringent government regulations, including stricter
anti-fatigue rules, could discourage game players from playing Shanda Gamess games, which could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
36
In addition, the PRC State Administration of Taxation recently announced that it will tax game
players on the income derived from the trading of virtual currencies at the rate of 20%. However,
it is currently unclear how the tax will be collected or if there will be any effect on Shanda
Gamess game players or our business.
Furthermore, similar adverse public reaction may arise, and similar government policies may be
adopted, in other jurisdictions where Shanda Games licenses out its online games, which could
materially and adversely affect its overseas licensing revenues.
Shanda Games may be required to reapply for approvals for imported online game products.
The MOC issued a Circular Concerning the Examination and Declaration of Imported Online Game
Products on April 24, 2009. According to this circular, in the event of a change of the operator of
an imported online game, the games existing import approval will be automatically revoked and the
new operator must apply to the MOC for a new approval for the same game. As this circular is newly
issued, it remains unclear how and to what extent this circular will be implemented or enforced.
On September 28, 2009, the GAPP, together with two other government authorities, issued a
circular (Xin Chu Lian [2009] No. 13) which contains a similar provision to the MOC circular
mentioned above. The GAPP circular also requires that, in the event of a change of the operator of
an imported online game, the new operator must apply to the GAPP for a new approval for the same
game, and the operation of the online game should be suspended until the GAPP approves the change
in operator.
Shanda Games currently operates substantially all of its imported online games under import
approvals granted by the MOC to Shanda Networking. Under the above mentioned circulars, Shanda
Games may be required to reapply to the GAPP and MOC for approvals for imported online games
granted to any of its affiliates. Shanda Games is committed to complying with the requirements of
this circular. However, we cannot assure you that Shanda Games will succeed in obtaining all the
approvals as required by this circular in time or at all. If Shanda Games fails to comply with the
requirements of this circular or fail to obtain all the approvals for its imported online games, it
may be subject to fines, revocation of its operating licenses, the discontinuation or restrictions
on its operations and other sanctions that may be imposed by the GAPP and the MOC. As a result, our
business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
The PRC government has tightened its regulation of Internet cafes, which are currently one of the
primary venues for Shanda Gamess users to play online games.
Internet cafes are one of the primary places where Shanda Gamess games are played. In March
2001, the PRC government began tightening its regulation and supervision of Internet cafes. In
particular, a large number of unlicensed Internet cafes have been closed. The PRC government has
also imposed higher capital and facility requirements for the establishment of Internet cafes.
Furthermore, the PRC governments policy, which encourages the development of a limited number of
national and regional Internet cafe chains and discourages the establishment of independent
Internet cafes, may slow down the growth of Internet cafes. In February 2004, the government
agencies in charge of Internet cafe licensing jointly issued a notice suspending the issuance of
new Internet cafe licenses for a period of six months. In February 2007, 14 PRC government
departments jointly issued a circular to strengthen the regulation of Internet cafes and online
games. According to the circular, local authorities were banned from issuing new Internet cafe
licenses for the remainder of 2007. Since this ban was imposed in 2007, to our knowledge, local
authorities have not issued new Internet cafe licenses and it is unclear when local authorities
will be permitted to issue new licenses again. In March 2010, the Ministry of Culture issued a
circular to increase the punishment on Internet cafes which allow minors to enter and use Internet
in their cafes. According to this circular, among other things, the authorities may revoke an
Internet Cafes Internet culture operation license if that Internet
cafe allows three or more minors to enter and use Internet in its cafe at one time.
Governmental authorities may from time to time impose stricter requirements, such as the customers
age limit and hours of operation, among others, as a result of the occurrence and perception of,
and the media attention on, gang fights, arson and other incidents in or related to Internet cafes.
Since a substantial portion of our users play our games in Internet cafes, any reduction in the
number, or slowdown in the growth, of Internet cafes in China, or any new regulatory restrictions
on their operations, could limit our ability to maintain or increase our revenues and expand our
game player base, thereby adversely affecting our results of operations and growth prospects.
37
The PRC government may prevent us from distributing, and we may be subject to liability for,
content deemed to be inappropriate.
China has enacted laws and regulations governing Internet access and the distribution of news,
information, published works or other content, as well as products and services, through the Internet. In the past,
the PRC government has stopped the distribution of information through the Internet that it
believes violates PRC law. The MIIT, the GAPP and the MOC have promulgated regulations that
prohibit games from being distributed through the Internet if the games contain content that is
found to, among other things, propagate obscenity, gambling or violence, instigate crimes,
undermine public morality or the cultural traditions of China, or compromise state security or
secrets. In addition, certain PRC social organizations have recently discussed the possibility of
implementing a rating system for online entertainment. The effect that such a system could have on
our business is unclear.
If any content we offer were deemed to violate any such content restrictions, we would not
obtain the GAPP approval, may not be able to continue such offerings and could be subject to
penalties, including confiscation of income, fines, suspension of business and revocation of our
license for operating such online entertainment content, which would materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may also be subject to potential liability for unlawful actions of our users or for content
we distribute that is deemed inappropriate. Furthermore, we may be required to delete content that
violates the laws of the PRC and report content that we suspect may violate PRC law. It may be
difficult to determine the type of content that may result in liability for us, and if we are
wrong, we may be prevented from operating our online entertainment content or other services in
China.
In February 2007, the Ministry of Public Security, the MOC, the MIIT and the GAPP jointly
issued a circular regarding online gambling. In order to clamp down on online games that involve
gambling and online betting as well as address concerns that virtual currency might be used for
money laundering or illicit trade, the circular (i) requires that online entertainment operators
shall not charge commissions that employ virtual currency or other means in relation to winning
or losing of games; (ii) requires online entertainment operators to set up quantity limits in
guessing and betting games by using virtual currency; (iii) bans the exchange of virtual currency
into real currencies or properties; and (iv) bans the provision of services for virtual currency
transfer among game players. In February 2007, 14 PRC regulatory authorities jointly promulgated a
circular with regard to further strengthening management of Internet cafes and online
entertainment, according to which virtual currency shall be strictly regulated by the PBOC, and
in particular: (i) the aggregate amount of virtual currency issued by online entertainment
operators and the amount of virtual currency purchased by each individual online game player
shall be restricted; (ii) virtual currency issued by online entertainment operators can only be
used for purchasing virtual products and services provided by the online entertainment operators
and shall not be used for purchasing tangible or physical products; (iii) the price for converting
virtual currency back into the official currency by consumers shall not exceed the respective
original purchase price; and (iv) trading of virtual currency is banned. We believe our online
entertainment operations are in compliance with the provisions of these two circulars in all
material aspects. There are, however, substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and
application of these two circulars, and we cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities
will not take a view contrary to ours. If the PRC regulatory authorities deem our online operations
to be in violation of either of these two circulars, the PBOC may confiscate the revenues generated
through these illegal activities and/or impose fines on us in accordance with the Law of the PBOC
and our business will be materially and adversely affected. It is unclear whether we will be
subject to other penalties under current PRC laws.
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Currently there are no laws or regulations in the PRC specifically governing virtual asset
property rights and therefore, it is not clear what liabilities, if any, online entertainment
businesses may have for virtual assets.
Our online entertainment offerings may allow users to acquire virtual assets, for which there
are no governing laws or regulations in China. For example, in the course of playing online games,
some virtual assets, such as special equipment, player experience grades and other features of our
users game characters, are acquired and accumulated. Such virtual assets can be important to
online game players and in some cases are exchanged between players for monetary value. In
practice, virtual assets can be lost for various reasons, often through unauthorized use of the
game account of one user by other users and occasionally through data loss caused by a delay of
network service or by a network crash. Currently, there are no PRC laws or regulations specifically
governing virtual asset property rights. As a result, it is unclear who is the legal owner of
virtual assets and whether and how the ownership of virtual assets is protected by law. In case of
a loss of virtual assets, we may be sued by our online users and may be held liable for damages,
which may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Shanda
Games has been involved in a number of lawsuits related to its
in-game items in its online games,
most of which have been settled and some of which are ongoing.
In addition, it is unclear under PRC law whether an operator of online games such as Shanda
Games would have any liability to game players or other interested parties (whether in contract,
tort or otherwise) for loss of such virtual assets by game players. Based on several judgments by
PRC courts regarding the liabilities of online game operators for loss of virtual assets by game
players, the courts have generally required online game operators to return such lost virtual items
or be liable for the loss and damage incurred therefrom.
Due to our leading position in several Internet-related industries, we may be subject to claims
under the Anti-Monopoly Law.
The new Anti-Monopoly Law (AML) was passed by the National Peoples Congress on August 30,
2007 and came into effect on August 1, 2008. While certain aspects of the AML are unclear and
dependent on subsequent interpretation and development, the law sets forth the prohibited conduct
(referred to as Monopolistic Acts), the enforcement mechanisms, and the penalties for those who
violate its provisions.
The AML prohibits Monopolistic Acts, including monopoly agreements, abuse of a dominant
market position, and certain concentrations, which result or could result in the elimination or
restriction of competition. The law also provides that the State Council will establish an
Anti-Monopoly Commission with authority to make competition policy, publish guidelines, and lead
and coordinate anti-monopoly enforcement work.
As of the date of this annual report, there have been only a limited number of enforcement
actions and claims raised under the AML. It remains to be seen how the AML will be implemented in
practice and what it will mean for us and other companies in China. Nevertheless, given the
leading position several of our businesses have in the Chinese online entertainment markets, it is
possible that some of our competitors and/or our users may seek to take advantage of the AML to
make claims against us, which may have an adverse impact on our business, operation and financial
conditions.
The PRC government may unintentionally restrict access to our online entertainment content.
The MIIT issued a Circular regarding the Pre-installment of Green Web Filter Software on
Computers on May 19, 2009. According to this circular, starting from July 1, 2009, all computers
sold in China are required to be installed with government-designated software to block unhealthy
words or pictures. However, according to certain media reports, testing by experts suggest that
the software, called Green Dam Youth Escort, may be used to censor other websites deemed
inappropriate by the government, disable programs when people input sensitive words, monitor
personal communications and track where people surf on the Internet. On August 13, 2009, the
minister of the MIIT announced that the Chinese government will not require all computers sold in
China to be installed with the filter software, only computers used in schools, Internet cafes and
other public places will be required to be installed with the filter software in order to prevent
young people from being harmed by unhealthy online content.
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It is unclear how and to what extent it may be implemented by the MIIT. Although this
circular is not intended to block access to online games, if it is strictly implemented, it could
potentially discourage or restrict the use of the Internet by users of our online entertainment
content, and consequently have an adverse impact on our business, operation and financial
conditions.
Risks Relating to the Peoples Republic of China
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
conditions and developments in China.
The PRCs economic, political and social conditions, as well as government policies, could affect
our business.
The PRC economy differs from the economies of most developed countries in many respects,
including in the amount of government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of
foreign exchange and allocation of resources. While the PRC economy has experienced significant
growth since the late 1970s, growth has been uneven, both geographically and among various sectors
of the economy. The PRC government has implemented numerous measures to encourage economic growth
and to guide the allocation of resources. Some of these measures may benefit the overall PRC
economy, but also have a negative effect on us. For example, our financial condition and results of
operations may be adversely affected by government control over capital investments or changes in
tax regulations that are applicable to us.
The PRC economy has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented
economy. Although the PRC government has implemented measures since the late 1970s 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 productive assets in China is still owned by the PRC government. In addition, the PRC
government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry development by imposing
industrial policies. The PRC government also exercises significant control over Chinas economic
growth through the allocation of 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 general economic conditions in China and could have a material adverse effect on
our business and results of operations.
A severe and prolonged global economic recession and the corresponding slowdown in the Chinese
economy could affect our business.
The effect of the recent global financial crisis has persisted, with most of the worlds major
economies remaining in recession in 2010. While there has been improvement in some areas, it is
still unclear whether the recovery is sustainable. There are uncertainties over the impact of the
proposed Euro 110 billion bailout of Greece by the European Union and the International Monetary
Fund and the impact this may have on the global economy. There is also considerable uncertainty
over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies adopted by the central
banks and financial authorities of the worlds leading economies, including Chinas. Continued
concerns about the systemic impact of potential long-term and wide-spread recession, energy costs,
geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the global housing and mortgage markets
and the European debt crisis have contributed to increased market volatility and diminished
expectations for economic growth around the world. The grim economic outlook has negatively
affected business and consumer confidence and contributed to volatility of unprecedented levels.
The Chinese economy also faces challenges. The stimulus plans and other measures implemented by the
Chinese government may not avert an economic downturn amid a severe and prolonged global economic
recession. Any prolonged slowdown in the Chinese economy may have a negative impact on our
business, operating results and financial condition in a number of ways. For example, our customers
may reduce or delay spending with us, while we may have difficulty expanding our customer base fast
enough, or at all, to offset the impact of decreased spending by our existing customers.
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The PRC legal system embodies uncertainties which could limit the legal protections available to
you and us.
The PRC legal system is a civil law system based on written statutes. Unlike common law
systems, it is a system in which decided legal cases have little precedential value. In 1979, the
PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing general
economic and business matters. The overall effect of legislation since 1979 has been a significant
enhancement of the protections afforded to various forms of foreign-invested enterprises in
mainland China. Our PRC subsidiaries are wholly foreign owned enterprises, or WFOEs, which are
enterprises incorporated in mainland China and wholly-owned by foreign investors. Our PRC
subsidiaries are subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in mainland China
in general and laws and regulations applicable to WFOEs in particular. However, these laws,
regulations and legal requirements are constantly changing, and their interpretation and
enforcement involve uncertainties. These uncertainties could limit the legal protections available
to us and other foreign investors, including you. In addition, we cannot predict the effect of
future developments in the PRC legal system, particularly with regard to the Internet, 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.
Restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to utilize our revenues effectively.
Most of our revenues and operating expenses are denominated in Renminbi. The Renminbi is
currently freely convertible under the current account, which includes dividends, trade and
service-related foreign exchange transactions, but not under the capital account, which includes
foreign direct investment and loans.
Currently, our PRC subsidiaries may purchase foreign exchange for settlement of current
account transactions, including payment of dividends to us and payment of license fees to foreign
game licensors, and our PRC operating companies may purchase foreign exchange for payment of
license fees to foreign game licensors without the approval of SAFE. Our PRC subsidiaries may also
retain foreign exchange in its current account, subject to a ceiling approved by SAFE, to satisfy
foreign exchange liabilities or to pay dividends. However, we cannot assure you that the relevant
PRC governmental authorities will not limit or eliminate our ability to purchase and retain foreign
currencies in the future.
Since a significant amount of our future revenues will be denominated in Renminbi, the
existing and any future restrictions on currency exchange may limit our ability to utilize revenues
generated in Renminbi to fund our business activities outside China, if any, or expenditures
denominated in foreign currencies.
Foreign exchange transactions under the capital account are subject to limitations and require
registration with or approval by the relevant PRC governmental authorities. In particular, if we
finance our PRC subsidiaries by means of foreign currency loans, those loans cannot exceed certain
statutory limits and must be registered with SAFE, and if we finance our PRC subsidiaries by means
of capital contributions, those capital contributions must be approved by the MOFCOM. Our ability
to use the U.S. dollar proceeds of the sale of our equity or debt to finance our business
activities conducted through our PRC subsidiaries will depend on our ability to obtain these
governmental registrations or approvals. In addition, because of the regulatory issues related to
foreign currency loans to, and foreign investment in, domestic PRC enterprises, we may not be able
to finance our PRC operating companies operations by loans or capital contributions. We cannot
assure you that we can obtain these governmental registrations or approvals on a timely basis, if
at all.
Fluctuations in exchange rates could result in foreign currency exchange losses.
Most of our revenues are denominated in Renminbi, while a portion of our expenditures are
denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in exchange rates,
particularly those involving the U.S. dollar, may affect our costs and operating margins. In
addition, these fluctuations could result in exchange losses and increased costs in Renminbi terms.
Where our operations conducted in Renminbi are reported in U.S. dollars, such fluctuations could
result in changes in reported results which do not reflect changes in the underlying operations. 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 certain foreign currencies. This change in policy has
resulted in a more than 21% appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar as of March 31,
2010. While the international reaction to the
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Renminbi revaluation has generally been positive, there remains significant international
pressure on the PRC government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which could result
in a further and more significant appreciation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar. On the
other hand, as most of our revenues are denominated in Renminbi, any potential future devaluation
of the Renminbi against U.S. dollars could negatively impact our results of operations. Moreover,
we have material monetary assets and liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars, which mainly consist
of our bank deposits and the convertible notes. The fluctuation of foreign exchange rate affects
the value of these monetary assets and liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars. Generally, an
appreciation of the Renminbi against U.S. dollars results in a foreign exchange loss for monetary
assets denominated in U.S. dollars, and a foreign exchange gain for monetary liabilities
denominated in U.S. dollars. On the contrary, a devaluation of the Renminbi against U.S. dollars
results in a foreign exchange gain for monetary assets denominated in U.S. dollars, and a foreign
exchange loss for monetary liabilities denominated in U.S. dollars. Very limited hedging
transactions are available in China to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. To date,
we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to reduce our exposure to foreign
currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging transactions in the future, the
availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to
successfully hedge all or part of our exposure or at all. In addition, our currency exchange
losses may be magnified by PRC exchange control regulations that restrict our ability to convert
Renminbi into U.S. dollars. Conversely, an increase in the value of the Renminbi could increase our
reported earnings in U.S. dollar terms without a fundamental change in our business or operating
performance.
Since our revenues are primarily denominated in Renminbi, our valuation could be materially
and adversely affected by the devaluation of the Renminbi if U.S. investors analyze our value based
on the U.S. dollar equivalent of our financial condition and results of operations.
Inflation in China and measures to contain inflation could negatively affect our profitability and
growth.
While the PRC economy has experienced rapid growth, such growth has been uneven among various
sectors of the economy and in different geographical areas of the country. Rapid economic growth
can lead to growth in the money supply and rising inflation. If prices for our products and
services rise at a rate that is insufficient to compensate for the rise in our costs, our business
may be materially and adversely affected. In order to control inflation in the past, the PRC
government has imposed controls on bank credits, limits on loans for fixed assets, and restrictions
on state bank lending. Such austerity measures can lead to a slowing of economic growth. A slowdown
in the PRC economy could also materially and adversely affect our business and prospects.
We face risks related to natural disasters, health epidemics and other outbreaks of contagious
diseases.
Our business could be adversely affected by natural disasters, avian influenza, or avian flu,
SARS, H1N1 influenza, or H1N1 flu (also known as swine flu), or other epidemics or outbreaks. On
April 14, 2010, China experienced an earthquake with a reported magnitude of 6.9 on the Richter
scale in Qinghai Province, resulting in the death of over 2,000 people and on May 12, 2008, China
experienced an earthquake with a reported magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale in Sichuan
Province, resulting in the death of tens of thousands of people. As a result of the 2010 and 2008
earthquakes, we observed a one- and three-day period, respectively, of national mourning for the
victims, during which several of our businesses suspended online activities, in accordance with a
public notice issued by the PRC government. There have been recent reports of outbreaks of a highly
pathogenic avian flu caused by the H5N1 virus, in certain regions of Asia and Europe. In 2005 and
2006, there have been reports on the occurrences of avian flu in various parts of China, including
a few confirmed human cases. Since April 2009, there have been reports on the occurrences of H1N1
flu in Mexico, the United States, China and certain other countries and regions around the world.
An outbreak of avian flu or H1N1 flu in the human population could result in a widespread health
crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries,
particularly in Asia. Additionally, any recurrence of SARS, a highly contagious form of atypical
pneumonia, similar to the occurrence in 2003 that affected China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore,
Vietnam and certain other countries and regions, would also have similar adverse effects. These
natural disasters, outbreaks of contagious diseases, and other adverse public health developments
in China could severely disrupt our business operations and adversely affect our financial
condition and results of operations. We have not adopted any written preventive measures or
contingency plans to combat any future natural disasters or outbreak of avian flu, H1N1 flu,
SARS or any other epidemic.
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We may be subject to fines and legal sanctions if we or our Chinese employees fail to comply with
recent PRC regulations relating to employee stock options granted by overseas listed companies to
PRC citizens.
On March 28, 2007, the SAFE issued the Application Procedure for Foreign Exchange
Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Holding Plans or Stock
Option Plans of Overseas Listed Companies, or Notice 78. Under Notice 78, PRC individuals who
participate in an employee stock option holding plan or a stock option plan of an overseas listed
company are required, through a PRC domestic agent or PRC subsidiary of the overseas listed
company, to register with SAFE and complete certain other procedures. We and our Chinese employees
who have been granted restricted shares or stock options pursuant to our share incentive plan are
subject to Notice 78 because we are an overseas listed company. However, in practice, there exist
significant uncertainties with regard to the interpretation and implementation of Notice 78. We are
committed to complying with the requirements of Notice 78. However, we cannot provide any
assurance that we or our Chinese employees will be able to complete, qualify under, or obtain any
registration required by Notice 78. In particular, if we and/or our Chinese employees fail to
comply with the provisions of Notice 78, we and/or our Chinese employees may be subject to fines
and legal sanctions imposed by the SAFE or other PRC government authorities, as a result of which
our business operations and employee option plans could be materially and adversely affected.
Risks Relating to Our ADSs
One shareholder has significant control over the outcome of our shareholder votes.
As of December 31, 2009, Premium Lead Company Limited, or Premium Lead, whose beneficial owner
is Tianqiao Chen, our chairman and chief executive officer, owned approximately 44.5% of our
outstanding ordinary shares. Accordingly, Premium Lead has and is expected to maintain
significant control over the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to our
shareholders for approval, including mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially
all of our assets.
If Premium Lead, which holds approximately 44.5% of our ordinary shares as of December 31, 2009,
or any other major shareholder chooses to dispose of a material portion of the ordinary shares
that it holds, the prevailing market price for our securities may decline.
On September 19, 2007, Skyline Media Limited, or Skyline Media, sold 9,131,878 of our ordinary
shares pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. On the day of this sale, the market
price for our ordinary shares decreased by approximately 6.8%. If Premium Lead, to whom Skyline
Media transferred 60,000,000 of our ordinary shares on December 27, 2007 and whose beneficial owner
is Tianqiao Chen, our chairman and chief executive officer, or any other major shareholder, chooses
to sell a material portion of the ordinary shares that it holds, or indicates its intention to do
so, the prevailing market price for our securities may decline.
The price of our ADSs has been volatile historically and may continue to be volatile, which may
make it difficult for holders to resell the ADSs when desired or at attractive prices.
The trading price of our ADSs has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations.
Since we completed our initial public offering in May 2004, the sale prices of our ADSs on the
NASDAQ Global Select Market ranged from US$10.58 to US$63.66 per ADS and the last reported sale
price on May 14, 2010 was US$43.50.
Our ADS price may fluctuate in response to a number of events and factors, including among
other factors:
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announcements of technological or competitive developments; |
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regulatory developments in our target markets affecting us, our customers or our
competitors; |
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announcements regarding intellectual property rights litigation; |
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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results; |
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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 our products; |
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addition or departure of our executive officers and key research personnel; and |
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sales or perceived sales of additional ordinary shares or ADSs. |
In addition, the financial markets in general, and the market prices for Internet-related
companies in particular, have experienced extreme volatility that often has been unrelated to the
operating performance of such companies. These broad market and industry fluctuations may adversely
affect the price of our ADSs, regardless of our operating performance.
The price of our ADSs also could be affected by possible sales of our ordinary shares or ADSs
by investors who view our 2% convertible senior notes due 2011, or the convertible notes, as a more
attractive means of equity participation in our company and by hedging or arbitrage activity
involving our ordinary shares and ADSs that we believe has developed as a result of the issuance of
the convertible notes.
Conversion of the convertible notes may dilute the ownership interest of existing holders of our
ordinary shares and ADSs.
Under certain circumstances, upon conversion of the convertible notes, we have the right to
deliver our ordinary shares or ADSs representing such ordinary shares, in lieu of cash. If we
decide to deliver ordinary shares or ADSs representing such ordinary shares, the ownership
interests of existing holders of ADSs may be diluted. Any sales in the public market of our ADSs
issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our ADSs. In
addition, the anticipated conversion of the notes into any ordinary shares or ADSs representing
such ordinary shares could depress the price of our ADSs.
We may be unable to raise the funds to pay interest on the convertible notes or to purchase the
convertible notes on the purchase dates or upon a fundamental change.
The convertible notes bear interest at an annual rate of 2.0%, payable semi-annually, and we
in certain circumstances are obligated to pay additional interest. If a fundamental change occurs,
holders of the convertible notes may require us to repurchase, for cash, all or a portion of their
convertible notes. In addition, upon conversion of the convertible notes, we will pay the principal
amount in cash. We used all of the net proceeds from the sale of the convertible notes, together
with cash on hand, to repurchase US$175.0 million worth of our ADSs pursuant to an accelerated
share repurchase program. We may not have sufficient funds for any required repurchase of the
convertible notes or required payment of principal or interest, and we may have to obtain financing
to make payments under the convertible notes. If we fail to pay interest or principal on the
convertible notes or repurchase the convertible notes when required, we will be in default under
the indenture governing the convertible notes.
Provisions of the convertible notes could discourage an acquisition of us by a third-party.
Certain provisions of the convertible notes could make it more difficult or more expensive for
a third-party to acquire us. Upon the occurrence of certain transactions constituting a
fundamental change, holders of the convertible notes will have the right, at their option, to
require us to repurchase all of their notes or any portion of the principal amount of such notes in
integral multiples of $1,000. We may also be required to issue additional shares upon conversion or
provide for conversion into the acquirers capital stock in the event of certain fundamental
changes.
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As a foreign private issuer with ADSs listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, we follow certain
home country corporate governance practices instead of certain NASDAQ requirements.
As a foreign private issuer whose ADSs are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, we are
permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain NASDAQ
requirements. A foreign
private issuer that elects to follow its home country practice must submit to the NASDAQ Stock
Market LLC a written statement from an independent counsel in such issuers home country certifying
that the issuers practices are not prohibited by the home countrys laws. In addition, a foreign
private issuer must disclose in its annual reports filed with the SEC each NASDAQ requirement with
which it does not comply followed by a description of its applicable home country practice.
As a company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with ADSs listed on the NASDAQ Global Select
Market, we intend to follow our home country practice instead of NASDAQ requirements that mandate
that:
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our board of directors be comprised of a majority of independent directors; |
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our directors be selected or nominated by a majority of the independent directors or a
nomination committee comprised solely of independent directors; |
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our board adopt a formal written charter or board resolution addressing the director
nominations process and such related matters as may be required under the U.S. federal
securities laws; and |
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the compensation of our executive officers be determined or recommended by a majority of
the independent directors or a compensation committee comprised solely of independent
directors. |
As we are a Cayman Islands company, you may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and
our ability to protect our rights through the U.S. federal courts may be limited.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the
Companies Law (2007 Revision) and common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders
to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary
responsibilities of our directors 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 that 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 precedents in some
jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of
securities law as compared to the United States, and provides significantly less protection to
investors. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder
derivative action in the federal court of the United States.
In addition, most of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other
than the United States. Substantially all of our assets and a substantial portion of the assets of
these persons are located outside the United States.
The Cayman Islands courts are also unlikely:
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to recognize or enforce against us judgments of courts of the United States based on
certain civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws; and |
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to impose liabilities against us, in original actions brought in the Cayman Islands,
based on certain civil liability provisions of U.S. securities laws that are penal in
nature. |
There is no statutory recognition in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United
States, although the courts of the Cayman Islands will generally recognize and enforce a non-penal
judgment of a foreign court of competent jurisdiction without retrial on the merits.
As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulties in
protecting their interests in the face of actions by our management, directors or controlling
shareholders than would shareholders of a public company incorporated in a jurisdiction in the
United States.
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In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to sue before the federal courts
of the United States. As a result, our ability to protect our interests if we are harmed in a
manner that would otherwise enable us to sue in a United States federal court may be limited.
You may experience difficulties in effecting service of process, enforcing foreign judgments or
bringing original actions in China based on United States or other foreign laws against us or our
management.
We are a Cayman Islands company and substantially all of our assets are located outside of the
United States. Substantially 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 judgments obtained in U.S. courts based
on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers
and directors, most of whom are not residents in the United States and the substantial majority of
whose assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, there is uncertainty as to
whether the courts of the Cayman Islands or the PRC would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S.
courts against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities
laws of the United States or any state due to the lack of reciprocal treaty in the Cayman Islands
or the PRC providing statutory recognition of judgments obtained in the United States. The PRC
does not have treaties with the United States or many other countries providing for the reciprocal
recognition and enforcement of judgment of courts. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether such
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 who reside outside the United States predicated upon
the securities laws of the United States or any state.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents may discourage our acquisition by a
third-party, which could limit your opportunity to sell your shares at a premium.
Our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association include provisions that could
limit the ability of others to acquire control of us, modify our structure or cause us to engage in
change of control transactions, including, among other things, the following:
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provisions that restrict the ability of our shareholders to call meetings and to propose
special matters for consideration at shareholder meetings; and |
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provisions that authorize our board of directors, without action by our shareholders, to
issue preferred shares and to issue additional ordinary shares, including ordinary shares
represented by ADSs. |
These provisions could have the effect of depriving you of an opportunity to sell your ADSs at
a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third parties from seeking to acquire
control of us in a tender offer or similar transactions.
The voting rights of holders of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement.
A holder of our ADSs may only exercise the voting rights with respect to the underlying
ordinary shares in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Upon receipt of voting
instructions of a holder of ADSs in the manner set forth in the deposit agreement, the depositary
will endeavor to vote the underlying ordinary shares in accordance with these instructions. Under
our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association and Cayman Islands law, the minimum
notice period required for convening a general meeting is ten days. When a general meeting is
convened, you may not receive sufficient notice of a shareholders meeting to permit you to
withdraw your ordinary shares to 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 shares. 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 ordinary shares are not voted as you requested.
46
We may be required to withhold PRC income tax on the dividends we pay you (if any), and any gain
you realize on the transfer of our ordinary shares and/or ADSs may also be subject to PRC
withholding tax.
Pursuant to the New EIT Law, we may be treated as a PRC resident enterprise for PRC tax
purposes. See Risks Relating to Our BusinessThere are significant uncertainties under the New
EIT Law relating to our PRC enterprise income tax liabilities. If we are so treated by the PRC tax
authorities, we would be obligated to withhold PRC income tax on payments of dividends on our
shares and/or ADSs to investors that are non-resident enterprises of the PRC, because the dividends
payable on our ordinary shares and/or ADSs would be regarded as being derived from sources within
the PRC. The withholding tax rate depends on the provisions of the bilateral tax treaty, if any,
between the PRC and the jurisdiction where the non-resident enterprise is incorporated. For
example, for non-resident enterprises located in Hong Kong which own more than 25% of the shares or
equity interest in a domestic PRC company, the rate is 5%, and for non-resident enterprises located
in United States, the rate would be 10%. If the jurisdiction where the non-resident enterprise is
incorporated does not have a bilateral tax treaty with the PRC, such as the Cayman Islands, a
uniform rate of 10% will apply. In addition, any gain realized by any investors who are
non-resident enterprises of the PRC from the transfer of our ordinary shares and/or ADSs could be
regarded as being derived from sources within the PRC and be subject to a 10% PRC withholding tax.
Moreover, under the PRC Individual Income Tax Law, or IITL, non-resident individual investors are
required to pay PRC individual income tax on interests or dividends payable to the investors or any
capital gains realized from the transfer of our ordinary shares and/or ADSs if such gains are
deemed income derived from sources within the PRC. A non-resident individual refers to an
individual who has no domicile in China and does not stay within the territory of PRC or who has no
domicile in PRC and has stayed within the PRC for less than one year. Pursuant to the IITL and its
implementation rules, for purposes of the PRC capital gains tax, the taxable income will be the
balance of the total income obtained from the transfer of our ordinary shares and/or ADSs minus all
the costs and expenses that are permitted under PRC tax laws to be deducted from the income.
Therefore, if we are considered as a PRC resident enterprise and dividends we pay with respect to
our ordinary shares and/or ADSs and the gains realized from the transfer of our ordinary shares
and/or ADSs are considered income derived from sources within the PRC by relevant competent PRC tax
authorities, such gains earned by non-resident individuals may also be subject to PRC withholding
tax. The foregoing PRC withholding tax would reduce your investment return on our ordinary shares
and/or ADSs and may also materially and adversely affect the price of our ordinary shares and/or
ADSs.
You may be subject to limitations on transfer of your ADSs.
Your ADSs represented by American Depositary Receipts, or ADRs, are transferable on the books
of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time
when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close
its books for a number of reasons, including in connection with corporate events such as a rights
offering, during which time the depositary needs to maintain an exact number of ADS holders on its
books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on
weekends and public holidays. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer, or register transfers
of our ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if
we or the depositary thinks it is advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or any
government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other
reason.
Your right as a holder of ADSs to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which
may cause dilution to your holdings.
We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire
our securities. However, we cannot make rights available to our ADS holders in the United States
unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities
Act or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. In addition, the deposit
agreement provides that the depositary bank will not make rights available to you unless the
distribution to ADS holders of both the rights and any related securities are either registered
under the Securities Act or 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, ADS holders
may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in their holdings.
In addition, if the depositary is unable to sell rights that are not exercised or not
distributed or if the sale is not lawful or reasonably practicable, it will allow the rights
to lapse, in which case you will receive no value for these rights.
47
Item 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
Our business was founded in December 1999 when Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen established
Shanda Networking to develop and operate stame.com, an online virtual community. At an early
stage, we identified online games as an attractive media content segment with high growth potential
and strong user interaction, and commercially launched Mir II, our first MMORPG in November 2001.
In November 2003, we incorporated Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited in the Cayman Islands.
We completed our initial public offering of ADRs on the NASDAQ Global Market in May 2004. As a
result of our financial performance, among other factors, we are currently listed on the NASDAQ
Global Select Market.
Today, we are one of Chinas leading interactive entertainment media companies. We offer a
diversified entertainment content portfolio including, among other things, MMORPGs, advanced casual
games and flash games without user-end software through Shanda Games and its subsidiaries, online
(Internet and WVAS) and offline literature publication through Shanda Literature and its
subsidiaries, online chess and board games platform through Bianfeng
and its subsidiaries, an e-sports game
platform through Haofang and WVAS, music and online video through
Hurray! and its subsidiaries. We
are expanding our content offerings into TV series and movies through a newly established joint
venture with Hunan TV.
We offer an integrated service platform through Shanda Online, hosting a broad array of online
entertainment content offered by ourselves or third-party content providers. Our integrated
service platform offers a turnkey solution to distribute online entertainment content to our large
and diversified user base.
The following information describes certain major developments in our history up to March 31,
2010.
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In July 2004, we acquired Hangzhou Bianfeng Networking
Co., Ltd., or Hangzhou Bianfeng,
which operates an online chess and board games platform; |
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In September 2004, we acquired Shanghai Xuanting Entertainment Information Technology
Co., Ltd., or Qidian, which operates Qidian.com, an original online literature platform; |
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In May 2005, we acquired Shanghai Haofang Online Information Technology Co. Ltd., or
Haofang, which operates a leading e-sports game platform in China; |
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In November 2005, we acquired Wenzhou Chuangjia Technology Co., Ltd., or Gametea, which
operates an online chess and board games platform in China; |
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In August 2007, we acquired 50% of the equity interest in Jinjiang Literature City, or
Jinjiang, which operates Jjwxc.net, an original online literature platform; |
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In April 2008, we acquired 60% of the equity interest in Hongxiu.com, or Hongxiu,
which operates an original online literature platform of the same name; |
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In 2008, we commenced a reorganization. Specifically, we reorganized certain of our content businesses into Shanda Games, which
develops, sources and manages intellectual property rights related to MMORPGs and advanced
casual games; Shanda Literature, which operates online literature platforms; and other
online content businesses. In addition, we established Shanda Online, which owns and
operates an integrated service platform. |
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In September 2008, we issued US$175 million in aggregate principal amount of 2.0% senior
convertible notes due 2011 (the Convertible Notes) pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act. All of the proceeds from the issuance of the Convertible Notes were used
to repurchase our ADSs pursuant to an
accelerated share repurchase program which we completed in March 2009. For more information
on our accelerated share repurchase program, see Item 16E Purchases of Equity Securities by
the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers and Item 3 Risk
Factors. |
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In 2009, we established the Institute for Innovation and
Technology, or IIT, to conduct research on and develop new
technology, products and services. |
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In July 2009, we closed the tender offer of 52.6% of the outstanding shares of Hurray!
Holding, Co., Ltd., or Hurray! (NASDAQ: HRAY), whose businesses include artist development,
music production and offline distribution in China and distribution of music and
music-related products such as ringtones, ring-back tones, and truetones, to mobile users
in China through a wide range of WVAS platforms over mobile networks and through the
Internet. We subsequently purchased a certain number of Hurray! shares from certain
existing shareholders and through open market transactions. As of March 31, 2010, we held
approximately 42.0% of Hurray!s total outstanding shares calculated on a fully-diluted
basis due to the dilution caused by the issuance of shares by Hurray! in connection with
its acquisition of Ku6 in January 2010. |
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On September 30, 2009, Shanda Games completed its initial public offering of its ADSs on
the NASDAQ Global Select Market. |
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In November 2009, we and Hunan TV established a joint
venture, which plans to produce and
distribute movies and television series, as well as engage in other related businesses such
as agency services. |
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In January 2010, Hurray! acquired Ku6, a leading online video portal in China. Ku6 is
currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hurray! and has retained its brand name. |
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In January 2010, Shanda Games acquired Goldcool, a Shanghai based online game developer
and operator. |
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In January 2010, Shanda Games acquired Mochi Media, a leading platform for distributing
and monetizing browser-based games worldwide. |
Our principal executive offices are located at 208 Juli Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
201203, China. Our telephone number is (86-21) 5050-4740. Our agent for service of process in the
United States is CT Corporation System, located at 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011.
B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
We are one of Chinas leading interactive entertainment media companies, offering a broad
array of entertainment content to a large and diversified user base and an integrated service
platform. Our business lines include:
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Shanda Games. Shanda Games offers MMORPGs and advanced casual games. Shanda Games also offers flash games without user-end software through
recently acquired Mochi Media. |
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Shanda Literature. Shanda Literature provides literature and other publications offered
through websites, wireless distribution and offline publications to a diversified user
base. Shanda Literature also franchises the copyrights of its literature works to online
game companies, television producers, movie studios and traditional offline book
publishers, etc. |
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Bianfeng. Bianfeng and its subsidiaries operate online
chess and board games platforms. |
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Haofang. Haofang operates an e-sports game platform. |
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Hurray!. Hurray! provides a wide range of WVAS to mobile users in China, including
music, games, ringtones, pictures and animation, community, and other media and
entertainment services. It is also engaged in artist development, music production and
offline distribution in China and Taiwan through several affiliates. Hurray! has expanded
its business into online video portal market after its acquisition of Ku6 in January 2010. |
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Shanda Online. Shanda Online operates an integrated service platform which provides
distribution, payment, customer service, and other e-commerce services for online
entertainment content. |
Shanda Games
Shanda
Games, our majority-owned subsidiary, is one of Chinas leading
online game companies in terms
of revenues and the size and diversity of its game portfolio. Through its extensive experience in
the online game industry in China, Shanda Games has created a scalable approach to develop, source
and manage intellectual property rights relating to MMORPGs and advanced casual games. Shanda Games
uses multiple channels, including through in-house development, licensing, investment and
acquisition, co-development and co-operation, to build a large and diversified game portfolio and
pipeline of various genres. Shanda Games operates a nationwide, secure network to host hundreds of
thousands of users playing simultaneously, and monitors and adjusts the game environment to
optimize its game players experience.
As of March 31, 2010, Shanda Games operated 26 MMORPGs and eight advanced casual games. Each
MMORPG creates an evolving virtual world within which game players can play and interact with one
another simultaneously over the Internet. Because MMORPGs require a significant amount of players
time and commitment to develop the skills and character attributes required to progress to the next
level, MMORPGs tend to develop high game player loyalty. Two MMORPGs, Mir II and Woool, generate
the majority of Shanda Gamess revenues.
Advanced casual games are generally less time-consuming and require less focus and attention
than MMORPGs but possess certain elements of MMORPGs such as a story line, elaborate graphics,
availability of virtual items and frequent interaction among game players. Advanced casual games
are an important component of Shanda Gamess overall growth strategy as such games generally
attract a broader range of demographic groups, as well as more home users, than MMORPGs.
In
January 2010, Shanda Games acquired Mochi Media, a leading platform
for distributing and monetary browser-based games worldwide. Shanda
Games offers flash games without user-end software through Mochi
Media.
50
The following table sets forth certain information relating to the MMORPGs that Shanda Games
operated as of March 31, 2010.
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Visual |
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Game |
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Genre |
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Dimensions |
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Game Source |
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Launch Date |
Mir II
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Martial arts adventure
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2D
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License(1)
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November 2001 |
Woool
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Martial arts adventure
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2D
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In-house
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October 2003 |
The Sign
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Martial arts adventure
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3D
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In-house
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May 2004 |
The Age
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Martial arts adventure
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2D
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In-house
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June 2004 |
Magical Land
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Fantasy
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2D
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In-house
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July 2005 |
R.O.
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Fantasy
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2D
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License
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September 2005 |
Archlord
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Fantasy
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3D
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License
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July 2006 |
Latale
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Side-scrolling combat
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2D
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In-house
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April 2007 |
Fengyun Online
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Martial arts adventure
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3D
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Acquisition
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July 2007 |
World Hegemony
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Strategy web game
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2D
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In-house
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November 2007 |
Might & Hero
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Strategy web game
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2D
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Investment
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May 2008 |
Lineage
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Fantasy
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2D
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License
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June 2008 |
Lineage II
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Fantasy
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3D
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License
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June 2008 |
Tales of Dragons
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Fantasy
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2D
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In-house
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July 2008 |
A Thousand Years III
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Martial arts adventure
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2D
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In-house
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November 2008 |
AION
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Fantasy
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3D
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License
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April 2009 |
JX Online World
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Martial arts adventure
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2D
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Co-operation
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June 2009 |
Ghost Fighter Online
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Side-scrolling action
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3D
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Investment
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August 2009 |
Luvinia Online
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Fantasy
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3D
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Acquisition
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August 2009 |
ZU Online
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Martial arts adventure
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3D
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Investment
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August 2009 |
Yuyan Online
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Martial arts adventure
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2.5D(2)
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Co-operation
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September 2009 |
TS2 Online
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Turn-based
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2D
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License
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December 2009 |
Hades Realm
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Martial arts adventure
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2D
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Acquisition
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January 2010 |
Zodiac Tales
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Turn-based
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2D
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Acquisition
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January 2010 |
Dukes and Lords
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Martial arts adventure
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2D
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Acquisition
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January 2010 |
Woool of Heroes
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Martial arts adventure
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2D
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In-house
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March 2010 |
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(1) |
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Shanda Games licenses Mir II from Actoz, which is its majority-owned subsidiary. While Actoz
controls the licensing of Mir II in China, Shanda Games continues to classify Mir II as a
licensed game because Actoz shares a portion of the ongoing licensing fees it collects with a
third-party that co-owns the intellectual property rights relating to Mir II. |
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(2) |
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2.5D refers to a game with 3D-rendered characters but a 2D game environment. |
Advanced Casual Games
The following table sets forth certain information relating to the advanced casual games that
Shanda Games operated as of March 31, 2010.
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Visual |
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Game |
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Genre |
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Dimensions |
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Game Source |
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Launch |
BNB
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Battle
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2D
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License
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August 2003 |
GetAmped
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Fighting
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3D
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License
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May 2004 |
Maple Story
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Side-scrolling combat
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2D
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License
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August 2004 |
Shanda Richman
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Strategy
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3D
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In-house
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December 2005 |
Crazy Kart
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Racing
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3D
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In-house
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March 2006 |
Kongfu Kids
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Fighting
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3D
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In-house
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June 2007 |
Tales Runner
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Racing
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3D
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License
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July 2007 |
Dead or Alive Online
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Fighting
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3D
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Co-development
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May 2009 |
Some
of Shanda Games online games are played on a web browser and
typically do not require any user-end software to be installed apart
from the web browser. The flash games without user-end software
offered by Mochi Media are not included in the above
tables.
Shanda Literature
We,
through our wholly-owned subsidiary Shanda Literature, provide
literature and other publications offered through
websites, offline publication and wireless distribution to a diversified user base, and franchise
the copyrights of its literature works to online game companies, television producers, movie
studios, and traditional offline book publishers, etc.
Shanda Literature, which is one of the few companies in China with the necessary government
approval to publish literature through the Internet or through a wireless network, generates its
revenues by monetizing the copyrights relating to the literary works it publishes.
51
In
January 2010, Shanda Literature acquired 51% of the outstanding shares of Beijing Joy
Media Co., Ltd., or Rongshuxia, which operates rongshuxia.com. To expand its business into offline book publication, Shanda Literature
acquired several offline book publishers during 2009 and first quarter of 2010: 95% of the
outstanding shares of Tianjing Jushi Wenhua Book Distribution Co., ltd., 51% of the
outstanding shares of Tianjing Huawen Tianxia Book Co., Ltd., and 51% of the outstanding
shares of Tianjing Zhongzhi Bowen Book Co., Ltd.
Shanda Literature allows its users to access limited portions of most of the literary works on
its online literature platforms for free and charges users a subscription fee to access premium
content. The literary works published on its online literature platforms are written by online
authors, some of whom, depending on the user receptiveness to and the popularity of a particular
literary work, have the opportunity to enter into a revenue-sharing agreement with Shanda
Literature. Shanda Literatures online literature platforms include:
As
of March 31, 2010, the
total aggregate number of characters published has reached over 51 billion.
Shanda
Literature also provides offline book publishing service to its authors. Its offline book
publishing companies include:
In addition, Shanda Literature provides access to handset optimized literature works through
its wireless platform and cooperation with telecommunications operators. Shanda Literature has also licensed certain intellectual property rights related to
some of its literary works to television producers, movie studios,
online game developers and traditional offline book
publishers, including our affiliated companies and third parties.
Shanda
Literatures platforms have received a number of awards. For example, Qidian received the
2009 Most Valuable Website by New Weekly magazine, Best Literature Website Of The Year in the
second China International Copyright Expo and Top 10 China Internet Brand which is issued by
Google China.
Bianfeng
We offer online chess and board games, mainly through Bianfeng and its subsidiaries. Online
chess and board games include card games, traditional board games, mahjong and simple arcade games,
etc.
Haofang
Haofang operates our e-sports games platform, through which a
user can connect his or her computer with other users computers through the Internet to form a
virtual private network, or VPN, to play a personal computer game. Without a VPN service, users of
personal computer games would generally
be limited to playing with other users that are either at the same personal computer or
connected through a local area network.
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Hurray!
Hurray! derives most of its revenues from WVAS, which includes 2G services such as short
message service, interactive voice response and ring back tone, and 2.5G services such as WAP, MMS,
and Java, each of which is available on the networks of China Mobile, China Unicom and China
Telecom.
Hurray! began offering music
and artist agency services in late 2008, which services include discovering, developing and
representing recording artists and promoting, selling and licensing their works through designated
third parties.
Hurray! entered the online video market in January 2010 when it acquired Ku6, one of the
leading online video portals in China. Ku6.com hosts professionally-produced and user-generated
video content from a network of media partners in China, around Asia and from around the world. Its
online video business derives its revenue principally from advertising.
Shanda Online
Shanda
Online operates an integrated service platform which provides distribution, payment,
customer service, and other e-commerce services for online
entertainment content, including, among others,
MMORPGs, advanced casual games, light casual games, and online literature. Shanda Online provides
such services to our internally developed and operated content as well as third-party content
providers.
The service modules of Shanda Onlines platform include a digital content delivery system, a
promotion-payment community system and a customer relationship management system. Shanda Onlines platform has
also won a number of awards including Best Call Center from 2004 through 2009, Chinas
Outstanding Customer Service Award, Top 10 Service Brands in China and Top 10 Most Influential
Brands with High Customer Satisfaction.
53
As of March 31, 2010, 41 online third-party content developers and operators in China offered or
have agreed to offer their content through Shanda Onlines service platform. In addition, 59 content
providers have agreed to use Shanda Onlines distribution channels. We believe that these
additional content offerings will help attract additional users to Shanda Onlines service
platform.
Shanda
Online is currently working to enhance and expand its infrastructure
and its services, including, among
other things, user-related services such as billing, authentication, registration, payment,
promotion, customer service, content downloads; customer-related communications and community
services, such as email, instant messaging, social networking services; and data mining services.
Competition
Shanda Games competes primarily with other online game developers and operators in China,
including Changyou.com Limited, Giant Interactive Group, Inc., Kingsoft Corporation Limited,
NetDragon Websoft Inc., NetEase.com, Nineyou International Limited, Perfect World Co., Ltd.,
Tencent Holdings Limited and The9 Limited. Shanda Games also competes with other private companies
in China devoted to game development or operation, many of which are backed by venture capital
funds and international competitors. Competition may also come from international game developers
and operators. Shanda Games competes primarily on the basis of the quality or features of its
online games, its operational infrastructure and expertise, the strength of its product management
approach, and the services it offers that enhance our game players experience.
We believe that domestic game developers and operators, including Shanda Games, are likely to
have a competitive advantage over international competitors entering the China market, as these
companies are likely to lack operational infrastructure in China and content localization
experience for the market. We cannot assure you, however, that this competitive advantage will
continue to exist, particularly if international competitors establish joint ventures or form
alliances with or acquire domestic game developers and operators. In addition, Shanda Games also
competes for users against various offline games, such as console games, arcade games and handheld
games, as well as various other forms of traditional or online entertainment.
Shanda Literature competes primarily with other online literature portals as well as
traditional publishers who engage in offline publishing and who have begun to develop online
literature businesses.
Bianfeng and Haofang compete primarily with other light casual game and e-sports game
platforms such as ourgame.com and Tencents online chess and board platform.
Hurray! WVAS business competes primarily with other WVAS providers in China, including
companies such as KongZhong, Linktone, Sina, Sohu, Tencent., Rock Mobile, A8 and China Mobile.
Hurrays music and artist agency business faces competition from traditional record companies,
including international record companies such as Warner Music, Universal, EMI and Sony BMG; and
independent labels based in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China such as Taihe Rye, Rock Music, Ocean
Butterfly and Zhushu; and WVAS providers such as Rock Mobile, a subsidiary of Rock Music, and A8,
which have recently focused on music-related products and extended upstream to establish their own
music production businesses in China.
Ku6 faces significant competition from over 100 other online video sharing sites. Among the
independent online video sites, Tudou.com and Youku.com command over half of the online viewership
market. Moreover, several large Internet portals in China, such as Sina.com, Sohu.com and
Baidu.com have begun to launch their own video businesses. Other advertising media, such as
newspapers, yellow pages, magazines, billboards and other forms of outdoor media, television and
radio, compete for a share of its customers marketing budgets.
Shanda Online
competes with different competitors in each of its service areas.
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Intellectual Property and Proprietary Rights
We rely on copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret and other intellectual property law, as
well as non-competition, confidentiality and license agreements with our employees, suppliers,
business partners and others to protect our intellectual property rights. Our employees are
required to sign agreements acknowledging that all inventions, trade secrets, works of authorship,
developments and other processes generated by them on our behalf are our property, and assigning to
us any ownership rights that they may claim in those works. Despite these precautions, third
parties may obtain and use intellectual property that we own or license without our consent.
Unauthorized use of our intellectual property by third parties, and the expenses incurred in
protecting our intellectual property rights, may adversely affect our business.
While we actively take steps to protect our proprietary rights, such steps may not be adequate
to prevent the infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property. This is particularly
the case in China where the laws may not protect our proprietary rights as fully as in the United
States. Infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property could materially harm our
business. We have registered a number of domain names including but not limited to www.snda.com,
www.sdo.com and www.shandagames.com.
As of March 31, 2010, we owned 145 software copyrights, each of which has been registered with
the State Copyright Bureau of the PRC.
As of March 31, 2010, we owned 118 trademarks, each in various classes, each of which has been
registered with the China Trademark Office, and had 205 trademark applications, each in various
classes, pending with the China Trademark Office. We have also filed applications to register
certain trademarks in a number of other jurisdictions, including Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea,
the United States, India, Japan, Canada, Singapore, Vietnam and New Zealand.
As of March 31, 2010, we held 35 patents granted by the State Intellectual Property Office of
the PRC and we had 131 patent applications pending with the State Intellectual Property Office. In
addition, we held patents that have been granted by select jurisdictions outside of China,
including the US, Canada, Japan, European Union, South Korea and Singapore.
Regulatory Matters
The online media industry in China operates under a legal regime that consists of the State
Council, which is the highest authority of the executive branch of the PRC central government, and
the various ministries and agencies under its leadership. These ministries and agencies mainly
include:
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the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, or the MIIT; |
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the Ministry of Culture, or the MOC; |
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the General Administration of Press and Publication, or the GAPP; |
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the State Copyright Bureau, or the SCB; |
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the State Administration of Industry and Commerce, or the SAIC; |
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the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television; |
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the Ministry of Commerce, or the MOFCOM; |
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the State Council Information Office; |
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the Ministry of Public Security; and |
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the Bureau of State Secrecy. |
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The State Council and these ministries and agencies have issued a series of rules that
regulate a number of different substantive areas of our business, which are discussed below.
Foreign Ownership Restrictions
PRC regulations currently limit foreign ownership of companies that provide Internet content
services, which includes operating online games, to 50%. In addition, foreign and foreign-invested
enterprises are currently not able to apply for an Internet Culture Business License from the MOC
and Internet Publishing License from the GAPP for operating online games in China. In order to
comply with foreign ownership restrictions, we operate our business in China through our VIEs,
namely the Shulong entities with respect to Shanda Games, the Shanda Networking entities with
respect to Shanda Online and the Hongwen entities with respect to Shanda Literature. The ordinary
shares in Shanghai Shulong, Shanda Networking and Hongwen are owned by PRC citizens. Shengqu,
Shanghai Shulong and the shareholders of Shanghai Shulong, Shanda Computer, Shanda Networking and
the shareholders of Shanda Networking and Shengting, Hongwen and the shareholders of Hongwen
entered into a series of agreements to provide Shengqu, Shanda Computer and Shengting with
effective control of Shanghai Shulong, Shanda Networking and Hongwen, respectively. Under PRC law,
Shanda Games cannot hold the licenses and approvals necessary to operate its online games because
those licenses and approvals can only be held by domestic PRC persons and Shanda Games is not
considered to be a domestic PRC person for this purpose.
In July 2009, we acquired a 51% interest in Hurray!. As of March 31, 2010, we owned
approximately 42% of Hurray!s outstanding ordinary shares. Hurray! is a foreign enterprise under
PRC law and accordingly is ineligible to apply for a license to operate its WVAS and online video
businesses. In order to comply with foreign ownership restrictions, Hurray! operates its WVAS
business and online video business in China through the Hurray! entities, which are wholly-owned by
shareholders of Hurray! and/or Ku6, and their wholly-owned subsidiaries. According to Hurray!s
management, the Hurray! VIEs hold all of the licenses and approvals that are required to operate
their WVAS and online video businesses. Certain of the Hurray! entities have entered into VIE
agreements with certain of the Hurray! VIEs and their shareholders. As a result of these
contractual arrangements, as of December 31, 2009, we were considered the primary beneficiary of
the Hurray! VIEs (except for the Hurray! VIEs associated with the Ku6 business, which Hurray did
not acquire until January 2010), and accordingly, we consolidate the results of operations of the
Hurray! VIE entities and their respective subsidiaries in our financial statements.
Except as otherwise disclosed in this annual report, we believe that, in all material aspects,
(i) the ownership structures of our company, our wholly foreign-owned operating entities, and our
PRC operating companies are in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations, (ii) our
contractual arrangements with Shanghai Shulong, Shanda Networking, Hongwen and the Hurray! VIEs and
each of their shareholders are valid, binding and enforceable, and will not result in any violation
of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect, and (iii) the business operations of our company,
our wholly foreign-owned operating entities, and our PRC operating companies, as described in this
annual report, are in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations. There are, however,
substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of current or future PRC
laws and regulations. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the PRC regulatory authorities will
not ultimately take a view that is contrary to our view. If the PRC government finds that the
agreements that establish the structure for operating our China business do not comply with PRC
government restrictions on foreign investment in the online game industry, we could be subject to
severe penalties.
Licenses
There are a number of aspects of our business which require us to obtain licenses from a
variety of PRC regulatory authorities.
As ICPs, our PRC operating companies are required to either hold an ICP license or be
sublicensed by qualified ICP license holders. Moreover, ICP operators providing ICP services in
multiple provinces, autonomous regions and centrally administered municipalities may be required to
obtain an inter-regional ICP license. Shanda Networking and Shanghai Shulong have already obtained
inter-regional ICP licenses, which both cover short message services, or SMS services. Shanda
Networkings license also covered online bulletin board service. Shanda Networking is in the
process of renewing its license to provide online bulletin board services. Nanjing Shulong and
Shulong Computer currently conduct ICP businesses by having sublicensing arrangements with Shanghai
Shulong, and Nanjing Shanda currently conducts its ICP business by having sublicensing arrangements
with Shanda Networking.
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Each ICP license holder that engages in the supply and servicing of Internet cultural
products, which include online games, must obtain an additional Internet Culture Business License
from the MOC and an Internet Publishing License from the GAPP. Shanghai Shulong currently does not
have an Internet Publishing License, and publishes its online games through cooperation with Shanda
Networking, which holds such license. We believe this is consistent with the current practice in
the online game industry in China. Shanghai Shulong is currently in the process of applying for an
Internet Publishing License. In addition, the GAPP and the MOC require us to submit for their
review and approval any online games we would like to import. If we import games without approval,
the GAPP and the MOC may impose penalties on us, including revoking our Internet Culture Business
License which is required for the operation of online games in China.
An Internet content provider that offers video and audio content, such as music and movies, is
required to obtain a license from the SARFT. Shanda Networking and Ku6 currently hold this a
license.
The Ministry of Public Security imposes a license requirement for any company that intends to
engage in the development and sale of computer and information system safety guard products. Shanda
Networking holds a computer and information system safety guard products sales license issued by
the Ministry of Public Security.
Regulation of Telecommunications Services
The telecommunications industry, including the Internet sector, is highly regulated in China.
Regulations issued or implemented by the State Council of China, the MIIT and other relevant
government authorities cover many aspects of telecommunications network operation, including entry
into the telecommunications industry, the scope of permissible business activities, interconnection
and transmission line arrangements, tariff policy and foreign investment.
The principal regulations governing the telecommunications and Internet content services we
provide in China include:
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Telecommunications Regulations (2000), or the Telecommunications Regulations. The
Telecommunications Regulations categorize all telecommunications businesses in the PRC as
either basic or value-added. ICP services are classified as value-added telecommunications
businesses. Under the Telecommunications Regulations, commercial operators of value-added
telecommunications services must first obtain an operating license from the MIIT or its
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Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services (2000), or the Internet
Measures. According to the Internet Measures, commercial ICP service operators must obtain
an ICP license from the relevant government authorities before engaging in any commercial
ICP operations within the PRC. |
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Administrative Measures for Telecommunications Business Operating License (2009,
revised), or the Telecommunications License Measures. The Telecommunications License
Measures set forth the types of licenses required to operate value-added telecommunications
services and the qualifications and procedures for obtaining such licenses. For example, an
ICP operator providing value-added services in multiple provinces is required to obtain an
inter-regional license, whereas an ICP operator providing the same services in one province
is required to obtain a local license. |
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Regulations for the Administration of Foreign-Invested Telecommunications Enterprises
(2008, revised), or the FI Telecommunications Regulations. The FI Telecommunications
Regulations set forth detailed requirements with respect to capitalization, investor
qualifications and application procedures in connection with the establishment of a
foreign-invested telecommunications enterprise. Under the FI Telecommunications
Regulations, a foreign entity is prohibited from owning more than 50% of the total equity
in any value-added telecommunication services business in China. To comply with these
restrictions, we have entered into a series of agreements with each of our affiliated
Chinese entities and their respective shareholders. We hold no ownership interest in any
such affiliated Chinese entities. |
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Notice on Intensifying the Administration of Foreign Investment in Value-added
Telecommunications Services (2006). Under this notice, an operating company holding a
value-added telecommunications license (and not its shareholders) must own all related
Internet domain names and registered trademarks. In addition, such companys business site
and equipment should comply with its approved licenses, and the company should establish
and audit its internal Internet and information security policies and standards and
emergency management procedures. |
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Notice Concerning Short Message Services (2004). Under this Notice, telecommunications
operators may only cooperate with licensed information service providers for SMS. This
Notice sets forth requirements for provision of SMS by information service providers with
respect to pricing, content and method of service provision. Certain types of SMS require
customers explicit confirmation on acceptance of charges before such services can be
billed for. This Notice also sets forth a high standard for customer services provided by
information service providers and requires the service providers to provide an easy and
clear cancellation mechanism for their customers to cancel subscribed services. |
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Notice Concerning the Pricing and Billing of Mobile Information Services (2006). Under
this notice, the pricing and billing of WVAS must be accurate, clear and fair. In addition,
a WVAS provider cannot charge a customer unless the customer responds to two customer
requests, and it must maintain detailed invoices for each customer for more than five
months. In turn, the telecommunications operators are required to first deal with customer
complaints, requests for refunds and related matters. |
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Notice Concerning the Billing of Telecommunications Services (2007). Under this notice,
no telecommunication enterprise may activate any service or function directly connected to
their platforms, such as call reminder and voice inbox functions, unless the customer
affirmatively consents to subscribing to them. For any free trial service subscribed by the
mobile phone user, upon expiration of the free trial period, service providers may not
charge the mobile phone user any fee for such service or function until the user
re-confirms that it wishes to continue such service or function. When a customer calls the
customer support line of a service provider, the service provider is prohibited from
charging the customer a fee for such call unless the customer expressly confirms its
consent to such charge regardless of whether automated or live support is provided. If
automated support is provided, the customer is required to be furnished with pricing and
billing information through a free voice notice. |
In addition to regulations promulgated at the national level by the Chinese government,
several provincial governments have issued provisional regulations requiring SMS service providers
to obtain licenses from or register with the Telecommunications Administration Bureau at the
provincial level before providing SMS service within the province.
Regulation of Internet Content
The PRC government has promulgated measures relating to Internet content through a number of
ministries and agencies, including the MIIT, the MOC, the GAPP and the SARFT. These measures
specifically prohibit Internet activities which includes the operation of online games that result
in the publication of any content which is found to, among other things, propagate obscenity,
gambling or violence, instigate crimes, undermine public morality or the cultural traditions of the
PRC, or compromise state security or secrets. If an ICP license holder violates these measures, the
PRC government may revoke its ICP license and shut down its websites.
In addition, the PRC government has promulgated regulations that require online game operators
to implement anti-addiction measures for users under eighteen years of age. The regulations provide
that the anti-addiction system must be formally implemented beginning on July 16, 2007. See Item
3.D. Risks Relating to Regulation of the Internet and to Our Structure Additional government
regulations resulting from negative publicity in China regarding online games or otherwise may have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Regulation of Information Security
Internet content in China is also regulated and restricted from a state security standpoint.
The Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, Chinas national legislative body, issued
a decision in December 2000 according to which any effort to conduct the following actions in China
may be subject to criminal punishment in China: (1) gain improper entry into a computer or system
of strategic importance; (2) disseminate politically disruptive information; (3) leak state
secrets; (4) spread false commercial information; or (5) infringe intellectual property rights.
The Ministry of Public Security has promulgated measures that prohibit use of the Internet in
ways which, among other things, result in a leakage of state secrets or a spread of socially
destabilizing content. The Ministry of Public Security has supervision and inspection rights in
this regard, and we may be subject to the jurisdiction of the local security bureaus. If an ICP
license holder violates these measures, the PRC government may revoke its ICP license and shut down
its websites.
Import Regulation
Our ability to license online games from abroad and import them into China is regulated in
several ways. Shanda Games is required to register with the Ministry of Commerce any license
agreement with a foreign licensor that involves an import of technologies, including online game
software into China. Without that registration, Shanda Games cannot remit licensing fees out of
China to any foreign game licensor. Furthermore, the State Copyright Bureau requires Shanda Games
to register copyright license agreements relating to imported software. Without the State Copyright
Bureau registration, Shanda Games is not allowed to publish or reproduce the imported game software
in China. In addition, imported online game software is also required to pass a content examination
by the GAPP and the MOC. Any imported online game software, which has not been examined and
approved by the GAPP and the MOC, is not allowed to be put into operation in China.
Publishing Regulation
Our publishing activities include both online publishing and offline publishing. In order to
engage in the online publishing business, we have obtained a license for online game publishing
from the GAPP. We also hold the required government approval to engage in online literature
publishing. As we do not hold the license for offline literature publishing, we cooperate with
companies that are licensed to conduct such business.
Advertising Regulation
According to PRC laws and regulations, in order to conduct advertising and related business, a
company must have an approved business scope that covers such businesses. Currently, we conduct our
advertising and related businesses primarily through our subsidiaries, Shanghai Shengyue
Advertisement Co., Ltd., Ku6 Information and Tianjin Ku6, each of which is licensed to conduct
these businesses.
Intellectual Property Rights
The State Council and the State Copyright Bureau have promulgated various regulations and
rules relating to protection of software in China. Under these regulations and rules, software
owners, licensees and transferees may register their rights in software with the State Copyright
Bureau or its local branches and obtain software copyright registration certificates. Although such
registration is not mandatory under PRC law, software owners, licensees and transferees are
encouraged to go through the registration process and registered software rights may be entitled to
better protections. Shanda Games has registered all of its commercially launched in-house developed
online games with the State Copyright Bureau.
Regulation on Broadcasting Audio/Video Programs through the Internet
On July 6, 2004, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, or the SARFT,
promulgated the Rules for the Administration of Broadcasting of Audio/Video Programs through the
Internet and Other Information Networks, or the A/V Broadcasting Rules. The A/V Broadcasting Rules
apply to the opening, broadcasting, integration, transmission or download of audio/video programs
via the Internet and other information networks.
Anyone who wishes to engage in Internet broadcasting activities must first obtain an
audio/video program transmission license, with a term of two years, issued by the SARFT, and
operate pursuant to the scope as provided in such license. Foreign-invested enterprises are not
allowed to engage in the above business.
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On April 13, 2005, the State Council announced Several Decisions on Investment by
Non-state-owned Companies in Culture-related Businesses in China. These decisions encourage and
support non-state-owned companies to enter certain culture-related businesses in China, subject to
restrictions and prohibitions for investment in audio/video broadcasting, website news and certain
other businesses by non-state-owned companies. These decisions authorize the Ministry of Culture,
the SARFT and the General Administration of Press and Publication to adopt detailed implementation
rules according to these decisions.
On December 20, 2007, the SARFT and the MIIT jointly issued the Rules for the Administration
of Internet Audio and Video Program Services, commonly known as Document 56, which came into effect
as of January 31, 2008. Document 56 reiterates the requirement set forth in the A/V Broadcasting
Rules that online audio/video service providers must obtain a license from the SARFT. Furthermore,
Document 56 requires all online audio/video service providers to be either wholly state-owned or
state-controlled. According to relevant official answers to press questions published on the
SARFTs website dated February 3, 2008, officials from the SARFT and the MIIT clarified that online
audio/video service providers that already had been operating lawfully prior to the issuance of
Document 56 may re-register and continue to operate without becoming state-owned or controlled,
provided that such providers have not engaged in any unlawful activities. This exemption will not
be granted to online audio/video service providers established after Document 56 was issued. Shanda
Networking has obtained an audio/video program transmission license which is valid from January
2009 to January 2012. Ku6 has obtained an audio/video program transmission license which is valid
from June 2008 to June 2011.
Regulation of Music Production
The music industry, including the traditional record companies and the more recent digital
music providers, is highly regulated in China. Laws and regulations issued or implemented by the
NPC, the State Council of China, the SCB, the MOC, the MIIT and other relevant government
authorities cover many aspects of the industry, including entry into the market, scope of
permissible business activities, tariff policy and foreign investment.
The principal laws and regulations governing the music business in China include:
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Certification and Licensing System |
The music industry is administered by specific ministries or agencies in China. A set of
rules and regulations has been established for nearly every aspect of the traditional music
business, from market entry to daily operation. In particular, our distribution of music through
traditional physical channels (e.g., retail stores or chain stores) requires a license under the
Regulations of the Phonographic Products (2002) and the Measures on Wholesaling, Retailing and
Renting of the Phonographic Products (2006), while distribution through digital means (e.g.,
Internet or wireless means) requires official approval or record-keeping of music and its
permissible content transmitted within the PRC by the MOC according to the Opinions on
Regulation and Development of Music Transmitted via Network (2006). In addition, the Regulations
for the Administration of Commercial Performance (promulgated in 2005, revised in 2008) and its
Implementing Provisions (2009) and Measures on the Professional Intermediaries (2004) require
professional performers and managers to obtain a license. The public performance of music also
requires a license. These regulations are designed to enable the government to monitor the
production, reproduction and publication of music, as well as the operations of record
companies.
Failure to comply with the foregoing legal requirements could subject our affiliated music
companies to civil, administrative and criminal penalties.
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Regulation of Artist Agency |
The artist agency industry is highly regulated in China. Regulations issued or implemented
by the State Council of China, the Ministry of Culture and other relevant government authorities
cover many aspects of artist agency, including entry into the artist agency industry, the scope
of permissible business activities, tariff
policy and foreign investment. The Regulations for the Administration of Commercial
Performances (2005), as revised in 2008, and its related Implementing Regulations (2009) are the
primary governing law related to our artist agency services. These regulations set forth
detailed requirements with respect to different aspects of commercial performances including
live musical performances. Under the commercial performances regulations, commercial
performances require a performance brokerage company to obtain a commercial performance license
in order to provide intermediary, agency and brokerage for commercial performances. Foreign
companies are prohibited from owning more than 49% of the total equity in such brokerage
companies in China. In the event we host commercial performances, we are required to file an
application with the culture administrative department at the county level of the place where
the performances are hosted. Hurray! Digital Media has been granted a commercial performance
license for commercial performances.
Copyright
Under the PRCs Copyright Law (1990), as revised in 2001 and in 2010, and its related
Implementing Regulations (2002), creators of protected works enjoy personal and property rights
with respect to publication, identification, alteration, reproduction, distribution, exhibition,
performance, transmission, broadcasting and related activities. The term of a copyright is life
plus 50 years for individual authors and 50 years for corporations. In consideration of the social
benefits and costs of copyrights, China balances copyright protections with limitations that permit
certain uses, such as for private study, research, personal entertainment and teaching, without
compensation to the author or prior authorization.
To address copyright issues relating to the Internet, the PRC Supreme Peoples Court on
November 22, 2000 adopted the Interpretations on Some Issues Concerning Applicable Laws for Trial
of Disputes over Internet Copyright, or the Interpretations, which were subsequently amended on
December 23, 2003 and November 20, 2006. The Interpretations establish joint liability for ICP
operators if they knowingly participate in, assist in or incite infringing activities or fail to
remove infringing content from their websites after receiving notice from the rights holder. In
addition, any act intended to bypass circumvention technologies designed to protect copyrights
constitutes copyright infringement. Upon request, the ICP operators must provide the rights holder
with registration information of the alleged violator, provided that such rights holder has
produced relevant identification, copyright certificate and evidence of infringement. An ICP
operator is exempted from any liabilities as long as it removes the alleged infringing content
after receiving the rights holders notice accompanied with proper evidence.
To address the problem of copyright infringement related to the content posted or transmitted
over the Internet, the SCB and the MIIT jointly promulgated the Measures for Administrative
Protection of Copyright Related to Internet on April 29, 2005. This measure became effective on May
30, 2005.
This measure applies to situations where an ICP operator (i) allows another person to post or
store any works, recordings, audio or video programs on the websites operated by such ICP operator
or (ii) provides links to, or search results for, the works, recordings, audio or video programs
posted or transmitted by such person, without editing, revising or selecting the content of such
material. Upon receipt of an infringement notice from a legitimate copyright holder, an ICP
operator must take remedial actions immediately by removing or disabling access to the infringing
content. If an ICP operator knowingly transmits infringing content or fails to take remedial
actions after receipt of a notice of infringement harming public interest, the ICP operator could
be subject to administrative penalties, including: cessation of infringement activities;
confiscation by the authorities of all income derived from the infringement activities; and payment
of a fine of up to three times the unlawful income or, in cases where the amount of unlawful income
cannot be determined, a fine of up to RMB100,000. An ICP operator is also required to retain all
infringement notices for a minimum of six months and to record the content, display time and IP
addresses or the domain names related to the infringement for a minimum of 60 days. Failure to
comply with this requirement could result in an administrative warning and a fine of up to
RMB30,000.
On May 18, 2006, the State Council promulgated the Protection of the Right of Communication
through Information Network, which became effective on July 1, 2006. Under this regulation, an
Internet service provider may be exempted from liabilities for providing links to infringing or
illegal content if it does not know that such content is infringing other parties rights or is
illegal. However, if the legitimate owner of the content notifies the Internet service provider and
requests removal of the links to the infringing content, the Internet service provider would be
deemed to have constructive knowledge upon receipt of such notification but would be exempted from
liabilities if it removes or disconnects the links to the infringing content at the request of
the legitimate owner. At the request of the alleged violator, the Internet service provider should
immediately restore links to content previously disconnected upon receipt of initial non-infringing
evidence.
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Hurray!s online video business, Ku6, has adopted measures to mitigate copyright infringement
risks. For example, Ku6s policy is to remove links to web pages if it knows these web pages
contain materials that infringe third-party rights or if it is notified by the legitimate copyright
holder of the infringement with proper evidence.
Section 2, Performance, and Section 3, Phonogram, of Chapter IV of the Copyright Law cover
major aspects of our business related to both online and offline music distribution. These
provisions grant performers and record production companies personal and property rights
(neighboring rights), including the right to fair compensation for the use of originals or copies
of their works. In addition, authors of lyrics and music composers have separate and independent
rights with respect to any particular song. The term of the copyright is 50 years after the first
performance or authorized publication.
In addition, arrangements for the compulsory collection of license fees and the allocation of
such fees were standardized by two interim provisions in the SCBs Interim Provisions on Compulsory
License of Phonogram (1993). In response to the changes posed by digital media, and in coordination
with international treaties and agreements, the NPC took further action by amending the 1990
Copyright Law to specifically protect the online transmission of music (which is part of our music
business). The newly added digital rights and responsibilities include a notice-and-takedown
procedure for Internet service providers and certain anti-circumvention provisions. In combination,
the Copyright Law, the Implementing Regulations, several administrative regulations and judicial
interpretations constitute a relatively comprehensive legal framework for copyrights in China,
although enforcement of such rights remains difficult. The Protection of the Right of Communication
through Information Network (July 1, 2006) stipulates that the digital transmission of
copyrightable works by Internet or wireless means, including by making them available via
interactive on-demand or similar services, is subject to the regulations described above. In
addition, the Chinese National Standing Committee voted to enter into the framework of the World
Intellectual Property Organizations World Copyright Treaty and World Performance and Phonogram
Treaty in 2006.
The State Council and the State Copyright Bureau have promulgated various regulations and
rules relating to protection of software in China. Under these regulations and rules, software
owners, licensees and transferees may register their rights in software with the State Copyright
Bureau or its local branches and obtain software copyright registration certificates. Although such
registration is not mandatory under PRC law, software owners, licensees and transferees are
encouraged to go through the registration process and registered software rights may be entitled to
better protections. We have registered all of our commercially launched in-house-developed online
games with the State Copyright Bureau.
Internet Cafe Regulation
Internet cafes are required to obtain a license from the MOC and the SAIC, and are subject to
requirements and regulations with respect to location, size, number of computers, age limit of
customers and business hours. Although we do not own or operate any Internet cafes, many Internet
cafes distribute our virtual pre-paid cards. The PRC government has announced its intention, and
has begun, to intensify its regulation of Internet cafes, which are currently the primary venue for
our users to play online games. In February 2004, the SAIC and other related government agencies
issued a notice to suspend issuance of new Internet cafe licenses for a six-month period. In
January 2007, 14 PRC government departments jointly issued a circular in connection with the
strengthening of Internet cafe and online game administration. According to the circular, local
authorities were banned from issuing new Internet cafe licenses for the remainder of 2007. In
March 2010, the MOC issued a circular to increase the punishment on Internet cafes which allow
minors to enter and use the Internet. Intensified government regulation of Internet cafes could
restrict our ability to maintain or increase our revenues and expand our customer base.
Privacy Protection
PRC law does not prohibit Internet content providers from collecting and analyzing personal
information from their users. We require our users to accept a user agreement whereby they agree to
provide certain personal information to us. PRC law prohibits Internet content providers from
disclosing to any third parties any information
transmitted by users through their networks unless otherwise permitted by law. If an Internet
content provider violates these regulations, the MIIT or its local bureaus may impose penalties and
the ICP may be liable for damages caused to its users.
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C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
We are a Cayman Islands-exempted company and we conduct our operations in China primarily
through our PRC subsidiaries, which are our indirectly wholly-owned subsidiaries.
We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and we conduct our operations in China primarily
through our PRC subsidiaries. We and our PRC subsidiaries are foreign or foreign-invested
enterprises under PRC law and accordingly are ineligible to apply for licenses to operate online
culture products (including online games, online literature and online video) or to sell online
advertising. In order to comply with foreign ownership restrictions, our businesses operate in the
following manner:
|
|
|
Shanda Games operates its business in China through
Shanghai Shulong, which is wholly-owned by Dongxu Wang and Yingfeng Zhang, two
shareholders who are PRC citizens, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. |
|
|
|
|
We operate our literature business in China through Hongwen, which is wholly-owned
by Dongxu Wang and Mingfeng Chen, two shareholders who are PRC citizens, and its
subsidiaries, Qidian, Jinjiang, Hongxiu, Rongshuxia, Jushi and Huawen
Tianxia. |
|
|
|
|
We operate our integrated service platform through Shanda Networking, which is
wholly-owned by Tianqiao Chen, our chairman, chief executive officer and president, and
Danian Chen, our chief operating officer, both of whom are PRC citizens, and through
Nanjing Shanda, Shengfutong and Yichong which are subsidiaries of Shanda Networking. |
|
|
|
|
In July 2009, we acquired a 52.6% interest in Hurray!. As of March 31, 2010, we
owned approximately 42% of Hurray!s outstanding ordinary shares. Hurray! is a foreign
enterprise under PRC law and accordingly is ineligible to apply for a license to
operate its WVAS and online video businesses. Hurray! operates its WVAS business and
online video business in China through the Hurray! VIEs, which are wholly-owned by
shareholders of Hurray! and/or Ku6, and their wholly-owned subsidiaries. |
We believe that our PRC operating companies hold all of the licenses necessary to run our
online entertainment businesses. See Operating Results Critical Accounting Policies
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities in Item 5A.
Our PRC subsidiaries have entered into a series of VIE Agreements with our PRC operating
companies and their shareholders, including contracts relating to options to purchase shares,
pledges of shares, provision of exclusive consulting services and other services, entrustment of
shares, operation of business and other shareholder rights and corporate governance matters. As a
result of these contractual arrangements, we are considered the primary beneficiary of our PRC
operating entities, and accordingly we consolidate the results of operations of our PRC operating
companies in our financial statements. However, none of us or our PRC subsidiaries owns the equity
of our PRC operating companies, and, although we consolidate the results of our PRC operating
companies in our consolidated financial statements and we can utilize their cash and cash
equivalents in our operations through our contractual arrangements with our PRC subsidiaries, we do
not have direct access to the cash and cash equivalents or future earnings of our PRC operating
companies. These contractual agreements may only be amended with the approval of our audit
committee or another independent body of our board of directors.
In addition, several of our PRC subsidiaries and our PRC operating companies have entered into
operational agreements with our affiliates. For a description of these contractual arrangements,
see Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions in Item 7.
63
The following diagram illustrates our corporate structure as of March 31, 2010.
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Shanda Interactive holds a beneficial ownership interest in a number of
subsidiaries, investee companies and variable interest entities, a list of which is set forth
below. |
64
Subsidiaries and Investee Companies
The following table sets forth the direct and indirect subsidiaries and investee companies of
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited as of March 31, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shanda Interactive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Entertainments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial Ownership |
|
|
Jurisdiction of |
|
|
|
|
Percentage (1) |
|
|
Incorporation |
|
Business |
Grandpro Technology Limited |
|
|
76.86 |
% |
|
BVI |
|
Investment holding company for equity interests in Grandpro Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., an e-sports game platform operator |
Shanghai Haofang Online Information Technology Co., Ltd. |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
PRC |
|
E-sports game platform operator |
Grandpro Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
PRC |
|
E-sports game platform operator |
Hangzhou Bianfeng Networking Co., Ltd. |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
PRC |
|
Operator of online chess and board game community |
Chengdu Jisheng Technology Co., Ltd. |
|
|
97.62 |
% |
|
PRC |
|
Development and distribution of management software for Internet cafes |
Shanda Literature Corporation |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
Cayman Islands |
|
Investment holding company of Shanda Literature |
Shanghai Xuanting Entertainment Information Technology Co., Ltd. |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
PRC |
|
Operator of qidian.com |
Shanghai Shengyue Advertisement Co., Ltd. |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
PRC |
|
Provider of online advertising services |
Beijing Jinjiang Original Network Technology Co., Ltd. |
|
|
50 |
% |
|
PRC |
|
Operator of jjwxc.net |
Beijing Grace Net Information Technology Co., Ltd. |
|
|
71 |
% |
|
PRC |
|
Operator of hongxiu.com |
Beijing Joy Media Co., Ltd. |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
PRC |
|
Operator of Rongshuxia.com |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
For purposes of reporting beneficial ownership, we include interests held by controlled
subsidiaries and nominee shareholders. |
D. PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
Our principal executive offices are located at No. 208 Juli Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
201203, P.R.C. We own an aggregate of 25,712.87 square meters of office place in Shanghai,
including approximately 9,000 square meters leased to Shanda Games, and 50,723 square meters of
land in Shanghai which we plan to use for office space. In March 2010, we successfully bid to
acquire a 56,667 square meter plot of land in Shanghai which we plan to develop for use as office
space.
As of March 31, 2010, we occupied an aggregate of approximately 14,700 square meters of leased
office space in a number of locations in China, excluding Shanda Games and Hurray!. We believe that
our existing facilities are adequate for our current requirements.
Shanda Games leases its office space of approximately 9,000 square meters at No. 1 Office
Building, No. 690 Bibo Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, from Shanda Interactive. In
addition, Shanda Games occupies an aggregate of approximately 14,000 square meters of leased office
space in Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Wuhan and various other cities in China and Hong
Kong, Singapore and South Korea, including an office space of approximately 6,000 square meters
leased by Actoz in South Korea.
65
Hurray! and certain of its affiliates lease an approximate total of 2,710 square meters of
office space at China Railway Construction Tower in Beijing. Hurray! also has branches and
representative offices in Beijing, Shandong, Heilongjiang, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Liaoning,
Chongqing, Shanghai, Henan and Sichuan. Hurray!s music affiliates also lease an approximate total
of 1,910, 150 and 330 square meters, respectively, of office space in Beijing, Guangzhou and
Taiwan. Ku6 and its affiliates lease an approximate total of 3,000 square meters of office space in
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Xian.
Our servers are
maintained at over 100 cities throughout China.
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 on Form 20-F. 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 on Form 20-F.
Overview
We are one of Chinas leading interactive entertainment media companies, offering a broad
array of entertainment content to a large and diversified user base and an integrated service
platform. Our business lines include:
|
|
|
Shanda Games. Shanda Games offers MMORPGs and advanced casual games. Shanda Games also offers flash games without user-end software through
recently acquired Mochi Media. |
|
|
|
|
Shanda Literature. Shanda Literature provides literature and other publications offered
through websites, wireless distribution and offline publications to a diversified user
base. Shanda Literature also franchises the copyrights of its literature works to online
game companies, television producers, movie studios and traditional offline book
publishers, etc. |
|
|
|
|
Bianfeng. Bianfeng and its subsidiaries operate an
online chess and board games platform. |
|
|
|
|
Haofang. Haofang operates an e-sports game platform. |
|
|
|
|
Hurray!. Hurray! provides a wide range of WVAS to mobile users in China, including
music, games, ringtones, pictures and animation, community, and other media and
entertainment services. It is also engaged in artist development, music production and
offline distribution in China and Taiwan through several affiliates. Hurray! has expanded
its business into online video portal market after its acquisition of Ku6 in January 2010. |
|
|
|
|
Shanda Online. Shanda Online operates an integrated service platform which provides
distribution, payment, customer service, and other e-commerce services for online
entertainment content. |
66
Factors Affecting Results of Operations
Significant factors affecting our financial condition and results of operations include:
|
|
|
our ability to successfully transition from a pure online game company to an interactive
entertainment media platform and content and service provider; |
|
|
|
|
the continued improvement of existing services and introduction of additional services
that Shanda Online offers on its integrated service platform; |
|
|
|
|
the willingness of content providers to offer their content through and the
receptiveness of content providers to the services offered by Shanda Onlines integrated
service platform; |
|
|
|
|
our users continued stickiness and willingness to consume the broad array of
entertainment content offered on Shanda Onlines integrated service platform; |
|
|
|
|
the discounts offered for sales of our pre-paid cards; |
|
|
|
|
the willingness of users to purchase in-game virtual items or
value-added services in online game-related content; |
|
|
|
|
the ability to offer various virtual items or value-added services that users
prefer; |
|
|
|
|
the growth of the WVAS market in China and the ability of Hurray! to maintain good
relationships with the telecommunications operators and to position its services on the WAP
portals of the telecommunications operators; |
|
|
|
|
the ability of Hurray!s music affiliates to develop artists, sustain a pipeline of new
song releases and keep up with consumer music tastes; |
|
|
|
|
the ability of Ku6 to attract advertisers to offset the costs of acquiring licensed
video content; |
|
|
|
|
the arrival of additional competition into the markets of each of our businesses; |
|
|
|
|
our ability to successfully grow through the identification and acquisition of
complementary businesses on terms acceptable to us, our ability to successfully integrate
acquired companies and realize synergies envisioned at the time of acquisition and our
ability to complete planned divestitures; |
|
|
|
|
the cost of researching, developing and marketing new products and content; |
|
|
|
|
the future availability of preferential tax treatments and government financial
incentives in China; |
|
|
|
|
the effect of PRC regulations on the conduct of our operations; |
|
|
|
|
operation results of companies acquired and/or consolidated in our financial statements;
and |
|
|
|
|
the growth of Internet and personal computer use and the popularity of these media as a
source of entertainment. |
A. OPERATING RESULTS
In 2008, we commenced a reorganization of our business (the
Reorganization). On June 27, 2008, our board of directors approved a master
separation agreement, effective as of July 1, 2008, pursuant to which we transferred substantially
all of our assets and liabilities related to the MMORPG and advanced casual game business to a
newly-established legal entity, Shanda Games, and Shengqu transferred substantially all of its
assets and liabilities unrelated to the MMORPG and advanced casual game business to Shanda Computer
and our other entities (the Separation). As a result of the Separation, Shanda Games develops,
sources and manages intellectual property rights related to MMORPGs and advanced casual games. In
addition, we have established Shanda Literature, which operates our online literature platforms,
Shanda Online, which owns and operates our integrated service platform, and other online content
businesses. As of March 31, 2010, we also owned an approximate 42.0% interest in Hurray!, which provides WVAS
and operates music and online video businesses.
67
Structure of Our Business Prior to the Reorganization
Prior to the Reorganization, in order to comply with certain foreign ownership restrictions of
companies that provide Internet content services, we operated our MMORPG and advanced casual game
business primarily through the Shanda Networking entities, our integrated service platform through
Shanda Networking and our other businesses through other VIEs. Shanda Networking and its
shareholders were party to a set of VIE agreements with Shengqu and another set with Shanda
Computer, pursuant to which we were considered the primary beneficiary of the Shanda Networking
entities and consolidated the results of their operations in our financial statements.
Description of the Separation and Related Key Agreements
Effective
as of July 1, 2008, we agreed to transfer all our assets and
liabilities related to
MMORPGs and advanced casual
games
to Shanda Games. Following
the Separation, we
have the following reporting segments:
|
|
|
Shanda Games, which develops, sources and manages intellectual property rights relating
to MMORPGs and advanced casual games; |
|
|
|
|
Shanda Online, which operates an integrated service platform that provides
distribution, payment, customer service and other e-commerce services for online
entertainment content; and |
|
|
|
|
Other, which includes businesses involved in
literature businesses, advertising, the
provision of management software to internet cafes, chess and
board game platform, e-sports game platform, etc. |
In order to comply with PRC laws restricting foreign ownership in the online entertainment
businesses in China, our PRC subsidiaries operate their businesses through our PRC operating
companies. See Critical Accounting Policies Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.
In connection with the Separation, Shanda Games and Shanda Online entered into several
operational agreements pursuant to which (i) Shengfutong is the exclusive sales agent of the
Shulong entities for a period of five years commencing on July 1, 2008 for the distribution of
pre-paid cards which can be used to access and play Shanda Gamess MMORPGs and advanced casual
games on Shanda Onlines integrated service platform and (ii) Shanda Networking and Nanjing Shanda
provide Shanda Games with certain online e-commerce platform services for a period of five years
commencing on July 1, 2008. See Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions in Item
7.
Selected Financial Information Regarding Business Segments
The segment information provided below has been prepared as if each reporting segments
current corporate structure which separates our business into online games-related services and
integrated service platform-related services had been in existence throughout the periods presented
and as if the Separation had occurred as of the earliest period presented. Accordingly, for the
period from January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008, the information was prepared by combining the
revenues and cost of revenues that were directly applicable to each reporting segment and for the
period from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009, the information set forth below consists of the
revenue and gross profit of each segment, including with respect to Shanda Games as a standalone
entity subsequently to the Separation. Summarized below are the unaudited net revenues, costs of
revenues and gross profits with respect to each reporting segment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
Shanda Games |
|
|
Shanda Online |
|
|
Others(1) |
|
|
Elimination |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(RMB in millions) |
|
Net revenues |
|
|
4,806.7 |
|
|
|
1,066.2 |
|
|
|
524.5 |
|
|
|
(1,156.6 |
) |
|
|
5,240.8 |
|
Costs of revenues |
|
|
(1,933.5 |
) |
|
|
(203.2 |
) |
|
|
(295.9 |
) |
|
|
950.4 |
|
|
|
(1,482.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
2,873.2 |
|
|
|
863.0 |
|
|
|
228.6 |
|
|
|
(206.2 |
) |
|
|
3,758.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
Shanda Games |
|
|
Shanda Online |
|
|
Others(1) |
|
|
Elimination |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(RMB in millions) |
|
Net revenues |
|
|
3,376.8 |
|
|
|
784.1 |
(2) |
|
|
268.2 |
|
|
|
(860.0 |
) |
|
|
3,569.1 |
|
Costs of revenues |
|
|
(1,489.4 |
) |
|
|
(126.0 |
) |
|
|
(171.9 |
) |
|
|
766.8 |
|
|
|
(1,020.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
1,887.4 |
|
|
|
658.1 |
|
|
|
96.3 |
|
|
|
(93.2 |
) |
|
|
2,548.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
Shanda Games |
|
|
Shanda Online |
|
|
Others(1) |
|
|
Elimination |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(RMB in millions) |
|
Net revenues |
|
|
2,322.8 |
(3) |
|
|
593.9 |
(4) |
|
|
155.1 |
|
|
|
(604.5 |
) |
|
|
2,467.3 |
|
Costs of revenues |
|
|
(1,261.1 |
) |
|
|
(79.8 |
) |
|
|
(97.3 |
) |
|
|
631.1 |
|
|
|
(807.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
1,061.7 |
|
|
|
514.1 |
|
|
|
57.8 |
|
|
|
26.6 |
|
|
|
1,660.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
We also generate revenues from other businesses, such as literature businesses, chess and board game platform, e-sports
games platform, WVAS services, music and artist agency
business, advertising, the provision of management software to
Internet cafes, etc. Beginning in the third quarter of 2009, we began
consolidating the financial results of Hurray! |
|
(2) |
|
Represents fees for certain technical services as calculated pursuant to contractual
agreements entered into both prior to and in connection with the Separation. Therefore, net
revenues in 2008 were calculated using these methods of calculating prior to and after the
Separation, and net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 may not be
comparable. |
|
(3) |
|
For the period from January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007, Shanda Games accounted for its
investment in Actoz using the equity method of accounting. Beginning in the third quarter of
2007, Shanda Games began consolidating the financial results of Actoz. |
|
(4) |
|
For the year ended December 31, 2007, net revenues represented fees for certain technical
services provided by Shanda Online primarily to Shanda Games pursuant to contractual
agreements entered into prior to the Separation. |
Revenues
Shanda Games
Shanda Gamess revenues primarily consist of revenues
generated from the sale of in-game virtual items and game usage time for its MMORPGs and advanced casual games.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, a breakdown of its net revenues
into MMORPGs, advanced casual games and other revenues.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of Net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of Net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of Net |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
(in millions, except percentages) |
|
Net revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Online MMORPGs revenues |
|
|
2,016.1 |
|
|
|
86.8 |
% |
|
|
2,987.8 |
|
|
|
88.5 |
% |
|
|
4,476.7 |
|
|
|
93.1 |
% |
Online advanced and light
casual game revenues |
|
|
280.4 |
|
|
|
12.1 |
% |
|
|
358.9 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
% |
|
|
310.4 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
% |
Other revenues(1) |
|
|
26.3 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
% |
|
|
30.1 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
% |
|
|
19.6 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net revenues |
|
|
2,322.8 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
3,376.8 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
4,806.7 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Other revenues primarily include fees received from game promotions and short messaging
services fees earned. |
69
Shanda Gamess revenues primarily consist of revenues generated from the sale of in-game
virtual items and game usage time for its MMORPGs and advanced casual games, which are net of a
sales discount to distributors. For the periods prior to the Separation, the sales discount
represented the difference between the face value of the prepaid card and the price at which Shanda
Games sold the prepaid card to distributors or to game players. For the periods subsequent to the
Reorganization, the sales discount represents the difference between the face value of the prepaid
cards and the price at which Shengfutong sells the prepaid cards to third-party distributors and
retailers or directly to game players. Therefore, with respect to each prepaid card sold, the
amount of revenues Shanda Games records depends on the sales discount at which Shengfutong sells
the prepaid card. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to each prepaid card sold, Shanda
Games is guaranteed a fixed percentage of the face value of a prepaid card in revenues.
Shanda Gamess revenues are net of the PRC business tax that its PRC operating companies pay
on their gross revenues. The PRC business tax ranges from 3% to 5%.
Shanda Games operates games using one of two revenue models. For games operated using the
item-based revenue model, the most significant factors that affect revenues are (i) the number of
active paying accounts and (ii) the range, number and pricing of virtual items available for sale.
The number of active paying accounts for any given period is equal to the number of game player
accounts that spend virtual currency at least once during a given period and includes accounts of
game players who spend virtual currency in beta testing of its online games. Shanda Gamess
quarterly active paying accounts are equal to the aggregate number of active paying accounts for
online games during a given quarter.
For games operated using the time-based revenue model, the most significant factors that
affect revenues are (i) the number of users playing the game and (ii) the length of time that users
play the game, or total user-hours. Shanda
Games calculates total user-hours based on its average concurrent users. In a given period,
the number of total user-hours equals the average concurrent users for that period multiplied by
the number of hours in that period. In measuring average concurrent users, Shanda Games determines
the number of users logged-on to games that adopt the time-based revenue model at one minute
intervals, and then averages that number over the course of a day to derive daily averages. Average
daily information is further averaged over a particular period to determine average concurrent
users for that period.
Shanda Gamess online game business is subject to seasonality factors. Generally, Shanda
Gamess game players spend more time playing its games in the first and third quarters of each
year, which typically have more holidays, allowing for more time for leisure activities, whereas
the second and fourth quarters are generally slower for its business as there are fewer holidays
during those quarters.
Shanda Online
Shanda Onlines revenues primarily consist of revenues from distribution, payment, customer
services and other related services offered to online entertainment content providers (primarily
Shanda Games through 2009) through its integrated service platform and end-to-end service solution
package. Shanda Online charges a fee for these online value-added services. The fee is typically
structured as a fixed portion of the face value of the pre-paid card of the content provider,
depending on the scope of services required by the content provider.
Prior to the Separation, service fees were incurred based on certain contractual arrangements
entered into between both Shanda Computer and Shengqu and the Shanda Networking entities (the
Prior Contractual Arrangement). After the Separation, Shanda Online began charging its content
providers a service fee which is a fixed percentage of the portion of the face value of the prepaid
cards that are used on the content providers content (the Fixed Portion Arrangement). Shanda
Onlines net revenues in 2007 were calculated in accordance with the Prior Contractual Arrangement
while its net revenues in 2008 were prepared based on the combination of terms and conditions of
the Prior Contractual Arrangement and the Fixed Portion Arrangement. In 2009, the service fees
paid to Shanda Online were based on the Fixed Portion Arrangement.
Shanda Onlines revenues are net of the PRC business tax that its PRC operating companies pay
on their gross revenues. The PRC business tax ranges from 3% to 5%.
70
For the year ended December 31, 2009, most of Shanda Onlines revenues were generated from
transactions with intra-group entities.
Others
In addition, we also generate revenues from:
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operation and management of online literature content by charging subscription fees to
our users for premium literature content and licensing copyrights; |
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operation and management of traditional offline book publication through offline
distribution channels; |
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operation of online chess and board game platform and e-sports game platform via users
virtual item consumption as well as VIP membership fees; |
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the provision of management software to Internet cafe via charging, on a monthly basis,
a fixed rate per each 100 computers that install our management software; |
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advertising, sponsorship or a combination of both of which the revenue is recognized
ratably over the displayed period of the advertisement and when the collectability is
reasonably assured; |
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wireless value-added service revenues are derived from providing personalized media,
games, entertainment, communication services and online literature content to mobile phone
customers; and |
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operation and management of artist development, music production, offline distribution
and events organization in China. |
Revenues in Others are also net of the PRC business tax that related PRC operating companies
pay on their gross revenues at a rate ranging from 3% to 5%.
Cost of revenues
Shanda Games
Shanda Gamess cost of revenues primarily consists of platform fees, upfront and ongoing
licensing fees for its games and other miscellaneous expenses. The following table sets forth,
for the periods indicated, a breakdown of Shanda Gamess cost of revenues by amount and percentage
of its net revenues.
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For the Year Ended December 31, |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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% of Net |
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% of Net |
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RMB |
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Revenues |
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RMB |
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% of Nets |
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RMB |
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Revenues |
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(in millions, except percentages) |
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Net revenues of Shanda Games |
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2,322.8 |
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100.0 |
% |
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3,376.8 |
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100.0 |
% |
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4,806.7 |
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100.0 |
% |
Cost of revenues: |
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Platform fees |
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735.4 |
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31.7 |
% |
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864.9 |
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25.6 |
% |
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1,018.5 |
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21.2 |
% |
Upfront and ongoing licensing fees |
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429.6 |
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18.5 |
% |
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520.9 |
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15.4 |
% |
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797.1 |
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16.6 |
% |
Others |
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96.1 |
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4.1 |
% |
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103.6 |
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3.1 |
% |
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117.9 |
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2.4 |
% |
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Total cost of revenues |
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1,261.1 |
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54.3 |
% |
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1,489.4 |
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44.1 |
% |
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1,933.5 |
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40.2 |
% |
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Gross profit/margin |
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1,061.7 |
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45.7 |
% |
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1,887.4 |
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55.9 |
% |
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2,873.2 |
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59.8 |
% |
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71
Platform fees. Platform fees consist of (ii) fees paid to Shanda Online related to various
support services, including online billing and payment, user authentication, customer service,
anti-fatigue compliance, prepaid card marketing and data support services, and (ii) other expenses
related to server leasing expense, depreciation of purchased servers and equipment, server and
equipment maintenance fees, and software rental fees. Platform fees constituted approximately
31.7%, 25.6% and 21.2% of Shanda Gamess net revenues in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. For
2007, the fees paid to Shanda Online were calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the Prior Contractual Arrangements and for 2008, based on the combination of both the Prior
Contractual Arrangement and the Fixed Portion Arrangement. In 2009, the fees paid to Shanda Online
were based on the Fixed Portion Arrangement. The decrease in platform fees as a percentage of net
revenues resulted primarily from the fact that following the reorganization effective July 1, 2008,
Shanda Games paid Shanda Networking a service fee related to various platform services, described
in clause (1) in the first sentence of this paragraph, based upon a fixed percentage of the portion
of the face value of prepaid cards distributed and used in games, which has resulted in lower fees
as a percentage of Shanda Gamess net revenues. Shanda Games expects its platform fees as a
percentage of its net revenues to remain generally stable going forward because a substantial
portion of platform fees is based on a fixed percentage of the portion of the face value of prepaid
cards used in games.
Upfront and ongoing licensing fees. The cost of licensing games from third-party game content
providers consists of upfront licensing fees, which are generally paid in several installments, and
ongoing licensing fees, the majority of which is equal to a percentage of the revenues generated
from the relevant licensed game and, in some circumstances, includes a minimum guarantee. Upfront
licensing fees are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the licensed period and
the useful economic life of the relevant licensed game. Amortization of upfront licensing fees and
ongoing licensing fees for games constituted approximately 18.5%, 15.4% and 16.6% of Shanda Gamess
net revenues in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The increase in upfront and ongoing licensing
fees as a
percentage of net revenues from 2008 to 2009 is primarily due to the increase of amortization
of upfront fee because of new games launched at the second half of 2008 and 2009. The decrease in
ongoing licensing fees as a percentage of its net revenues from 2007 to 2008 is primarily due to
the consolidation beginning from the third quarter of 2007 of the financial results of Actoz, which
licenses several games to Shanda Games, including Mir II, which is latters top game in terms of
revenues in 2008. While Actoz is Shanda Gamess majority-owned subsidiary and controls the
licensing of Mir II in China, Shanda Games continue to classify Mir II as a licensed game because
Actoz shares a portion of the ongoing licensing fees Shanda Games pays to Actoz with a third-party
that co-owns the intellectual property rights relating to Mir II. Shanda Games expects its upfront
and ongoing licensing fees as a percentage of net revenues to increase slightly in 2010 due to the
full-year impact of games licensed from third parties.
Others. Other expenses include employee salary and welfare benefits, such as medical
insurance, statutory housing contributions, unemployment insurance and pension benefits, for
employees involved in the operation of online games, stock-based compensation for employees who
operate games and office expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2007, Shanda Games recognized an
impairment of intangible assets in the amount of RMB20.1 million, primarily relating to upfront and
minimum royalty licensing fees of one of its games. Other expenses were approximately
4.1%, 3.1% and 2.4% of our net revenues in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
Shanda Online
Shanda Onlines cost of revenues mainly consists of server and equipment utilization costs,
salary and benefits, cost of our customer loyalty program and other miscellaneous expenses.
Server and equipment utilization costs consist of server leasing expense, depreciation of
purchased servers and equipment, server and equipment maintenance fee and software rental fees.
Salary and benefits expense includes employee wages and welfare benefits, such as medical
insurance, housing subsidies, unemployment insurance and pension benefits. Salary and benefits
expense included in Shanda Onlines cost of revenue primarily relates to employees involved in the
operation of its integrated service platform, including network maintenance, billing systems and
customer service center. Shanda Onlines cost of revenues increased gradually from 2007 to 2009
primarily due to the increases in (i) salary and benefits with an increase in staff numbers and
(ii) expenses related to the customer loyalty program, which were partially offset by the decrease
of server and equipment utilization costs with a higher utilization rate of its servers and lower
server procurement costs as a result of economies of scale. To secure our customers loyalty and
further promote our services, we provide our customers with a customer loyalty program. This
program allows our customers to accumulate membership points that vary depending on the services
rendered and fees paid. Our customers may redeem these points for physical awards and virtual
items. Shanda Online expects its server and equipment utilization costs to increase in 2010 as it
will make more efforts to develop integrated service platform.
72
Others
Costs associated with our other businesses mainly include
service and network fees paid to telecommunications service providers, master CD production costs, artist and songwriter royalties,
costs and expenses associated with the literary works published on our online literature platforms and online literature content
copyright acquisition, production costs related to offline book publication, technical service charges (including commissions paid
or payable to telecommunications providers), manufacturing costs of E-Key products, fees paid to Shanda Online related to various
support services and other miscellaneous expenses.
The consolidation of the financial results of Hurray!
beginning in September 2009 also increased the cost of revenues related to Hurray!'s business, mainly including the service and
network fees paid to the telecommunications service providers under network service agreements related to WVAS business and master
CD production costs and artist and songwriter royalties. In the second half of 2009, Shanda Literature began developing its offline
book publication business through entering into partnerships and investments. Therefore, related publication cost increased accordingly.
Elimination
Elimination represents the inter-company transactions between the group companies, which are
eliminated at the group level. It mainly includes transactions related to integrated platform
services provided by Shanda Online to internally developed and operated content providers, such as
Shanda Games, Shanda Literature, our chess and board game platform, our e-sports games platform and
other inter-group transactions such as advertising services, sales of copyrights, sales of E-keys,
property rental and management, Internet cafe technical services, upfront licensing fees and
others.
Gross Profit
Consolidated gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 were RMB1,660.2
million, RMB2,548.6 million and RMB3,758.6 million (US$550.6 million), respectively. Overall gross
profit as a percentage of our net revenues was 67.3%, 71.4% and 71.7%, respectively, for the years
ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Shanda Gamess gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 were
RMB1,061.7 million, RMB1,887.4 million and RMB2,873.2 million (US$420.9 million), respectively.
Shanda Gamess gross profit as a percentage of our net revenues was 45.7%, 55.9% and 59.8%,
respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Shanda Onlines gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 were
RMB514.1 million, RMB658.1 million and RMB863.0 million (US$126.4 million), respectively. Shanda
Onlines gross profit as a percentage of our net revenues was 86.6%, 83.9% and 80.9%, respectively,
for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Others gross profit for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 were RMB57.8
million, RMB96.3 million and RMB228.6 million (US$33.5 million), respectively. Gross profit as a
percentage of our net revenues was 37.3%, 35.9% and 43.6%, respectively, for the years ended
December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
73
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses were RMB658.2 million, RMB1,106.3 million and RMB1,719.2 million
(US$251.9 million) in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The following table sets forth a breakdown
of our operating expenses by amount and percentage of our net revenues, for the periods indicated:
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For the Year Ended December 31, |
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2007 |
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|
2008 |
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2009 |
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% of Net |
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|
|
% of Net |
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|
% of Net |
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|
RMB |
|
|
Revenues |
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|
RMB |
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|
Revenues |
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|
RMB |
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|
Revenues |
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|
(in millions, except percentages) |
|
Net revenues |
|
|
2,467.3 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
3,569.1 |
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|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
5,240.8 |
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|
100.0 |
% |
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Operating expenses: |
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Product development |
|
|
163.6 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
% |
|
|
274.6 |
|
|
|
7.7 |
% |
|
|
417.3 |
|
|
|
7.9 |
% |
Sales and marketing |
|
|
179.7 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
% |
|
|
318.0 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
% |
|
|
517.0 |
|
|
|
9.9 |
% |
General and administrative |
|
|
314.9 |
|
|
|
12.8 |
% |
|
|
513.7 |
|
|
|
14.4 |
% |
|
|
784.9 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
% |
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Total operating expenses |
|
|
658.2 |
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|
|
26.7 |
% |
|
|
1,106.3 |
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|
|
31.0 |
% |
|
|
1,719.2 |
|
|
|
32.8 |
% |
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Operating profit/margin |
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|
1,002.0 |
|
|
|
40.6 |
% |
|
|
1,442.3 |
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|
|
40.4 |
% |
|
|
2,039.4 |
|
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|
38.9 |
% |
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Product development expenses. Our product development expenses primarily consist of salary
and benefits expenses of personnel engaged in the product development of our online games,
outsourced game and platform development expenses, share-based compensation, amortization of
software used by our research and development staff, rental and management fees for office space
used by our research and development staff and depreciation of equipment used in research and
development activities. Product development expenses were 6.6%, 7.7% and 7.9% of our net revenues
in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, we established the Institute for Innovation and Technology (the
IIT) to conduct research in order to position ourselves for our next decade of growth.
The establishment of the IIT increased associated product development expenses. We expect our
product development expenses to increase in 2010 as we continue to develop and upgrade
content-related products and services as well as invest in our integrated service platform and
other research and development efforts.
Sales and marketing expenses. Our sales and marketing expenses primarily consist of promotion
and advertising expenses for our online entertainment content and integrated service platform,
salary and benefits for our sales and marketing personnel, share-based compensation, and other
expenses incurred by our sales and marketing personnel. Sales and marketing expenses were 7.3%,
8.9% and 9.9% of our net revenues in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
The increase of sales and marketing expenses from 2007 to 2009 is primarily due to the
increase in our marketing promotion expenses as a result of our effort to enhance online and off-line
marketing promotion activities to attract more new customers, such as for our online games, our
integrated service platform and our literature business. We expect that our sales and marketing
expenses to increase in 2010 as we continue to promote our entertainment content offerings and
integrated service platforms, enhance our sales and marketing efforts in our existing markets and
expand into new markets.
General and administrative expense. General and administrative expenses primarily consist of
salary and benefits expenses for general management, finance and administrative personnel,
professional service fees, business tax expense, share-based compensation and other expenses.
General and administrative expenses were 12.8%, 14.4% and 15.0% of our net revenues in 2007, 2008
and 2009, respectively. Our business tax expense primarily relates to services and licensing fees
charged by our PRC subsidiaries to our PRC operating companies as well as intercompany
transactions.
The increase of general and administrative expenses from 2007 to 2009 is mainly due to
increase of business tax charges in line with the increase of intercompany transactions; increase
in administrative staff numbers to support business expansion; consolidation of the financial
results of Hurray! beginning in September 2009; and increase in ESOP expenses due to the new
compensation plan as disclosed in Shanda Games 2008 Equity Compensation Plan under the heading
Critical Accounting Policies Share based compensation. We expect the general and
administrative expenses to increase in 2010 due to the increased business tax expense as a result
of increasing volume of services to be performed by our PRC subsidiaries and of increasing volume
of intercompany transactions and expenses associated with increasing supporting functions due to
business expansion.
74
Operating profit/margin. Operating profit as a percentage of our net revenues was 40.6%,
40.4% and 38.9% in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
Other income, net
Our other income, net consists of interest income and other non-operating income. We earn
interest income from the deposit of our cash balance with banks. Other non-operating income
primarily consists of government incentives. Due to the preferential treatments for qualified high
technology companies in China and the incentive from local governments to encourage regional
business development, certain of our PRC subsidiaries receive financial incentives from municipal
governments that are calculated with reference to taxable income and revenues, as the case may be.
The amount of the financial incentives and the timing to grant them are subject to determination by
the government authorities. Upon receipt, these government financial incentives are recognized as
other income in our statements of operations and comprehensive income in the F-pages. Please see
Other income, net and note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
annual report on Form 20-F.
In 2007, 2008 and 2009, we received aggregate government financial incentives of RMB57.5
million, RMB62.3 million and RMB221.9 million (US$32.5 million), respectively, from municipal
governments. Going forward, eligibility for the government financial incentives we are to receive
requires that we continue to meet a number of government financial and non-financial criteria,
which generally include:
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generating more than a minimum level of revenues from high-tech-related sales or
services, determined as a percentage of total revenues; |
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employing more than a minimum number of employees in product development; and |
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expending more than a minimum amount on product development, determined as a percentage
of total revenues. |
The continued qualification is further subject to the discretion of the municipal government.
Moreover, the central government or municipal government could determine at any time to immediately
eliminate or reduce these financial incentives. Upon expiration of these government financial
incentives, we will consider available options, in accordance with applicable law, that would
enable us to qualify for additional government financial incentives to the extent they are then
available to us. However, we cannot assure you that we will continue to enjoy these government financial incentives in the future.
In 2010, we expect to continue receiving government financial incentives related to our
taxable income and revenues in 2009. However, the amount of such government financial incentives received from government authorities is not guaranteed and will be subject to
periodic time lags and inconsistent municipal government practice on payment times.
Taxation
Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, neither Shanda
Interactive Entertainment Limited nor Shanda Holdings Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary
incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands, is subject to tax on its income or
capital gains. Under the current Hong Kong Inland Revenue Ordinance, our subsidiaries in Hong Kong
are subject to 17.5% income tax for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 16.5% income tax for the
year ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 on their taxable income generated from operations in Hong
Kong.
PRC Enterprise Income Tax
Prior to January 1, 2008, our PRC operating entities were governed by the Income Tax Law of
the PRC for Enterprises with Foreign Investment and Foreign Enterprises and the Provisional
Regulations of the PRC on Enterprises Income Tax, or the Old EIT Laws. Pursuant to the Old EIT
Laws, PRC enterprises were generally subject to Enterprise Income Tax, or the EIT, at a statutory
rate of 33% (30% state income tax plus 3% local income tax), or 15% for certain technology
enterprises, on PRC taxable income. Companies that are registered in the Pudong New District of
Shanghai are, however, subject to a 15% preferential EIT rate pursuant to the local tax
preferential treatment before January 1, 2008. Furthermore, foreign invested enterprises were
exempted from PRC state income tax for two years, beginning with their first profitable year of
operations, and were entitled to a 50% tax reduction for the subsequent three years. During the
year ended December 31, 2007, certain of our subsidiaries and VIE subsidiaries in the PRC were
subject to an applicable tax rate of 15% as a result of being qualified as technology advanced
enterprises.
75
In March 2007, the PRC government enacted the PRC Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the New EIT
Law, and promulgated related regulation, Implementing Regulations for the New EIT Law. The law and
regulation went into effect on January 1, 2008. The New EIT Law, among other things, imposes a
unified income tax rate of 25% for both domestic and foreign invested enterprises. The New EIT Law
provides a five-year transitional period for those entities established before March 16, 2007,
which enjoyed a favorable income tax rate of less than 25% under the previous income tax laws and
rules, to gradually change their rates to 25%.
On April 14, 2008, relevant governmental regulatory authorities released qualification
criteria, application procedures and assessment processes for high and new technology
enterprises, which will be entitled to a favorable statutory tax rate of 15%. On July 8, 2008,
relevant governmental regulatory authorities further clarified that high and new technology
enterprises previously qualified under the previous income tax laws and rules as of December 31,
2007, would be allowed to enjoy grandfather treatment for the unexpired tax holidays, on the
condition that they were re-approved for high and new technology enterprise status under the
regulations released on April 14, 2008.
In December 2008, the local governments announced the recognition of certain of our
subsidiaries and VIEs, including Shengqu, Shanda Computer, Shanda Networking, Hangzhou Bianfeng,
Shanghai Shulong, Shanghai Holdfast Online Information Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu Aurora
Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Chengdu Jisheng Technology Co., Ltd. as high, new technology
enterprises. Accordingly, these entities are entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15%, which is
effective retroactively to January 1, 2008. In addition, Shengqu was also qualified as a national
key software enterprise for the year, 2008 and 2009, respectively, on December 30, 2008 and
December 31, 2009. Accordingly, Shengqu is subject to a preferential income tax rate of 10% for
the years 2008 and 2009.
The Corporate Income Tax Law also provides that National Key Software Enterprises can enjoy
an income tax exemption for two years beginning with their first profitable year and a 50% tax
reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years. Shanda Computer is qualified as a
software enterprise, which is effective retroactively since January 1, 2008. As informed by the
relevant tax bureau, Shanda Computer will be subject to a 0% income tax rate for the full year 2008
and a 50% tax reduction to an applicable rate from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2011. With the policy
related to the five-year transitional period, Shanda Computer was subject to a 0% income tax rate
in 2008 and 10% income tax rate in 2009.
However,
we cannot assure you that we will continue to enjoy these preferential tax treatments in the future.
As required by the New EIT Law, the profits of a foreign invested enterprise arising in 2008
and onwards that are distributed to its immediate holding company outside the PRC, will be subject
to a withholding tax rate of 10%. A lower withholding tax rate will be applied if there is a tax
treaty or arrangement between the PRC and the jurisdiction of the foreign holding company. Holding
companies in Hong Kong that own more than 25% of the shares or equity interest in a domestic PRC
company, for example, will be subject to a 5% withholding tax rate. As of December 31, 2009, we
accrued a withholding tax of RMB69.6 million (US$10.2 million) based on the 5% withholding tax rate
of the profits of our PRC subsidiaries in 2009 that these PRC subsidiaries plan to distribute to
their immediate holding companies in Hong Kong. Except for this, since we intend to reinvest
future earnings to further expand our business in China and therefore our foreign invested
enterprises do not intend to declare dividends to their immediate foreign holding companies.
Equity in Losses of Affiliated Companies
We record our investment in affiliates under the equity method of accounting, and the losses
of the affiliates are presented as Equity in losses of affiliated companies on the statements of
operations and comprehensive income in F-pages.
76
Non-controlling interest and redeemable preferred shares issued by a subsidiary
Non-controlling interest (NCI) is the portion of economic interest in Shanda Interactives
majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us. On
September 25, 2009, Shanda Games completed its initial public offering on the NASDAQ Global Select
Market. As of December 31, 2009, we held 71.01% of the combined total of Shanda Gamess
outstanding Class A and Class B ordinary shares. As a result, we continue to consolidate Shanda
Games but recognize non-controlling interest reflecting the shares held by shareholders other than
us. In July 2009, we acquired, by means of a tender offer, 1,155,045,300 ordinary shares of
Hurray!, a NASDAQ listed company engaged in artist development, music production and wireless music
distribution and other wireless value-added services in China, for a purchase price of $0.04 per
share for a total consideration in cash of approximately US$46.2 million (equivalent to RMB315.6
million). At the completion of the tender offer in July 2009, we held 52.6% of the ordinary shares
in Hurray! and became the majority shareholder of Hurray!. As a result, we consolidated Hurray!s
financial results beginning from September 1, 2009. Currently, the NCI in our consolidated
financial statements mainly consist of NCI of Shanda Games and Hurray!.
In 2008, Grandpro Technology Limited (Grandpro), our subsidiary, entered into a series of
agreements with Intel Capital Corporation, Shanghai International Shanghai Growth Investment
Limited, CCIB SPC-Asia Pacific Small and Mid Cap Companies Segregated Portfolio, UG SPC-Asean Plus
Three Segregated Portfolio, CCIB Opportunity Income Growth Fund, Huitung Investments (BVI) Limited
and Google.Inc (collectively referred to as the Investors) to issue 9,600,000 series A Preferred
Shares and 10,000,000 Series A-1 Preferred Shares to the Investors for a total consideration of
US$19.6 million (equivalent to RMB 141,142,984). The par value of each preferred share is
US$0.0001. The preferred shares are redeemable at the option of the Investors and as such are
presented as mezzanine equity on the balance sheet and such amount is accreted to the
redemption value from the issuance date to the redemption date. The accretion is included as a
component of net income attributable to non-controlling interests in the statement of operations.
The Series A Preferred Shares and the Series A-1 Preferred Shares issued by Grandpro are
collectively referred to as the Redeemable Preferred Shares. The Preferred Shares are redeemable
at the option of the Investors and as such are presented as mezzanine equity on the balance sheet
and such amount is accreted to the redemption value from the issuance date to the redemption date.
The accretion is included as a component of net income attributable to non-controlling interests in
the statement of operations.
Critical Accounting Policies
We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the financial reporting period. We continually evaluate these
estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical
experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the
circumstances. Since the use of estimates is an integral component of the financial reporting
process, actual results could differ from those estimates. Some of our accounting policies require
higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. We consider the policies discussed
below to be critical to an understanding of our financial statements as their application places
the most significant demands in our managements judgment.
Revenue Recognition
We sold pre-paid cards, in both virtual and physical forms, to third-party distributors and
retailers, including Internet cafes, as well as through direct online payment systems. The pre-paid
cards entitle end users to access our online entertainment contents. All proceeds received from
distributors or retailers from the sale of pre-paid cards are deferred when received. Deferred
revenue is reduced as revenues are recognized.
For online game-related content, revenue is recognized under either the item-based revenue
model or the time-based revenue model. Under the item-based revenue model, revenues are recognized
over the estimated life of the in-game virtual items that game players purchase or as the in-game
virtual items are consumed. Under the time-based revenue model, revenues are recognized based on
the usage time consumed by the game players. Revenues are also recognized when game players who had
previously purchased usage time are no longer entitled to access the online games in accordance
with the published expiration policy. In addition, our e-sports platform also generated revenue
from VIP membership fees, which are recognized throughout the usage period.
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For online literature content, revenue is recognized when the users pay a subscription fee for
the premium literary contents.
We sell books either through book stores or through third-party distributors. Revenue from
sales made through book stores or distributors is recognized when the products are sold to the end
customers and collections are reasonably assured.
For advertising, revenue is recognized ratably over the displayed period of the advertisement
and when the collectability is reasonably assured.
We derive revenue from the provision of management software to internet cafes by charging, on
a monthly basis, a fixed rate per each 100 computers that install our management software.
We sell E-Key, a secure ID product, and other on-line game-related auxiliary products to
customers. Revenues derived from the sale of E-Key and other on-line game-related auxiliary
products are recognized when the titles of such products are transferred to the customers and
collections are reasonably assured.
WVAS revenues are derived from providing personalized media, games,
entertainment, literature content and
communication services to mobile phone customers of the various subsidiaries of the
telecommunications operators. Fees for these services, which are negotiated in network service
agreements with the telecommunications operators and indicated in the message received on the
mobile phone, are charged on a per-use basis or on a monthly subscription basis, and vary according
to the type of services delivered. We contract with the telecommunications operators for the
transmission of wireless services as well as for billing and collection services. The
telecommunications operators provide us with a monthly statement that represents the principal
evidence that service has been delivered and triggers revenue recognition for a substantial portion
of our revenue. In certain instances, for revenues from WVAS business
in Hurray!, when a statement is not received within a reasonable period
of time, we make an estimate of the revenues and cost of services earned during the period covered
by the statement based on its internally generated information, historical experience and/or other
assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The differences between our
recorded revenue based on such estimates and actual revenue confirmed subsequently were not
material.
We generate revenues from the sale of CDs either by providing the CD master to a distributor
or by directly arranging for the volume production and subsequent wholesale of the CDs. In the
former case, we receive a fixed fee, have no further obligations and recognize the fee as revenue
when the master CD is provided. In the latter case, we ship the produced CDs to retail distributors
and recognize wholesale revenues at the time of shipment less a provision for future estimated
returns.
We recognize artist performance fees and corporate sponsorship or marketing event fees once
the performance or the service has been completed. Where we act as the primary obligor in the
transaction, revenues are recorded on a gross basis. Where we are considered an agent or where the
artists separately contract with the event organizer, revenues are recorded on a net basis.
We license our music to third parties for guaranteed minimum royalty payments, normally
received upfront and typically non-refundable. In such cases we recognize such fees as revenue on a
straight-line basis over the life of the license and unrecognized revenues are included in
liabilities. When the contract provides for additional payments if revenues exceed the minimum
amount guaranteed, such amounts are included in revenues when we are notified of our entitlement to
additional payments.
Our customers participate in a reward program, which provides physical awards and virtual
items to customers based on accumulated membership points that vary depending on the services
rendered and fees paid. The estimated incremental costs to provide physical rewards are recognized
as cost of revenue and those to provide virtual items are recognized as reduction of revenue and
accrued for as a current liability as members accumulate points. As members redeem awards or their
entitlements expire, the accrued liability is reduced correspondingly.
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Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
PRC regulations currently limit foreign ownership of companies that provide Internet content
services, which includes the operation of online games, literature content and music-related
content, to 50%. In addition, foreign and foreign-invested enterprises are currently not able to
apply for the licenses required to operate online games, literature content and music-related
content in China or to provide Internet information content.
In order to comply with these regulations, we conduct our business in the following manner.
Shanda
Games. Shanda Games conducts all of its online game business through Shanghai Shulong,
which is wholly-owned by certain of Shanda Gamess employees, as well as Nanjing Shulong and Shulong Computer,
which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Shanghai Shulong. These three companies hold the licenses
and approvals to operate MMORPGS and advanced casual games in the PRC except for the Internet
Culture Business License as disclosed in Item 4B. Business Overview Regulatory Matters -
Licenses. Shengqu owns the substantial majority of Shanda Gamess physical assets. The capital
of Shanghai Shulong is funded by Shengqu and recorded as
interest-free loans to the two shareholders of Shanghai Shulong. The portion of the loans for capital injection is eliminated with the capital of
Shanghai Shulong during consolidation. The interest-free loans to the shareholders of
Shanghai Shulong as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 were RMB10.8 million. Pursuant to the
contractual arrangements with Shanghai Shulong, Shulong Computer and Nanjing Shulong, Shengqu
provides services, software and technology license and equipment to Shanghai Shulong, Shulong
Computer and Nanjing Shulong, in exchange for fees, determined according to certain agreed
formulas. As a result of the VIE agreements between Shengqu and both Shanghai Shulong
and its shareholders, Shengqu is considered the primary beneficiary of the Shulong entities and
Shanda Games consolidates the results of operations of the Shulong
entities. Therefore, Shanghai Shulongs result of operations, assets and liabilities are consolidated in our
financial statements.
Shanda Online. Shanda Online operates its integrated service platform business through the
Shanda Networking entities. Shanda Networking currently holds an ICP license and an Internet
culture operation license that are required to operate its platform business. At the same time,
Shanda Computer has entered into a similar series of VIE agreements with both Shanda Networking and
its shareholders and, therefore, Shanda Computer is considered the primary beneficiary of the
Shanda Networking entities. Pursuant to the contractual arrangements with Shanda Networking,
Nanjing Shanda and Shengfutong, Shanda Computer provides services and software and technology
license to Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and Shengfutong, in exchange for a fee, determined
according to certain agreed formulas. Shanda Computer has also undertaken to provide financial
support to Shanda Networking to the extent necessary for its
operations. As a result of the VIE agreements between Shanda Computer and both Shanda Networking
and its shareholders, Shanda Computer is considered the primary beneficiary of the Shanda
Networking entities and Shanda Online consolidates the results of operations of the Shanda
Networking entities, and, accordingly, Shanda Networkings
results of operations, assets and liabilities are consolidated in our financial statements.
Other.
Other includes our businesses involved in literature businesses, advertising, chess and board game
platform, e-sports game platform, WVAS, music and
artist agency business and the provision of management software to
Internet cafes. Similarly to
Shanda Games and Shanda Online, (i) certain of our PRC operating companies hold the Internet
related licenses that are required to operate these businesses, (ii) these PRC operating companies
and their shareholders have entered into a series of VIE agreements with certain of our offshore
and PRC subsidiaries which make our subsidiaries the primary beneficiary of the PRC operating
companies and (ii) the results of operations, assets and liabilities of these PRC operating
companies are consolidated in our financial statements.
Property and Equipment, Intangible Assets, Long-term Prepayments and Other Long-lived Assets
Our accounting for long-lived assets, including property and equipment, intangible assets,
long-term prepayments and other long-lived assets, is described in notes 3(12), 3(13), 3(15) and
3(16) to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F. The
recorded values of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, intangible assets,
long-term prepayments and other long-lived assets are affected by a number of management estimates,
including the estimated useful lives, residual values and impairment charges. Significant judgment
is required in the assessment of the estimated useful lives of these assets, especially for game
licenses. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially impact our financial position
and results of operations.
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We assess the impairment for long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the applicable carrying amount may not be recoverable. During the year ended December
31, 2007, Shanda Games recognized an impairment of intangible assets charges to cost of sales in the amount
of RMB20.1 million, relating to upfront and minimum royalty licensing fees of one of its
games. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, we had
no significant impairment
charges for long-lived assets. The provision represents managements best estimate.
Impairment of Investment in Affiliated Companies
We continually review our investments in affiliated companies to determine whether a decline
in fair value below the carrying value is other than temporary. The primary factors we consider in
its determination are the length of time that the fair value of the investment is below its
carrying value; and the financial condition, operating performance and near-term prospects of the
investee. In addition, we consider the reasons for the decline in fair value, be it general market
conditions, industry-specific or investee-specific reasons, analysts ratings and estimates of
12-month share price targets for the investee changes in stock market price or valuation subsequent
to the balance sheet date, and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time
sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value. The determination of whether a decline in value
is other than temporary requires significant judgment. If the decline in fair value is deemed to be
other than temporary, the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value.
Write-downs for equity method investments are included in equity in losses of affiliated companies.
No significant impairment losses were recorded in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Impairment of Goodwill
We review our goodwill on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the goodwill might be impaired as required by ASC 350 (formerly
referred to as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets). In performing this review, we are required to make an assessment of fair value for our
goodwill under each reporting unit. When determining fair value, we utilize various assumptions,
including projection of future cash flows. A change in these underlying assumptions will cause a
change in the results of the test and, as such, could cause the fair value to be less than the
respective carrying amount. In such event, we would be required to record a charge, which would
significantly impact our earnings.
No impairment losses were recorded in the years ended December 31, 2007. We recorded an
impairment loss of goodwill in the amount of RMB16.0 million in 2008, primarily related to an
impairment of RMB14.5 million arising from the acquisition of Beijing Digital Red Software
Technology Co., Ltd. An impairment loss of RMB4.0 million (US$0.6 million) was recorded in the
year ended December 31, 2009, primarily related to Hurray!s reporting unit arising from its
acquisition of a music company in 2009.
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
We determine the allowance for doubtful accounts when facts and circumstances indicate that
the receivable is unlikely to be collected. If the financial condition of our customers
deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, we consider making
additional allowances. During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, we made provisions
of RMB2.9 million, RMB15.8 million and RMB16.2 million (US$2.4 million) which was offset by RMB10.3
million, RMB5.9 million and RMB6.0 million (US$0.9 million) from the collection of overdue
receivables for doubtful accounts, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation
Since January 1, 2006, we have accounted for grants made pursuant to the plans in accordance
with, ASC 718 (formerly referred to as Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised
2004), Share-Based Payment, or SFAS 123R), which requires all share-based payments to employees
and directors, including grants of employee stock options and restricted shares, to be recognized
as compensation expense in the financial statements over the vesting period of the award based on
the fair value of the award determined at the grant date. The valuation provisions of ASC 718 apply
to new awards, to awards granted to employees and directors before the adoption of ASC 718 whose
related requisite services had not been provided, and to awards which were subsequently modified or
cancelled. Under ASC 718, the number of share-based awards for which the service is not expected to
be rendered for the requisite period should be estimated, and the related compensation cost not
recorded for that number of awards.
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In accordance with ASC 718, we have recognized share-based compensation expenses, net of a
forfeiture rate, using the straight-line method for awards with graded vesting features and service
conditions only, and using the graded-vesting attribution method for awards with graded vesting
features and performance conditions.
The determination of the fair value of share options on the date of grant using an
option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of
complex and subjective variables, including our expected stock price volatility over the vesting
period, the risk-free interest rate, the expected dividend yield and actual and projected employee
stock option exercise behavior. Furthermore, we are required to estimate forfeitures at the time
of the grant and recognize share-based compensation expense only for those awards that are expected
to vest. If actual forfeitures differ from those estimates, we may need to revise those estimates
used in subsequent periods.
Shanda Interactive, Shanda Games and Hurray! each have authorized stock-based compensation
plans:
(1) Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited
2003 Share Incentive Plan
On March 31, 2003, Shanda BVI authorized a share option plan (the 2003 Share Incentive Plan)
that provides for the issuance of options to purchase up to 13,309,880 ordinary shares. Under the
2003 Share Incentive Plan, our directors may, at their discretion, grant any officers (including
directors) and employees of Shanda BVI and/or its subsidiaries, and individual consultants or
advisors (i) options to subscribe for ordinary shares, (ii) share appreciation rights to receive
payment, in cash and/or our ordinary shares, equal to the excess of the fair market value of our
ordinary shares, or (iii) other types of compensation based on the performance of our ordinary
shares.
Following the Share Swap, pursuant to the share purchase agreement, Shanda Interactive has
undertaken to assume all obligations for share options, whether vested or unvested, previously
granted by Shanda BVI subject to the same terms and conditions as the 2003 Share Incentive Plan as
adopted by Shanda BVI.
2005 Equity Compensation Plan
In October 2005, we authorized an equity compensation plan (the 2005 Equity Compensation
Plan) that provides for the issuance of options to purchase up to 7,449,235 ordinary shares, plus
ordinary shares reserved for issuance, but not yet issued, under our 2003 Share Incentive Plan.
Under the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, our directors may, at their discretion, grant any
officers (including directors) and employees of us and/or our subsidiaries, and individual
consultants or advisors (i) options to subscribe for ordinary shares, (ii) share appreciation
rights to receive payment, in cash and/or our ordinary shares, equal to the excess of the fair
market value of our ordinary shares, or (iii) other types of compensation based on the performance
of our ordinary shares.
Under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan and 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, the share-based
compensation expenses of approximately RMB53.8 million, RMB47.5 million and RMB36.7 million (US$5.4
million) were recognized in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
(2) Shanda Games
In November 2008, Shanda Games authorized an equity compensation plan (the Shanda Games 2008
Equity Compensation Plan) that provides for the issuance of up to 44,000,000 Class A
ordinary shares. Under the Shanda Games 2008 Equity Compensation Plan, the directors may, at their
discretion, grant any officers (including directors) and employees of Shanda Games and/or its
affiliates, and individual consultants or advisors (i) options to subscribe for
Class A ordinary shares, (ii) share appreciation rights to receive payment, in cash and/or Shanda Gamess Class A
ordinary shares, equal to the excess of the fair market value of Shanda Gamess ordinary shares, or
(iii) other types of compensation based on the performance of Shanda Gamess ordinary shares.
Share-based compensation expenses related to the option award granted by Shanda Games under the
Shanda Games 2008 Equity Compensation Plan amounted to approximately RMB2.2 million and RMB103.9
million (US$15.2 million) for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
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On December 22, 2008, Shanda Games also granted Restricted Share Awards consisting of 407,770
Ordinary Shares (the Restricted Shares) under the Shanda Games 2008 Equity Compensation Plan.
The restricted shares will be vested in equal installments over four calendar years on December 31
of each such calendar year, commencing on December 31, 2009, subject to the employees continued
employment with Shanda Games. From July 14, 2009 through December 1, 2009, Shanda Games granted
251,920 and 6,068,500 Restricted Shares to Shanda Gamess and its affiliated companies employees,
respectively, under the Shanda Games 2008 Equity Compensation Plan. The Restricted Shares will be
vested in equal installments over each of the four anniversaries of the grant date of each such
calendar year, commencing on the grant date, subject to the employees continued employment with
Shanda Games or its affiliated companies. Share-based compensation expense related to the Restricted Share award granted by
Shanda Games under the Shanda Games 2008 Equity Compensation Plan amounted to RMB0.06 million and
RMB3.0 million (US$0.4 million) for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
(3) Hurray!
Hurray!s 2004 share incentive plan (the Hurray! 2004 Share Incentive Plan) allows Hurray!
to offer incentive awards to its employees, directors, consultants or external service advisors.
Under the terms of the Hurray! 2004 Share Incentive Plan, options are generally granted at prices
equal to or greater than the fair market value on the grant date, expire ten years from the date of
grant, and generally vest over three to four years. Since 2006, Hurray! has granted restricted
purchase share awards in lieu of stock options under the Hurray! 2004 Share Incentive Plan to
certain officers and senior management. Share-based compensation expenses related to the option
award granted by Hurray! under the Hurray! 2004 Share Incentive Plan amounted to approximately RMB
0.3 million (US$0.04 million) for the period from the acquisition date through December 31, 2009.
Income Taxes and Valuation Allowance
We account for income taxes under the provisions of ASC 740 (formerly referred to as SFAS No.
109, Accounting for Income Taxes), with the required disclosures as described in note 7 to our
consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F. Accordingly, we
record valuation allowances to reduce our deferred tax assets when we believe it is more likely
than not that we will not be able to utilize the deferred tax asset amounts based on our estimates
of future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2008
and 2009, valuation allowances recognized were RMB59.7 million and RMB215.7 million (US$31.6
million), respectively. As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, we have recorded deferred tax assets, net
of valuation allowances, of RMB124.1 million and RMB134.5 million (US$19.7 million), respectively.
If events were to occur in the future which are not currently contemplated that would not allow us
to realize all or part of our future net deferred tax assets, an adjustment would result by way of
a charge to income tax expense in the period in which such determination was made.
ASC 740-10-25 (formerly referred to as FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty
in Income TaxesAn interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, or FIN 48) prescribes a recognition
threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statements recognition and measurement of
tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a
tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The
amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. Our adoption of FIN 48 did not result in any adjustments to the opening balance of our
retained earnings as of January 1, 2007. We did not have any interest and penalties associated
with uncertain tax positions and did not have any significant unrecognized, uncertain tax positions
for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009.
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Contingencies
We account for loss contingencies under the provisions of ASC 450-20 (formerly referred to
SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies) with the required disclosures as described in note 25
to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 20-F. We record
loss contingencies when, based on information available, it is likely that a loss has been incurred
and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Based on our current knowledge, which
includes consultation with outside counsel handling our defense in these matters, we believe that
we have made adequate provisions for current or unasserted claims. It is possible, however, that
our future results of operations could be materially affected by changes in our estimates or in the
effectiveness of our strategies relating to these proceedings. As of December 31, 2009, we did not
have any accruals for loss contingencies.
Results of Operations
Basis of preparation. The segment information provided below has been prepared as if each
reporting segments current corporate structure, which separates our business into MMORPGs and advanced casual games and integrated services platform-related categories, had been in existence throughout
the periods presented and as if the Reorganization had occurred as of the earliest period
presented. Accordingly, for the period from January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008, the information was
prepared by combining the revenues and cost of revenues that were directly applicable to each
reporting segment and for the period from July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009, the information set
forth below consists of the revenue and gross profit of each segment, including with respect to
Shanda Games as a
standalone entity subsequently to the Separation. Accordingly, the net revenues for the years
ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 may not be comparable.
Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008
Net revenues. Our net revenues increased 46.8% from RMB3,569.1 million in 2008 to RMB5,240.8
million (US$767.8 million) in 2009.
Shanda Gamess net revenues, prior to elimination, including MMORPGs and advanced casual
games, were RMB4,806.7 million (US$704.2 million) for the full year 2009, representing an increase
of 42.3% from RMB3,376.8 million in 2008. The increase in Shanda Gamess MMORPGs and advanced casual games revenues was
primarily due to an increase in net revenues from Shanda Gamess existing MMORPGs and the
introduction and the full-year contribution of some of its new MMORPGs. Shanda Gamess net
revenues from advanced casual games decreased as it released a major expansion pack and introduced
new virtual items for one of Shanda Gamess significant advanced casual games in 2008 and did not
release such an expansion pack in 2009.
Shanda Onlines net revenues for the full year 2009 were RMB1,066.2 million (US$156.2
million), representing an increase of 36.0% from RMB784.2 million in 2008. In 2009, the increase
of Shanda Onlines revenues was mainly due to the increase of services provided to Shanda Games,
other in-house content providers and other third-party content providers.
Other
net revenues including our literature business, chess and board game platform, e-sports games
platform, WVAS services, our music and artist agency business and other businesses for the full year
2009 were RMB524.5 million (US$76.8 million), representing an increase of 95.6% from RMB268.1
million in 2008. This increase in other net revenue was primarily due to an increase in revenue
from online advertisements, licensing of management software to Internet cafes, subscription fees
from our original online literature websites and offline book publication as well as the
consolidation of the financial results of Hurray! beginning in September 2009.
Cost of revenues. Our cost of revenues increased 45.2% from RMB1,020.5 million in 2008 to
RMB1,482.2 million (US$217.1 million) in 2009.
Shanda Gamess cost of revenues, including platform fees, upfront and ongoing licensing fees
for online games and other miscellaneous expenses, were RMB1,933.5 million (US$283.3 million) for
the full year 2009, representing an increase of 29.8% from RMB1,489.4 million in 2008. Shanda
Gamess platform fees increased 17.8% from RMB864.9 million in 2008 to RMB1,018.5 million (US$149.2
million) in 2009 primarily due to the increased servers and services provided to support the growth
in its game player base. Shanda Gamess upfront and ongoing licensing fees for online games increased 53.0% from
RMB520.9 million in 2008 to RMB797.1 million (US$116.8 million) in 2009. The increase was primarily
due to the commencement of amortization of upfront fees for new games launched in the second half
of 2008 and in 2009.
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Shanda Onlines cost of revenues for the full year 2009 were RMB203.2 million (US$29.8
million), representing an increase of 61.3% from RMB126.0 million in 2008. The increase of Shanda
Onlines cost of revenues was mainly due to the increase of salary and benefits resulting from the
increase in staff headcount and the increase of expenses related to its customer loyalty program.
Costs associated with our other businesses mainly include
service and network fees paid to the telecommunications service providers, master CD production costs, artist and songwriter royalties,
costs and expenses associated with the literary works published on our online literature platforms and online literature works copyright
acquisition, production costs related to offline book publication, technical service charges (including commissions paid or payable to
telecommunications providers), manufacturing costs of E-Key products, fees paid to Shanda Online related to various support services
and other miscellaneous expenses. Other businesses cost of revenues for the full year 2009 were RMB295.9 million
(US$43.3 million), representing an increase of 72.1% from RMB171.9 million in 2008. The increase of costs in other
businesses was mainly due to the increase in license fees paid to authors of literary works with
the development of our online literature business and accompanying increase in staff with this
businesss expansion. In the second half of 2009, Shanda Literature also began developing its
offline book publication business by entering into investments and partnerships. Therefore, related
publication cost also increased accordingly. The consolidation of the financial results of Hurray!
beginning in
September 2009 also increased the service and network fees paid to the telecommunications
providers under network service agreements related to WVAS business and production cost of CD
masters, artist and songwriter royalties.
Gross profit. As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit increased 47.5% from RMB2,548.6
million in 2008 to RMB3,758.6 million (US$550.6 million) in 2009. Our gross profit margin, which is
equal to our gross profit divided by our net revenues, remained stable, increasing from 71.4% in 2008 to 71.7% in 2009.
Shanda Gamess gross profit increased 52.2% from RMB1,887.4 million in 2008 to RMB2,873.2
million (US$420.9 million) in 2009. Shanda Gamess gross profit margin, which is equal to its
gross profit divided by its net revenues, increased from 55.9% in 2008 to 59.8% in 2009.
Shanda Onlines gross profit increased 31.1% from RMB658.1 million in 2008 to RMB863.0 million
(US$126.4 million) in 2009. Shanda Onlines gross profit margin, which is equal to its gross
profit divided by Shanda Onlines net revenues, decreased from 83.9% in 2008 to 80.9% in 2009.
Others gross profit increased 137.4% from RMB96.3 million in 2008 to RMB228.6 million
(US$33.5 million) in 2009. Others gross profit margin, which is equal to its gross profit divided
by net revenues, increased from 35.9% in 2008 to 43.6% in 2009.
Operating expenses. Our operating expenses increased 55.4% from RMB1,106.3 million in 2008 to
RMB1,719.2 million (US$251.9 million) in 2009. This increase was primarily due to the following
reasons:
|
|
|
Our product development expenses increased 51.9% from RMB274.6 million in 2008 to
RMB417.3 million (US$61.1 million) in 2009, primarily due to (i) an increase due to the increase in the headcount of research and development employees in 2009;
(ii) an increase in outsourced product development costs as a result of
our investments through Shanda Gamess 18 Capital investment fund;
(iii) the consolidation of the financial results of
Hurray! beginning in September 2009; and (iv) an increase of office expenses and employees
expenses in the IIT. Product development expenses totaled approximately 7.7% and 8.0% of
our net revenues in 2008 and 2009, respectively. |
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Our sales and marketing expenses increased 62.6% from RMB318.0 million in 2008 to
RMB517.0 million (US$75.8 million) in 2009, primarily due to (i) an increase in our marketing promotion
expenses in 2009 as a result of increased online and off-line marketing promotion activities
for Shanda Games, Shanda Online and Shanda Literature;
and (ii) an increase of
RMB31.7 million in salary and benefits expenses in 2009 arising from an increase in the
headcount of sales and marketing employees. Sales and marketing expenses totaled
approximately 8.9% and 9.9% of our net revenues in 2008 and 2009, respectively. |
84
|
|
|
Our general and administrative expenses increased 52.8% from RMB513.7 million in 2008 to
RMB784.9 million (US$115.0 million) in 2009 primarily due to: (i) an increase in share-based compensation costs mainly due to the launch of a new employee
incentive plan by Shanda Games; (ii) an increase in salary and benefits
expenses in 2009, due to an increase in headcount of employees engaged in general and
administrative work with our business expansion; (iii) an increase of
depreciation of property, equipment and software due to business expansion and purchase of
land use rights; (iv) an increase in business taxes in 2009, primarily
due to the increased number of intercompany transactions as a result of the Reorganization,
the increased volume of services which our PRC subsidiaries provided and revenue collected
from our PRC operating companies; (v) an increase in consulting, legal
and audit fees in 2009, primarily for Shanda Gamess initial public offering and business
acquisition; (vi) an increase of rental and management fees due to
business expansion; and (vii) an increase in other general and
administrative expenses in 2009, which relate primarily to office expenses and traveling
expenses. General and administrative expenses accounted for approximately 14.4% and 15.0%
of our net revenues in 2008 and 2009, respectively. |
Income from operations. As a result of the foregoing, our operating income increased from
RMB1,442.3 million in 2008 to RMB2,039.4 million (US$298.8 million) in 2009. Our operating margin,
which is equal to our operating profit divided by our net revenues, has remained stable from 40.4%
in 2008 to 38.9% in 2009.
Income before income tax expenses, equity in losses of affiliated companies. Our income
before income tax expenses, equity in losses of affiliated companies and non-controlling interests
increased 48.2% from RMB1,522.4 million in 2008 to RMB2,255.9 million (US$330.5 million) in 2009.
This increase was primarily due to the aforementioned factors and the following factors:
|
(i) |
|
Interest expenses. Interest expenses increased from RMB30.0 million in 2008 to RMB100.7
million (US$14.8 million) in 2009 primarily due to (a) the amortization of debt issuance
cost of Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2014 which were issued in September 2008
and (b) the accrual of the interest expense of 2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 with
effective interest method; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Investment income. We had investment income of RMB8.2 million in 2008 and investment
income of RMB42.5 million (US$6.2 million) in 2009. The higher investment income in 2009
primarily related to gains from the investments in marketable securities; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
Other income. Our other income increased from RMB29.4 million in 2008 to RMB203.6
million (US$29.8 million) in 2009. Our other income in 2009 was primarily comprised of
government financial incentives of RMB221.9 million (US$32.5 million), compared to RMB62.3
million in 2008, from local government authorities in China relating to business and income
taxes we previously paid in the PRC. |
Income tax expenses. Our income tax expenses increased 75.7% from RMB276.5 million in 2008 to
RMB485.8 million (US$71.2 million) in 2009, primarily as a result of the net impact of the increase
in our pre-tax income and the New EIT Law which became effective as of January 1, 2008 and applies
a general enterprise income tax rate of 25% on both foreign-invested enterprises and domestic
enterprises, unless such enterprise qualifies as a high and new technology enterprise or other
preferential tax treatment.
As informed by the relevant tax bureau, Shanda Computer was recognized as a Software
Enterprise and will be subject to a 0% income tax rate for the full year 2008 and a 50% tax
reduction to an applicable rate from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2011. As a result, Shanda Computer was
subject to a 10% income tax rate in 2009. This resulted in the increase of the effective income
tax rate from 18% in 2008 to 22% in 2009.
Equity in losses of affiliated companies. Our equity in losses of affiliates increased from
RMB0.3 million in 2008 to RMB50.5 million (US$7.4 million) in 2009.
85
Net income. As a result of the foregoing, our net income increased 38.1% from RMB1,245.6
million in 2008 to RMB1,719.6 million (US$251.9 million) in 2009.
Net income attributed to non-controlling interests and redeemable preferred shares issued by a
subsidiary. Our net income attributed to non-controlling interest increased from RMB16.9 million
in 2008 to RMB127.0 million (US$18.6 million) in 2009 primarily due to (i) the increase of
non-controlling interest of Shanda Games after the successful initial public offering of Shanda
Games in September 2009 and (ii) net income attributed to redeemable preferred shares issued by a
subsidiary increased 177.7% from RMB4.8 million in 2008 to RMB13.2 million (US$1.9 million) in 2009
as the shares were outstanding for the full year 2009.
Net income attributed to Shanda Interactive. As a result of the foregoing, our net income
attributed to Shanda Interactive increased 29.6% from RMB1,228.7 million in 2008 to RMB1,592.6
million (US$233.3 million) in 2009.
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007
Net revenues. Our net revenues increased 44.7% from RMB2,467.3 million in 2007 to RMB3,569.1
million in 2008.
Shanda Gamess net revenues were RMB3,376.8
million for the full year 2008, representing an increase of 45.4% from RMB2,322.8 million in 2007.
Net revenues from MMORPGs increased from RMB2,016.1 million in 2007 to RMB2,987.8 million in 2008.
Net revenues from advanced casual games increased from RMB280.4 million in 2007 to RMB358.9 million
in 2008. The increase in its online game related revenues was primarily due to an increase in net
revenues from Shanda Gamess existing MMORPGs and advanced casual games and the introduction and
the full-year contribution of some of its new MMORPGs.
Shanda Onlines net revenues for the full year 2008 were RMB784.1 million, representing an
increase of 32.0% from RMB593.9 million in 2007.
Other
net revenues including our literature business, chess and board game platform, e-sports games
platform and other businesses for the full year 2008 were RMB268.2 million, representing an
increase of 72.9% from RMB155.1 million in 2007. This increase in other net revenue was primarily
due to an increase in revenue from online advertisement, licensing of management software to
Internet cafes and subscription fees from our original online and
offline literature websites.
Cost of revenues. Our cost of revenues increased 26.4% from RMB807.1 million in 2007 to
RMB1,020.5 million in 2008. This increase was primarily due to the following reasons:
Shanda Gamess cost of revenues, including platform fees, upfront and ongoing licensing fees
for online games and other miscellaneous expenses, were RMB1,489.4 million for the full year 2008,
representing an increase of 18.1% from RMB1,261.1 million in 2007. Platform fees increased 17.6%
from RMB735.4 million in 2007 to RMB864.9 million in 2008 primarily due to the increased servers
and services provided to support the growth in game player base. The increase in the number of
servers was partially offset by the elimination or combination of server groups for existing online
games, as well as the introduction of new virtualization technologies which improve server
efficiency. Shanda Gamess upfront and ongoing licensing fees for online games increased 21.3% from RMB429.6
million in 2007 to RMB520.9 million in 2008 primarily due to the commercialization in 2008 of
licensed games, which commenced the amortization of the upfront licensing fees, and the increase of
revenues derived from licensed games, which was partially offset by the decrease in ongoing license
fees as a result of the consolidation of Actozs financial results beginning in the third quarter
of 2007.
Shanda Onlines cost of revenues for the full year 2008 were RMB126.0 million, representing an
increase of 57.9% from RMB79.8 million in 2007. Server and equipment utilization costs increased
primarily due to the increased servers and services provided to support the growth of our user base
and growth of our revenues generated from our entertainment content offerings. The increase of
expenses relating to our customer loyalty program also resulted in the increase of Shanda Onlines
cost of revenues. Salary and benefits increased primarily due to a salary increase and the bonus
granted to the employees directly engaged in the platform service provision as a result of
implementing a performance-based incentive program.
86
Other cost of revenues for the full year 2008 were RMB171.9 million, representing an increase
of 76.7% from RMB97.3 million in 2007. This increase in other cost of revenues was primarily due
to the increased costs associated with the literary works published on our online literature
platforms.
Gross profit. As a result of the foregoing, our gross profit increased 53.5% from RMB1,660.2
million in 2007 to RMB2,548.6 million in 2008. Our gross profit margin, which is equal to our gross
profit divided by our net revenues, increased from 67.3% in 2007 to 71.4% in 2008 primarily due to
the growth in net revenues.
Shanda Gamess gross profit increased 77.8% from RMB1,061.7 million in 2007 to RMB RMB1,887.4
million in 2008. Shanda Gamess gross profit margin, which is equal to its gross profit divided
by Shanda Gamess net revenues, increased from 45.7% in 2007 to 55.9% in 2008.
Shanda Onlines gross profit increased 28.0% from RMB514.1 million in 2007 to RMB658.1 million
in 2008. Shanda Onlines gross profit margin, which is equal to its gross profit divided by Shanda
Onlines net revenues, decreased from 86.6% in 2007 to 83.9% in 2008.
Others gross profit increased 137.4% from RMB57.8 million in 2007 to RMB96.3 million in 2008.
Others gross profit margin, which is equal to its gross profit divided by net revenues, decreased
from 37.3% in 2007 to 35.9% in 2008.
Operating expenses. Our operating expenses increased 68.1% from RMB658.2 million in 2007 to
RMB1,106.3 million in 2008. This increase was primarily due to the following reasons:
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Our product development expenses increased 67.9% from RMB163.6 million in 2007 to
RMB274.6 million in 2008, primarily due to (i) an increase of the headcount of research and
development employees in 2008; (ii) the adoption of a new performance-based compensation
structure; (iii) the consolidation of Actozs financial result beginning from the third
quarter of 2007; (iv) an increase in outsourced product development
costs. Product development expenses totaled approximately 6.6% and 7.7% of our net revenues
in 2007 and 2008, respectively. |
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|
Our sales and marketing expenses increased 76.9% from RMB179.7 million in 2007 to
RMB318.0 million in 2008, primarily due to (i) an increase in our
marketing promotion expenses in 2008 as a result of our effort to
enhance online and off-line
marketing promotion activities to attract more new users; and (ii) an increase in salary and
benefits expenses in 2008 arising from an increase of the headcount
of sales and marketing employees. Sales and marketing expenses totaled approximately 7.3%
and 8.9% of our net revenues in 2007 and 2008, respectively. |
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|
Our general and administrative expenses increased 63.1% from RMB314.9 million in 2007 to
RMB513.7 million in 2008 primarily due to: (i) an increase of RMB68.5 million in salary and
benefits expenses in 2008, due to an increase in headcount of employees engaged in general
and administrative work; (ii) an increase of RMB74.6 million in business taxes in 2008,
primarily due to the increased intercompany transaction as a result of the Reorganization
and the increased volume of services which our PRC subsidiaries provided and revenue
collected from our PRC operating companies; (iii) an increase in doubtful accounts provision expenses
in 2008, mainly due to the overdue receivables from online advertising; (iv) an increase in
consulting, legal and audit fees in 2008, primarily due to the groups corporate
restructuring; and (v) the
increase of RMB24.3 million in other general and administrative expenses in 2008, which
relate primarily to office expenses, traveling expenses, rental and management fees and
amortization of intangible assets. General and administrative expenses accounted for
approximately 12.8% and 14.4% of our net revenues in 2007 and 2008, respectively. |
Income from operations. As a result of the foregoing, our operating income increased from
RMB1,002.0 million in 2007 to RMB1,442.3 million in 2008. Our operating margin, which is equal to
our operating profit divided by our net revenues, has remained stable from 40.6% in 2007 to 40.4%
in 2008.
87
Income before income tax expenses, equity in loss of affiliated companies. Our income before
income tax expenses, equity in loss of affiliated companies increased 7.1% from RMB1,421.5 million
in 2007 to RMB1,522.4 million in 2008. This decrease was primarily due to the following factors:
|
(i) |
|
Interest income. Our interest income increased from RMB65.8 million in 2007 to RMB72.6
million in 2008. This increase was primarily due to the increase in our average cash and
cash equivalents balances in 2008 relative to those in 2007; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Interest expenses. Following the application of ASC 470 (formerly referred to as FSP APB 14-1,
Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments that May be Settled
in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement)),
we recorded retrospective impact on our Zero Coupon Senior Convertible notes due 2014 in the amount of RMB131.0 million which
was reflected in 2007s consolidated operation result and on our Zero Coupon Senior Convertible notes due 2011 in the amount
of RMB19.7 million which was reflected in 2008s consolidated operation result. It resulted in the decrease of interest expenses
from RMB144.1 million in 2007 to RMB30.0 million in 2008. |
|
|
(iii) |
|
Investment income (loss). We had investment income of RMB469.8 million in 2007 and an
investment income of RMB8.2 million in 2008. The higher investment income in 2007 primarily
related to gains from the disposal of shares of SINA; and |
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(iv) |
|
Other income. Our other income increased from RMB28.1 million in 2007 to RMB29.4
million in 2008. Our other income in 2008 primarily consisted of government financial
incentives of RMB62.3 million,
compared to RMB57.5 million in 2007, from local government authorities in China relating to
business and income taxes we previously paid in the PRC. |
Income tax expenses. Our income tax expenses increased 106.6% from RMB133.8 million in 2007
to RMB276.5 million in 2008, primarily the net impact of the increase in our pre-tax income and the
new enterprise income tax law which became effective as of January 1, 2008 and applies a general
enterprise income tax rate of 25% on both foreign-invested enterprises and domestic enterprises,
unless such enterprise qualifies as a high and new technology enterprise or other preferential tax
treatment as well as the expiration of tax holiday of certain subsidiaries. The effective income
tax rate increased from 9% in 2007 to 18% in 2008 primarily due to the following:
In 2007, the Group sold 4 million ordinary shares of SINA, pursuant to Rule 144 for
approximately US$129.6 million (RMB1.0 billion). On May 11, 2007 and May 15, 2007, the Group sold
the remaining 1,066,344 and 1,051,934 shares of SINA in open-market transactions for US$38.1
million (RMB292.5 million) and US$38.4 million (RMB294.3 million), respectively. This related
investment income was non-taxable income and it resulted in higher effective income tax rate in
2007.
Equity in losses of affiliated companies. Our equity in loss of an affiliate decreased from
RMB15.5 million in 2007 to RMB0.3 million in 2008. Equity in loss of an affiliate includes an
investment loss incurred in the first half of 2007 from Actoz, which we began to consolidate in the
third quarter of 2007.
Net income. As a result of the foregoing, our net income decreased 2.1% from RMB1,272.2
million in 2007 to RMB1,245.6 million in 2008.
Net income attributed to non-controlling interests and redeemable preferred shares issued by a
subsidiary. Our net income attributed to non-controlling interest increased from RMB7.0 million in
2007 to RMB16.9 million in 2008.
Net income attributable to Shanda Interactive. As a result of the foregoing, our net income
attributable to Shanda Interactive decreased 2.9% from RMB1,265.2 million in 2007 to RMB1,228.7
million in 2008.
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flows and Working Capital
Cash
flows and working capital reflect the consolidation of operation
results of Shanda Games and Hurray!.
To date, we have financed our operations through internally generated
cash, the sale of our redeemable
preferred shares to an investor in March 2003, our initial public offering of ADSs in May 2004 and
the offering of the convertible notes in October 2004 and September 2008. On September 25, 2009,
Shanda Games completed an initial public offering on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. As a result,
we have received the net proceeds from Shanda Gamess initial public offering of US$980.8 million
(equivalent to RMB6,697.4 million) relating to both the sale of new shares by Shanda Games, as well
as our sale of a portion of our existing holding of Shanda Games shares. It led to the increase of
cash and cash equivalents from RMB 3,397.8 million as of December 31, 2008 to RMB10,959.3 million
(US$1,605.5 million) as of December 31, 2009.
88
The following table shows our cash flows with respect to operating activities, investing
activities and financing activities in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009:
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
1,159,971.6 |
|
|
|
1,737,703.7 |
|
|
|
2,496,798.7 |
|
|
|
365,783.1 |
|
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing
activities |
|
|
1,687,789.2 |
|
|
|
(393,593.3 |
) |
|
|
(2,374,235.0 |
) |
|
|
(347,827.4 |
) |
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing
activities |
|
|
(2,053,295.7 |
) |
|
|
141,763.3 |
|
|
|
7,430,910.2 |
|
|
|
1,088,634.5 |
|
Effect of exchange rate change on cash |
|
|
(101,064.8 |
) |
|
|
(73,330.8 |
) |
|
|
7,994.4 |
|
|
|
1,171.2 |
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
693,400.3 |
|
|
|
1,412,542.9 |
|
|
|
7,561,468.3 |
|
|
|
1,107,761.4 |
|
Cash, beginning of period |
|
|
1,291,901.2 |
|
|
|
1,985,301.5 |
|
|
|
3,397,844.4 |
|
|
|
497,787.0 |
|
Cash, end of period |
|
|
1,985,301.5 |
|
|
|
3,397,844.4 |
|
|
|
10,959,312.7 |
|
|
|
1,605,548.4 |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
We had net cash provided
by operating activities of RMB2,496.8 million (US$365.8 million) in
2009 compared to RMB1,737.7 million in 2008. The cash provided by operating activities was
primarily derived from our online games operations, advertising, costs and expenses associated with the
literary works published on our online literature platforms and
online literature works copyright acquisition, offline book publication, sales of our Internet cafe management software and revenues from wireless value-added services
and music related to the consolidation of Hurray!s financial results beginning from September 2009. The increase was
primarily due to increase in our net income resulting from the growth of our business and our tight
expense budget control. The increase in net cash provided by operating activity in 2009 was due to
our net income attributable to our company of RMB1,719.6 million; an add-back of the non-cash
expenses in the amount of RMB619.4 million, including share-based compensation expenses,
depreciation of property and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, provision for losses on
receivables and other assets, equity in loss of affiliated companies and unsettled interest
expenses; an increase of RMB285.1 million in other payables and
accruals; an increase in tax payable of RMB86.6 million due to an increase in our pre-tax
income; and an increase of RMB31.7 million in licensing fees payable due to an increase in our
revenues generated from licensed games. Our net cash provided by operating activities was partially reduced by payment of upfront
licensing fees and prepayment of upfront licensing fees of RMB125.5 million relating to new online
games that Shanda Games licensed from third parties and a decrease of RMB60.2 million in deferred
revenue.
We had net cash provided by operating activities
of RMB1,737.7 million in 2008 compared to RMB1,160.0 million in 2007. The cash provided by operating activities was primarily
derived from our online games operations, advertising, subscription fees from our original online literature websites and sales
of our Internet cafe management software. The increase was primarily due to increase in our net income resulting from the growth
of our business and tight expense budget control. The increase in net cash provided by operating activity in 2008 was also due
to an increase in deferred revenue.
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
In 2009, we had net cash used in investing
activities of RMB2,374.2 million (US$347.8 million), compared to net cash used in investing activities of RMB393.6 million in 2008. The net
cash used in investing activities in 2009 mainly included an increase in bank deposits with
maturity date over three months of RMB1,104.1 million (US$161.7 million), the payment of RMB702.1
million for the restricted cash through Shanda Games as the collateral for a loan in the amount equal to the US$102.5
million, the payment of RMB272.0 million (US$39.8 million) for the purchase of property, equipment,
software and intangible assets, the increase of investments in subsidiaries of RMB206.0 million
(US$30.2 million), prepayment for the purchase of land use
rights and investments in affiliated companies, partially
offset by a disposal in investment of marketable securities.
89
In 2008, we had net cash used investing activities of RMB393.6 million, compared to net cash
provided by investing activities of RMB1,687.8 million in 2007. This decrease in 2008 was
primarily due to the payment of RMB119.8 million for the purchase of property, equipment, software
and intangible assets, an increase in bank deposits with maturity date over three months of
RMB134.5 million, investments in affiliated companies an increase in investment of marketable securities and the increase of investments in
subsidiaries, as compared to proceeds of RMB1,593.4 million from the sale of an
aggregate of 6,118,278 shares of SINA, and proceeds of RMB448.5 million from the sale of UBS
enhanced yield portfolio AA USD in 2007.
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
In 2009, we had net cash provided by financing activities of RMB7,430.9 million (US$1,088.6
million), compared to net cash provided by financing activities of RMB141.8 million in 2008. Our
cash provided by financing activities in 2009 was primarily due to the proceeds of RMB6,697.4
million (US$980.8 million) from Shanda Gamess initial public offering in September 2009, the
proceeds of RMB89.6 million (US$13.1 million) in connection with the stock options exercised by our
employees and our subsidiaries officers, directors and employees, and cash received from a loan of
US$102.5 million through Shanda Games, equivalent to RMB702.1 million, which was
partially offset by the payments for conversion of
convertible debt related to Convertible Senior Notes due 2011.
In 2008, we had net cash provided by financing activities of RMB141.8 million, compared to net
cash used in financing activities of RMB2,053.3 million in 2007. Our cash provided by financing
activities was primarily due to the proceeds from issuance of US$175.0 million (RMB1,171.3 million)
aggregated principal amount of 2% Convertible Senior Notes due 2011 in September 2008, the proceeds
from issuance of 1,960 redeemable preferred shares to investors with a total amount of US$19.6 million
(RMB140.0 million) by Grandpro and the proceeds in connection with the stock
options exercised by our officers, directors and employees, which was partially offset by the
payment for repurchase of stock of RMB1,212.8 million.
Restrictions on Cash Transfers to the Company
Our cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of cash on hand, demand deposits, and liquid
investments with original maturities of three months or less that are placed with banks and other
financial institutions. Although we consolidate the results of our subsidiaries such as Shanda
Games and Hurray! in our consolidated financial statements we do not have direct access to the cash and
cash equivalents or future earnings of our subsidiaries.
To fund any cash requirements we may have, we may need to rely on dividends and other
distributions on equity paid by our subsidiaries. Since substantially all of our operations are
conducted through our indirect wholly and majority-owned China-based subsidiaries and VIEs, our
subsidiaries may need to rely on dividends, loans or advances made by PRC subsidiary. Certain of
these payments are subject to PRC taxes, including business taxes and value added tax, which
effectively reduce the received amount. In addition, the PRC government could impose restrictions
on such payments or change the tax rates applicable to such payments. See Item 4. Organizational
Structure and Item 10. Additional InformationExchange Controls.
In addition, PRC regulations currently permit payment of dividends of a PRC company only out
of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in
China. Our WFOEs are also required to set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profit based on PRC
accounting standards each year to their general reserves until the cumulative amount reaches 50% of
their paid-in capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends, or as loans or
advances. Our WFOEs may also allocate a portion of their after-tax profits, as determined by their
board of directors, to their staff welfare and bonus funds, and therefore may not be distributed to
us.
90
We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations, short-term
investments and marketable securities will be sufficient to meet the anticipated cash needs for our
operating activities, capital expenditures and other obligations for at least the next twelve
months. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changed business conditions or
other future developments. We may sell additional equities or obtain credit facilities to enhance
our liquidity position or to increase our cash reserves for future operations. The sale of
additional equity would result in further dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of
indebtedness would result in increased fixed obligations and could result in operating covenants
that would restrict our operations. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in
amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Please see Exchange Controls in Item 10 for a
discussion of impediments to capital flows in and out of China.
From time to time, we evaluate possible investments, acquisitions or divestments and may, if a
suitable opportunity arises, make an investment or acquisition or conduct a divestment, which may
have a material effect upon our liquidity and capital resources. Please see Recent Acquisitions
in this Item 5 for a description of our significant investments, acquisitions and divestments.
Capital Expenditures
We made capital expenditures of RMB70.4 million, RMB113.8 million, and RMB294.0 million
(US$43.1 million) in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Our capital expenditures increased in 2009
primarily owing to purchases of computer equipment and office premises (building and land use
rights). To date, the capital expenditures have primarily consisted of purchases of online game
network infrastructure, software, as well as office
premises. Beginning from 2008, capital expenditures are presented on accrual basis instead of
cash basis to better represent our businesses development.
Since we will continue to purchase servers and IT equipment for new game operations, extend
our service platform, perform extensive network upgrades and office expansion and purchase land for
office expansion and/or other business initiatives, we expect the capital expenditures in 2010 to
increase.
C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.
We
currently focus our research and development activities principally on the development of updates,
expansion and sequels of our online game related content, the development of integrated service
platform and wireless value-added services.
Our research and development efforts and plans consist of:
|
|
|
outsourcing and in-house development of updates, expansions and sequels of our existing
online game related content; |
|
|
|
|
sourcing new games via co-development, investment and in-house development; |
|
|
|
|
improving, via internal and outsourcing research and development, our integrated service
platform, including our digital content delivery system, unified billing and payment
system, customer relationship management system, and user authentication system and related
security; |
|
|
|
|
improving our server management and control systems; |
|
|
|
|
maintaining our internal billing and transmission records related to wireless
value-added services; and |
|
|
|
|
future development of the IIT. |
Our research and development expenditures were RMB163.6 million, RMB274.6 million and RMB417.3
million (US$61.1 million) in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
D. TREND INFORMATION
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, 2009 to December 31,
2009 that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our net revenues, income,
profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that caused the disclosed financial information
to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.
91
E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
In connection and concurrently with the issuance of preferred shares of US$19.6 million by
Grandpro in 2008, we provide a full guarantee to the investors in respect of the performance of
Grandpros redemption obligations under the agreements.
Except for the guarantee mentioned above, we do not have any outstanding derivative financial
instruments, off-balance sheet guarantees, interest rate swap transactions or foreign currency
forward contracts. We do not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange traded contracts.
F. CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due by Period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More than 5 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Year |
|
|
1-3 Years |
|
|
3-5 Years |
|
|
Years |
|
Operating lease obligations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office premises |
|
|
19.7 |
|
|
|
13.0 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computer equipment and others |
|
|
51.7 |
|
|
|
44.7 |
|
|
|
7.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment and
intangible asset obligations |
|
|
99.6 |
|
|
|
55.2 |
|
|
|
44.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible debt principal |
|
|
1,135.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,135.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible debt related interest expense* |
|
|
39.3 |
|
|
|
22.7 |
|
|
|
16.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual obligations |
|
|
1,345.6 |
|
|
|
135.6 |
|
|
|
1,210.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2011 bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.0% per annum. |
As of December 31, 2009, substantially all of our operating lease arrangements for servers and
related services provide for the calculation of lease payments based on formulas that reference the
actual number of users of the relevant servers. Our rental expenses under these operating leases
were RMB23.0 million, RMB21.9 million and RMB11.9 million (US$1.7 million) in 2007, 2008 and 2009,
respectively. As future lease payments for these arrangements are based on the actual number of
users and thus cannot be reasonably estimated, they are not included in the minimum lease payments
shown above. As of December 31, 2009, we had entered into maintenance contracts in relation to the
servers we owned amounting to RMB48.0 million (US$7.0 million).
In
June 2009, Shengqu, a subsidiary of Shanda Games, entered into an arrangement with a bank in China whereby Shengqu
obtained a loan of US$102.5 million to be repaid in June 2010. The loan accrues interest at 1.35%
per annum and is collateralized with Shengqus Renminbi cash deposit of RMB702 million. The
interest earned from the Renminbi cash deposit is 2.25% per annum. In connection with the loan,
Shengqu also entered into a foreign currency forward contract with the same bank by fixing the
exchange rate of U.S. dollar to RMB at 6.8445 at the time it repays the U.S. dollar loan. We
recorded the foreign currency forward contract as a derivative and marked it to market at each
balance sheet date. The loan is re-measured at each period end to Shengqus functional currency,
Renminbi, and is netted off against its Renminbi cash deposit due to the existence of a legal
setoff right. As of December 31, 2009, the financial liability related to the forward contract is
not material.
In September 2008, we issued US$175 million (equivalent to RMB1,197 million) in aggregate
principal amount of the Convertible Notes. For additional information on the Convertible Notes, see
Note 18(2) to our consolidated financial statements included herein.
As of December 31, 2009, we had capital commitments for the purchase of property and
equipment, and game license in the aggregate amount of RMB99.6 million (US$14.6 million).
Apart from the foregoing and the
convertible notes described above, as of December 31, 2009, we
had no significant impairment or did not have any other long-term debt obligations, operating lease obligations or purchase
obligations.
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.
92
Item 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information relating to our directors and executive
officers as of March 31, 2010. The business address of each of our directors and executive officers
is No. 208 Juli Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201203, China.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
Tianqiao Chen(1)
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer |
Qunzhao Tan
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
Non-executive Director |
Danian Chen
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
Director, Chief Operating Officer |
Qianqian Luo(1)
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
Non-executive Director |
Jingsheng Huang(2)
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
Independent Director |
Chengyu Xiong(2)
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
Independent Director |
Zhao Kai(2)
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
Independent Director |
Jin Zhang
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
Vice President |
Grace Wu
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
Director, Chief Financial Officer |
Haifa Zhu
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
Chief Investment Officer |
Danning Mi
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
Chief Information Officer |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Member of the compensation committee. |
|
(2) |
|
Member of the audit committee. |
Tianqiao Chen, one of our co-founders, has served as the chairman of our board of directors
and our chief executive officer since our inception in December 1999. Mr. Chen established Shanda
Networking with Danian Chen in December 1999. Prior to establishing Shanda Networking, Mr. Tianqiao
Chen served as the vice director of the office of the president of Kinghing Trust & Investment Co.,
Ltd. from 1998 to 1999. From 1994 to 1998, Mr. Chen served in various management positions with
Shanghai Lujiazui Group. Mr. Chen serves as a member of the board of directors of SinoMedia Holding
Ltd., which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Mr. Tianqiao Chen holds a bachelors degree
in economics from Fudan University. Mr. Tianqiao Chen is the brother of Danian Chen, our
co-founder, and is married to Qianqian Luo, one of our directors.
Qunzhao Tan has served as a member of our board of directors in October 2006. Mr. Tan
previously served as our president from April 2008 to January 2010, chief technology officer from
July 2003 to January 2010, senior executive vice president from June 2006 to April 2008, senior
vice president from August 2005 to June 2006, vice president from July 2003 to August 2005 and
director of research and development from November 1999 to July 2003. Prior to joining us, Mr. Tan
worked as an assistant in the Institute of Clean Coal Technology of East China University of
Science and Technology from July 1996 to November 1999. Mr. Tan serves as a member of the board of
directors of Actoz. Mr. Tan holds a bachelors degree in chemical engineering from East China
University of Science and Technology.
Danian Chen, one of our co-founders, established Shanda Networking with Tianqiao Chen in
December 1999. Mr. Danian Chen has served as chief operating officer since April 2008 and as a
member of our board of directors since our inception in 1999. Mr. Danian Chen has served as our
senior executive vice president since August 2005 and as our senior vice president from July 2003
to August 2005, and director of products from December 1999 to July 2003. Prior to co-founding
Shanda Networking, Mr. Danian Chen worked in Xinghui International Transport Company, Haijie
Shipping Agency Company and Jinyi Network from September 1996 to November 1999. Mr. Danian Chen is
Tianqiao Chens brother.
93
Qianqian Luo has served as our director since our inception in December 1999. Ms. Luo
previously served as our director of administration from November 1999 to July 2003 and vice
president from July 2003 to February 2004. Ms. Luo served as a project manager at the investment
banking department of Kinghing Trust & Investment Co., Ltd. from 1998 to 1999. Ms. Luo holds a
bachelors degree in economics from Financial & Banking Institute of China. Ms. Luo is married to
Tianqiao Chen.
Jingsheng Huang has served as our director since October 2005. Since October 2005, Mr. Huang
has served as Managing Director at Bain Capital. From January 2002 to September 2005, he was
Managing Director China at SOFTBANK Asia Infrastructure Fund, or SAIF, and served as a director on
the board of twelve SAIF portfolio companies in the technology, telecommunications and media
sectors. Prior to joining SAIF, Mr. Huang was a partner at SUNeVision Ventures. Mr. Huang has also
served as Senior Manager of Strategic Investments at Intel Capital, Director of Asia Pacific
Research Operations at Gartner Group and Vice President of Marketing of Mtone Wireless. Mr. Huang
holds an MBA degree from Harvard Business School, a masters degree in sociology from Stanford
University and a bachelors degree in English from Beijing Foreign Studies University.
Chengyu Xiong has served as our director since October 2005. Dr. Xiong is a professor and
deputy dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University. In addition, Dr.
Xiong serves as the director of both the New Media Studies Center and the Cultural Industries
Center at the School of Journalism. Dr. Xiong received his doctorate degree from Brigham Young
University. Dr Xiong has written, edited and translated numerous books and articles.
Kai Zhao has served as our director since 2009. Mr. Zhao previously served as dean of the
Journalism School of Fudan University, secretary general of the China Communist Party (CCP)
committee of Wenhui-Xinmin United Press Newspaper Group, chief editor of Liberation Daily and
secretary general of the CCP committee of Shanghai Municipal Radio, Film and Television Bureau as
well as in various managerial roles at Shanghai Municipal Radio and Television Bureau, Oriental
Radio Station, Shanghai Peoples Radio Station and Qinghai Daily. Mr. Zhao received a Bachelor of
Arts in Journalism from Fudan University, Shanghai in 1962.
Jin Zhang has served as vice president since June 2009. Prior to joining us, Ms. Zhang held
roles as vice president in Lenovo Group, in charge of Human Resources in Great China, India, Russia
and other global emerging markets. Ms. Zhang has years of experience in human resources management
and was in charge of organization development, C&B management, strategic planning in human
resources from 2002 2009. From 1999 2002, Ms. Zhang held various positions in Lenovo, including
strategy department manager and quality management department manager. Ms. Zhang holds a masters
degree in Management from Renmin University of China.
Grace Wu has served as chief financial officer since November 2007 and as our director since
December 2007. Ms. Wu previously served as our vice president of strategic investments. Prior to
joining us, Ms. Wu was responsible for financial planning and analysis, investor relations and
capital markets activities of AU Optronics Corp. Prior to that, Ms. Wu worked at Goldman Sachs and
Lehman Brothers where she divided her responsibilities between the equity capital markets and
investment banking divisions. Ms. Wu holds a bachelors degree from National Taiwan University and
a Master of International Affairs degree in international banking and finance from Columbia
University.
Haifa Zhu has served as chief investment officer since April 2008. Mr. Zhu previously served
as assistant vice president of investments, director of platform operations, and deputy director of
our new business center. Prior to joining us, Mr. Zhu was responsible for investments at Nuovo
Assets Investment Ltd. from 2001 to 2004. Prior to joining Nuovo Assets, Mr. Zhu worked in
technology management for Shanghai Academy of Science from 1996 to 2001. Mr. Zhu holds a masters
degree in business administration and a bachelors degree from Fudan University.
Danning Mi has served as chief information officer since April 2008. Mr. Mi previously served
as assistant vice president from October 2005 to April 2008. Prior to joining Shanda, Mr. Mi
served in various managerial capacities, including chief information officer, at Founder Technology
Group. Mr. Mi holds a masters in psychology and physics from Beijing Normal University.
94
Duties of Directors
Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a duty of loyalty to act honestly in good faith
with a view to our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the care, diligence
and skills 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 amended and
restated memorandum and articles of association. A shareholder has the right in certain
circumstances in a derivative action in the name of the company 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 meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such
meetings; |
|
|
|
|
implementing shareholders resolutions; |
|
|
|
|
determining our business plans and investment proposals; |
|
|
|
|
formulating our profit distribution plans and loss recovery plans; |
|
|
|
|
determining our debt and finance policies and proposals for the increase or decrease in
our registered capital and the issuance of debentures; |
|
|
|
|
formulating our major acquisition and disposition plans, and plans for merger, division
or dissolution; |
|
|
|
|
proposing amendments to our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association;
and |
|
|
|
|
exercising any other powers conferred by the shareholders meetings or under our amended
and restated memorandum and articles of association. |
Terms of Directors and Executive Officers
Each of our directors holds office until a successor has been duly elected and qualified
unless the director was appointed by the board of directors, in which case such director holds
office until the next following annual meeting of shareholders at which time such director is
eligible for reelection. All of our executive officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion
of our board of directors.
B. COMPENSATION
In 2009, the aggregate cash compensation paid to our directors and executive officers as a
group was RMB16.48 million (US$2.41 million). In addition, an aggregate of 2,865,000 restricted
ordinary shares of Shanda Games were granted to our directors and officers in 2009. We have no
service contracts with any of our directors or executive officers that provide benefits to them
upon termination.
Equity Compensation Plans
In order to promote our success and to increase shareholder value by providing an additional
means to attract, motivate, retain and reward selected directors, employees and other eligible
persons, we have adopted our 2003 Share Incentive Plan and our 2005 Equity Compensation Plan. In
March 2003, our board of directors adopted the 2003 Share Incentive Plan. An aggregate of
13,309,880 ordinary shares were reserved for issuance under the 2003 Plan.
In October 2005, our shareholders approved the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan at our annual
general meeting of shareholders. An aggregate of 7,449,235 ordinary shares, which is equal to
approximately 5.9% of our issued and outstanding ordinary shares as of March 31, 2010, were
reserved for issuance under the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan.
95
The table set forth below summarizes stock option activity under the plans for the years ended
December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Options |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
|
Outstanding |
|
|
(US$) |
|
|
Outstanding |
|
|
(US$) |
|
|
Outstanding |
|
|
(US$) |
|
Outstanding at beginning
of year |
|
|
7,567,237 |
|
|
|
5.55 |
|
|
|
5,257,841 |
|
|
|
7.68 |
|
|
|
4,018,513 |
|
|
|
8.48 |
|
Granted |
|
|
1,080,000 |
|
|
|
14.03 |
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
15.65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(3,009,246 |
) |
|
|
4.60 |
|
|
|
(1,227,728 |
) |
|
|
4.97 |
|
|
|
(1,390,333 |
) |
|
|
7.61 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(370,900 |
) |
|
|
7.42 |
|
|
|
(120,850 |
) |
|
|
15.89 |
|
|
|
(70,004 |
) |
|
|
14.72 |
|
Expired |
|
|
(9,250 |
) |
|
|
15.01 |
|
|
|
(750 |
) |
|
|
15.55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at end of year |
|
|
5,257,841 |
|
|
|
7.68 |
|
|
|
4,018,513 |
|
|
|
8.48 |
|
|
|
2,558,176 |
|
|
|
8.78 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and exercisable at
end of year |
|
|
1,398,925 |
|
|
|
3.98 |
|
|
|
1,838,647 |
|
|
|
6.92 |
|
|
|
1,446,927 |
|
|
|
8.01 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upon the adoption of the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, we ceased granting options pursuant to
the 2003 Share Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2009, options to purchase 4,469,038 ordinary
shares were available for grant under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan and the 2005 Equity
Compensation Plan. The table set forth below summarizes outstanding and exercisable stock options
under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan and the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan as of December 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
Options exercisable at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise Prices |
|
Number |
|
|
Contractual Life |
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
(US$) |
|
Outstanding |
|
|
(years) |
|
|
Exercise Price (US$) |
|
|
Number Outstanding |
|
|
Exercise Price (US$) |
|
1.516 |
|
|
362,831 |
|
|
|
3.25 |
|
|
|
1.516 |
|
|
|
362,831 |
|
|
|
1.516 |
|
5.50 |
|
|
31,149 |
|
|
|
4.25 |
|
|
|
5.50 |
|
|
|
31,149 |
|
|
|
5.50 |
|
6.8505 |
|
|
1,247,110 |
|
|
|
6.50 |
|
|
|
6.8505 |
|
|
|
593,361 |
|
|
|
6.8505 |
|
8.00 |
|
|
35,850 |
|
|
|
4.57 |
|
|
|
8.00 |
|
|
|
35,850 |
|
|
|
8.00 |
|
11.6406 |
|
|
425,702 |
|
|
|
3.31 |
|
|
|
11.6406 |
|
|
|
128,202 |
|
|
|
11.6406 |
|
15.02 |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
4.48 |
|
|
|
15.02 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
15.02 |
|
15.33 |
|
|
83,078 |
|
|
|
5.07 |
|
|
|
15.33 |
|
|
|
83,078 |
|
|
|
15.33 |
|
15.55 |
|
|
42,800 |
|
|
|
5.08 |
|
|
|
15.55 |
|
|
|
42,800 |
|
|
|
15.55 |
|
16.86 |
|
|
29,656 |
|
|
|
5.58 |
|
|
|
16.86 |
|
|
|
29,656 |
|
|
|
16.86 |
|
17.60 |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
4.01 |
|
|
|
17.60 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.60 |
|
18.0287 |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
3.77 |
|
|
|
18.0287 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
18.0287 |
|
18.64 |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
3.79 |
|
|
|
18.64 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
18.64 |
|
19.09 |
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
3.83 |
|
|
|
19.09 |
|
|
|
37,500 |
|
|
|
19.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total: |
|
|
2,558,176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,446,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Both the 2003 Share Incentive Plan and the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan are administered by
our compensation committee, which has the discretion to award equity compensation grants. Subject
to the provisions of the 2003 Share Incentive Plan and the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, including
the limits upon the number of ordinary shares reserved for issuance under these plans, our
compensation committee determines who will receive equity compensation awards, the type and timing
of awards to be granted, vesting schedules, exercise prices and other terms and conditions of the
awards.
96
The table below sets forth the option grants made to our directors and executive officers
pursuant to the plan as of March 31, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Options |
|
|
Per Share Exercise Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Granted |
|
|
(in US$) |
|
|
Date of Grant |
|
|
Date of Expiration |
|
Tianqiao Chen |
|
|
266,198 |
|
|
|
1.516 |
|
|
March 31, 2003 |
|
March 31, 2013 |
Danian Chen |
|
|
266,198 |
|
|
|
1.516 |
|
|
March 31, 2003 |
|
March 31, 2013 |
Qianqian Luo |
|
|
266,198 |
|
|
|
1.516 |
|
|
March 31, 2003 |
|
March 31, 2013 |
Jingsheng Huang |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
1.516 |
|
|
March 31, 2003 |
|
March 31, 2013 |
Qunzhao Tan |
|
|
2,129,581 |
|
|
|
1.516 |
|
|
March 31, 2003 |
|
March 31, 2013 |
Qunzhao Tan |
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
6.8505 |
|
|
June 28, 2006 |
|
June 28, 2016 |
Grace Wu |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
18.0287 |
|
|
October 8, 2007 |
|
October 8, 2013 |
Haifa Zhu |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
March 1, 2004 |
|
March 1, 2014 |
Haifa Zhu |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
15.55 |
|
|
January 28, 2005 |
|
January 28, 2015 |
Haifa Zhu |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
6.8505 |
|
|
June 28, 2006 |
|
June 28, 2016 |
Haifa Zhu |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
11.6406 |
|
|
March 24, 2007 |
|
March 24, 2013 |
Danning Mi |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
16.86 |
|
|
August 1, 2005 |
|
August 1, 2015 |
Danning Mi |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
6.8505 |
|
|
June 28, 2006 |
|
June 28, 2016 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Upon exercise of all options granted, would beneficially own less than 1% of our outstanding
ordinary shares. |
In November 2008, Shanda Games adopted its 2008 Equity Compensation Plan which provides for
the issuance of up to 44,000,000 shares.
Our 2008 Equity Compensation Plan is administered by Shanda Gamess compensation committee,
which has the discretion to award equity compensation grants. Subject to the provisions of the 2008
Equity Compensation Plan, including the limits upon the number of ordinary shares reserved for
issuance under these plans, Shanda Gamess compensation committee determines who will receive
equity compensation awards, the type and timing of awards to be granted, vesting schedules,
exercise prices and other terms and conditions of the awards.
The table below sets forth the option grants made to our directors and executive officers
pursuant to the Shanda Games 2008 Equity Compensation Plan as of March 31, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Class A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shanda Games to be |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued Upon Exercise of |
|
|
Per Class A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Options |
|
|
Ordinary Share |
|
|
Date of Grant |
|
|
Date of Expiration |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in US$) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qunzhao Tan |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
3.40 |
|
|
March 19, 2010 |
|
March 19, 2020 |
|
|
|
* |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
September 7, 2009 |
|
September 7, 2019 |
Danian Chen |
|
|
* |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
September 7, 2009 |
|
September 7, 2019 |
Jingsheng Huang |
|
|
* |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
September 7, 2009 |
|
September 7, 2019 |
Chengyu Xiong |
|
|
* |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
September 7, 2009 |
|
September 7, 2019 |
Zhao Kai |
|
|
* |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
September 7, 2009 |
|
September 7, 2019 |
Jin Zhang |
|
|
* |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
September 7, 2009 |
|
September 7, 2019 |
Grace Wu |
|
|
* |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
September 7, 2009 |
|
September 7, 2019 |
Haifa Zhu |
|
|
* |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
September 7, 2009 |
|
September 7, 2019 |
Danning Mi |
|
|
* |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
September 7, 2009 |
|
September 7, 2019 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Upon exercise of all options granted, would beneficially own less than 1% of our outstanding
ordinary shares. |
|
(1) |
|
Restricted shares. |
For a description of our past stock option compensation expense and recent accounting changes,
see Item 5 Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsA. Operating ResultsCritical Accounting
PoliciesShare-based Compensation.
97
C. BOARD PRACTICES
Term and Severance Provisions of Directors and Executive Officers
Each of our directors holds office until a successor has been duly elected and qualified
unless the director was appointed by the board of directors, in which case such director holds
office until the next following annual meeting of shareholders at which time such director is
eligible for reelection. All of our executive officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion
of our board of directors. We have no service contracts with any of our directors or executive
officers that provide benefits to them upon termination.
Our board has determined that three members of our board of directors, namely Mr. Huang, Mr.
Xiong and Mr. Wu, are independent as that term is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ
Marketplace Rules.
Board Committees
Our board of directors has established an audit committee and a compensation committee.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee currently consists of Jingsheng Huang, Chengyu Xiong and Kai Zhao. Our
board of directors has determined that all of our audit committee members are independent directors
within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and meet the criteria for
independence set forth in Section 10A(m)(3)(B)(i) of the Exchange Act.
Our audit committee is responsible for, among other things:
|
|
|
selecting the independent auditors and preapproving all auditing and nonauditing
services permitted to be performed by the independent auditors; |
|
|
|
annually reviewing an independent auditors report describing the auditing firms
internal quality-control procedures, any material issues raised by the most recent internal
quality-control review, or peer review, of the independent auditors and all relationships
between the independent auditors and our company; |
|
|
|
|
setting clear hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent
auditors; |
|
|
|
|
reviewing with the 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; |
|
|
|
|
discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and the independent
auditors; |
|
|
|
|
discussing with management and the independent auditors major issues regarding
accounting principles and financial statement presentations; |
|
|
|
|
reviewing reports prepared by management or the independent auditors relating to
significant financial reporting issues and judgments; |
|
|
|
|
discussing earnings press releases, as well as financial information and earnings
guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies; |
|
|
|
|
reviewing with management and the independent auditors the effect of regulatory and
accounting initiatives, as well as off-balance sheet structures on our financial
statements; |
|
|
|
|
discussing policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management; |
|
|
|
|
reviewing major issues as to the adequacy of our internal controls and any special audit
steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies; |
98
|
|
|
timely reviewing reports from the independent auditors regarding all critical accounting
policies and practices to be used by our company, all alternative treatments of financial
information within GAAP that have been discussed with management and all other material
written communications between the independent auditors and management; |
|
|
|
|
establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received
from our employees regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters and the
confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable
accounting or auditing matters; |
|
|
|
|
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, periodically, with management, the internal auditors and the
independent auditors; and |
|
|
|
|
reporting regularly to the full board of directors. |
Compensation Committee
Our current compensation committee consists of Tianqiao Chen and Qianqian Luo. Neither Mr.
Chen nor Ms. Luo satisfy the independence requirements of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules or meet
the criteria for independence set forth in Section 10A(m)(3)(B)(i) of the Exchange Act. This home
country practice of ours was established by our board of directors by reference to similarly
situated issuers and differs from Rule 5605(d)(1)(B) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules that requires
the compensation committees of U.S. companies to consist solely of independent directors. There
are, however, no specific requirements under Cayman Islands law on the composition of our
compensation committee. Our compensation committee is responsible for:
|
|
|
reviewing and making recommendations to our board of directors regarding our
compensation policies and forms of compensation provided to our directors and officers,
including our chief executive officer; |
|
|
|
|
reviewing and determining bonuses for our officers and other employees; |
|
|
|
|
reviewing and determining stock-based compensation for our directors, officers,
employees and consultants; |
|
|
|
|
administering our equity incentive plans in accordance with the terms thereof; and |
|
|
|
|
such other matters that are specifically delegated to the compensation committee by our
board of directors from time to time. |
D. EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, we had 2,564, 3,124 and 5,721 full-time employees,
respectively. The following table sets forth the number of our employees by business line as of
December 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Percent |
|
Headquarters |
|
|
465 |
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
Shanda Online |
|
|
1,389 |
|
|
|
24.3 |
|
Shanda Games |
|
|
1,959 |
|
|
|
34.2 |
|
Hurray! and certain of its affiliates |
|
|
397 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
|
Others |
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
|
26.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
5,721 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99
As required by PRC regulations, we participate in various employee benefit plans that are
organized by municipal and provincial governments, including housing, pension, medical and
unemployment benefit plans. We are required under PRC law to make contributions to the employee
benefit plans at specified percentages of the salaries, bonuses and certain allowances of our
employees, up to a maximum amount specified by the local government from time to time. Members of
the retirement plan are entitled to a pension equal to a fixed proportion of the salary prevailing
at the members retirement date. In addition to the benefits that we are required to provide to our
employees pursuant to PRC regulations, we also provide life insurance and supplemental medical and
housing insurance. The total amount of contributions we made to employee benefit plans in 2007,
2008 and 2009 were RMB37.0 million, RMB46.1 million and RMB71.8 million (US$10.5 million),
respectively.
We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our employees and we have not
experienced any significant labor disputes or any difficulty in recruiting staff for our
operations.
We enter into a standard annual employment contract with most of our officers, managers and
employees. These contracts include a covenant that prohibits the officer, manager or employee from
engaging in any activities that compete with our business during, and for one to two years after
the period of their employment with us.
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP
Please see Item 7.A.
Item 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership, within
the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange
Act, of our ordinary shares, as of March 31, 2010:
|
|
|
each person known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of our ordinary shares; and |
|
|
|
|
each of our directors and executive officers who beneficially own ordinary shares within
the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act. |
Beneficial ownership includes voting or investment power with respect to the securities.
Except as indicated below, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in
the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all ordinary shares shown as
beneficially owned by them. Percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 125,549,424 ordinary
shares outstanding as of March 31, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Beneficially Owned |
|
Name |
|
Number |
|
|
Percentage of Total |
|
Tianqiao Chen(1) |
|
|
62,454,538 |
|
|
|
49.7 |
% |
Premium Lead Company Limited(2) |
|
|
60,000,000 |
|
|
|
47.8 |
% |
Crystal Day Holdings Limited(3) |
|
|
11,938,212 |
|
|
|
9.5 |
% |
FMR LLC(4) |
|
|
15,714,114 |
|
|
|
12.5 |
% |
Orbis Group(5) |
|
|
13,732,752 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
% |
Qianqian Luo(6) |
|
|
2,454,538 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
% |
Jingsheng Huang |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Qunzhao Tan(7) |
|
|
1,468,781 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
% |
Danian Chen(8) |
|
|
1,156,270 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
% |
Grace Wu |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Haifa Zhu |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Danning Mi |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Upon exercise of all options currently exercisable or vesting within 60 days of the date of
this table, would beneficially own less than 1% of our ordinary shares. |
100
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents 60,000,000 ordinary shares owned by Premium Lead and 2,454,538 ordinary shares,
comprised of 1,227,269 ADSs, held by DBS Trustees Limited acting as trustees of the Jade Trust.
Ordinary shares held by DBS Trustees Limited acting as trustees of the Jade Trust are held for the
benefit of Tianqiao Chen and his family members. The number of shares was taken from the Schedule
13G filed with the SEC by Tianqiao Chen on January 15, 2008. The percentage of beneficial ownership
was calculated based on the amount of our ordinary shares outstanding as of March 31, 2010. |
|
(2) |
|
Tianqiao Chen is the sole shareholder of Shanda Media Limited, which owns 60% of First
Step Investment Limited. First Step Investment Limited owns 60% of Premium Lead. Tianqiao Chen is a
director of First Step Investment Limited and Premium Lead. The number of shares was taken from the
Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by Premium Lead on January 15, 2008. The percentage of beneficial
ownership was calculated based on the amount of our ordinary shares outstanding as of March 31,
2010. |
|
(3) |
|
Crystal Day Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong corporation, is wholly-owned by Silver Rose
Investment Limited. Silver Rose Investment Limited is a British Virgin Islands corporation, which
in turn is wholly-owned by HSBC International Trustee Limited acting as trustee of The C&T Trust.
The number of shares was taken from the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by Crystal Day Holdings
Limited on January 7, 2008. The percentage of beneficial ownership was calculated based on the
amount of our ordinary shares outstanding as of March 31, 2010. |
|
(4) |
|
The number of shares was taken from the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by FMR LLC on
February 16, 2010. The percentage of beneficial ownership was calculated based on the amount of our
ordinary shares outstanding as of March 31, 2010. |
|
(5) |
|
The number of shares was taken from the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by Orbis Group on
January 11, 2010. The percentage of beneficial ownership was calculated based on the amount of our
ordinary shares outstanding as of March 31, 2010. |
|
(6) |
|
Represents 2,454,538 ordinary shares, comprised of 1,227,269 ADSs, held by DBS Trustees
Limited acting as trustees of the Jade Trust. Ordinary shares held by DBS Trustees Limited acting
as trustees of the Jade Trust are held for the benefit of Tianqiao Chen and his family members. Ms.
Luo is our director and the wife of Tianqiao Chen, our chairman and chief executive officer. |
|
(7) |
|
These ordinary shares, or stock options to purchase ordinary shares, are held by DBS
Trustees Limited acting as Trustees of the Three Gorges Trust for the benefit of Qunzhao Tan and
his family members. |
|
(8) |
|
Represents 1,156,270 ordinary shares, comprised of 198,000 ordinary shares and 479,135
ADSs, held by DBS Trustees Limited acting as trustees of the Chi Feng Trust. Ordinary shares held
by DBS Trustees Limited acting as trustees of the Chi Feng Trust are held for the benefit of Danian
Chen and his family members. |
None of our existing shareholders have 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. As of March 31, 2010, of the 125,549,424 issued and outstanding
ordinary shares, approximately 50% of those ordinary shares were held in the United States in the
form of ADSs by nine registered ADS holders.
B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Shanda Computer/Shanda Networking Arrangements
In order to comply with PRC regulations, as of the date of this annual report, we operate our
service platform business in China through Shanda Networking, a company wholly-owned by Tianqiao
Chen and Danian Chen, who are our founders and are also PRC citizens. We have entered into VIE
agreements with Shanda Networking and its shareholders. The VIE agreements may only be amended
with the approval of the audit committee of our board of directors.
101
Shareholder Rights and Corporate Governance
Transfer of Ownership when Permitted by Law. On December 30, 2003, Shengqu entered into a
purchase option and cooperation agreement, or the purchase option agreement, with Tianqiao Chen,
Danian Chen and Shanda Networking. Effective as of July 1, 2008, Shengqu assigned the purchase
option agreement to Shanda Computer. Due to the assignment, Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen jointly
granted Shanda Computer an exclusive option to purchase all of their equity interest in Shanda
Networking, and Shanda Networking granted Shanda Computer an exclusive option to purchase all of
its assets if and when (1) such purchase is permitted under applicable PRC law or (2) to the extent
permitted by law, with respect to his individual interest, either Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen
ceases to be a director or employee of Shanda Networking or desires to transfer his equity interest
in Shanda Networking to a third party. Shanda Computer may purchase such interest or assets by
itself or designate another party to purchase such interest or assets. The exercise price of the
option will be the lowest price permitted by PRC law, or a pro rata portion thereof for a purchase
of a portion of the equity interest in, or assets of, Shanda Networking. Shanda Computer will bear
the tax consequences of Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen caused by any exercise by Shanda Computer of
the option to purchase the equity interest in Shanda Networking. Following any exercise of the
option, the parties will enter into a definitive share or asset purchase agreement and other
related transfer documents within 30 days after written notice of exercise is delivered. Pursuant
to the purchase option agreement, at all times before Shanda Computer acquires 100% of Shanda
Networkings shares or assets, Shanda Networking may not (1) sell, transfer, assign, dispose of in
any manner or create any encumbrance in any form on any of its assets unless such sale, transfer,
assignment, disposal or encumbrance relates to the daily operation of Shanda Networking or has been
disclosed and consented to in writing by Shengqu; (2) enter into any transaction which may have a
material effect on Shanda Networking assets, liabilities, operations, equity or other legal
interests unless such transaction relates to the daily operation of Shanda Networking or has been
disclosed and consented to in writing by Shanda Computer; and (3) distribute any dividends to its
shareholders in any manner, and Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen may not cause Shanda Networking to
amend its articles of association to the extent such amendment may have a material effect on Shanda
Networkings assets, liabilities, operations, equity or other legal interests except for pro rata
increases of registered capital required by law.
Voting Arrangement. Pursuant to two proxies executed and delivered by Tianqiao Chen and Danian
Chen to Shanda Computer by Shanda Computer, on July 1, 2008, Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen have
granted Shanda Computer or any person designated by Shengqu the power to exercise their rights as
the shareholders of Shanda Networking.
Share Pledge Agreement. Pursuant to a share pledge agreement, dated July 1, 2008, Tianqiao
Chen and Danian Chen have pledged all of their equity interest in Shanda Networking to Shanda
Computer to secure the payment obligations of Shanda Networking under all of the agreements between
Shanda Networking and Shanda Computer. Under this agreement, Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen have
agreed not to transfer, assign, pledge or in other manner dispose of their interests in Shanda
Networking or create any other encumbrance on their interests in Shanda Networking which may have a
material effect on Shanda Computers interests without the written consent of Shengqu.
Other Related Party Transactions
Game License Agreements with Actoz. On November 26, 2008, Shanda Games entered into an
agreement with Actoz to extend the term of our exclusive license to operate Mir II in China for up
to eight years. Shanda Games has also entered into agreements with Actoz for an exclusive license
to operate other online games in China, such as Lazeska. Shanda Games currently owns approximately
52.0% of the outstanding stock of Actoz.
Sale of Equity Interest of Actoz. On May 29, 2009, we entered into an agreement to sell all
of our ordinary shares in Actoz, which represented 53.8% of the outstanding shares of Actoz, to
Shanda Games in consideration for approximately US$70.2 million in cash.
Operational Agreements.
|
|
|
Shengfutong, which is a subsidiary of Shanda Networking, and the Shulong entities
entered into a sales agency agreement pursuant to which Shengfutong has agreed, for a
period of five years commencing on July 1, 2008, to be the exclusive sales agency of the Shulong entities for the
distribution of pre-paid cards which can be used to access and play Shanda Gamess
MMORPGs and advanced casual games on Shanda Onlines integrated service platform.
Shanda Games has agreed to pay the Shanda Networking entities an amount equal to the difference between (x)
the amount Shengfutong receives from distributors or users from the sale of the pre-paid
cards and (y) a fixed percentage of the face value of a pre-paid card as agreed upon
between Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and Shanda Games. |
102
|
|
|
Shanda Networking and Nanjing Shanda, on the one hand, and the Shulong entities, on
the other hand, entered into a cooperation agreement which provides that Shanda
Networking and Nanjing Shanda should provide certain online e-commerce platform
services to Shanda Games for a period of five years commencing on July 1, 2008. The
services Shanda Networking and Nanjing Shanda have agreed to provide Shanda Games
include, among others, online billing and payment, user authentication, customer
service, anti-fatigue compliance, pre-paid card marketing and distribution and data
support services. Shanda Games will pay Shanda Networking a fee which is equal to a
fixed percentage of the portion of the face value of the pre-paid cards that are used
in Shanda Gamess MMORPGs and advanced casual games. |
Item 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Consolidated Financial Statements
Please see Item 18. Financial Statements for our audited consolidated financial statements
filed as a part of this annual report.
Legal Proceedings
We are not involved in any legal matters that management believes will have a material adverse
effect on our business.
Dividend Policy
We do not expect to pay dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future. We
currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation and
expansion of our business, and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our ordinary shares,
or indirectly on our ADSs, for the foreseeable future.
Future cash dividends, if any, will be declared at the discretion of our board of directors
and will depend upon our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general
financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors as our board of directors may deem
relevant.
Holders of ADSs will be entitled to receive dividends, subject to the terms of the deposit
agreement, to the same extent as the holders of our ordinary shares, less the fees and expenses
payable under the deposit agreement. Cash dividends will be paid by the depositary to holders of
ADSs in U.S. dollars, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement. Other distributions, if any,
will be paid by the depositary to holders of ADSs in any means it deems legal, fair and practical.
B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
Since the date of the audited financial statements included as a part of this annual report,
the following significant changes have occurred:
In January 2010, Hurray! completed its acquisition of Ku6, an online video site in China.
In January 2010, Shanda Games acquired Goldcool Holdings Limited, a Shanghai-based online game
developer and operator.
103
In January 2010, Shanda Games acquired Mochi Media, a leading platform for distributing and
monetizing browser-based games worldwide.
In April 2010, Shanda Literature acquired 55% of the outstanding shares of Beijing Wangwen
Xinyue Technology Co., Ltd., or Readnovel, which operates Readnovel.com.
In May 2010, Shanda Literature acquired 70% of the equity interest of Suzhou Jingwei Network
Technology Co., Ltd., which operates the online literature website www.xxsy.com.
In May 2010, Hurray! announced that it agreed to sell all of its equity interest in Huayi
Music to Huayi Brothers Media Corporation for an aggregate consideration of RMB34.5 million.
Concurrently, Hurray! announced that it has terminated its agreements with Beijing Brothers
ShengShi Enterprise Management Co., Ltd. and Beijing QiXinWeiYe Culture Development Co., Ltd.,
which were entered into when Hurray! purchased its equity interest in Huayi Music.
Item 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS
Price Range of American Depositary Shares
Our ADSs, each representing two of our ordinary shares, have been listed on The NASDAQ Global
Market since May 13, 2004. Our ADSs trade under the symbol SNDA. The following table provides the
high and low sale prices for our ADSs on The NASDAQ Global Select Market for (1) the years 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, (2) each of the quarters since the first quarter of 2008, and (3) each
of the most recent six months. On May 14, 2010, the last reported sale price for our ADSs was
US$43.50 per ADS.
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Market Price (US$) |
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High |
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Low |
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Yearly highs and lows |
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Year 2005 |
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42.90 |
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14.80 |
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Year 2006 |
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22.21 |
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12.23 |
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Year 2007 |
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39.89 |
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20.59 |
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Year 2008 |
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37.60 |
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21.08 |
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Year 2009 |
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63.66 |
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26.19 |
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Quarterly highs and lows: |
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First quarter 2008 |
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34.89 |
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25.91 |
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Second quarter 2008 |
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37.60 |
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26.44 |
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Third quarter 2008 |
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30.74 |
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22.06 |
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Fourth quarter 2008 |
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32.36 |
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21.08 |
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First quarter 2009 |
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39.53 |
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26.19 |
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Second quarter 2009 |
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63.66 |
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40.80 |
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Third quarter 2009 |
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61.93 |
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45.40 |
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Fourth quarter 2009 |
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53.14 |
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40.34 |
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First quarter 2010 |
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59.00 |
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38.50 |
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Second quarter 2010 (April 1, 2010 through May 14, 2010) |
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46.34 |
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42.38 |
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Monthly highs and lows: |
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November 2009 |
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50.41 |
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45.20 |
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December 2009 |
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53.14 |
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50.38 |
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January 2010 |
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59.00 |
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46.06 |
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February 2010 |
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49.60 |
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44.96 |
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March 2010 |
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44.98 |
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38.50 |
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April 2010 |
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46.34 |
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43.32 |
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May 2010 (May 1, 2010 through May 14, 2010) |
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46.00 |
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42.38 |
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B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Not applicable.
C. MARKETS
Our ADSs, each representing two of our ordinary shares, have been listed on The NASDAQ Global
Market since May 13, 2004 under the symbol SNDA.
D. SELLING SHAREHOLDER
Not applicable.
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E. DILUTION
Not applicable.
F. EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE
Not applicable.
Item 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. SHARE CAPITAL
Not applicable.
B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
We incorporate by reference into this annual report the description of our amended and
restated memorandum and articles of association contained in our registration statement on Form F-1
(File No. 333-114177) filed with the SEC on May 7, 2004.
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
We have not entered into any material contracts other than in the ordinary course of business
or other than those described in Item 4. Information on the Company and elsewhere in this annual
report.
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS
Most of our revenues are denominated in Renminbi, while a portion of our expenditures are
denominated in foreign currencies, primarily the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in exchange rates,
particularly those involving the U.S. dollar, and the Korean Won, may affect our costs and
operating margins. In addition, these fluctuations could result in exchange losses and increased
costs in Renminbi terms. Where our operations conducted in Renminbi are reported in dollars, such
fluctuations could result in changes in reported results which do not reflect changes in the
underlying operations. Since January 1, 1994, the PRC government has used a unitary managed
floating rate system. Under that system, the Peoples Bank of China, or PBOC, publishes a daily
base exchange rate with reference primarily to the supply and demand of the Renminbi against the
U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies in the market during the previous day. Authorized banks
and financial institutions are allowed to quote buy and sell rates for Renminbi within a specified
bank around the central banks daily exchange rate. On July 21, 2005, PBOC announced an adjustment
of the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to Renminbi from 1:8.27 to 1:8.11 and modified the system
by which the exchange rates are determined. While the international reaction to the Renminbi
revaluation has generally been positive, there remains significant international pressure on the
PRC government to adopt an even more flexible currency policy, which could result in a further
reevaluation and a significant fluctuation of the exchange rate of the Renminbi against the U.S.
dollar, including possible devaluations. As most of our revenues are denominated in Renminbi, such
a potential future devaluation of the Renminbi against the U.S. dollar could negatively impact our
results of operations.
In October 2005, SAFE promulgated regulations that require registration with local SAFE in
connection with direct or indirect offshore investment by PRC residents, including PRC individual
residents and PRC corporate entities. These regulations apply to our shareholders who are PRC
residents and also apply to our prior and future offshore acquisitions.
The SAFE regulations retroactively require registration by March 31, 2006 of direct or
indirect investments previously made by PRC residents in offshore companies. If a PRC resident with
a direct or indirect stake in an offshore parent company fails to make the required SAFE
registration, the PRC subsidiaries of such offshore parent company may be prohibited from making
distributions of profit to the offshore parent and from paying the offshore parent proceeds from
any reduction in capital, share transfer or liquidation in respect of the PRC subsidiaries.
Further, failure to comply with various SAFE registration requirements described above could result
in liability under PRC law for foreign exchange evasion.
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For more information about foreign exchange control and other foreign exchange regulations in
China, see Risk Factors in Item 3.
E. TAXATION
The following is a general summary of certain Cayman Islands, PRC and U.S. federal income tax
considerations relevant to holders of our ADSs. The discussion is not intended to be, nor should it
be construed as, legal or tax advice to any particular holder of our ADSs. The discussion is based
on laws and relevant interpretations thereof in effect as of the date hereof, all of which are
subject to change or different interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion
does not address U.S. state or local tax laws, or tax laws of jurisdictions other than the Cayman
Islands and the United States.
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 or withholding tax applicable to us or to any holder of our securities. 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 after execution brought within
the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands. No stamp duty is payable in the Cayman Islands on transfers
of shares of Cayman Islands companies except those which hold interests in land in 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.
Pursuant to Section 6 of the Tax Concessions Law (1999 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, the
Company has obtained an undertaking from the Governor-in-Council:
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that no law which is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax to be
levied on profits or income or gains or appreciation shall apply to the Company or its
operations; and |
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(2) |
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that the aforesaid tax or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance
tax shall not be payable on the shares, debentures or other obligations of the Company. |
The undertaking for the Company is for a period of twenty years from November 25, 2003.
Peoples Republic of China Taxation
In 2007, China passed a new Enterprise Income Tax Law, or the New EIT Law, and its
implementing rules, both of which became effective on January 1, 2008. The New EIT Law created a
new resident enterprise classification, which, if applied to us, would impose a 10% withholding
tax on dividends payable to our non-PRC shareholders and, while less clear, with respect to gains
derived by our non-PRC shareholders from disposition of our shares or ADSs, if such dividends or
gains are determined to have been derived from sources within China. The New EIT Law and its
implementing rules are unclear as to how to determine the sources of such dividends or gains. See
Risk FactorsRisk Relating to Our ADSsWe may be required to withhold PRC income tax on the
dividends we pay you (if any), and any gain you realize on the transfer of our ordinary shares
and/or ADSs may also be subject to PRC withholding tax.
If we are not deemed as a resident enterprise, then dividends payable to our non-PRC
shareholders and gains from disposition of our shares of ADSs by our non-PRC shareholders will not
be subject to PRC income tax withholding.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation
The following summary describes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and
disposing of our ADSs as of the date hereof, but it does not purport to be a comprehensive
description of all tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular persons decision to
hold our ADSs. The discussion is applicable to U.S. Holders (as defined below) who hold our ADSs as
capital assets. As used herein, the term U.S. Holder means a holder of an ADS that is for U.S.
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 U.S. federal income tax
purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state
thereof or the District of Columbia; |
106
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an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. 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 U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial
decisions of the trust or (2) has a valid election in effect under applicable U.S.
Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
This summary does not describe all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be
applicable to you if you are subject to special treatment under the U.S. 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; |
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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 entity, including an individual retirement account or Roth IRA; |
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a person holding our 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 10% or more of our voting stock; |
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a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes; |
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a person whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar; or |
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a person who has acquired our ADSs pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock
option or otherwise as compensation. |
The discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the Code), and proposed, temporary and final 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 U.S. 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 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 ADSs, you should consult your tax advisors.
This summary does not contain a detailed description of all the U.S. federal income tax
consequences to you in light of your particular circumstances. If you are considering the purchase,
ownership or disposition of our ADSs, you should consult your own tax advisors concerning the U.S.
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 American depositary shares and the issuer of the security underlying the American
depositary shares may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax
credits for U.S. holders of American depositary shares. 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 described availability of the reduced tax rate for
dividends received by certain non-corporate holders below could be affected by actions taken by
intermediaries in the chain of ownership between the holder of an ADS and our company.
107
ADSs
If you hold ADSs, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, you generally will be treated as the
owner of the underlying ordinary shares that are represented by such ADSs. Accordingly, deposits or
withdrawals of ordinary shares for ADSs will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.
Taxation of Dividends
We do not anticipate paying dividends on our ordinary shares or indirectly on our ADSs, in the
foreseeable future. See Dividend Policy in Item 8.
Subject to the Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules discussion below, the gross amount
of distributions on the ADSs will be taxable as dividends, to the extent paid out of our current or
accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. We do not
expect to maintain earnings and profits calculations in accordance with U.S. federal income tax
principles. Therefore, it is expected that a distribution will generally be reported as a dividend.
Such income will be includable in your gross income as ordinary income on the day actually or
constructively received by the depositary. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends
received deduction allowed to corporations under the Code.
Subject to the description above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury and subject
to applicable limitations, dividends paid to certain non-corporate U.S. investors in taxable years
beginning before January 1, 2011 may be taxable at a maximum of 15%. You should consult your own
tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced tax rate on dividends 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 U.S. 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, and the balance in excess of adjusted basis will be taxed as capital
gain recognized on a sale or exchange. However, we do not expect to keep earnings and profits in
accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles. Therefore, you should expect that a
distribution will generally be treated as a dividend (as discussed above).
As described in Taxation Peoples Republic of China Taxation, if we were deemed to be a
resident enterprise under PRC tax law, dividends paid with respect to our ADSs might be subject to
PRC withholding taxes. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of a dividend would include
any amounts withheld by us in respect of PRC taxes. The amount of the dividend generally will be
treated as foreign-source dividend income to you and will not be eligible for the
dividends-received deduction generally available to U.S. corporations under the Code. Subject to
applicable limitations (including, among other things, a specified minimum holding period for the
ADSs during which you are not protected from risk of loss), and in the case of ADSs subject to the
discussion above regarding concerns expressed by the U.S. Treasury, any PRC income taxes withheld
from dividends will be creditable against the your U.S. federal income tax liability. The rules
governing foreign tax credits are complex, and you should consult your tax advisors regarding the
creditability of foreign taxes in your particular circumstances. Instead of claiming a credit, you
may, at your election, deduct such PRC taxes, if any, in computing taxable income. An election to
deduct foreign taxes instead of claiming foreign tax credits must apply to all taxes paid or
accrued in the taxable year to foreign countries and possessions of the United States.
Taxation of Capital Gains
For U.S. federal income tax purposes and subject to the discussion under Passive Foreign
Investment Company below, you will recognize taxable gain or loss on any sale or exchange of ADSs
in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized for the ADSs and your tax basis in
the ADSs. 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 U.S.-source gain or loss.
108
As described in TaxationPeoples Republic of China Taxation, if we were deemed to be a
resident enterprise under PRC tax law, gains from dispositions of our ADSs may be subject to PRC
withholding tax. In that case, your amount realized would include the gross amount of the proceeds
of the sale or disposition before
deduction of the PRC tax. Although any such gain of yours would generally be characterized as
U.S.-source income, if you are eligible for the benefits of the income tax treaty between the
United States and the PRC you may be able to elect to treat the disposition gain as foreign-source
gain for foreign tax credit purposes. You should consult your tax advisors regarding your
eligibility for benefits under the income tax treaty between the United States and the PRC and the
creditability of any PRC withholding tax on disposition of gains in your particular circumstances.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
It is not clear whether or not we were a passive foreign investment company (a PFIC) for the
taxable year ending December 31, 2009, and whether or not we are or will be one in the future.
That determination is subject to uncertainty because it is not clear how the VIE agreements between
the PRC operating companies and us will be treated for purposes of the PFIC rules, and because of
the uncertainty with respect to the valuation of our assets as well as the uncertain
characterization of our assets and income, including goodwill, for purposes of the PFIC rules.
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 on a quarterly basis) 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.
PFIC classification is tested annually. Accordingly, it is possible that we may be a PFIC in
the current or any future taxable year due to 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. If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which you hold
our ADSs, you will be subject to special tax rules discussed below.
Provided that you do not make a mark-to-market election described below, if we are a PFIC for
any taxable year during which you hold our ADSs, 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. Distributions received in a taxable year will be treated
as excess distributions to the extent they exceed 125% of the average annual distributions received
during the shorter of the three preceding taxable years or your holding period for the ADSs. 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; |
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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. Holders will not be eligible for reduced rates of taxation on
any dividends paid by us in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2011, 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 in any year in which we
are classified as a PFIC.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year and any of our foreign subsidiaries is also a PFIC, a
U.S. 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.
109
Alternative treatment will be available if you make a valid 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 will be 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.
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 each 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. 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 advisors about the availability of the mark-to-market election and whether
making the election would be advisable in your particular circumstances.
We do not intend to provide information necessary for you to make a qualified electing fund
election, which if available would result in tax treatment different from the general tax treatment
for PFICs described above (which alternative tax treatment could, in certain circumstances,
mitigate the adverse tax consequences of holding shares in a PFIC).
You are urged to consult your tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences
of holding ADSs if we are considered a PFIC in any taxable year.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
In general, information reporting will apply to dividends in respect of our ADSs and the
proceeds from the sale, exchange or redemption of our ADSs 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. Backup withholding 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.
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a
credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability provided the required information is timely
furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
F. DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS
Not applicable.
G. STATEMENTS BY EXPERTS
Not applicable.
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-1, a registration statement on
Form F-6, a registration statement on Form F-3, and a registration statement on Form 8-A, including
relevant exhibits and schedules under the Securities Act, covering the ordinary shares represented
by the ADSs, as well as the ADSs. You should refer to our registration statements and their
exhibits and schedules if you would like to find out more about us and about the ADSs and the
ordinary shares represented by the ADSs. This annual report summarizes material provisions of
contracts and other documents to which we refer you. Since the annual report may not contain all
the information that you may find important, you should review a full text of these documents.
110
The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information
about issuers, such as us, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of that site is
http://www.sec.gov. The information on that website is not a part of this annual report.
We will furnish to The Bank of New York, Mellon, as depositary of our ADSs, copies of our
annual report. When the depositary receives these reports, it will upon our request promptly
provide them to all holders of record of ADSs by e-mail. Hard copies of our annual report will be
provided on demand. We will also furnish the depositary with all notices of shareholders meetings
and other reports and communications in English that we make available to our shareholders. The
depositary will make these notices, reports and communications available to holders of ADSs and
will upon our request mail to all holders of record of ADSs the information contained in any notice
of a shareholders meeting it receives.
We are subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Exchange Act
as applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we will be required to file reports,
including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC. As a foreign private
issuer, we are exempt from the rules of the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of
proxy statements to shareholders. The registration statements, reports and other information so
filed can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room
1580, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents upon
payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for
further information on the operation of the public reference rooms.
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
Not applicable.
Item 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated by
excess cash invested in demand deposits, investments in fixed deposits with maturity over three
months, PRC government and PRC corporate bonds, and interest expenses to be incurred, if we seek to
obtain a credit facility to satisfy our cash requirement for repurchase of our convertible notes.
We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio in order to reduce
interest rate risk. Interest earning instruments carry a degree of interest rate risk. However, our
future interest income may change, subject to market interest rate movement.
Foreign Currency Risk
Most of our revenues and expenses are denominated in Renminbi, with a portion in U.S. dollar
and Korean Won. We have not had any material foreign exchange gains or losses. Although in general,
our exposure to foreign exchange risks should be limited, the value of your investment in our ADSs
will be affected by the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollars and Renminbi because the value
of our business is effectively denominated in Renminbi, while the ADSs will be traded in U.S.
dollars. Furthermore, a decline in the value of the Renminbi could reduce the U.S. dollar
equivalent of the value of the earnings from, and our investments in, our PRC companies. Based on
the amount of our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2009, a 10% change in the exchange
rates between the Renminbi and the U.S. dollar would result in an increase or decrease of RMB730
million (US$106.9 million) of our total amount of cash and cash equivalents.
In China, very limited hedging transactions are available to reduce our exposure to exchange
rate fluctuations. To date, we have not entered into any hedging transactions in an effort to
reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. While we may decide to enter into hedging
transactions in the future, the availability and effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and
we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure at all. See Exchange Controls in Item 10,
Additional Information.
111
Item 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
D. American Depositary Shares
The Bank of New York, Mellon is our Depositary for our American Depositary Receipt (ADR)
program. The Depositarys office is located at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York, 10286,
U.S.A. Our ADRs are traded under the code SNDA on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Each of our
ADRs represents two shares of par value US$0.01 per share.
Holders of our ADRs may have to pay to the Depositary, either directly or indirectly, fees or
charges up to the amounts set forth below:
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Persons depositing or withdrawing shares or
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surrendering or being issued ADRs must pay: |
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For: |
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Taxes, stamp duty and other governmental charges
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As necessary |
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Registration fees
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For the registration of transfers of ADSs |
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Cable, telex and facsimile transmission expenses
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As necessary |
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A fee of $5.00 or less per 100 ADS
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The execution and delivery of ADRs and
the surrender of ADRs |
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Distributions other than cash, shares,
or rights to subscribe for additional
shares |
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A fee of $0.02 or less per ADS
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Any cash distributions |
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For depositary services, except to the
extent a fee of $.02 was charged for any
cash distributions during the same
calendar year |
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Any charges, fees or expenses incurred by the
Depositary or its agents for servicing the
deposited securities (which charge shall be
payable at the sole discretion of the
Depositary by billing holders for such charge
or by deducting such charge from one or more
cash dividends or other cash distributions).
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As necessary |
The Depositary, has agreed to reimburse certain reasonable expenses related to our ADR program
and incurred by us in connection with the program. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the
Depositary reimbursed $243,118 for costs related to the program.
PART II
Item 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not applicable.
Item 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
A. D. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
112
E. USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable
Item 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this annual report, our principal executive officer and
principal financial officer have performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure
controls and procedures as defined and required under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, they have concluded that
our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to
be disclosed by us in the reports that we file and furnish under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods
specified in by the SECs rules and regulations.
Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited (together with its consolidated
subsidiaries, the Group) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Groups internal control over financial reporting is a
process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Groups internal
control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions
and dispositions of the assets of the Group; (ii) 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 Group are being
made only in accordance with authorizations of management; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
Groups assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its
inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting 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.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, the Group conducted an assessment of the
effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based upon criteria established by
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control
Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management determined that the Groups internal
control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 has
been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company, our independent registered
public accounting firm, as stated in its report included on page F-2.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the year ended December 31, 2009, there were no changes in our internal control over
financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Jingsheng Huang qualifies as an Audit Committee
Financial Expert as defined by the applicable rules of the SEC.
113
Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Jingsheng Huang is independent as such term is
defined by Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules.
Item 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
Our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics, which is applicable to our senior
executive and financial officers. In addition, our board of directors has adopted a code of
conduct, which is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees. We have made our code
of ethics and our code of conduct publicly available on our website at www.snda.com.
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 our principal external auditors for the periods
indicated. We did not pay any other fees to our principal external auditors during the periods
indicated below.
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For the year ended December 31, |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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RMB |
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RMB |
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US$ |
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(in thousands) |
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Audit fees (1) |
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13,020 |
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26,290 |
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3,850 |
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Including: Shanda Games |
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11,540 |
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1,690 |
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Hurray! |
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2,380 |
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349 |
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Audit-related fees (2) |
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4,780 |
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550 |
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81 |
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Including: Shanda Games |
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Hurray! |
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Others (3) |
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450 |
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Including: Shanda Games |
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Hurray! |
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Total |
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18,250 |
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26,840 |
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3,931 |
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(1) |
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Audit fees means the aggregate fees in each of the fiscal years listed for professional
services rendered by our principal auditors for the audit of our annual consolidated financial
statements or services that are normally provided by the auditors in connection with statutory
and regulatory filings or engagements. Services comprising the fees disclosed under this
category also involve principally limited reviews performed on our consolidated financial
statements and the audits of the annual financial statements of our subsidiaries and
affiliated companies. |
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(2) |
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Audit-related fees means the aggregate fees in each of the fiscal years listed for assurance
and related services by our principal auditors that are reasonably related to the performance
of the audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported under Audit fees. |
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(3) |
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Other fees means the aggregate fees for compliance, advisory and other tax related service. |
Item 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
We have not been granted an exemption from the applicable listing standards for the audit
committee of our board of directors.
114
Item 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
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(d) Maximum |
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Approximate U.S. |
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(c) Total Number of |
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dollar Value of ADS |
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ADS Purchased as Part |
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that May Yet Be |
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(a) Total Number of |
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(b) Average Price |
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of Publicly |
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Purchased Under the |
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Period |
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ADS Purchased (1) |
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Paid per ADS in US$ (2) |
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Announced Plan |
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Plan in US$ |
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March 1 March 31, 2010 |
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4,699,639 |
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42.28 |
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4,699,639 |
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223,988,021 |
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April 1 April 30, 2010 |
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2,211,072 |
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44.71 |
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2,211,072 |
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125,130,992 |
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May 1 May 14, 2010 |
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1,185,319 |
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44.15 |
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1,185,319 |
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72,799,158 |
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(1) |
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On September 8, 2008, we announced that our board of directors authorized us to repurchase up
to $200 million worth of our outstanding ADS from time to time and on December 30, 2008, our
broad of directors authorized us to repurchase an additional $100 million worth of outstanding
ADSs. On March 22, 2010, we announced that our board of directors authorized us to repurchase
up to $300 million worth of our outstanding ADS from time to time. |
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(2) |
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Average price paid per ADS repurchased is the execution price, excluding commissions paid to
brokers. |
Item 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANTS CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable.
Item 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Pursuant to the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, foreign private issuers such as our company may
follow home-country practice in lieu of certain NASDAQ corporate governance requirements. A
majority of our directors do not qualify as independent directors. In addition, we do not have a
nominations committee, nor is independent director involvement required in the selection of
director nominees or in the determination of executive compensation. This home country practice of
ours differs from Rule 5605(b), (d) and (e) of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, because there are no
specific requirements under Cayman Islands law on director independence or on the establishment of
a nominations committee, and neither are there any requirements on independent directors
involvement in the selection of director nominees nor in the determination of executive
compensation.
Our board of directors has adopted a code of ethics, which is applicable to our senior
executive and financial officers. In addition, our board of directors has adopted a code of
conduct, which is applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees. We have made our code
of ethics and our code of conduct publicly available on our website. See also Item 16B. Code of
Ethics.
In addition, our board of directors has adopted a set of corporate governance guidelines. The
guidelines reflect certain guiding principles with respect to our boards structure, procedure and
committees. The guidelines are not intended to change or interpret any law or our amended and
restated memorandum and articles of association.
We also have established a disclosure committee, which is comprised of certain members of
senior management. Pursuant to the disclosure committees charter, which was ratified by our board
of directors, the disclosure committee is responsible for establishing, evaluating and supervising
our disclosure controls and procedures and internal financial controls.
PART III
Item 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not applicable
115
Item 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated financial statements for Shanda Interactive and its subsidiaries are included
at the end of this annual report.
Item 19. EXHIBITS
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Number |
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Description |
1.1
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Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of Shanda
Interactive Entertainment Limited (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no.
333-114177) filed with the Commission on May 7, 2004). |
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2.1
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Specimen Ordinary Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no.
333-114177) filed with the Commission on May 7, 2004). |
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2.2
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Specimen of American Depositary Receipts (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit A to Exhibit 1 to our Registration Statement on Form F-6
POS (file no. 333-114759) filed with the Commission on June 9, 2004). |
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2.3
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Form of Deposit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to
our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Form F-6 (file no.
333-114759) filed with Commission on June 9, 2004). |
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2.4
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Sale and Purchase Agreement, among Shanda Interactive Entertainment
Limited, Jong Hyun Lee, Il Wang Park, Byung Chan Park, Jin Ho Lee.
Sang Jun Roh, Sung Gon Bae and Yong Sung Cho, dated November 29, 2004
in connection with the sale of shares of Actoz Soft Co., Ltd. to
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 2.7 to our 2004 annual report on Form 20-F (file no.
000-50705) filed with the Commission on May 31, 2005). |
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4.1
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Employee Stock Option Plan and form of share option agreement
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Registration
Statement on Form F-l (file no. 333-114177) filed with the Commission
on April 2, 2004). |
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4.2
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Employee Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 99.2 to our press release on Form 6-K (file no. 000-50705)
filed with the Commission on September 22, 2005). |
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4.3
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Shanda Games Limited 2008 Equity Compensation Plan
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to Shanda Games Limiteds Registration Statement on
Form F-1 (file no. 333-161708) filed with the Commission on September 3, 2009). |
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4.4
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Articles of Association of Shengqu Information Technology (Shanghai)
Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to our
Registration Statement on Form F-l (file no. 333-114177) filed with
the Commission on April 2, 2004). |
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4.5
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Equity Entrustment Agreement among Tianqiao Chen, Danian Chen and
Shanda Computer (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (English
Translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our annual
report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on
June 30, 2009). |
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4.6
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Equity Pledge Agreement among Tianqiao Chen, Danian Chen and Shanda
Computer (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (English
Translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to our annual
report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on
June 30, 2009). |
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4.7
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Proxy executed by Tianqiao Chen in favor of Shanda Computer
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (English Translation)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to our annual report on
Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on June 30,
2009). |
116
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Number |
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Description |
4.8
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Proxy executed by Danian Chen in favor of Shanda Computer (Shanghai)
Co., Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (English Translation) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.7 to our annual report on Form 20-F (file no.
000-50705) filed with the Commission on June 30, 2009). |
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4.9
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Assignment Agreement of Purchase Option and Cooperation Agreement
among Shanda Computer (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Shanda
Networking Development Co., Ltd., Shengqu Information Technology Co.,
Ltd., Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen dated July 1, 2008 (English
Translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to our annual
report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on
June 30, 2009). |
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4.10
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Business Operation Agreement among Shanda Computer (Shanghai) Co.,
Ltd., Shanghai Shanda Networking Development Co., Ltd., Tianqiao Chen
and Danian Chen dated July 1, 2008 (English Translation)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to our annual report on
Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on June 30,
2009). |
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4.11
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Exclusive Consulting and Service Agreement between Shanda Computer
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Shanda Networking Development Co.,
Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (English Translation) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.10 to our annual report on Form 20-F (file no.
000-50705) filed with the Commission on June 30, 2009). |
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4.12
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Termination Agreement to the Share Pledge Agreement among Shengqu
Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Tianqiao Chen and Danian
Chen dated July 1, 2008 (English Translation) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.11 to our annual report on Form 20-F (file no.
000-50705) filed with the Commission on June 30, 2009). |
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4.13
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Equity Entrustment Agreement among Dongxu Wang, Yingfeng Zhang,
Shengqu Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai
Shulong Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (English
Translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to our annual
report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on
June 30, 2009). |
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4.14
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Equity Pledge Agreement among Dongxu Wang, Yingfeng Zhang and Shengqu
Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated July 1, 2008
(English Translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to
our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the
Commission on June 30, 2009). |
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4.15
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Business Operation Agreement among Dongxu Wang, Yingfeng Zhang,
Shengqu Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai
Shulong Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (English
Translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to our annual
report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on
June 30, 2009). |
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4.16
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Proxy executed by Dongxu Wang in favor of Shengqu Information
Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.14 to our annual report on Form 20-F (file no.
000-50705) filed with the Commission on June 30, 2009). |
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4.17
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Proxy executed by Yingfeng Zhang in favor of Shengqu Information
Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.15 to our annual report on Form 20-F (file no.
000-50705) filed with the Commission on June 30, 2009). |
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4.18
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Equity Disposition Agreement among Dongxu Wang, Yingfeng Zhang,
Shengqu Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai
Shulong Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (English
Translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to our annual
report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on
June 30, 2009). |
117
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Number |
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Description |
4.19
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Exclusive Consulting and Service Agreement between Shengqu
Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Shulong
Technology Development Co., Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (English
Translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to our annual
report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on
June 30, 2009). |
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4.20
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Loan Agreement between Shengqu Information Technology (Shanghai) Co.,
Ltd. and Dongxu Wang dated July 1, 2008 (English Translation)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to our annual report on
Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on June 30,
2009). |
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4.21
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Loan Agreement between Shengqu Information Technology (Shanghai) Co.,
Ltd. and Yingfeng Zhang dated July 1, 2008 (English Translation)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to our annual report on
Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on June 30,
2009). |
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4.22
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Termination Agreement to the Loan Agreement between Shanghai Shanda
Networking Co., Ltd. and Yingfeng Zhang dated July 1, 2008 (English
Translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 to our annual
report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on
June 30, 2009). |
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4.23
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Termination Agreement to the Share Purchase Option Agreement among
Shanghai Shulong Technology Development Co., Ltd., Shanghai Shanda
Networking Co., Ltd. and Yingfeng Zhang dated July 1, 2008 (English
Translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.22 to our annual
report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the Commission on
June 30, 2009). |
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4.24
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Termination Agreement to the Share Pledge Agreement between Shanghai
Shanda Networking Co., Ltd. and Yingfeng Zhang dated July 1, 2008
(English Translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 to
our annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the
Commission on June 30, 2009). |
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4.25
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Software Licensing Agreement among Shanghai Shanda Networking Co.,
Ltd., Shanghai Pudong New Area Imp. & Exp. Corp. and Actoz Soft Co.,
Ltd., dated June 29, 2001, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.17 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-114177)
filed with the Commission on April 20, 2004). |
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4.26
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Supplemental Agreement among Shanghai Shanda Networking Co., Ltd.,
Actoz Soft Co., Ltd. and Wemade Entertainment Co., Ltd., dated July
14, 2002, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to our
Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-114177) filed with
the Commission on April 2, 2004). |
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4.27
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Settlement Agreement between Shanghai Shanda Networking Co., Ltd.,
and Actoz Soft Co., Ltd., dated August 19, 2003, (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.22 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1
(file no. 33-114177) filed with the Commission on April 20, 2004). |
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4.28
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|
|
Amendment Agreement among Shanghai Shanda Networking Co., Ltd., Actoz
Soft Co., Ltd, Shanghai Pudong Import & Export Co., Ltd. and Shengqu
Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., dated August 19, 2003,
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to our Registration
Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-114177) filed with the Commission
on April 20, 2004). |
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|
4.29
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|
|
Extension Agreement among Actoz Soft Co., Ltd, Shanghai Shanda
Networking Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Pudong Imp.& Exp. Co., Ltd., dated
September 22, 2005 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 to our
2005 annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the
Commission on June 29, 2006). |
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4.30
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|
|
Extension Agreement II among Actoz Soft Co., Ltd, Shengqu Information
Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Pudong Imp.& Exp. Co.,
Ltd., dated November 26, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Shanda Games
Limiteds Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-161708) filed with the Commission
on September 3, 2009). |
118
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Number |
|
Description |
4.31
|
|
|
Assignment Agreement among Actoz Soft Co., Ltd, Shengqu Information
Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Shanda Networking Co.,
Ltd. dated July 1, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Shanda Games Limiteds
Registration Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-161708) filed with the Commission on
September 3, 2009). |
|
|
|
|
4.32
|
|
|
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to our Registration
Statement on Form F-1 (file no. 333-114177) filed with the Commission
on April 2, 2004). |
|
|
|
|
8.1
|
* |
|
List of Subsidiaries. |
|
|
|
|
11.1
|
|
|
Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.1 to our 2004
annual report on Form 20-F (file no. 000-50705) filed with the
Commission on May 31, 2005). |
|
|
|
|
12.1
|
* |
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a). |
|
|
|
|
12.2
|
* |
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a). |
|
|
|
|
13.1
|
* |
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13(a)-14(b)
and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code. |
|
|
|
|
13.2
|
* |
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13(a)-14(b)
and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code. |
|
|
|
|
15.1
|
* |
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company,
independent registered public accounting firm. |
119
SIGNATURE
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.
|
|
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|
|
|
SHANDA INTERACTIVE
ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED
|
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|
By: |
/s/ Tianqiao Chen
|
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|
|
Name: |
Tianqiao Chen |
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|
|
Title: |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Date:
May 20, 2010
120
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SHANDA INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY
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Page |
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F-1 |
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F-3 |
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F-4 |
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F-5 |
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F-6 |
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F-8 |
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121
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11th Floor |
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PricewaterhouseCoopers Center |
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2 Corporate Avenue |
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202 Hu Bin Road, Luwan District |
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Shanghai 200021, PRC |
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Telephone +86 (21) 2323 8888 |
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Facsimile +86 (21) 2323 8800 |
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pwccn.com |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF
SHANDA INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive income, of changes in shareholders equity and of cash
flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Shanda Interactive
Entertainment Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in
Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO). The Companys management is responsible for these financial
statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in
Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting included in Item 15 of the
accompanying Form 20-F (Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting). Our
responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Companys internal
control over financial reporting based on our integrated 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the
financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our
audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed
risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2009 the Company changed the
manner in which it accounts for business combinations and noncontrolling interest in consolidated
subsidiaries. Also, as disclosed in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2009 the
Company changed the manner in which it accounts for convertible debt instruments.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed 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 (i)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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.
F-1
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting 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.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company
PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company
Shanghai, Peoples Republic of China
May 20, 2010
F-2
SHANDA INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
|
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For the years ended December 31 |
|
|
|
Notes |
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Note 3(4)) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net revenues |
|
3(19) |
|
|
2,467,264,502 |
|
|
|
3,569,068,428 |
|
|
|
5,240,798,760 |
|
|
|
767,781,356 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue |
|
3(22) |
|
|
(807,101,556 |
) |
|
|
(1,020,470,247 |
) |
|
|
(1,482,190,555 |
) |
|
|
(217,142,143 |
) |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
|
|
1,660,162,946 |
|
|
|
2,548,598,181 |
|
|
|
3,758,608,205 |
|
|
|
550,639,213 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product development |
|
3(23) |
|
|
(163,546,391 |
) |
|
|
(274,653,604 |
) |
|
|
(417,277,574 |
) |
|
|
(61,131,510 |
) |
Sales and marketing |
|
3(24) |
|
|
(179,713,493 |
) |
|
|
(317,950,533 |
) |
|
|
(517,070,307 |
) |
|
|
(75,751,228 |
) |
General and administrative |
|
3(25) |
|
|
(314,938,803 |
) |
|
|
(513,710,546 |
) |
|
|
(784,877,395 |
) |
|
|
(114,985,188 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
|
|
|
(658,198,687 |
) |
|
|
(1,106,314,683 |
) |
|
|
(1,719,225,276 |
) |
|
|
(251,867,926 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations |
|
|
|
|
1,001,964,259 |
|
|
|
1,442,283,498 |
|
|
|
2,039,382,929 |
|
|
|
298,771,287 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
65,804,468 |
|
|
|
72,590,963 |
|
|
|
71,128,568 |
|
|
|
10,420,394 |
|
Interest expense |
|
18 |
|
|
(144,091,296 |
) |
|
|
(30,023,098 |
) |
|
|
(100,739,360 |
) |
|
|
(14,758,400 |
) |
Investment income |
|
13 |
|
|
469,816,746 |
|
|
|
8,179,567 |
|
|
|
42,523,915 |
|
|
|
6,229,789 |
|
Other income, net |
|
6 |
|
|
28,041,475 |
|
|
|
29,380,468 |
|
|
|
203,577,688 |
|
|
|
29,824,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income tax expenses and equity in losses of affiliated companies |
|
|
|
|
1,421,535,652 |
|
|
|
1,522,411,398 |
|
|
|
2,255,873,740 |
|
|
|
330,487,370 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expenses |
|
7 |
|
|
(133,836,237 |
) |
|
|
(276,471,101 |
) |
|
|
(485,773,868 |
) |
|
|
(71,166,274 |
) |
Equity in losses of affiliated companies |
|
12 |
|
|
(15,502,851 |
) |
|
|
(337,384 |
) |
|
|
(50,544,885 |
) |
|
|
(7,404,867 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
1,272,196,564 |
|
|
|
1,245,602,913 |
|
|
|
1,719,554,987 |
|
|
|
251,916,229 |
|
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests and redeemable
preferred shares issued by a subsidiary |
|
3(35), 19, 20 |
|
|
(7,014,687 |
) |
|
|
(16,928,717 |
) |
|
|
(126,990,716 |
) |
|
|
(18,604,245 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited |
|
|
|
|
1,265,181,877 |
|
|
|
1,228,674,196 |
|
|
|
1,592,564,271 |
|
|
|
233,311,984 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
1,272,196,564 |
|
|
|
1,245,602,913 |
|
|
|
1,719,554,987 |
|
|
|
251,916,229 |
|
Other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized appreciation of marketable securities |
|
3(8) |
|
|
61,850,719 |
|
|
|
110,007 |
|
|
|
6,606,990 |
|
|
|
967,930 |
|
Reclassification of realized gains of marketable securities in net income |
|
3(8) |
|
|
(260,252,994 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency translation adjustments of the Company |
|
3(3) |
|
|
(14,371,776 |
) |
|
|
(39,053,516 |
) |
|
|
122,772 |
|
|
|
17,986 |
|
Currency translation adjustments of an affiliated company/ a subsidiary |
|
3(3) |
|
|
(26,373,748 |
) |
|
|
(144,702,343 |
) |
|
|
41,853,012 |
|
|
|
6,131,501 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
1,033,048,765 |
|
|
|
1,061,957,061 |
|
|
|
1,768,137,761 |
|
|
|
259,033,646 |
|
Comprehensive (income)/loss attributable to non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
4,880,847 |
|
|
|
55,277,752 |
|
|
|
(148,896,893 |
) |
|
|
(21,813,518 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income attributable to Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited |
|
|
|
|
1,037,929,612 |
|
|
|
1,117,234,813 |
|
|
|
1,619,240,868 |
|
|
|
237,220,128 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share |
|
3(31), 8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
|
|
8.83 |
|
|
|
8.59 |
|
|
|
11.86 |
|
|
|
1.74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
|
|
8.65 |
|
|
|
8.49 |
|
|
|
11.45 |
|
|
|
1.68 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per ADS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
|
|
17.66 |
|
|
|
17.18 |
|
|
|
23.72 |
|
|
|
3.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
|
|
17.30 |
|
|
|
16.98 |
|
|
|
22.90 |
|
|
|
3.36 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding |
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
|
|
143,340,207 |
|
|
|
142,991,542 |
|
|
|
134,265,829 |
|
|
|
134,265,829 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
|
|
146,286,519 |
|
|
|
144,674,902 |
|
|
|
138,503,917 |
|
|
|
138,503,917 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average ADS outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
|
|
71,670,104 |
|
|
|
71,495,771 |
|
|
|
67,132,915 |
|
|
|
67,132,915 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
|
|
|
73,143,259 |
|
|
|
72,337,451 |
|
|
|
69,251,959 |
|
|
|
69,251,959 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation included in: |
|
3(26), 22 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue |
|
|
|
|
(266,335 |
) |
|
|
(857,570 |
) |
|
|
(1,175,183 |
) |
|
|
(172,165 |
) |
Product development |
|
|
|
|
(842,227 |
) |
|
|
(1,865,540 |
) |
|
|
(2,113,105 |
) |
|
|
(309,572 |
) |
Sales and marketing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,000,655 |
) |
|
|
(1,102,519 |
) |
|
|
(161,520 |
) |
General and administrative |
|
|
|
|
(57,096,570 |
) |
|
|
(52,318,564 |
) |
|
|
(164,910,525 |
) |
|
|
(24,159,528 |
) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
SHANDA INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
Note |
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Note 3(4)) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
3(5), 9 |
|
|
3,397,844,387 |
|
|
|
10,959,312,759 |
|
|
|
1,605,548,391 |
|
Restricted Cash |
|
3(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,470,589 |
|
|
|
7,979,986 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
3(7) |
|
|
853,299,143 |
|
|
|
2,046,760,799 |
|
|
|
299,852,151 |
|
Marketable securities |
|
3(8), 13 |
|
|
36,695,541 |
|
|
|
20,791,016 |
|
|
|
3,045,901 |
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
3(9), 10 |
|
|
35,783,201 |
|
|
|
115,710,131 |
|
|
|
16,951,630 |
|
Due from related parties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
432,163 |
|
|
|
63,312 |
|
Inventories |
|
3(10), 11 |
|
|
3,185,570 |
|
|
|
46,887,012 |
|
|
|
6,868,986 |
|
Deferred licensing fees and related costs |
|
3(21) |
|
|
54,117,546 |
|
|
|
56,258,356 |
|
|
|
8,241,896 |
|
Prepayments and other current assets |
|
|
|
|
190,257,782 |
|
|
|
218,872,712 |
|
|
|
32,065,033 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
7 |
|
|
89,333,100 |
|
|
|
118,236,416 |
|
|
|
17,321,733 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
4,660,516,270 |
|
|
|
13,637,731,953 |
|
|
|
1,997,939,019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in equity and cost method investees |
|
3(11), 12 |
|
|
61,212,309 |
|
|
|
62,334,219 |
|
|
|
9,132,015 |
|
Property and equipment |
|
3(12), 14 |
|
|
312,434,922 |
|
|
|
481,362,227 |
|
|
|
70,519,965 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
3(13), 15 |
|
|
476,253,557 |
|
|
|
881,815,458 |
|
|
|
129,186,695 |
|
Goodwill |
|
3(14), 16 |
|
|
590,267,898 |
|
|
|
665,740,540 |
|
|
|
97,531,540 |
|
Long-term rental deposits |
|
|
|
|
50,423,134 |
|
|
|
64,759,087 |
|
|
|
9,487,260 |
|
Long-term prepayments |
|
3(15) |
|
|
122,975,615 |
|
|
|
206,544,329 |
|
|
|
30,258,915 |
|
Other long term assets |
|
3(16) |
|
|
159,036,211 |
|
|
|
142,892,586 |
|
|
|
20,933,882 |
|
Non-current deferred tax assets |
|
7 |
|
|
34,727,042 |
|
|
|
16,266,128 |
|
|
|
2,383,001 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
6,467,846,958 |
|
|
|
16,159,446,527 |
|
|
|
2,367,372,292 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short term loan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000,000 |
|
|
|
2,197,512 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
|
|
54,468,189 |
|
|
|
104,879,526 |
|
|
|
15,364,937 |
|
Licensing fees payable |
|
|
|
|
203,162,170 |
|
|
|
224,498,615 |
|
|
|
32,889,233 |
|
Taxes payable |
|
|
|
|
112,502,637 |
|
|
|
205,510,818 |
|
|
|
30,107,505 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
3(20) |
|
|
513,832,116 |
|
|
|
452,252,511 |
|
|
|
66,255,367 |
|
Due to related parties |
|
24 |
|
|
3,043,783 |
|
|
|
6,193,386 |
|
|
|
907,336 |
|
Other payables and accruals |
|
17 |
|
|
349,935,863 |
|
|
|
787,561,511 |
|
|
|
115,378,413 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
7 |
|
|
67,754,854 |
|
|
|
107,848,669 |
|
|
|
15,799,919 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
1,304,699,612 |
|
|
|
1,903,745,036 |
|
|
|
278,900,222 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current deferred tax liabilities |
|
7 |
|
|
31,469,396 |
|
|
|
65,020,798 |
|
|
|
9,525,601 |
|
Non-current income tax liabilities |
|
7 |
|
|
9,427,110 |
|
|
|
9,427,110 |
|
|
|
1,381,079 |
|
Non-current deferred revenue |
|
3(20) |
|
|
1,724,270 |
|
|
|
3,545,728 |
|
|
|
519,452 |
|
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
|
|
871,384 |
|
|
|
16,568,948 |
|
|
|
2,427,365 |
|
Convertible debt |
|
18 |
|
|
999,861,422 |
|
|
|
1,013,863,901 |
|
|
|
148,531,901 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
2,348,053,194 |
|
|
|
3,012,171,521 |
|
|
|
441,285,620 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies |
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redeemable preferred shares issued by a subsidiary |
|
19 |
|
|
144,734,732 |
|
|
|
157,982,473 |
|
|
|
23,144,564 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary shares (US$0.01 par value, 186,000,000 shares authorized, 136,931,734 and 134,862,854 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2008 and 2009) |
|
|
|
|
11,417,174 |
|
|
|
11,278,654 |
|
|
|
1,652,332 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
|
|
1,931,687,517 |
|
|
|
8,345,532,165 |
|
|
|
1,222,627,370 |
|
Statutory reserves |
|
3(29) |
|
|
183,754,502 |
|
|
|
196,324,836 |
|
|
|
28,761,751 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
(133,957,518 |
) |
|
|
(89,197,412 |
) |
|
|
(13,067,495 |
) |
Retained earnings |
|
|
|
|
1,838,126,966 |
|
|
|
3,082,085,053 |
|
|
|
451,528,011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Shanda shareholders equity |
|
|
|
|
3,831,028,641 |
|
|
|
11,546,023,296 |
|
|
|
1,691,501,969 |
|
Non-controlling interests |
|
3(35),20 |
|
|
144,030,391 |
|
|
|
1,443,269,237 |
|
|
|
211,440,139 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity |
|
|
|
|
3,975,059,032 |
|
|
|
12,989,292,533 |
|
|
|
1,902,942,108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
|
|
|
|
6,467,846,958 |
|
|
|
16,159,446,527 |
|
|
|
2,367,372,292 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
SHANDA INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(US$0.01 Par Value) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Shanda |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
Statutory |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Shareholders |
|
|
Non-controlling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Par Value |
|
|
Paid in Capital |
|
|
Reserves |
|
|
Income (Loss) |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
Equity |
|
|
interests |
|
|
Total Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
Balance as of January 1, 2007 as previously presented |
|
|
143,208,848 |
|
|
|
11,848,995 |
|
|
|
1,468,824,697 |
|
|
|
142,019,159 |
|
|
|
205,081,971 |
|
|
|
589,619,438 |
|
|
|
2,417,394,260 |
|
|
|
2,910,010 |
|
|
|
2,420,304,270 |
|
Adoption of new authoritative guidance relating to convertible debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
485,256,038 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(354,295,888 |
) |
|
|
130,960,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
130,960,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of January 1, 2007 (Adjusted) |
|
|
143,208,848 |
|
|
|
11,848,995 |
|
|
|
1,954,080,735 |
|
|
|
142,019,159 |
|
|
|
205,081,971 |
|
|
|
235,323,550 |
|
|
|
2,548,354,410 |
|
|
|
2,910,010 |
|
|
|
2,551,264,420 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of share option |
|
|
3,009,246 |
|
|
|
227,845 |
|
|
|
104,866,614 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
105,094,459 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
105,094,459 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,008,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,008,944 |
|
|
|
2,344,935 |
|
|
|
58,353,879 |
|
Repurchase of shares |
|
|
(1,476,550 |
) |
|
|
(114,266 |
) |
|
|
(15,298,905 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(108,557,443 |
) |
|
|
(123,970,614 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(123,970,614 |
) |
Unrealized net appreciation of marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,850,719 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,850,719 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,850,719 |
|
Realized net appreciation of marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(260,252,994 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(260,252,994 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(260,252,994 |
) |
Currency translation adjustments of the Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,371,776 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,371,776 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,371,776 |
) |
Currency translation adjustments of an affiliated company/a subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,478,214 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,478,214 |
) |
|
|
(11,895,534 |
) |
|
|
(26,373,748 |
) |
Non-controlling interest arising from business combination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
217,659,110 |
|
|
|
217,659,110 |
|
Purchase of additional equity interest in a subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,735,211 |
) |
|
|
(1,735,211 |
) |
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,265,181,877 |
|
|
|
1,265,181,877 |
|
|
|
7,014,687 |
|
|
|
1,272,196,564 |
|
Appropriations to statutory reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,675,326 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,675,326 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2007 |
|
|
144,741,544 |
|
|
|
11,962,574 |
|
|
|
2,099,657,388 |
|
|
|
147,694,485 |
|
|
|
(22,170,294 |
) |
|
|
1,386,272,658 |
|
|
|
3,623,416,811 |
|
|
|
216,297,997 |
|
|
|
3,839,714,808 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of share option |
|
|
1,227,728 |
|
|
|
85,306 |
|
|
|
42,359,041 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,444,347 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,444,347 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,873,494 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,873,494 |
|
|
|
3,168,835 |
|
|
|
56,042,329 |
|
Repurchase of shares |
|
|
(9,037,538 |
) |
|
|
(630,706 |
) |
|
|
(98,295,606 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(740,759,871 |
) |
|
|
(839,686,183 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(839,686,183 |
) |
Prepayment for share repurchase |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(373,067,467 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(373,067,467 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(373,067,467 |
) |
Repurchase of own shares by a subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,950,757 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,950,757 |
) |
|
|
(8,915,025 |
) |
|
|
(17,865,782 |
) |
Unrealized net appreciation of marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
110,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
110,007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
110,007 |
|
Currency translation adjustments of the Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(39,401,357 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(39,401,357 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(39,401,357 |
) |
Currency translation adjustments of a subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(72,495,874 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(72,495,874 |
) |
|
|
(72,206,469 |
) |
|
|
(144,702,343 |
) |
Equity pick-up of the equity movement in an affiliated company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
842,282 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
842,282 |
|
|
|
838,923 |
|
|
|
1,681,205 |
|
Purchase of additional equity interest in a subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,126,657 |
) |
|
|
(11,126,657 |
) |
Non-controlling interest arising from business combination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,810,010 |
|
|
|
3,810,010 |
|
Capital contribution to a subsidiary by non-controlling shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
Allocation of equity component of convertible debt upon issuance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,269,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,269,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,269,142 |
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,228,674,196 |
|
|
|
1,228,674,196 |
|
|
|
12,157,777 |
|
|
|
1,240,831,973 |
|
Appropriations to statutory reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,060,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(36,060,017 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
136,931,734 |
|
|
|
11,417,174 |
|
|
|
1,931,687,517 |
|
|
|
183,754,502 |
|
|
|
(133,957,518 |
) |
|
|
1,838,126,966 |
|
|
|
3,831,028,641 |
|
|
|
144,030,391 |
|
|
|
3,975,059,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of share option |
|
|
1,390,332 |
|
|
|
85,572 |
|
|
|
72,182,442 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,268,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,268,014 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,837,206 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,837,206 |
|
|
|
142,464,126 |
|
|
|
169,301,332 |
|
Repurchase of shares |
|
|
(3,604,132 |
) |
|
|
(233,989 |
) |
|
|
336,269,839 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(336,035,850 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of share option of subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,263,127 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,990 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,273,117 |
|
|
|
14,741,100 |
|
|
|
16,014,217 |
|
Unrealized net appreciation of marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,963,156 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,963,156 |
|
|
|
(356,166 |
) |
|
|
6,606,990 |
|
Currency translation adjustments of the Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122,772 |
|
Currency translation adjustments of a subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,590,669 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,590,669 |
|
|
|
22,262,343 |
|
|
|
41,853,012 |
|
Convertible debt conversion |
|
|
144,920 |
|
|
|
9,897 |
|
|
|
(7,337,074 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,327,177 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,327,177 |
) |
Change of economic interests in Shanda Games upon its initial public offering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,993,051,794 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,083,509 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,011,135,303 |
|
|
|
686,219,787 |
|
|
|
6,697,355,090 |
|
Purchase of additional equity interest in subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,677,433 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,990 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,687,423 |
) |
|
|
(18,935,201 |
) |
|
|
(23,622,624 |
) |
Non-controlling interest arising from business combination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
332,628,354 |
|
|
|
332,628,354 |
|
Capital contribution to a subsidiary by non-controlling shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,726,275 |
|
|
|
2,726,275 |
|
Capital contribution to a subsidiary attributable to non-controlling interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,745,253 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,745,253 |
) |
|
|
3,745,253 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,592,564,271 |
|
|
|
1,592,564,271 |
|
|
|
113,742,975 |
|
|
|
1,706,307,246 |
|
Appropriations to statutory reserves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,570,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,570,334 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
134,862,854 |
|
|
|
11,278,654 |
|
|
|
8,345,532,165 |
|
|
|
196,324,836 |
|
|
|
(89,197,412 |
) |
|
|
3,082,085,053 |
|
|
|
11,546,023,296 |
|
|
|
1,443,269,237 |
|
|
|
12,989,292,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
SHANDA INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the years ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Note 3(4)) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
1,272,196,564 |
|
|
|
1,245,602,913 |
|
|
|
1,719,554,987 |
|
|
|
251,916,229 |
|
Adjustments for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation costs |
|
|
58,205,132 |
|
|
|
56,042,329 |
|
|
|
169,301,332 |
|
|
|
24,802,785 |
|
Depreciation of property and equipment |
|
|
85,469,276 |
|
|
|
90,587,389 |
|
|
|
91,879,591 |
|
|
|
13,460,436 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
110,544,381 |
|
|
|
148,135,327 |
|
|
|
207,452,126 |
|
|
|
30,391,908 |
|
Impairment and write off of goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,952,603 |
|
|
|
3,984,343 |
|
|
|
583,710 |
|
Amortization of land use right |
|
|
1,710,287 |
|
|
|
2,273,890 |
|
|
|
4,070,495 |
|
|
|
596,331 |
|
Intangible assets impairment |
|
|
20,095,454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for losses on receivables and other assets |
|
|
(7,415,810 |
) |
|
|
15,030,858 |
|
|
|
24,012,027 |
|
|
|
3,517,782 |
|
Loss from disposal of fixed assets |
|
|
2,349,843 |
|
|
|
891,250 |
|
|
|
4,033,575 |
|
|
|
590,922 |
|
Investment income |
|
|
(469,816,746 |
) |
|
|
(8,179,567 |
) |
|
|
(42,523,915 |
) |
|
|
(6,229,789 |
) |
Write off purchased in-process research and development |
|
|
3,072,821 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange loss |
|
|
4,848,201 |
|
|
|
7,834,393 |
|
|
|
5,700,933 |
|
|
|
835,191 |
|
Deferred taxes |
|
|
(37,821,865 |
) |
|
|
50,244,477 |
|
|
|
13,420,657 |
|
|
|
1,966,137 |
|
Equity in loss of affiliated companies |
|
|
15,502,851 |
|
|
|
337,384 |
|
|
|
50,544,885 |
|
|
|
7,404,867 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
144,204,388 |
|
|
|
30,023,098 |
|
|
|
76,191,806 |
|
|
|
11,162,162 |
|
Other income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,996,151 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
25,960,114 |
|
|
|
(10,835,868 |
) |
|
|
(41,483,441 |
) |
|
|
(6,077,358 |
) |
Inventories |
|
|
6,949,327 |
|
|
|
(1,009,682 |
) |
|
|
(42,443,601 |
) |
|
|
(6,218,023 |
) |
Due from related parties |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
742,201 |
|
|
|
108,733 |
|
Deferred licensing fees and related costs |
|
|
(24,062,081 |
) |
|
|
(3,595,591 |
) |
|
|
(1,860,852 |
) |
|
|
(272,616 |
) |
Prepayments and other current assets |
|
|
21,982,426 |
|
|
|
(132,600,276 |
) |
|
|
17,449,164 |
|
|
|
2,556,317 |
|
Upfront licensing fee paid in intangible assets |
|
|
(41,300,254 |
) |
|
|
(27,000,833 |
) |
|
|
(105,749,144 |
) |
|
|
(15,492,337 |
) |
Prepayment for upfront license fee in other long term assets |
|
|
(234,449,793 |
) |
|
|
(47,021,644 |
) |
|
|
(19,754,361 |
) |
|
|
(2,894,030 |
) |
Other long-term deposits |
|
|
576,520 |
|
|
|
(13,731,015 |
) |
|
|
(9,383,853 |
) |
|
|
(1,374,742 |
) |
Accounts payable |
|
|
3,088,991 |
|
|
|
15,662,428 |
|
|
|
28,444,237 |
|
|
|
4,167,104 |
|
Licensing fees payable |
|
|
22,247,906 |
|
|
|
40,980,808 |
|
|
|
31,740,390 |
|
|
|
4,649,993 |
|
Taxes payable |
|
|
4,969,232 |
|
|
|
(10,012,822 |
) |
|
|
86,645,436 |
|
|
|
12,693,628 |
|
Deferred revenue |
|
|
192,704,627 |
|
|
|
107,760,135 |
|
|
|
(60,157,944 |
) |
|
|
(8,813,189 |
) |
License fee payable to a related party |
|
|
(46,090,032 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due to related parties |
|
|
224 |
|
|
|
(224 |
) |
|
|
(87,777 |
) |
|
|
(12,859 |
) |
Other payables and accruals |
|
|
22,249,613 |
|
|
|
172,328,138 |
|
|
|
285,075,445 |
|
|
|
41,763,789 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
1,159,971,597 |
|
|
|
1,737,703,747 |
|
|
|
2,496,798,742 |
|
|
|
365,783,081 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(702,075,103 |
) |
|
|
(102,854,584 |
) |
Increase of short-term investments |
|
|
(231,497,377 |
) |
|
|
(134,544,456 |
) |
|
|
(1,104,136,182 |
) |
|
|
(161,756,865 |
) |
Purchase of marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(25,341,941 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from disposal of marketable securities |
|
|
2,042,337,912 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,748,051 |
|
|
|
9,485,643 |
|
Proceeds from income of other investment |
|
|
40,205,163 |
|
|
|
6,519,253 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from income of marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,660,314 |
|
|
|
287,394 |
|
|
|
42,103 |
|
Increase in loan receivable |
|
|
(14,000,000 |
) |
|
|
(16,350,000 |
) |
|
|
(12,960,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,898,651 |
) |
Purchase of property and equipment |
|
|
(90,694,661 |
) |
|
|
(95,135,704 |
) |
|
|
(244,544,477 |
) |
|
|
(35,825,968 |
) |
Prepayment for purchase of land use right |
|
|
(12,630,226 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payment for purchase of land use right |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(91,039,209 |
) |
|
|
(13,337,319 |
) |
Prepayment for investment in equity investees |
|
|
(12,150,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepayment for purchase of subsidiaries and VIEs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,170,000 |
) |
|
|
(10,570,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,548,514 |
) |
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets |
|
|
1,647,860 |
|
|
|
896,851 |
|
|
|
934,406 |
|
|
|
136,891 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the years ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Note 3(4)) |
|
|
Purchase of intangible assets |
|
|
(10,262,238 |
) |
|
|
(24,686,467 |
) |
|
|
(27,437,309 |
) |
|
|
(4,019,588 |
) |
Net cash paid for purchase of subsidiaries and VIEs |
|
|
(20,167,197 |
) |
|
|
(25,150,477 |
) |
|
|
(171,767,411 |
) |
|
|
(25,164,068 |
) |
Net cash paid for purchase of additional shares in a subsidiary from minority
shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,041,267 |
) |
|
|
(23,622,624 |
) |
|
|
(3,460,734 |
) |
Proceeds from disposal of a VIEs, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(56,603 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase of own shares by a subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(17,865,782 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in affiliated companies |
|
|
(5,000,000 |
) |
|
|
(39,327,000 |
) |
|
|
(52,052,548 |
) |
|
|
(7,625,741 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
|
|
1,687,789,236 |
|
|
|
(393,593,279 |
) |
|
|
(2,374,235,012 |
) |
|
|
(347,827,395 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from Shanda Games initial public offering, net of issuance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,697,355,090 |
|
|
|
981,168,064 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plan |
|
|
115,566,357 |
|
|
|
43,244,931 |
|
|
|
73,614,376 |
|
|
|
10,784,567 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares under stock option plan of subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,014,217 |
|
|
|
2,346,096 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt, net of issuance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,171,303,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from a loan borrowed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,077,670,103 |
|
|
|
157,879,562 |
|
Proceeds from issuance of preferred shares of a subsidiary, net of issuance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
139,963,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment of a loan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(376,795,000 |
) |
|
|
(55,200,779 |
) |
Payment for the conversion of convertible debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(59,674,859 |
) |
|
|
(8,742,416 |
) |
Repurchase of common stock |
|
|
(123,970,614 |
) |
|
|
(839,686,183 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepayment for repurchase of common stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(373,067,467 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlement of convertible debt |
|
|
(2,044,891,442 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash injection in VIE subsidiaries by non-controlling shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
2,726,275 |
|
|
|
399,402 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
|
|
(2,053,295,699 |
) |
|
|
141,763,273 |
|
|
|
7,430,910,202 |
|
|
|
1,088,634,496 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(101,064,856 |
) |
|
|
(73,330,885 |
) |
|
|
7,994,440 |
|
|
|
1,171,194 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
693,400,278 |
|
|
|
1,412,542,856 |
|
|
|
7,561,468,372 |
|
|
|
1,107,761,376 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year |
|
|
1,291,901,253 |
|
|
|
1,985,301,531 |
|
|
|
3,397,844,387 |
|
|
|
497,787,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year |
|
|
1,985,301,531 |
|
|
|
3,397,844,387 |
|
|
|
10,959,312,759 |
|
|
|
1,605,548,391 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid during the year for income taxes |
|
|
162,322,739 |
|
|
|
347,562,764 |
|
|
|
305,011,840 |
|
|
|
44,684,487 |
|
Cash paid during the year for interest of loan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
929,673 |
|
|
|
136,198 |
|
Cash paid during the year for the interest of convertible debt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,574,448 |
|
|
|
3,453,676 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrual related to purchase of property and equipment |
|
|
25,042,342 |
|
|
|
15,296,475 |
|
|
|
11,064,304 |
|
|
|
1,620,930 |
|
Acquisition related obligation at year end |
|
|
20,200,000 |
|
|
|
5,550,000 |
|
|
|
53,800,000 |
|
|
|
7,881,745 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash related to the exercise of the employee stock option |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,470,589 |
|
|
|
7,979,986 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-7
SHANDA INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(AMOUNTS EXPRESSED IN RENMINBI (RMB) UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Shanda
Interactive Entertainment Limited (the Company or Shanda Interactive), its subsidiaries, which
mainly include Shanda Holdings Limited (the Shanda BVI), Shanda Games Limited, Shanda Online
International (HK) Limited, Shengqu Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Shengqu), Shanda
Computer Co., Ltd. (Shanda Computer) and certain variable interest entities (VIEs or VIE
subsidiaries), which mainly include Shanghai Shanda Networking Co., Ltd. (Shanda Networking) and
its subsidiaries (Shanda Networking entities), Shanghai Shulong Development Co., Ltd. (Shanghai
Shulong) and its subsidiaries (Shulong entities), and Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd. (Hurray!), its
subsidiaries and VIEs. The Company, its subsidiaries and VIE subsidiaries are collectively referred
to as the Group. The Group is principally engaged in the development and operation of
entertainment content business and integrated service platform related businesses in the Peoples
Republic of China (the PRC). The Shanda Networking entities prior to the Separation as defined
below include Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and Hangzhou Bianfeng and the Shanda Networking
entities following the Separation include Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and Shengfutong
Electronic Business Co., Ltd. (Shengfutong).
Shanda BVI, formerly known as Spirit High Ventures Ltd., was incorporated in British Virgin
Islands as a limited liability company on July 2, 2002. Shengqu and Shanda Networking were
incorporated in the PRC on January 21, 2003 and December 29, 1999, respectively. Shanda Interactive
was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on November 17, 2003 and became the holding company of the
Group through a share purchase agreement in December 2003. Shanda Games Holdings (HK) Limited
(Games Holdings) is a limited liability company established by the Company on 28 September 2007
and is engaged in investment holding and licensing games to overseas game operators.
In May 2004, Shanda Interactive completed an initial public offering of American Depository
Shares (ADSs). ADSs of the Company are traded from May 13, 2004 on NASDAQ National Market under the
symbol SNDA in the United States of America.
In 2008,
the Company commenced a reorganization (the Reorganization). On June 27, 2008, the Companys board of directors approved the reorganization,
effective as of July 1, 2008 pursuant to which the Company transferred substantially all of the
assets and liabilities related to the MMORPG and advanced casual game business to a
newly-established legal entity, Shanda Games Limited (Shanda Games), and Shengqu transferred
substantially all of its assets and liabilities unrelated to the MMORPG and advanced casual game
business to Shanda Computer and the Companys other entities (the Separation).
Prior to the Separation, in order to comply with certain foreign ownership restrictions of
companies that provide Internet content services, the Company operated the MMORPG and casual game
business in China primarily through Shanda Networking, a company wholly-owned by Tianqiao Chen, the
Companys chairman and chief executive officer, and Danian Chen, the Companys director and chief
operating officer, both of whom are PRC citizens, and through Nanjing Shanda and Hangzhou Bianfeng,
which are wholly-owned by subsidiaries of Shanda Networking. The Shanda Networking entities hold
the licenses and approvals required to operate the MMORPG and casual game business. At the same
time, the Company also operated the integrated service platform through Shanda Networking, and
other businesses through other variable interest entities.
F-8
In addition,
Shengqu, was wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into the
VIE agreements with the Shanda Networking and its shareholders, pursuant to which Shengqu agreed
to provide certain services, software licenses and equipment relating to the MMORPG and casual
games business to Shanda Networking in exchange for a fee. As a result of these VIE arrangements,
Shengqu was considered the primary beneficiary of the Shanda Networking entities and consolidated
the results of operations of the Shanda Networking entities in the Companys financial statements.
In addition, Shanda Computer entered into a series of contractual agreements with Shanda Networking
pursuant to which Shanda Computer provided certain services and software licenses relating to the
service platform to the Shanda Networking entities in exchange for a fee.
After the Separation, in order to comply with PRC laws restricting foreign ownership in the
online game business in China, Shanda Games operates its online game business in China through the
Shulong entities. Shanghai Shulong, a company wholly-owned by two employees of the Company,
currently holds an ICP license and an Internet culture operation license which are required to
operate its MMORPG and advanced casual games business. Shanda Games publishes its online games
under an Internet publishing license held by Shanda Networking. Shengqu owns the substantial
majority of Shanda Games physical assets. The Company incorporated Shanda Online International
(HK) Limited in Hong Kong on October 2, 2007 to operate the Companys integrated service platform
business through the Shanda Networking entities (Shanda Online). Shanda Networking currently
holds an ICP license and an Internet culture operation license that are required to operate its
platform business. As a result of the VIE agreements between Shengqu and both Shanda Shulong and
its shareholders, Shengqu is considered the primary beneficiary of the Shulong entities and Shanda
Games consolidates the results of operations of the Shulong entities. At the same time, Shanda
Computer has entered into a similar series of VIE agreements with both Shanda Networking and its
shareholders and therefore, Shanda Computer is considered the primary beneficiary of the Shanda
Networking entities.
In connection with the Separation, Shanda Games and Shanda Online entered into several
operational agreements. Specifically, Shengfutong, a wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated by Shanda
Networking upon the Reorganization, and the Shulong entities entered into a sales agency agreement
pursuant to which Shengfutong has agreed, for a period of five years commencing July 1, 2008, to be
the exclusive sales agency of the Shulong entities for the distribution of pre-paid cards which can
be used to access and play Shanda Games MMORPG and advanced casual games through Shanda Onlines
integrated service platform. Shengfutong is the sole agent of Shanda Games for the sale of prepaid
cards, however, Shanda Games has agreed to pay Shengfutong an amount equal to the difference
between (x) the amount Shengfutong receives from distributors or users from the sale of the
pre-paid cards and (y) a fixed percentage of the face value of a pre-paid card as agreed upon
between Shengfutong and Shanda Games. In addition, Shanda Networking and Nanjing Shanda, on the one
hand, and the Shulong entities, on the other hand, entered into a cooperation agreement which
provides that Shanda Networking and Nanjing Shanda should provide certain online e-commerce
platform services to Shanda Games for a period of five years commencing on July 1, 2008. The
services Shanda Networking and Nanjing Shanda have agreed to provide Shanda Games include, among
others, online billing and payment, user authentication, customer service, anti-fatigue compliance,
pre-paid card marketing and distribution and data support services. Shanda Games will pay Shanda
Networking a fee which is equal to a fixed percentage of the portion of the face value of the
pre-paid cards that are used in Shanda Games MMORPG and advanced casual games.
In addition, the Company transferred all of its equity interest in Actoz, which represented
53.8% of the outstanding shares of Actoz to Shanda Games, in the second quarter of 2009.
Furthermore, Shanda Games incorporated two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Shengji Information
Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Shengji) and Lansha Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
(Lansha) in China in the second half year of 2009 and Shengqu transferred certain rights to its
online games to Shengji and Lansha to allow them to sublicense its rights to the Shulong entities,
Chengdu Youji Technolgy Co., Ltd, and Tianjin Youji Technology Co., Ltd. (collectively, the Youji
entities), which are two new wholly-owned subsidiaries incorporated by Shanghai Shulong. Following
this transaction, the Company conducts its online game business in China through the Shulong
entities including the Youji entities.
F-9
Shanda Games
completed its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on September 25, 2009,
trading under the symbol GAME. After Shanda Games offering, the Company continues to consolidate
Shanda Games as its controlling shareholder, but recognizes non-controlling interest reflecting the
shares held by the shareholders other than the Company in the consolidated financial statements. As
of December 31, 2009, 28.99% of the economic interests in Shanda Games were recognized as
non-controlling interest in the consolidated financial statements. See Note 2, Shanda Games
Transactions for further information.
In July 2009, the Company acquired a 52.6% interest in Hurray! through a tender offer. Hurray!
is a leader in artist development, music production and offline distribution in China and a leading
distributor of music and music-related products such as ringtones, ring-back tones, and truetones,
to mobile users in China through a wide range of wireless value-added services (WVAS) platforms
over mobile networks and through the internet.
2. SHANDA GAMES TRANSACTIONS
(1) Initial public offering of Shanda Games
On September 25, 2009, Shanda Games completed its initial public offering on the Nasdaq Global
Select Market, trading under the symbol GAME.
The initial public offering consisted of American depositary shares (ADSs), with each ADS
representing two Class A ordinary shares. Shanda Games ordinary shares are divided into Class A
ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares. Holders of Class A ordinary shares and holders of
Class B ordinary shares have the same rights in Shanda Games, with the exception of voting and
conversion rights. Each Class A ordinary share is entitled to one vote on all matters subject to a
shareholder vote, and each Class B ordinary share is entitled to ten votes on all matters subject
to a shareholder vote. Each Class B ordinary share is convertible into one Class A ordinary share
at any time at the election of the holder. Class A ordinary shares are not convertible into Class B
ordinary shares under any circumstances.
At the closing of the initial public offering, Shanda Games issued and sold 26,087,000 Class A
ordinary shares represented by 13,043,500 ADSs, and the Company, through its indirectly
wholly-owned subsidiary Shanda SDG Investment Limited (BVI) (SDG Investment), sold 140,913,000
Class A ordinary shares represented by 70,456,500 ADSs.
Proceeds to Shanda Games and SDG Investment from this initial public offering were
approximately US$152.8 million and US$825.7 million, respectively, for total proceeds of
approximately US$978.5 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions but before
deducting offering expenses. After deducting offering expenses of approximately US$3.4 million and
the reimbursements by the underwriters of approximately US$6.0 million, net proceeds to Shanda
Games and SDG Investment were approximately US$152.5 million and US$828.3 million, respectively,
for total net proceeds of approximately $980.8 million.
(2) Gain on Initial Public Offering of Shanda Games
As a result of the completion of Shanda Games initial public offering, as the Group retained
controls of Shanda Games, it recognized the gain of US$880.2 million (equivalent to approximately
RMB6,011.1 million) in the shareholders equity section of the consolidated balance sheets, to
reflect the net proceeds that the Group received from the initial public offering and the
incremental change in the Groups economic interests in Shanda Games immediately before and after
the offering.
F-10
(3) Shanda Interactives Shareholding in Shanda Games
Shareholding and control
Following the completion of its initial public offering, Shanda Games has 576,087,000 Class A
and Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009. These outstanding
shares consist of (1) 167,000,000 Class A ordinary shares held by public shareholders; (2)
409,087,000 Class B ordinary shares held by the Company through SDG Investment. Therefore the
Company held approximately 71.01% of the combined total of Shanda Games outstanding Class A and
Class B ordinary shares and controlled approximately 96.08% of the total voting power in Shanda
Games. As a result, the Company had the power to elect the entire board of directors of Shanda
Games and determine the outcome of all matters submitted to a shareholder vote.
As Shanda Games controlling shareholder, the Company will continue to consolidate Shanda
Games but recognize non-controlling interest reflecting the shares held by shareholders other than
the Company, see Note 3 (2).
Dilutive impact
In
November 2008, Shanda Games reserved 44,000,000 Class A ordinary shares for issuance of
options and restricted shares to Shanda Games and its subsidiaries as well as the Companys
non-Shanda-Games executive officers and key employees as incentive compensation
under Shanda Games 2008 Equity Compensation Plan. From November 14, 2008 through December 31,
2009, Shanda Games has granted 25,746,500 options and 6,728,190 restricted shares to Shanda Games and its subsidiaries as well as the Companys
non-Shanda-Games executive officers and key employees. See Note 21, Equity Compensation Plan.
Because no Class A ordinary shares will be issued with respect to these options and restricted
share until the options are vested and exercised or restricted shares are vested, the unvested and
unexercised options and unvested restricted shares are not included as outstanding shares of Shanda
Games and have no impact on the Companys basic net income per share. Nevertheless, they have a
dilutive impact on the Companys diluted net income per share.
In the calculation of the Companys diluted net income per share, the Companys net income is
reduced by the difference between the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Shanda
Games multiplied by the Companys holding in Shanda Games shares. See Note 8, Earnings per
Share.
3. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(1) Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP).
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures
of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could materially differ from
those estimates.
(2) Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its
subsidiaries and VIE subsidiaries for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All
transactions and balances among the Company, its subsidiaries and VIE subsidiaries have been
eliminated upon consolidation. Investments in equity securities which the
Company can exercise significant influence are accounted for by the equity method of
accounting.
F-11
For the Companys majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs, non-controlling interest is recognized
to reflect the portion of their equity which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the
Group. As the Company is Shanda Games controlling shareholder, Shanda Games financial results
have been consolidated with those of the Company for all periods presented. To reflect the economic
interests in Shanda Games held by the shareholders other than the Company, Shanda Games results of
operations attributable to these shareholders are recorded as non-controlling interest in the
consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, and Shanda Games cumulative
results of operations attributable to these shareholders, along with its changes in shareholders
equity and adjustment for share-based compensation expense in relation to those share-based awards
which are unvested and vested but not yet excercised, are recorded as non-controlling interest in
the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 20, Non-controlling Interests.
The Group follows the guidance relating to the consolidation of Variable Interest Entities in
Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 810-10 (formerly referred to FASB Interpretation No. 46R,
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51, which requires
certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if
the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial
interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without
additional subordinated financial support from other parties.
Prior to the Separation in July 2008, to comply with PRC laws and regulations that restrict
foreign ownership of companies to operate online games, the Company operates its online game
business in China through Shanda Networking, and its two subsidiaries, Nanjing Shanda and Hangzhou
Bianfeng. These three companies hold the licenses and approvals to operate online games business in
the PRC.
The principal services, software license and equipment lease agreements that Shengqu and
Shanda Computer had entered into with Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and Hangzhou Bianfeng are:
|
|
|
Equipment leasing agreements, pursuant to which Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and
Hangzhou Bianfeng lease a substantial majority of their operating assets from Shengqu; |
|
|
|
Technical support agreements, pursuant to which Shanda Computer, and Shengqu, provides
technical support for Shanda Networkings operations, respectively; |
|
|
|
Technology license agreements, pursuant to which Shanda Computer, and Shengqu for the
periods prior to January 1, 2007, licenses billing related technology and online game card
sales systems to Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and Hangzhou Bianfeng; |
|
|
|
Software license agreements, pursuant to which Shengqu licenses certain game related
software to Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and Hangzhou Bianfeng; |
|
|
|
A strategic consulting agreement, pursuant to which Shengqu provides strategic
consulting services to Shanda Networking; and |
|
|
|
Online game license agreements, pursuant to which Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and
Hangzhou Bianfeng operate certain online games that are licensed or owned by Shengqu. |
F-12
In addition,
Shengqu has entered into agreements with Shanda Networking and its equity owners
with respect to certain shareholder rights and corporate governance matters that provide Shengqu
with the substantial ability to control Shanda Networking and to obtain profits generated by Shanda
Networking. As a result of these agreements, the
Company was considered the primary beneficiary of Shanda Networking and accordingly Shanda
Networkings results of operations, assets and liabilities are consolidated in the Companys
financial statements before the Separation in July 2008.
After the Separation in July 2008, to comply with PRC laws and regulations that restrict
foreign ownership of companies that operate online games, the Group conducts all its online game
business through Shanghai Shulong, which is wholly owned by certain employees of the Company, and
Nanjing Shulong Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (Nanjing Shulong) and Shanghai Shulong Computer
Technology Co., Ltd. (Shulong Computer), which are wholly owned subsidiaries of Shanghai Shulong.
These three companies hold the licenses and approvals to operate online games in the PRC except for
the Internet publishing license. The capital of Shanghai Shulong is funded by Shengqu and recorded
as interest-free loans to these PRC employees. The portion of the loans for capital injection is
eliminated with the capital of Shanghai Shulong during consolidation. The interest-free loans to
the employee shareholders of Shanghai Shulong as of December 31, 2009 were RMB 10.8 million.
Pursuant to the contractual arrangements with Shulong entities, Shengqu together with Shengji
and Lansha provide services, software and technology license and equipment to Shanghai Shulong,
Shulong Computer and Nanjing Shulong, in exchange for fees, determined according to certain agreed
formulas. During the second half of year 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2009, the total
amount of such fees was approximately RMB1,132.5 million and RMB2,878.1 million, respectively,
which represented the substantial majority operating profit of the Shulong entities and Youji
entities and were eliminated upon consolidation. Shengqu has also undertaken to provide financial
support to Shanghai Shulong to the extent necessary for its operations. The following is a summary
of the key agreements in effect:
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Loan Agreements between Shengqu and the shareholders of Shanghai Shulong. These loan
agreements provide for loans of RMB 10.8 million to the PRC employees for them to make
contributions to the registered capital of Shanghai Shulong in exchange for equity
interests in Shanghai Shulong. The loans are interest free and are repayable on demand, but
the shareholders may not repay all or any part of the loans without Shengqus prior written
consent. |
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Equity Entrust Agreement between Shengqu and the shareholders of Shanghai Shulong,
pursuant to which the shareholders acknowledge their status as nominee shareholders. |
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Equity Pledge Agreement among Shengqu, Shanghai Shulong and the shareholders of Shanghai
Shulong. Pursuant to this agreement, the shareholders pledged to Shengqu their entire
equity interests in Shanghai Shulong to secure the performance of their respective
obligations and Shanghai Shulongs obligations under the various agreements, including the
Equity Pledge Agreement, the Business Operation Agreement and the Exclusive Consulting and
Service Agreement. Without Shengqus prior written consent, neither of the shareholders
can transfer any equity interests in Shanghai Shulong. |
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Equity Disposition Agreement among Shengqu, Shanghai Shulong and the shareholders of
Shanghai Shulong. Pursuant to this agreement, Shengqu and any third party designated by
Shengqu have the right, exercisable at any time during the term of the agreement, if and
when it is legal to do so under PRC laws and regulations, to purchase from the
shareholders, as the case may be, all or any part of their equity interests in Shanghai
Shulong at a purchase price equal to the lowest price permissible by the then-applicable
PRC laws and regulations. The agreement is for an initial term of 20 years, renewable upon
Shengqus request. |
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Business Operation Agreement among Shengqu, Shanghai Shulong and the shareholders of
Shanghai Shulong. This agreement sets forth the rights of Shengqu to control the actions of
the shareholders of Shanghai Shulong. |
F-13
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Exclusive Consulting and Service Agreement between Shengqu and Shanghai Shulong.
Pursuant to this agreement, Shengqu has the exclusive right to provide technology support
and business consulting services to Shanghai Shulong for a fee. |
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Proxies executed by the shareholders of Shanghai Shulong in favor of Shengqu. These
irrevocable proxies grant Shengqu or its designees the power to exercise the rights of the
shareholder as shareholders of Shanghai Shulong, including the right to appoint directors,
general manager and other senior management of Shanghai Shulong. |
Shengqu is considered the primary
beneficiary of the Shulong entities and Shanda Games consolidates the results of operation of the
Shulong entities. Therefore, Shanghai Shulongs results of operation, assets and liabilities are
consolidated in our financial statements.
In addition,
after the Separation in July 2008, to comply with PRC laws and regulations that
restrict foreign ownership of companies that operate Internet information services, the Group
operates integrated service platform through Shanda Networking, Nanjing
Shanda and Shengfutong, which are wholly owned subsidiaries of Shanda Networking. These three
companies hold the license of internet content provider to operate Internet content services in the
PRC.
Pursuant to the contractual arrangements with Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and
Shengfutong, Shanda Computer provides services and software and technology license to Shanda
Networking, Nanjing Shanda and Shengfutong, in exchange for fees, determined according to certain
agreed formulas. During the second half year of 2008 and the year ended December 31, 2009, the
total amount of such fees was approximately RMB266.6 million and RMB522.8 million, respectively,
which represented the substantial majority operating profit of Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda
and Shengfutong and were eliminated upon consolidation. Shanda Computer has also undertaken to
provide financial support to Shanda Networking to the extent necessary for its operations. The
following is a summary of the key agreements in effect:
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Equity Entrust Agreement between Shanda Computer and the shareholders of Shanda
Networking, pursuant to which the shareholders acknowledge their status as nominee
shareholders. |
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Equity Pledge Agreement among Shanda Computer, Shanda Networking and the shareholders of
Shanda Networking. Pursuant to this agreement, the shareholders pledged to Shanda Computer
their entire equity interests in Shanda Networking to secure the performance of their
respective obligations and Shanda Networkings obligations under the various agreements,
including the Equity Pledge Agreement, the Business Operation Agreement and the Exclusive
Consulting and Service Agreement. Without Shanda Computers prior written consent, neither
of the shareholders can transfer any equity interests in Shanda Networking. |
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Assignment Agreement from Shengqu to Shanda Computer of a Purchase Option and
Cooperation Agreement by and between Tianqiao Chen, Danian Chen and Shanda Computer
pursuant to which Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen jointly granted Shanda Computer an
exclusive option to purchase all of their equity interest in Shanda Networking, and Shanda
Networking granted Shanda Computer an exclusive option to purchase all of its assets if and
when (1) such purchase is permitted under applicable PRC law or (2) to the extent permitted
by law, with respect to his individual interest, either Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen
ceases to be a director or employee of Shanda Networking or desires to transfer his equity
interest in Shanda Networking to a third party. |
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Business Operation Agreement among Shanda Computer, Shanda Networking and the
shareholders of Shanda Networking. This agreement sets forth the rights of Shanda Computer
to control the actions of the shareholders of Shanda Networking. |
F-14
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Exclusive Consulting and Service Agreement between Shanda Computer and Shanda
Networking. Pursuant to this agreement, Shanda Computer has the exclusive right to provide
technology support and business consulting services to Shanda Networking for a fee. |
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Proxies executed by the shareholders of Shanda Networking in favor of Shanda Computer.
These irrevocable proxies grant Shanda Computer or its designees the power to exercise the
rights of the shareholder as shareholders of Shanda Networking, including the right to
appoint directors, general manager and other senior management of Shanda Networking. |
As a result of the VIE agreements
between Shanda Computer and both Shanda Networking and its shareholders, Shanda Computer is considered the
primary beneficiary of the Shanda Networking entities and Shanda Online consolidates the results of operations of the Shanda Networking entities, and, accordingly, Shanda Networkings results of operations, assets and liabilities are
consolidated in the Companys financial statements after the Separation in July 2008.
Hurray! is a foreign enterprise under PRC law and accordingly is ineligible to apply for a
license to operate its WVAS in the PRC. In order to comply with foreign ownership restrictions,
Hurray! operates its WVAS and recorded music business in the PRC through its VIEs. The Hurray! VIEs
hold all of the licenses and approvals that are required to operate their WVAS and recorded music
business. Certain of Hurray!s subsidiaries have entered into VIE agreements with Hurray!s VIEs
and their shareholders. As a result of these contractual arrangements, Hurray! is considered the
primary beneficiary of the Hurray! VIEs, and the results of operations of the Hurray! VIE entities
and their respective subsidiaries are consolidated in the financial statements.
(3) Foreign currency translation
The Companys reporting currency is the Renminbi (RMB). The Companys subsidiaries and VIEs,
with the exceptions of its subsidiaries, Actoz Soft Co., Ltd. (Actoz), Shanda Games, Games
Holdings, Shanda Games International (Pte) Limited (Games International), Hurray! Holding Co.,
Ltd. (Hurray!), Seed Music Co., Ltd and Profita Publishing Limited, used RMB as their functional
currency prior to January 1, 2007. From January 1, 2007, the Company changed its functional
currency from RMB to the United States dollars (US$ or U.S. dollars) given the significant
change in the nature of the Companys operations from that date. The functional currency of Shanda
Games, Games Holdings, Games International and Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd. is the U.S. dollars. From
July 1, 2007, Shanda Games consolidated Actoz, a company incorporated in the Republic of Korea into
its consolidated financial statements. Actozs functional currency is the Korean WON. In July 2009,
the Company acquired approximately 52.6% of the outstanding shares of Hurray!. Seed Music Co., Ltd
and Profita Publishing Limited (collectively referred to as Seed Music Taiwan entities), the
subsidiaries of Hurray!, which mainly operate in Taiwan, use Taiwan dollar (TWD) as their
functional currency.
Assets and liabilities of the Company, Shanda Games, Games Holdings, Games International,
Hurray!, Seed Music Taiwan entities and Actoz are translated at the current exchange rates quoted
by the Peoples Bank of China or the Seoul Money Brokerage Services Limited or the Central Bank of
the Republic of China (Taiwan) in effect at the balance sheet dates. Equity accounts are translated
at historical exchange rates and revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates
in effect during the reporting period to RMB. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency
translation to reporting currency are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the
consolidated statements of changes in shareholders equity for the years presented.
Transactions denominated in currencies other than functional currencies are translated into
the functional currencies at the exchange rates quoted by the Peoples Bank of China or the Seoul
Money Brokerage Services Limited or the Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) prevailing
at the dates of the transactions. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are
included in the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are
translated into functional currencies using the applicable exchange rates quoted by the Peoples
Bank of China or the Seoul Money Brokerage Services Limited or the Central Bank of the Republic of
China (Taiwan) at the balance sheet dates. All such exchange gains and losses are included in the
statements of operations and comprehensive income.
F-15
(4) Convenience translation
Translations of amounts from RMB into US$ are solely for the convenience of the reader and
were calculated at the rate of US$1.00 = RMB6.8259, representing the noon buying rate in the City
of New York for cable transfers of RMB, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York, on December 31, 2009. This convenience translation is not intended to imply that
the RMB amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled into U.S. dollars at
that rate on December 31, 2009, or at any other rate.
(5) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents represent cash on hand, demand deposits and highly liquid
investments placed with banks or other financial institutions, which have original maturities less
than three months.
(6) Restricted cash
Restricted cash mainly represents (i) cash held in a designated bank account for the sole
purpose of transmitting proceeds from the exercise of stock options; and (ii) cash that is pledged
for loans. Restricted cash that is pledged for loans is netted off against the loans due to its
legal right to offset. (Note 25)
(7) Short-term investments
Short-term investments represent the bank time deposits with the original maturities longer
than three months and less than one year.
(8) Marketable securities
Marketable securities primarily consist of available-for-sale marketable equity securities,
marketable corporate bonds, or mutual funds. Marketable securities are classified as short-term
based on their high liquidity. Marketable securities are carried at fair market value with
unrealized appreciation (or depreciation) reported as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income (or loss) in shareholders equity. The specific identification method is used
to determine the cost of marketable securities disposed. Realized gains and losses are reflected as
investment income or losses.
The Company evaluates the investments periodically for possible other-than-temporary
impairment and reviews factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been
below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and the Companys ability and intent to
hold the investment for a period of time which may be sufficient for anticipated recovery in market
value. If appropriate, the Company records impairment charges equal to the amount that the carrying
value of its available-for-sale securities exceeds the estimated fair market value of the
securities as of the evaluation date.
During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, the Group recorded unrealized gains
on its marketable securities of approximately RMB61.9 million, RMB0.1 million and RMB6.6 million,
respectively, as a component of comprehensive income. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the
Group reclassified realized gains on its marketable securities of approximately RMB260.3 million in
investment income. No realized gains or losses were
recognized in 2008 and realized gain of approximately RMB42.2 million was recognized in 2009.
See Note 13.
F-16
(9) Allowances for doubtful accounts
The Group determines the allowance for doubtful accounts when facts and circumstances indicate
that the receivable is unlikely to be collected. If the financial condition of the Groups
customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments,
additional allowances may be required.
(10) Inventories
E-key products, EZ products and other interactive entertainment related inventories are
accounted for using the weighted average method, while music compact discs (CDs) and related
music products and books relating to offline publication are accounted for using the first-in,
first-out method. All inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value. The Group
provides estimated inventory allowance for excessive, slow moving and obsolete inventories as well
as inventory whose carrying value is in excess of net realizable value.
(11) Investment in equity investees
Affiliated companies are entities over which the Company has significant influence, but which
it does not control. Investments in affiliated companies are accounted for by the equity method of
accounting. Under this method, the Companys share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of
affiliated companies is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains
on transactions between the Company and its affiliated companies are eliminated to the extent of
the Companys interest in the affiliated companies; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless
the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. When the Companys
share of losses in an affiliated company equals or exceeds its interest in the affiliated company,
the Company does not recognize further losses, unless the Company has incurred obligations or made
payments on behalf of the affiliated company.
Cost method is used for investments over which the Company does not have the ability to
exercise significant influence.
The Company continually reviews its investments in affiliated companies to determine whether a
decline in fair value below the carrying value is other than temporary. The primary factors the
Company considers in its determination are the length of time that the fair value of the investment
is below the Companys carrying value; and the financial condition, operating performance and near
term prospects of the investee. In addition, the Company considers the reason for the decline in
fair value, including general market conditions, industry specific or investee specific reasons;
changes in stock market price or valuation subsequent to the balance sheet date and the Companys
intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery
in fair value. If the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, the carrying
value of the security is written down to fair value. Impairment losses on equity method investments
are included in earnings of affiliated companies. No significant impairment losses were recorded in
the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
F-17
(12) Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
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Computer equipment |
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3~5 years |
Leasehold improvements |
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Lesser of the term of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the assets |
Furniture and fixtures |
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3~5 years |
Motor vehicles |
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5 years |
Office buildings |
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20 years |
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Gain or loss on the
disposal of property and equipment is the difference between the net sales proceeds and the
carrying amount of the relevant assets and is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations and Comprehensive Income.
(13) Intangible assets
Online game product development costs
The Group recognizes costs to develop its online game products in accordance with ASC 985-20
(formerly referred to as SFAS No. 86, Accounting for Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased
or Otherwise Marketed). Costs incurred for the development of online game products prior to the
establishment of technological feasibility are expensed when incurred and are included in product
development expense. Once an online game product has reached technological feasibility, all
subsequent online game product development costs are capitalized until the product is available for
marketing. Technological feasibility is evaluated on a product-by-product basis, but typically
encompasses both technical design and game design documentation and only occurs when the online
game has a proven ability to operate in online game environment in the PRC market. As the period
between the date of technological feasibility and the game release date is historically very short
and the development costs incurred during this period were insignificant, all online game
development costs have been expensed when incurred.
Website and internally used software development costs
The Group recognizes website and internally used software development costs in accordance with
ASC 350 -40 (formerly referred to as Statement of Position No. 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use). As such, the Group expenses all costs
that are incurred in connection with the planning and implementation phases of development and
costs that are associated with repair or maintenance of the existing websites and software. Costs
incurred in the development phase are capitalized and amortized over the estimated product life.
Since the inception of the Group, the amount of costs qualifying for capitalization has been
immaterial and as a result all website and internally used software development costs have been
expensed as incurred.
Upfront licensing fees
Upfront licensing fees paid to third party licensors are capitalized if the related game
software has reached technological feasibility in accordance with ASC 985-20 (formerly referred to
as SFAS No. 86, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise
Marketed) and amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful economic life of
the relevant online game or license period, which is usually 3 to 7 years.
Software and copyrights
Software and copyrights purchased from third parties are initially recorded at cost and
amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful economic life or stipulated
period in the contract, which is usually 1 to 5 years.
F-18
Software technology, game engine, non-compete agreements, customer base and trademark acquired
through business combinations
An intangible asset is required to be recognized separately from goodwill based on its
estimated fair value if such
asset arises from contractual or legal right or if it is separable as defined by ASC 805
(formerly referred to as SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007) Business Combinations). Software technology,
game engine, non-compete agreements, customer base and trademark arising from the acquisitions of
subsidiaries and VIE subsidiaries are initially recognized and measured at estimated fair value
upon acquisition. Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the following
estimated useful lives:
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Software technology |
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0.5 to 6 years |
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Game engine |
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3 to 7.5 years |
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Non-compete agreements |
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2.5 to 5 years |
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Customer base |
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2 to 5.5 years |
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Trademarks |
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7.5 or 20 years |
In-process research and development |
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Write off immediately prior to January 1, 2009 or indefinite-lived and subject to impairment testing until completed or abandoned from January 1, 2009 |
(14) Goodwill
Goodwill is measured as the excess of (i) the total cost of acquisition, fair value of the non
controlling interests and acquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the
acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the acquiree. If the cost of
acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the
difference is recognized directly in the income statement. In a business combination, any acquired
intangible assets that do not meet separate recognition criteria as specified in ASC 805 should be
recognized as goodwill.
In accordance with ASC 350 (formerly referred to as SFAS No. 142 Goodwill and other
intangible assets), no amortization is recorded for goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment
annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be
impaired. In October of each year, the Company tests impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit
level and recognizes impairment in the event that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of each
reporting unit. No significant impairment losses were recorded in the year ended December 31, 2007.
An impairment loss of RMB14.5 million and write-off of RMB1.5 million were recognized in 2008, and
an impairment loss of RMB4.0 million was recorded in 2009 (Note 16).
(15) Long-term prepayments
Long-term prepayments mainly represent the prepayments for usage of the parcels of land where
the office buildings are located, are recorded at cost, and are amortized over their respective
lease periods (usually 50 years).
(16) Other long-term assets
Other long-term
assets mainly represent the upfront license fees of Shanda
Gamess online games that
have not yet been commercially launched and receivables from independent companies. Other long-term
assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 include prepayments in respect of the upfront license fees
paid for new games of RMB113.2 million and RMB90.4 million, respectively. Receivables due from
independent companies as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 amounted to RMB23.0 million and RMB38.2
million, respectively.
Other long-term assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 also include issuance costs of RMB22.8
million and RMB14.3 million, of the Companys 2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2011 (Notes II),
respectively. The issuance cost of Notes II is deferred and being amortized on a straight-line
basis over a period of three years from the date of issuance, which is September 16, 2008, to the
maturity date on September 15, 2011. The amortization expense of issuance costs related to Notes II
for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 was approximately RMB2.9 million and RMB8.6 million,
respectively.
F-19
(17) Impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets
Long-lived assets and intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting
from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss for
long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets that management expects to hold and
use is based on the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. Impairment of
approximately RMB20.1 million related to intangible assets was recognized during the year ended
December 31, 2007. No significant impairment was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009.
(18) Financial instruments
Financial instruments of the Group primarily comprise of cash and cash equivalents, restricted
cash, short-term investments, marketable securities, accounts receivable, other current assets,
amount due from/to related parties, short term loan, accounts payable, other payables and
convertible debt. As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, their carrying values approximated their fair
values because of their generally short maturities, except for the marketable securities (Note 13)
and the convertible debt (Note 18).
(19) Revenue recognition
Online game revenue
The Group derives its online game revenue from in-game virtual items and game usage fees
purchased by game players to play its Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs)
and casual games.
The Group sold pre-paid cards, in both virtual and physical forms, to third party distributors
and retailers, including Internet cafes, as well as through direct online payment systems. The
prepaid game cards entitle end users to access online game contents for a specified period of time
(time-based revenue model) or purchase in-game premium features (item-based revenue model). All
proceeds received from distributors or retailers, net off discounts, from the sale of pre-paid card
are deferred when received.
Under the item-based revenue model, revenues are recognized over the estimated life of the
in-game virtual items that game players purchase or as the in-game virtual items are consumed.
Under the time-based revenue model, revenues are recognized based on the time units consumed by the
game players. Revenues are also recognized when game players who had previously purchased playing
time or virtual currency are no longer entitled to access the online games in accordance with the
published expiration policy. Deferred revenue is reduced as revenues are recognized.
Online games revenue, including MMORPGs and casual games, amounted to approximately
RMB2,370,592,348, RMB3,423,283,828 and RMB4,900,424,247 during the years ended December 31, 2007,
2008 and 2009, respectively.
Other Revenues
Other revenues principally comprise of revenue from proceeds from online literature portal,
advertising revenues, fees from technical services and cooperation, service fees from rendering
management software to internet cafe, wireless valued-added services revenue, sale of E-Key and
other online game related auxiliary products, sale of offline books, online broadcasting revenues
and recorded music revenues.
F-20
The Group operates online literature portals, www.qidian.com and www.hongxiu.com. Some of the
contents are free to view. For premium contents, readers have to pay subscription fees to get access.
Proceeds are collected by the Group via sale of pre-paid card, in physical or virtual form, and
charged to readers per thousand characters they read. Proceeds are deferred when received and
revenue is recognized based upon the number of characters read by the readers.
Advertising revenues are derived principally from online advertising arrangements, sponsorship
arrangements, or a combination of both. Online advertising arrangements allow advertisers to place
advertisements on particular areas of the Groups websites, in particular formats and over
particular period of time. Advertising revenues from online advertising arrangements are recognized
ratably over the displayed period of the contract when the collectibility is reasonably assured.
Revenue from advertisement was reported as other revenues for all periods presented.
The Group licenses software it developed to internet cafés for their daily operation and
management. Fixed licensing fees, as stipulated in license agreements, are charged to internet café
on a monthly basis. Licensing revenue is recognized based on the usage of the software and when the
fee collection is reasonably assured.
The Group renders technical service and cooperation on its network PC platform. Revenue is
recognized when the services or cooperation are rendered and fee collection is reasonably assured.
Wireless value-added services (WVAS) revenue are derived from providing mobile phone users
with services for recharging value of their prepaid cards and subscribing other content such as
game related content and literature content via short messaging services (SMS). Following the
acquisition of Hurray, the Group also provided other entertainment-oriented wireless value-added
services including SMS, multimedia messaging services (MMS), wireless application protocol
(WAP), JavaTM (Java games), interactive voice response services (IVR) and ring back tone
(RBT) services, to mobile phone users through the three major Chinese operators of
telecommunication networks including China United Telecommunications Corporation (China Unicom),
China Mobile Communications Corporation (China Mobile) and China Telecommunications Corporation
(collectively, the Telecom Operators). Revenues from WVAS are charged based on a per-use basis or
monthly subscription basis and recognized in the period in which the service is performed, provided
that collection of the receivables is reasonably assured, the amounts can be accurately estimated,
and there are no future service obligations by the Company. In certain instances, for revenues
from WVAS business in Hurray!, when a statement
is not received within a reasonable period of time, the Group makes an estimate of the revenues and
cost of services earned during the period covered by the statement based on its internally
generated information, historical experience and/or other assumptions that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances. The historical differences between the recorded revenue based
on such estimates and actual revenue confirmed subsequently were not material.
The Group sells E-Key, a secure ID product and other on-line game auxiliary products to
customers. Revenues derived from the sale of E-Key and other on-line game auxiliary products are
recognized when the titles of such products are transferred to the customers and collections are
reasonably assured.
The Group sells books either through book stores or through third party distributors. Revenue
from sales made through the book stores or distributors is recognized when the products are sold to
the end customers and collections are reasonably assured.
Online broadcasting revenues are derived principally from online broadcasting arrangement.
Online broadcasting arrangements allow the Group to provide online radio broadcasting services in
particular online game over a particular period of time. Online broadcasting revenues from online
broadcasting arrangements are recognized ratably over the displayed period of the arrangement when
the collectability is reasonably assured.
F-21
Following the acquisition of Hurray!, the Group is involved in business of artist development
music production, offline music distribution and online distribution through wireless value-added
services and the Internet. Recorded
music revenues are derived from live performances, corporate sponsorship, online and wireless
sales, and offline CD sales. The Group recognizes artist performance fees and corporate sponsorship
or marketing event fees once the performance or the service has been completed and when all revenue
recognition criteria were met. Revenues from the sale of CDs is derived either by providing the CD
master to a distributor or by directly arranging for the volume production and subsequent wholesale
of the CDs. In the former case, the Group receives a fixed fee, has no further obligations and
recognizes the fee as revenue when the master CD is provided. In the latter case, the Group ships
the produced CDs to retail distributors and recognizes wholesale revenues at the time of shipment
less a provision for future estimated returns. The Group licenses its music to third parties for
guaranteed minimum royalty payments and normally receives non-refundable upfront licensing fees. In
such cases the Group recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the license period and
deferred revenues are included in liabilities. When the contract provides for additional payments
if revenues exceed the minimum amount guaranteed, such amounts are included in revenues when the
Group is notified of its entitlement to additional payments.
Other revenues amounted to RMB96,672,154, RMB145,784,600 and RMB340,374,513 during the years
ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
The Groups subsidiaries and its VIE subsidiaries are subject to business tax and related
surcharges and value added tax on the revenues earned for services provided and products sold in
the PRC. The applicable business tax rate varies from 3% to 5% and the rate of value added tax
varies from 3% to 17%. In the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
income, business tax and related surcharges for revenues derived from on-line games, advertisement,
wireless valued-added services, proceeds from online literature portal, online broadcasting
services, recorded music services are deducted from gross receipts to arrive at net revenues.
(20) Deferred revenue
Deferred revenue primarily represents proceeds received from customers that cover online game
services to be rendered in the future. Deferred revenue is stated at the amount of proceeds
received less the amount previously recognized as revenue upon the rendering of online game
services or expiration of the time units or expiration of game cards in accordance with the Groups
published expiration policy.
(21) Deferred licensing fees and related costs
Upon the receipt of proceeds from the distributors, which can be specifically attributable to
certain online game, the Group is obligated to pay on-going licensing fees and other costs related
to such proceeds, including business tax and related surcharges. As revenues are deferred (Note
3(20)), the related on-going licensing fees and costs are also deferred. The deferred licensing
fees and related costs are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income in the period in which the related online game proceeds received are
recognized as revenue.
(22) Cost of revenue
Cost of online games and services rendered
Cost of online game revenues consists primarily of salary and benefits, online game licensing
fees, server leasing charges, depreciation, maintenance and rental of computer equipment,
amortization of upfront licensing fees, share-based compensation, manufacturing costs for prepaid
game cards, expenses for customer loyalty program and other overhead expenses directly attributable
to the provision of online game services. Cost of service revenues consists primarily of salary and
benefits, bandwidth leasing and communication costs, service fees and network fees paid to Telecom
Operators, royalty fees payable to other parties for use of their work, CD and books production
cost and other overhead expenses directly attributable to the provision of the related services.
Cost of online games and services
rendered amounted to approximately RMB796,187,000, RMB1,013,174,000 and RMB1,453,265,000
during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
F-22
The Groups customers participate in a reward program, which provides physical awards and
virtual items to customers based on accumulated membership points that vary depending on the
services rendered and fees paid. The estimated incremental costs to provide physical rewards are
recognized as cost of revenue and those to provide virtual items are recognized as reduction of
revenue and accrued for as a current liability as members accumulate points. As members redeem
awards or their entitlements expire, the accrued liability is reduced correspondingly.
Cost of goods sold
Cost of goods sold primarily consists of direct manufacturing costs of E-Key, other on-line
game auxiliary products, CDs and books, as well as the corresponding shipping and handling costs
for the products sold. Cost of goods sold amounted to approximately RMB10,914,000, RMB7,296,000 and
RMB28,925,000, during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
(23) Product development
Product
development costs consist primarily of salaries and benefits, depreciation expense,
outsourced game development expenses, share-based compensation and other expenses incurred by the
Group to research, develop, maintain, monitor and manage the Groups online gaming products, software,
websites and integrated platforms, and are recorded on an accrual basis.
(24) Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing costs consist primarily of advertising and marketing promotion expenses,
salaries and benefits, share-based compensation and other expenses incurred by the Groups sales
and marketing personnel, and are recorded on an accrual basis. Advertising and market promotion
expenses amounted to approximately RMB112,043,000, RMB220,602,000 and RMB380,781,000 during the
years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
(25) General and administrative
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salary and benefits, professional
service fees, business tax expense, share-based compensation, and other expenses. The Companys
business tax expense primarily relates to services and licensing fees paid by our VIE subsidiaries
to Shengqu, Shengji, Lansha and Shanda Computer.
(26) Share-based compensation
The Group follows ASC 718 (formerly referred to as Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
123(R) Accounting for stock-based compensation), which requires all share-based payments to
employees and directors, including grants of employee stock options and restricted shares, to be
recognized as compensation expense in the financial statements over the vesting period of the award
based on the fair value of the award determined at the grant date. Under ASC 718, the number of
share-based awards for which the service is not expected to be rendered for the requisite period
should be estimated, and the related compensation cost not recorded for that number of awards. The
Company has applied the provisions of ASC 718-10S99 regarding the United States Securities and
Exchange Commissions (SEC) interpretation of ASC 718 and the valuation of share-based payments
for public companies.
F-23
In accordance with ASC 718, the Company has recognized share-based compensation expenses, net
of a forfeiture rate, using the straight-line method for awards with graded vesting features and
service conditions only, and using the graded-vesting attribution method for awards with graded
vesting features and performance conditions.
(27) Leases
Leases where substantially all the rewards and risks of ownership of assets remain with the
leasing company are accounted for as operating leases. Other leases are accounted for as capital
leases. Payments made under operating leases, net of any incentives received by the Group from the
leasing company, are charged to the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income
on a straight-line basis over the lease periods or based on certain formulas, as specified in the
lease agreements, with reference to the actual number of users of the leased assets, as
appropriate.
(28) Taxation
The income tax provision reflected in the Companys Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Comprehensive Income is provided on the taxable income of each subsidiary on the separate tax
return basis.
Deferred income taxes are provided using the liability method in accordance with ASC 740
(formerly referred to as SFAS No. 109, Income Taxes). Under this method, deferred income taxes
are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory
rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts
and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The tax base of an asset or liability is the
amount attributed to that asset or liability for tax purposes. The effect on deferred taxes of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period of change. A valuation allowance is
provided to reduce the amount of deferred tax assets if it is considered more likely than not that
some portion of, or all of; the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company follows ASC 740-10-25 (formerly referred to as FASB
Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes An interpretation of FASB
Statement No. 109). The interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement
attribute for the financial statements recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or
expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be
more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The amount recognized is
measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being
realized upon ultimate settlement. The Groups adoption of ASC 740-10-25 did not result in any
adjustments to the opening balance of the Groups retained earnings as of January 1, 2007. See Note
7, Taxation, for further information.
(29) Statutory reserves
China
The Groups subsidiary and the VIEs incorporated in the PRC are required on an annual basis to
make appropriations of retained earnings set at certain percentage of after-tax profit determined
in accordance with PRC accounting standards and regulations (PRC GAAP). Shengqu, Shengji, Lansha,
Shanda Computer and Grandpro Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, in accordance with the Law of the PRC
on Enterprises Operated Exclusively with Foreign Capital, must make appropriations to (i) general
reserve and (ii) enterprise expansion fund.
F-24
The general reserve fund requires annual appropriations of 10% of after-tax profit (as
determined under PRC GAAP at each year-end) until such fund has reached 50% of the companys
registered capital; enterprise expansion fund appropriation is at the companys discretion. The
Companys VIEs, in accordance with the China Company Laws, must make appropriations to a (i)
statutory reserve fund and (ii) discretionary surplus fund. Until January 1, 2006,
contributions to a statutory public welfare fund were also required. The statutory reserve
fund requires annual appropriations of 10% of after-tax profit (as determined under PRC GAAP at
each year-end) until such fund has reached 50% of the companys registered capital; the statutory
public welfare fund requires annual appropriations of at least 5~10% of after-tax profit (as
determined under PRC GAAP at each year-end before 2006); other fund appropriation is at the
companys discretion.
The general reserve fund and statutory reserve fund can only be used for specific purposes,
such as setting off the accumulated losses, enterprise expansion or increasing the registered
capital. The enterprise expansion fund was mainly used to expand the production and operation; it
also may be used for increasing the registered capital. The statutory public welfare fund must be
used for capital expenditures for the collective welfare of employees.
Appropriations to these funds are classified in the consolidated balance sheets as statutory
reserves. During the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, the Group made total
appropriations to these statutory reserves of approximately RMB 5,675,000, RMB 36,060,000 and
RMB12,570,000, respectively.
There are no legal requirements in the PRC to fund these reserves by transfer of cash to
restricted accounts, and the Group does not do so.
Korea
Actoz Soft Co., Ltd. is required to appropriate, as a legal reserve, an amount equal to a
minimum of 10% of cash dividends paid until such reserve equals 50% of its issued capital stock in
accordance with the Commercial Code of Korea. The reserve is not available for the payment of cash
dividends, but may be transferred to capital stock by an appropriate resolution of the companys
board of directors or used to reduce accumulated deficit, if any, with the ratification of the
companys majority shareholders. As Actoz did not declare or pay cash dividend, the Group did not
make appropriation to this legal reserve.
(30) Dividends
Dividends of the Company are recognized when declared.
Relevant laws and regulations permit payments of dividends by the PRC and Korean subsidiaries
and affiliated companies only out of their retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance
with respective accounting standards and regulations (see Note 3(29)).
In addition, since a significant amount of the Groups future revenues will be denominated in
RMB, the existing and any future restrictions on currency exchange may limit the Groups ability to
utilize revenues generated in RMB to fund the Groups business activities outside China, if any, or
expenditures denominated in foreign currencies.
(31) Earnings per share
Basic net income per share attributable to Shanda Interactive ordinary shareholders is
computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. Diluted
net income per share attributable to Shanda Interactive ordinary shareholders is computed using the
weighted average number of ordinary shares and, if dilutive, potential ordinary shares outstanding
during the year. Potential ordinary shares consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock
options for the purchase of ordinary shares and the settlement of restricted share units accounted
for using the treasury stock method and the conversion of the convertible debt accounted for using
the as-converted method. Potential ordinary shares are not included in the denominator of the
diluted earnings per share calculation when inclusion of such shares would be anti-dilutive.
Additionally, in the calculation of diluted net income per share
attributable to Shanda Interactive, the Companys net income is reduced by the difference
between the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Shanda Games multiplied by the
Companys holding in Shanda Games shares. There was no impact of Hurray! on the diluted
calculation as Hurray!s basis and net income were the same due to its net loss for the period.
F-25
(32) Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a company during the period from
transactions and other events and circumstances excluding transactions resulting from investments
from owners and distributions to owners. Accumulated other comprehensive loss, as presented on the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets, consists of cumulative foreign currency translation
adjustment and unrealized gain/(loss) of marketable securities.
(33) Segment reporting
ASC 280 (formerly referred to as SFAS 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information), establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments in
annual financial statements. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about products
and services, geographic areas and major customers. Prior to the Separation, the Company operated
and managed its business as a single segment. After the Separation in July 2008, the Companys
business activities, for which discrete financial information is available, are regularly reviewed
and evaluated by the chief operating decision makers. As a result of this evaluation, the Company
determined that it has following the operating segments as follows:
Shanda Games, which
develops, sources and manages intellectual property rights relating to MMORPGs and advanced casual games;
Shanda Online, which
operates our integrated service platform that provides distribution, payment, customer service and other
e-commerce services for online entertainment content.
Information regarding the business segments provided to the Companys chief operating decision
maker (CODM) is usually at the gross profit margin level. The Company does not allocate any
operating expenses or assets to its segments, as the CODM does not use this information to allocate
resources to or evaluate the performance of the operating segments.
As the Company generates its revenues primarily from customers in the PRC, no geographical
segments are presented.
F-26
The segment information provided below has been prepared as if the current corporate structure
which separates the Companys business into online games related and integrated services platform
related, had been in existence throughout the periods presented and as if the Separation had
occurred as of the earliest period presented. Accordingly, for the period from January 1, 2007 to
June 30, 2008, the segment information was prepared by combining the revenues and expenses that
were directly applicable to each business segment and for the period from July 1, 2008 to December
31, 2009, the information set forth below consists of the financial statements of each segment,
including with respect to Shanda Games as a standalone entity subsequent to the Separation.
Summarized below are the net revenues, costs of revenues and gross profits with respect to each
business segment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2009 (in RMB thousands) |
|
|
|
Shanda Games |
|
|
Shanda Online |
|
|
Others(1) |
|
|
Elimination |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Net revenues |
|
|
4,806,705 |
|
|
|
1,066,178 |
|
|
|
524,498 |
|
|
|
(1,156,582 |
) |
|
|
5,240,799 |
|
Costs of revenues |
|
|
(1,933,474 |
) |
|
|
(203,249 |
) |
|
|
(295,866 |
) |
|
|
950,398 |
|
|
|
(1,482,191 |
) |
Gross profit margins |
|
|
2,873,231 |
|
|
|
862,929 |
|
|
|
228,632 |
|
|
|
(206,184 |
) |
|
|
3,758,608 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2008 (in RMB thousands) |
|
|
|
Shanda Games |
|
|
Shanda Online |
|
|
Others(1) |
|
|
Elimination |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Net revenues |
|
|
3,376,756 |
|
|
|
784,186 |
(2) |
|
|
268,164 |
|
|
|
(860,038 |
) |
|
|
3,569,068 |
|
Costs of revenues |
|
|
(1,489,361 |
) |
|
|
(126,031 |
) |
|
|
(171,941 |
) |
|
|
766,863 |
|
|
|
(1,020,470 |
) |
Gross profit margins |
|
|
1,887,395 |
|
|
|
658,155 |
|
|
|
96,223 |
|
|
|
(93,175 |
) |
|
|
2,548,598 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2007 (in RMB thousands) |
|
|
|
Shanda Games |
|
|
Shanda Online |
|
|
Others(1) |
|
|
Elimination |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Net revenues |
|
|
2,322,799 |
(3) |
|
|
593,938 |
(4) |
|
|
155,056 |
|
|
|
(604,528 |
) |
|
|
2,467,265 |
|
Costs of revenues |
|
|
(1,261,140 |
) |
|
|
(79,819 |
) |
|
|
(97,317 |
) |
|
|
631,174 |
|
|
|
(807,102 |
) |
Gross profit margins |
|
|
1,061,659 |
|
|
|
514,119 |
|
|
|
57,739 |
|
|
|
26,646 |
|
|
|
1,660,163 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Company generate revenues from other businesses,
such as literature business, chess and board game platform, e-sports games platform, WVAS services,
music and artist agency business, advertising, the provision of management software to Internet cafe, etc.
Beginning in the third quarter of 2009, the Company began consolidating the
financial result of Hurray!.
|
|
(2) |
|
Represents fees for certain technical services as calculated pursuant to contractual
agreements entered into both prior to and in connection with the Separation. Therefore, net
revenues in 2008 were calculated using these methods of calculating prior to and after the
Separation, and hence net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 may
not be comparable. |
|
(3) |
|
For the period from January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007, Shanda Games accounted for its
investment in Actoz using the equity method of accounting. Beginning in the third quarter of
2007, Shanda Games began consolidating the financial results of Actoz. |
|
(4) |
|
For the year ended December 31, 2007, net revenues represented fees for certain technical
services provided by Shanda Online primarily to Shanda Games pursuant to contractual
agreements entered into prior to the Reorganization. |
(34) Fair value measurements
On January 1, 2008, the Group adopted the ASC 820 (formerly referred to as Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements) for financial assets and
liabilities. On January 1, 2009, the Company also adopted the statement for all non-financial
assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value
in the financial statements on a recurring basis. ASC 820 clarifies that fair value is an exit
price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a
market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants
would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC 820
establishes a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value
as follows: (Level 1) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; (Level 2) inputs
other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly,
or quoted prices in less active markets; and (Level 3) unobservable inputs with respect to which
there is little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. This
hierarchy requires the Company to use observable market data, when available, and to minimize the
use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value. On a recurring basis, the Company measures
certain financial assets at fair value, including its marketable securities.
F-27
As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the marketable securities and the financial liability
related to the forward contract (Note 25) are recorded at fair value, classified within Level 1 of
the fair value hierarchy. The Company has no other financial assets or liabilities that are being
measured at fair value at December 31, 2009.
The Company is also required by ASC 825-10-50 (formerly referred to as SFAS 107, Disclosures
about Fair Value of Financial Instruments), to disclose the fair value of financial instruments
that are not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the
convertible debt is disclosed in Note 18.
(35) Business combinations and non-controlling interests
The Company accounts for its business combinations using the purchase method of accounting.
This method requires that the acquisition cost to be allocated to the assets, including separately
identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities the Company acquired based on their estimated fair
values.
From January 1, 2009, the Company adopted ASC 805 (formerly referred to as SFAS No. 141
(revised 2007), Business combinations). Following this adoption, the cost of an acquisition is
measured as the aggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of the assets given,
liabilities incurred, and equity instruments issued as well as the contingent considerations and
all contractual contingencies as of the acquisition date. The costs directly attributable to the
acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities
acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the acquisition date,
irrespective of the extent of any non-controlling interests. The excess of (i) the total of cost of
acquisition, fair value of the non-controlling interests and acquisition date fair value of any
previously held equity interest in the acquiree over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net
assets of the acquiree is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair
value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized directly in the
income statement.
The determination and allocation of fair values to the identifiable assets acquired and
liabilities assumed is based on various assumptions and valuation methodologies requiring
considerable management judgment. The most significant variables in these valuations are discount
rates, terminal values, the number of years on which to base the cash flow projections, as well as
the assumptions and estimates used to determine the cash inflows and outflows. The Company
determines discount rates to be used based on the risk inherent in the related activitys current
business model and industry comparisons. Terminal values are based on the expected life of assets
and forecasted life cycle and forecasted cash flows over that period. Although the Company believes
that the assumptions applied in the determination are reasonable based on information available at
the date of acquisition, actual results may differ from the forecasted amounts and the difference
could be material.
When the Company obtains control over an entity by acquiring an additional interest in that
entity. The Companys previously held equity interest is remeasured to fair value at the date the
controlling interest is acquired. Any difference between the carrying value and the fair value of
the previously held equity interest is recognized as a gain or loss in the income statement.
Subsequent changes in the equity interest of a subsidiary while the Company retaining its
controlling interests are accounted for as equity transactions.
From January 1, 2009, following the adoption of ASC810 (formerly referred to as SFAS No.160,
Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No.51.), the
Company also renamed the minority interests to non-controlling interests and reclassified it on the
consolidated balance sheet from the mezzanine section between liabilities and equity to a separate
line item in equity except for the redeemable securities that are subject to the guidance in ASC
268 (formerly referred to as EITF Topic D-98, Classification and Measurement of Redeemable
Securities). The Company also expanded disclosures in the consolidated financial statements to
clearly identify and distinguish the interests of the Company from the interests of the
non-controlling owners of its subsidiaries. The Company has applied the presentation and disclosure
requirements retrospectively for all period presented.
F-28
(36) Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to all years presented in the consolidated financial
statements to conform to the current year presentation.
4. Recent accounting pronouncements
On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued ASC 320 (formerly referred to as FSP No. 115-2 and FSP
124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments), which amends the
other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more
operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on
debt and equity securities in the financial statements. The ASC 320 does not amend existing
recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity
securities. The adoption of ASC 320 has no material effect on the Companys consolidated results of
operations and financial condition.
In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 820-10-65-4 (formerly referred to as FSP No. 157-4,
Determining Whether a Market is Not Active and a Transaction Is Not Distressed), which clarifies
when markets are illiquid or that market pricing may not actually reflect the real value of an
asset. If a market is determined to be inactive and market price is reflective of a distressed
price then an alternative method of pricing can be used, such as a present value technique to
estimate fair value. The guidance identifies factors to be considered when determining whether or
not a market is inactive, and would be effective for interim and annual periods ending after June
15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009 and shall be
applied prospectively. The adoption of ASC 820-10-65-4 has no material effect on the Companys
financial statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 805-20-35 (formerly referred to as FSP No.FAS 141R-1
Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from
Contingencies,). ASC 805-20-35 amends the provisions for the initial recognition and measurement,
subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosures for assets and liabilities arising from
contingencies in business combinations. ASC 805-20-35 eliminates the distinction between
contractual and non-contractual contingencies, including the initial recognition and measurement
criteria and instead carries forward most of the provisions in ASC805 for acquired contingencies.
ASC 805-20-35 is effective for contingent assets and contingent liabilities acquired in business
combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the first annual reporting period
beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of ASC 805-20-35 has no material effect on
the Companys consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855 (formerly referred to as SFAS No. 165 Subsequent
Events), which sets forth general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur
after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be
issued. ASC 855 is effective after June 15, 2009. In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-09
which updates ASC 855 and removes the requirement for public companies to disclose the date through
which an entity has evaluated subsequent events. ASU 2010-09 became effective immediately. The
adoption of ASC 855 did not have a material impact on the Companys financial statements.
F-29
In June 2009, FASB issued ASC 105 (formerly referred to as SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting
Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles a
replacement of FASB Statement No.162). ASC 105 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards
Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles and the framework for selecting
the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are
presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. This
Statement is effective for the reporting period ending on September 30, 2009. Beginning with the
third fiscal quarter of 2009, the references made to U.S. GAAP use the new Codification numbering
system prescribed by the FASB. The adoption of ASC 105 does not have any impact to the Companys
consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 860 (formerly referred to as SFAS No.166 Accounting for
Transfers of Financial Assets an amendment of FASB Statement No.140). ASC860 amended the
disclosure requirement that a reporting entity provides in its financial statements about a
transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial
performance and cash flows; and a transferors continuing involvement, if any, in transferred
financial assets. ASC860 is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entitys first annual
reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual
reporting period and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. The Company does not
expect ASC 860 to have any impact on the Companys consolidated results of operations and financial
condition.
In June 2009, the FASB issued amendments to various sections of ASC 810 (formerly referred to
as SFAS No. 167 Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), which amends FASB Interpretation No.
46 (revised December 2003)) to address the elimination of the concept of a qualifying special
purpose entity. Such amendments to ASC 810 also replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards
calculation for determining which enterprise has a controlling financial interest in a variable
interest entity with an approach focused on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct
the activities of a variable interest entity and the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or
the right to receive benefits from the entity. Additionally, such amendments to ASC 810 provide
more timely and useful information about an enterprises involvement with a variable interest
entity. These amendments to ASC 810 shall be effective as of the beginning of each reporting
entitys first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods
within that first annual reporting period and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter.
Earlier application is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption
of ASC 810 on its financial statements and does not expect a significant impact.
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) Multiple-
Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (previously EITF 08-1, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple
Deliverables). This ASU addresses the accounting for multiple-deliverable arrangements to enable
vendors to account for products or services (deliverables) separately rather than as a combined
unit. Specifically, this guidance amends the criteria for separating consideration in
multiple-deliverable arrangements. This guidance establishes a selling price hierarchy for
determining the selling price of a deliverable, which is based on: (a) vendor-specific objective
evidence; (b) third-party evidence; or (c) estimates. This guidance also eliminates the residual
method of allocation and requires that arrangement consideration be allocated at the inception of
the arrangement to all deliverables using the relative selling price method. In addition, this
guidance significantly expands required disclosures related to a vendors multiple-deliverable
revenue arrangements. This accounting standard will be effective prospectively for revenue
arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15,
2010. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption
of ASU 2009-13 on its financial statements.
F-30
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic
820) Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. ASU 2010-06 amends ASC 820 (formerly
SFAS 157) to add new requirements for disclosures about (1) the different classes of assets and
liabilities measured at fair value, (2) the valuation techniques and inputs used, (3) the activity
in Level 3 fair value measurements, and (4) the transfers between Levels 1, 2, and 3. The guidance
in ASU 2010-06 is effective for the first reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009,
except for the requirement to provide the Level 3 activity of purchases, sales, issuances, and
settlements on a gross basis, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. In the period of initial adoption,
entities will not be required to provide the amended disclosures for any previous periods presented
for comparative purposes. However, those disclosures are required for periods ending after initial
adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Group is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on
its consolidated financial statements.
5. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
The Company completed the following acquisitions from 2007 to 2009:
Acquisitions completed in 2009
(1) Hurray!
In July 2009, the Group acquired, by means of a tender offer, 1,155,045,300 ordinary shares of
Hurray!, a NASDAQ listed company engaged in artist development, music production and wireless music
distribution and other wireless value-added services in China, at a purchase price of US$0.04 per
share for a total consideration in cash of approximately US$46.2 million (equivalent to RMB315.6
million). As a result, the Group held 52.6% equity interests in Hurray! and became the majority
shareholder of Hurray!. Since Shanda has unilateral control of Hurray!, the Company started to
consolidate Hurray!s financial statements since then. The Company believed the acquisition of
Hurray! was an integral piece of the Companys strategy to diversify its interactive entertainment
content.
The allocation of the purchase price of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on
their fair values was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
331,222,000 |
|
Short-term investments |
|
|
68,299,000 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
62,928,000 |
|
Identifiable intangible assets |
|
|
161,149,000 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
25,935,000 |
|
Other non-current assets |
|
|
12,529,000 |
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
(71,289,000 |
) |
Other non-current liabilities |
|
|
(2,020,000 |
) |
Non-controlling interests at fair value |
|
|
(273,111,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Purchase price |
|
|
315,642,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total identifiable intangible assets acquired upon consolidation, mainly include relationship
with Telecom Operators of RMB149.6 million and trademark of RMB11.6 million, which have estimated
useful lives of 10 years and 20 years, respectively. Total goodwill of RMB25.9 million primarily
represents the expected synergies from combining operations of the Company and Hurray!, which are
complementary in a way to each other, and any other intangible benefits that would accrue to the
Company that do not qualify for separate recognition. In accordance with ASC 350, goodwill is not
amortized but is tested for impairment and is not deductible for tax purpose.
The fair value of non-controlling interest in Hurray! has been determined mainly based on the
number of shares held by non-controlling shareholders and the prices in recent share transactions
made at open market close to the acquisition date, taking into consideration other factors, as
appropriate.
F-31
Following the acquisition, Hurray!s financial results have been included in the consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive income. The amount of Hurray!s revenue and net loss
included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for 2009 was not
material. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information reflects the results
of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, as if the acquisition of Hurray! had
occurred on January 1, 2008 and 2009, and after giving effect to purchase accounting adjustments.
These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be
indicative of what operating results would have been had the acquisition actually taken place on
the beginning of the periods presented, and may not be indicative of future operating results.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
Unaudited in RMB |
|
|
Unaudited in RMB |
|
Net revenues |
|
|
3,942,423,000 |
|
|
|
5,422,008,000 |
|
Net income |
|
|
1,177,127,000 |
|
|
|
1,480,456,000 |
|
The pro forma net income for 2008 and 2009 includes RMB15.3 million for the amortization of
identifiable intangible assets and was determined using the actual effective income tax rate of
Hurray! in 2008 and 2009.
In September 2009, the Company further acquired a 3.6% equity interest in Hurray!, for a
consideration of US$3.1 million (equivalent to RMB21.3 million) and increased its total equity
interest in Hurray! from 52.6% to 56.2%. The excess portion amounting to RMB2.6 million of the cash
paid over the adjustment to the carrying amount of non-controlling interests of RMB18.7 million was
recognized as a decrease in additional paid in capital attributable to the Company. (Note 20)
(2) Suzhou Jinyou Digital Technology Co., Ltd.
In December 2009, the Group acquired a 70% equity interest of Suzhou Jinyou Digital Technology
Co., Ltd. (Jinyou), a developer and operator of online chess game and board games in China for a
total consideration of RMB70,000,000 in cash.
The allocation of the purchase price of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on
their fair values was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
2,354,000 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
3,745,000 |
|
Identifiable intangible assets |
|
|
118,021,000 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
(29,505,000 |
) |
Total liabilities |
|
|
(615,000 |
) |
Non-controlling interests at fair value |
|
|
(24,000,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Purchase price |
|
|
70,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total identifiable intangible assets acquired upon consolidation, mainly including partnership
agreements of RMB88.9 million and core technology of RMB29.1 million, both have estimated useful
lives of 4 years.
F-32
The fair value of non-controlling interest has been determined using income approach including
discounted cash flow model and unobservable inputs including assumptions of projected revenue,
expenses, capital spending, other costs and a discount rate taking into consideration other
factors, as appropriate.
Jinyous financial results have been included in the consolidated statements of operations and
comprehensive income since the acquisition date. The amount of Jinyous revenue and earnings
included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for 2009 was not
material. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information reflects the results
of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009, as if the acquisition of Jinyou had occurred on
January 1, 2009, and after giving effect to purchase accounting adjustments. Jinyou did not have
any significant operations in 2008 and therefore no comparative figures have been presented below.
These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be
indicative of what operating results would have been had the acquisition actually taken place on
the beginning of the periods presented, and may not be indicative of future operating results.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
Unaudited in RMB |
|
|
Net revenues |
|
|
5,251,045,000 |
|
Net income |
|
|
1,578,096,000 |
|
The pro forma net income for 2009 includes RMB29.5 million for the amortization of
identifiable intangible assets and was determined using the actual effective income tax rate of
Jinyou in 2009.
(3) Chengdu Simo
In July 2009,
Shanda Games acquired a 100% equity interest of Chengdu Simo Technology Co., Ltd.
(Chengdu Simo), a developer and operator of MMORPGS in China. Pursuant to the acquisition
agreement, the total purchase consideration was RMB148.8 million in cash, of which RMB48.8 million
will be paid in 2010.
The purchase price of Chengdu Simo was allocated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
Cash |
|
|
6,374,000 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
26,885,000 |
|
Identifiable intangible assets |
|
|
104,300,000 |
|
Purchased in-progress research and development |
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
(11,723,000 |
) |
Goodwill |
|
|
53,532,000 |
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
(36,568,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Purchase price |
|
|
148,800,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total identifiable intangible assets acquired upon consolidation mainly include software
technology of RMB83.3 million and non-compete agreement of RMB21.0 million, and their estimated
useful lives are 3.0 to 7.5 years and 5 years, respectively. Purchased in-progress research and
development of RMB6 million were capitalized as an indefinite-lived intangible asset subject to
impairment testing until completion or abandonment. Total goodwill of RMB53.5 million represents
the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identifiable
intangible assets acquired and is not deductible for tax purpose. Goodwill primarily represents the
expected synergies from combining game operations of the Company and Chengdu Simo and any other
intangible benefits that would accrue to the Company that do not qualify for separate recognition.
In accordance with ASC 350, goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment and is not
deductible for tax purpose.
F-33
Chengdu Simos financial results have been included in the consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive income since the acquisition date. The amount of Chengdu Simos
revenue and earnings included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income
for 2009 was not material. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information
reflects the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2009, as if the acquisition of
Chengdu Simo had occurred on January 1, 2009, and after giving effect to purchase accounting
adjustments. Chengdu Simo was incorporated in 2008 and did not have any significant operations in
2008 and therefore no comparative figures are presented below. These pro forma results have been
prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what operating
results would have been had the acquisition actually taken place on the beginning of the periods
presented, and may not be indicative of future operating results.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
Unaudited in RMB |
|
|
Net revenues |
|
|
5,269,350,000 |
|
Net income |
|
|
1,552,252,000 |
|
The pro forma net income for 2009 includes RMB16.8 million for the amortization of
identifiable intangible assets and was determined using the actual effective income tax rate of
Chengdu Simo in 2009.
(5) Other acquisitions
In
July 2009, the Group acquired 51% of equity interest in Tianjin
Huawen Tianxia Books Inc.
(Huawen Tianxia), a company specializing in book concept, licensing copyrights from the overseas,
marketing and distributing books in China, for a total consideration of RMB40,000,000 in cash. The
rationale for acquiring Huawen Tianxia was to strengthen the Groups strategy of diversifying its
entertainment content offering and distribution channels. The fair value of the non-controlling
interest of RMB32,237,000 was determined using income approach including discounted cash flow model
and unobservable inputs including assumptions of projected revenue, expenses, capital spending,
other costs and a discount rate with regards to the non-controlling discount in recent share
transactions made at arms length close to the acquisition date, taking into consideration other
factors, as appropriate. Total identifiable intangible assets acquired of approximately
RMB36,316,000 mainly represents the distribution agreements, which have an estimated useful life of
5 years.
In December 2008, the Group acquired 20% of equity interest in Shanghai Caiqu Networking
Technology Co., Ltd. (Caiqu), a web-game community operator in China for a total consideration of
RMB4,000,000 in cash (Note 13). To further enhance the Companys strategy of diversifying its
entertainment content offering, the Group acquired the remaining 80% equity interest in Caiqu for a
consideration of RMB15,000,000 in cash in November 2009. As Caiqu did not have significant
operations in 2009, the Group believes the difference between fair value and carrying amount of the
previously held equity investment is not material and no gain or loss was recognized. Total
identifiable intangible assets acquired of approximately RMB14,942,000 mainly represents the
software technology, which have an estimated useful life of 5 years.
F-34
In 2009 the Group
also acquired 63.4%, 100% and 100% of the equity interests in three companies, which operate tourist attractions in Zhejiang province. Total
consideration for these acquisitions was RMB3,170,000, RMB8,000,000 and RMB12,425,000,
respectively, among which RMB3,170,000 and RMB8,000,000 was prepaid in 2008. Following the
acquisition of 63.4% of equity interest in one of the three tourism companies, the Group acquired
all of the remaining 36.6% equity interest in that company from its non-controlling shareholders
for a consideration of RMB2,287,500 in cash in July 2009. The excess portion of approximately
RMB2.0 million of the cash paid over the adjustment to the carrying amount of non-controlling
interests of RMB0.3 million was recognized as a decrease in additional paid in capital attributable
to the Company. Total identifiable intangible assets acquired of approximately RMB10,420,000 mainly
represents the qualification of national 4A tourists attractions for several scenic spots, which
have an estimated useful life of 5 years.
Based on the assessment on all the acquired companies financial performance made by the Group
in 2009, none of the acquired company on its own or in total is considered material to the Group.
Thus management believes the presentation of the pro forma financial information with regard to a
summary of the results of operations of the Group for the business combinations completed in 2009
is not necessary.
Acquisitions completed in 2008
In 2008, the Company incurred an aggregate upfront cash consideration of approximately
RMB20,845,000 to the sellers to acquire 75% equity interest of Shanghai Yisheng Network Technology
Co., Ltd., a company engaged in providing in-game radio broadcasting service in China, and 60%
equity interest of Hong Xiu Tian Xiang Science and Technology Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd., a
leading developer and operator of online literature in China. Total identifiable intangible assets
acquired of approximately RMB16,985,000 consist of software technology and customer base which are
being amortized on a straight line basis over economic lives of five years estimated by the
Company.
In July 2009, the Company acquired additional equity interest in Hong Xiu Tian Xiang Science
and Technology Development (Beijing) Co., Ltd. from 60% to 71% by increasing its share capital for
a total consideration of RMB15,000,000 in cash. As a result of the capital injection, the
non-controlling shareholders equity interest in Hongxiu increased by approximately RMB3.7 million
and the Company recognized the corresponding decrease of its investment in Hongxiu as a deduction
in additional paid in capital attributable to the Company.
Acquisitions completed in 2007
(1) Actoz
In 2004 and 2005, Shanda acquired approximately 38.18% of equity interest in Actoz. As of
December 31, 2005, the carrying amount of the investment in Actoz was RMB328.3 million.
From December 2006 through July 5, 2007, the Group acquired additional 12.0% equity interest
in Actoz for a consideration of US$11.4 million in cash (equivalent to RMB 88.3 million). As a
result, the Group holds 50.1% equity interest in Actoz and became the majority shareholder of
Actoz. Since Shanda has unilateral control of Actoz, it started to consolidate Actozs financial
statements from July 1, 2007.
F-35
The purchase price of Actoz in connection with the total consideration of US$11.4 million in
cash (equivalent to RMB 88.3 million) was allocated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
Cash |
|
|
13,467,000 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
54,270,000 |
|
Identifiable intangible assets |
|
|
30,111,000 |
|
Purchased in-progress research and development |
|
|
3,073,000 |
|
Deferred tax liability |
|
|
(9,126,000 |
) |
Goodwill |
|
|
11,088,000 |
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
(14,583,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Purchase price |
|
|
88,300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total identifiable intangible assets acquired upon consolidation, including software
technology of RMB59.1 million and trademarks of RMB46.8 million, have estimated useful lives of 0.5
to 5.5 years and 20 years respectively. Purchased in-progress research and development of RMB3.1
million were written off at the date of acquisition in accordance with FASB Interpretation No.4
Applicability of FASB Statement No. 2 to Business Combinations Accounted for by the Purchase
Method (FIN 4) because the technological feasibility of the in-progress technology has not yet
been established and that the technology has no alternative future use. Those write-offs are
included in costs of revenue.
Total goodwill of RMB86,479,000 comprising goodwill of RMB75,391,000 arose from 38.1%
acquisition in 2004 and 2005 upon consolidation represents the excess of the purchase price over
the estimated fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired, and is
not deductible for tax purposes. In accordance with ASC 350, goodwill is not amortized but is
tested for impairment.
In 2008, the Company further acquired a 3.7% equity interest in Actoz, for consideration of
US$1.9 million (equivalent to RMB13.04 million) and increased its total equity interest in Actoz
from 50.1% to 53.8%. Additional intangible assets acquired of approximately RMB2,641,000 consisting
of game engine and software technology which are being amortized on a straight-line basis over
economic lives of three to five years.
(2) Aurora
In July 2007,
Shanda Games acquired a 100% equity interest of Chengdu Aurora Technology
Development Co. Ltd, or Aurora, a leading developer and operator of MMORPGs in China. Pursuant to
the acquisition agreement, the total purchase consideration was RMB101 million, of which RMB80.8
million and RMB15.1 million were paid in 2007 and 2008, respectively, and RMB5.1 million has been
paid in 2009. The primary purpose of the acquisition was to complement the Companys core online
game business.
The purchase price of Aurora was allocated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
Cash |
|
|
24,260,000 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
12,161,000 |
|
Identifiable intangible assets |
|
|
64,530,000 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
(16,133,000 |
) |
Goodwill |
|
|
26,130,000 |
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
(9,948,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Purchase price |
|
|
101,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Identifiable intangible assets acquired, mainly include software technology and trademarks of
RMB64.5 million, with estimated useful lives of 4.5-5.5 years and 7.5 years respectively. Goodwill
of RMB26.1 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the
net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired, and is not deductible for tax purposes.
In accordance with ASC 350, goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment.
F-36
6. OTHER INCOME, NET
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government financial incentives |
|
|
57,496,592 |
|
|
|
62,253,380 |
|
|
|
221,879,333 |
|
Donation expenses |
|
|
(3,895,121 |
) |
|
|
(17,475,876 |
) |
|
|
(2,150,000 |
) |
Foreign exchange gain (loss) |
|
|
(5,356,584 |
) |
|
|
(7,834,393 |
) |
|
|
(5,700,933 |
) |
Others |
|
|
(20,203,412 |
) |
|
|
(7,562,643 |
) |
|
|
(10,450,712 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,041,475 |
|
|
|
29,380,468 |
|
|
|
203,577,688 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government financial incentives are granted by the municipal government upon the
qualification of a company as a new-high technology enterprise. These government financial
incentives are calculated with reference to either the group companies taxable income or revenue,
as the case may be. In order to be eligible for certain government financial incentives, the Group
must meet a number of criteria, both financial and non-financial. In addition, the Companys
qualification is further subject to the discretion of the municipal government to immediately
eliminate or reduce these financial incentives. As there is no further obligation for the Company
to perform upon receipt of the government financial incentives, the government financial incentives
are recognized as other income when received.
7. TAXATION
Cayman Islands
Under the current laws of Cayman Islands, the Group is not subject to tax on its income or
capital gains. In addition, upon payments of dividends by the Group to its shareholders, no Cayman
Islands withholding tax will be imposed.
British Virgin Islands
Under the current laws of British Virgin Islands, the Group is not subject to tax on its
income or capital gains. In addition, upon payments of dividends by the Group to its shareholders,
no British Virgin Islands withholding tax will be imposed.
Hong Kong
The Companys subsidiaries in Hong Kong are subject to taxes at 17.5%, 16.5% and 16.5% for the
years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. No Hong Kong profit tax has been
provided as the Group did not have assessable profit that was earned in or derived from Hong Kong
subsidiaries during the years presented.
China
Prior to January 1, 2008, the Companys subsidiaries and VIE subsidiaries that are
incorporated in the PRC are subject to Enterprise Income Tax (EIT) in accordance with the
Enterprise Income Tax Law and the Income Tax Law of the Peoples Republic of China concerning
Foreign Investment Enterprises and Foreign Enterprises and local income tax laws (collectively the
previous PRC Income Tax Laws). Pursuant to the previous PRC Income Tax Laws and rules,
enterprises were generally subject to a statutory tax rate of 33% (30% state income tax plus 3%
local income tax). Subsidiaries that are registered in the Pudong New District of Shanghai are,
however, subject to a 15% preferential EIT rate pursuant to the local tax preferential treatment
before January 1, 2008.
F-37
Shengqu, as a software development enterprise, has been granted a two-year EIT exemption and
followed by a three year 50% EIT reduction on its taxable income, commencing the year ended
December 31, 2003 (tax holiday). Accordingly, Shengqu was subject to an income tax rate of 7.5%
for the years 2007. Nanjing Shanda, as a result of receiving governments recognition as a
technology advanced enterprise, has been entitled to a full income tax exemption for two years
effective from January 1, 2005 and was subject to a preferential tax rate of 15% in 2007. In April
2006, government recognition in October 2005 of Hangzhou Bianfeng, which was previously subject to
income taxes at a statutory rate of 33%, as a technologically advanced enterprise was acknowledged
by the local tax authority. As a result of the acknowledgement, Hangzhou Bianfeng is entitled to a
two-year exemption from income taxes commencing from 2004, which was deemed to be its first
cumulative profit-making year by the local tax authority. In 2006 and 2007, Hangzhou Bianfeng was
subject to a preferential tax rate of 15%.
In March 2007, the Chinese government enacted the Corporate Income Tax Law, and promulgated
related regulations Implementing Regulations for the PRC Corporate Income Tax Law. The law and
regulations went into effect on January 1, 2008. The Corporate Income Tax Law, among other things,
imposes a unified income tax rate of 25% for both domestic and foreign invested enterprises. The
Corporate Income Tax Law provides a five-year transitional period for those entities established
before March 16, 2007, which enjoyed a favorable income tax rate of less than 25% under the
previous income tax laws and rules, to gradually change their rates to 25%.
On April 14, 2008, relevant governmental regulatory authorities released qualification
criteria, application procedures and assessment processes for high and new technology
enterprises, which will be entitled to a favorable statutory tax rate of 15%. On July 8, 2008,
relevant governmental regulatory authorities further clarified that new technology enterprises
previously qualified under the previous income tax laws and rules as of December 31, 2007 would be
allowed to enjoy grandfather treatment for the unexpired tax holidays, on condition that they were
re-approved for high and new technology enterprise status under the regulations released on April
14, 2008.
In 2008, the local governments announced the recognition of the Companys subsidiaries and
VIEs, including Shengqu, Shanda Computer, Shanda Networking, Hangzhou Bianfeng, Shanghai Shulong,
Shanghai Holdfast Online Information Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu Aurora Technology Development
Co., Ltd., and Chengdu Jisheng Technology Co., Ltd. as high-new technology enterprises.
Accordingly, these entities are entitled to a preferential tax rate of 15%, which is effective
retroactively from January 1, 2008.
In addition, as Shengqu was also qualified for state key software enterprise for the years
2008 and 2009, Shengqu has been subject to an income tax rate of 10% for the years 2008 and 2009.
The Corporate Income Tax Law also provides that Software Enterprise can enjoy an income tax
exemption for two years beginning with their first profitable year and a 50% tax reduction to rate
of 12.5% for the subsequent three years. Shanda Computer is qualified as a software enterprise,
which is effective retroactively from January 1, 2008. As informed by the relevant tax bureau,
Shanda Computer will be subject to a 0% income tax rate for the full year 2008 and a 50% tax
reduction to an applicable rate from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2011. As a result, Shanda Computer was
subject to a 10% income tax rate in 2009. Despite the fact that Shanda Computer was subject to a 0%
income tax rate for the year 2008, they were still required by the relevant tax bureau to prepay
income tax of RMB79 million at the statutory rate of 15% during the year ended December 31, 2008,
which was subsequently received from relevant tax authorities in 2009.
The Corporate Income Tax Law also imposes a 10% withholding income tax for dividends
distributed by a foreign invested enterprise to its immediate holding company outside China, which
were exempted under the previous income tax laws and rules. A lower withholding tax rate will be
applied if there is a tax treaty arrangement between mainland China and the jurisdiction of the
foreign holding company. Holding companies in Hong Kong, for example, are subject to a 5%
withholding tax rate. All of the Groups China-based subsidiaries were invested by immediate
foreign holding company in Hong Kong. All the foreign invested enterprises are subject to
withholding tax on dividends distribution effective from January 1, 2008. In the fourth quarter of
2008 and 2009, the Companys certain subsidiaries planned to distribute the profit to its immediate holding companies in Hong Kong
and a withholding tax of RMB60.0 million and RMB69.6 million was accrued based on a 5% withholding
tax rate, respectively. Except for this, since the Company intends to reinvest earnings to further
expand its businesses in mainland China, its foreign invested enterprises do not intend to declare
dividends to their immediate foreign holding companies.
F-38
Taiwan
Seed Music Co., Ltd and Profita Publishing Limited, the subsidiaries of Hurray! that mainly
operate in Taiwan, are subject to a corporate income tax rate of 25%.
Korea
Actoz, the subsidiary incorporated in the Republic of Korea (Actoz) is subject to Enterprise
Income Tax (EIT) on the taxable income as reported in its respective statutory financial
statements adjusted in accordance with the Enterprise Income Tax Law of the Republic of Korea
(collectively the Korea Income Tax Laws), respectively. Actoz is subject to a 14.3% and 27.5% (in
excess of KRW 100,000,000 of taxable income) tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2007 and
2008, and a 12.1% and 24.2% (in excess of KRW 200,000,000 of taxable income) tax rate for the year
ended December 31, 2009, which includes resident tax surcharges in accordance with the Korea Income
Tax Laws & Local Tax Law.
Composition of income tax expense
The current and deferred portion of income tax expense included in the consolidated statements
of operations and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current income tax expenses |
|
|
171,131,529 |
|
|
|
226,226,624 |
|
|
|
437,321,556 |
|
Deferred income tax benefits |
|
|
(37,295,292 |
) |
|
|
(9,755,523 |
) |
|
|
(21,182,800 |
) |
Withholding taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000,000 |
|
|
|
69,635,112 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expenses |
|
|
133,836,237 |
|
|
|
276,471,101 |
|
|
|
485,773,868 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation of the differences between statutory tax rate and the effective tax rate
The reconciliation between the statutory EIT rate and the Groups effective tax rate for the
years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Statutory income tax rate |
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
25 |
% |
Tax differential from statutory rate
applicable to the subsidiaries and the VIE
subsidiaries |
|
|
(13 |
%) |
|
|
(12 |
%) |
|
|
(14 |
%) |
Non-taxable income outside the PRC |
|
|
(9 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enacted tax rate change |
|
|
(1 |
%) |
|
|
(1 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
Effect of tax holidays |
|
|
(2 |
%) |
|
|
(5 |
%) |
|
|
(1 |
%) |
Effect of the withholding taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
% |
|
|
3 |
% |
Effect of change in valuation allowance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
% |
|
|
4 |
% |
Non-deductible expenses |
|
|
1 |
% |
|
|
3 |
% |
|
|
5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective income tax rate |
|
|
9 |
% |
|
|
18 |
% |
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-39
|
|
The aggregate amount and per share effect of the tax holidays are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate net income effect |
|
|
30,302,276 |
|
|
|
81,125,328 |
|
|
|
26,044,547 |
|
Basic share effect |
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
0.57 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
Diluted share effect |
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
The Groups deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at each balance sheet date are
as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Licensing fees and related costs and deferred revenues |
|
|
44,099,281 |
|
|
|
33,507,663 |
|
Tax losses carry forward |
|
|
18,637,417 |
|
|
|
78,681,097 |
|
Other temporary differences |
|
|
49,720,058 |
|
|
|
110,609,771 |
|
Foreign tax credit of Actoz |
|
|
59,688,710 |
|
|
|
117,557,522 |
|
Development costs |
|
|
11,595,025 |
|
|
|
9,825,670 |
|
Less: Valuation allowances |
|
|
(59,680,349 |
) |
|
|
(215,679,179 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets |
|
|
124,060,142 |
|
|
|
134,502,544 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets arising from business combination |
|
|
39,224,250 |
|
|
|
80,185,676 |
|
Withholding taxes |
|
|
60,000,000 |
|
|
|
92,683,791 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
99,224,250 |
|
|
|
172,869,467 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Movement of valuation allowances
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At beginning of year |
|
|
9,969,052 |
|
|
|
59,680,349 |
|
Consolidation of Hurray! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,028,771 |
|
Current year additions |
|
|
52,977,067 |
|
|
|
108,252,671 |
|
Current year reversals |
|
|
(3,265,770 |
) |
|
|
(2,282,612 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At end of year |
|
|
59,680,349 |
|
|
|
215,679,179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowances have been provided on the net deferred tax assets due to the
uncertainty surrounding their realization. As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the majority of
valuation allowances were provided because it was more likely than not that the Group will not be
able to utilize certain tax losses carry forwards generated by certain VIE subsidiaries and foreign
tax credit carry forwards generated by a subsidiary. 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 allowances will increase income when those events occur.
F-40
Tax losses incurred in 2007, 2008, and 2009 were approximately RMB6.4 million, RMB67.2 million
and RMB166.8 million, respectively. The tax losses carried forward as at December 31, 2007, 2008,
and 2009, which approximated RMB31.5million, RMB87.4 millions and RMB387.5 millions respectively,
will expire during the period from year 2010 to 2014.
The Group implemented the provisions of ASC 740-10-25 as of January 1, 2007 and the adoption
of ASC 740-10-25 had no impact on the Groups results of operations and shareholders equity. A
reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at the beginning of the year |
|
|
9,427,110 |
|
|
|
9,427,110 |
|
Additions for tax positions of the current year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at the end of the year |
|
|
9,427,110 |
|
|
|
9,427,110 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If the Groups unrecognized tax benefits accrued as of December 31, 2009 were to become
recognizable in the future, the Group would record a total reduction of approximately RMB 9,427,000
in the income tax provision. The Group is not aware of any factors that indicate the unrecognized
tax benefits accrued as of December 31, 2009 will be qualified of being recognized in the
foreseeable future and consider it a long-term liability.
The Groups accounting policy is to record estimated interest and penalties related to the
potential underpayment of income taxes, net of related tax effects, as a component of the income
tax provision. As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the Group had accrued no such estimated interest
expense and income tax penalty expense.
The Groups uncertain tax positions are taken with respect to income tax return reporting
periods beginning after December 31, 2002, which are the periods that remain generally open to
income tax audit examination by the various income tax authorities that have jurisdiction over the
Companys subsidiary and VIEs income tax reporting for that period of time, which is usually five
years. The Group has monitored and will continue to monitor the lapsing of statutes of limitations
on potential tax assessments for related changes in the measurement of unrecognized tax benefits,
related net interest and penalties, and deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2009, however, the
Group does not expect to record any material changes in the measurement of unrecognized tax
benefits, related net interest and penalties or deferred tax assets and liabilities due to the
lapsing of statutes of limitations on potential tax assessments within the next twelve months.
F-41
8. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted net income per share attributable to the Companys ordinary shareholders has
been calculated in accordance with ASC 260 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to Shanda
Interactive for basic earnings per
ordinary share |
|
|
1,265,181,877 |
|
|
|
1,228,674,196 |
|
|
|
1,592,564,271 |
|
Less: Dilution from Shanda Games |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,249,131 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to Shanda
Interactive for diluted earnings per
ordinary share |
|
|
1,265,181,877 |
|
|
|
1,228,674,196 |
|
|
|
1,585,315,140 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average ordinary shares
outstanding for basic calculation |
|
|
143,340,207 |
|
|
|
142,991,542 |
|
|
|
134,265,829 |
|
Dilutive effect of share options |
|
|
2,946,312 |
|
|
|
1,683,360 |
|
|
|
1,936,559 |
|
Dilutive effect of convertible notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,301,529 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for diluted earnings per share |
|
|
146,286,519 |
|
|
|
144,674,902 |
|
|
|
138,503,917 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings per share |
|
|
8.83 |
|
|
|
8.59 |
|
|
|
11.86 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share |
|
|
8.65 |
|
|
|
8.49 |
|
|
|
11.45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible notes were not included in the computation of diluted EPS in 2007 and 2008
because the inclusion of such instrument would be anti-dilutive.
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, potentially dilutive shares of Shanda
Interactive of approximately 1.0 million, 1.4 million and 0.3 million were excluded in the
computation of diluted earnings per share for these periods as their effect would have been
anti-dilutive.
For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, potentially dilutive shares of Shanda Games of
approximately 5.6 million and 4.7 million were excluded in the computation of dilution impact from
Shanda Games for these periods as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive
shares of Hurray! of approximately 46.2 million were excluded in the computation of dilution impact
from Hurray! for the year ended December 31, 2009 as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
9. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2009 include cash balances held by the Companys
VIE subsidiaries of approximately RMB1,877,809,000. These cash balances cannot be transferred to
the Company by dividend, loan or advance according to existing PRC laws and regulations (Note 29).
However, these cash balances can be utilized by the Company for its normal operations pursuant to
various agreements which enable the Company to substantially control these VIE subsidiaries as
described in Note 3(2) for its normal operations.
Included in the cash and cash equivalents are cash balances denominated in U.S. dollars of
approximately US$185,125,000 and US$1,069,539,000 (equivalent to approximately RMB1,263,017,000
and RMB7,300,569,000) as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
Included in the cash and cash equivalents are cash balances denominated in Korean Won of
approximately KRW 5,653,703,000 and KRW3,800,199,000 (equivalent to approximately RMB30,564,000 and
RMB22,421,000) as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
10. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
78,928,310 |
|
|
|
155,714,628 |
|
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts |
|
|
(43,145,109 |
) |
|
|
(40,004,497 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,783,201 |
|
|
|
115,710,131 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-42
The movement of the allowance for doubtful accounts during the years is as follow:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at beginning of year |
|
|
42,033,969 |
|
|
|
43,145,109 |
|
Add: Current year additions |
|
|
2,489,583 |
|
|
|
10,147,259 |
|
Less: Current year write-offs |
|
|
(1,378,443 |
) |
|
|
(13,287,871 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at end of year |
|
|
43,145,109 |
|
|
|
40,004,497 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11. INVENTORIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finished goods |
|
|
2,832,681 |
|
|
|
36,222,471 |
|
Raw materials |
|
|
352,889 |
|
|
|
10,664,541 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total inventories |
|
|
3,185,570 |
|
|
|
46,887,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12. INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY AND COST METHOD INVESTEES
Investments accounted for under the equity method
The following table includes the Groups carrying amount and percentage ownership of the
investments in equity investees accounted for under the equity method at December 31, 2009 and the
carrying amount at December 31, 2008 and 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
Percentage |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ownership |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dalian King-Dian Network Development Co., Ltd. (King-Dian) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
|
20.00 |
% |
Beijing Jinjiang Networking Technology Co., Ltd. (Jinjiang) |
|
|
9,108,325 |
|
|
|
8,776,740 |
|
|
|
50.00 |
% |
Shanghai Xunshi Networking Technology Co., Ltd. (Xunshi) |
|
|
7,500,000 |
|
|
|
2,223,247 |
|
|
|
39.05 |
% |
Beijing Zhongcheng Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Zhongcheng) |
|
|
6,069,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24.85 |
% |
Chengdu Sunray Technology Co., Ltd. (Chengdu Sunray) |
|
|
4,569,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.20 |
% |
Shanghai Caiqu Networking Technology Co., Ltd. (Caiqu) |
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anipark Co., Ltd. (Anipark) |
|
|
3,910,455 |
|
|
|
6,750,316 |
|
|
|
17.58 |
% |
Huaian Shibo Numeral Technology Co., Ltd.(Huaian Shibo) |
|
|
3,800,000 |
|
|
|
3,655,413 |
|
|
|
45.00 |
% |
Shanghai Weilai Information Technology Co., Ltd. (Weilai) |
|
|
3,333,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17.75 |
% |
Shanghai Shanda Modern Family Magazine Co., Ltd (Shanda Family) |
|
|
3,064,280 |
|
|
|
3,241,314 |
|
|
|
49.00 |
% |
Hangzhou Aodian Technology Co., Ltd. (Aodian) |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
624,000 |
|
|
|
20.00 |
% |
Shanghai Shengguang Networking Technology Co., Ltd. (Shengguang) |
|
|
1,331,685 |
|
|
|
913,225 |
|
|
|
39.05 |
% |
Shanghai Orient Youth Culture Co., Ltd. (Orient Youth) |
|
|
117,062 |
|
|
|
97,207 |
|
|
|
30.00 |
% |
Joustar Tianhua (Tianjin) Cultural Media Company (Joustar) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000,000 |
|
|
|
20.00 |
% |
Shanghai Guangyu Networking Technology Co., Ltd (Guangyu) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
45.00 |
% |
Shanghai Gewa Business info consulting Co., Ltd (Gewa) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,883,053 |
|
|
|
40.00 |
% |
Chengdu Yunduan Networking Technology Co., Ltd (Yunduan) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,550,000 |
|
|
|
20.00 |
% |
Others |
|
|
2,408,874 |
|
|
|
2,619,704 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
51,212,309 |
|
|
|
52,334,219 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-43
The movement of the investments in affiliated companies is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of profit / |
|
|
Amortization of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(loss) on affiliated |
|
|
identifiable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
out due to |
|
|
Balances at |
|
|
|
December |
|
|
|
|
|
|
companies |
|
|
intangible assets, |
|
|
Other equity |
|
|
consolidation |
|
|
December |
|
|
|
31, 2007 |
|
|
Investments |
|
|
investments |
|
|
net of tax |
|
|
movement |
|
|
(Note 5) |
|
|
31, 2008 |
|
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
Orient Youth |
|
|
414 |
|
|
|
(94 |
) |
|
|
(203 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
117 |
|
Shanda Family |
|
|
3,057 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,065 |
|
Sunray |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(430 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,570 |
|
Jinjiang |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,500 |
|
|
|
308 |
|
|
|
(700 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,108 |
|
Xunshi |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
Zhongcheng |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,269 |
|
|
|
(200 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,069 |
|
Caiqu |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000 |
|
Anipark |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,564 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,346 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,910 |
|
Huaian Shibo |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,800 |
|
Weilai |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,333 |
|
Aodian |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
Shengguang |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
(668 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,332 |
|
Others |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,425 |
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
(48 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,408 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
8,471 |
|
|
|
40,733 |
|
|
|
410 |
|
|
|
(748 |
) |
|
|
2,346 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,212 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of profit / |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(loss) on |
|
|
Amortization of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balances at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
affiliated |
|
|
identifiable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
out due to |
|
|
Balances at |
|
|
|
December |
|
|
|
|
|
|
companies |
|
|
intangible assets, |
|
|
Other equity |
|
|
consolidation |
|
|
December |
|
|
|
31, 2008 |
|
|
Investments |
|
|
investments |
|
|
net of tax |
|
|
movement |
|
|
(Note 5) |
|
|
31, 2009 |
|
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
|
RMB000 |
|
Orient Youth |
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
97 |
|
Shanda Family |
|
|
3,065 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,242 |
|
Sunray |
|
|
4,570 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,570 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jinjiang |
|
|
9,108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(332 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,776 |
|
Xunshi |
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,662 |
) |
|
|
(615 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,223 |
|
Zhongcheng |
|
|
6,069 |
|
|
|
5,731 |
|
|
|
(11,800 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Caiqu |
|
|
4,000 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
(459 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18,541 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Anipark |
|
|
3,910 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,192 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
649 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,751 |
|
Huaian Shibo |
|
|
3,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(145 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,655 |
|
Weilai |
|
|
3,333 |
|
|
|
11,667 |
|
|
|
(15,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aodian |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,376 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
624 |
|
Shengguang |
|
|
1,332 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(418 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
914 |
|
Joustar |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
Guangyu |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
Gewa |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
(117 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,883 |
|
Yunduan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,550 |
|
King-Dian |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
Others |
|
|
2,408 |
|
|
|
11,105 |
|
|
|
(11,975 |
) |
|
|
(1,425 |
) |
|
|
2,506 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,619 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
51,212 |
|
|
|
67,053 |
|
|
|
(48,360 |
) |
|
|
(2,185 |
) |
|
|
3,155 |
|
|
|
(18,541 |
) |
|
|
52,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-44
Investments accounted for under the cost method
In October 2008, the Group, through Shanghai IT, acquired a 1.24% stake in Shanghai Institute
of Visual of Art of Fudan University (SIVA), a college in Shanghai, China, for a consideration of
RMB10 million. The Group accounted for the RMB10 million using the cost method of accounting.
13. MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Marketable securities as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 comprised of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Unrealized gain/(loss) |
|
|
Fair value |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mutual funds |
|
|
10,897,517 |
|
|
|
1,456,084 |
|
|
|
12,353,601 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
24,341,940 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,341,940 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
35,239,457 |
|
|
|
1,456,084 |
|
|
|
36,695,541 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Unrealized gain/(loss) |
|
|
Fair value |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mutual funds |
|
|
9,897,517 |
|
|
|
1,674,090 |
|
|
|
11,571,607 |
|
Equity securities |
|
|
2,830,411 |
|
|
|
6,388,998 |
|
|
|
9,219,409 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
12,727,928 |
|
|
|
8,063,088 |
|
|
|
20,791,016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in SINA
As of January 1, 2006, the Group held approximately 19.5% of the issued and outstanding shares
of SINA at an aggregate cost of approximately US$227.6 million, equivalent to RMB1,884.1 million,
after a series of acquisition of the shares in SINA Corporation (SINA) from the open market in
2004 and 2005,. The investment was recorded in marketable securities and carried at fair market
value with unrealized appreciation of approximately RMB30.9 million reported as a component of
accumulated other comprehensive gain in shareholders equity as at January 1, 2006.
In November 2006, the Group sold approximately 3.7 million shares in SINA under Rule 144 of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Rule 144), with net proceeds of approximately US$99.1
million, or equivalent to approximately RMB779.9 million. Realized appreciation of approximately
RMB23.6 million was transferred out from accumulated other comprehensive gain in shareholders
equity to investment income in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
The net gain from disposal of SINAs stake, amounting to US$8.6 million, or equivalent to
approximately RMB66.9 million, was recorded as investment income in the consolidated statement of
operations and comprehensive income. As at December 31, 2006, the Group still held approximately
11.4% of SINAs stake, and the unrealized appreciation of RMB200,155,184 was reported as a
component of accumulated other comprehensive gain in shareholders equity.
F-45
On February 8, 2007, the Group sold 4 million ordinary shares of SINA, pursuant to Rule 144
for approximately US$129.6 million (RMB1.0 billion). On May 11, 2007 and May 15, 2007, the Group
sold the remaining 1,066,344 and 1,051,934 shares of SINA in open-market transactions for US$38.1
million (RMB292.5 million) and US$38.4 million (RMB294.3 million), respectively. Realized
appreciation of approximately RMB260.3 million was transferred out from accumulated other
comprehensive gain in shareholders equity to investment income in the consolidated statement of
operations and comprehensive income. The total net gain from disposal of Sinas stake in 2007,
amounting to US$64.6 million, or equivalent to approximately RMB422.4 million, was recorded as
investment income in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income.
As of December 31, 2007, the Group had fully disposed of its SINA shareholding.
|
|
Investment in UBS enhanced yield portfolio AA USD (EYP) |
On December 1, 2006, the Company purchased 578,324 units of EYP, an innovative cash management
solution portfolio which was issued and managed by UBS Global Asset Management, for the
consideration of US$59.1 million in cash (equivalent to approximately RMB 464.3 million).
The investment was recorded in marketable securities and carried at fair market value with
unrealized appreciation of approximately RMB1.9 million reported as a component of accumulated
other comprehensive gain in shareholders equity as at December 31, 2006.
In October 2007 and November 2007, the Company sold the 380,989 and 197,335 units of EYP for
US$40.0 million (RMB300.7 million) and US$20.0 million (RMB147.8 million), respectively. The total
net gain from disposal of EYP in 2007, amounting to US$0.9 million, or equivalent to approximately
RMB6.8 million, was recorded as investment income in the consolidated statement of operations and
comprehensive income.
As of December 31, 2007, the Company had fully disposed of all its EYP.
14. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment and its related accumulated depreciation as of December 31, 2008 and
2009 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computer equipment |
|
|
391,272,394 |
|
|
|
484,334,144 |
|
Leasehold improvements |
|
|
8,247,432 |
|
|
|
21,733,441 |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
|
25,269,507 |
|
|
|
35,284,879 |
|
Motor vehicles |
|
|
15,805,569 |
|
|
|
27,387,413 |
|
Office buildings |
|
|
188,131,256 |
|
|
|
291,078,312 |
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
(316,291,236 |
) |
|
|
(378,455,962 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value |
|
|
312,434,922 |
|
|
|
481,362,227 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008, and 2009 was
approximately RMB85,469,000, RMB90,587,000 and RMB91,880,000, respectively.
F-46
15. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist of upfront licensing fees paid to online game licensors, software
and copyrights, and intangible assets arising from business combinations. Gross carrying amount, accumulated
amortization and net book value of the Groups intangible assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2009
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
Gross carrying amount: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upfront licensing fee paid |
|
|
456,683,530 |
|
|
|
599,819,796 |
|
Software, copyrights and others |
|
|
138,273,345 |
|
|
|
169,637,909 |
|
Intangible assets arising from business combinations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Software technology |
|
|
241,944,786 |
|
|
|
354,385,761 |
|
- Game engine |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Non-compete arrangement |
|
|
2,852,621 |
|
|
|
24,360,507 |
|
- Customer base |
|
|
35,054,504 |
|
|
|
273,785,027 |
|
- Trademarks |
|
|
54,666,335 |
|
|
|
63,533,912 |
|
- Other |
|
|
9,587,609 |
|
|
|
78,584,101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
939,062,730 |
|
|
|
1,564,107,013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: accumulated amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upfront licensing fee paid |
|
|
(168,140,533 |
) |
|
|
(285,146,355 |
) |
Software, copyrights and others |
|
|
(119,104,687 |
) |
|
|
(147,010,050 |
) |
Intangible assets arising from business combinations |
|
|
(155,468,499 |
) |
|
|
(230,039,697 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(442,713,719 |
) |
|
|
(662,196,102 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upfront licensing fee paid |
|
|
(20,095,454 |
) |
|
|
(20,095,454 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,095,454 |
) |
|
|
(20,095,454 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book value |
|
|
476,253,557 |
|
|
|
881,815,458 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 amounted to
approximately RMB110,544,000, RMB148,135,000 and RMB207,452,000, respectively.
Impairment of intangible assets charge to cost of revenue in 2007 amounted to approximately
RMB20,095,000 primarily related to one of the online games because it was determined that the
Company would not be able to fully recover the upfront and minimum royalty licensing costs. The
provision represents managements best estimate of the loss. No impairment was provided in year
2008 and 2009.
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
240,265,223 |
|
2011 |
|
|
207,710,386 |
|
2012 |
|
|
135,520,323 |
|
2013 |
|
|
80,286,222 |
|
2014 |
|
|
70,742,060 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
734,524,214 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-47
16. GOODWILL
|
|
|
|
|
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill from significant acquisitions are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross amount of goodwill |
|
Haofang |
|
|
Bianfeng |
|
|
Actoz |
|
|
Aurora |
|
|
Simo |
|
|
Hurray! |
|
|
Others |
|
|
Total |
|
RMB000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2007 |
|
|
346,583 |
|
|
|
106,170 |
|
|
|
86,479 |
|
|
|
26,130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,859 |
|
|
|
606,221 |
|
Write off |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,455 |
) |
|
|
(1,455 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
|
|
346,583 |
|
|
|
106,170 |
|
|
|
86,479 |
|
|
|
26,130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,404 |
|
|
|
604,766 |
|
Acquisitions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,531 |
|
|
|
25,935 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
79,466 |
|
Effect of exchange rate changes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
346,583 |
|
|
|
106,170 |
|
|
|
86,479 |
|
|
|
26,130 |
|
|
|
53,531 |
|
|
|
25,926 |
|
|
|
39,404 |
|
|
|
684,223 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated impairment |
|
Haofang |
|
|
Bianfeng |
|
|
Actoz |
|
|
Aurora |
|
|
Simo |
|
|
Hurray |
|
|
Others |
|
|
Total |
|
RMB000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of
December 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,498 |
) |
|
|
(14,498 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,498 |
) |
|
|
(14,498 |
) |
Impairment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,984 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,984 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,984 |
) |
|
|
(14,498 |
) |
|
|
(18,482 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net carrying amount
as of December 31,
2008 |
|
|
346,583 |
|
|
|
106,170 |
|
|
|
86,479 |
|
|
|
26,130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,906 |
|
|
|
590,268 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net carrying amount
as of December 31,
2009 |
|
|
346,583 |
|
|
|
106,170 |
|
|
|
86,479 |
|
|
|
26,130 |
|
|
|
53,531 |
|
|
|
21,942 |
|
|
|
24,906 |
|
|
|
665,741 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill arose from the business combination completed in year 2009 has been allocated to
the respective reporting unit of the Group. Goodwill is not amortized but is reviewed annually for
impairment.
In October 2008, the Company performed an impairment test at reporting unit level relating to
goodwill from acquisitions and concluded that there was no impairment as to the carrying value of
goodwill as of December 31, 2008, except that a full impairment loss of RMB14.5 million was
recorded for the goodwill arising from the acquisition of Beijing Digital Red Software Technology
Co., Ltd., which is a developer and operator of mobile phone games. The full impairment was
primarily due to the expected cash flow in future years for this reporting unit was revised
downward in light of lower than expected revenue earned in 2008 and other considerations such as
overall industry economic situations and market risk of the reporting unit. Additionally, there was
a goodwill write-off of RMB1.5 million due to close down of an acquired entity.
In October 2009, the Company performed an impairment test at reporting unit level relating to
goodwill from acquisitions and concluded that there was no impairment as to the carrying value of
goodwill as of December 31, 2009, except that an impairment loss of RMB4.0 million was provided for
the goodwill of Hurray! reporting unit arising from its acquisition of a music company in 2009 due
to the significantly lower than expected performance. The Company tests goodwill annually for
impairment or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying
amount of goodwill may not be recoverable.
F-48
In January 2009, the Company implemented the accounting and disclosure requirements of ASC 820
related to non-financial assets and liabilities that are re-measured at fair value on a
non-recurring basis. When available, the Company uses observable market data, including pricing on
recent closed market transactions, to determine the fair value of the reporting units and compare
with carrying amount of the reporting units to assess any goodwill
impairment. The fair value of reporting units of Actoz and Hurray! was determined based on the
market capitalization of the respective entities as of the valuation date. When there is little or
no observable market data, the Company measures the fair value of each reporting unit primarily
using the income approach and using the market approach as a validation of the value derived from
income approach. The market approach included using financial metrics and ratios of comparable
public companies. When the goodwill was determined to be impaired, the Company uses income approach
including discounted cash flow model for each reporting unit and unobservable inputs including
assumptions of projected revenue, expenses, capital spending, and other costs, as well as a
discount rate calculated based on the risk profile of the related industry to determine the amount
of any impairment.
17. OTHER PAYABLES AND ACCRUALS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary and welfare payable |
|
|
103,384,948 |
|
|
|
181,740,404 |
|
Unpaid advertisement and promotion fee |
|
|
94,407,793 |
|
|
|
229,496,086 |
|
Unpaid rental for server software |
|
|
47,161,337 |
|
|
|
48,435,022 |
|
Advance from customers |
|
|
23,597,944 |
|
|
|
66,115,682 |
|
Accrued interest for convertible debt |
|
|
7,442,120 |
|
|
|
7,453,640 |
|
Unpaid audit fee |
|
|
6,020,158 |
|
|
|
19,289,841 |
|
Acquisition related obligation |
|
|
5,550,000 |
|
|
|
48,800,000 |
|
Deposits from distributors |
|
|
5,297,793 |
|
|
|
33,257,943 |
|
Payable to employees due to exercise of options (Note 3(6)) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,470,589 |
|
Other payables |
|
|
57,073,770 |
|
|
|
98,502,304 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
349,935,863 |
|
|
|
787,561,511 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18. CONVERTIBLE DEBT
In 2009, the Company implemented ASC 470 (formerly referred to as FSP APB 14-1, Accounting
for Convertible Debt Instruments that May be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial
Cash Settlement). For these types of convertible debt instruments, ASC 470 requires that the
proceeds from the instruments issuance must be allocated between the liability and equity
components in a manner that reflects interest cost based upon the Companys borrowing rate at the
date of issuance of the convertible debt for a similar debt instrument without the debt conversion
feature. The equity component is recognized as the difference between the proceeds from the
issuance of the note and the fair value of the liability components. ASC 470 also requires an
accretion of the resulting debt discount over the expected life of the debt. In addition, if the
Companys convertible debt is redeemed or converted prior to maturity and the fair value of the
debt component immediately prior to extinguishment is different from the carrying value, it will
result in a gain or loss on extinguishment. Retrospective application to all periods presented is
required.
F-49
Upon the adoption, the Company retrospectively applied this guidance to all periods presented
and recorded the change in accounting principle as a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening
balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2007 totaling RMB354.3 million. The provisions of
this accounting guidance also resulted in an adjustment of the following previous years amounts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
reported |
|
|
Adjustment |
|
|
As adjusted |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
(13,131,146 |
) |
|
|
(130,960,150 |
) |
|
|
(144,091,296 |
) |
Net Income |
|
|
1,396,142,027 |
|
|
|
(130,960,150 |
) |
|
|
1,265,181,877 |
|
Basic earnings per share |
|
|
9.74 |
|
|
|
(0.91 |
) |
|
|
8.83 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share |
|
|
9.54 |
|
|
|
(0.89 |
) |
|
|
8.65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
|
(10,295,375 |
) |
|
|
(19,727,723 |
) |
|
|
(30,023,098 |
) |
Net Income |
|
|
1,248,401,919 |
|
|
|
(19,727,723 |
) |
|
|
1,228,674,196 |
|
Basic earnings per share |
|
|
8.73 |
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
8.59 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted earnings per share |
|
|
8.63 |
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
8.49 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheet: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible debt |
|
|
1,196,055,000 |
|
|
|
(196,193,578 |
) |
|
|
999,861,422 |
|
Additional paid-in capital |
|
|
1,230,162,337 |
|
|
|
701,525,180 |
|
|
|
1,931,687,517 |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
|
(133,609,677 |
) |
|
|
(347,841 |
) |
|
|
(133,957,518 |
) |
Retained earnings |
|
|
2,343,110,727 |
|
|
|
(504,983,761 |
) |
|
|
1,838,126,966 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2014 (Notes I) |
In October 2004, the Company issued US$200 million in aggregate principal amount of Zero
Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2014 (Notes I). The offering size increased to US$275 million
when the underwriters exercised their option to purchase additional notes. Notes I were issued at
par and bears no interest. Notes I were convertible into ordinary shares of the Company, at any
time prior to maturity at the option of the holder at the initial conversion rate of 50.3816
ordinary shares per US$1,000 principal amount, which is equal to an initial conversion price of
US$19.85 per ordinary share (or US$39.70 per ADS). The initial conversion price was higher as
compared to the market price of the Companys ADS at the date of issuance. In respect of each
US$1,000 in principal amount of Notes I, the conversion consideration would consist of (a) cash in
an amount equal to the principal amount of each Note I, subject to certain limitation; and (b) a
number of the Companys ordinary shares based on market value of the five consecutive trading days
beginning on the third trading day following the conversion date.
The Company had the right to redeem Notes I in whole or in part, at any time or from time to
time, on or after October 15, 2007 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of
Notes I to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the
redemption date.
The holders had the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their Notes
I on or after October 15, 2007 at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus
accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the repurchase date.
On October 17, 2007 and November 14, 2007, the Company redeemed all Notes I from the holders
for the considerations of US$15.4 million (RMB115.4 million) in cash and US$259.6 million
(RMB1,929.5 million) in cash, respectively.
The borrowing rate was estimated at 8.5% for the liability component of the Notes I. This
effective interest rate was used to calculate the fair value of the Notes I using a present value
approach and the accretion of interest expense from the issuance date to the earliest redemption
date. Upon the adoption of the new convertible debt guidance, the Company recorded the change in
accounting principle as a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings
as of January 1, 2007 totaling RMB354.3 million, which represented imputed interest, net of taxes,
for the period from issuance to January 1, 2007. The corresponding increase in additional paid-in
capital as of January
1, 2007 was RMB485.3 million. Imputed interest of approximately RMB485.3 million net of taxes,
recorded over the period from the issuance date to the earliest redemption date of the Notes I,
resulted in a reduction in retained earnings of RMB485.3 million and a corresponding increase in
long-term liability net-off the issuance costs of RMB485.3 million as of the maturity date.
F-50
Imputed issuance costs of RMB41.3 million, which is calculated based on the difference of the
original issuance cost of RMB52.1 million and the corresponding equity component of RMB10.8
million, of Notes I is deferred and being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of three
years from the date of issuance, which is October 15, 2004, to October 2007, when the Company
repurchased all Notes I. The interest expense of amortization of the imputed issuance costs related
to Notes I for the year ended December 31, 2007 was RMB10.9 million as compared with the original
amortization expense of issuance costs related to Notes I of RMB12.8 million.
Imputed interest expenses on the liability component of Notes I recognized for the year ended
December 31, 2007 was RMB132. 8 million, while the amortization of deferred issuance costs was
reduced by RMB1.9 million.
(2) 2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2011 (Notes II)
In September 2008, the Company issued US$155 million in aggregate principal amount of 2.0%
Convertible Senior Notes due 2011 (Notes II). The offering size increased to US$175 million when
the initial purchasers exercised in full their over-allotment option to purchase additional US$20
million of Notes II. Notes II were issued at par and bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.0% per
annum, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on March 15 and September 15 of each year,
beginning on March 15, 2009. Notes II matures on September 15, 2011.
Notes II are initially convertible, subject to certain conditions, into the Companys ordinary
shares at the conversion rate of 57.1428 ordinary shares per US$1,000 principal amount, which is
equal to an initial conversion price of US$17.50 per ordinary share (or US$35.00 per ADS). The
initial conversion price is higher as compared to the market price of the Companys ADS, which is
US$27.23 per ADS at the date of issuance. Upon conversion of each US$1,000 aggregate principal
amount of the notes, the conversion consideration would consist of the sum of (a) cash in an amount
equal to the principal portion of each note, subject to certain limitation, and, if applicable, (b)
a number of ordinary shares in an amount equal to the excess of the daily conversion value over the
principal portion during the observation period. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment for
certain events outlined in the Notes II Offering Memorandum dated September 16, 2008 (Offering
Memorandum).
The Company may not redeem the notes prior to their stated maturity date. If a Fundamental
Change, which is defined in Offering Memorandum, occurs at any time prior to maturity, the holder
of Notes II have the option to require the Company to repurchase any notes at a price equal to 100%
of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest to the date of repurchase except for
certain conditions. Notes II are senior unsecured obligations and ranked equally with all of the
Companys existing and future senior unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Notes II are
effectively subordinated to all of the Companys existing and future secured indebtedness to the
extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness, and are structurally subordinated
to all existing and future liabilities of the Companys subsidiaries, including trade payables.
The Notes II were recorded as a long-term liability. Its embedded conversion feature is not
required to be bifurcated under ASC 815 (formerly referred to as SFAS 133, Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities).
The borrowing rate was estimated at 9.0% for the liability component of the Notes II. This
effective interest rate was used to calculate the fair value of the Notes II using a present value
approach and the accretion of interest expense over the life of the Notes II. Upon the adoption of
the new convertible debt guidance, the Company recorded additional interest expense in 2008
totaling RMB19.7 million, which represented imputed interest, net of taxes, for the period from
issuance to December 31, 2008. The increase in additional paid-in capital and the corresponding
debt discount recorded upon issuance was RMB216.3 million. Imputed interest of approximately
RMB216.3 million net of taxes will be recognized over the life of the Notes II from its issuance
date to the maturity date.
F-51
The issuance costs of Notes II of RMB25.7 million is deferred and being amortized on a
straight-line basis over a period of three years from the date of issuance, which is September 16,
2008, to the maturity date on September 15, 2011. The amortization expense of issuance costs
related to Notes II for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 was approximately RMB2.9 million
and RMB8.6 million. The impact on the issuance cost of Notes II upon the adoption of this guidance
was not material.
Imputed interest expenses on the liability component of Notes II recognized for the years
ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 was RMB19.7 million and RMB67.5 million, respectively. The
contractual interest expense of Notes II recognized for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009
was RMB7.4 million and RMB23.6 million, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2009, the holders of the Companys Notes II converted
approximately US$8.7 million of the Notes II and Company additionally issued 144,920 ordinary
shares apart from the settlement of the principal portion in cash of approximately US$8.7 million
(equivalent to RMB59.7 million). As the difference between the fair value of the debt component
immediately prior to conversion and from the carrying value is not material, no gain or loss was
recognized on extinguishment.
The principal amount, unamortized discount and carrying amount of the liability component and
carrying amount of the component of the Notes II as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity component |
|
|
216,269,142 |
|
|
|
186,170,446 |
|
Liability component |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The net carrying amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal amount |
|
|
1,196,055,000 |
|
|
|
1,135,263,360 |
|
Less: unamortized discount |
|
|
(196,193,578 |
) |
|
|
(121,399,459 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net carrying amount of the liability component |
|
|
999,861,422 |
|
|
|
1,013,863,901 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The discount of the liability component will be amortized over 1.8 years. If all of the
outstanding Notes II were converted as of December 31, 2009, the if-converted value over the
principal amount was approximately US$83.7 million (equivalent to approximately RMB571.0 million)
using the market value of ordinary shares of Shanda Interactive of US$26.31 as of December 31,
2009.
As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the fair value of Notes II is approximately US$178.7 million
or approximately 102.1% of face value and US$253.8 million or approximately 152.7% of face value,
respectively. Fair value estimates related to the Companys convertible debt discussed above are
made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the
financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and
matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in
assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. The shares issuable upon conversion of Notes
II have been considered in the computation of diluted earning per share.
In connection and concurrently with Notes II offering, the Company has entered into a
privately negotiated accelerated share repurchase agreement, pursuant to which the Company used the
total proceeds of Note II of US$175 million to repurchase a variable number of its ADSs (Note 8).
F-52
19. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES ISSUED BY A SUBSIDIARY
In 2008, Grandpro Technology Limited (Grandpro), a subsidiary of Shanda, entered into a
series of agreements with Intel Capital Corporation, Shanghai International Shanghai Growth
Investment Limited, CCIB SPC-Asia Pacific Small and Mid Cap Companies Segregated Portfolio, UG
SPC-Asean Plus Three Segregated Portfolio, and CCIB Opportunity Income Growth Fund, Huitung
Investments (BVI) Limited and Google.Inc (collectively referred to as the Investors) to issue
9,600,000 series A Preferred Shares and 10,000,000 Series A-1 Preferred Shares to the Investors for
a total consideration of US$19.6 million (equivalent to RMB 141,142,984). The par value of each
preferred share is US$0.0001. All of the Series A Preferred Shares and the Series A-1 Preferred
Shares issued by Grandpro are collectively referred to as the Preferred Shares.
No beneficial conversion feature charge was recognized for the issuance of Series A and Series
A-1 Preferred Shares as the estimated fair value of the ordinary shares of Grandpro does not exceed
the conversion price on the date of issuance. The initial carrying value of Series A and Series A-1
Preferred Shares was offset by direct issuance cost of US$168,000 (equivalent to RMB1,179,192). No
dilution gain was recognized for the issuance of Preferred Shares. The Preferred Shares are
redeemable at the option of the Investors and as such are presented as mezzanine equity on the
balance sheet and such amount is accreted to the redemption value from the issuance date to the
redemption date. The accretion is included as a component of net income attributable to
non-controlling interests in the statement of operations.
Key terms of the Series A and Series A-1 Preferred shares are summarized as follows:
a. Dividends:
The Investors of the Preferred Shares are entitled to receive dividends at the rate of 6% of
the original Preferred Share issue price per annum, when and if declared by the Board of Directors
of Grandpro, prior and in preference to the ordinary shareholders or any other class of
shareholders on an as-converted basis. The Investors of the Preferred Shares are also be entitled
to receive any non-cash dividend, when and if declared by the Board on an as-converted basis.
b. Liquidation preference
Upon the occurrence of any liquidation, the Investors of the Preferred Shares shall be
entitled to receive, before any distribution or payment to the holders of the ordinary shares of
Grandpro, an amount equal to 100% of their original issue price, as adjusted for any share splits,
share dividends, combinations, recapitalizations and similar transactions, plus all declared and
unpaid dividends.
c. Voting rights
Each Preferred Share has voting rights equivalent to the number of ordinary shares into which
such Preferred Shares could be then convertible. The Investors of the Preferred Shares also would
have certain veto rights including, but not limited to, the appointment or removal of senior
management and the adoption of any annual budget, including contingencies.
d. Conversion
The Preferred Shares are convertible, at the option of the Investors, into Grandpros ordinary
shares at an initial conversion ratio of 1:1 at any time after the original issuance date. In
addition, each Preferred Share is automatically convertible into such number of ordinary shares of
Grandpro as shall be determined by reference to the then effective and applicable conversion ratio
upon the closing of a Qualified Public Offering as defined in the Preferred Shares agreement.
F-53
In the event that Grandpro issues additional ordinary shares at a price lower than the
then-applicable conversion price for the Preferred Shares, the conversion price of the Preferred
shares shall be reduced to a price equal to the issue price per share of the additional ordinary
shares issued, except for issuances under certain circumstances.
e. Redemption
If (i) the PRC government enacts policies, laws or regulations that prohibits non-PRC entities
from investing in, holding or disposing of any securities in Grandpro, its subsidiary or VIE
subsidiary, or (ii) Grandpro has not consummated a Qualified Public Offering prior to December 30,
2010, the Investors of not less than a majority of the Preferred Shares then outstanding, would
have options at any time to redeem all of the Preferred Shares at a redemption price equal to the
original issue price plus an annual rate of 10% accruing from the date of issuance to the
redemption date plus any declared and unpaid dividends and interest thereon. Accretion and the
corresponding re-measurement at the current exchange rate for the years ended December 31, 2008 and
2009 was approximately RMB4,770,940 and of RMB 13,247,741. As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the
balance of preferred shares issued by Grandpro was RMB 144,734,732 and 157,982,473.
Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to each of
the Investors the full performance by Grandpro of its redemption of the Preferred Shares.
20. NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
The Companys majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs which are consolidated in the consolidated
financial statements but with non-controlling interests recognized mainly include Shanda Games,
Hurray!, Actoz, Huawen Tianxia and Jinyou, etc.
Non-controlling interests include the common shares in the consolidated subsidiaries or VIE
subsidiaries and equity awards issued by the Companys subsidiaries. The balance is summarized as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries or VIE subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shanda Games |
|
|
|
|
|
|
936,818,522 |
|
Hurray! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
230,396,325 |
|
Actoz |
|
|
138,932,858 |
|
|
|
205,886,020 |
|
Others |
|
|
5,097,533 |
|
|
|
70,168,370 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
144,030,391 |
|
|
|
1,443,269,237 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-54
The following disclosure provides details regarding the effects of changes in the Companys
ownership interest in its subsidiaries on the Companys equity for the years ended December 31,
2007, 2008 and 2009, in accordance with ASC 810-10-55-4.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to Shanda Interactive |
|
|
1,265,181,877 |
|
|
|
1,228,674,196 |
|
|
|
1,592,564,271 |
|
Transfers (to) from the non-controlling interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in additional paid-in capital for
sale of 140,913,000 Shanda Games Class A
ordinary shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,993,051,794 |
|
Decrease in additional paid-in capital for
purchase of additional equity interest in
Hurray! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,644,156 |
) |
Decrease in additional paid-in capital for
purchase of additional equity interest in
other subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,033,278 |
) |
Decrease in additional paid-in capital for
capital contribution to a subsidiary by the
Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,745,253 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change from net income attributable to Shanda
Interactive and transfers (to) from
non-controlling interests |
|
|
1,265,181,877 |
|
|
|
1,228,674,196 |
|
|
|
7,577,193,378 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21. REPURCHASE OF SHARES
On March 9, 2007, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program, effective March
2007. Under the program, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to US$50 million worth of
outstanding ADS of the Company from time to time over the next 12 months, depending on market
conditions, share price and other factors, subject to the relevant rules under United States
securities regulations. The share repurchases may be made on the open market, in block trades or
otherwise and may include derivative transactions, and will be funded by the Companys available
working capital. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had repurchased a total of 738,275 ADSs for
an aggregate consideration of US$16 million (equivalent to Rmb124.0 million). After the repurchase,
those shares were retired. The excess of US$16 million of purchase price over par value, equivalent
to RMB123.9 million, was allocated between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings of
US$2.0 million and US$14 million, respectively (equivalent to RMB15.3 million and RMB108.6 million,
respectively), based on the pro rata portion of additional paid-in capital on the ordinary shares.
On September 9, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program to repurchase
up to US$200 million worth of its outstanding ADS of the Company from time to time over the next 12
months, depending on market conditions, share price and other factors, as well as subject to the
relevant rules under United States securities regulations. The share repurchases may be made on the
open market, in block trades or otherwise and is expected to include derivative transactions. The
program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. The Company used the entire proceeds of the
Notes II of US$175 million (Note 18), together with cash on hand, to repurchase a variable number
of its ADSs. As of December 31, 2008, Shanda had prepaid US$175 million, portion of this prepayment
had been applied for repurchase of an aggregate of 4,518,769 ADSs for a total consideration of
approximately US$122.8 million (equivalent to approximately RMB839.7 million) and unused prepayment
of approximately US$54.5 million (equivalent to approximately RMB373.1 million) is recorded in
equity of the Company as of December 31, 2008. After the repurchase, those shares were retired. The
excess of US$122.7 million of purchase price over par value, equivalent to RMB839.1 million, was
allocated between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings of US$14.4 million and US$108.3
million, respectively (equivalent to RMB98.3 million and RMB740.8 million, respectively), based on
the pro rata portion of additional paid-in capital on the ordinary shares.
In addition, on December 30, 2008, the Board of Directors approved to expand the aggregate
dollar value of outstanding ADSs that the Company may repurchase under its share repurchase program
approved by on September 9, 2008 from US$200 million to US$300 million, including US$175 million
worth of its outstanding ADSs the Company has agreed to repurchase pursuant to an accelerated share
purchase program. The share repurchases may be made on the open market, in block trades or pursuant
to a 10b5-1 plan and will be made subject to restrictions relating to volume, price and timing. The
share repurchase plan does not obligate the Company to repurchase a minimum number of ADSs, and the
share repurchase plan may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
F-55
As of March 31, 2009, the Company finalized the accelerated share repurchase program and
repurchased an aggregate of 1,802,066 ADSs for a total consideration of approximately US$54.5
million (equivalent to approximately RMB373.1 million) that was prepaid in 2008. After the
repurchase, those shares were retired. The excess of US$54.5 million of purchase price over par
value, equivalent to RMB372.8 million, was allocated between additional paid-in capital and
retained earnings of US$5.4 million and US$49.1 million, respectively (equivalent to RMB36.8
million and RMB336.0 million, respectively), based on the pro rata portion of additional paid-in
capital on the ordinary shares.
22. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN
(1) Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited
2003 Share Incentive Plan
On March 31, 2003, Shanda BVI authorized a share option plan (the 2003 Share Incentive Plan)
that provides for the issuance of options to purchase up to 13,309,880 ordinary shares. Under the
2003 Share Incentive Plan, the directors may, at their discretion, grant any officers (including
directors) and employees of Shanda BVI and/or its subsidiaries, and individual consultant or
advisor (i) options to subscribe for ordinary shares, (ii) share appreciation rights to receive
payment, in cash and/or the Companys ordinary shares, equals to the excess of the fair market
value of the Companys ordinary shares, or (iii) other types of compensation based on the
performance of the Companys ordinary shares.
Following the share purchase agreement in December 2003, Shanda Interactive has undertaken to
assume all obligations for share options, whether vested or unvested, previously granted by Shanda
BVI subject to the same terms and conditions as the 2003 Share Incentive Plan as adopted by Shanda
BVI.
In 2007, 2008 and 2009, no options were granted under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan.
2005 Equity Compensation Plan
In October 2005, the Company authorized an equity compensation plan (the 2005 Equity
Compensation Plan) that provides for the issuance of options to purchase up to 7,449,235 ordinary
shares, plus ordinary shares reserved for issuance, but not yet issued, under the Companys 2003
Share Incentive Plan. Under the 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, the directors may, at their
discretion, grant any officers (including directors) and employees of the Company and/or its
subsidiaries, and individual consultant or advisor (i) options to subscribe for ordinary shares,
(ii) share appreciation rights to receive payment, in cash and/or the Companys ordinary shares,
equals to the excess of the fair market value of the Companys ordinary shares, or (iii) other
types of compensation based on the performance of the Companys ordinary shares.
On June 28, 2006, the Company granted options under the 2005 Equity Compensation plan to
purchase 3,000,000 ordinary shares of the Company to some of its directors and officers and other
employees at an exercise price equal to the average market value in the previous three months. The
options can be exercised within 10 years from the award date. These awards vest over a four year
period, with 25% of the options to vest on each of the first, second, third and fourth
anniversaries of the award date as stipulated in the share option agreement.
On April 24, 2007, the Company granted options under the 2005 Equity Compensation plan to
purchase 655,000 ordinary shares of the Company to some of its directors and officers and other
employees at an exercise price equal to the average market value in the previous three months. The
options can be exercised within 6 years from the award date. These awards vest over a four year
period, with 25% of the options to vest on each of the first, second, third and fourth
anniversaries of the award date as stipulated in the share option agreement.
F-56
From September 25, 2007 through October 31 2007, the Company granted options under the 2005
Equity Compensation plan to purchase 425,000 ordinary shares of the Company at an exercise price
equal to the average market value in the previous fifteen days. The options can be exercised
within 6 years from the award date. These awards vest over a four year period, with 25% of the
options to vest on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the award date as
stipulated in the share option agreement.
From January 2, 2008 through June 24 2008, the Company granted options under the 2005 Equity
Compensation plan to purchase 110,000 ordinary shares of the Company at an exercise price equal to
the average market value in the previous fifteen days. The options can be exercised within 6 years
from the award date. These awards vest over a four year period, with 25% of the options to vest on
each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the award date as stipulated in the
share option agreement.
In 2009, no options were granted under the 2005 Share Incentive Plan.
Activities of share options
A summary of the option activity, relating to the options held by the Companys employees
under the 2003 Share Incentive Plan and 2005 Equity Compensation Plan as of and for the year ended
December 31, 2009 are set out below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted averaged |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
remaining |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
Options Outstanding |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
contractual life |
|
|
Intrinsic value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
|
Outstanding at January 1, 2009 |
|
|
4,018,513 |
|
|
|
8.48 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(1,390,333 |
) |
|
|
7.61 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(70,004 |
) |
|
|
14.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
2,558,176 |
|
|
|
8.78 |
|
|
|
5.06 |
|
|
|
44,835,108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and expected to vest at
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
2,470,023 |
|
|
|
8.79 |
|
|
|
5.05 |
|
|
|
43,273,445 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and exercisable at
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
1,446,927 |
|
|
|
8.01 |
|
|
|
4.90 |
|
|
|
26,470,555 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value of
US$26.31 as of December 31, 2009 and the exercise price of the shares. The total intrinsic value of
options exercised during the three years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 was RMB 257.6
million, RMB 93.9 million and RMB 177.4 million.
The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during fiscal years 2007 and
2008 was US$8.54, US$7.51, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during the three
years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 was RMB 46.2 million, RMB 61.0 million and RMB42.1
million.
As of December 31, 2009, there was RMB29.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted
for the estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock-based awards granted to the Companys
employees. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted averaged period of 1.2 years.
Total compensation cost may be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures. In 2009, total
cash received from the exercise of stock options amounted to RMB73.6 million.
F-57
Under Shandas 2003 Share Incentive Plan and 2005 Equity Compensation Plan, share-based
compensation expense of approximately RMB53.8 million, RMB47.5 million and RMB36.7 million were
recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income in the years ended
December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.
The fair value of each option granted under Shandas 2003 Share Incentive Plan and 2005 Equity
Compensation Plan is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model
that uses assumptions noted in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risk-free interest rate (1) |
|
|
4.16%-4.51 |
% |
|
|
2.37%-3.52 |
% |
Expected life (in years) (2) |
|
5 years |
|
|
5 years |
|
Expected dividend yield (3) |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
Expected volatility (4) |
|
|
56%-58 |
% |
|
|
59 |
% |
Fair value per option at grant date |
|
RMB55.91-80.82 |
|
|
RMB46.65-61.94 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the share option is
based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for a term consistent with
the expected term of the awards. |
|
(2) |
|
The expected term of stock options granted under the Plan is developed giving consideration
to vesting period, contractual term and historical exercise pattern. |
|
(3) |
|
The Company has no history or expectation of paying dividends on its common stock. |
|
(4) |
|
Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of comparable companies
stocks and of Shandas common stock for a period equal to the expected term preceding the grant
date. |
(2) Shanda Games Limited (Shanda Games)
Shanda Games 2008 Equity Compensation Plan
In November 2008, Shanda Games authorized an equity compensation plan (the 2008 Equity
Compensation Plan) that provides for the issuance of options to purchase up to 44,000,000 Class A
ordinary shares of Shanda Games. Under the Shanda Games 2008 Equity Compensation Plan, the
directors may, at their discretion, grant any officers (including directors) and employees of
Shanda Games and/or its subsidiaries, and individual consultant or advisor (i) options to subscribe
for ordinary shares, (ii) share appreciation rights to receive payment, in cash and/or Shanda
Games ordinary shares, equals to the excess of the fair market value of Shanda Games ordinary
shares, or (iii) other types of compensation based on the performance of Shanda Games ordinary
shares.
From November 14, 2008 through September 7, 2009, Shanda Games granted options to purchase
24,752,500 and 936,000 ordinary shares under the 2008 Equity Compensation Plan at an exercise price
of US$3.2 and US$3.98 per share, respectively. After Shanda Games IPO, from October 16, 2009
through December 1, 2009, Shanda Games granted options to its employees to purchase 38,000 and
20,000 ordinary shares under the 2008 Equity Compensation Plan at an exercise price of US$5.38,
US$5.29 per share, respectively, equivalent to the average market value in the previous fifteen
trading days of the grant dates. The options can be exercised within 10 years from the grant date.
Pursuant to the 2008 Equity Compensation Plan, for each quarter during the four years beginning on
the Performance Period Start Date through the four-year Performance Period. 1/ 16th of the options
have the opportunity to be earned, including 1/3 of which can be earned subject to the
participants continued employment with Shanda Games, and up to 2/3 of which can be earned
contingent on the achievement of different performance targets. These performance targets are
related to Shanda Games consolidated quarterly Revenue growth rate and quarterly Income growth
rate, calculated against Shanda Games historical highest consolidated quarterly Revenue and
Income.
F-58
For the options granted prior to the consummation of Shanda Games IPO on September 25, 2009,
the vesting conditions are: 1) On each of the first four anniversaries of the Performance Period
Start Date, twenty percent (20%) of the earned options during the year preceding such anniversary
date shall vest and become exercisable. 2) On each of the first four anniversaries of the
consummation of the Initial Public Offering, eighty percent (80%) of the earned options during the
year preceding the corresponding first four anniversaries of the Performance Period Start Date
shall vest and become exercisable provided, in each case, that the employees remain employed by
Shanda Games on such vesting date.
For the options granted after the consummation of Shanda Games IPO on September 25, 2009, the
vesting condition is: On each of the first four anniversaries of the Performance Period Start Date,
one hundred percent (100%) of the earned options during the year preceding such anniversary date
shall vest and become exercisable in case that the employees remain employed by Shanda Games on
such vesting date.
In accordance with ASC 718, the Company recognized share-based compensation expenses for the
options granted prior to IPO, net of a forfeiture rate, using the straight-line method for the 1/3
of the 20% of the options earned subject to the employees continued employment with Shanda Games,
and using the graded-vesting method for up to 2/3 of the 20% of the options earned contingent on
the achievement of different performance targets when Shanda Games concluded that it is probably
that the performance targets will be achieved.
Shanda Games did not previously recognize the share-based compensation expenses for the earned
options (80%) granted prior to Shanda Games IPO to be vested upon the consummation of the IPO of
Shanda Games as Shanda Games was not able to determine that it is probable that these performance
conditions will be satisfied until such events occur. As a result of the consummation of Shanda
Games Initial Public Offering on September 25, 2009, the share-based compensation expenses for
this portion of the earned options were recognized in the Companys consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive income.
For the options granted post Shanda Games IPO, the Company recognized the share-based
compensation expenses, net of a forfeiture rate, using the straight-line method for the 1/3 of the
options earned subject to the employees continued employment with Shanda Games, and using the
graded-vesting method for the 2/3 of the options earned contingent on the achievement of different
performance targets when Shanda Games concluded that it is probably that the performance targets
will be achieved.
Share-based compensation expense related to the option award granted by Shanda Games under the
2008 Equity Compensation Plan amounted to approximately RMB2.2 million and RMB 103.9 million for
the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009.
F-59
Activities of share options
Shanda Games share option activities as of and for the years ended December 31, 2009 is set
out below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted averaged |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
remaining |
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic |
|
|
|
Outstanding |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
contractual life |
|
|
value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
|
Outstanding at January 1, 2009 |
|
|
21,857,500 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
3,889,000 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(191,300 |
) |
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
25,555,200 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
8.94 |
|
|
|
47,589,454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and expected to vest at December
31, 2009 |
|
|
25,178,284 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
8.94 |
|
|
|
46,956,489 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As the exercise price approximates the fair value of the ordinary share of Shanda Games as of
December 31, 2008, there is no intrinsic value as of December 31, 2008. The intrinsic value as of
December 31, 2009 is calculated as the difference between the fair value of US$5.1 of ordinary
shares as of December 31, 2009 and the exercise price of the shares.
The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the year ended December
31, 2008 and 2009 was US$1.60 and US$2.49, respectively. No option was vested during the year ended
December 31, 2008 and 2009.
As of December 31, 2009, there was RMB182.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost,
adjusted for the estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock-based awards granted to Shanda
Games employees. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted averaged period of 3.6
years. Total compensation cost may be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures and the
probability of the achievement of performance conditions.
The fair value of each option granted under Shanda Games 2008 equity compensation plan before
the consummation of the Private Placement or Initial Public Offering is estimated on the date of
grant using the binomial pricing model that uses the assumption noted in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
Exercise Price |
|
US$ |
3.20 |
|
|
US$ |
3.20~US$3.98 |
|
Fair value of common stock |
|
US$ |
3.13 |
|
|
US$ |
3.90~US$6.25 |
|
Risk-free interest rate(1) |
|
|
3.94 |
% |
|
|
3.31%~4.44 |
% |
Exercise multiple(2) |
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
Expected dividend yield(3) |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
Expected volatility(4) |
|
|
50 |
% |
|
|
50 |
% |
Fair value per option at grant date |
|
RMB |
10.4~11.8 |
|
|
|
14.1~26.8 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the share option is
based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve over the contractual term of the option in effect at
the time of grant. |
|
(2) |
|
The management estimates the options will be exercised when the spot price reaches 1.8 times
of strike price after becoming exercisable. |
|
(3) |
|
Shanda Games has no history or expectation of paying dividends on its common stock. |
|
(4) |
|
Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of comparable companies
stocks and of Shanda Interactives common stock for a period equal to the expected term
preceding the grant date. |
F-60
The fair value of each option granted under Shanda Games 2008 Equity Compensation Plan after
the consummation of the Initial Public Offering is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
Exercise Price |
|
US$ |
5.29~US$5.38 |
|
Fair value of common stock |
|
US$ |
5.12~US$5.16 |
|
Risk-free interest rate(1) |
|
|
2.13%~2.48 |
% |
Expected life (in years)(2) |
|
|
5 |
|
Expected dividend yield(3) |
|
|
0 |
% |
Expected volatility(4) |
|
|
50 |
% |
Fair value per option at grant date (in RMB) |
|
|
15.82~15.84 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the share option is
based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for a term consistent
with the expected term of the awards. |
|
(2) |
|
The expected term of stock options granted is developed giving consideration to vesting
period, contractual term and historical exercise pattern of options granted by Shanda. |
|
(3) |
|
Shanda Games has no history or expectation of paying dividends on its common stock. |
|
(4) |
|
Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of comparable companies
stocks and of Shanda Interactives common stock for a period equal to the expected term
preceding the grant date. |
On December 22, 2008, Shanda Games also granted Restricted Share Award consisting of 407,770
Ordinary Shares (the Restricted Shares) under the 2008 Equity Compensation Plan. The restricted
shares are vested in equal installments over four calendar years on December 31 of each such
calendar year, commencing on December 31, 2009, subject to the employees continued employment with
Shanda Games.
From
July 14, 2009 through December 1, 2009, Shanda Games granted 251,920 and 6,068,500
Restricted Shares to Shanda Games and its subsidiaries as well as the Companys
non-Shanda-games employees, respectively, under the 2008 Equity
Compensation Plan. The restricted shares will be vested in equal installments over each of the four
anniversaries of grant date of each such calendar year, commencing on the grant date, subject to
the employees continued employment with Shanda Games and the Company, respectively.
Share-based compensation expense related to the Restricted Share Award granted by Shanda Games
under the 2008 Equity Compensation Plan amounted to RMB59,660 and RMB21.3 million for the years
ended December 31, 2008 and 2009.
A summary of unvested restricted share activity as of December 31, 2009 is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
Unvested Restricted Shares |
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
Grant-date Fair Value US$ |
|
Unvested at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
407,770 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
Granted |
|
|
6,320,420 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
Vested |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(3,000 |
) |
|
|
6.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unvested at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
6,725,190 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected to vest at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
5,479,864 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-61
As of December 31, 2009, there was RMB207.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost,
adjusted for the estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested restricted shares granted to Shanda
Games and the Companys employees. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average
period of 3.7 years. Total compensation cost may be adjusted for future changes in estimated
forfeitures.
(3) Actoz Soft Co., Ltd
Since 2005, Actoz has granted stock options to officers and employees as an incentive program.
A total of 127,420 shares were granted to eight officers and employees in July 2006. A total
of 140,000 shares were granted to current CEO in March 2007 and 470,730 shares were granted to 73
officers and employees in September 2007. A total of 94,040 shares and 10,000 shares were granted
to current officers and employees in March 2008 and October 2008, respectively. No options were
granted in 2009.
The stock options may be exercised from the date that is two years from the grant date for a
period of five years under relevant law. The grantees who were granted before March 2007 may
exercise 2/3 of granted stock options two years after the grant date and 1/3 of granted stock
options may be exercised three years after the grant date. Grantees who were granted in September
2007 and in 2008 may exercise 1/2 of granted stock options two years after grant date, 1/4 of
granted stock option may be exercised three years after grant date, and 1/4 of granted stock
options may be exercised four years after grant date.
Under the relevant law, the option exercise price is decided based on the price calculated by
taking the arithmetic average of the weighted average of the periods of past two months, one month
and one week each prior to the day immediately preceding the date of the shareholders meeting.
Actoz may decide upon one or more methods for exercise of the options pursuant to the
resolution of the board of directors: 1) delivery of new shares of Actoz, 2) delivery of Actozs
treasury stock; or 3) payment by Actoz to the Grantee of the difference between the market price at
the time of exercise and the exercise price, in cash or treasury stock.
The assumptions used to value stock-based compensation awards for the years ended December 31,
2007 and 2008 are presented as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
4.80-5.39 |
% |
|
|
4.80-5.39 |
% |
Term of share option/Expected life (in years) |
|
4.7-4.9 years |
|
|
4.7-4.9 years |
|
Expected dividend yield |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
Volatility |
|
|
80%-83 |
% |
|
|
63%-87 |
% |
Fair value per option at grant date( in KRW) |
|
KRW5,997¬KRW6,198 |
|
|
KRW4,531¬KRW6,355 |
|
Activities of share options
Actozs share option activities as of December 31, 2009 and changes during the year then ended
is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic |
|
|
|
Outstanding |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Contractual Life |
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KRW |
|
|
|
|
|
|
KRW |
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
762,550 |
|
|
|
9,398 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(300,700 |
) |
|
|
9,397 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(49,360 |
) |
|
|
9,406 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
412,490 |
|
|
|
9,398 |
|
|
|
4.66 |
|
|
|
3,156,394 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
392,849 |
|
|
|
9,390 |
|
|
|
4.65 |
|
|
|
3,009,071 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
123,261 |
|
|
|
9,347 |
|
|
|
4.34 |
|
|
|
949,448 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-62
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value of
KRW10, 200 and KRW17, 050 as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 and the exercise price of the shares.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended 2009 was KRW2,301.3 million.
The weighted average estimated fair value of options granted during fiscal years 2007 and 2008
were KRW6,152 and KRW4,966, respectively. The total fair value of options vested during the year
ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 was KRW434.0 million and KRW2,191.1 million, respectively.
Share-based compensation expense of approximately RMB4.7 million, RMB6.4 million, and RMB7.1
million were recognized in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for
the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
As of December 31, 2009 there was KRW1,362 million of unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted
for the estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested stock-based awards granted to Actozs
employees. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.
Total compensation cost may be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures. For the year
ended December 31, 2009, total cash received by Actoz from the exercise of stock options amounted
to KRW2, 825.6 million (equivalent to approximately RMB16.0 million).
(4) Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd.
Hurray!s 2004 stock option plans (the Plans) allow Hurray! to offer incentive awards to its
employees, directors, consultants or external service advisors. Under the terms of the Plans,
options are generally granted at prices equal to or greater than the fair market value on the grant
date, expire 10 years from the date of grant, and generally vest over 3-4 years.
Stock options under these plans were all granted prior to 2006 and as of January 1, 2006 all
granted stock options vested. There were 45,582,700 options outstanding as of December 31, 2009. No
stock options have been granted since January 1, 2006. As of December 31, 2009, 185,550,800
ordinary shares were available for future grants.
A summary of the stock option activity is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
Aggregate Intrinsic |
|
|
|
Outstanding |
|
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
Contractual Life |
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
47,367,700 |
|
|
|
0.080 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
(350,000 |
) |
|
|
0.025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(1,435,000 |
) |
|
|
0.115 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
|
45,582,700 |
|
|
|
0.080 |
|
|
|
3.62 |
|
|
$ |
147,478 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
45,582,700 |
|
|
|
0.080 |
|
|
|
3.62 |
|
|
$ |
147,478 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2009 |
|
|
45,582,700 |
|
|
|
0.080 |
|
|
|
3.62 |
|
|
$ |
147,478 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-63
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value of
US$0.0405 as of December 31, 2009 and the exercise price of the options. The total intrinsic value
of options exercised during the year ended December 31, was approximately $0.5 million.
Non-vested shares
Since 2006, Hurray! has granted restricted purchase share awards, in lieu of stock options,
under Hurray!s 2004 Share Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan) to certain officers and senior
management.
On February 7, 2006, Hurray! granted 33,000,000 non-vested stock units to its employees
pursuant to the 2004 Plan at offering price of par value which resulted in stock-based compensation
expense of $1.6 million to be recognized over the applicable vesting period. The non-vested stock
units vest on an annual basis equally over three years.
On June 20, 2006, Hurray! granted 7,500,000 non-vested stock units to its employees at
offering price of par value which resulted in stock-based compensation expense of $0.3 million to
be recognized over the applicable vesting period. The non-vested stock units vest on an annual
basis equally over 34 months.
On March 14, 2007, Hurray! granted 20,000,000 non-vested stock units to its employees at
offering price of par value which resulted in stock-based compensation expense of $0.61 million to
be recognized over the applicable vesting period. The non-vested stock units vest on an annual
basis equally over three years.
On November 23, 2007, Hurray! granted 19,500,000 non-vested stock units to its employees at
offering price of par value which resulted in stock-based compensation expense of $0.36 million to
be recognized over the applicable vesting period. The non-vested stock units vest on an annual
basis equally over three years.
A summary of non-vested shares activity is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted Average |
|
Unvested Restricted Shares |
|
Number of Shares |
|
|
Grant-date Fair Value US$ |
|
Unvested at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
13,500,300 |
|
|
|
0.0406 |
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested |
|
|
(6,500,300 |
) |
|
|
0.0507 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(3,999,900 |
) |
|
|
0.0313 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unvested at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
3,000,100 |
|
|
|
0.0313 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected to vest at December 31, 2009 |
|
|
1,950,065 |
|
|
|
0.0313 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share-based compensation expense related to the Hurray!s restricted stock units amounted to
RMB0.3 million for the period from the acquisition date through December 31, 2009.
As of December 31, 2009, there was $169,310 of unrecognized compensation cost, adjusted for
the estimated forfeitures, related to non-vested restricted stock units granted to Hurray!s
employees. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.85 years.
Total compensation cost may be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.
F-64
23. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The full-time employees of the Companys subsidiaries and VIE subsidiaries that are
incorporated in the PRC are entitled to staff welfare benefits, including medical care, welfare
subsidies, unemployment insurance and pension benefits. These companies are required to accrue for
these benefits based on certain percentages of the employees salaries in accordance with the
relevant regulations, and to make contributions to the state-sponsored pension and medical plans
out of the amounts accrued for medical and pension benefits. The total amounts charged to the
statements of operations and comprehensive income for such employee benefits amounted to
approximately RMB37,005,000, RMB46,095,000 and RMB71,778,000 for the years ended December 31,
2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The PRC government is responsible for the medical benefits and
ultimate pension liability to these employees.
24. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the years ended December 31, 2007, significant related party transactions were as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Online game licensing fees paid to Actoz, an affiliated company |
|
|
158,171,841 |
* |
Online game upfront licensing fee paid to Actoz |
|
|
7,740,900 |
* |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
165,912,741 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*: |
|
The transactions are up to June 30, 2007 as Actoz has been consolidated from July 1, 2007. |
As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, the Group had amounts due to related parties of
RMB3,043,783 and RMB6,193,386, respectively, mainly arising from purchase of game related
merchandise from certain minority shareholders of VIE subsidiaries and consulting, production and
marketing service fee from Hurray!s music companies with their related parties.
There are no significant related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2008 and
2009.
All amounts due to related parties are unsecured, interest-free and have no definite terms.
25. DERIVATIVE
In June 2009, Shengqu entered into an arrangement with a bank in China whereby Shengqu
obtained a loan of US$102.5 million to be repaid in June 2010. The loan bears interest at 1.35% per
annum, and it is collateralized with Shengqus RMB cash deposit of RMB702.1 million. The interest
earned from the RMB cash deposit is 2.25% per annum. In connection with the loan, Shengqu also
entered into a foreign currency forward contract with the same bank by fixing the exchange rate of
USD to RMB at 6.8445 at the time when it repays the US dollar loan. The Company recorded the
foreign currency forward contract as a derivative and marked to market at each balance sheet date.
The loan is remeasured at each period end to Shengqus functional currency, RMB, and is netted off
against its RMB cash deposit due to the existence of the legal set off right. As of Decmber 31,
2009, the financial liability related to the forward contract is not material.
26. CERTAIN RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Group to significant concentrations of
credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term
investments, marketable securities, accounts receivable, due from/to related parties, long-term
deposits and other current assets. As of December 31, 2008 and 2009 substantially all of the
Groups cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and marketable securities were held by
major financial institutions located in the PRC, in Hong Kong and in Korea, which management
believes are of high credit quality.
F-65
Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from revenue earned from customers
in China. The risk with respect to accounts receivables is mitigated by credit evaluations the
Company performs on its customers and its ongoing monitoring process of outstanding balances.
No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of net revenues during the year ended
December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
The Company derived the majority of its net revenues from two MMORPG, Mir II and Woool
including their expansion packs, which accounted for approximately 52.7% and 22.4% of the net
revenues for the year ended 2007, 52.1% and 19.5% of the net revenues for the year ended December
31, 2008, and 51.5% and 19.9% of the net revenues for the year ended 21, 2009, respectively.
The Companys exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk primarily relates to cash and
cash equivalents and short-term investments and convertible debt denominated in the U.S. dollar. On
July 21, 2005, the Peoples Bank of China, or PBOC, announced an adjustment of the exchange rate of
the US dollar to RMB from 1:8.27 to 1:8.11 and modified the system by which the exchange rates are
determined. This adjustment has resulted in an appreciation of the RMB against the US dollar. While
the international reaction to the RMB revaluation has generally been positive, there remains
significant international pressure on the PRC government to adopt an even more flexible currency
policy, which could result in a further revaluation and a significant fluctuation of the exchange
rate of RMB against the US dollar.
27. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating lease agreements
The Group has entered into leasing arrangements relating to office premises and computer
equipment that are classified as operating leases. Future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable
operating leases as of December, 31, 2009 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office premise |
|
|
equipment |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
13,012,036 |
|
|
|
44,746,702 |
|
|
|
57,758,738 |
|
2011 |
|
|
5,427,524 |
|
|
|
7,004,837 |
|
|
|
12,432,361 |
|
2012 |
|
|
1,319,523 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,319,523 |
|
2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,759,082 |
|
|
|
51,751,539 |
|
|
|
71,510,622 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2009, the Group had leased servers under operating lease arrangements where
the lease payments are calculated based on certain formulas, as specified in the agreements, with
reference to the actual number of users of the leased assets. The server leasing rental expenses
under these operating leases amounted to approximately RMB22,980,000, RMB21,880,00 and
RMB11,941,000 during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. As the future
lease payments for these arrangements are based on the actual number of users and thus cannot be
reasonably estimated, they are not included in the minimum lease payments disclosed above.
F-66
Total rental expenses including server leasing rental, office rental and server maintenance
were approximately RMB106,308,000, RMB124,229,000 and RMB167,599,000 during the years ended
December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively, and were charged to the statements of operations
and comprehensive income when incurred.
As of December 31, 2009, the Group also has commitments in respect of the maintenance
contracts in relation to the servers owned by the Group amounting to RMB47,972,000.
Capital commitments
Capital commitments for purchase of property and equipment and intangible assets including
game licenses as of December 31, 2009 were approximately RMB99,560,000.
Artist contracts
The music subsidiaries of Hurray!, have non-cancelable agency agreements with certain artists
that provide for minimum payments. Future minimum payments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RMB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
5,814,804 |
|
2011 |
|
|
5,957,233 |
|
2012 |
|
|
2,045,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
13,817,127 |
|
|
|
|
|
Contingencies
The Group accounts for loss contingencies in accordance with SFAS No. 5 Accounting for Loss
Contingencies, and other related guidance. Set forth below is a description of certain contingent
considerations for business combinations and loss contingencies as well as the opinion of
management as to the likelihood of loss in respect of each loss contingency.
In connection with Hurray!s acquisition of Seed Music, other than the initial consideration
of US$2,507,438 in cash, there are further contingent payments according to the agreements based on
Seed Musics operating performance. The contingent payments will be paid in cash if Seed Music
exceeds the performance target. If not, the non-controlling shareholders are obligated to transfer
certain shares or make cash payments to Hurray!. Although the maximum contingent consideration is
material to Hurray!, payment of such amount is considered remote. The Group does not expect to make
any contingent payments based on the current performance of Seed Music.
PRC regulations currently limit foreign ownership of companies that provide Internet content
services, which include operating online games, to 50%. In addition, foreigners or foreign invested
enterprises are currently not able to apply for the required licenses for operating online games in
the PRC. The Company is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and accordingly Shengqu is considered as
a foreign invested enterprise under PRC law. In order to comply with foreign ownership
restrictions, the Group operates its online games business in the PRC through Shanghai Shulong and
through Shulong Computer and Nanjing Shulong, which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Shanghai
Shulong. Shanghai Shulong currently holds an ICP license and an Internet culture operation license
that are required to operate online game business. The Group publishes its online games under an
Internet publishing license held by Shanda Networking. Shengqu has entered into a series of
contractual arrangements with Shanghai Shulong, Nanjing Shulong and Shulong Computer, pursuant to
which Shengqu provides Shanghai Shulong, Nanjing Shulong and Shulong Computer with services,
software licenses and equipment in exchange for fees, and Shengqu undertakes to provide financial
support to Shanghai Shulong, Nanjing Shulong and Shulong Computer to the extent necessary for their
operations. Shengqu has also entered into agreements with Shanghai Shulong and its shareholders
that provide it with the substantial ability to control Shanghai Shulong.
F-67
In addition, Shanda Computer is also considered as a foreign invested enterprise under PRC
law. In order to comply with foreign ownership restrictions, the Group operates its integrated
community and e-commerce service platform business in the PRC through Shanda Networking, which is
wholly owned by Tianqiao Chen and Danian Chen, both of whom are PRC citizens. Shanda Networking
currently holds an ICP license, Internet culture operation license and Internet publishing license
that are required to operate integrated service platform business. Shanda Computer has entered into
a series of contractual arrangements with Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and Bianfeng
Networking, pursuant to which Shanda Computer provides Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and
Bianfeng Networking with services, software licenses and equipment in exchange for fees, and Shanda
Computer undertakes to provide financial support to Shanda Networking, Nanjing Shanda and Bianfeng
Networking to the extent necessary for their operations. In addition, Shanda Computer has entered
into agreements with Shanda Networking and its shareholders that provide it with the substantial
ability to control Shanda Networking.
In the opinion of management and the Companys PRC legal counsel, (i) the ownership structure
of the Company, Shengqu and Shanghai Shulong, Shanda Computer and Shanda Networking, are in
compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations; (ii) the contractual arrangements with Shanghai
Shulong and Shanda Networking and their shareholders are valid and binding, and will not result in
any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and (iii) the Groups business
operations are in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations in all material respects.
However, there are substantial uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of
current and future PRC laws and regulations. Accordingly, the Company cannot be assured that PRC
regulatory authorities will not ultimately take a contrary view to its opinion. If the current
ownership structure of the Group and its contractual arrangements with Shanghai Shulong and Shanda
Networking were found to be in violation of any existing or future PRC laws and regulations, the
Group may be required to restructure its ownership structure and operations in the PRC to comply
with the changing and new PRC laws and regulations. In the opinion of management, the likelihood of
loss in respect of the Groups current ownership structure or the contractual arrangements with
Shanghai Shulong and Shanda Networking is remote. Additionally, in the opinion of Hurray!s
management, (1) the ownership structures of Hurray! Holding, the Hurray! entities and the Hurray!
VIEs are in compliance with existing PRC laws and regulations; (2) the contractual arrangements
with the Hurray! VIEs and their respective shareholders are valid, binding and enforceable, and
will not result in any violation of PRC laws or regulations currently in effect; and (3) the
business operations of Hurray! Holding, the Hurray! entities and the Hurray! VIEs are in compliance
with existing PRC laws and regulations.
Guarantees
In connection and concurrently with the issuance of preferred shares of US$19.6 million by
Grandpro in 2008 (Note 19), Shanda provides a full guarantee to the Investors in respect of the
performance of Grandpros redemption obligations under the agreements.
28. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Group had the following significant events occurred subsequent to December 31, 2009:
In January 2010, Shanda Games entered into an agreement to acquire Goldcool Games, a
Shanghai-based online game developer and operator, for RMB120 million in cash. At the date of
issuance of the financial statements, the initial purchase accounting was not complete.
F-68
In January 2010, Shanda Games entered into an agreement to acquire Mochi Media Inc., a
platform for distributing and monetizing browser-based games worldwide based in the United States
to acquire 100% of its enquity interest for approximately US$60 million in cash and US$20 million
in equity retention arrangements. At the date of issuance of the financial statements, the initial
purchase accounting was not complete.
On January 18, 2010, Hurray! completed the acquisition of Ku6, a leading online video portal
in China, pursuant to the share purchase agreement entered into by and among Hurray!, Ku6 and the
shareholders of Ku6 dated as of November 26, 2009 by issuing an aggregate of 723,684,204 ordinary
shares, of which 44,438,100 will be represented by ADS, each representing 100 ordinary shares of
Hurray!. After the closing of the acquisition of Ku6, the Companys equity interest in Hurray! was
diluted to 41.97%. At the date of issuance of the financial statements, the initial purchase
accounting was not complete. If the Company do not increase its holdings in Hurray! Holding or if
Hurray! Holding issues additional common stock for any number of reasons, we will have to
deconsolidate Hurray! Holding. Such a deconsolidation of Hurray! Holding could have a material and
adverse effect impact on our financial statements.
On March 1, 2010, the Board of Directors of Shanda Games approved a share repurchase program.
Under the share repurchase program, Shanda Games is authorized to repurchase up to US$150 million
worth of its outstanding ADSs representing the ordinary shares of Shanda Games over 2 years,
depending on market conditions, share price and other factors, as well as subject to the
memorandum and articles of association of Shanda Games, the relevant rules under United States
securities laws and regulations and the relevant stock exchange rules. The share repurchases may
be made on the open market, in block trades or otherwise and is expected to include derivative
transactions. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
On March 22, 2010, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program.
Under the share repurchase program, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $300 million
worth of its outstanding ADSs representing the ordinary shares of the Company from time to time,
depending on market conditions, share price and other factors, as well as subject to the
memorandum and articles of association of the Company, the relevant rules under United States
securities laws and regulations and the relevant stock exchange rules. The share repurchases may
be made on the open market, in block trades or otherwise and is expected to include derivative
transactions. The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
On May 14, 2010, Hurray! announced that it has agreed to sell its 51% equity interest in
Beijing Huayi Brothers Music Co.,Ltd. (Huayi Musi) to Huayi Brothers Media Corporation for an
aggregate consideration of RMB34.45 million. At the date of issuance of the financial statements,
these transactions have not consummated.
The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through May 19, 2010, which is
the date the financial statements were available to be issued.
29. RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
Relevant PRC laws and regulations permit PRC companies to pay dividends only out of their
retained earnings, if any, as determined in accordance with PRC accounting standards and
regulations. Additionally, the Companys VIE subsidiaries can only distribute dividends upon
approval of the shareholders after they have met the PRC requirements for appropriation to
statutory reserve. The statutory general reserve fund requires annual appropriations of 10% of net
after-tax income should be set aside prior to payment of any dividends. As a result of these and
other restrictions under PRC laws and regulations, the PRC subsidiaries and affiliates are
restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the Company either in the
form of dividends, loans or advances, which restricted portion amounted to approximately RMB2,550.0
million or 22.1% of the Company total consolidated net assets as of December 31, 2009. Even though
the Company currently does not require any such dividends, loans or advances from the PRC
subsidiaries and affiliates for working capital and other funding purposes, the Company may in the
future require additional cash resources from the Companys PRC subsidiaries and affiliates due to
changes in business conditions, to fund future acquisitions and developments, or merely declare and
pay dividends to or distributions to the Company shareholders. The Company is not required to
include the condensed financial statements of the Company in accordance with Regulation S-X
promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
F-69