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Linktone Reports Unaudited Third Quarter 2008 Results

BEIJING, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Linktone Ltd. (Nasdaq: LTON), one of the leading providers of wireless interactive entertainment services to consumers in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2008.

    Results for the Third Quarter
    -- The Company recorded revenues of $20.3 million, compared with $19.1
       million in the second quarter of 2008 and $13.3 million in the third
       quarter of 2007.
    -- The Company recorded wireless value-added services ("WVAS") and other
       revenues of $16.6 million, compared with $14.5 million in the second
       quarter of 2008 and $11.3 million in the third quarter of 2007.
    -- GAAP net loss of $2.3 million, compared with net loss of $10.6 million
       in the second quarter of 2008 and net loss of $2.8 million in the third
       quarter of 2007.
    -- GAAP net loss per fully diluted American Depositary Share (ADS) of
       $0.06, compared with net loss per fully diluted ADS of $0.26 for the
       second quarter of 2008 and net loss of $0.12 for the third quarter of
       2007.
    -- Non-GAAP net loss* of $1.6 million, compared with non-GAAP net loss of
       $4.4 million in the second quarter of 2008 and non-GAAP net loss of
       $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2007.
    -- Non-GAAP net loss per fully diluted ADS of $0.04, compared with non-
       GAAP net loss of $0.11 in the second quarter of 2008 and non-GAAP net
       loss of $0.10 in the third quarter of 2007.

    * Non-GAAP measures exclude certain share-based compensation expense and
      impairment charges.  Please refer to the table at the end of this
      release titled "Non-GAAP reconciliation" which provides a reconciliation
      between GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures.

Mr. Michael Li, Linktone's Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our number one priority remains returning Linktone to profitability. This quarter we took decisive action to further streamline operations and increase our focus on our core WVAS business. We terminated our exclusive advertising partnership with Tianjin Satellite Television ("TJSTV"), following our decision to end our relationship with the Chinese Youth League Internet, Film and Television Centre with regard to Qinghai Satellite Television ("QSTV"). This further reduced our exposure to the traditional media business in China, which is facing strong headwinds from the slowing global economy. We took an impairment charge of $0.6 million this quarter related to TJSTV."

Mr. Li continued, "With one of the strongest distribution networks for wireless services in the industry and an integrated services platform, we believe that Linktone is very well positioned to leverage the WVAS growth opportunity in China, and prepare for 3G wireless entertainment services. We are also looking to expand into the ASEAN market, starting with Indonesia, a relatively under-penetrated mobile market with enormous growth potential. We are confident of our international expansion plans for Indonesia, due to our ability to combine Linktone's expertise in the Chinese WVAS market with the dominant position of our majority shareholder, MNC, in the Indonesian media industry to create synergies and position the Company for long-term growth and profitability. We are hoping to start this operation soon and expecting tangible results in the early part of 2009."

Third Quarter Revenue Mix

Linktone's third quarter revenue mix includes data-related services (SMS, MMS, WAP, and Java), audio-related services (IVR and CBRT), advertising service and others (casual game and enterprise services).

Data-related services revenue was $10.2 million, representing 50% of total revenues, compared with $6.9 million or 36% for the second quarter of 2008. The sequential increase in revenue was primarily due to an improved business environment. Sales in the Company's SMS services in the third quarter more than doubled quarter-over-quarter, due to the seasonal popularity of SMS services during the summer school vacation months as well as increased sales and marketing efforts to promote SMS services during the quarter. This growth was only partially offset by decreases in revenue from other data related services, which were not as heavily promoted by the Company this quarter as the Company focused on the promotion of SMS to take advantage of summer usage. The revenue breakdown of data-related service is as follows:

    -- Short Messaging Services (SMS) revenue represented 47% of total gross
       revenues, compared with 21% for the second quarter of 2008. SMS revenue
       was $9.5 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared with $4.0
       million for the second quarter of 2008.

    -- Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS) revenue represented 1% of total
       gross revenues, compared with 10% for the second quarter of 2008.  MMS
       revenue was $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared with
       $2.0 million for the second quarter of 2008.

    -- Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) revenue represented 1% of total
       gross revenues, compared with 3% for the second quarter of 2008.  WAP
       revenue was $0.3 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared with
       $0.6 million for the second quarter of 2008.

    -- Java gaming (Java) revenue represented 1% of total gross revenues,
       compared with 2% for the second quarter of 2008.  Java revenue was $0.2
       million for the third quarter of 2008, compared with $0.3 million for
       the second quarter of 2008.

Audio-related services accounted for 29% or $5.8 million of total revenues, compared with 37% or $7.0 million for the second quarter of 2008. The revenue breakdown is as follows:

    -- Interactive Voice Response services (IVR) revenue decreased to 15% of
       total gross revenues, compared with 22% for the second quarter of 2008.
       IVR revenue was $3.0 million for the third quarter of 2008, compared
       with $4.2 million for the second quarter of 2008.  The sequential
       decrease reflects a reduction in the number of joint projects with
       business partners for the production of interactive programs broadcast
       over local radio stations this quarter.

    -- Color Ring-Back Tones (CRBT) revenue decreased to 14% of total gross
       revenues, compared with 15% for the second quarter of 2008.  CRBT
       revenue was $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2008, which was
       unchanged from $2.8 million for the second quarter of 2008.

Advertising service revenue accounted for 18% or $3.7 million of total revenues in the third quarter of 2008, compared with 24%, or $4.6 million for the second quarter of 2008. The sequential decrease was primarily due to the termination of partnership agreements with QSTV.

Impairment in the value of the Company's assets in connection with its agreements with TJSTV

As previously announced, the Company's affiliated companies terminated their agreements with TJSTV in September 2008. The termination of these agreements resulted in an impairment charge of $0.6 million with respect to the Company's investment in TJSTV, which is reflected in the Company's consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the third quarter.

Margins, Expenses and Balance Sheet Items

Linktone's key operating benchmarks and balance sheet items for the third quarter of 2008 include the following:

    -- Gross margin was 32% of net revenues, or gross revenues minus business
       tax, compared with 9% for the second quarter of 2008 and 40% for the
       third quarter of 2007.  The sequential increase was due to two primary
       factors.  First, the Company experienced a quarter-over-quarter decline
       in cost of services resulting primarily from a reduction in the number
       of WVAS joint cooperation projects which lowered the amount of revenue
       sharing with third parties.  At the same time, the Company increased
       its advertising spending to promote its WVAS services, which spending
       resulted in higher selling and marketing expenses as mentioned below.
       Second, the gross loss from the Company's advertising services declined
       following the termination of the QSTV project.

    -- Operating loss was 12% of net revenues, compared with operating loss of
       58% for the second quarter of 2008 and operating loss of 22% in the
       third quarter of 2007.  The sequential decrease in operating loss was
       primarily due to an impairment charge of $6.0 million incurred in the
       second quarter of 2008 in connection with the termination of the
       partnership agreements with QSTV.

    -- Operating expenses totaled $8.7 million, compared with $12.4 million in
       the second quarter of 2008 and $7.9 million for the third quarter of
       2007.  Excluding the impairment charges of $0.6 million for the third
       quarter and $6.0 million for the second quarter of 2008, the Company's
       other operating expenses for the third quarter and the second quarter
       totaled $8.1 million and $6.4 million, respectively, representing a 27%
       increase.  The sequential increase in operating expenses excluding
       impairment charges was primarily attributable to the increase in
       selling and marketing expenses as the Company increased its advertising
       spending for the WVAS business in the third quarter.

    -- Selling and marketing expenses were $4.7 million, compared with $3.2
       million for the second quarter of 2008 and $3.2 million for the third
       quarter of 2007.  The sequential increase was due to an increase in
       advertisements on traditional and new media to promote SMS services.

    -- Product development expenses were $0.9 million, compared with $0.7
       million for the second quarter of 2008 and $1.4 million for the third
       quarter of 2007.

    -- Other general and administrative expenses were $2.5 million, compared
       with $2.5 million for the second quarter of 2008 and $3.3 million for
       the third quarter of 2007.

    -- Cash and cash equivalents, as well as short-term investments available
       for sale, totaled $104.2 million, compared with $105.3 million for the
       second quarter of 2008 and $ 41.6 million for the end of December 2007.
       The increase $62.6 million from the end of December 2007 was mainly due
       to the strategic investment of $68.4 million received from MNC in April
       2008, offset by cash outflow from operation of Linktone's advertising
       business.

    -- Days sales outstanding (DSOs), the average length of time required for
       the Company to receive payment for services delivered, were 77 days at
       the end of the third quarter of 2008, compared with 69 days at the end
       of the second quarter of 2008.

Fourth Quarter 2008 Outlook

For the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2008, Linktone expects gross revenue to be approximately $16.5 million to $17.5 million. The lower revenue projection revenue compared to total revenue for the third quarter is mainly due to the reduction of its advertising revenue.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The reconciliation of GAAP measures with non-GAAP measures for net loss and net loss per fully-diluted ADS included in this press release is set forth after the attached financial statements. Linktone believes that the supplemental presentation of adjusted net loss and net loss per fully diluted ADS, excluding the effect of share-based compensation expense and provisions for impairment, provides meaningful non-GAAP financial measures to help investors understand and compare business trends among different reporting periods on a consistent basis, independently of share-based compensation and items not indicative of the Company's future ongoing operating results. Thus, the non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with another method for assessing Linktone's operating results in a manner that is focused on the performance of its ongoing operations. Linktone management also uses non-GAAP financial measures to plan and forecast results for future periods. Readers are cautioned not to view non-GAAP results on a stand-alone basis or as a substitute for results under GAAP, or as being comparable to results reported or forecasted by other companies, and should refer to the reconciliation of GAAP results with non-GAAP results located after the financial statements.

Today's Conference Call

As previously announced, Linktone management plans to host a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2008 financial results at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 1, 2008 (5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on December 1, 2008 and 9:00 a.m. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on December 2, 2008). The dial-in number for the call is 800-240-5318 for U.S. callers and 303-262-2131 for international callers. Chief Executive Officer Michael Li and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Lai will be on the call to discuss the quarterly results and highlights and to answer questions from participants. A replay of the call will be available through 11:59 PM ET on December 15, 2008. To access the replay, U.S. callers should dial 800-405-2236 and enter passcode 11122646#; international callers should dial 303-590-3000 and enter the same passcode.

Additionally, a live webcast of this call will be available on the Linktone web site at http://www.linktone.com/press_release.jsp . An archived replay of the call will be available for 90 days.

About Linktone Ltd.

Linktone Ltd. is one of the leading providers of wireless interactive entertainment services to consumers in China. Linktone provides a diverse portfolio of services to wireless consumers and corporate customers, with a particular focus on media, entertainment and communications. These services are promoted through the Company's strong distribution network, integrated service platform and multiple marketing sales channels, as well as through the networks of the mobile operators in China. Through in-house development and alliances with international and local branded content partners, the Company develops, aggregates, and distributes innovative and engaging products to maximize the breadth, quality and diversity of its offerings.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward- looking statements by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," and similar statements. The accuracy of these statements may be impacted by a number of business risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated, including risks related to: Linktone's ability to expand into the ASEAN market, including the Indonesian market, and create synergies with MNC; changes in the policies of the PRC Ministry of Industry and Information and/or the telecom operators in China or in the manner in which the operators interpret and enforce such policies, including policies which reduce the prices the Company may charge customers; the risk that other changes in Chinese laws and regulations, including without limitation tax and media-related laws or laws relating to the usage of telecom value-added services, or in application thereof by relevant PRC governmental authorities, could adversely affect Linktone's financial condition and results of operations; the risk that Linktone will not be able to compete effectively in the telecom value-added services market in China and any new markets it enters for whatever reason, including competition from other service providers or penalties or suspensions for violations of the policies of the telecom operators; the risk that Linktone will not be able to realize meaningful returns from strategic partnerships, including its planned strategic cooperation with MNC, or may be required to record additional provisions for impairments in the value of the Company's investments in such partnerships; the risk that Linktone will not be able to develop and effectively market innovative services; the risk that Linktone will not be able to effectively control its operating expenses in future periods or make expenditures that effectively differentiate Linktone's services and brand; and the risks outlined in Linktone's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its registration statement on Form F-1 and annual report on Form 20- F. Linktone does not undertake any obligation to update this forward-looking information, except as required under applicable law.



                                  LINKTONE LTD.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      (In U.S. dollars, except share data)

                                                  December 31,   September 30,
                                                      2007           2008
                                                   (audited)     (unaudited)
    Assets
    Current assets:
        Cash and cash equivalents                  39,325,584     91,572,405
        Restricted cash                               320,938         96,704
        Short-term investments                      2,315,334     12,662,395
        Accounts receivable, net                   10,164,756     15,308,204
        Tax refund receivable                         710,683      1,636,191
        Deposits and other receivables             12,772,061      4,484,673
        Deferred tax assets                         1,161,652        921,975
    Total current assets                           66,771,008    126,682,547

    Property and equipment, net                     2,258,814      1,083,899
    Intangible assets                               1,691,554        236,022
    Goodwill                                       14,611,620     14,584,212
    Deferred tax assets                               608,676        144,866
    Other long-term assets                          4,403,266        616,477

    Total assets                                   90,344,938    143,348,023

    Liabilities and shareholders' equity
    Current liabilities:
        Tax payable                                 2,774,827      4,218,481
        Accrued liabilities and other payables      9,273,532     11,677,249
        Deferred income                               857,812        240,698
        Deferred tax liabilities                      644,958        505,246
    Total current liabilities                      13,551,129     16,641,674

    Total liabilities                              13,551,129     16,641,674

    Minority interests                                108,066             --

    Shareholders' equity
         Ordinary shares ($0.0001 par value;
          500,000,000 shares authorized,
          240,291,330 and 420,636,230 shares
          issued and outstanding as of December
          31, 2007 and September 30, 2008)             24,029         42,063
        Additional paid-in capital                 72,202,172    136,834,675
        Statutory reserves                          2,360,408      2,360,408
        Accumulated other comprehensive income:
           Cumulative translation adjustments       4,717,115      7,200,876
        Accumulated losses                         (2,617,981)   (19,731,673)
    Total shareholders' equity                     76,685,743    126,706,349

    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity     90,344,938    143,348,023



                                  LINKTONE LTD.
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                       (In U.S. dollars, except share data)

                           Three months ended             Nine months ended
                  September        June     September   September   September
                   30, 2007      30, 2008    30, 2008    30, 2007    30, 2008
                 (unaudited)   (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
    Gross
     revenues     13,281,093    19,112,222  20,326,430  39,141,053  59,960,394
    - WVAS and
      others      11,345,121    14,505,327  16,586,641  35,018,532  47,624,083
    - Advertising  1,935,972     4,606,895   3,739,789   4,122,521  12,336,311
    Sales tax       (582,363)     (590,249)   (660,323) (1,630,321) (1,910,770)
    - WVAS and
      others        (421,637)     (513,200)   (632,288) (1,298,835) (1,751,145)
    - Advertising   (160,726)      (77,049)    (28,035)   (331,486)   (159,625)
    Net revenues  12,698,730    18,521,973  19,666,107  37,510,732  58,049,624
    - WVAS and
      others      10,923,484    13,992,127  15,954,353  33,719,697  45,872,938
    - Advertising  1,775,246     4,529,846   3,711,754   3,791,035  12,176,686
    Cost of
     services     (7,569,436)  (16,871,655)(13,443,890)(21,981,542)(46,801,940)
    - WVAS and
      others      (4,257,479)   (8,347,625) (7,481,147)(13,360,579)(23,910,814)
    - Advertising (3,311,957)   (8,524,030) (5,962,743) (8,620,963)(22,891,126)
    Gross
     profit        5,129,294     1,650,318   6,222,217  15,529,190  11,247,684
    - WVAS and
      others       6,666,005     5,644,502   8,473,206  20,359,118  21,962,124
    - Advertising  1,536,711)   (3,994,184) (2,250,989) (4,829,928)(10,714,440)
    Operating
     expenses:
     Product
      Development (1,408,733)     (689,664)   (917,231) (4,413,238) (2,389,121)
     Selling and
      marketing   (3,197,992)   (3,231,905) (4,634,306)(12,720,503)(11,722,860)
     - WVAS and
       others     (2,476,933)   (2,195,416) (4,029,935)(10,757,793) (9,132,388)
     - Advertising  (721,059)   (1,036,489)   (604,371) (1,962,710) (2,590,472)
     Other general
      and admini-
      strative    (3,314,468)   (2,518,075) (2,524,312) (8,835,731) (7,750,640)
    Provisions
     for
     impairment           --    (6,014,946)   (602,512)         --  (6,617,458)
    Total
     operating
     expenses     (7,921,193)  (12,454,590) (8,678,361)(25,969,472)(28,480,079)
    Loss from
     operations   (2,791,899)  (10,804,272) (2,456,144)(10,440,282)(17,232,395)
    Interest
     income          456,544       489,655     520,920     994,222   1,095,556
    Other
     income          (18,434)      172,944      84,570     280,541     319,371
    Loss
     before
     tax          (2,353,789)  (10,141,673) (1,850,654) (9,165,519)(15,817,468)
    Income tax
     expense        (440,678)     (441,671)   (472,439)   (201,616) (1,296,224)

    Net loss      (2,794,467)  (10,583,344) (2,323,093) (9,367,135)(17,113,692)
    Other
     comprehensive
     income:         467,888       866,690      39,112   1,608,167   2,483,761
    Comprehensive
      loss        (2,326,579)   (9,716,654) (2,283,981) (7,758,968)(14,629,931)

    Loss per
     ordinary
     share:
       Basic           (0.01)        (0.03)      (0.01)      (0.04)      (0.05)
       Diluted         (0.01)        (0.03)      (0.01)      (0.04)      (0.05)

    Loss per
     ordinary
     ADS:
       Basic           (0.12)        (0.26)      (0.06)      (0.39)      (0.48)
       Diluted         (0.12)        (0.26)      (0.06)      (0.39)      (0.48)

    Weighted
     average
     ordinary
     shares:
       Basic     239,358,669   414,560,745 420,636,230 239,265,861 358,722,891
       Diluted   239,358,669   414,560,745 420,636,230 239,265,861 358,722,891

    Weighted
     average
     ADSs:
       Basic      23,935,867    41,456,075  42,063,623  23,926,586  35,872,289
       Diluted    23,935,867    41,456,075  42,063,623  23,926,586  35,872,289



                                  LINKTONE LTD.
                             NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION
                       (In U.S. dollars, except share data)

                            Three months ended             Nine months ended
                     September     June      September   September   September
                      30, 2007    30, 2008    30, 2008    30, 2007    30, 2008
                    (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)


    Net loss        (2,794,467)(10,583,344) (2,323,093) (9,367,135)(17,113,692)
    Stock based
     compensation
     expense           341,918     177,361     161,941   1,020,906     552,635
    Provisions for
     impairment                  6,014,946     602,512               6,617,458
    Non-GAAP net
     loss           (2,452,549) (4,391,037) (1,558,640) (8,346,229) (9,943,599)

    Non-GAAP
     diluted loss
     per share           (0.01)      (0.01)      (0.00)      (0.03)      (0.03)
    Non-GAAP
     diluted loss
     per ADS             (0.10)      (0.11)      (0.04)      (0.35)      (0.28)
    Number of
     shares used
     in diluted
     per-share
     calculation   239,358,669 414,560,745 420,636,230 239,265,861 358,722,891
    Number of ADSs
     used in
     diluted
     per-share
     calculation    23,935,867  41,456,075  42,063,623  23,926,586  35,872,289



    For more information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
     Serena Shi
     Linktone Ltd.
     Tel:   +86-10-51088234
     Email: serena.shi@linktone.com

     Brandi Piacente
     The Piacente Group, Inc.
     Tel:   +1-212-481-2050
     Email: brandi@thepiacentegroup.com

SOURCE Linktone Ltd.

About PR Newswire
Copyright © 2007 PR Newswire. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PRNewswire content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of PRNewswire. PRNewswire shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

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