The9 Limited Reports First and Second Quarter 2009 Unaudited Financial Results

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Thu Aug 27, 2009 5:00pm EDT

SHANGHAI, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- The9 Limited
(Nasdaq: NCTY) ("The9"), an online game operator and developer in China,
announced today its unaudited financial results for the quarters ended March
31, and June 30, 2009.
    First Quarter 2009 Financial Highlights:

    -- Net revenues for the first quarter of 2009 increased by 4%
       quarter-over-quarter and decreased by 3% year-over-year to RMB426.2
       million (US$62.4 million).

    -- Net loss for the first quarter of 2009 was RMB46.8 million (US$6.9
       million), a 70% decrease from net loss of RMB158.3 million (US$23.2
       million) in the fourth quarter of 2008, and a decrease in earnings of
       RMB122.4 million (US$17.9 million) compared with the net income of
       RMB75.6 million (US$11.1 million) in the first quarter of 2008.

    Second Quarter 2009 Financial Highlights:

    -- Net revenues for the second quarter of 2009 decreased by 32%
       quarter-over-quarter and decreased by 37% year-over-year to RMB287.9
       million (US$42.2 million).

    -- Net loss for the second quarter of 2009 was RMB79.2 million (US$11.6
       million), a 69% increase from net loss of RMB46.8 million (US$6.9
       million) in the first quarter of 2009 and a decrease in earnings of
       RMB178.2 million (US$26.1 million) compared with net income of RMB99.0
       million (US$14.5 million) in the second quarter of 2008.

    First half 2009 Business Highlights:

    -- The net loss for the first half 2009 was mainly due to decrease in
       revenue from World of Warcraft ("WoW"), which expired on June 7, 2009,
       and various write-off and impairment relating to WoW made in the first
       half 2009.

    -- Rolled out open beta test for EA SPORTS(TM) FIFA Online 2 ("FIFA Online
       2") on April 22, 2009 and commenced commercialization on May 20, 2009.

    -- Rolled out open beta test for Atlantica on June 10, 2009 and commenced
       commercialization on June 17, 2009.

    -- The9 Development Center ("TDC") now has World of Fighter, Jiu Zhou Zhan
       Ji, Miracles: Ultimate X, Tiny Tribe, Monster of War and other MMORPGs
       and advanced causal games in the pipeline.

    -- Licensed World of Fighter to Gamania for the operation in Hong Kong,
       Macau and Taiwan markets on June 24, 2009.

    -- Entered into a license agreement on July 23, 2009 with USERJOY
       Technology Co., Ltd. ("USERJOY") for an exclusive license to operate
       Kingdom Heroes 2 Online in mainland China.


    Management Comments:
    Commenting on the first half 2009 results, Jun Zhu, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of The9 said, "After the cease of the WoW operation upon
expiration of the license, our revenue has been significantly reduced.
However,
we believe we will soon recover from the challenging time and continue to
leverage the tremendous growth of China's online game market."
Xiaowei Chen, The9's President, commented, "During this year, we have
continued to execute our diversification strategy and actively search for
premium quality game titles. Meanwhile, we are making more investments into
The9 Development Center to enhance our in-house game development capabilities.
In addition, we made equity investments in a number of game studios in the
first half of 2009, which further strengthen our proprietary game pipeline.
Going forward, the Company will continue to bring the best online games to
Chinese and overseas players."
    Discussion of The9's Unaudited First and Second Quarter 2009 Results

    Revenues

    For the first quarter of 2009, The9 reported total net revenues of
RMB426.2 million (US$62.4 million), which increased by 4% compared to RMB408.6
million (US$59.8 million) in the fourth quarter of 2008 and decreased by 3%
compared to RMB439.4 million (US$64.3 million) in the first quarter of 2008.
Despite the negative seasonality factors, the Company managed to deliver a
quarter-over-quarter growth in the revenues through effective marketing
campaigns and ground promotions.
    In the first quarter of 2009, net revenues attributable to the operations
of subscription-based game (refers to WoW), which included revenues from game
playing time, merchandise and installation package sales, increased by 5%
quarter-over-quarter and by 3% year-over-year to RMB403.1 million (US$59.0
million). Net revenues attributable to the operations of item-sales based
games decreased by 11% quarter-over-quarter and by 47% year-over-year to
RMB20.9 million (US$3.1 million) in the first quarter of 2009 mainly due to
the lower than expected operating performance of Granado Espada which caused
the decline in active paying users.
    For the second quarter of 2009, The9 reported total net revenues were
RMB287.9 million (US$42.2 million), which decreased by 32% compared to
RMB426.2 million (US$62.4 million) in the first quarter of 2009 and by 37%
compared to RMB455.1 million (US$66.6 million) in the second quarter of 2008.
The decrease was primarily due to decreased revenue from World of Warcraft,
which expired on June 7, 2009.
    In the second quarter of 2009, net revenues attributable to the operations
of subscription-based game (refers to WoW), which included revenues from game
playing time, merchandise and installation package sales, decreased by 33%
quarter-over-quarter and by 35% year-over-year to RMB269.8 million (US$39.5
million) in the second quarter of 2009. Net revenues attributable to the
operations of item-sales based games decreased by 24% quarter-over-quarter and
by 58% year-over-year to RMB15.9 million (US$2.3 million) in the second
quarter of 2009. The sequential decrease in such revenues was mainly due to
the lower than expected operating performance of Granado Espada.
    Gross Profit
    Gross profit for the first quarter of 2009 decreased by 57%
quarter-over-quarter and by 65% year-over-year to RMB67.9 million (US$9.9
million). The decrease is mainly due to write-off of prepaid royalties and
withholding tax related to WoW due to the non-renewal of license amounting to
RMB103.2 million (US$15.1 million). Gross profit margin for the first quarter
of 2009 was 16% compared to 39% of fourth quarter of 2008 and 44% of first
quarter of 2008.
    Gross profit for the second quarter of 2009 decreased by 5%
quarter-over-quarter and by 67% year-over-year to RMB64.3 million (US$9.4
million). The sequential decrease of gross profit was mainly due to the
decrease in WoW revenue by RMB133.3 million (US$19.5 million) since expiration
of WoW license on June 7, 2009, which were offset partially by write-off of
prepaid royalties and withholding tax related to WoW due to the non-renewal of
license of RMB103.2 million (US$15.1 million) in first quarter of 2009. The
year-over-year decrease of gross profit was mainly due to the decrease in WoW
revenue by RMB146.5 million (US$21.4 million) and the additional accruals of
RMB22.1 million (US$3.2 million) settling costs for the refund of WoW point
cards resulting from the rebate program announced in the second quarter of
2009. Gross profit margin for the second quarter of 2009 was 22%, increased
from 16% for the previous quarter but decreased compared to 43% for the same
period of last year.
    Operating Expenses
    For the first quarter of 2009, operating expenses were RMB125.1 million
(US$18.3 million), representing a 56% decrease from RMB281.7 million (US$41.2
million) in the previous quarter and a 33% increase from RMB94.0 million
(US$13.8 million) in the same period of last year. The sequential decrease was
primarily the result of impairment provision of a receivable and prepayment
and advance to suppliers; and impairments on the upfront license fees for
certain games made in the fourth quarter of 2008, while there was no such
impairments in the first quarter. The year-over-year increase was primarily
due to increased headcount in research and development and increased marketing
expenses on new games in the first quarter of 2009.
    For the first quarter of 2009, share-based compensation was RMB15.7
million (US$2.3 million), compared to RMB15.7 million (US$2.3 million) in the
fourth quarter of 2008 and RMB12.0 million (US$1.8 million) in the first
quarter of 2008.
    For the second quarter of 2009, operating expenses were RMB152.5 million
(US$22.3 million), representing a 22% increase from RMB125.1 million (US$18.3
million) in the previous quarter and a 52% increase from RMB100.3 million
(US$14.7 million) in the same period of last year. The increase in operating
expenses was primarily due to increased product development expenses due to
the expansion of our research and development team and the increased in
general and administrative expenses primarily due to the impairment of
goodwill of RMB30.2 million (US$4.4 million) related to WoW in the second
quarter.
    For the second quarter of 2009, share-based compensation was RMB15.0
million (US$2.2 million), compared to RMB15.7 million (US$2.3 million) in the
first quarter of 2009 and to RMB12.1 million (US$1.8 million) in the second
quarter of 2008.
    Interest Income
    Interest income for the first quarter of 2009 was RMB9.0 million (US$1.3
million), compared to RMB14.0 million (US$2.0 million) in the fourth quarter
of 2008 and RMB12.8 million (US$1.9 million) in the first quarter of 2008. The
decrease of interest income was primarily due to a reduction in bank interest
rate.
    Interest income for the second quarter of 2009 was RMB6.9 million (US$1.0
million), compared to RMB9.0 million (US$1.3 million) in the first quarter of
2009 and RMB14.5 million (US$2.1 million) in the second quarter of 2008. The
sequential decrease of interest income was primarily due to the decrease of
cash balance, the year-over-year decrease of interest income was due to a
reduction in bank interest rate and the decrease of cash balance.
    Other (Expenses) Income, net
    Other expenses for the first quarter of 2009 was RMB0.4 million (US$0.06
million), compared to other expenses of RMB1.1 million (US$0.2 million) in the
fourth quarter of 2008 and other expenses of RMB24.4 million (US$3.6 million)
in the first quarter of 2008. The sequential and year-over-year decrease of
other expenses was primarily due to the decrease of foreign exchange loss.
    Other income for the second quarter of 2009 was RMB0.1 million (US$0.01
million), compared to other expenses of RMB0.4 million (US$0.06 million) in
the first quarter of 2009 and other expense of RMB4.7 million (US$0.7 million)
in the second quarter of 2008. Foreign exchange gain was recognized in the
second quarter compared with the foreign exchange loss recorded in the first
quarter of 2009 and second quarter of 2008.
    Income Tax Expense
    Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2009 was RMB0.7 million
(US$0.1 million), compared to income tax expense of RMB24.1 million (US$3.5
million) in the fourth quarter of 2008 and income tax expenses of RMB10.5
million (US$1.5 million) in the first quarter of 2008. The sequential decrease
was primarily because in the fourth quarter of 2008, a full valuation
allowance was provided for deferred tax assets, which created a significant
tax charge. The year-over-year decrease was consistent to the decrease in
taxable income.
    There was no income tax expense for the second quarter of 2009, compared
to income tax expense of RMB0.7 million (US$0.1 million) in the first quarter
of 2009 and income tax expense of RMB7.0 million (US$1.0 million) in the
second quarter of 2008. The decrease was consistent to the decrease in taxable
income.
    Non-controlling Interest
    The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160
("FAS 160") Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements - an
amendment of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 51 beginning January 1, 2009. As a
result, the presentation of the Company's noncontrolling interest has changed
in the income statement and balance sheet in accordance with FAS 160 and a
portion of losses of the Company's VIE subsidiary are allocated to
non-controlling interests, even when the non-controlling interests result in a
deficit balance.
    Net Income (Loss)
    For the first quarter of 2009, net loss was RMB46.8 million (US$6.9
million), which decrease by 70% from net loss of RMB158.3 million (US$23.2
million) in the fourth quarter of 2008 and compared with a net income of
RMB75.6 million (US$11.1 million) in the first quarter of 2008.
    Fully diluted loss per share and per ADS for the first quarter of 2009 was
RMB1.78(US$0.26), compared with RMB5.78(US$0.85) in the fourth quarter of
2008 and with fully diluted earnings per share of RMB2.70(US$0.40) in the
first quarter of 2008.
    For the first quarter of 2009, non-GAAP adjusted net income was RMB48.3
million (US$7.1 million) compared with non-GAAP adjusted net loss of RMB43.0
million (US$6.3 million) for the previous quarter and non-GAAP adjusted net
income of RMB193.4 million (US$28.3 million) for the same period of last year.
Fully diluted non-GAAP adjusted net income per share was RMB1.84(US$0.27),
compared with non-GAAP adjusted net loss per share of RMB1.57(US$0.23) for
the fourth quarter of 2008 and non-GAAP adjusted net income per share of
RMB6.92(US$1.01) in the first quarter of 2008.
    For the second quarter of 2009, net loss was RMB79.2 million (US$11.6
million), which increased by 69% from net loss of RMB46.8 million (US$6.9
million) in the first quarter of 2009 and compared with net income of RMB99.0
million (US$14.5 million) in the second quarter of 2008.
    Fully diluted loss per share and per ADS for the second quarter of 2009
was RMB3.15(US$0.46), compared with fully diluted losses per share of
RMB1.78(US$0.26) in the first quarter of 2009 and with fully diluted earnings
per
share of RMB3.58(US$0.52) in the second quarter of 2008.
    For the second quarter of 2009, non-GAAP adjusted net income was RMB3.1
million (US$0.5 million) compared with non-GAAP net income of RMB48.3 million
(US$7.1 million) for the previous quarter and RMB199.4 million (US$29.2
million) for the same period of last year. Fully diluted non-GAAP adjusted net
income per share was RMB0.12(US$0.02), compared with fully diluted non-GAAP
adjusted net income of RMB1.84(US$0.27) for the first quarter of 2009 and
RMB7.20(US$1.05) in the second quarter of 2008.
    Update on Stock Repurchase Program
    On September 12, 2008, The9 announced that its board of directors has
authorized a buy-back of up to US$50 million of its American Depositary Shares
("ADS"). As of June 30, 2009, The9 had spent an aggregate of approximately
US$32.7 million (including transaction costs of US$0.05 million) and had
repurchased approximately 2.5 million of outstanding ADS. The share repurchase
was funded by existing cash reserves. The share repurchase program will end on
September 12, 2009.
    Currency Convenience Translation
    The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into US dollars (US$) in this press
release is based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable
transfers in Renminbi per U.S. dollar as certified for customs purposes by the
Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of June 30, 2009, which was RMB6.8302 to
US$1.00. The percentages stated in this press release are calculated based on
the RMB amounts.
    Use of Non-GAAP Measure
    To supplement the consolidated financial statements presented in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
("GAAP"), The9 uses the non-GAAP measure of non-GAAP adjusted net income,
which is adjusted from the most directly comparable financial measures
calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP to exclude certain expenses.
The non-GAAP financial measure is provided to enhance investors' overall
understanding of the Company's operating performance.
    Non-GAAP adjusted net income is defined as earnings before depreciation of
property, equipment and software, amortization of land use right and
intangibles, share-based compensation, foreign exchange loss and income tax
expenses/benefits, as applicable. The use of non-GAAP adjusted net income has
certain limitations. Depreciation of property, equipment and software,
amortization of land use right and intangibles and income tax
expenses/benefits have been and will be incurred and are not reflected in the
presentation of non-GAAP adjusted net income. Each of these items should also
be considered in the overall evaluation of our results. Non-GAAP adjusted net
income should not be considered as a measure of our liquidity. We compensate
for these limitations by providing the relevant disclosure of our depreciation
and amortization, and income tax expenses/benefits in our reconciliations to
the GAAP financial measure, share-based compensation and income tax
expenses/benefits in our reconciliations to the GAAP financial measure, which
should be considered when evaluating our performance. Non-GAAP adjusted net
income is not defined under GAAP, and our non-GAAP adjusted net income is not
a measure of net income, operating income, or any operating performance
measure that is calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our non-GAAP
adjusted net income may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
utilized by other companies since such other companies may not calculate
non-GAAP adjusted net income in the same manner as we do. For more information
on this non-GAAP financial measure, please see the tables captioned
"Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results" set forth at the end of this
release.
    Form 20-F
    On July 15, 2009, The9 filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the year
ended December 31, 2008 with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). The report may be accessed in the Investor Relations section
of the Company's website at http://www.corp.the9.com . Upon request, The9 will
provide a hard copy of its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended
December 31, 2008, which contains its audited consolidated financial
statements, free of charge, to its shareholders. Requests should be made to
The9 Limited, No. 3 Building, No. 690, Bibo Road, Pu Dong New Area, Shanghai
201203, People's Republic of China.
    Conference Call / Webcast Information
    The9's management team will host a conference call on Thursday, August 27,
2009 at 9:00 PM, U.S. Eastern Time, corresponding to Friday, August 28, 2009
at 9:00 AM, Beijing Time, to present an overview of The9's financial
performance and business operations.
    Investors, analysts and other interested parties will be able to access
the live conference by calling +1-800-561-2693, password "19644357". In the
U.S., members of the financial community may also participate in the call by
dialing toll-free number +1-617-614-3523, password "19644357". A replay of the
call will be available through August 28, 2009. The dial-in details for the
replay: U.S. toll free number +1-888-286-8010, International dial-in number
+1-617-801-6888; Password "81294260".
    The9 will also provide a live webcast of the earnings call. Participants
in the webcast should log onto the Company's Investor Relations website
http://www.corp.the9.com 15 minutes prior to the call, then click on the icon
for "The9 Limited 1Q & 2Q 2009 Earnings Conference Call" and follow the
instructions.
    About The9 Limited
    The9 Limited is an online game operator and developer in China. The9's
business is primarily focused on operating and developing high-quality games
for the Chinese online game market. The9 directly or through affiliates
operates licensed MMORPGs and advanced casual games including Soul of The
Ultimate Nation(TM), Granado Espada, EA SPORTS(TM) FIFA Online 2 and Atlantica
in mainland China. It has also obtained exclusive licenses to operate other
games in mainland China, including Audition 2, Kingdom Heroes 2 Online and
Field of Honor. In addition, The9 is developing various proprietary games,
including World of Fighter, Jiu Zhou Zhan Ji, Miracles: Ultimate X, Tiny
Tribe,
Monster of War and other MMORPGs and advanced causal games.
    Safe Harbor Statement
    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements
are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be
identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future,"
"intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among
other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this
press release contain forward-looking statements. The9 may also make written
or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 20-F and 6-K, etc., in its annual
report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in
oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties.
Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about The9's
beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important
factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained
in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include,
but are not limited to, The9's limited operating history as an online game
operator, political and economic policies of the Chinese government, the laws
and regulations governing the online game industry, information disseminated
over the Internet and Internet content providers in China, intensified
government regulation of Internet cafes, The9's ability to retain existing
players and attract new players, license, develop or acquire additional online
games that are appealing to users, anticipate and adapt to changing consumer
preferences and respond to competitive market conditions, and other risks and
uncertainties outlined in The9's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, including its annual reports on Form 20-F. The9 does not undertake
any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required
under applicable law.
    For further information, please contact:

     Ms. Phyllis Sai
     Manager, Investor Relations
     The9 Limited
     Tel:   +86-21-5172-9990
     Email: IR@corp.the9.com
     Web:   http://www.corp.the9.com/


                                - Tables follow -





    THE9 LIMITED
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME INFORMATION
    (Expressed in Renminbi - RMB and US Dollars - US$, except share data)

                                          Quarter Ended
                        March 31,      June 30,     December 31,   March 31,
                         2008           2008           2008          2009
                          RMB            RMB            RMB           RMB
                      (unaudited)    (unaudited)     (audited)    (unaudited)
    Revenues:
      Online game
       services       462,198,105    479,129,879    429,643,488   447,528,110
      Game operating
       support,
       website
       solutions and
       advertisement      232,484        154,053        118,972       185,924
      Other revenues    1,321,347        985,024      1,290,119     2,091,582
                      463,751,936    480,268,956    431,052,579   449,805,616

    Sales Taxes       (24,326,329)   (25,206,878)   (22,492,929)  (23,605,792)

    Net Revenues      439,425,607    455,062,078    408,559,650   426,199,824

    Cost of
     Services        (245,435,246)  (257,877,952)  (249,170,341) (358,312,923)

    Gross Profit      193,990,361    197,184,126    159,389,309    67,886,901

    Operating Expenses:
      Product
       development    (12,532,470)   (15,585,433)   (24,492,343)  (26,529,747)
      Sales and
       marketing      (22,394,306)   (26,753,116)   (29,748,961)  (35,386,080)
      General and
       administrative (59,061,535)   (57,992,007)  (145,305,184)  (63,164,627)
      Impairment
       of equipment,
       intangible
       assets and
       goodwill                --             --    (82,149,755)           --

    Total operating
     expenses:        (93,988,311)  (100,330,556)  (281,696,243) (125,080,454)

    Profit (loss)
     from operations  100,002,050     96,853,570   (122,306,934)  (57,193,553)
    Interest income    12,825,697     14,468,786     13,972,458     9,004,747
    Other (expenses)
     income , net     (24,421,243)    (4,674,611)    (1,082,325)     (363,129)

    Income (loss)
     before income
     tax expense,
     impairment loss
     on investment
     and share of
     (loss) gain in
     equity
     investments       88,406,504    106,647,745   (109,416,801)  (48,551,935)
    Income tax
     expense          (10,459,922)    (7,040,555)   (24,070,899)     (697,925)
    Income (loss)
     before impair-
     ment loss on
     investment
     and share of
     (loss) gain
     in equity
     investments       77,946,582     99,607,190   (133,487,700)  (49,249,860)
    Impairment loss
     on investment     (1,902,255)            --    (24,020,108)           --
    Share of (loss)
     gain in equity
     investments,
     net of taxes        (417,283)      (578,966)      (994,469)      141,128

    Net income (loss)  75,627,044     99,028,224   (158,502,277)  (49,108,732)
    Less: Net loss
     attributable
     to non-
     controlling
     interests                 --             --       (179,071)   (2,310,703)

    Net income (loss)
     attributable to
     ordinary
     shareholders      75,627,044     99,028,224   (158,323,206)  (46,798,029)

    Earnings (loss)
     attributable to
     The9's ordinary
     shareholders
     per share
       - Basic               2.71           3.59          (5.78)        (1.78)
       - Diluted             2.70           3.58          (5.78)        (1.78)

    Weighted average
     shares outstanding
       - Basic         27,924,173     27,596,561     27,410,714    26,248,436
       - Diluted       27,958,744     27,672,357     27,410,714    26,248,436



                                                Quarter Ended
                                    June 30,      March 31,       June 30,
                                      2009          2009            2009
                                       RMB           US$             US$
                                   (unaudited)   (unaudited)     (unaudited)
    Revenues:
      Online game services         301,491,378    65,521,963      44,140,930
      Game operating support,
       website solutions and
       advertisement                   247,267        27,221          36,202
      Other revenues                 2,135,763       306,226         312,694
                                   303,874,408    65,855,410      44,489,826

    Sales Taxes                    (15,946,899)   (3,456,091)     (2,334,763)

    Net Revenues                   287,927,509    62,399,319      42,155,063

    Cost of Services              (223,644,279)  (52,460,092)    (32,743,445)

    Gross Profit                    64,283,230     9,939,227       9,411,618

    Operating Expenses:
      Product development          (31,125,521)   (3,884,183)     (4,557,044)
      Sales and marketing          (37,883,112)   (5,180,826)     (5,546,413)
      General and
       administrative              (53,257,372)   (9,247,844)     (7,797,337)
      Impairment of equipment,
       intangible assets and
       goodwill                    (30,199,751)           --      (4,421,503)

    Total operating expenses:     (152,465,756)  (18,312,853)    (22,322,297)

    Profit (loss) from operations  (88,182,526)   (8,373,626)    (12,910,679)
    Interest income                  6,905,505     1,318,372       1,011,025
    Other (expenses) income, net       112,605       (53,165)         16,486

    Income (loss) before income
     tax expense, impairment loss
     on investment and share of
     (loss) gain in equity
     investments                   (81,164,416)   (7,108,419)    (11,883,168)
    Income tax expense                      --      (102,182)             --
    Income (loss) before
     impairment loss on
     investment and share of
     (loss) gain in equity
     investments                   (81,164,416)   (7,210,601)    (11,883,168)
    Impairment loss on
     investment                             --            --              --
    Share of (loss) gain in
     equity investments, net
     of taxes                         (589,547)       20,662         (86,315)

    Net income (loss)              (81,753,963)   (7,189,939)    (11,969,483)
    Less: Net loss attributable
     to non-controlling interests   (2,560,155)     (338,307)       (374,829)

    Net income (loss) attributable
     to ordinary shareholders      (79,193,808)   (6,851,632)    (11,594,654)

    Earnings (loss) attributable
     to The9's ordinary
     shareholders per share
       - Basic                           (3.15)        (0.26)          (0.46)
       - Diluted                         (3.15)        (0.26)          (0.46)

    Weighted average shares
     outstanding
       - Basic                      25,125,385    26,248,436      25,125,385
       - Diluted                    25,125,385    26,248,436      25,125,385



    THE9 LIMITED
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS INFORMATION
    (Expressed in Renminbi - RMB and US Dollars - US$)

                                                        As at
                                       December 31,   March 31,    June 30,
                                          2008          2009         2009
                                           RMB           RMB          RMB
                                        (audited)    (unaudited)  (unaudited)
    Assets
    Current Assets
      Cash and cash equivalents      2,152,585,574 2,062,643,254 1,877,693,350
      Short term investments            68,039,221     3,148,224       160,940
      Accounts receivable                8,323,084     3,435,952     1,200,863
      Due from related parties             637,708       827,003       965,942
      Advances to suppliers              1,435,781     1,993,869     1,021,798
      Prepayments and other current
       assets                           68,371,912    49,404,793    60,785,995
      Prepaid royalties                138,843,227    32,527,804    66,913,233
      Deferred costs                    55,748,737    54,602,361     1,417,809

    Total current assets             2,493,985,244 2,208,583,260 2,010,159,930
    Investments in equity investees    291,642,529   291,783,655   291,196,187
    Available-for-sale investments      29,218,400    29,218,400    36,106,588
    Property, equipment and software   200,034,094   146,970,674   107,526,515
    Goodwill                            30,199,751    30,199,751            --
    Intangible assets                  136,129,801   116,612,590   112,065,321
    Land use right                      81,798,755    81,318,527    80,838,300
    Prepayment for equipment                    --            --            --
    Long-term deposits                          --       795,547       867,561
    Total Assets                     3,263,008,574 2,905,482,404 2,638,760,402

    Liabilities and Shareholders'
     Equity
    Current Liabilities
      Accounts payable                  29,758,563    34,091,957    70,422,915
      Due to related parties                    --            --            --
      Income tax payable                    56,680        47,913            --
      Other taxes payable               99,416,815   118,744,050    11,014,751
      Advances from customers          143,464,990    91,697,134    15,402,559
      Deferred revenue                 201,645,952   204,436,614     8,053,638
      Liability for refund of prepaid
       WoW game cards                           --    37,851,083   199,377,145
      Other payables and accruals       69,423,536    54,208,941    70,640,081

    Total current liabilities          543,766,536   541,077,692   374,911,089

    Shareholders' Equity
      Common shares (US$0.01 par value;
       26,817,688 shares issued and
       outstanding as of December 31,
       2008, 25,450,075 shares issued
       and outstanding as of March 31,
       2009, 25,092,578 shares issued
       and outstanding as of June 30,
       2009)                             2,190,645     2,078,930     2,049,727
      Additional paid-in capital     2,128,607,581 2,042,480,439 2,030,588,858
      Statutory reserves                24,836,354    28,071,982    28,071,982
      Accumulated other comprehensive
       income                           13,643,131    13,643,131    13,643,131
      Retained earnings                549,964,327   277,082,976   190,795,885
    Total The9 shareholders' equity  2,719,242,038 2,363,357,458 2,265,149,583
    Non-controlling interests                   --     1,047,254   
(1,300,270)
    Total shareholders' equity       2,719,242,038 2,364,404,712 2,263,849,313
    Total liabilities and
     shareholders' equity            3,263,008,574 2,905,482,404 2,638,760,402


                                                        As at
                                          March 31,                 June 30,
                                            2009                     2009
                                             US$                      US$
                                         (unaudited)              (unaudited)
    Assets
    Current Assets
      Cash and cash equivalents          301,988,708              274,910,451
      Short term investments                 460,927                   23,563
      Accounts receivable                    503,053                  175,817
      Due from related parties               121,080                  141,422
      Advances to suppliers                  291,920                  149,600
      Prepayments and other
       current assets                      7,233,286                8,899,592
      Prepaid royalties                    4,762,350                9,796,673
      Deferred costs                       7,994,255                  207,579
    Total current assets                 323,355,579              294,304,697
    Investments in equity investees       42,719,636               42,633,625
    Available-for-sale investments         4,277,825                5,286,315
    Property, equipment and software      21,517,770               15,742,806
    Goodwill                               4,421,503                       --
    Intangible assets                     17,073,086               16,407,326
    Land use right                        11,905,731               11,835,422
    Prepayment for equipment                      --                       --
    Long-term deposits                       116,475                  127,018
    Total Assets                         425,387,605              386,337,209

    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
    Current Liabilities
      Accounts payable                     4,991,356               10,310,520
      Due to related parties                      --                       --
      Income tax payable                       7,015                       --
      Other taxes payable                 17,385,150                1,612,654
      Advances from customers             13,425,249                2,255,067
      Deferred revenue                    29,931,278                1,179,122
      Liability for refund of
       prepaid WoW game cards              5,541,724               29,190,528
      Other payables and accruals          7,936,655               10,342,315
    Total current liabilities             79,218,427               54,890,206

    Shareholders' Equity
      Common shares (US$0.01 par value;
       26,817,688 shares issued  and
       outstanding as of December 31,
       2008, 25,450,075 shares issued
       and outstanding as of March 31,
       2009, 25,092,578 shares issued
       and outstanding as of June 30,
       2009)                                 304,373                  300,098
      Additional paid-in capital         299,036,696              297,295,666
      Statutory reserves                   4,109,980                4,109,980
      Accumulated other comprehensive
       income                              1,997,472                1,997,472
      Retained earnings                   40,567,330               27,934,158
    Total The9 shareholders' equity      346,015,851              331,637,374
    Non-controlling interests                153,327                 (190,371)
    Total shareholders' equity           346,169,178              331,447,003
    Total liabilities and
     shareholders' equity                425,387,605              386,337,209



    THE9 LIMITED
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP RESULTS
    (Expressed in Renminbi - RMB and US Dollars - US$, except share data)

                                           Quarter Ended
                        March 31,     June 30,     December 31,    March 31,
                          2008          2008           2008          2009
                           RMB           RMB            RMB           RMB
                       (unaudited)   (unaudited)    (unaudited)   (unaudited)
    GAAP net income
     (loss)            75,627,044     99,028,224   (158,323,206)  (46,798,029)
    Depreciation of
     property,
     equipment         46,900,577     51,806,135     55,899,329    54,278,555
    Amortization of
     land use right
     and intangible
     assets            24,028,174     24,028,173     18,523,209    24,050,296
    Share based
     compensation      12,008,420     12,114,203     15,706,653    15,668,139
    Foreign exchange
     loss (gain)       24,389,433      5,351,834      1,105,887       388,210
    Income tax
     expense           10,459,922      7,040,555     24,070,899       697,925
    Non-GAAP net
     income (loss)    193,413,570    199,369,124    (43,017,229)   48,285,096

    GAAP earnings
    (loss) per share
       - Basic               2.71           3.59          (5.78)        (1.78)
       - Diluted             2.70           3.58          (5.78)        (1.78)

    Non-GAAP net
     income (loss)
     per share
       - Basic               6.93           7.22          (1.57)         1.84
       - Diluted             6.92           7.20          (1.57)         1.84

    Weighted average
     shares outstanding
       - Basic         27,924,173     27,596,561     27,410,714    26,248,436
       - Diluted       27,958,744     27,672,357     27,410,714    26,248,436


                                            Quarter Ended
                              June 30,         March 31,           June 30,
                                2009             2009                2009
                                 RMB              US$                 US$
                             (unaudited)      (unaudited)         (unaudited)
    GAAP net income
     (loss)                 (79,193,808)      (6,851,634)        (11,594,654)
    Depreciation of
     property,
     equipment               48,379,270        7,946,847           7,083,141
    Amortization of
     land use right and
     intangible assets       19,046,925        3,521,170           2,788,634
    Share based
     compensation            15,016,684        2,293,950           2,198,572
    Foreign exchange
     loss (gain)               (114,679)          56,837             (16,790)
    Income tax expense               --          102,182                  --
    Non-GAAP net income
     (loss)                   3,134,392        7,069,352             458,903

    GAAP earnings
     (loss) per share
       - Basic                    (3.15)           (0.26)              (0.46)
       - Diluted                  (3.15)           (0.26)              (0.46)

    Non-GAAP net income
     (loss) per share
       - Basic                     0.12             0.27                0.02
       - Diluted                   0.12             0.27                0.02

    Weighted average
     shares outstanding
       - Basic               25,125,385       26,248,436          25,125,385
       - Diluted             25,125,385       26,248,436          25,125,385


SOURCE  The9 Limited

The9 Limited, Ms. Phyllis Sai, Manager, Investor Relations, +86-21-5172-9990,
IR@corp.the9.com
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