Form 10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2012

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              TO             

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-30961

 

 

Sohu.com Inc.

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

 

 

 

Delaware   98-0204667

(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF

INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)

 

(I.R.S. EMPLOYER

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)

Level 12, Sohu.com Internet Plaza

No. 1 Unit Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District

Beijing 100084

People’s Republic of China

(011) 8610-6272-6666

(Address, including zip code, of registrant’s principal executive offices

and registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 

Class

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2012

Common stock, $.001 par value   38,012,613

 

 

 


SOHU.COM INC.

Table of Contents

 

          PAGE  

PART I

  FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1

  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)      3   
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011      3   
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

     4   
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011      5   
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011      6   
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements      8   

Item 2

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      43   

Item 3

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      73   

Item 4

  Controls and Procedures      74   

PART II

  OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1

  Legal Proceedings      75   

Item 1A

  Risk Factors      75   

Item 2

  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds      76   

Item 3

  Defaults Upon Senior Securities      76   

Item 4

  Mine Safety Disclosures      76   

Item 5

  Other Information      76   

Item 6

  Exhibits      76   
  Signatures      77   
  Exhibit Index      78   

 

-2-


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOHU.COM INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

(In thousands, except par value)

 

     As of  
     June 30,
2012
    December 31,
2011
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 764,598      $ 732,607   

Short-term investments

     21,793        17,560   

Investments in debt securities

     79,053        79,354   

Accounts receivable, net

     110,414        87,066   

Prepaid and other current assets

     40,927        53,894   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     1,016,785        970,481   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fixed assets, net

     171,255        152,652   

Goodwill

     158,425        158,905   

Intangible assets, net

     82,160        69,762   

Prepaid non-current assets

     268,806        270,282   

Other assets

     10,970        11,212   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,708,401      $ 1,633,294   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 52,687      $ 31,179   

Accrued liabilities

     97,903        95,409   

Receipts in advance and deferred revenue

     68,869        75,809   

Accrued salary and benefits

     49,233        45,300   

Taxes payable

     31,485        47,213   

Deferred tax liabilities

     5,789        0   

Other short-term liabilities

     42,972        35,816   

Contingent consideration

     778        476   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     349,716        331,202   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term accounts payable

     13,838        3,612   

Deferred tax liabilities

     8,423        5,146   

Contingent consideration

     17,293        17,009   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term liabilities

     39,554        25,767   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     389,270        356,969   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

    

MEZZANINE EQUITY

     52,400        57,254   

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Sohu.com Inc. shareholders’ equity:

    

Common stock: $0.001 par value per share (75,400 shares authorized; 38,013 shares and 38,082 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding)

     44        44   

Additional paid-in capital

     357,590        366,210   

Treasury stock (5,889 and 5,639 shares, respectively)

     (143,858     (131,292

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     73,053        76,219   

Retained earnings

     733,134        697,244   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Sohu.com Inc. shareholders’ equity

     1,019,963        1,008,425   

Noncontrolling interest

     246,768        210,646   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     1,266,731        1,219,071   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,708,401      $ 1,633,294   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-3-


SOHU.COM INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Revenues:

        

Online advertising:

        

Brand advertising

   $ 69,312      $ 67,728      $ 130,280      $ 124,881   

Search and others

     28,763        13,613        50,400        21,592   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal of online advertising revenues

     98,075        81,341        180,680        146,473   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Online games

     137,172        101,531        264,618        196,461   

Wireless

     15,598        11,645        28,949        23,349   

Others

     4,882        4,188        8,084        6,791   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     255,727        198,705        482,331        373,074   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of revenues:

        

Online advertising:

        

Brand advertising

     50,963        24,937        87,855        46,721   

Search and others

     16,192        8,222        29,320        14,887   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal of cost of online advertising revenues

     67,155        33,159        117,175        61,608   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Online games

     18,301        9,950        34,709        18,918   

Wireless

     10,208        7,109        19,061        14,001   

Others

     4,180        4,220        8,421        6,890   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues

     99,844        54, 438        179,366        101,417   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     155,883        144,267        302,965        271,657   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

        

Product development

     43,340        25,839        81,933        49,062   

Sales and marketing

     48,999        36,492        87,653        65,125   

General and administrative

     17,508        13,148        35,302        25,314   

Impairment of intangible assets via acquisition of businesses

     2,906        0        2,906        0   

Total operating expenses

     112,753        75,479        207,794        139,501   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit

     43,130        68,788        95,171        132,156   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income

     1,818        1,479        3,431        1,989   

Interest income

     7,223        3,279        13,718        5,998   

Exchange difference

     45        (1,658     (598     (2,084
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

     52,216        71,888        111,722        138,059   

Income tax expense

     18,467        10,281        37,154        21,283   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     33,749        61,607        74,568        116,776   

Less: Net income attributable to the mezzanine classified noncontrolling interest shareholders

     1,095        361        2,206        361   

Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest shareholders

     19,872        16,981        36,472        27,343   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

   $ 12,782      $ 44,265      $ 35,890      $ 89,072   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     33,749        61,607        74,568        116,776   

Other comprehensive income: Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax

     (5,455     10,634        (3,668     18,060   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     28,294        72,241        70,900        134,836   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the mezzanine classified noncontrolling interest

     1,095        361        2,206        361   

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest shareholders

     19,045        18,143        35,970        29,371   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

     8,154        53,737        32,724        105,104   

Basic net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

   $ 0.34      $ 1.16      $ 0.95      $ 2.33   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares used in computing basic net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

     38,002        38,295        38,043        38,245   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

   $ 0.28      $ 1.10      $ 0.81      $ 2.11   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares used in computing diluted net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

     38,347        38,860        38,416        38,814   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-4-


SOHU.COM INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 74,568      $ 116,776   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation

     17,959        11,987   

Share-based compensation expense

     6,359        9,684   

Amortization of intangible assets

     34,395        14,872   

Impairment of intangible assets

     3,564        233   

Impairment of purchased video content

     15,275        0   

Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts

     3,260        300   

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     (2,519     (1,107

Investment income of investments in debt securities

     (2,727     (1,450

Others

     (243     347   

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:

    

Accounts receivable

     (26,853     (10,345

Prepaid and other current assets

     2,053        5,066   

Deferred tax

     5,590        (199

Accounts payable

     10,471        4,491   

Taxes payable

     (9,313     (6,328

Accrued liabilities

     771        2,693   

Receipts in advance and deferred revenue

     (6,655     4,979   

Other short-term liabilities

     9,612        4,079   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     135,567        156,078   

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchase of fixed assets

     (32,631     (39,058

Purchase of intangible and other assets

     (27,462     (21,923

Purchase of /proceeds from short-term investments, net

     (4,299     1,856   

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (683     (69,175

Other cash payments relating to investing activities

     (2,877     (2,787
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (67,952     (131,087

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Issuance of common stock

     139        1,444   

Sohu’s purchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from Alibaba

     (25,800     0   

Repurchase of common stock

     (12,566     0   

Cash contribution received from the noncontrolling interest shareholders

     0        159   

Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     2,519        1,107   

Exercise of share-based awards in subsidiary

     1,360        0   

Other cash payments relating to financing activities

     (251     0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) /provided by financing activities

     (34,599     2,710   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (1,025     11,965   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     31,991        39,666   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     732,607        678,389   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 764,598      $ 718,055   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activity:

    

Consideration payable for business acquisitions

     0        28,983   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-5-


SOHU.COM INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

(In thousands)

 

           Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders’ Equity         
     Total     Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Treasury
Stock
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Retained
Earnings
     Noncontrolling
Interest
 

Beginning balance

   $ 1,219,071      $ 44       $ 366,210      $ (131,292   $ 76,219      $ 697,244       $ 210,646   

Issuance of common stock

     139        0         139        0        0        0         0   

Repurchase of common stock

     (12,566          (12,566       

Share-based compensation expense

     6,359        0         3,180        0        0        0         3,179   

Settlement of share-based awards in subsidiary

     1,361        0         (7,364     0        0        0         8,725   

Sohu’s purchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from Alibaba

     (25,800     0         (14,219     0        0        0         (11,581

Changes in mezzanine equity of Changyou

     6,836        0         6,836        0        0        0         0   

Transaction cost for the sale of the 17173 Business from Sohu to Changyou

     118        0         118        0        0        0         0   

Deemed contribution from noncontrolling shareholders (related to sale of the 17173 Business by Sohu to Changyou)

     0        0         171        0        0        0         (171

Excess tax benefits from share-based awards

     2,519        0         2,519        0        0        0         0   

Net income attributable to Sohu.com Inc. and noncontrolling interest shareholders

     72,362        0         0        0        0        35,890         36,472   

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax

     (3,668     0         0        0        (3,166     0         (502
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 1,266,731      $ 44       $ 357,590      $ (143,858   $ 73,053      $ 733,134       $ 246,768   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-6-


SOHU.COM INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

(In thousands)

 

            Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders’ Equity         
     Total      Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Treasury
Stock
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
     Retained
Earnings
     Noncontrolling
Interest
 

Beginning balance

   $ 974,559       $ 43       $ 338,033      $ (114,690   $ 38,228       $ 534,503       $ 178,442   

Issuance of common stock

     1,444         1         1,443        0        0         0         0   

Contribution received from the noncontrolling interest shareholders

     159         0         0        0        0         0         159   

Share-based compensation expense

     9,684         0         6,007        0        0         0         3,677   

Settlement of share-based awards in subsidiary

     0         0         (6,389     0        0         0         6,389   

Excess tax benefits from share-based awards

     1,107         0         1,107        0        0         0         0   

Net income attributable to Sohu.com Inc. and noncontrolling interest shareholders

     116,415         0         0        0        0         89,072         27,343   

Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax

     18,060         0         0        0        16,032         0         2,028   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 1,121,428       $ 44       $ 340,201      $ (114,690   $ 54,260       $ 623,575       $ 218,038   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

-7-


SOHU.COM INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1. The Company and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations

Sohu.com Inc. (“Sohu” or “the Company”), a Delaware corporation organized in 1996, is a leading online media, search, gaming, community and mobile service group providing comprehensive online products and services in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC” or “China”). The Company, together with its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (collectively the “Sohu Group”) mainly offers online advertising services, online game services and wireless services.

Online advertising and online games are the core businesses of the Sohu Group.

Online Advertising

The online advertising business consists of the brand advertising business as well as the search and others business. The brand advertising business offers advertisements on the Web properties of the Sohu Group’s portal to companies seeking to increase their brand awareness online. The search and others business, provided by our search subsidiary Sogou Inc. (“Sogou”), offers customers pay-for-click services, as well as online marketing services on Sogou Web Directory.

Online Games

The online game business is conducted by Sohu’s majority-owned subsidiary Changyou.com Limited (“Changyou”).

The online game business consists of development, operation and licensing of massively multiplayer online games (“MMOGs”), which are interactive online games that may be played simultaneously by hundreds of thousands of game players, and Web games, which are played over the Internet using a Web browser. Changyou currently operates several MMOGs in China, including the in-house developed Tian Long Ba Bu (“TLBB”). Changyou’s majority-owned subsidiary 7Road.com Limited (“7Road”) jointly operates DDTank and Wartune (also known as “Shen Qu”), which are two popular Web games in China, primarily through an extensive network of third-party game platforms in China and overseas.

Basis of Consolidation and Recognition of Noncontrolling Interest

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sohu and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs”). VIEs are consolidated if the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions are eliminated.

For majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs, noncontrolling interest is recognized to reflect the portion of their equity which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the controlling shareholder.

Basis of Presentation

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Results for the six months ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year or for any future period. Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Change in Presentation to Properly Reflect the Classification of Expenses of Video Business

Prior to 2012, the video division was a relatively small operation within the Sohu Group. It did not have clearly defined business departments and it was highly dependent on the Sohu Group’s resources to sustain its operation. The video division’s compensation and benefits expenses were recorded under cost of revenues and were not allocated to individual operating expense categories, in view of the fact that most of the employees in the video division provided services related to the maintenance of content and resources that directly contributed to video-related brand advertising revenues.

 

-8-


Commencing January 1, 2012, as the video division has grown significantly and business departments have been defined through the restructuring process to become more self-sustainable, compensation and benefits expenses have been allocated to the respective business departments to properly reflect the operating results of the video division. The video division’s compensation and benefits expenses were classified as cost of revenues, product development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses, respectively, based on the nature of the related employees’ roles and responsibilities. To conform to current period presentations, the relevant amounts for prior periods have been changed accordingly. The change from cost of revenues to operating expenses was not material to historical periods, and amounted to $0.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

Reclassification of Expenses of Search and Others Business

To expand distribution of customers’ sponsored links or advertisements, the search and others business acquires traffic from third-party Websites. Most traffic acquisition payments are made to Sogou’s Website Alliance members. Payments to Sogou’s Website Alliance members are based on a portion of pay-for-click revenues generated from clicks by users of their properties, and are included in cost of revenues. A relatively small portion of traffic acquisition payments to third-party Websites are based on pre-agreed unit prices and the actual traffic volume they direct to the search and others business. Prior to 2012, traffic acquisition payments based on pre-agreed unit price and the actual traffic volume were recorded in sales and marketing expenses.

Commencing January 1, 2012, in order to enhance comparability with industry peers, all traffic acquisition payments were recorded in cost of revenues. To conform to current period presentations, the relevant amounts for prior periods have been reclassified accordingly. Such reclassifications amounted to $2.1 million and $3.9 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

 

2. Segment Information

The Company’s segments are business units that offer different services and are reviewed separately by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), or the decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company’s CODM is the Chief Executive Officer. There are five segments in the Sohu Group, consisting of brand advertising, Sogou (which mainly consists of the search and related business), Changyou (which mainly consists of the online game business), wireless and others.

Beginning with the second quarter of 2011, to better reflect management’s perspective and match the segment with the entity, the Company changed the segment names of sponsored search and game to Sogou and Changyou, respectively.

In December 2011, the Company sold the 17173 Business to Changyou. Beginning January 1, 2012, the Company began to review the 17173 Business as part of the Changyou segment and changed the Company’s segment operating performance measurements by transferring the 17173 Business from the brand advertising segment to the Changyou segment. The comparative operating results of the brand advertising segment and the Changyou segment were retrospectively restated.

Some items, such as share-based compensation expense, operating expenses, other income and expense, and income tax expense, are not reviewed by the CODM. These items are disclosed in the segment information for reconciliation purposes only. The Company has restated the presentation of its segments for prior periods to conform to the current presentation, and it will restate all comparable periods hereafter.

 

-9-


The following tables present summary information by segment (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended June 30, 2012  
     Brand Advertising, Wireless and Others                          
     Brand
Advertising
    Wireless     Others     Brand
Advertising,
Wireless
and Others
    Sogou     Changyou     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues (1)

   $ 63,647      $ 15,598      $ 2,252      $ 81,497      $ 30,397      $ 147,341      $ (3,508   $ 255,727   

Segment cost of revenues

     (49,861     (10,208     (280     (60,349     (16,154     (23,493     76        (99,920
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment gross profit /(loss)

   $ 13,786      $ 5,390      $ 1,972        21,148        14,243        123,848        (3,432     155,807   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

SBC (2) in cost of revenues

           191        (38     (77     0        76   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

           21,339        14,205        123,771        (3,432     155,883   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

                

Product development

           (16,231     (9,347     (16,231     0        (41,809

Sales and marketing

           (31,342     (6,160     (14,432     3,432        (48,502

General and administrative

           (7,283     (1,262     (7,486     0        (16,031

Impairment of intangible assets via acquisition of businesses

           0        0        (2,906     0        (2,906

SBC (2) in operating expenses

           (1,311     (1,295     (899     0        (3,505
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

           (56,167     (18,064     (41,954     3,432        (112,753
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit /(loss)

           (34,828     (3,859     81,817        0        43,130   

Other income /(expense)

           1,261        3        554        0        1,818   

Interest income

           3,089        99        4,035        0        7,223   

Exchange difference

           178        41        (174     0        45   

Income /(loss) before income tax expense

           (30,300     (3,716     86,232        0        52,216   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

           (2,393     0        (16,074     0        (18,467
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

         $ (32,693   $ (3,716   $ 70,158      $ 0      $ 33,749   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note (1): The elimination for segment revenues mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment (banner advertisements etc.) to the Changyou segment.
Note (2): “SBC” stands for share-based compensation expense.

 

-10-


     Three Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     Brand Advertising, Wireless and Others                          
     Brand
Advertising
    Wireless     Others     Brand
Advertising,
Wireless
and Others
    Sogou     Changyou     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues (1)

   $ 60,212      $ 11,645      $ 694      $ 72,551      $ 13,706      $ 113,317      $ (869   $ 198,705   

Segment cost of revenues

     (23,537     (7,109     (76     (30,722     (8,222     (14,988     49        (53,883
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment gross profit /(loss)

   $ 36,675      $ 4,536      $ 618        41,829        5,484        98,329        (820     144,822   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

SBC (2) in cost of revenues

           (506     0        (49     0        (555
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

           41,323        5,484        98,280        (820     144,267   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

                

Product development

           (8,392     (4,100     (11,926     0        (24,418

Sales and marketing

           (22,740     (2,825     (10,875     820        (35,620

General and administrative

           (5,215     (812     (5,553     0        (11,580

SBC (2) in operating expenses

           (1,516     (974     (1,384     13        (3,861
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

           (37,863     (8,711     (29,738     833        (75,479
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit /(loss)

           3,460        (3,227     68,542        13        68,788   

Other income /(expense)

           2,079        3        (603     0        1,479   

Interest income

           908        26        2,345        0        3,279   

Exchange difference

           (1,400     (85     (173     0        (1,658

Income /(loss) before income tax expense

           5,047        (3,283     70,111        13        71,888   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

           (1,367     0        (8,914     0        (10,281
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

         $ 3,680      $ (3,283   $ 61,197      $ 13      $ 61,607   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note (1): The elimination for segment revenues mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment (banner advertisements etc.) to the Changyou segment.
Note (2): “SBC” stands for share-based compensation expense.

 

-11-


     Six Months Ended June 30, 2012  
     Brand Advertising, Wireless and Others        
     Brand
Advertising
    Wireless     Others     Brand
Advertising,
Wireless
and Others
    Sogou     Changyou     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues (1)

   $ 119,900      $ 28,949      $ 3,275      $ 152,124      $ 53,175      $ 284,106      $ (7,074   $ 482,331   

Segment cost of revenues

     (85,295     (19,061     (929     (105,285     (29,277     (44,792     182        (179,172
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment gross profit /(loss)

   $ 34,605      $ 9,888      $ 2,346        46,839        23,898        239,314        (6,892     303,159   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

SBC (2) in cost of revenues

           16        (43     (167     0        (194
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

           46,855        23,855        239,147        (6,892     302,965   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

                

Product development

           (29,484     (16,877     (32,869     0        (79,230

Sales and marketing

           (58,778     (10,584     (24,152     6,892        (86,622

General and administrative

           (14,701     (2,711     (15,459     0        (32,871

Impairment of intangible assets via acquisition of businesses

           0        0        (2,906     0        (2,906

SBC (2) in operating expenses

           (2,508     (1,588     (2,069     0        (6,165
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

           (105,471     (31,760     (77,455     6,892        (207,794
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit /(loss)

           (58,616     (7,905     161,692        0        95,171   

Other income /(expense)

           2,555        (1     877        0        3,431   

Interest income

           6,515        188        7,015        0        13,718   

Exchange difference

           100        27        (725     0        (598

Income /(loss) before income tax expense

           (49,446     (7,691     168,859        0        111,722   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

           (4,814     0        (32,340     0        (37,154
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

         $ (54,260   $ (7,691   $ 136,519      $ 0      $ 74,568   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note (1): The elimination for segment revenues mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment (banner advertisements etc.) to the Changyou segment.
Note (2): “SBC” stands for share-based compensation expense.

 

-12-


     Six Months Ended June 30, 2011  
     Brand Advertising, Wireless and Others                          
     Brand
Advertising
    Wireless     Others     Brand
Advertising,
Wireless
and Others
    Sogou     Changyou     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Revenues (1)

   $ 110,670      $ 23,349      $ 1,138      $ 135,157      $ 21,850      $ 218,228      $ (2,161   $ 373,074   

Segment cost of revenues

     (43,978     (14,001     (156     (58,135     (14,887     (27,319     214        (100,127
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment gross profit /(loss)

   $ 66,692      $ 9,348      $ 982        77,022        6,963        190,909        (1,947     272,947   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

           

SBC (2) in cost of revenues

           (1,172     0        (118     0        (1,290
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

           75,850        6,963        190,791        (1,947     271,657   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

                

Product development

           (15,456     (8,039     (22,374     0        (45,869

Sales and marketing

           (40,565     (5,268     (19,278     1,947        (63,164

General and administrative

           (9,427     (1,868     (10,779     0        (22,074

SBC (2) in operating expenses

           (3,478     (1,690     (3,239     13        (8,394
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

           (68,926     (16,865     (55,670     1,960        (139,501
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating profit /(loss)

           6,924        (9,902     135,121        13        132,156   

Other income /(expense)

           2,916        5        (932     0        1,989   

Interest income

           1,784        30        4,184          5,998   

Exchange difference

           (1,614     (141     (329     0        (2,084

Income /(loss) before income tax expense

           10,010        (10,008     138,044        13        138,059   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense

           (2,836     0        (18,447     0        (21,283
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

         $ 7,174      $ (10,008   $ 119,597      $ 13      $ 116,776   
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Note (1): The elimination for segment revenues mainly consists of marketing services provided by the brand advertising segment (banner advertisements etc.) to the Changyou segment.
Note (2): “SBC” stands for share-based compensation expense.

 

-13-


     As of June 30, 2012  
     Brand
Advertising,
Wireless
and Others
     Sogou      Changyou      Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 278,750       $ 42,695       $ 443,153       $ 0      $ 764,598   

Accounts receivable, net

     85,269         3,029         22,116         0        110,414   

Fixed assets, net

     65,231         39,150         66,874         0        171,255   

Total assets (1)

   $ 884,911       $ 89,203       $ 917,719       $ (183,432   $ 1,708,401   

 

Note (1): The elimination for segment assets mainly consists of elimination of long-term investments in subsidiary and associate companies.

 

     As of December 31, 2011  
     Brand
Advertising,
Wireless
and Others
     Sogou      Changyou      Eliminations     Consolidated  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 357,031       $ 45,165       $ 330,411       $ 0      $ 732,607   

Accounts receivable, net

     73,610         2,263         11,326         (133     87,066   

Fixed assets, net

     61,636         22,622         68,394         0        152,652   

Total assets (1)

   $ 934,096       $ 73,970       $ 753,073       $ (127,845   $ 1,633,294   

 

Note (1): The elimination for segment assets mainly consists of elimination of long-term investments in subsidiary and associate companies.

 

3. Share-Based Compensation Expense

Sohu, Changyou, Sogou and Fox Video Limited (“Sohu Video”) all have incentive plans for the granting of share-based awards, including common stock /ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, to their executive officers, management and employees.

For Sohu, Changyou and Sogou share-based awards, share-based compensation expense is recognized as costs and /or expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income based on the fair value of the related share-based awards on their grant dates. Share-based compensation expense is charged to the shareholders’ equity or noncontrolling interest section in the consolidated balance sheets.

On January 4, 2012, Sohu Video, the holding entity of Sohu’s video division, adopted a 2011 Share Incentive Plan (the “Video 2011 Share Incentive Plan”), which provides for the issuance of up to 25,000,000 ordinary shares of Sohu Video (amounting to 10% of the outstanding Sohu Video shares on a fully-diluted basis) to management and key employees of the video division and to Sohu management. As of June 30, 2012, grants of options for the purchase of 15,352,200 of ordinary shares of Sohu Video had been made and were effective under the plan. However, as of June 30, 2012, the restructuring of Sohu’s video division was still in process and certain significant factors remained uncertain. For purposes of ASC 718, no grant date is established until mutual understanding of the option awards’ key terms and conditions between Sohu Video and the recipients can be reached, and such mutual understanding cannot be reached until the video division’s restructuring plan has been substantially fixed, so that the enterprise value of Sohu Video and hence the fair value of the options is determinable and can be accounted for. As of June 30, 2012, on the basis that the broader terms and conditions of the option awards had neither been finalized nor mutually agreed with the recipients, no grant of options had occurred for purposes of ASC 718 and hence no share based compensation expense was recognized.

Share-based compensation expense was recognized in costs and/or expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
Share-based compensation expense    2012     2011      2012      2011  

Cost of revenues (1)

   $ (76   $ 555       $ 194       $ 1,290   

Product development expenses

     1,531        1,421         2,703         3,193   

Sales and marketing expenses

     497        872         1,031         1,961   

General and administrative expenses

     1,477        1,568         2,431         3,240   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,429      $ 4,416       $ 6,359       $ 9,684   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Note (1): In the second quarter of 2012, the Company trued up the shared-based compensation expense for forfeited restricted share units which would have become fully vested during the quarter.

 

-14-


There was no capitalized share-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Share-based compensation expense recognized for share awards of Sohu, Changyou, Sogou and Sohu Video, respectively, was as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
Share-based compensation expense    2012      2011      2012      2011  

For Sohu share-based awards

   $ 1,478       $ 2,593       $ 3,181       $ 6,128   

For Changyou share-based awards

     813         1,305         2,019         3,038   

For Sogou share-based awards

     1,138         518         1,159         518   

For Sohu Video share-based awards

     0         —           0         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,429       $ 4,416       $ 6,359       $ 9,684   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

4. Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments include cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, investments in debt securities, prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable, receipts in advance and deferred revenue, accrued liabilities and other short-term liabilities. The carrying amount of accounts receivable, prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable, receipts in advance and deferred revenue, accrued liabilities and other short-term liabilities approximates their fair value. Other financial instruments are measured at their respective fair values. For fair value measurements, U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:

Level 1 - observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 - include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the market place.

Level 3 - unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The following table sets forth the financial instruments, measured at fair value, by level within the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

 

            Fair value measurements at reporting date using  

Items

   As of
June 30,
2012
     Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Cash equivalents

   $ 136,346       $ 0       $ 136,346       $ 0   

Short-term investments

     21,793         0         21,793         0   

Investments in debt securities

     79,053         0         0         79,053   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 237,192       $ 0       $ 158,139       $ 79,053   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

-15-


The following table sets forth the financial instruments, measured at fair value, by level within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

            Fair value measurements at reporting date using  

Items

   As of
December 31,
2011
     Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable  Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Cash equivalents

   $ 166,675       $ 0       $ 166,675       $ 0   

Short-term investments

     17,560         0         17,560         0   

Investments in debt securities

     79,354         0         0         79,354   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 263,589       $ 0       $ 184,235       $ 79,354   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (level 3) from December 31, 2011 to June 30, 2012 (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value
Measurements
Using Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
Debt Securities
 

Beginning balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 79,354   

Currency translation adjustment

     (301
  

 

 

 

Ending balance at June 30, 2012

   $ 79,053   
  

 

 

 

Cash equivalents

The Company’s cash equivalents mainly consist of time deposits placed with banks with an original maturity of three months or less. The fair value of time deposits is determined based on the pervasive interest rates in the market, which are also the interest rates as stated in the contracts with the banks. The Company classifies the valuation techniques that use the pervasive interest rates input as Level 2 of fair value measurements. This is because there generally are no quoted prices in active markets for identical time deposits at the reporting date and as a result the Company, to determine the fair value, must use observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Short-term investments

In accordance with ASC 825, for investments in financial instruments with a variable interest rate indexed to performance of underlying assets, the Company elected the fair value method at the date of initial recognition and carried these investments at fair value. Changes in the fair value are reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as other income /(expense). Fair value is estimated based on quoted prices of similar products provided by banks at the end of each period. The Company classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 2 of fair value measurements.

As of June 30, 2012, the Company’s investments in financial instruments were mainly held by 7Road’s VIE Shenzhen 7Road Technology Co., Ltd (“Shenzhen 7Road”), and totaled approximately $21.8 million. The investments are issued by commercial banks in China with a variable interest rate indexed to performance of underlying assets. Since these investments’ maturity dates are within one year, they are classified as short-term investments. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income change in the fair value of short-term investments in the amount of $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

Investments in Debt Securities

In September 2011, the Company extended the maturity of a convertible debt security for six months to March 2012. This convertible debt security has a principal amount of $74.6 million (equal to RMB0.5 billion) and with an interest rate of 6.8% per annum, payable quarterly in cash. In March 2012, the Company further extended the maturity of this convertible debt security for six months to September 2012. The interest rate remained at 6.8% per annum. This convertible debt security was purchased in September 2010 from a PRC-based company (the “Debtor”), and has an initial maturity of twelve months subject to extension at the Company’s election in its sole discretion for additional sequential six-month periods. The Debtor’s obligations on the debt are secured by a pledge from the Debtor’s parent company of its entire equity interest in the Debtor. Under the terms of the security, if the Company continues to extend the maturity to March 31, 2014, it will have an option, exercisable on March 31, 2014, to convert the outstanding principal into fixed percentages of equity interests in two companies which are affiliates of the Debtor.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, interest income generated from this debt security amounted to $1.37 million and $2.73 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, interest income generated from this debt security amounted to $0.74 million and $1.45 million, respectively.

 

-16-


The Company elected the fair value option to account for its investments in debt securities at their initial recognition. Changes in fair value were recognized in other income /(expense). For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, there was no change in fair value. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, changes in fair value generated from exchange gain or loss were $1.06 and $1.75 million, respectively. To estimate fair value, the Company used the income approach, which considers the estimated future return from the investment and the probabilities of getting these returns. The Company classifies the valuation techniques that use these inputs as Level 3 of fair value measurements.

 

5. Impairment of purchased video content

The Company recorded payments for video content as prepaid assets when payment occurred, then capitalized the purchased video content as intangible assets when recognition criteria were met.

In the second quarter of 2012, the Company noted that the prices for purchased video content have decreased significantly. Under ASC 360-10-35-Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, an impairment test should be performed at the asset group level. The Company divided purchased video content into seven asset groups, consisting of TV series, Pay Channel, Overseas Content, Movies, Animations, Variety shows, and Documentary films. The Company tested the recoverability of the carrying values of these asset groups by comparing their carrying amounts to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset groups. If the carrying amount of an asset group was determined to not be recoverable, an impairment loss was recognized, measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset group to the asset group’s fair value. The fair values of the purchased video content were estimated using the discounted cash flow method. The impairment losses were allocated only to the purchased video content within the asset group, since the carrying amount of other long-lived assets within the asset group was considered to be already below their fair value.

In the second quarter of 2012, as a result of these impairment tests, the Company recognized total impairment losses of $15.3 million in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as cost of revenues. Also, the Company wrote down prepaid assets and intangible assets from their carrying values of $5.5 million and $29.7 million, respectively, to their fair values of $2.9 million and $17.0 million, respectively.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, no impairment losses was recognized for purchased video content.

 

6. Goodwill

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by segment are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Brand
Advertising
    Wireless     Sogou     Changyou     Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2011

          

Goodwill

   $ 59,978      $ 15,942      $ 2,042      $ 121,932      $ 199,894   

Accumulated impairment losses

     (19,846     (15,942     0        (5,201     (40,989
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 40,132      $ 0      $ 2,042      $ 116,731      $ 158,905   

Transactions in 2012

          

Inter-segment transfers

     (17,885     0        0        17,885        0   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     0        0        (8     (472     (480
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2012

   $ 22,247      $ 0      $ 2,034      $ 134,144      $ 158,425   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2012

          

Goodwill

   $ 42,093      $ 15,942      $ 2,034      $ 139,345      $ 199,414   

Accumulated impairment losses

     (19,846     (15,942     0        (5,201     (40,989

The inter-segment transfers are related to the sale of the 17173 Business by Sohu to Changyou. As aforementioned in Note 2 - Segment Information, beginning January 1, 2012, the Company began to review the 17173 Business as part of the Changyou segment and changed the Company’s segment operating performance measurements by transferring the 17173 Business from the brand advertising segment to the Changyou segment, therefore, the related goodwill was transferred accordingly.

 

-17-


7. Income Taxes

Sohu and Changyou.com (US) Inc. are subject to income taxes in the United States (“U.S.”). The majority of the subsidiaries and VIEs of the Company are based in mainland China and are subject to income taxes in the PRC. These China-based subsidiaries and VIEs conduct substantially all of the Company’s operations, and generate most of the Company’s income.

The Company did not have any penalties or significant interest associated with tax positions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, nor did the Company have any significant unrecognized uncertain tax positions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.

PRC Corporate Income Tax

Related to High and New Technology Enterprises

The PRC Corporate Income Tax Law (the “CIT Law”) applies an income tax rate of 25% to all enterprises but grants preferential tax treatment to High and New Technology Enterprises (“NHTEs”). Under this preferential tax treatment, NHTEs can enjoy a preferential income tax rate of 15% for three years, but need to re-apply after the end of the three-year period. The CIT Law was effective beginning January 1, 2008.

Within the Sohu Group, there were five enterprises that qualified as NHTEs in 2008 and were qualified upon re-application in 2011. These enterprises are Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Era”), Beijing Sohu New Media Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Media”), Beijing Sogou Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Sogou Technology”), Changyou’s China-based subsidiary Beijing AmazGame Age Internet Technology Co., Ltd. (“AmazGame”) and Changyou’s China-based VIE Beijing Gamease Age Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“Gamease”). Hence, for these enterprises the income tax rate is 15% for 2012 and 2013.

In addition to the above five enterprises, there are other two enterprises, Beijing Sohu Internet Information Service Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Internet”) and Beijing Sogou Information Service Co., Ltd. (“Sogou Information”) that qualified as NHTEs in 2009 and reapplied for qualification in May 2012. Before the reapplications are approved, the two companies will be entitled to continue to enjoy their beneficial tax rates as if they had already qualified as NHTEs for 2012. Therefore, for the year 2012, the income tax rate for these enterprises will be 15%.

Related to Software Enterprises

Under the CIT Law, a Software Enterprise can enjoy an income tax exemption for two years beginning with its first profitable year and a 50% tax reduction to a rate of 12.5% for the subsequent three years.

As of June 30, 2012, Shenzhen 7Road, Beijing Changyou Gamespace Software Technology Co., Ltd. (“Gamespace”), Beijing Guanyou Gamespace Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“Guanyou Gamespace”), ICE Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“ICE Information”) and Shanghai ICE Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai ICE”) are qualified as “Software Enterprises” and enjoy the aforementioned beneficial tax treatment.

PRC Withholding Tax on Dividends

The CIT Law imposes a 10% withholding income tax for dividends distributed by foreign invested enterprises to their immediate holding companies outside mainland China. 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. A holding company in Hong Kong, for example, will be subject to a 5% withholding tax rate under the Arrangement Between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital (the “China-HK Tax Arrangement”) if such holding company is considered a non-PRC resident enterprise and holds at least 25% of the equity interests in the PRC foreign invested enterprise distributing the dividends, subject to approval of the PRC local tax authority. However, if the Hong Kong holding company is not considered to be the beneficial owner of such dividends under applicable PRC tax regulations, such dividend may remain subject to a withholding tax rate of 10%.

In the second quarter of 2012, Changyou’s Board of Directors determined to cause one of Changyou’s PRC subsidiaries to distribute all of its earnings of 2012 to its overseas parent company, Changyou.com HK Limited (“Changyou HK”) in the near future. Based on an assessment performed pursuant to requirements specified by PRC tax authorities, Changyou concluded that it is more likely than not that such distribution will be subject to 5% withholding tax. In the second quarter of 2012, Changyou accrued deferred tax liabilities in the amount of $4.4 million for withholding taxes associated with this distribution plan.

 

-18-


8. Commitments and Contingencies

Contractual Obligation

In November 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase a Beijing office building to serve as the Company’s headquarters. The purchase price is approximately $127 million, of which $108 million had been paid as of June 30, 2012. In December 2011, the Company also entered into an agreement for technological infrastructure and fitting-out work for this office building. The contractual amount is approximately $28 million, of which $16 million had been paid as of June 30, 2012. These $108 million and $16 million payments have been recognized as prepaid non-current assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The remaining $19 million for the office building and $12 million for the technological infrastructure and fitting-out work will be settled in installments as various stages of the development plan are completed. This office building and related technological infrastructure and fitting-out work are in progress and are expected to be completed in 2013.

In August 2010, Changyou entered into an agreement to purchase a Beijing office building to serve as its headquarters. The purchase price is approximately $158 million, of which $125 million had been paid as of June 30, 2012 and was recognized as prepaid non-current assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The remaining $33 million will be settled in installments as various stages of the development plan are completed. This office building is under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

As of June 30, 2012, the Sohu Group also had commitments for bandwidth purchases in the amount of $30 million, commitments for video content purchases in the amount of $25 million, commitments for operating leases in the amount of $17 million and commitments for other content and service purchases in the amount of $15 million.

Litigation

The Sohu Group is a party to various litigation matters which it considers routine and incidental to its business. Management does not expect the results of any of these actions to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

In March 2008, the Sohu Group was sued by four major record companies, Sony BMG, Warner, Universal and Gold Label, which alleged that the Sohu Group provided music search links and download services that violated copyrights they owned. As of June 30, 2012, the lawsuits with these four record companies were still in process. At this stage, an estimation of the loss cannot be made.

PRC Law

The Chinese market in which the Sohu Group operates poses certain macro-economic and regulatory risks and uncertainties. These uncertainties extend to the ability to operate an Internet business and to conduct brand advertising, search and others, online game, wireless and others services in the PRC. Though the PRC has, since 1978, implemented a wide range of market-oriented economic reforms, continued reforms and progress towards a full market-oriented economy are uncertain. In addition, the telecommunication, information, and media industries remain highly regulated. Restrictions are currently in place and are unclear with respect to which segments of these industries foreign-owned entities, like the Sohu Group, may operate. The Chinese government may issue from time to time new laws or new interpretations of existing laws to regulate areas such as telecommunication, information and media. Certain risks related to PRC law that could affect Sohu Group’s VIE structure are discussed in Note 9 - VIEs.

Regulatory risks also encompass the interpretation by the tax authorities of current tax law, including the applicability of certain preferential tax treatments. The Sohu Group’s legal structure and scope of operations in China could be subject to restrictions, which could result in severe limits on its ability to conduct business in the PRC.

The Sohu Group’s sales, purchase and expense transactions are generally denominated in RMB and a significant portion of the Sohu Group’s assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. The RMB is not freely convertible into foreign currencies. In China, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions. Remittances in currencies other than RMB by its subsidiaries in China may require certain supporting documentation in order to effect the remittance.

 

-19-


9. VIEs

Background

PRC laws and regulations prohibit or restrict foreign ownership of companies that operate Internet information and content, Internet access, online games, wireless, value-added telecommunications and certain other businesses in which the Company is engaged or could be deemed to be engaged. Consequently, the Company conducts certain of its operations and businesses in the PRC through its VIEs.

The Company has adopted the guidance of accounting for VIEs, which requires VIEs to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity. The Company’s management made evaluations of the relationships between the Company and its VIEs and the economic benefit flow of contractual arrangements with the VIEs. In connection with such evaluation, management also took into account the fact that, as a result of such contractual arrangements, the Sohu Group controls the shareholders’ voting interests in the VIEs. As a result of such evaluation, management concluded that the Sohu Group is the primary beneficiary of its VIEs. As a result, the Company consolidates all of its VIEs in its consolidated financial statements.

All of the VIEs are incorporated and operated in the PRC, and are directly or indirectly owned by Dr. Charles Zhang, the Company’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, or other executive officers and employees of the Sohu Group identified below. Capital for these VIEs was funded by the Sohu Group through loans provided to Dr. Charles Zhang and those other executive officers and employees, and was initially recorded as loans to related parties. These loans are eliminated for accounting purposes against the capital of the VIEs upon consolidation.

Under contractual agreements with the Sohu Group, Dr. Charles Zhang and those other executive officers and employees of the Sohu Group who are shareholders of the VIEs are required to transfer their ownership in these entities to the Sohu Group, if permitted by PRC laws and regulations, or, if not so permitted, to designees of the Sohu Group at any time as requested by Sohu Group to repay the loans outstanding. All voting rights of the VIEs are assigned to the Sohu Group, and the Sohu Group has the right to designate all directors and senior management personnel of the VIEs, and also has the obligation to absorb losses of the VIEs. Dr. Charles Zhang and those other executive officers and employees of the Sohu Group who are shareholders of the VIEs have pledged their shares in the VIEs as collateral for the loans. As of June 30, 2012, the aggregate amount of these loans was $17.1 million.

Under its contractual arrangements with the VIEs, the Company has the power to direct activities of the VIEs, and can have assets transferred freely out of the VIEs without any restrictions. Therefore, the Company considers that there is no asset of a consolidated VIE that can be used only to settle obligations of the VIEs, except for registered capital and PRC statutory reserves of the VIEs. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital and PRC statutory reserves of the VIEs totaled $30.4 million. As all the consolidated VIEs are incorporated as limited liability companies under the PRC Company Law, creditors of the VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company for any of the liabilities of the consolidated VIEs. Currently there is no contractual arrangement that could require the Company to provide additional financial support to the consolidated VIEs. As the Company is conducting certain business in the PRC mainly through the VIEs, the Company may provide such support on a discretionary basis in the future, which could expose the Company to a loss.

Summary of VIEs

Basic Information

For the Online Advertising Business

Brand Advertising Business

 

  a) Sohu Entertainment

Beijing Sohu Entertainment Culture Media Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Entertainment”) was incorporated in 2002 and is engaged in entertainment and advertising services. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Sohu Entertainment was $1.2 million. Xin Wang (Belinda Wang), the Company’s Co-President and Chief Operating Officer, and Ye Deng held 80% and 20% interests, respectively, in this entity.

 

  b) Tu Xing Tian Xia

Beijing Tu Xing Tian Xia Information Consultancy Co., Ltd. (“Tu Xing Tian Xia”) was acquired in 2005 and is engaged in mapping services. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Tu Xing Tian Xia was $0.2 million. Beijing Century High-Tech Investment Co., Ltd. (“High Century”) and Sohu Internet held 56.1% and 43.9% interests, respectively, in this entity. This entity is currently in the process of liquidation.

 

-20-


  c) Donglin

Beijing Sohu Donglin Advertising Co., Ltd. (“Donglin”) was incorporated in 2010 and is engaged in advertising services. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Donglin was $1.5 million. High Century and Sohu Internet each held a 50% interest in this entity.

 

  d) Pilot New Era

Beijing Pilot New Era Advertising Co., Ltd. (“Pilot New Era”) was incorporated in 2010 and is engaged in advertising services. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Pilot New Era was $0.7 million. High Century and Sohu Internet each held a 50% interest in this entity.

 

  e) Focus Yiju

Beijing Focus Yiju Network Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Focus Yiju”) was acquired in 2011 and is engaged in advertising services. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Focus Yiju was $1.6 million. High Century held a 100% interest in this entity.

 

  f) 17173 Network

Beijing 17173 Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“17173 Network”) was incorporated in 2011 and is engaged in technology development and advertising services. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of 17173 Network was $1.6 million. Jing Zhou and a third party entity each held a 50% interest in this entity.

 

  g) Tianjin Jinhu

Tianjin Jinhu Culture Development Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin Jinhu”) was incorporated in 2011 and is engaged in advertising services. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Tianjin Jinhu was $0.5 million. Ye Deng and Chun Liu each held a 50% interest in this entity.

Search and Others Business

 

  h) Sogou Information

Sogou Information was incorporated in 2005. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Sogou Information was $2.5 million. Xiaochuan Wang and Xianxian Hao each held a 50% interest in this entity.

For the Online Game Business

 

  i) Gamease

Gamease was incorporated in 2007. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Gamease was $1.3 million. Tao Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Changyou, and Dewen Chen, President and Chief Operating Officer of Changyou held 60% and 40% interests, respectively, in this entity.

 

  j) Shanghai ICE

Shanghai ICE was acquired by Changyou in 2010. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Shanghai ICE was $1.2 million. Runa Pi and Rong Qi each held a 50% interest in this entity.

 

  k) Guanyou Gamespace

Guanyou Gamespace was incorporated in 2010. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Guanyou Gamespace was $1.5 million. Tao Wang and Dewen Chen held 60% and 40% interests, respectively, in this entity.

 

  l) Shenzhen 7Road

68.258% of Shenzhen 7Road was acquired by Gamease in 2011. During the three months ended June 30, 2012, in connection with a reorganization of Shenzhen 7Road to create a Cayman Islands holding company structure, Shenzhen 7Road became a VIE of 7Road, which is a Cayman Islands company of which approximately 71.926% is owned by Changyou. Shenzhen 7Road is controlled by Changyou, and Changyou is a primary beneficiary of Shenzhen 7Road, as a result of contractual arrangements among Shenzhen 7Road, Shenzhen 7Road Network Technologies Co., Ltd. (“7Road Technology”), which is a PRC-based indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of 7Road, and the shareholders of Shenzhen 7Road. As of June 30, 2012, Gamease held shares representing 68.258% of Shenzhen 7Road and four executive officers of 7Road.com Limited collectively held shares representing 31.742% of Shenzhen 7Road.

 

-21-


For the Wireless Business

 

  m) High Century

High Century is a holding company which was incorporated in 2001. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of High Century was $4.6 million. Dr. Charles Zhang and Wei Li, held 80% and 20% interests, respectively, in this entity.

 

  n) Sohu Internet

Sohu Internet was incorporated in 2003 and is engaged in Internet information, wireless and advertising services. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Sohu Internet was $1.6 million. High Century and Sohu Entertainment held 75% and 25% interests, respectively, in this entity.

 

  o) GoodFeel

Beijing GoodFeel Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“GoodFeel”) was acquired in 2004 and is engaged in value-added telecommunication services. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of GoodFeel was $1.2 million. James Deng and Jing Zhou, held 58.1% and 41.9% interests, respectively, in this entity.

 

  p) 21 East Beijing

Beijing 21 East Culture Development Co., Ltd. (“21 East Beijing”) was acquired in 2006. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of 21 East Beijing was $0.1 million and High Century held a 100% interest in this entity.

 

  q) Yi He Jia Xun

Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Yi He Jia Xun”) was acquired in September 2011. As of June 30, 2012, the registered capital of Yi He Jia Xun was $2.1 million and Gang Fang and Yanfeng Lv each held a 50% interest in this entity.

Financial Information

The following consolidated financial information of the Sohu Group’s VIEs is included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements (in thousands):

 

     As of  
     June 30, 2012      December 31, 2011  

Total assets

   $ 468,815       $ 405,854   

Total liabilities

   $ 196,254       $ 184,711   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Three months ended June 30,      Six months ended June 30,  
     2012      2011      2012      2011  

Net revenue

   $ 218,118       $ 169,141       $ 406,145       $ 318,239   

Net income

   $ 30,134       $ 13,341       $ 53,661       $ 28,417   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the table below, VIEs under the Brand advertising, Sogou, Wireless and Others segments are classified as Sohu’s VIEs, and VIEs under the Changyou segment are classified as Changyou’s VIEs.

 

Cash flows of Sohu’s VIEs    Six months ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  

Net cash (used in) /provided by operating activities

   $ (12,169   $ 11,584   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (184     (30

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ 0      $ (464
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Cash flows of Changyou’s VIEs    Six months ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 11,463      $ 45,496   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (11,291     (68,478

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ 0      $ 0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

-22-


Summary of significant agreements currently in effect

Agreements between VIEs and Nominee Shareholders

Loan and equity pledge agreements between Sohu Era and the respective shareholders of High Century and Sohu Entertainment: These loan agreements provide for loans to the shareholders of High Century and Sohu Entertainment for them to make contributions to the registered capital of High Century and Sohu Entertainment in exchange for the equity interests in High Century and Sohu Entertainment, and under these pledge agreements the shareholders pledge those equity interests to Sohu Era as security for the loans. The loan agreements include powers of attorney that give Sohu Era the power to appoint nominees to act on behalf of the shareholders of High Century and Sohu Entertainment in connection with all actions to be taken by High Century and Sohu Entertainment. Pursuant to the loan agreements, the shareholders executed in blank transfers of their equity interests in High Century and Sohu Entertainment, which transfers are held by the Company’s legal department and may be completed and effected at Sohu Era’s election.

Loan and equity pledge agreements between Sogou Tech and the shareholders of Sogou Information. These loan agreements provide for loans to the shareholders Sogou Information for them to make contributions to the registered capital of Sogou Information in exchange for the equity interests in Sogou Information, and under the pledge agreements the shareholders pledge those equity interests to Sogou Tech as security for the loans. The loans are interest free and are repayable on demand, but the shareholders can only repay the loans by transferring to Sogou Tech their equity interests in Sogou Information.

Exclusive equity interest purchase right agreements between Sogou Tech, Sogou Information and the shareholders of Sogou Information. Pursuant to these agreements, Sogou Tech and any third party designated by it have the right, exercisable at any time when it becomes legal to do so under PRC law, to purchase from the shareholders of Sogou Information all or any part of their equity interests at a purchase price equal to the shareholders’ initial contributions to registered capital.

Powers of Attorney executed by the shareholders of Sogou Information in favor of Sogou Tech with a term of 10 years, extendable at the request of Sogou Tech. These powers of attorney give Sogou Tech the right to appoint nominees to act on behalf of each of the two Sogou Information shareholders in connection with all actions to be taken by Sogou Information.

Business operation agreement among Sogou Tech, Sogou Information and the shareholders of Sogou Information. The agreement sets forth the right of Sogou Tech to control the actions of the shareholders of Sogou Information. The agreement has a term of 10 years, renewable at the request of Sogou Tech.

Loan agreements and equity pledge agreements between AmazGame and the shareholders of Gamease and between Gamespace and the shareholders of Guanyou Gamespace. The loan agreements provide for loans to the shareholders of Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, for them to make contributions to the registered capital of Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace in exchange for the equity interests in Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively. Under the equity pledge agreements the shareholders of Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, pledge to AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, their equity interests in Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, to secure the performance of their obligations under the loan agreements and Gamease’s and Guanyou Gamespace’s obligations to AmazGame and Gamespace under their business agreements. The loans are interest free and are repayable on demand, but the shareholders can only repay the loans by transferring to AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, their equity interests in Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace.

Equity interest purchase right agreements between AmazGame and the shareholders of Gamease and between Gamespace and the shareholders of Guanyou Gamespace. Pursuant to these agreements, AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, have the right, and any third party designated by them has the right, exercisable at any time when it becomes legal to do so under PRC law, to purchase from the shareholders of Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, all or any part of their equity interests at a purchase price equal to their initial contributions to registered capital.

 

-23-


Powers of attorney executed by the shareholders of Gamease in favor of AmazGame and the shareholders of Guanyou Gamespace in favor of Gamespace, with a term of 10 years. These powers of attorney give AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, the exclusive right to appoint nominees to act on behalf of the shareholders in connection with all actions to be taken by Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively.

Business operation agreements between AmazGame and the shareholders of Gamease and between Gamespace and the shareholders of Guanyou Gamespace. This agreement sets forth the right of AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, to control the actions of the shareholders of Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively. The agreements have a term of 10 years.

Call option agreement among ICE Information, Shanghai ICE and Shanghai ICE shareholders. This agreement provides to ICE Information and any third party designated by ICE Information the right, exercisable at any time when it becomes legal to do so under PRC law, to purchase from the shareholders all or any part of their shares in Shanghai ICE or purchase from Shanghai ICE all or part of its assets or business at the lowest purchase price permissible under PRC law. The agreement is terminable only if ICE Information is dissolved.

Share pledge agreement among ICE Information, Shanghai ICE and the shareholders of Shanghai ICE. Under this agreement the shareholders pledge to ICE Information their equity interests in Shanghai ICE to secure the performance of their obligations under the call option agreement and Shanghai ICE’s obligations to ICE Information under their business agreements.

Business operation agreement among ICE Information, Shanghai ICE and the shareholders of Shanghai ICE. This agreement sets forth the right of ICE Information to control the actions of the shareholders of Shanghai ICE. The agreement is terminable only if ICE Information is dissolved.

Equity interest purchase right agreements among 7Road Technology, Shenzhen 7Road and Shenzhen 7Road’s shareholders. Under these agreements, 7Road Technology and any third-party designated by 7Road Technology have the right, exercisable at any time during the term of the agreements, if and when it is legal to do so under PRC law, to purchase from any of the Shenzhen 7Road’s shareholders all or any part of their shares in Shenzhen 7Road at a nominal purchase price. Each of these agreements has a term of 10 years, is renewable by 7Road Technology for such term as it may determine and is terminable early only if Shenzhen 7Road’s or 7Road Technology’s existence is terminated, by mutual agreement of the parties or upon the written request of 7Road Technology.

Equity interest pledge agreements among 7Road Technology, Shenzhen 7Road and Shenzhen 7Road’s shareholders. Under these agreements, the shareholders of Shenzhen 7Road agreed to pledge to 7Road Technology their equity interests in Shenzhen 7Road to secure the performance of their respective obligations and Shenzhen 7Road’s obligations under the various VIE-related agreements. If any of the shareholders of Shenzhen 7Road or Shenzhen 7Road breaches his or its obligations under any VIE-related agreements, 7Road Technology is entitled to exercise its rights as the beneficiary under the Equity Interest Pledge Agreements. These agreements terminate only after all of the respective obligations of the shareholders and of Shenzhen 7Road under the various VIE-related agreements are no longer in effect.

Business operation agreement among 7Road Technology, Shenzhen 7Road and the shareholders of Shenzhen 7Road. This agreement grants to 7Road Technology the right to control the actions of Shenzhen 7Road and the shareholders of Shenzhen 7Road in their capacities as such. This agreement has a term of 10 years, is renewable by 7Road Technology for such term as it may determine and is terminable early if the existence of Shenzhen 7Road or 7Road Technology is terminated, by mutual agreement of the parties or upon the written request of 7Road Technology.

Powers of attorney executed by the shareholders of Shenzhen 7Road in favor of 7Road Technology. These powers of attorney give 7Road Technology the exclusive right to appoint designees to act on behalf of each of the five shareholders of Shenzhen 7Road in connection with all actions to be taken by Shenzhen 7Road requiring shareholder approval.

Business Arrangements Between Subsidiaries and VIEs

Business cooperation agreements between Sohu Era and Sohu Internet and between Sogou Tech and Sogou Information. Pursuant to these agreements Sohu Era and Sogou Tech, respectively, provide technical consultation, content purchasing and other related services to Sohu Era and Sogou Information, respectively, in exchange for a percentage of the gross income, after deduction of related costs and expenses, of Sohu Era and Sogou Tech, respectively. The agreement between Sohu Era and Sohu Internet has a term of one year, and the agreement between Sogou Tech and Sogou Information has a term of 10 years, renewable at the request of Sogou Tech.

 

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Exclusive technology consulting and service agreement between Sogou Tech and Sogou Information. Pursuant to this agreement Sogou Tech has the exclusive right to provide technical consultation and other related services to Sogou Information in exchange for a certain amount of service fee, with a term of 10 years, renewable at request of Sogou Tech.

Technology support and utilization agreements between AmazGame and Gamease and between Gamespace and Guanyou Gamespace. Pursuant to these agreements, AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, have the exclusive right to provide certain product development and application services and technology support to Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, for a fee equal to a predetermined percentage, subject to adjustment by AmazGame or Gamespace at any time, of Gamease’s and Guanyou Gamespace’s respective revenues. These agreements will be terminated only when AmazGame and Gamespace are dissolved.

Services and maintenance agreements between AmazGame and Gamease between Gamespace and Guanyou Gamespace. Pursuant to these agreements, AmazGame and Gamespace, respectively, provide marketing, staffing, business operation and maintenance services to Gamease and Guanyou Gamespace, respectively, in exchange for a fee equal to the cost of providing such services plus a predetermined margin. These agreements will be terminated only when AmazGame and Gamespace are dissolved.

Exclusive business cooperation agreement between ICE Information and Shanghai ICE. This agreement sets forth the exclusive right of ICE Information to provide business support and technical services to Shanghai ICE. The agreement will be terminated only when ICE Information is dissolved.

Exclusive technology consulting and services agreement between ICE Information and Shanghai ICE. This agreement provides to ICE Information the exclusive right to provide technical consultation and other related services to Shanghai ICE in exchange for a fee equal to the balance of Shanghai ICE’s gross income after deduction of related costs and expenses. The agreement will be terminated only when ICE Information is dissolved.

Technology development and utilization agreement between 7Road Technology and Shenzhen 7Road. Under this agreement, 7Road Technology has the exclusive right to provide product development and application services and technology support to Shenzhen 7Road for a fee based on Shenzhen 7Road’s revenues, which fee can be adjusted by 7Road Technology at any time in its sole discretion. The fee is eliminated upon consolidation. This agreement will terminate if the existence of 7Road Technology or Shenzhen 7Road is terminated, by mutual agreement of the parties or upon failure to perform due to a force majeure event.

Services and maintenance agreement between 7Road Technology and Shenzhen 7Road. Pursuant to this agreement, 7Road Technology provides marketing and maintenance services to Shenzhen 7Road in exchange for a fee equal to the cost of providing such services plus a predetermined margin. This agreement will terminate if the existence of 7Road Technology or Shenzhen 7Road is terminated, by mutual agreement of the parties or upon failure to perform due to a force majeure event.

Certain of the contractual arrangements described above between the VIEs and the related wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company are silent regarding renewals. However, because the VIEs are controlled by the Company through powers of attorney granted to the Company by the shareholders of the VIEs, the contractual arrangements can be, and are expected to be, renewed at the subsidiaries’ election.

VIE-Related Risks

It is possible that the Company’s operation of certain of its operations and businesses through VIEs could be found by PRC authorities to be in violation of PRC laws and regulations prohibiting or restricting foreign ownership of companies that engage in such operations and businesses. If such a finding were made, regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over the licensing and operation of such operations businesses would have broad discretion in dealing with such a violation, including levying fines, confiscating the Company’s income, revoking the business or operating licenses of the affected businesses, requiring the Company to restructure its ownership structure or operations, or requiring the Company to discontinue all or any portion of its operations. Any of these actions could cause significant disruption to the Company’s business operations, and have a materially adverse impact on the Company’s cash flows, financial position and operating performance. The Company’s management considers the possibility of such a finding by PRC regulatory authorities to be remote.

In addition, it is possible that the contracts with the Company, the Company’s VIEs and shareholders of its VIEs would not be enforceable in China if PRC government authorities or courts were to find that such contracts contravene PRC laws and regulations or are otherwise not enforceable for public policy reasons. In the event that the Company was unable to enforce these contractual arrangements, the Company would not be able to exert effective control over the affected VIEs. Consequently, such VIE’s results of operations, assets and liabilities would not be included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. If such were the case, the Company’s cash flows, financial position and operating performance would be materially adversely affected. The Company’s contractual arrangements with respect to its consolidated VIEs are approved and in place. The Company’s management believes that such contracts are enforceable, and considers the possibility remote that PRC regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over the Company’s operations and contractual relationships would find the contracts to be unenforceable.

 

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10. Sohu.com Inc. Shareholders’ Equity

Stockholder Rights Plan

Sohu adopted a stockholder rights plan (the “Plan”) in 2001. The Plan was designed to deter coercive takeover tactics, including the accumulation of shares in the open market or through private transactions, and to prevent an acquirer from gaining control of Sohu without offering a fair and adequate price and terms to all of Sohu’s stockholders. In general, the Plan vested stockholders of Sohu with rights to purchase preferred stock of Sohu at a substantial discount from those securities’ fair market value upon a person or group acquiring without the approval of the Board of Directors more than 20% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Sohu. Any person or group who triggered the purchase right distribution would have become ineligible to participate in the Plan, which would have caused substantial dilution of such person or group’s holdings. The rights expired on July 25, 2011.

Sohu intends to adopt appropriate defensive measures in the future on a case by case basis as and to the extent that the Company’s Board of Directors determines that such measures are necessary or advisable to protect Sohu stockholder value in the face of any coercive takeover threats or to prevent an acquirer from gaining control of the Company without offering fair and adequate price and terms.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock consists of shares repurchased by Sohu that are no longer outstanding and are held by Sohu. Treasury stock is accounted for under the cost method.

On August 29, 2011, Sohu’s Board of Directors authorized a combined share purchase program of up to $100 million of outstanding shares of common stock of Sohu and /or the outstanding American depositary shares (“ADSs”) of Changyou over a one-year period from September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2012. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had repurchased 500,000 shares of its common stock, which is treated as treasury stock, for consideration of $29.2 million. The Company also purchased 750,000 Changyou ADSs, representing 1,500,000 Class A ordinary shares, for consideration of $25.7 million. The total consideration paid under the combined share purchase program was $54.9 million.

Stock Incentive Plan

Sohu, Changyou, Sogou and Sohu Video all have incentive plans for the granting of share-based awards, including common stock /ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, to their executive officers, management and employees.

1) Sohu.com Inc. Share-based Awards

Sohu’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan

Sohu’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan”) provided for the issuance of up to 9,500,000 shares of common stock, including those issued pursuant to the exercise of share options and upon vesting and settlement of restricted share units. Most of these awards vest over a period of four years. The maximum term of any issued stock right under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan is ten years from the grant date. The Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan expired on January 24, 2010. As of the expiration date, 9,128,724 shares of common stock had been issued or were subject to issuance upon the vesting and exercise of share options or the vesting and settlement of restricted share units granted under the plan. A new plan (the “Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan”) was adopted on July 2, 2010.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total share-based compensation expense recognized for awards under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan was $1.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, total share-based compensation expense recognized for awards under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan was $2.3 million and $5.5 million, respectively.

 

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i) Summary of share option activity

A summary of share option activity under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

Options    Number
Of
Shares
(in thousands)
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
(in thousands)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2012

     329      $ 16.73         2.52       $ 10,934   

Exercised

     (21     6.50         

Forfeited or expired

     (1     13.97         
  

 

 

         

Outstanding at June 30, 2012

     307        17.45         2.12         8,341   
  

 

 

         

Vested at June 30, 2012

     307        17.45         2.12         8,341   
  

 

 

         

Exercisable at June 30, 2012

     307        17.45         2.12         8,341   
  

 

 

         

Note (1): The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the difference between Sohu’s closing stock price of $44.64 on June 30, 2012 and the exercise price of share options. The total intrinsic value of share options exercised for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $1.0 million.

No options have been granted under Sohu’s 2000 Stock Incentive Plan since 2006. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, no compensation expense was recognized for share options because the requisite service periods for share options had ended by the end of 2009.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total cash received from the exercise of share options amounted to $99,000 and $139,000, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, total cash received from the exercise of share options amounted to $0.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

ii) Summary of restricted share unit activity

A summary of restricted share units activity under the Sohu 2000 Stock Incentive Plan as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

Restricted Share Units    Number of
Units
(in thousands)
    Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 1, 2012

     445      $ 61.66   

Granted

     0     

Vested

     (153     62.41   

Forfeited

     (25     61.27   
  

 

 

   

Unvested at June 30, 2012

     267        61.27   
  

 

 

   

Expected to vest thereafter

     199        61.27   
  

 

 

   

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total share-based compensation expense recognized for restricted share units was $1.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, total share-based compensation expense recognized for restricted share units was $2.3 million and $5.5 million, respectively.

As of June 30, 2012, there was $4.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted share units. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.8 years. The total fair value on their respective vesting dates of restricted share units vested during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was $0.3 million and $8.9 million, respectively. The total fair value on their respective vesting dates of restricted share units vested during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was $0.5 million and $14.4 million, respectively.

Sohu’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan

On July 2, 2010, the Company’s shareholders approved Sohu’s 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan”), which provides for the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock, including those issued pursuant to the vesting and settlement of restricted share units and pursuant to the exercise of share options. The maximum term of any issued stock right under the Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan is ten years from the grant date. The Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan will expire on July 1, 2020. As of June 30, 2012, 1,463,836 shares were available for grant under the Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

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A summary of restricted share units activity under the Sohu 2010 Stock Incentive Plan as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

Restricted Share Units    Number of
Units
(in thousands)
    Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 1, 2012

     14      $ 70.88   

Granted

     12        52.19   

Vested

     0     

Forfeited

     (2     70.88   
  

 

 

   

Unvested at June 30, 2012

     24        61.52   
  

 

 

   

Expected to vest thereafter

     20        60.06   
  

 

 

   

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total share-based compensation expense recognized for restricted share units was $0.2 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

As of June 30, 2012, there was $0.7 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted share units. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.7 years. The total fair value on their respective vesting dates of restricted share units vested during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 was nil.

2) Changyou.com Limited Share-based Awards

Changyou’s 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 Changyou, 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.

On December 31, 2008, Changyou reserved 2,000,000 of its ordinary shares, which included 1,774,000 Class B ordinary shares and 226,000 Class A ordinary shares, for issuance to certain of its executive officers and employees as incentive compensation under Changyou’s 2008 Share Incentive Plan (the “Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan”). In March 2009, the 2,000,000 reserved ordinary shares were subject to a ten-for-one share split effected by Changyou and became 20,000,000 ordinary shares.

Through June 30, 2012, Changyou has granted under the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan 15,000,000 Class B ordinary shares to Tao Wang through Prominence Investments Ltd. (“Prominence”) and 4,745,200 Class A and Class B restricted share units (settleable by Changyou’s issuance of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares, respectively) to certain of its executive officers other than Tao Wang and to certain of its employees and certain Sohu employees. Prominence is an entity that may deemed under applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to be beneficially owned by Tao Wang.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total share-based compensation expense recognized for awards under the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan was $0.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, total share-based compensation expense recognized for awards under the Changyou 2008 Share Incentive Plan was $1.3 million and $3.0 million, respectively.

Share-based Awards granted before Changyou’s Initial Public Offering

i) Share-based Award to Tao Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Changyou

In January 2008, Sohu communicated to and agreed with Tao Wang to grant him 700,000 ordinary shares and 800,000 restricted ordinary shares, in lieu of his contingent right in one of the Sohu Group’s subsidiaries, which was devoted to the development of TLBB. The 800,000 restricted ordinary shares were subject to a four-year vesting period commencing February 1, 2008. In addition, Tao Wang would not be entitled to participate in any distributions on Changyou shares, whether or not vested, until the earlier of Changyou’s completion of an initial public offering or February 2012, and in any event entitlement to distributions would be subject to vesting of the shares. The difference between the fair value (“Incremental Fair Value”) of these 700,000 ordinary shares and 800,000 restricted ordinary shares and Tao Wang’s contingent right in Beijing Fire Fox was accounted for as share-based compensation expense.

In January 2009, Changyou issued 700,000 of its Class B ordinary shares and 800,000 of its Class B restricted ordinary shares under its 2008 Share Incentive Plan to Tao Wang through Prominence.

 

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In February 2009, 200,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares held by Prominence became vested. Upon this vesting, the number of Class B ordinary shares held beneficially by Tao Wang increased to 900,000 shares and the number of Class B restricted ordinary shares held beneficially by Tao Wang decreased to 600,000 shares.

On March 16, 2009, in preparation for its initial public offering, Changyou effected a ten-for-one share split that resulted in the aforementioned 900,000 Class B ordinary shares and 600,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares becoming 9,000,000 Class B ordinary shares and 6,000,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares, respectively.

For the 700,000 ordinary shares, because the terms of the issuance of these ordinary shares had been approved and were communicated to and agreed with Tao Wang as of January 2, 2008, this was considered the grant date. Accordingly, the Incremental Fair Value was determined as of that date. The portion of the Incremental Fair Value related to these ordinary shares, equal to $1.8 million, was recognized as share-based compensation expense in product development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

For the 800,000 restricted ordinary shares, as a result of the modification of their vesting terms in April 2008, the portion of the Incremental Fair Value related to these shares, equal to $7.0 million, was determined in April 2008, and was accounted for as share-based compensation expense over the vesting period starting from the date of the modification, following the accelerated basis of attribution. A summary of activity for these restricted ordinary shares as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

Class B Restricted Ordinary Shares    Number of
Shares
(in thousands)
    Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 1, 2012

     2,000      $ 1.36   

Granted

     0     

Vested

     (2,000     1.36   
  

 

 

   

Unvested at June 30, 2012

     0     
  

 

 

   

Expected to vest thereafter

     0     
  

 

 

   

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above-mentioned Class B restricted ordinary shares was nil and $41,000, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above-mentioned Class B restricted ordinary shares was $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

As of June 30, 2012, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to Tao Wang’s Class B restricted ordinary shares, since they were all vested. The total fair value of Class B restricted ordinary shares vested to Tao Wang on their respective vesting dates during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was nil and $26.5 million, respectively. The total fair value of Class B restricted ordinary shares vested to Tao Wang on their respective vesting dates during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was nil and $39.7 million, respectively.

The fair value of the ordinary shares and restricted ordinary shares was assessed using the income approach /discounted cash flow method, with a discount for lack of marketability given that the shares underlying the award were not publicly traded at the time of grant, and was determined partly in reliance on a report prepared by a qualified professional appraiser using management’s estimates and assumptions. This assessment required complex and subjective judgments regarding Changyou’s projected financial and operating results, its unique business risks, the liquidity of its ordinary shares and its operating history and prospects at the time the grants were made.

ii) Share-based Awards to Executive Officers (other than Tao Wang) and Certain Key Employees

In April 2008, Changyou approved and communicated to executive officers other than Tao Wang the grant of an aggregate of 180,000 restricted ordinary shares and to certain key employees the grant of an aggregate of 94,000 restricted share units of Changyou (settleable in ordinary shares upon vesting). These restricted ordinary shares and restricted share units were subject to vesting over a four-year period commencing on February 1, 2008, with initial vesting also subject to the listing of Changyou’s ordinary shares in an initial public offering by Changyou. The fair value of the awards at grant date was recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income starting from April 2, 2009, when ADSs representing Changyou’s Class A ordinary shares were first listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

On January 15, 2009, Changyou issued 180,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares to executive officers other than Tao Wang and granted 94,000 Class B restricted share units to certain key employees, the grant of which had been approved and communicated in April 2008 as described above.

 

-29-


On March 13, 2009, Changyou exchanged the 180,000 Class B restricted ordinary shares for Class B restricted share units (settleable in Class B ordinary shares), that otherwise have the same vesting and other terms as applied to the Class B restricted ordinary shares described above. Following the exchange, Class B restricted share units granted to executive officers other than Tao Wang and certain key employees totaled 274,000.

On March 16, 2009, the above 274,000 Class B restricted share units became 2,740,000 Class B restricted share units as a result of the ten-for-one share split effected on that date.

A summary of activity for the above Class B restricted share units as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

Class B Restricted Share Units    Number of
Units
(in thousands)
    Weighted-Average
Grant-Date

Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 1, 2012

     635      $ 1.98   

Granted

     0     

Vested

     (635     1.98   

Forfeited

     0     
  

 

 

   

Unvested at June 30, 2012

     0     
  

 

 

   

Expected to vest thereafter

     0     
  

 

 

   

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 2,740,000 Class B restricted share units was nil and $31,000, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 2,740,000 Class B restricted share units was $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

As of June 30, 2012, there was no unrecognized share-based compensation expense since they were all vested. The total fair value of Class B restricted share units vested to Changyou’s executive officers (other than Tao Wang) and its employees on their respective vesting dates during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was nil and $8.4 million, respectively. The total fair value of Class B restricted share units vested to Changyou’s executive officers (other than Tao Wang) and its employees on their respective vesting dates during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 was nil and $13.1 million, respectively.

The methods Changyou used to determine the fair value as of the April 2008 grant date of these Class B restricted share units were the same as the methods used for the restricted ordinary shares granted to Tao Wang as described above.

iii) Share-based Awards to Other Employees

On February 17, 2009, Changyou granted an aggregate of 45,600 Class A restricted share units (settleable in Class A ordinary shares) to certain of its employees. These restricted share units are subject to vesting over a four-year period commencing upon the completion of the listing of Changyou’s Class A ordinary shares in an initial public offering by Changyou. The grant date fair value of the awards was recognized in Sohu’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income starting from April 2, 2009, when ADSs representing Changyou’s Class A ordinary shares were first listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

On March 16, 2009, the above 45,600 Class A restricted share units became 456,000 Class A restricted share units as a result of a ten-for-one share split effected on that date.

A summary of activity for the Class A restricted share units as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

Class A Restricted Share Units    Number of
Units
(in thousands)
    Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 1, 2012

     169      $ 8.00   

Granted

     0     

Vested

     (85     8.00   

Forfeited

     (3     8.00   
  

 

 

   

Unvested at June 30, 2012

     81        8.00   
  

 

 

   

Expected to vest thereafter

     73        8.00   
  

 

 

   

 

-30-


For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 456,000 Class A restricted share units was $50,000 and $0.2 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 456,000 Class A restricted share units was $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

As of June 30, 2012, there was $0.2 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to the unvested Class A restricted share units. The total fair value of Class A restricted share units vested to Changyou’s employees on their respective vesting dates was $1.2 million both for the three months and for the six months ended June 30, 2012. The total fair value of Class A restricted share units vested to Changyou’s employees on their respective vesting dates was $1.6 million both for the three months and for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

The fair value of these Class A restricted share units as of the February 17, 2009 grant date was determined based on Changyou’s offering price for its initial public offering, which was $8.00 per Class A ordinary share.

Share-based Awards granted after Changyou’s Initial Public Offering

i) Share-based Awards to Executive Officers (other than Tao Wang) and Certain Key Employees

As of June 30, 2012, in addition to the share-based awards granted before Changyou’s initial public offering, Changyou had granted an aggregate of 1,489,200 Class A restricted share units (settleable in Class A ordinary shares) to certain of its executive officers other than Tao Wang and to certain of its employees. These Class A restricted share units are subject to vesting over a four-year period commencing on their grant dates. A summary of activity for the Class A restricted share units as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

Class A Restricted Share Units

   Number of
Units
(in thousands)
    Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 1, 2012

     865      $ 12.99   

Granted

     10        12.11   

Vested

     (318     12.67   

Forfeited

     0     
  

 

 

   

Unvested at June 30, 2012

     557        13.16   
  

 

 

   

Expected to vest thereafter

     532        13.12   
  

 

 

   

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 1,489,200 Class A restricted share units was $0.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 1,489,200 Class A restricted share units was $0.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

As of June 30, 2012, there was $2.8 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested Class A restricted share units. The total fair value of Class A restricted share units vested was $3.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012. The total fair value of Class A restricted share units vested was $6.0 million both for the three months and for the six months ended June 30, 2011.

The fair value of restricted share units as of their grant date was determined based on the market price of Changyou’s ADSs on that date.

ii) Share-based Awards to Employees of the 17173 Business

Before Changyou’s acquisition of the 17173 Business on December 15, 2011, Changyou had granted an aggregate of 60,000 Class A restricted share units (settleable upon vesting in Class A ordinary shares) to certain employees of the 17173 Business, which was then owned and operated by Sohu, for their involvement in the provision of certain online game links and advertising services to Changyou on Sohu’s Websites under a Marketing Services Agreement between Changyou and Sohu.

These Class A restricted share units are subject to graded vesting over a four-year period commencing on the grant date. Before Changyou’s acquisition of the 17173 Business on December 15, 2011, the Company accounted for the Class A restricted share units granted by Changyou to employees of the 17173 Business as share awards granted by Sohu to its employees. After December 15, 2011, there was no change in this treatment, as the 17173 Business remained within the Sohu Group. Share-based compensation expense for such restricted share units is recognized on an accelerated basis over the requisite service period and the fair value of restricted share units was determined based on the market price of Changyou’s ADSs on the grant date.

 

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A summary of restricted share units to employees of the 17173 Business as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

Class A Restricted Share Units    Number of
Units
(in thousands)
    Weighted-Average
Grant-Date

Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 1, 2012

     50      $ 17.67   

Granted

     0     

Vested

     (5     17.19   

Forfeited

     (3     18.00   
  

 

 

   

Unvested at June 30, 2012

     42        17.71   
  

 

 

   

Expected to vest thereafter

     42        17.71   
  

 

 

   

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total share-based compensation expense recognized for the above 60,000 Class A restricted share units was $72,000 and $151,000, respectively.

As of June 30, 2012, there was $0.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested Class A restricted share units. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.99 years. The total fair value of Class A restricted share units vested during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was nil and $64,000, respectively. The total fair value of Class A restricted share units vested both during the three months and during the six months ended June 30, 2011 was nil.

The fair value of restricted share units as of their grant date was determined based on the market price of Changyou’s ADSs on that date.

3) Sogou Inc. Share-based Awards

Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan

On October 20, 2010, Sogou adopted the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan (the “Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan”), which provides for the issuance of up to 24,000,000 ordinary shares of Sogou to management and key employees of Sogou and of any present or future parents or subsidiaries or variable interest entities of Sogou. The maximum term of any issued share right under the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan is ten years from the grant date. The Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan will expire on October 19, 2020. As of June 30, 2012, Sogou had issued options for the purchase of 23,334,500 ordinary shares.

These share options will become vested and exercisable in four equal installments, with each installment vesting upon a service period requirement for management and key employees being met and Sogou’s achieving of performance targets for the corresponding period. The performance target for each installment will be set at the beginning of each vesting period, therefore each installment is considered to be granted at that date. After any single employee has received options for the purchase of 100,000 ordinary shares of Sogou, any additional options granted to that employee will be subject to vesting over a four-year period commencing upon Sogou’s completion of an initial public offering of its ordinary shares.

Performance targets were set for the first and second installments of Sogou share options, and the options for those installments accordingly were considered granted on April 1, 2011 and May 1, 2012, respectively. As of June 30, 2012, 11,300,900 share options had been granted. Part of the first installment had become vested and exercisable because both the service period and the performance requirements had been met, and part of the first installment remained unvested because the service period requirement had not been met although the performance requirements had been met. A portion of the vested shares was exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2012.

A summary of share option activity under the Sogou 2010 Stock Incentive Plan as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

Options    Number
Of
Shares
(in thousands)
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2012

     4,767      $ 0.001      

Granted

     6,428        0.001      

Exercised

     (4,585     0.001      

Forfeited or expired

     (35     0.001      
  

 

 

      

Outstanding at June 30, 2012

     6,575        0.001         9.04   
  

 

 

      

Vested at June 30, 2012 and expected to vest thereafter

     5,446        
  

 

 

      

Exercisable at June 30, 2012

     44        
  

 

 

      

 

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For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, total share-based compensation expense recognized for share options under the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan was $956,000 and $977,000. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, total share-based compensation expense recognized for share options under the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan was both $473,000.

As of June 30, 2012, there was $2.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested share options. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.5 years.

Determining the fair value of the ordinary shares of Sogou required complex and subjective judgments regarding its projected financial and operating results, its unique business risks, the liquidity of its ordinary shares and its operating history and prospects at the time the grants were made. The Company estimated the fair value of Sogou’s common shares with the assistance of a qualified professional appraiser, primarily using the income approach in the form of discounted cash flow analysis, which is based on Sogou’s projected cash flow using management’s best estimate as of the valuation date. The Company also used the market approach as a check to corroborate the overall value for Sogou from the income approach by comparing the trading multiples of publicly-traded comparable companies to the implied multiples of Sogou based on the income approach.

The Sogou share-based compensation cost is measured at the fair value of the award as calculated under the Binomial option - pricing model (the “BP Model”). A calculation using the BP Model typically incorporates a large number of very short time periods to reflect a realistic range of possible prices that a share could achieve over the option’s contractual term, which could result in several hundred total nodes. In addition, various probabilities could be assigned to each node to reflect the impact that a node is expected to have in conjunction with exercise and post-vesting assumptions. Assumptions used in the BP Model for share-based awards to Sogou management and key employees granted in 2012 are presented below:

 

Granted to Employees    2012

Average risk-free interest rate

   2.93%~3.21%

Exercise multiple

   2~3

Expected forfeiture rate (Post-vesting)

   1.3%~11.9%

Weighted average expected option life

   10

Volatility rate

   50.00%~53.00%

Dividend yield

   0%

Fair value

   0.72

The Company estimated the risk free rate based on the yield to maturity of China Sovereign bonds denominated in United States dollars as of the valuation date. An exercise multiple was estimated as the ratio of fair value of the shares over the exercise price as of the time the option is exercised, based on consideration of research studies regarding exercise patterns based on historical statistical data. In the Company’s valuation analysis, a multiple of two was applied for employees and a multiple of three was applied for management. The Company estimated the forfeiture rate to be 1.3% for Sogou management’s and 11.9% for Sogou employees’ share options granted as of June 30, 2012. The life of the share options is the contract life of the option. Based on the option agreement, the contract life of the option is 10 years. The expected volatility at the valuation date was estimated based on the historical volatility of comparable companies for the period before the grant date with length commensurate with the expected term of the options. Sogou has no history or expectation of paying dividends on its ordinary shares. Accordingly, the dividend yield is estimated to be 0%.

Share-based Awards to Sohu management

Under an arrangement approved by the Boards of Directors of Sohu and Sogou in March 2011, Sohu has the right to provide to Sohu management and key employees the opportunity to purchase from Sohu up to 12,000,000 ordinary shares of Sogou at a fixed exercise price of $0.625 per share. Of these 12,000,000 ordinary shares, 8,800,000 are Sogou ordinary shares previously held by Sohu and 3,200,000 are Sogou ordinary shares that were newly-issued on April 14, 2011 by Sogou to Sohu at a price of $0.625 per share, or a total of $2 million. As of June 30, 2012, Sohu had issued options for the purchase of 8,773,000 Sogou ordinary shares options to Sohu management and key employees under this arrangement.

These share options will become vested and exercisable in four equal installments, with each installment vesting upon the service period requirement for management and key employees being met and Sogou’s achievement of the performance target for the corresponding period. The performance target for each installment will be set at the beginning of each period, therefore each installment is considered to be granted at that date. Performance targets were set for the first and second installments of Sogou share options, and the options for those installments accordingly were considered granted, on April 1, 2011 and May 1, 2012, respectively. As of June 30, 2012, 4,354,500 share options had been granted. The first installment had become vested and exercisable because both the service period and the performance requirements had been met. A portion of the vested shares was exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2012.

 

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A summary of share option activity as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2012 is presented below:

 

Options    Number Of
Shares
(in thousands)
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2012

     2,188      $ 0.625      

Granted

     2,161        0.625      

Exercised

     (2,169     0.625      

Forfeited or expired

     (0     
  

 

 

      

Outstanding at June 30, 2012

     2,180        0.625         8.86   
  

 

 

      

Vested at June 30, 2012 and expected to vest thereafter

     2,058        
  

 

 

      

Exercisable at June 30, 2012

     19        
  

 

 

      

For both the three months and the six months ended June 30, 2012, total share-based compensation expense recognized for share options under the arrangement was $182,000. For both the three months and the six months ended June 30, 2011, total share-based compensation expense recognized for share options under the arrangement was $44,930.

As of June 30, 2012, there was $559,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested share options. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.5 years.

The method used to determine the fair value of share options granted to Sohu management and key employees was the same as the method used for the share options granted to Sogou’s management and key employees as described above, except for the assumptions used in the BP Model.

Assumptions used in the BP Model for share-based awards to Sohu management and key employees granted in 2012 are presented below:

 

Granted to Employees    2012

Average risk-free interest rate

   2.93%~2.98%

Exercise multiple

   2~3

Expected forfeiture rate (Post-vesting)

   21.4%~27.0%

Weighted average expected option life

   10

Volatility rate

   50.00%

Dividend yield

   0%

Fair value

   0.28~0.32

4) Sohu Video Share-based Awards

On January 4, 2012, Sohu Video adopted the Video 2011 Share Incentive Plan, which provides for the issuance of up to 25,000,000 ordinary shares of Sohu Video (amounting to 10% of the outstanding Sohu Video shares on a fully-diluted basis) to management and key employees of the video division and to Sohu management. The maximum term of any issued share right under the Video 2011 Share Incentive Plan is ten years from the grant date. The Video 2011 Share Incentive Plan will expire on January 3, 2022. As of June 30, 2012, grants of options for the purchase of 15,352,200 of ordinary shares of Sohu Video had been made and were effective under the plan. However, as of June 30, 2012, the restructuring of Sohu’s video division was still in process and certain significant factors remained uncertain. For purposes of ASC 718, no grant date is established until mutual understanding of the option awards’ key terms and conditions between Sohu Video and the recipients can be reached, and such mutual understanding cannot be reached until the video division’s restructuring plan has been substantially fixed, so that the enterprise value of Sohu Video and hence the fair value of the options is determinable and can be accounted for. As of June 30, 2012, on the basis that the broader terms and conditions of the option awards had neither been finalized nor mutually agreed with the recipients, no grant of options had occurred for purposes of ASC 718 and hence no share based compensation expense was recognized.

 

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11. Business Restructuring

Changyou Transactions

Initial Public Offering of Changyou

On April 7, 2009, Changyou completed its initial public offering of 7,500,000 Class A ordinary shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and Sohu sold 9,750,000 Class A ordinary shares of Changyou. Changyou ADSs, each of which represents two Class A ordinary shares, trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CYOU.”

After the completion of Changyou’s initial public offering, as Sohu is Changyou’s controlling shareholder, Sohu continues to consolidate Changyou in Sohu’s consolidated financial statements, but recognizes noncontrolling interest reflecting shares held by shareholders other than Sohu. For the second quarter of 2012, approximately 32% of the economic interest in Changyou was recognized as noncontrolling interest in Sohu’s consolidated financial statements.

Sohu’s Shareholding in Changyou

Shareholding and Control

As of June 30, 2012, Changyou had outstanding a combined total of 105,724,168 Class A and Class B ordinary shares. Shares held by Sohu consist of:

 

  (i) 1,500,000 Class A ordinary shares purchased by Sohu through its wholly-owned subsidiary Sohu.com Limited on the open market during the third quarter of 2011; and

 

  (ii) 70,250,000 Class B ordinary shares held by Sohu through its indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary Sohu Game.

As of June 30, 2012, Sohu held approximately 68% of the combined total of Changyou’s outstanding Class A and Class B ordinary shares and controlled approximately 81% of the total voting power in Changyou. As a result, Sohu had the power to elect the entire Board of Directors of Changyou and determine the outcome of all matters submitted to a shareholder vote. As Changyou’s controlling shareholder, Sohu continued to consolidate Changyou in Sohu’s consolidated financial statements but recognized noncontrolling interest reflecting shares held by shareholders other than Sohu.

Economic Interest

For the second quarter of 2012, Sohu was holding approximately 68% of the economic interest in Changyou. Accordingly, shareholders other than Sohu were treated as holding the remaining 32% of the economic interest, which was recognized as noncontrolling interest in Sohu’s consolidated financial statements.

Sohu’s economic interest in Changyou, as well as the noncontrolling interest recognized for Changyou in Sohu’s consolidated financial statements, will continue to change as the restricted share units granted become vested and settled, and as Sohu purchases Changyou ADSs representing Class A ordinary shares.

Dilutive Impact

As of June 30, 2012, Changyou had outstanding a combined total of 1,346,904 Class A and Class B restricted ordinary shares and restricted share units.

Because no Class A ordinary shares or Class B ordinary shares will be issued with respect to these restricted share units until the restricted share units are vested and settled, the unvested restricted share units and vested restricted share units that have not yet been settled are not included as outstanding shares of Changyou and have no impact on Sohu’s basic net income per share. Unvested restricted share units and vested restricted share units that have not yet been settled do, however, have a dilutive impact on Sohu’s diluted net income per share.

In the calculation of Sohu’s diluted net income per share, Sohu’s economic interest in Changyou is calculated treating all of Changyou’s existing unvested restricted shares, unvested restricted share units, and vested restricted share units that have not yet been settled as vested, in the case of restricted shares, and vested and settled, in the case of restricted shares units. See Note 14—Net Income per Share.

 

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Sogou Transactions

Sogou Restructuring in 2010

On October 22, 2010, Sogou sold 24.0 million, 14.4 million and 38.4 million, respectively, of its newly-issued Series A Preferred Shares to Alibaba Investment Limited (“Alibaba”), a private investment subsidiary of Alibaba Group Holding Limited, China Web Search (HK) Limited (“China Web”), an investment vehicle of Yunfeng Fund, LP, and Photon Group Limited (“Photon”), the investment fund of Sohu’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charles Zhang, for $15 million, $9 million, and $24 million, respectively.

Sohu Purchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares in 2012

On June 29, 2012, Sohu purchased the 24 million Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from Alibaba for fixed cash consideration of $25.8 million. Under ASC subtopic 480-10, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains control of its subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions, and do not impact net income or comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements. The $14.2 million excess of the purchase price over Alibaba’s net investment balance reduced additional paid-in capital in Sohu’s consolidated balance sheets.

Sohu’s Shareholding in Sogou

Shareholding and Control

As of June 30, 2012, Sogou had outstanding a combined total of 220,584,500 ordinary shares and Series A Preferred Shares, consisting of:

 

(i) 137,030,750 ordinary shares held by Sohu;

 

(ii) 24,000,000 Series A Preferred Shares held by Sohu;

 

(iii) 14,400,000 Series A Preferred Shares held by China Web;

 

(iv) 38,400,000 Series A Preferred Shares held by Photon; and

 

(v) 6,753,750 ordinary shares held by certain employees of Sogou and Sohu.

As of June 30, 2012, Sohu held 73% of the combined total of Sogou’s outstanding ordinary shares and Series A Preferred Shares. As Sogou’s controlling shareholder, Sohu consolidates Sogou in Sohu’s consolidated financial statements but recognizes noncontrolling interest reflecting shares held by shareholders other than Sohu.

Dilutive Impact

As of June 30, 2012, a portion of the vested share options had been exercised. Because no ordinary shares will be issued with respect to share options granted by Sogou until they are vested and exercised, the Sogou shares underlying share options granted by Sogou that have not vested and vested share options that have not yet been exercised are not included as outstanding shares of Sogou and have no impact on Sohu’s basic net income per share. Unvested share options with the performance targets achieved and vested share options that have not yet been exercised do, however, have a dilutive impact on Sohu’s dilutive net income per share. See Note 14—Net Income per Share.

Sogou Series A Terms

The following is a summary of some of the key terms of the Sogou Series A Preferred Shares.

Dividend Rights

Sogou may not declare or pay dividends on its ordinary shares unless the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares then outstanding first receive a dividend on each outstanding Series A Preferred Share in an amount at least equal to the sum of (i) the dividends that would have been payable to the holder of such Series A Preferred Share if such share had been converted into ordinary shares, at the then-applicable conversion rate, immediately prior to the record date for such dividend, and (ii) all accrued and unpaid Accruing Dividends. “Accruing Dividends” are calculated from the date of issuance of the Series A Preferred Shares at the rate per annum of $0.0375 per Series A Preferred Share.

 

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Liquidation Rights

In the event of any “Liquidation Event,” such as the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Sogou, a merger or consolidation of Sogou resulting in a change of control, the sale of substantially all of Sogou’s assets or similar events, the holders of Series A Preferred Shares are entitled to receive, before any payment to holders of ordinary shares, an amount equal to the greater of (i) 1.3 times their original investment in the Series A Preferred Shares plus all accrued but unpaid Accruing Dividends and any other accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Shares or (ii) such amount per share as would be payable if the Series A Preferred Shares had been converted into ordinary shares, at the then-applicable conversion rate, immediately prior to the Liquidation Event.

Redemption Rights

The Series A Preferred Shares are not redeemable.

Conversion Rights

Each Series A Preferred Share is convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time, and without the payment of additional consideration by the holder. Each Series A Preferred Share is convertible into such number of ordinary shares as is determined by dividing the original issue price of Series A Preferred Share by the then-effective conversion price. The conversion price is initially the same as the original issue price of $0.625, and is subject to adjustment on a weighted average basis upon the issuance of additional equity shares, or securities convertible into equity shares, at a price per share less than the original price per share of the Series A Preferred Shares, subject to certain customary exceptions, such as shares issued pursuant to the Sogou 2010 Share Incentive Plan. Each Series A Preferred Share will be automatically converted into ordinary shares of Sogou upon the closing of a qualified initial public offering of Sogou based on the then-effective conversion price.

Voting Rights

Each holder of Series A Preferred Shares is entitled to cast the number of votes equal to the number of ordinary shares into which the Series A Preferred Shares held by such holder are then convertible.

Other Rights

The Series A Terms include various other provisions typical of preferred share investments, such as rights of first refusal and co-sale, and registration rights.

17173 Transaction

On December 15, 2011, pursuant to an agreement entered into on November 29, 2011, Sohu closed the sale to Changyou of certain assets associated with the business of 17173.com (the “17173 Business”), a leading game information portal in China, for fixed cash consideration of $162.5 million. As part of settlement of the consideration, Changyou.com HK Limited delivered to Sohu.com Limited a promissory note in the amount of $16 million due on November 30, 2012. In connection with this transaction, Sohu and Changyou revised the Non-Competition Agreement between Sohu and Changyou to provide Sohu’s agreement not to compete with Changyou in the 17173 Business for a period of five years following the closing of Changyou’s acquisition of the 17173 Business and to remove the prior prohibition on Changyou’s competing with Sohu in the 17173 Business. After the closing of the sale, Sohu continued to consolidate the results of operations of the 17173 Business in our consolidated financial statements.

On November 29, 2011, Sohu and Changyou entered into a services agreement and an online links and advertising agreement pursuant to which Sohu agreed to provide links and advertising space and technical support to Changyou, including the provision and maintenance of user log-in, information management and virtual currency payment systems. The agreements provide for a term of 25 years for the virtual currency payment system services, and an initial term of three years for all the other relevant services and links and advertising space, with aggregate fees payable by Changyou to Sohu of approximately $30 million. Under the agreements, Changyou may renew certain rights for a subsequent term of 22 years, and may obtain a perpetual software license in respect of the information management system and the user log-in system following the expiration of the three-year term, subject to Changyou’s payment to Sohu of additional fees of up to approximately $5 million in the aggregate.

 

12. Mezzanine Equity

On May 11, 2011, Changyou, through its VIE Gamease, acquired 68.258% of the equity interests of Shenzhen 7Road and began to consolidate Shenzhen 7Road’s financial statements on June 1, 2011. Effective June 26, 2012, Shenzhen 7Road was reorganized into a Cayman Islands holding company structure where Changyou holds a direct ownership interest in 7Road through Changyou’s

 

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subsidiary Changyou.com Webgame (HK) Limited, and Shenzhen 7Road is a VIE of 7Road. For purposes of clarity, as the reorganization did not result in any change in the ultimate beneficial ownership of Shenzhen 7Road’s business, assets and results of operations, when the Company discusses 7Road and Shenzhen 7Road in this report, it treats the reorganization as if it had been effective upon Changyou’s acquisition of 68.258% of the equity interests in Shenzhen 7Road.

Mezzanine Equity consists of noncontrolling interest in 7Road and a put option pursuant to which the noncontrolling shareholders will have the right to put their equity interests in 7Road to Changyou at a pre-determined price if 7Road achieves specified performance milestones in the coming three years and certain circumstances occur. The put option will expire in 2014. Since the occurrence of the sale is not solely within the control of Changyou, the noncontrolling interest was classified as mezzanine equity instead of permanent equity in Sohu’s and Changyou’s consolidated financial statements.

Under ASC subtopic 480-10, the Company calculates, on an accumulative basis from the acquisition date, (i) the amount of accretion that would increase the balance of noncontrolling interest to its estimated redemption value over the period from the date of the Shenzhen 7Road acquisition to the earliest redemption date of the noncontrolling interest in 7Road and (ii) the amount of net profit attributable to noncontrolling shareholders of 7Road based on their ownership percentage. The carrying value of the noncontrolling interest as mezzanine equity will be adjusted by an accumulative amount equal to the higher of (i) and (ii).

On June 21, 2012, 7Road’s Chief Executive Officer surrendered to 7Road, without consideration, ordinary shares of 7Road representing 5.1% of the outstanding ordinary shares of 7Road, in order to increase the availability of ordinary shares available for issuance as equity incentives to employees, directors and consultants of 7Road without dilution of the other shareholders of 7Road. As a result, the noncontrolling interest decreased to 28.074% of 7Road and Changyou’s interest in 7Road increased to 71.926%.

Under ASC subtopic 480-10, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains control of its subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions, and do not impact net income or comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements. The variance of $6.8 million caused by 7Road’s Chief Executive Officer’s surrender of shares was recorded as a credit to additional paid-in capital.

As of June 30, 2012, the estimated redemption value of the mezzanine equity was approximately $59.4 million based on the Company’s expectations as to 7Road’s financial performance and the new percentage representing noncontrolling interest and the put option. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, accretion charges of $1.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively, were recorded in the statements of comprehensive income as net income attributable to the mezzanine classified noncontrolling interest shareholders.

 

13. Noncontrolling Interest

The primary majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs of the Company which are consolidated in its consolidated financial statements but with noncontrolling interest recognized are Changyou and Sogou.

Noncontrolling Interest for Changyou

As Sohu is Changyou’s controlling shareholder, Changyou’s financial results have been consolidated with those of Sohu for all periods presented. To reflect the economic interest in Changyou held by shareholders other than Sohu (the “noncontrolling shareholders”), Changyou’s net income attributable to these noncontrolling shareholders is recorded as noncontrolling interest in Sohu’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, based on their share of the economic interest in Changyou. Changyou’s cumulative results of operations attributable to these noncontrolling shareholders, along with changes in shareholders’ equity, adjustment for share-based compensation expense in relation to those share-based awards which are unvested and vested but not yet settled and adjustment for changes in Sohu’s ownership in Changyou from Sohu’s purchase of Changyou ADSs representing Class A ordinary shares, are recorded as noncontrolling interest in Sohu’s consolidated balance sheets.

Noncontrolling Interest for Sogou

As Sohu is Sogou’s controlling shareholder, Sogou’s financial results have been consolidated with those of Sohu for all periods presented. To reflect the economic interest in Sogou held by shareholders other than Sohu (the “noncontrolling shareholders”), Sogou’s net income /(loss) attributable to these noncontrolling shareholders is recorded as noncontrolling interest in Sohu’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Sogou’s cumulative results of operations attributable to these noncontrolling shareholders, along with changes in shareholders’ equity /(deficit) and adjustment for share-based compensation expense in relation to those share-based awards which are unvested and vested but not yet settled and noncontrolling shareholders’ original investments in Series A Preferred Shares are accounted for as a noncontrolling interest classified as permanent equity in Sohu’s consolidated balance sheets, as redemption of the noncontrolling interest is solely within the control of Sohu. These treatments are based on the terms governing investment by the noncontrolling shareholders in the Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou (the “Sogou Series A Terms”), the terms of Sogou’s restructuring, and Sohu’s purchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from Alibaba.

 

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By virtue of these terms, as Sogou has been losing money after its restructuring, the net losses have been and will be allocated in the following order:

 

(i) net losses were allocated to ordinary shareholders until their basis in Sogou decreased to zero;

 

(ii) additional net losses will be allocated to holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares until their basis in Sogou decreases to zero; and

 

(iii) further net losses will be allocated between ordinary shareholders and holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou.

Any subsequent net income from Sogou will be allocated in the following order:

 

(i) net income will be allocated between ordinary shareholders and holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou until their basis in Sogou increases to zero;

 

(ii) additional net income will be allocated to holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares to bring their basis back;

 

(iii) further net income will be allocated to ordinary shareholders to bring their basis back; and

 

(iv) further net income will be allocated between ordinary shareholders and holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou.

Noncontrolling Interest in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, noncontrolling interest in the consolidated balance sheets was $246.8 million and $210.6 million, respectively.

 

     As of  
     June 30, 2012
(in thousands)
     December 31, 2011
(in thousands)
 

Changyou

   $ 217,849       $ 163,704   

Sogou

     26,690         44,710   

Others

     2,229         2,232   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 246,768       $ 210,646   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncontrolling Interest of Changyou

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $217.8 million and $163.7 million, respectively, noncontrolling interest was recognized in Sohu’s consolidated balance sheets, representing a 32% and a 30%, respectively, economic interest in Changyou’s net assets and reflected the reclassification of Changyou’s share-based compensation expense from shareholders’ additional paid-in capital to noncontrolling interest.

Noncontrolling Interest of Sogou

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, $26.7 million and $44.7 million, respectively, noncontrolling interest was recognized in Sohu’s consolidated balance sheets, representing Sogou’s cumulative results of operations attributable to shareholders other than Sohu, Sogou’s share-based compensation expenses, along with these shareholders’ investments in the Series A Preferred Shares issued by Sogou.

Noncontrolling Interest in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income was $19.9 million and $36.5 million, respectively, compared with $17.0 million and $27.3 million, respectively, for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011.

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Changyou

   $ 22,170      $ 16,914      $ 42,015      $ 32,821   

Sogou

     (2,477     (69     (5,548     (5,404

Others

     179        136        5        (74
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 19,872      $ 16,981      $ 36,472      $ 27,343   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Noncontrolling Interest of Changyou

For the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, $22.2 million and $17.0 million, respectively, in net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest was recognized in Sohu’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, representing a 32% and a 31%, respectively, economic interest in Changyou attributable to shareholders other than Sohu.

Noncontrolling Interest of Sogou

For the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, $2,477,000 and $69,000, respectively, in net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest was recognized in Sohu’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, representing Sogou’s net loss attributable to shareholders other than Sohu.

 

14. Net Income per Share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares comprise shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards using the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of share-based awards with performance requirements is not considered before the performance targets are actually met. The computation of diluted net income per share does not assume conversion, exercise, or contingent issuance of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e. an increase in earnings per share amounts or a decrease in loss per share amounts) on net income per share. Additionally, for purposes of calculating the numerator of diluted net income per share, the net income attributable to Sohu is adjusted as follows:

(1) Changyou’s net income attributable to Sohu is determined using the percentage that the weighted average number of Changyou shares held by Sohu represents of the weighted average number of Changyou ordinary shares and shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards under the treasury stock method, instead of by the percentage held by Sohu of the total economic interest in Changyou, which is used for the calculation of basic net income per share.

For the second quarter of 2012, the percentage used for the calculation of basic and dilutive net income per share was 68% and 67%, respectively. In the calculation of Sohu’s diluted net income per share, all of Changyou’s existing unvested restricted shares, unvested restricted share units, and vested restricted share units that have not yet been settled are treated as vested and settled by Changyou under the treasury stock method, causing the percentage of the weighted average number of shares held by Sohu in Changyou to decrease from 68% to 67%. As a result, Changyou’s net income attributable to Sohu on a diluted basis decreased accordingly. This impact is presented as “incremental dilution from Changyou” in the table below.

(2) Sogou’s net income /(loss) attributable to Sohu is determined using the percentage that the weighted average number of Sogou shares held by Sohu represents of the weighted average number of Sogou ordinary shares and Series A Preferred Shares, shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible preferred shares under the if-converted method, and shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards under the treasury stock method, instead of by Sogou’s net income /(loss) allocated to Sohu by virtue of the Sogou Series A Terms, the terms of the restructuring and Sohu’s purchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from Alibaba, which is used for the calculation of basic net income per share.

In the calculation of Sohu’s basic net income per share, Sogou’s net income /(loss) attributable to Sohu is determined according to the Sogou Series A Terms, the terms of the restructuring and Sohu’s purchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from Alibaba. For the second quarter of 2012, in the calculation of Sohu’s diluted net income per share, assuming a dilutive effect, the percentage of 62% was calculated by treating convertible preferred shares issued by Sogou as having been converted at the beginning of the period and unvested share options with the performance targets achieved as well as vested but unexercised share options as having been exercised during the period. The dilutive effect of share-based awards with a performance requirement was not considered before the performance targets were actually met. The above difference is presented as “incremental dilution from Sogou” in the table below.

 

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The following table presents the calculation of Sohu’s basic and diluted net income per share (in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,
    Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  

Numerator:

        

Net income attributable to Sohu.com Inc., basic

   $ 12,782      $ 44,265      $ 35,890      $ 89,072   

Effect of dilutive securities:

        

Incremental dilution from Changyou

     (484     (1,572     (1,435     (3,633

Incremental dilution from Sogou

     (1,543     0        (3,457     (3,410
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Sohu.com Inc., diluted

   $ 10,755      $ 42,693      $ 30,998      $ 82,029   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator:

        

Weighted average basic common shares outstanding

     38,002        38,295        38,043        38,245   

Effect of dilutive securities:

        

Share options and restricted share units

     345        565        373        569   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding

     38,347        38,860        38,416        38,814   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

   $ 0.34      $ 1. 16      $ 0.95      $ 2.33   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted net income per share attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

   $ 0.28      $ 1.10      $ 0.81      $ 2.11   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

15. Subsequent Events

On July 10, 2012, the Board of Directors of 7Road approved the 7Road.com Limited 2012 Share Incentive Plan, which contemplates awards of options, restricted share units or restricted shares representing up to 5.1% of the ordinary shares of 7Road on a fully-diluted basis, as of the time of the adoption of the plan, from time to time to selected directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors of 7Road.

On August 6, 2012, Changyou declared a special one-time cash dividend of $1.90 per Class A or Class B ordinary share, or $3.80 per ADS. The total amount of the special dividend declared was approximately $201 million. The amount of the dividend to be received by Sohu is expected to be approximately $136 million. Sohu does not expect to pay any of such dividend, or to pay any other dividends, to its shareholders in the foreseeable future.

The Company has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued, with no other material event or transaction needing recognition or disclosure found.

 

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16. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the FASB issued revised guidance on “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment”. The revised guidance applies to all entities, both public and nonpublic, that have indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, reported in their financial statements. In accordance with the revised guidance, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount in accordance with Subtopic 350-30. An entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. In conducting a qualitative assessment, an entity should consider the extent to which relevant events and circumstances, both individually and in the aggregate, could have affected the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset since the last assessment. An entity also should consider whether there have been changes to the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset when evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. An entity should consider positive and mitigating events and circumstances that could affect its determination of whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim impairment tests performed as of a date before July 27, 2012, if a public entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued or, for nonpublic entities, have not yet been made available for issuance. The company is currently evaluating the impact on the consolidated financial statements of adopting this guidance.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

As used in this report, references to “us,” “we,” “our,” “our company,” “our group,” “Sohu” and “Sohu.com” are to Sohu.com Inc. and, except where the context requires otherwise, our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities (“VIEs”), Sohu.com Limited, Sohu.com (Hong Kong) Limited (“Sohu Hong Kong”), All Honest International Limited, Sohu.com (Game) Limited (“Sohu Game”),Go2Map Inc., Sohu.com (Search) Limited, Sogou Inc., Sogou (BVI) Limited, Sogou Hong Kong Limited, Vast Creation Advertising Media Services Limited (“Vast Creation”), Fox Video Investment Holding Limited (“Video Investment”), Fox Video Limited (“Sohu Video”), Fox Video (HK) Limited (“Video HK”), Beijing Sohu New Era Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Era”), Beijing Sohu Software Technology Co., Ltd. (“New Software”), Beijing Fire Fox Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Fire Fox”, also known as Beijing Huohu Digital Technology Co., Ltd., or “Huohu”), Beijing Sohu Interactive Software Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Software”), Go2Map Software (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (“Go2Map Software”), Beijing Sogou Technology Development Co., Ltd. (“Sogou Technology”), Beijing Sogou Network Technology Co., Ltd (“Sogou Network”), Fox Information Technology (Tianjin) Limited (“Video Tianjin”), Beijing Sohu New Media Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Media”), Beijing Focus Time Advertising Media Co., Ltd. (“Focus Time”), Beijing Sohu New Momentum Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Sohu New Momentum”), Wuxi Sohu New Momentum Information Investment Co., Ltd. (“Wuxi Sohu New Momentum”), Beijing Century High Tech Investment Co., Ltd. (“High Century”), Beijing Sohu Entertainment Culture Media Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Entertainment”, formerly known as Beijing Hengda Yitong Internet Technology Development Co., Ltd., or “Hengda”), Beijing Sohu Internet Information Service Co., Ltd. (“Sohu Internet”), Beijing GoodFeel Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“GoodFeel”), Beijing Tu Xing Tian Xia Information Consultancy Co., Ltd. (“Tu Xing Tian Xia”), Beijing Sogou Information Service Co., Ltd. (“Sogou Information”), Beijing 21 East Culture Development Co., Ltd. (“21 East Beijing”), Beijing Sohu Donglin Advertising Co., Ltd.(“Donglin”), Beijing Pilot New Era Advertising Co., Ltd. (“Pilot New Era”), Beijing Focus Yiju Network Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Focus Yiju”), Beijing Yi He Jia Xun Information Technology Co., Ltd. (“Yi He Jia Xun”), Beijing 17173 Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“17173 Network”), Tianjin Jinhu Culture Development Co., Ltd. (“Tianjin Jinhu”) and our independently-listed majority-owned subsidiary Changyou.com Limited (“Changyou”, formerly known as TL Age Limited) as well as the following direct and indirect subsidiaries and VIEs of Changyou: Changyou.com HK Limited (“Changyou HK”, formerly known as TL Age Hong Kong Limited), Changyou.com Webgame (HK) Limited (“Changyou HK Webgame”), Changyou.com Gamepower (HK) Limited (“Changyou HK Gamepower”), ICE Entertainment (HK) Limited (“ICE HK”), Changyou.com (US) Inc. (formerly known as AmazGame Entertainment (US) Inc.), Changyou.com (UK) Company Limited (“Changyou UK”), ChangyouMy Sdn. Bhd (“Changyou Malaysia”), Changyou.com Korea Limited (“Changyou Korea”), Changyou.com India Private Limited (“Changyou India”), Changyou BİLİŞİM HİZMETLERİ TİCARET LİMİTED ŞİRKETİ (“Changyou Turkey”), Kylie Enterprises Limited, 7Road.com Limited (“7Road”), 7Road.com HK Limited (“7Road HK”), Beijing AmazGame Age Internet Technology Co., Ltd. (“AmazGame”), Beijing Changyou Gamespace Software Technology Co., Ltd. (“Gamespace”), ICE Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (“ICE Information”), Beijing Yang Fan Jing He Information Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Yang Fan Jing He”), Shanghai Jingmao Culture Communication Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Jingmao”), Shanghai Hejin Data Consulting Co., Ltd. (“Shanghai Hejin”), Beijing Jingmao Film & Culture Communication Co., Ltd. (“Beijing Jingmao”), Beijing Gamease Age Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“Gamease”), Beijing Guanyou Gamespace Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (“Guanyou Gamespace”), and Shanghai ICE Information Technology Co., Ltd.(“Shanghai ICE”), Shenzhen 7Road Network Technologies Co., Ltd.(“7Road Technology”) , Shenzhen 7Road Technology Co., Ltd. (“Shenzhen 7Road”), and these references should be interpreted accordingly. Unless otherwise specified, references to “China” or “PRC” refer to the People’s Republic of China and do not include the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macau Special Administrative Region or Taiwan. This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or future strategies that are signified by the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend” ,“believe”, or similar language. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Our business and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating our business, you should carefully consider the information set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2012, as updated by Part II Item 1A of this report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

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OVERVIEW

Sohu (NASDAQ: SOHU) is a leading Chinese online media, search, gaming, community and mobile service group. We operate one of the most comprehensive matrices of Chinese language Web properties, and we developed and operate one of the most popular massively multiplayer online games and one of the most popular Web games in China. Substantially all of our operations are conducted through our indirect wholly-owned and majority-owned China-based subsidiaries and variable interest entities (collectively the “Sohu Group”).

Our businesses consist of the online advertising business, which consists of the brand advertising business as well as the search and others business, the online game business, the wireless business and the others business, among which online advertising and online games are our core businesses.

Factors and Trends Affecting our Business

The Internet and Internet-related markets in China continued to evolve rapidly during the first half of 2012. According to a semiannual report issued by the China Internet Network Information Center (“CNNIC”), the total number of Internet users in China had reached 538 million by the end of June 2012, an increase of 24.5 million from the end of 2011. The number of mobile Internet users in China had reached 388 million by the end of June 2012, an increase of 32.7 million from the end of 2011, exceeding the 380 million desktop computer Internet users as of June 2012. Mobile Internet is becoming the top channel for Internet users to access websites in China. We believe that this large and expanding user base will continue to provide significant opportunities for our company to expand our product offerings and to explore new revenue streams.

However, China’s economy has been experiencing decelerating growth recently, with the result that many large advertisers were cautious regarding their spending on advertising in the face of this economy uncertainty. At the same time, we have been facing fierce competition arising from existing and new Internet companies, which have been seizing advertising market share. We have noted that this macro-economic environment and increased competition has had some impact on our brand advertising business.

We remain optimistic about the online video industry. First, in China, online video is already a top Internet application with over 350 million users. We believe brand advertisers will allocate more advertising dollar to this segment. Second, recently there was a significant decline in the market prices of online video content, which would ease the industry’s content cost pressure. Nonetheless, our online video business is now in transition period as we started to build a dedicated sales team during the second quarter.

Due to above various factors, however, it is difficult for us at this point to predict growth trends for our brand advertising business through the end of 2012.

On the other hand, in the second quarter, our search and others business delivered impressive performance driven by continuous traffic increase and improved monetization. We are confident that our search business will maintain its strong momentum and are confident about its growth potential. We expect our search and others business will sustain healthy revenue growth through the remainder of 2012.

 

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We continue to be pleased with, and optimistic regarding, its growth and profitability. Our strong performance in the second quarter reflects the resilience of the online games industry in China despite the weakening global macroeconomic environment and economic slowdown in China. It also reflects the ongoing strength of our online games content and the successful expansion into other fast-growing segments of the industry.

We believe, as discussed above, that there are significant opportunities to explore new revenue streams related to the mobile Internet market, our wireless business faces a challenge in this regard, as we will need to catch up with our peer competitors with respect to penetration of new mobile applications and features.

Summary of Our Business

Online Advertising Business

Brand Advertising Business

Our brand advertising business offers various products and services (such as free of charge premier content including video content, interactive community, and other competitive Internet services) to our users, and provides advertising services to advertisers on our matrices of Chinese language Web properties consisting of:

 

   

sohu.com, a leading mass portal and online media destination;

 

   

focus.cn, a top real estate Website; and

 

   

17173.com, a leading game information portal. Since December 15, 2011, 17173.com has been owned and operated by our majority-owned subsidiary Changyou.com Limited (“Changyou”).

Our brand advertising business offers advertisements on our Web properties to companies seeking to increase their brand awareness online.

Search and Others Business

Our search and others business, provided by our search subsidiary Sogou Inc. (“Sogou”), offers customers pay-for-click services, as well as online marketing services on Sogou Web Directory.

Online Game Business

Our online game business is conducted via Changyou, which is a leading online game developer and operator in China. Changyou engages in the development, operation and licensing of online games, including massively multiplayer online games (“MMOGs”) and Web games. Changyou developed and operates Tian Long Ba Bu (“TLBB”), which is one of the most popular MMOGs in China. Changyou’s majority-owned subsidiary 7Road.com Limited (“7Road”) jointly operates DDTank and Wartune (also known as “Shen Qu”), which are two popular Web games in China, primarily through an extensive network of third-party game platforms in China and overseas.

For the second quarter of 2012, Changyou’s online game revenues were $137.2 million, which represented 54% of our total revenues for the quarter. Net income contributed by Changyou for the quarter was $70.2 million which represented 208% of our total net income. We depend on Changyou for a significant portion of our revenues, net income, and operating cash flow. More than 70% of the revenues of our online game business for the second quarter of 2012 were derived from TLBB.

 

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Wireless Business

Our wireless business offers mobile related services through different types of wireless products to mobile phone users. The mobile related services consist of the provision of content such as news, weather forecasts, chatting, entertainment information, mobile games, mobile phone ringtones, logo downloads and video content downloads. A majority of the content is purchased from third party content providers. The wireless products mainly consist of short messaging services (“SMS”), Ring Back Tone (“RBT”), interactive voice response (“IVR”) and mobile games.

Others Business

Our others business primarily includes sub-licensing of licensed video content to third parties, offering cinema advertisement slots to be shown in theaters before the screening of movies, and offering Internet value-added services (“IVAS”) with respect to Web games developed by third-party developers under revenue sharing arrangements with third-party developers.

Business Restructuring

Initial Public Offering of Changyou

On April 7, 2009, Changyou completed its initial public offering on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, trading under the symbol “CYOU.” After Changyou’s offering, as we are Changyou’s controlling shareholder, we continue to consolidate Changyou in our consolidated financial statements, but recognize noncontrolling interest reflecting shares held by shareholders other than us. For the second quarter of 2012, approximately 32% of the economic interest in Changyou was recognized as noncontrolling interest in our consolidated financial statements.

We have entered into agreements with Changyou with respect to various interim and ongoing relationships between us, including a Master Transaction Agreement, a Revised Non-Competition Agreement, and an Amended and Restated Marketing Services Agreement. These agreements contain provisions, among others, relating to the transfer of assets and assumption of liabilities of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (“MMORPG,” which is a subset of the MMOG category) business, provide cross-indemnification for liabilities arising from each other’s businesses, mutually limit us and Changyou from competing in certain aspects of each other’s businesses, and also include a number of ongoing commercial relationships.

Sogou Transactions

On October 22, 2010, Sogou sold 24.0 million, 14.4 million and 38.4 million, respectively, of its newly-issued Series A Preferred Shares to Alibaba Investment Limited (“Alibaba”), a private investment subsidiary of Alibaba Group Holding Limited, China Web Search (HK) Limited (“China Web”), an investment vehicle of Yunfeng Fund, LP, and Photon Group Limited (“Photon”), the investment fund of Sohu’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charles Zhang, for $15 million, $9 million, and $24 million, respectively.

On June 29, 2012, Sohu purchased the 24.0 million Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from Alibaba for fixed cash consideration of $25.8 million. After the purchase of these shares, we held 73% of the combined total of Sogou’s outstanding ordinary shares and Series A Preferred Shares. As we are Sogou’s controlling shareholder, we continue to consolidate Sogou in our consolidated financial statements, but recognize noncontrolling interest reflecting shares held by shareholders other than us.

17173 Transaction

On December 15, 2011, pursuant to an agreement entered into on November 29, 2011, we closed the sale to Changyou of certain assets associated with the business of 17173.com (the “17173 Business”), a leading game information portal in China, for fixed cash consideration of $162.5 million. As part of settlement of the consideration, Changyou.com HK Limited delivered to Sohu.com Limited a promissory note in the amount of $16 million due on November 30, 2012. In connection with this transaction, we and Changyou revised the Non-Competition Agreement between us to provide our agreement not to compete with Changyou in the 17173 Business for a period of five years following the closing of Changyou’s acquisition of the 17173 Business and to remove the prior prohibition on Changyou’s competing with us in the 17173 Business. After the closing of the sale, we continued to consolidate the results of operations of the 17173 Business in our consolidated financial statements.

 

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On November 29, 2011, we and Changyou entered into a services agreement and an online links and advertising agreement pursuant to which we agreed to provide links and advertising space and technical support to Changyou, including the provision and maintenance of user log-in, information management and virtual currency payment systems for the 17173 Business. The agreements provide for a term of 25 years for the virtual currency payment system services, and an initial term of three years for all the other relevant services and links and advertising space, with aggregate fees payable by Changyou to us of approximately $30 million. Under the agreements, Changyou may renew certain rights for a subsequent term of 22 years, and may obtain a perpetual software license in respect of the information management system and the user log-in system following the expiration of the three-year term, subject to Changyou’s payment to us of additional fees of up to approximately $5 million in the aggregate.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND MANAGEMENT ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations relates to our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the revenue recognition, the share-based compensation expense recognition, income taxes and uncertain tax positions, recognition of noncontrolling interest, computation of net income per share, determination of fair value of financial instruments, determination of net accounts receivable, accounting for investments in debt securities, accounting for equity investments, assessment of impairment for long-lived assets and goodwill, determination of the amortization pattern of licensed video content, determination of the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities acquired through business combination, determination of the fair value of contingent consideration, determination of the fair value of mezzanine equity, determination of segment aggregation and determination of functional currencies represent critical accounting policies that reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. The recognition of revenues involves certain management judgments. The amount and timing of our revenues could be materially different for any period if management made different judgments or utilized different estimates.

Online Advertising Revenues

Online advertising revenues include revenues from brand advertising services as well as search and others services.

For a barter transaction involving online advertising services, we recognize revenue and expense at fair value only if the fair value of the advertising services surrendered /received in the transaction is determinable. For our advertising-for-advertising barter transactions, the fair value of the advertising surrendered /received is not determinable, so no revenue from advertising-for-advertising barter transactions is recognized.

 

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Brand Advertising Revenues

Brand advertising revenues are recognized after deducting agent rebates and applicable business tax and related surcharges.

Currently the brand advertising business has two main types of pricing models, consisting of the Fixed Price Model and the Cost Per Impression (“CPM”) pricing model. We apply the Fixed Price Model, where a contract is signed to establish a fixed price for the advertising services to be provided, for a majority of our brand advertising revenues. Under the CPM pricing model, the total contract amount for the advertising services is not fixed in the contract, which instead states a fixed price for each display. Advertisers using the CPM pricing model pay us based on the number of times their advertisements appear on our Websites, and we recognize as revenue the fees charged to advertisers each time their advertisements are displayed on the Websites, on the condition that each time display meets certain selected criteria imposed by advertisers. We provide advertisement placements to our advertising customers on our different Website channels and in different formats, which can include, among other things, banners, links, logos, buttons, rich media, pre-roll and post-roll video screens, pause video screens and content integration, as specified in the contracts with the customers.

For brand advertising revenue recognition, prior to entering into contracts, we make a credit assessment of the customer to assess the collectability of the contract. For those contracts for which the collectability is determined to be reasonably assured, we recognize revenue when all revenue recognition criteria are met. For those contracts for which the collectability is determined not to be reasonably assured, we recognize revenue only when the cash was received and all other revenue recognition criteria are met.

In accordance with ASU No.2009 -13, which we adopted commencing January 1, 2011, we treat advertising contracts with multiple deliverable elements as separate units of accounting for revenue recognition purposes and to recognize revenue on a periodic basis during the contract when each deliverable service is provided. Since the contract price is for all deliverables, we allocate the arrangement consideration to all deliverables at the inception of the arrangement on the basis of their relative selling prices. Since the number of advertising contracts that covered more than one quarter and the revenues from advertising contracts that covered more than one quarter were immaterial compared to the total advertising contracts, the impact of adoption of ASU 2009-13 to us is immaterial.

Search and Others Revenues

Search and others services mainly include pay-for-click services, as well as online marketing services on Sogou Web Directory. Pay-for-click services mainly consist of displaying advertiser Website links on Sogou search result pages and Sogou’s Website Alliance network. Our auction-based pay-for-click services enable advertisers, on a real time basis, to bid on keywords that trigger the display of their Website links on Sogou search result pages. The display priority of advertiser Website links is based on both the price bid on the keyword and the quality factor of an advertiser Website link for that search query. Online marketing services on Sogou Web Directory mainly consist of displaying advertiser Website links on the Web pages of the Sogou Web Directory. The Sogou Web Directory is a Chinese Web directory navigation site which serves as a key access point to popular and preferred Websites and applications.

Revenue for pay-for-click services is recognized on a per click basis when the users click on the displayed links. Revenue for online marketing services on Sogou Web Directory is normally recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract period, provided our obligations under the contract have been met and all revenue recognition criteria have been met.

We pay Sogou’s Website Alliance members a portion of pay-for-click revenues generated from clicks by users of their properties. We recognize gross revenue for the amount of fees we receive from our advertisers. Payments made to Sogou’s Website Alliance members are included in cost of search and others revenues. Determining whether revenue should be reported gross or net is based on an assessment of various factors, the primary factor being whether we are acting as the principal in offering services to the customer or whether we are acting as an agent in the transaction. We recognize gross revenue, as we have the primary responsibility for fulfillment and acceptability of the pay-for-click services. Whether we are serving as principal or agent in a transaction is judgmental in nature and is determined by evaluating the terms of the arrangement.

 

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Online Game Revenues

Our online game revenues are generated from MMOG operations revenues, Web game revenues and overseas licensing revenues.

MMOG operations revenues

Revenues are recorded net of business tax, discounts and rebates to distributors.

Online game revenues from Changyou’s current MMOG operations are earned by providing online services to players pursuant to the item-based revenue model. Under the item-based revenue model, the basic game play functions are free of charge and players are charged for purchases of in-game virtual items. Online game revenues are recognized over the estimated lives of the virtual items purchased or as the virtual items are consumed. If different assumptions were used in deriving the estimated lives of the virtual items, the timing of our recording of the revenues would be impacted.

Game operations revenues are collected by Changyou’s VIEs through the sale of Changyou’s prepaid cards, which it sells in both virtual and physical forms to third-party distributors and players. Proceeds received from sales of prepaid cards are initially recorded as receipts in advance from customers and, upon activation or charge of the prepaid cards, are transferred from receipts in advance from customers to deferred revenues. As Changyou does not have control of, and generally does not know, the ultimate selling price of the prepaid cards sold by distributors, net proceeds from distributors form the basis of revenue recognition. Prepaid cards will expire two years after the date of card production if they have never been activated. The proceeds from the expired game cards are recognized as revenue upon expiration of cards. Once the prepaid cards are activated and credited to a player’s personal game account, they will not expire as long as the personal game account remains active. Changyou is entitled to suspend and close a player’s personal game account if it has been inactive for a period of 180 consecutive days. The unused balances in an inactive player’s personal game account are recognized as revenues when the account is suspended and closed.

Web game revenue

We generated Web game revenues for the first time in 2011, upon Changyou’s acquisition of a majority interest in 7Road. 7Road’s Web games are designed to be operated under the item-based revenue model. 7Road primarily jointly operates its games with third-party operators who offer the game to users in China and other countries through their Websites or platforms.

7Road’s joint operation arrangements with third parties provide for two revenue streams, an initial fixed license fee and a monthly revenue-based royalty. Since 7Road is required to provide when-and-if-available upgrades to the joint operators over the joint operation period, the initial license fee is recognized ratably as revenue over the contract period. Since the third-party operator is the party that signs the user agreement with its users and is responsible for its users’ experience on its Websites or platforms, 7Road is not the primary obligor, and the net revenue-based royalty paid to 7Road by the third-party operator is recorded as revenue.

For arrangements where 7Road’s games are hosted on third-party joint operator’s servers, revenues are recognized upon the conversion of the virtual currency of the joint operator into 7Road’s game coins or, if such operator does not have its own virtual currency, upon payment by the game players for the purchase of 7Road’s game coins through such joint operator’s Website and game platform. However, when 7Road’s games are hosted on 7Road’s own servers, revenues are not recognized upon conversion by game players of the joint operator’s virtual currency into 7Road’s game coins or payment by game players for 7Road’s game coins through such operator’s Website and game platform. Rather, for consumable virtual items, which include those with a predetermined period of use, or “benefit period,” revenues are recognized as they are used by 7Road’s game players or over the predetermined benefit period, and for perpetual virtual items revenues are recognized over the estimated average period the game players play 7Road’s games.

 

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Overseas licensing revenue

Changyou enters into licensing arrangements with overseas licensees to operate its MMOGs in other countries or territories. These license agreements provide two revenue streams, consisting of an initial license fee and a monthly revenue-based royalty fee based on monthly revenue and sales from ancillary products of the games. The initial license fee is based on both a fixed amount and additional amounts receivable upon achieving certain sales targets. Since Changyou is obligated to provide post-sales services such as technical support and provision of updates and when-and-if-available upgrades to the licensees during the license period, the initial license fee from the licensing arrangement is recognized as revenue ratably over the license period. The fixed amount of the initial license fee is recognized ratably over the remaining license period from the launch of the game and the additional amount is recognized ratably over the remaining license period from the date when such additional amount is certain. The monthly revenue-based royalty fee is recognized when relevant services are delivered, provided that collectability is reasonably assured.

Wireless Revenues

Our wireless revenues are generated from the provision of mobile-related services through different types of wireless products to mobile phone users. The mobile related services consist of the provision of content such as news, weather forecasts, chatting, entertainment information, mobile games, mobile phone ringtones, logo downloads and video content downloads. A majority of the content is purchased from third party content providers. The wireless products mainly consist of SMS, RBT, IVR and mobile games. In order to deliver our products to mobile phone users, we sign contracts with China Mobile Communications Corporation (“China Mobile”), China United Network Communication Group Company Limited (“China Unicom”), China Telecom Corporation (“China Telecom”) and their subsidiaries, as well as other small mobile network operators. We refer to these mobile network operators, collectively, as the “China mobile network operators.” The contracts signed with the China mobile network operators define the forms of wireless products to be provided, the billing and collection and transmission services offered to the mobile phone users. The China mobile network operators charge their users wireless service fees on a monthly or per message /download basis, and pay us service fees after deducting the China mobile network operators’ share of the fees.

Wireless revenues are recognized in the month in which the service is performed, provided that no significant obligations remain. For the amount of revenues to be recognized, we rely on billing confirmations issued by the China mobile network operators. Due to technical issues with the operator’s network, we might be unable to collect certain wireless service fees from an operator in certain circumstances. This un-collectability is referred to as the “failure rate,” which can vary from operator to operator. If at the end of each reporting period, an operator has not yet issued such billing confirmations, we use the information generated from our internal system or from the operator’s system as well as historical data to estimate the failure rate, to estimate the amount of collectable wireless service fees and to recognize revenue. When we later receive billing confirmations, we record a true-up accounting adjustment. Although we believe we have the ability to make reasonable estimates for most of the wireless services provided, the differences between the actual facts and our estimates may result in significant fluctuations in the amount and timing of the revenue recognized. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, 74% of our estimated wireless revenues were confirmed by billing confirmations received from the China mobile network operators. Generally, (i) within 15 to 120 days after the end of each month, we receive billing confirmations from the operators and (ii) within 30 to 180 days after delivering billing confirmations, each operator remits the wireless service fees, net of its service fees, to us.

 

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Our management must determine whether wireless revenue should be reported gross or net. The determination is based on an assessment of various factors. The primary factor is whether we are acting as a principal in offering services to the customer, or whether we are acting as an agent in the transaction. To the extent we are acting as a principal in a transaction, we report revenue on a gross basis, and report as costs of revenue the amounts attributable to services provided by China mobile network operators. Currently, a majority of our wireless revenues are recorded on a gross basis, as we have the primary responsibility for fulfillment and acceptability of the wireless services. To the extent we are acting as an agent in a transaction, we report revenue on a net basis as. Whether we are serving as principal or agent in a transaction is judgmental in nature and is determined by evaluating the terms of the arrangement.

Others Revenues

Other revenues are primarily generated from sub-licensing of licensed video content operated by Sohu, cinema advertisements operated by Changyou and IVAS provided by Sogou with respect to Web games developed by third-party developers.

Revenue from sub-licensing of licensed video content

For licensed video content purchased with payment in cash on an exclusive basis, we have rights to sub-license to other platforms. Revenue from sub-licensing of licensed video content is recognized when the following criteria are met:

 

(1) Persuasive evidence of a sub-licensing arrangement exists;

 

(2) The content has been delivered or is available for immediate and unconditional delivery;

 

(3) The sub-license period as indicated in the arrangement has begun and the sub-licensee can begin its exploitation (exhibition); and

 

(4) The sub-licensing fee is fixed or determinable and collection of the sub-licensing fee is reasonably assured.

Revenue from cinema advertisements

For cinema advertising revenues, a contract is signed with the advertiser to establish a fixed price and specify advertising services to be provided. Based on the contracts, we provide advertisement placements in advertising slots to be shown in theatres before the screening of movies. The rights to place advertisements in such advertising slots are granted under contracts with different theatres and film production companies.

Revenue from cinema advertising is recognized when all the recognition criteria are met. Depending on the terms of a customer contract, fees for services performed can be recognized according to two principal methods, which are the Proportional Performance method and the Straight Line method. Under the Proportional Performance method, fees are generally recognized based on a percentage of the advertising slots actually delivered where the fee is earned on a per-advertising slot placement basis. Under the Straight Line method, fees are recognized on a straight line basis over the contract period when the fee is not paid based on the number of advertising slots actually delivered.

Revenue from IVAS

We, through Sogou, offer Web games developed by third-party developers and generate revenue from the provision of Internet value-added services, including promotion, access maintenance and payment services to third-party developers. All of the Web games are hosted on the servers of the third-party developers, who are responsible for designing and developing the games, daily maintenance and operations of the games and launching periodic upgrades or expansion packs in the games. The online games can be accessed and played by end users free of charge but the end users may choose to purchase in-game merchandise to enhance their game playing experience.

 

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Under revenue sharing agreements signed with third-party developers, we collect payments from the end users for items sold, keep a pre-agreed percentage of the proceeds and remit the balance to the third-party developers. We recognize revenue from these sales primarily on a net basis, since we act as an agent in the transactions, over the average period of time when the game players are expected to use the in-game virtual merchandise, provided our obligations under the contract have been met and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met.

Share-based Compensation Expense

Sohu, Changyou, Sogou and Sohu Video all have incentive plans for the granting of share-based awards, including common stock /ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, to their executive officers, management and employees. Share-based compensation expense is recognized as costs and /or expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income based on the fair value of the related share-based awards on their grant dates.

For Sohu share-based awards, in determining the fair value of share options granted, the Black-Scholes valuation model is applied; in determining the fair value of restricted share units granted, the public market price of the underlying shares on the grant dates is applied.

For Changyou share-based awards, in determining the fair value of ordinary shares, restricted shares and restricted share units granted in 2008, the income approach /discounted cash flow method with a discount for lack of marketability was applied, given that the shares underlying the awards were not publicly traded at the time of grant. In determining the fair value of restricted share units granted in 2009 before Changyou’s initial public offering, the fair value of the underlying shares was determined based on Changyou’s offering price for its initial public offering. In determining the fair value of restricted share units granted after Changyou’s initial public offering, the public market price of the underlying shares on the grant dates is applied.

For Sogou share-based awards, in determining the fair value of share options granted, the income approach /discounted cash flow method with a discount for lack of marketability was applied, given that the shares underlying the awards were not publicly traded at the time of grant.

On January 4, 2012, Sohu Video, the holding entity of Sohu’s video division, adopted a 2011 Share Incentive Plan which provides for the issuance of up to 25,000,000 ordinary shares of Sohu Video (amounting to 10% of the outstanding Sohu Video shares on a fully-diluted basis) to management and key employees of the video division and to Sohu management. As of June 30, 2012, grants of options for the purchase of 15,352,200 of ordinary shares of Sohu Video had been made and were effective under the plan. However, as of June 30, 2012, the restructuring of Sohu’s video division was still in process and certain significant factors remained uncertain. For purposes of ASC 718, no grant date is established until mutual understanding of the option awards’ key terms and conditions between Sohu Video and the recipients can be reached, and such mutual understanding cannot be reached until the video division’s restructuring plan has been substantially fixed, so that the enterprise value of Sohu Video and hence the fair value of the options is determinable and can be accounted for. As of June 30, 2012, on the basis that the broader terms and conditions of the option awards had neither been finalized nor mutually agreed with the recipients, no grant of options had occurred for purposes of ASC 718 and hence no share based compensation expense was recognized.

Share-based compensation expense for the ordinary shares granted is fully recognized in the quarter during which these ordinary shares are granted. For share options, restricted shares and restricted share units granted with respect to Sohu shares and with respect to Changyou shares, compensation expense is recognized on an accelerated basis over the requisite service period. For share options granted with respect to Sogou shares, compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated period during which the service period requirement and performance target will be met. The number of share-based awards for which the service is not expected to be rendered over the requisite period is estimated, and the related compensation expense is not recorded for that number of awards.

 

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The assumptions used in share-based compensation expense recognition represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. If factors change or different assumptions are used, our share-based compensation expense could be materially different for any period. Moreover, the estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value that ultimately will be realized by employees who receive equity awards, and subsequent events are not indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made by us for accounting purposes.

Income Taxes and Uncertain Tax Positions

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach which requires the recognition of income taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the currently enacted tax rates and laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, if based on available evidence, it is considered that it is more likely than not that some portion of or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In making such determination, we consider factors including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, future profitability, and tax planning strategies. If events were to occur in the future that would allow us to realize more of our deferred tax assets than the presently recorded net amount, an adjustment would be made to the deferred tax assets that would increase income for the period when those events occurred. If events were to occur in the future that would require us to realize less of our deferred tax assets than the presently recorded net amount, an adjustment would be made to the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets that would decrease income for the period when those events occurred. Significant management judgment is required in determining income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Our deferred tax assets are related to net operating losses and temporary differences between accounting basis and tax basis for our China-based subsidiaries and VIEs that are subject to corporate income tax in the PRC under the PRC Corporate Income Tax Law.

Withholding tax

The PRC Corporate Income Tax Law (the “CIT Law”) imposes a 10% withholding income tax for dividends distributed by foreign invested enterprises to their immediate holding companies outside mainland China. A lower withholding tax rate will be applied if there is a tax treaty between mainland China and the jurisdiction of the foreign holding company. A holding company in Hong Kong, for example, will be subject to a 5% withholding tax rate under the Arrangement Between the PRC and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and Capital (the “China-HK Tax Arrangement”) if such holding company is considered a non-PRC resident enterprise and holds at least 25% of the equity interests in the PRC foreign invested enterprise distributing the dividends, subject to approval of the PRC local tax authority. However, if the Hong Kong holding company is not considered to be the beneficial owner of such dividends under applicable PRC tax regulations, such dividend may remain subject to a withholding tax rate of 10%.

In the second quarter of 2012, Changyou’s Board of Directors determined to cause one of Changyou’s PRC subsidiaries to distribute all of its earnings of 2012 to its overseas parent company, Changyou.com HK Limited (“Changyou HK”) in the near future. Based on an assessment performed pursuant to requirements specified by PRC tax authorities, Changyou concluded that it is more likely than not that such distribution will be subject to 5% withholding tax. In the second quarter of 2012, Changyou accrued deferred tax liabilities in the amount of $4.4 million for withholding taxes associated with this distribution plan.

 

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Uncertain Tax Positions

In order to assess uncertain tax positions, we apply a more likely than not threshold and a two-step approach for tax position measurement and financial statement recognition. For the two-step approach, the first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon settlement.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interest is the portion of economic interest in Sohu’s majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs which is not attributable, directly or indirectly, to Sohu. Currently, the noncontrolling interest in our consolidated financial statements mainly consists of noncontrolling interest for Changyou and Sogou.

Noncontrolling Interest for Changyou

To reflect the economic interest in Changyou held by shareholders other than Sohu (“noncontrolling shareholders”), Changyou’s net income attributable to these noncontrolling shareholders is recorded as noncontrolling interest in Sohu’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, based on their share of the economic interests in Changyou. Changyou’s cumulative results of operations attributable to these noncontrolling shareholders, along with changes in shareholders’ equity, adjustment for share-based compensation expense in relation to those share-based awards which are unvested and vested but not yet settled and adjustment for changes in Sohu’s ownership in Changyou from Sohu’s purchase of Changyou American depositary shares (“ADSs”) representing Class A ordinary shares, are recorded as noncontrolling interest in Sohu’s consolidated balance sheets.

Noncontrolling Interest for Sogou

To reflect the economic interest in Sogou held by shareholders other than Sohu (“noncontrolling shareholders”), Sogou’s net income /loss attributable to these noncontrolling shareholders is recorded as noncontrolling interest in Sohu’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Sogou’s cumulative results of operations attributable to these noncontrolling shareholders, along with changes in shareholders’ equity /(deficit) and adjustment for share-based compensation expense in relation to those share-based awards which are unvested and vested but not yet settled and noncontrolling shareholders’ investments in Series A Preferred Shares are accounted for as a noncontrolling interest classified as permanent equity in Sohu’s consolidated balance sheets, as redemption of the noncontrolling interest is solely within the control of Sohu. These treatments are based on the terms governing investment by the noncontrolling shareholders in the Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou (the “Sogou Series A Terms”), the terms of Sogou’s restructuring, and Sohu’s purchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from Alibaba.

By virtue of these terms, as Sogou has been losing money after its restructuring, the net losses have been and will be allocated in the following order:

 

(i) net losses were allocated to ordinary shareholders until their basis in Sogou decreased to zero;

 

(ii) additional net losses will be allocated to holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares until their basis in Sogou decreases to zero; and

 

(iii) further net losses will be allocated between ordinary shareholders and holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou.

 

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Any subsequent net income from Sogou will be allocated in the following order:

 

(i) net income will be allocated between ordinary shareholders and holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou until their basis in Sogou increases to zero;

 

(ii) additional net income will be allocated to holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares to bring their basis back;

 

(iii) further net income will be allocated to ordinary shareholders to bring their basis back; and

 

(iv) further net income will be allocated between ordinary shareholders and holders of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares based on their shareholding percentage in Sogou.

Net Income per Share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares comprise shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards using the treasury stock method. The dilutive effect of share-based awards with performance requirements is not considered before the performance targets are actually met. The computation of diluted net income per share does not assume conversion, exercise, or contingent issuance of securities that would have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., an increase in earnings per share amounts or a decrease in loss per share amounts) on net income per share. Additionally, for purposes of calculating the numerator of diluted net income per share, the net income attributable to Sohu is adjusted as follows:

 

(1) Changyou’s net income attributable to Sohu is determined using the percentage that the weighted average number of Changyou shares held by Sohu represents of the weighted average number of Changyou ordinary shares and shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards under the treasury stock method, instead of by the percentage held by Sohu of the total economic interest in Changyou, which is used for the calculation of basic net income per share.

 

(2) Sogou’s net income /(loss) attributable to Sohu is determined using the percentage that the weighted average number of Sogou shares held by Sohu represents of the weighted average number of Sogou ordinary shares and Series A Preferred Shares, shares issuable upon the conversion of convertible preferred shares under the if-converted method, and shares issuable upon the exercise or settlement of share-based awards under the treasury stock method, instead of by Sogou’s net income /(loss) allocated to Sohu by virtue of the Sogou Series A Terms, the terms of the restructuring and Sohu’s purchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from Alibaba, which is used for the calculation of basic net income per share.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments include cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, investments in debt securities, prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable, receipts in advance and deferred revenue, accrued liabilities and other short-term liabilities. The carrying amount of accounts receivable, prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable, receipts in advance and deferred revenue, accrued liabilities and other short-term liabilities approximates their fair value. Other financial instruments are measured at their respective fair values. For fair value measurements, U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value:

Level 1 - observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 - include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the market place.

Level 3 - unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

 

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Cash Equivalents

Our cash equivalents mainly consist of time deposits placed with banks with an original maturity of three months or less.

Short-term Investments

For investments in financial instruments with a variable interest rate indexed to the performance of underlying assets, we elected the fair value method at the date of initial recognition and carried these investments subsequently at fair value. Changes in the fair value are reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Accounts Receivable, Net

The carrying value of accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance that reflects our best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. We make estimations of the collectability of accounts receivable. Many factors are considered in estimating the general allowance, including but not limited to reviewing delinquent accounts receivable, performing an aging analysis and a customer credit analysis, and analyzing historical bad debt records and current economic trends. Additional allowance for specific doubtful accounts might be made if the financial conditions of our customers or the China mobile network operators deteriorate or the China mobile network operators are unable to collect fees from their end customers, resulting in their inability to make payments due to us.

Investments in Debt Securities

We invest our excess cash in certain debt securities of high-quality corporate issuers. We elected the fair value option to account for our investments in debt securities at their initial recognition. Changes in the fair value are reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as other income /(expense). The fair value election was made to mitigate accounting mismatches and to achieve operational simplifications.

Equity Investments

Investments in entities over which we do not have significant influence are recorded as equity investments and are accounted for by the cost method. Investments in entities over which we have significant influence but do not control are also recorded as equity investments and are accounted for by the equity method. Under the equity method, our share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of the equity investment is recognized in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income; and our share of post-acquisition movements in equity investments is recognized in equity in our consolidated balance sheets. Unrealized gains on transactions between us and our equity investees are eliminated to the extent of the interest in the equity investments. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. When our share of losses in an equity investment equals or exceeds our interest in the equity investment, we do not recognize further losses, unless we have incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the equity investee.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets include fixed assets, intangible assets and prepaid non-current assets.

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets mainly comprise computer equipment and hardware, office building, leasehold improvements, office furniture and vehicles. Fixed assets are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation with no residual value. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

 

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Intangible Assets

Intangible assets mainly comprise customer lists, video content and license, developed technologies, computer software purchased from unrelated third parties, domain names and trademarks, marketing rights and others, as well as operating rights for licensed games. Intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization with no residual value. Amortization of intangible assets other than licensed video content is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. We amortize licensed video content over the shorter of the term of the estimated period over which the benefits of the license agreement will be enjoyed based on the trend of accumulation of viewership or the applicable license period. Beginning in the third quarter of 2011, licensed video content is amortized on an accelerated basis based on the viewership accumulation trend over the shorter of the term of the estimated period over which the benefits of the license agreement will be enjoyed or the applicable license period.

For exclusively licensed video content which we sub-licensed to similar platforms in return for payment in cash, we allocate a portion of the video content cost from cost of brand advertising revenues to sub-licensing cost. The allocation is based on the revenues to be generated through sub-licensing. We amortize sub-licensing cost using the individual-film-forecast-computation method, which amortizes such costs in the same ratio that actual sub-licensing revenue bears as of the current period end to the total of the actual revenue earned and the estimated remaining unrecognized ultimate revenue.

Prepaid non-current Assets

Prepaid non-current assets primarily include prepayments for the office buildings to be built as our and Changyou’s headquarters before they are recognized as fixed assets, prepayments for the technological infrastructure and fitting-out of our office building before they are recognized as fixed assets, and prepaid PRC income tax arising from the sale of the 17173 Business by us to Changyou. Since the sale of the 17173 Business was between entities that are included in our consolidated financial statements, it was considered an “intra-entity transaction” and, under ASC 810-10, income taxes paid should be deferred. Accordingly, we recorded income tax related to the sale of the 17173 Business as prepaid PRC income tax. The prepaid PRC income tax will be amortized over the period of the weighted average remaining life of the 17173 Business-related assets sold to Changyou.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

Under ASC 360-10-35-Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we review the carrying values of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Based on the existence of one or more indicators of impairment, we measure any impairment of long-lived assets using the projected discounted cash flow method at the asset group level. The estimation of future cash flows requires significant management judgment based on our historical results and anticipated results and is subject to many factors. The discount rate that is commensurate with the risk inherent in our business model is determined by our management. An impairment loss would be recorded if we determined that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. The impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying values of the assets exceed the fair value of the assets.

In the second quarter of 2012, we noted that prices for purchased video content have decreased significantly. We considered this is an indicator of impairment, and accordingly we performed an impairment test for our purchased video content at the asset group level. We divided purchased video content into seven asset groups, consisting of TV series, Pay Channel, Overseas Content, Movies, Animations, Variety shows, and Documentary films. We tested the recoverability of the carrying values of these asset groups by comparing their carrying amounts to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset groups. If the carrying amount of an asset group was determined to not be recoverable, an impairment loss was recognized, measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset group to the asset group’s fair value. The fair values of the purchased video content were estimated using the discounted cash flow method. The impairment losses were allocated only to the purchased video content within the asset group, since the carrying amount of other long-lived assets within the asset group was considered to be already below their fair value.

 

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Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired as a result of our acquisitions of interests in our subsidiaries and VIEs.

We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 1, and between annual tests when an event occurs or circumstances change that could indicate that the asset might be impaired. Commencing in September 2011, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) revised guidance on “Testing of Goodwill for Impairment.” Under this guidance, we have the option to choose whether we will apply the qualitative assessment first and then the quantitative assessment, if necessary, or to apply the quantitative assessment directly. For reporting units applying qualitative assessment first, we start the goodwill impairment test by assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine that it is more-likely-than-not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is mandatory. Otherwise, no further testing is required. The quantitative impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of goodwill with its carrying value. For reporting units directly applying quantitative assessment, we perform the goodwill impairment test by quantitatively comparing the fair values of those reporting units to their carrying amounts.

Application of a goodwill impairment test requires significant management judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units, and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. The judgment in estimating the fair value of reporting units includes estimating future cash flows, determining appropriate discount rates and making other assumptions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each reporting unit.

Contingent Consideration

Our contingent consideration consists primarily of contingent payments generated from the acquisition of 7Road. The acquisition of 7Road includes a contingent consideration arrangement that requires additional consideration to be paid by Changyou based on the future financial performance of 7Road through December 31, 2012. The fair value of the contingent consideration recognized on the acquisition date was estimated by income approach. There are no indemnification assets involved.

Mezzanine Equity

On May 11, 2011, Changyou, through its VIE Gamease, acquired 68.258% of the equity interests of Shenzhen 7Road and began to consolidate Shenzhen 7Road’s financial statements on June 1, 2011. Effective June 26, 2012, Shenzhen 7Road was reorganized into a Cayman Islands holding company structure where Changyou holds a direct ownership interest in 7Road through Changyou’s subsidiary Changyou.com Webgame (HK) Limited, and Shenzhen 7Road is a VIE of 7Road. For purposes of clarity, as the reorganization did not result in any change in the ultimate beneficial ownership of Shenzhen 7Road’s business, assets and results of operations, when we discuss 7Road and Shenzhen 7Road in this report, we treat the reorganization as if it had been effective upon Changyou’s acquisition of 68.258% of the equity interests in Shenzhen 7Road.

Mezzanine Equity consists of noncontrolling interest in 7Road and a put option pursuant to which the noncontrolling shareholders will have the right to put their equity interests in 7Road to Changyou at a pre-determined price if 7Road achieves specified performance milestones in the coming three years and certain circumstances occur. The put option will expire in 2014. Since the occurrence of the sale is not solely within the control of Changyou, we classify the noncontrolling interest as mezzanine equity instead of permanent equity in our and Changyou’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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Under ASC subtopic 480-10, we calculate, on an accumulative basis from the acquisition date, (i) the amount of accretion that would increase the balance of noncontrolling interest to its estimated redemption value over the period from the date of the Shenzhen 7Road acquisition to the earliest redemption date of the noncontrolling interest in 7Road and (ii) the amount of net profit attributable to noncontrolling shareholders of 7Road based on their ownership percentage. The carrying value of the noncontrolling interest as mezzanine equity will be adjusted by an accumulative amount equal to the higher of (i) and (ii).

On June 21, 2012, 7Road’s Chief Executive Officer surrendered to 7Road, without consideration, ordinary shares of 7Road representing 5.1% of the outstanding ordinary shares of 7Road, in order to increase the availability of ordinary shares available for issuance as equity incentives to employees, directors and consultants of 7Road without dilution of the other shareholders of 7Road. As a result, the noncontrolling interest decreased to 28.074% of 7Road and Changyou’s interest in 7Road increased to 71.926%.

Under ASC subtopic 480-10, changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains control of its subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions, and do not impact net income or comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements. The variance of $6.8 million caused by 7Road’s Chief Executive Officer’s surrender of shares was recorded as a credit to additional paid-in capital.

As of June 30, 2012, the estimated redemption value of the mezzanine equity was approximately $59.4 million based on our expectations as to 7Road’s financial performance and the new percentage representing noncontrolling interest and the put option. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, accretion charges of $1.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively, were recorded in the statements of comprehensive income as net income attributable to the mezzanine classified noncontrolling interest shareholders.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a company during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances excluding transactions resulting from investments from owners and distributions to owners. Accumulated other comprehensive income, as presented on our consolidated balance sheets, includes a cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment.

Segment Reporting

Our segments are business units that offer different services and are reviewed separately by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), or the decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our CODM is the Chief Executive Officer. There are five segments in the Sohu Group, consisting of brand advertising, Sogou (which mainly consists of the search and related business), Changyou (which mainly consists of the online game business), wireless and others.

Functional Currency and Foreign Currency Translation

Functional Currency

An entity’s functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates, normally that is the currency of the environment in which the entity primarily generates and expends cash. Management’s judgment is essential to determine the functional currency by assessing various indicators, such as cash flows, sales price and market, expenses, financing and inter-company transactions and arrangements. The functional currency of Sohu.com Inc. is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of our subsidiaries in the U.S., the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong is the U.S. dollar. The functional currencies of our subsidiaries and VIEs in the PRC (except for Wuxi Sohu New Momentum, whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar), the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Korea are the national currencies of those counties.

 

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Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of our China-based subsidiaries and VIEs (excluding Wuxi Sohu New Momentum), the United Kingdom, Malaysia and Korea are translated into U.S. dollars, our reporting currency, at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheets date and revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the reporting period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are not included in determining net income for the period but are accumulated in a separate component of equity in our consolidated balance sheets.

Foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are re-measured at the applicable rates of exchange in effect at that date. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency re-measurement are included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2012 AND 2011

In 2011, we adjusted our business groupings from brand advertising business, online game business, sponsored search business, and wireless and others business to online advertising business (consists of the brand advertising business as well as the search and others business), online game business, wireless business and others business. To conform to current period presentations, the relevant amounts for prior periods have been reclassified.

Commencing January 1, 2012, with the development of our business, we reclassified certain expenses for our Search business and our video division.

Change in Presentation to Properly Reflect the Classification of Expenses of Video Business

Prior to 2012, the video division was a relatively small operation in the Sohu Group. It did not have clearly defined business departments because it was highly dependent on the Sohu Group’s resources to sustain its operation. The video division’s compensation and benefits expenses were recorded under cost of revenues and were not allocated to individual operating expense categories, in view of the fact that most of the employees in the video division provided services related to the maintenance of content and resources that directly contributed to video-related brand advertising revenues.

Commencing January 1, 2012, as the video division has grown significantly and business departments have been defined through the restructuring process to become more self-sustainable, compensation and benefits expenses have been allocated to the respective business departments to properly reflect the operating results of the video division. The video division’s compensation and benefits expenses were classified as cost of revenues, product development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses, respectively, based on the nature of the related employees’ roles and responsibilities. To conform to current period presentations, the relevant amounts for prior periods have been changed accordingly. The change from cost of revenues to operating expenses was not material to historical periods, and amounted to $0.8 million and $1.5 million for the three and the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Reclassification of Expenses of Search and Others Business

To expand distribution of customers’ sponsored links or advertisements, the search and others business acquires traffic from third-party Websites. Most traffic acquisition payments are made to Sogou’s Website Alliance members. Payments to Sogou’s Website Alliance members are based on a portion of pay-for-click revenues generated from clicks by users of their properties, and are included in cost of revenues. A relatively small portion of traffic acquisition payments to third-party Websites are based on pre-agreed unit prices and the actual traffic volume they direct to our search and others business. Prior to 2012, traffic acquisition payments based on pre-agreed unit price and the actual traffic volume were recorded in sales and marketing expenses.

 

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Commencing January 1, 2012, in order to enhance comparability with industry peers, all traffic acquisition payments were recorded in cost of revenues. To conform to current period presentations, the relevant amounts for prior periods have been reclassified accordingly. Such reclassifications amounted to $2.1 million and $3.9 million for the three and the six months ended June 30, 2011.

Revenues

The following table presents our revenues by revenue source and by proportion for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2012     2011     2012 vs 2011     2012     2011     2012 vs 2011  

Revenues

                   

Online advertising:

                   

Brand advertising

  $ 69,312        27   $ 67,728        34   $ 1,584      $ 130,280        27   $ 124,881        33   $ 5,399   

Search and others

    28,763        11     13,613        7     15,150        50,400        10     21,592        6     28,808   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Subtotal of online advertising Revenues

    98,075        38     81,341        41     16,734        180,680        37     146,473        39     34,207   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Online game

    137,172        54     101,531        51     35,641        264,618        55     196,461        53     68,157   

Wireless

    15,598        6     11,645        6     3,953        28,949        6     23,349        6     5,600   

Others

    4,882        2     4,188        2     694        8,084        2     6,791        2     1,293   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total revenues

  $ 255,727        100   $ 198,705        100   $ 57,022      $ 482,331        100   $ 373,074        100   $ 109,257   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total revenues were $255.7 million and $482.3 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $198.7 million and $373.1 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increase in total revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $57.0 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $109.2 million. The increases were mainly attributable to increases in online game revenues and search and others revenues.

Online Advertising Revenues

Online advertising revenues were $98.1 million and $180.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $81.3 million and $146.5 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increase in online advertising revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $16.8 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $34.2 million. The increases were mainly attributable to increases in search and others revenues.

Brand Advertising Revenues

Brand advertising revenues were $69.3 million and $130.3 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $67.7 million and $124.9 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increase in brand advertising revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $1.6 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $5.4 million. The increases were mainly attributable to increases in revenues from the e-commerce and fast-moving consumer goods sectors.

We expect brand advertising revenues to increase in the third quarter of 2012, compared to the second quarter of 2012.

 

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Search and Others Revenues

Search and others revenues were $28.8 million and $50.4 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $13.6 million and $21.6 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increase in search and others revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $15.2 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $28.8 million. The increases were mainly due to increased traffic and improved monetization of traffic.

We expect search and others revenues to increase in the third quarter of 2012, compared to the second quarter of 2012.

Online Game Revenues

Online game revenues were $137.2 million and $264.6 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $101.5 million and $196.5 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increase in online game revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $35.7 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $68.1 million.

The increases were mainly due to a full quarter’s revenue contribution from 7Road, the ongoing popularity of Changyou’s flagship game TLBB, an increase in average revenue per active paying account for Changyou’s MMOGs, and growth of Wartune in China. For the three months ended June 30, 2012, average revenue per active paying account of Changyou’s MMOGs in China increased by 31% to RMB277, from RMB211 for the three months ended June 30, 2011.

We expect online game revenues to increase in the third quarter of 2012, compared to the second quarter of 2012.

Wireless Revenues

Wireless revenues were $15.6 million and $28.9 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $11.6 million and $23.3 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increase in wireless revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $4.0 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $5.6 million. The increases were mainly due to successful product distribution programs and our continued market development efforts and product diversification.

We expect wireless revenues to be flat in the third quarter of 2012 compared to the second quarter of 2012.

Others Revenues

Revenues for other services were $4.9 million and $8.1 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $4.2 million and $6.8 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increases in other revenues mainly arose from sub-licensing of premium licensed content and IVAS provided by Sogou.

 

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COSTS AND EXPENSES

Cost of Revenues

The following table presents our cost of revenues by source and by proportion for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2012     2011     2012 vs 2011     2012     2011     2012 vs 2011  

Cost of revenues:

                   

Online advertising:

                   

Brand advertising

  $ 50,963        51   $ 24,937        46   $ 26,026      $ 87,855        49   $ 46,721        46   $ 41,134   

Search and others

    16,192        16     8,222        15     7,970        29,320        16     14,887        15     14,433   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Subtotal of cost of online advertising revenues

    67,155        67     33,159        61     33,996        117,175        65     61,608        61     55,567   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Online games

    18,301        18     9,950        18     8,351        34,709        19     18,918        19     15,791   

Wireless

    10,208        10     7,109        13     3,099        19,061        11     14,001        14     5,060   

Others

    4,180        5     4,220        8     (40     8,421        5     6,890        6     1,531   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues

  $ 99,844        100   $ 54,438        100   $ 45,406      $ 179,366        100   $ 101,417        100   $ 77,949   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total cost of revenues was $99.8 million and $179.4 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $54.4 million and $101.4 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increase in cost of revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $45.4 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $78.0 million. The increases were mainly attributable to increased cost of brand advertising revenues and increased cost of online game revenues.

Cost of Online Advertising Revenues

Cost of online advertising revenues was $67.2 million and $117.2 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $33.2 million and $61.6 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increase in cost of online advertising revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $34.0 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $55.6 million. The increases were mainly attributable to increases in cost of brand advertising revenues.

Cost of Brand Advertising Revenues

Cost of brand advertising revenues mainly consists of content and license costs (including amortization of licensed video content and impairment of purchased video content), bandwidth leasing costs, salary and benefits expenses, depreciation expenses and revenue sharing payments.

Cost of brand advertising revenues was $51.0 million and $87.9 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012. In June 2012, we recognized $15.3 million in impairment of purchased video content in cost of brand advertising revenues. Excluding this impairment charge, the cost of brand advertising revenues would have been $35.7 million and $72.6 million respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $24.9 million and $46.7 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011.

The increase in cost of brand advertising revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $26.1 million. In addition to the aforementioned $15.3 million in impairment of purchased video content, there were a $5.9 million increase in amortization of licensed video content, a $2.0 million increase in bandwidth leasing costs, and a $0.8 million increase in salary and benefits expenses.

The increase in cost of brand advertising revenues from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $41.2 million. In addition to the aforementioned $15.3 million impairment of purchased video content, there were a $13.4 million increase in amortization of licensed video content, a $6.8 million increase in bandwidth leasing costs, and a $1.7 million increase in salary and benefits expenses.

 

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Our brand advertising gross margin was 26% and 33%, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, as compared to 63% for both the corresponding periods in 2011. The decrease in our brand advertising gross margin was mainly due to increases in content and bandwidth costs and the impairment of purchased video content.

Cost of Search and Others Revenues

Cost of search and others revenues mainly consists of traffic acquisition payments, bandwidth leasing costs, salary and benefits expenses and depreciation expenses.

Cost of search and others revenues was $16.2 million and $29.3 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $8.2 million and $14.9 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011.

The increase in cost of search and others revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $8.0 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $6.0 million increase in traffic acquisition payments, a $1.0 million increase in depreciation expenses, a $0.5 million increase in salary and benefits expenses and a $0.4 million increase in bandwidth leasing costs, along with increased traffic volume.

The increase in cost of search and others revenues from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $14.4 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $10.8 million increase in traffic acquisition payments, a $1.9 million increase in depreciation expenses, a $0.9 million increase in salary and benefits expenses and a $0.8 million increase in bandwidth leasing costs, along with increased traffic volume.

Our search and others gross margin was 44% and 42%, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, as compared to 40% and 31%, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increases in our search and others gross margin were mainly due to higher revenues from online marketing services on Sogou Web Directory.

Cost of Online Game Revenues

Cost of online game revenues mainly consists of salary and benefits expenses, revenue-based royalty payments to game developers, bandwidth leasing costs, amortization of licensing fees, depreciation expenses, PRC business tax and value-added tax (“VAT”) arising from transactions between Changyou’s subsidiaries and its VIEs.

Cost of online game revenues was $18.3 million and $34.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $10.0 million and $18.9 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011.

The increase in cost of online game revenues from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $8.3 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $2.4 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was mainly attributable to increased headcount, a $2.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization expenses and a $1.7 million increase in bandwidth leasing costs.

The increase from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $15.8 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $4.4 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was mainly attributable to increased headcount, a $4.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization expenses and a $3.5 million increase in bandwidth leasing costs.

Our online game gross margin was 87% for both of the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, as compared to 90% for both of the corresponding periods in 2011. The decreases in our online game gross margin were mainly due to an increase in headcount and related salaries and benefits expenses and higher bandwidth and server costs as Changyou operated a larger portfolio of online games.

 

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Cost of Wireless Revenues

Cost of wireless revenues mainly consists of collection charges and transmission fees paid to China mobile network operators, revenue sharing with partners, depreciation expenses, and bandwidth leasing costs.

Cost of wireless revenues was $10.2 million and $19.1 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $7.1 million and $14.0 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increase in cost of wireless revenues from the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 to the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was $3.1 million and $5.1 million, respectively. The increases were mainly due to increased revenue sharing with partners.

The collection charges and transmission fees vary between China mobile network operators. The collection charges and transmission fees mainly included (i) a gateway fee of $0.008 to $0.032 per message in the second quarter of 2012, and $0.005 to $0.031 per message, depending on the volume of the monthly total wireless messages, in the second quarter of 2011 and (ii) a collection fee of 15% to 87% of total fees collected by China mobile network operators from mobile phone users (with the residual paid to us) in both the second quarter of 2012 and the second quarter of 2011.

Our wireless gross margin was 35% and 34%, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, as compared to 39% and 40%, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The decreases in our wireless gross margin were mainly due to increased revenue sharing with partners.

Cost of Revenues for Other Services

Cost of revenues for other services mainly consists of payments to theatres and film production companies for pre-film screening advertisement slots.

Cost of revenues for other services was $4.2 million and $8.4 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $4.2 million and $6.9 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increase in cost of revenues for other services from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $1.5 million. The increases were mainly attributable to costs for our cinema advertisement business.

Operating Expenses

The following table presents our operating expenses by nature and by proportion for the periods indicated (in thousands, except percentages):

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011     2012 vs 2011      2012     2011     2012 vs 2011  

Operating expenses:

                         

Product development

   $ 43,340         38   $ 25,839         34   $ 17,501       $ 81,933         39   $ 49,062         35   $ 32,871   

Sales and marketing

     48,999         43     36,492         48     12,507         87,653         42     65,125         47     22,528   

General and administrative

     17,508         16     13,148         18     4,360         35,302         17     25,314         18     9,988   

Impairment of intangible assets via acquisition of businesses

     2,906         3     0         0     2,906         2,906         2     0         0     2,906   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   $ 112,753         100   $ 75,479         100   $ 37,274       $ 207,794         100   $ 139,501         100   $ 68,293   
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

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Total operating expenses were $112.8 million and $207.8 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $75.5 million and $139.5 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increase in operating expenses from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $37.3 million, and the increase from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $68.3 million. The increases were mainly attributable to increases in product development expenses and sales and marketing expenses.

Product Development Expenses

Product development expenses mainly consist of personnel-related expenses incurred for enhancement and maintenance of our Websites, and costs associated with new product development and enhancement of existing products and services, which mainly include the development costs of online games prior to the establishment of technological feasibility and maintenance costs after the online games are available for marketing.

Product development expenses were $43.3 million and $81.9 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $25.8 million and $49.1 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011.

The increase in product development expenses from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $17.5 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $13.7 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was mainly attributable to increased headcount.

The increase in product development expenses from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $32.8 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $24.8 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was mainly attributable to increased headcount, and a $1.8 million increase in professional fees.

Sales and Marketing Expenses

Sales and marketing expenses mainly consist of advertising and promotional expenditures, salary and benefits expenses, sales commissions and travel expenses.

Sales and marketing expenses were $49.0 million and $87.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $36.5 million and $65.1 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011.

The increase in sales and marketing expenses from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $12.5 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $5.2 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was mainly attributable to increased headcount, a $4.1 million increase in advertising and promotional expenditures as a result of increased marketing promotion activities, and a $1.0 million increase in travel expenses.

The increase in sales and marketing expenses from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $22.6 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $10.7 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was mainly attributable to increased headcount, a $7.0 million increase in advertising and promotional expenditures as a result of increased marketing promotion activities, and a $2.3 million increase in travel expenses.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses mainly consist of salary and benefits expenses, professional service fees, facility expenses and bad debt expenses.

General and administrative expenses were $17.5 million and $35.3 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $13.1 million and $25.3 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011.

 

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The increase in general and administrative expenses from the three months ended June 30, 2011 to the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $4.4 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $1.6 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was mainly attributable to increased headcount, a $1.4 million increase in professional fees, and a $0.6 million increase in travel expenses.

The increase in general and administrative expenses from the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $10.0 million. The increase mainly consisted of a $4.3 million increase in salary and benefits expenses, which was mainly attributable to increased headcount, a $3.3 million increase in bad debt expenses and a $1.1 million increase in professional fees.

Impairment of Intangible assets via Acquisition of Businesses

In the second quarter of 2012, we recognized a $2.9 million impairment loss in the Changyou segment for intangible assets from acquired businesses.

Share-based Compensation Expense

Sohu, Changyou, Sogou and Sohu Video all have incentive plans for the granting of share-based awards, including common stock /ordinary shares, share options, restricted shares and restricted share units, to their employees and directors.

Share-based compensation expense was recognized in costs and/or expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, respectively, as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
Share-based compensation expense    2012     2011      2012      2011  

Cost of revenues (1)

   $ (76   $ 555       $ 194       $ 1,290   

Product development expenses

     1,531        1,421         2,703         3,193   

Sales and marketing expenses

     497        872         1,031         1,961   

General and administrative expenses

     1,477        1,568         2,431         3,240   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,429      $ 4,416       $ 6,359       $ 9,684   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note (1): In the second quarter of 2012, we trued up the shared-based compensation expense for forfeited restricted share units which would have become fully vested during the quarter.

Share-based compensation expense recognized for share awards of Sohu, Changyou, Sogou and Sohu Video, respectively, was as follows (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,  
Share-based compensation expense    2012      2011      2012      2011  

For Sohu share-based awards

   $ 1,478       $ 2,593       $ 3,181       $ 6,128   

For Changyou share-based awards

     813         1,305         2,019         3,038   

For Sogou share-based awards

     1,138         518         1,159         518   

For Sohu Video share-based awards

     0         —           0         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,429       $ 4,416       $ 6,359       $ 9,684   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For Sohu share options, as of June 30, 2012 there was no unrecognized compensation expense because the requisite service periods for the remaining share options had ended by the end of 2009. For Sohu restricted share units, as of June 30, 2012 there was $5.4 million of related unrecognized compensation expense.

 

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For Changyou share-based awards, as of June 30, 2012, there was $3.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense.

For Sogou share-based awards, as of June 30, 2012, there was $3.5 million of unrecognized compensation expense.

For Sohu Video, no share-based compensation expense was recognized for the three and the six months ended June 30, 2012 with respect to Sohu Video share option grants made during those six months. This is because, under U.S. GAAP, no grant of options had occurred, as no grant date had been established at this stage.

Operating Profit

As a result of the foregoing, our operating profit was $43.1 million and $95.2 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $68.8 million and $132.2 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011.

Other Income

Other income was $1.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to other income of $1.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increases were mainly due to increased investment income from investments in debt securities.

Interest Income

Interest income was $7.2 million and $13.7 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $3.3 million and $6.0 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011. The increases were mainly due to increased cash balance and higher rate of return on cash.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $18.5 million and $37.2 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $10.3 million and $21.3 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011.

The increase in income tax expense from the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 to the corresponding periods in 2012 was $8.2 million and $15.9 million, respectively. The increase was mainly due to an increase in withholding tax and net income of Changyou, and an increase in the applicable tax rates for the Sohu Group.

Net Income

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, we had net income of $33.7 million and $74.6 million, respectively, compared to $61.6 million and $116.8 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2011.

Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was $19.9 million and $36.5 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $17.0 million and $27.3 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011.

The increases in net income attributable to noncontrolling interest were mainly due to increased net income of Changyou.

We expect the noncontrolling interest recognized for Changyou to increase in the third quarter of 2012, compared to the second quarter of 2012, due to vesting of share-based awards, as well as an increase in Changyou’s net income.

 

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We expect the noncontrolling interest recognized for Sogou to remain at a low level.

Net Income attributable to Sohu.com Inc.

As a result of the foregoing, we had net income attributable to Sohu of $12.8 million and $35.9 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $44.3 million and $89.1 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods in 2011.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our principal sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, investments in debt securities, as well as the cash flows generated from our operations.

As of June 30, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and investments in debt securities of approximately $865.4 million. As of June 30, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents and investments in debt securities of approximately $811.4 million. Cash equivalents primarily comprise time deposits.

In November 2009, we entered into an agreement to purchase a Beijing office building to serve as our headquarters. The purchase price is approximately $127 million, of which $108 million had been paid as of June 30, 2012. In December 2011, we also entered into an agreement for technological infrastructure and fitting-out work for this office building. The contractual amount is approximately $28 million, of which $16 million had been paid as of June 30, 2012. These $108 million and $16 million payments have been recognized as prepaid non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The remaining $19 million for the office building and $12 million for the technological infrastructure and fitting-out work will be settled in installments as various stages of the development plan are completed. This office building and related technological infrastructure and fitting-out work are in progress and are expected to be completed in 2013.

In August 2010, Changyou entered into an agreement to purchase a Beijing office building to serve as its headquarters. The purchase price is approximately $158 million, of which $125 million had been paid as of June 30, 2012 and was recognized as prepaid non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. The remaining $33 million will be settled in installments as various stages of the development plan are completed. This office building is under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

As of June 30, 2012, the Sohu Group also had commitments for bandwidth purchases in the amount of $30 million, commitments for video content purchases in the amount of $25 million, commitments for operating leases in the amount of $17 million and commitments for other content and service purchases in the amount of $15 million.

We believe our current liquidity and capital resources are sufficient to meet anticipated working capital needs (net cash used in operating activities), commitments and capital expenditures over the next twelve months. We may, however, require additional cash resources due to changes in business conditions and other future developments, or changes in general economic conditions.

Cash Generating Ability

We believe we will continue to generate strong cash flow from our online brand advertising business and online game business, which, along with our available cash, will provide sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility.

Our cash flows were summarized below (in thousands):

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 135,567      $ 156,078   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (67,952     (131,087

Net cash (used in) /provided by financing activities

     (34,599     2,710   

Effect of exchange rate change on cash and cash equivalents

     (1,025     11,965   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     31,991        39,666   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     732,607        678,389   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 764,598      $ 718,055   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, $135.6 million net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to our net income of $74.6 million, adjusted by non-cash items of depreciation and amortization of $52.4 million, impairment of purchased video content of $15.3 million, share-based compensation expense of $6.4 million, and other miscellaneous non-cash expense of $6.4 million, offset by a decrease in cash from working capital items of $14.3 million, and adjust out the investment income from investments in debt securities of $2.7 million and excess tax benefits of $2.5 million.

For the six months ended June 30, 2011, $156.1 million net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to our net income of $116.8 million, adjusted by non-cash items of depreciation and amortization of $26.9 million, share-based compensation expense of $9.7 million, cash from working capital items of $4.4 million and other miscellaneous non-cash expense of $0.8 million, offset by a decrease in cash from change in the fair value of debt securities of $1.4 million and excess tax benefits of $1.1 million.

In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the above excess tax benefits were presented as a reduction in cash flows from operating activities and a cash inflow from financing activities. Realizing these benefits reduces the amount of taxes payable and does not otherwise affect cash flows.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, $68.0 million net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to a $60.1 million used in acquiring fixed assets and intangible assets, $5.2 million used in business acquisition and investing activities, and investment income from investments in debt securities of $2.7 million mentioned above under the heading “Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities”.

For the six months ended June 30, 2011, $131.1 million net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to $61.0 million used in acquiring fixed assets and intangible assets, and $70.1 million used in business acquisitions and investing activities.

Net Cash (Used in) /Provided by Financing Activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, $34.6 million net cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to $25.8 million used for the purchase of Sogou Series A Preferred Shares from Alibaba, $12.6 million used for the repurchase of our common stock and $0.2 million from other cash payments relating to financing activities, offset by a $2.5 million excess tax benefits mentioned above under the heading “Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities”, $1.4 million from the exercise of share-based awards in a subsidiary, and $0.1 million from the issuance of common stock upon the exercise of share options granted under our stock incentive plan.

For the six months ended June 30, 2011, $2.7 million net cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to $1.4 million from the issuance of common stock upon the exercise of share options granted under our stock incentive plan, $0.2 million from the proceeds of the noncontrolling shareholders, and $1.1 million excess tax benefits mentioned above under the heading “Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities”.

 

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Restrictions on Cash Transfers to Sohu.com Inc.

To fund any cash requirements it may have, Sohu may need to rely on dividends and other distributions on equity paid by Sohu.com Limited and Changyou, our wholly-owned subsidiary and majority-owned subsidiary. Since substantially all of our operations are conducted through our indirect wholly-owned and majority-owned China-based subsidiaries and VIEs, Sohu.com Limited and Changyou may need to rely on dividends, loans or advances made by our PRC subsidiaries.

For Sohu apart from Changyou, although the VIEs generate revenue and cash, due to significant costs involved in these VIEs’ operations, they generally have minimal profit and cash balances, and their operating cash flow was negative for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012. However, substantially all of Changyou’s operations have conducted through Changyou’s VIEs Gamease, Guanyou Gamespace, Shanghai ICE and Shenzhen 7Road, which have generated all of our online game revenues. Although Changyou’s subsidiaries received a majority of the VIEs’ profits pursuant to the various contractual agreements between the VIEs and the subsidiaries, significant cash balances remained in Changyou’s VIEs as of June 30, 2012.

As Changyou’s VIEs are not owned by Changyou’s subsidiaries, they are not able to make dividend payments to Changyou’s subsidiaries. Instead, each of AmazGame, Gamespace, ICE Information and 7Road Technology, which are Changyou’s subsidiaries in China, has entered into a number of contracts with its corresponding VIE to provide services to such VIE in return for cash payments. In order for us to receive any dividends, loans or advances from Changyou’s PRC subsidiaries, or to distribute any dividends to our shareholders and ADS holders, we will need to rely on these payments made from these VIEs to Changyou’s PRC subsidiaries. Depending on the nature of services provided by Changyou’s PRC subsidiaries to their corresponding VIEs, certain of these payments are subject to PRC taxes, including business taxes and VAT, which effectively reduce the amount that a PRC subsidiary receives from its corresponding VIE. In addition, the PRC government could impose restrictions on such payments or change the tax rates applicable to such payments.

In addition, regulations in the PRC 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 China-based subsidiaries, which are wholly foreign-owned enterprises (“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. These WFOEs may also allocate a portion of their after-tax profits, at the discretion of their Boards of Directors, to their staff welfare and bonus funds. Any amounts so allocated may not be distributed to Changyou and /or to Sohu.com Limited and, accordingly, would not be available for distribution to Sohu.

Also, under regulations of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, (“SAFE”), the RMB is not convertible into foreign currencies for capital account items, such as loans, repatriation of investments and investments outside of China, unless prior approval of the SAFE is obtained and prior registration with the SAFE is made.

With respect to PRC tax, certain dividends paid by WFOEs to their immediate Hong Kong holding companies that meet tax authorities’ requirements would be subject to a withholding tax at the rate of 5%, which would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to Sohu. Any such dividends paid to Hong Kong holding companies that did not meet the tax authorities’ requirements would be subject to a withholding tax at the rate of 10%, which would further reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to Sohu.

With respect to U.S. tax, as Sohu Group has two listed companies, Sohu.com Inc. and Changyou.com Limited, which are regarded as separate legal entities for U.S. tax purposes, certain transactions between these two companies as well as between their subsidiaries and VIEs might expose Sohu.com Inc. to 34% U.S. Corporate Income Tax. In addition, certain transactions of Changyou and its subsidiaries and VIEs (for example, investing in U.S. properties) might also expose Sohu.com Inc. to the risk that these transactions will be treated as taxable for U.S. tax purposes. Moreover, if Changyou pays dividends, Sohu.com Inc., as one of the shareholders of Changyou, might be subject to U.S. tax at 34% for the dividends received or, under certain circumstances, when Sohu sells Changyou ADSs originally held by Sohu at a price higher than its U.S. tax basis, a portion of the proceeds will be subject to U.S. tax at 34%. Furthermore, any dividends or any deemed dividends received by Sohu.com Inc. would be subject to U.S. Tax at 34%.

 

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We do not expect any of such restrictions or taxes to have a material impact on our ability to meet our cash obligations.

Dividend Policy

On August 6, 2012, Changyou declared a special one-time cash dividend of $1.90 per Class A or Class B ordinary share, or $3.80 per ADS. The total amount of the special dividend declared was approximately $201 million. The amount of the dividend to be received by Sohu is expected to be approximately $136 million. Sohu does not expect to pay any of such dividend, or to pay any other dividends, to its shareholders in the foreseeable future.

This Changyou dividend is a one-time special dividend, and we do not expect Changyou to declare any such dividend in the foreseeable future. The Sohu Group intends to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of its own business, and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on Sohu.com Inc.’s common stock or on Changyou.com Limited’s ordinary shares, including ordinary shares represented by Changyou.com Limited’s ADSs, for the foreseeable future.

Future cash dividends distributed by Sohu.com Inc. and Changyou.com Limited, if any, will be declared at the discretion of their respective Boards of Directors and will depend upon their future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors as their respective Boards of Directors may deem relevant.

Holders of ADSs of Changyou.com Limited will be entitled to receive dividends, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, to the same extent as the holders of Changyou.com Limited’s 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 manner that the depositary deems equitable and practicable.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET COMMITMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS

We have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of third parties. We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholder’s equity, or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or that engages in leasing, hedging or product development services with us.

IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In July 2012, the FASB issued revised guidance on “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment”. The revised guidance applies to all entities, both public and nonpublic, that have indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, reported in their financial statements. In accordance with the revised guidance, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount in accordance with Subtopic 350-30. An entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. In conducting a qualitative assessment, an entity should consider the extent to which relevant events and circumstances, both individually and in the aggregate, could have affected the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset since the last assessment. An entity also should consider whether there have been changes to the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset when evaluating whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. An entity should consider positive and mitigating events and circumstances that could affect its determination of whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. The amendments are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim impairment tests performed as of a date before July 27, 2012, if a public entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued or, for nonpublic entities, have not yet been made available for issuance. We are currently evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements of adopting this guidance.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE RISK

While our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, to date the majority of our revenues and costs are denominated in RMB and a significant portion of our assets and liabilities are denominated in RMB. As a result, we are exposed to foreign exchange risk as our revenues and results of operations may be affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the RMB. If the RMB depreciates against the U.S. dollar, the value of our RMB revenues and assets as expressed in our U.S. dollar financial statements will decline. We do not hold any derivative or other financial instruments that expose us to substantial market risk.

The RMB 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. In addition, commencing on July 21, 2005, China reformed its exchange rate regime by changing to a managed floating exchange rate regime based on market supply and demand with reference to a basket of currencies. Under the managed floating exchange rate regime, the RMB is no longer pegged to the U.S. dollar. The exchange rate of the RMB against the U.S. dollar was adjusted to RMB8.11 per U.S. dollar as of July 21, 2005, representing an appreciation of about 2%. The People’s Bank of China will announce the closing prices of foreign currencies such as the U.S. dollar traded against the RMB in the inter-bank foreign exchange market after the closing of the market on each business day, and will make such prices the central parity for trading against the RMB on the following business day. On May 19, 2007, the People’s Bank of China announced a policy to expand the maximum daily floating range of RMB trading prices against the U.S. dollar in the inter-bank spot foreign exchange market from 0.3% to 0.5%. While the international reactions to the RMB revaluation and widening of the RMB’s daily trading band have generally been positive, with the increased floating range of the RMB’s value against foreign currencies, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate significantly in value against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies in the long term, depending on the fluctuation of the basket of currencies against which it is currently valued.

On June 19, 2010, the People’s Bank of China announced that it has decided to proceed further with the reform of the RMB exchange rate regime to enhance the flexibility of the RMB exchange rate and that emphasis would be placed on reflecting market supply and demand with reference to a basket of currencies. While so indicating its intention to make the RMB’s exchange rate more flexible, the People’s Bank of China ruled out any sharp fluctuations in the currency or a one-off adjustment. As a result of the announcement, the RMB has appreciated significantly. In early August 2012, the center point of the currency’s official trading band hit 6.3392, representing appreciation of more than 7.2%. In the long term, the RMB may appreciate or depreciate more significantly in value against the U.S. dollar or other foreign currencies, depending on the market supply and demand with reference to a basket of currencies.

 

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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 effectiveness of these hedges may be limited and we may not be able to successfully hedge our exposure. Accordingly, we may incur economic losses in the future due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, which could have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

The following table sets forth a summary of our foreign currency sensitive financial instruments as of June 30, 2012, which consisted of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, investments in debt securities, accounts receivable, prepaid and other current assets, current liabilities, long-term accounts payable and contingent consideration. The book value of those financial instruments approximated their fair value.

 

     Denominated in (in thousands)     

 

 
     US$      RMB      HK$      Others      Total  

Cash and cash equivalents

     95,981         422,992         244,828         797         764,598   

Short-term investments

     0         21,793         0         0         21,793   

Investments in debt securities

     0         79,053         0         0         79,053   

Accounts Receivable

     1,307         108,838         0         269         110,414   

Prepaid and other current assets

     9,396         31,031         0         500         40,927   

Current liabilities

     20,506         328,867         0         343         349,716   

Long-term accounts payable

     0         13,838         0         0         13,838   

Contingent consideration

     0         17,293         0         0         17,293   

INTEREST RATE RISK

The basic objectives of our investment program are to protect the invested funds from excessive risk and to provide for liquidity that is sufficient to meet operating and investment cash requirements. Under the investment policy, our excess cash is invested in high-quality securities which are limited as to length of time to maturity and the amount of credit exposure.

Our exposure to interest rate risk primarily relates to the interest income generated from excess cash invested in demand deposits and debt securities. We have not used derivative financial instruments in our investment portfolio in order to reduce this risk. We have not been exposed nor do we anticipate being exposed to material risks due to changes in interest rates.

INFLATION RATE RISK

According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the consumer price index grew 3.3% in the first half of 2012. While this rate of inflation represents a decline compared to the rate for the previous quarter, there may be further increased inflation in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”), have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that all material information relating to Sohu required to be included in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission and to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the period covered by this quarterly report, 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.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There have been no material developments in the legal proceedings reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2012.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

We depend on Changyou’s online game revenues, and on revenues from Changyou’s game TLBB in particular, for a significant portion of our revenues, net income, and operating cash flow. Any decrease in TLBB’s popularity would have any adverse effect on our operating results.

As we rely on Changyou’s online games for a significant portion of our revenues and net income, if Changyou’s online game revenues decrease or do not continue to grow, our results of operations and cash flow are likely to be adversely affected. In particular, if Changyou fails to improve and update TLBB on a timely basis, or if Changyou’s competitors introduce more popular games catering to Changyou’s game-player base, TLBB could lose its popularity, which could cause significant decrease in our revenues, net income and cash flow. Furthermore, if there are any interruptions in TLBB’s operations due to unexpected server interruptions, network failures or other factors, game players may be prevented or deterred from making purchases of virtual items, which could also cause significant decreases in our revenues, net income and cash flow.

Our operating results are likely to fluctuate significantly and may differ from market expectations.

Our annual and quarterly operating results have varied significantly in the past, and may vary significantly in the future, due to a number of factors which could have an adverse impact on our business, such as our reliance on advertisers in certain industries for online advertising revenues, our reliance on operation of TLBB for online game revenues and our reliance on China mobile network operators including China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom and their subsidiaries for our wireless revenues. The Chinese Internet industry is at an early stage of development. We are unsure if it will continue to grow, and if it does, of the rate at which it will grow. In addition, we are subject to government regulations that may change at any time with or without notice. Fluctuations in the industries of our key advertisers may affect our online advertising revenues materially, because they may cut their spending on online marketing if there is any downturn in their industries. We rely on certain third party distributors to sell our search and others services. If we lost any of our key distributors, our business would be adversely affected.

We depend on Changyou’s online game revenues, and on revenues from Changyou’s game TLBB in particular, for a significant portion of our revenues, net income, and operating cash flow. If there were any interruptions of TLBB’s operation, our online game revenues and net income, and our resulting operating cash flows, would be adversely affected.

We rely on China mobile network operators for, among other things, billing of and collection of wireless service fees from mobile phone users. If our arrangements with the operators were to be terminated, altered or not renewed, or if the operators did not provide continuous or adequate service, our wireless revenues could be reduced significantly.

As a result, we believe that year-to-year and quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operating results are not a good indication of our future performance. In addition, we have experienced very high growth rates in certain business lines in the past, and there may be expectations that these growth rates will continue. In the past, our operating results have sometimes fallen below the expectations of public market analysts and investors, and they may do so again in the future. In this event, the trading price of our common stock may fall.

With the exception of the foregoing, there are no material changes or updates to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2012 and in Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012 filed with the SEC on May 9, 2012, respectively.

 

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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Use of Proceeds

On July 17, 2000, Sohu completed an underwritten initial public offering of its common stock pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC file No. 333-96137), which became effective on July 10, 2000. Public trading of the common stock offered in the initial public offering commenced on July 12, 2000. Sohu sold an aggregate of 4,600,000 shares of common stock in the offering at a price to the public of $13 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of $59.8 million. Sohu’s net proceeds, after deduction of the underwriting discount of $4.2 million and other offering expenses of $3.2 million, were approximately $52.4 million. All shares sold in the offering were sold by Sohu.

During the three months ended June 30, 2012, Sohu did not use any proceeds from the offering. The remaining net proceeds from the offering have been invested in cash and cash equivalents. The use of the proceeds from the offering does not represent a material change in the use of proceeds described in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 described above.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Please see the Exhibit Index attached hereto.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: August 8, 2012

 

SOHU.COM INC.
By:   /s/ Carol Yu
  Carol Yu
  Co-President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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Sohu.com Inc.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for Quarter Ended June 30, 2012

EXHIBITS INDEX

 

  10.1    Share Purchase Agreement for Series A Preferred Shares of Sogou Inc., dated as of June 27, 2012, among Sohu.com (Search) Limited, Alibaba Investment Limited and Sogou Inc.
  31.1    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Charles Zhang
  31.2    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Carol Yu
  32.1    Section 1350 Certification of Charles Zhang
  32.2    Section 1350 Certification of Carol Yu
   101    Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011; and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged using four different levels of detail.

 

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