Form 6-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 6-K

 

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16

UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of September 2013

Commission File Number: 001-34238

 

 

THE9 LIMITED

 

 

Building No. 3, 690 Bibo Road

Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park, Pudong New Area

Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic of China

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F  x            Form 40-F  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):  ¨

 

 

 


SIGNATURE

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

 

THE9 LIMITED
By:  

/s/ Jun Zhu

Name:   Jun Zhu
Title:   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date: September 6, 2013


Exhibit Index

Exhibit 99.1 — Press Release


Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

The9 Limited Reports First and Second Quarter 2013 Unaudited Financial Results

Shanghai, China –September 5, 2013. The9 Limited (NASDAQ: NCTY) (“The9”), an online game developer and operator, announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 and the second quarter ended June 30, 2013 today.

Financial Highlights:

 

    Net revenues in the first quarter of 2013 amounted to RMB19.9 million (US$3.2 million), representing a 7% increase from RMB18.6 million (US$3.0 million) in the fourth quarter of 2012. Net revenues in the second quarter of 2013 amounted to RMB26.2 million (US$4.3 million), representing a 32% increase from RMB19.9 million (US$3.2 million) in the first quarter of 2013

 

    In the first quarter of 2013, net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares was RMB114.1 million (US$18.6 million), representing a 2% decrease from a net loss of RMB115.9 million (US$18.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2012. In the second quarter of 2013, net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares was RMB167.8 million (US$27.3 million), representing a 47% increase from RMB114.1 million (US$18.6 million) in the first quarter of 2013, including an impairment loss on investments of RMB32.8 million (US$5.3 million) recorded in the second quarter of 2013.

Management Comments:

Jun Zhu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The9 said, “Our net losses in the first and second quarters of 2013 in part reflected our ongoing investments related to the development and upcoming launch of our widely anticipated new games, Firefall and Qiji2. In the second half of 2013, we expect to commence the marketing campaign for Firefall in the U.S. and Europe. We also plan to launch Qiji2 in China in the second half of 2013. We have great expectation for these two games on which we have invested more than $100 million in the past three years.”


Discussion of The9’s Unaudited First and Second Quarter 2013 Results

Net Revenues

Our net revenues in the first quarter of 2013 amounted to RMB19.9 million (US$3.2 million), representing a 7% increase from RMB18.6 million (US$3.0 million) in the fourth quarter of 2012 and a 59% decrease from RMB48.6 million (US$7.9 million) in the first quarter of 2012. The increase from the previous quarter was primarily due to an increase in net revenues from Firefall close beta testing. The decrease from the first quarter of 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in net revenues from ShenXianZhuan.

Our net revenues in the second quarter of 2013 amounted to RMB26.2 million (US$4.3 million), representing a 32% increase from RMB19.9 million (US$3.2 million) in the first quarter of 2013 and a 52% decrease from RMB54.8 million (US$8.9 million) in the second quarter of 2012. The increase from the previous quarter was primarily due to an increase in net revenues from the games newly launched in the first quarter, including Firefall close beta testing, Planetside2 and ReXueWuShuang (a new web game). The decrease from the first quarter of 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in net revenues from ShenXianZhuan, partially offset by the net revenues from our newly launched games.

Gross Profit (Loss)

Our gross loss in the first quarter of 2013 amounted to RMB0.8 million (US$0.1 million), representing a 38% decrease from RMB1.3 million (US$0.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2012. We recorded a gross profit of RMB32.8 million (US$5.3 million) in the first quarter of 2012. The decrease from the fourth quarter of 2012 was primarily due to the increase in net revenues from the games newly launched in the first quarter of 2013. We had a gross loss in the first quarter of 2013 compared to a gross profit in the same quarter in 2012, primarily reflected a decrease in net revenues from ShenXianZhuan and an increase of amortization costs related to Firefall in the first quarter of 2013.

Our gross profit in the second quarter of 2013 amounted to RMB3.0 million (US$0.5 million), compared to gross loss of RMB0.8 million (US$0.1 million) in the first quarter of 2013. Such gross profit in the second quarter of 2013 represented a 92% decrease from a gross profit of RMB38.8 million (US$6.3 million) in the second quarter of 2012. The difference between the first two quarters in 2013 reflected the increase in net revenues from the newly launched games. The year-over-year decrease was primarily due to a decrease in net revenues from ShenXianZhuan and an increase of amortization costs related to Firefall.


Operating Expenses

In the first quarter of 2013, our operating expenses were RMB125.4 million (US$20.4 million), representing a 16% decrease from RMB148.9 million (US$24.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2012 and a 19% decrease from RMB154.9 million (US$25.2 million) in the first quarter of 2012. The decrease from the fourth quarter of 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in marketing expenses related to Firefall and Planetside 2, as well as a decrease in product development expenses related to Firefall, Qiji2 and mobile games. The decrease from the first quarter of 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in marketing expenses related to ShenXianZhuan, as well as a decrease in product development expenses as a result of our disposal of certain research and development entities in the third quarter of 2012. In the first quarter of 2013, our share-based compensation was RMB7.9 million (US$1.3 million), compared to RMB8.2 million (US$1.3 million) in the fourth quarter of 2012 and RMB9.0 million (US$1.5 million) in the first quarter of 2012.

In the second quarter of 2013, our operating expenses were RMB149.4 million (US$24.3 million), representing a 19% increase from RMB125.4 million (US$20.4 million) in the first quarter of 2013 and a 12% decrease from RMB168.8 million (US$27.5 million) in the second quarter of 2012. The increase from the first quarter of 2013 was primarily due to an increase in marketing expenses related to Planetside 2, an increase in product development expenses related to Firefall, Qiji2 and web games, and an increase in share-based compensation. The decrease from the second quarter of 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in marketing expenses related to ShenXianZhuan, as well as a decrease in product development expenses as a result of our disposal of certain research and development entities in the third quarter of 2012. In the second quarter of 2013, our share-based compensation was RMB11.8 million (US$1.9 million), compared to RMB7.9 million (US$1.3 million) in the first quarter of 2013 and RMB8.9 million (US$1.5 million) in the second quarter of 2012.

Interest Income

Our interest income in the first quarter of 2013 was RMB3.6 million (US$0.6 million), compared to RMB3.6 million (US$0.6 million) in the fourth quarter of 2012 and RMB6.8 million (US$1.1 million) in the first quarter of 2012. The decrease from the first quarter of 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in our cash balance.

Our interest income in the second quarter of 2013 was RMB2.2 million (US$0.4 million), compared to RMB3.6 million (US$0.6 million) in the first quarter of 2013 and RMB6.5 million (US$1.1 million) in the second quarter of 2012. Such decreases were primarily due to decreases in our cash balance.

Impairment Loss on Investments

In the second quarter of 2013, we recognized an impairment loss of RMB32.8 million (US$5.3 million) in relation to our investments in several early–stage mobile game and application development companies in the U.S and China.


Net Loss Attributable to Holders of Ordinary Shares

As a result of the foregoing, in the first quarter of 2013, our net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares was RMB114.1 million (US$18.6 million), representing a 2% decrease from RMB115.9 million (US$18.9 million) in the fourth quarter of 2012 and a 3% increase from RMB111.4 million (US$18.1 million) in the first quarter of 2012. Our fully diluted loss per share and per ADS in the first quarter of 2013 was RMB4.79 (US$0.78), compared to RMB4.73 (US$0.77) in the fourth quarter of 2012 and RMB4.55 (US$0.74) in the first quarter of 2012.

In the second quarter of 2013, our net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares was RMB167.8 million (US$27.3 million), representing a 47% increase from RMB114.1 million (US$18.6 million) in the first quarter of 2013 and a 42% increase from RMB118.0 million (US$19.2 million) in the second quarter of 2012. Our fully diluted loss per share and per ADS in the second quarter of 2013 was RMB7.34 (US$1.20), compared to RMB4.79 (US$0.78) in the first quarter of 2013 and RMB4.82 (US$0.79) in the second quarter of 2012.

Convenience Currency Translation

The translation of Renminbi (RMB) into US dollars (US$) in this press release is presented solely for the convenience of readers. The translation was made based on the noon buying rate for U.S. dollars in the City of New York for cable transfers in Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the H.10 weekly statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board as of June 30, 2013, which was RMB 6.1374 to US$1.00. Such translations should not be construed as any representation that the related RMB amounts represent, have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at that or any other exchange rate. The percentages stated in this press release are calculated based on the RMB amounts.

Conference Call / Webcast Information

The9’s management team will host a conference call on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 9:00 PM, U.S. Eastern Time, corresponding to Friday, September 6, 2013 at 9:00 AM, Beijing Time, to present an overview of The9’s financial performance and business operations.

Investors, analysts and other interested parties will be able to access the live conference by calling:

US Toll Free: +1-866-519-4004

Mainland China (mobile users): 400-620-8038

Mainland China (fixed line users): 800-819-0121

Hong Kong Toll: +852-2475-0994

International Toll: +65-6723-9381

Passcode: 32285426


A digital recording of the conference will be available for replay from 12:00 AM ET on September 6, 2013 for 7 days.

The dial-in details for the replay are:

U.S. Toll Free: +1-855-452-5696

International Toll: +1-646-254-3697

Passcode: 32285426

The9 will also provide a live webcast of the earnings call. Participants in the webcast may log onto the Company’s Investor Relations website http://www.corp.the9.com 15 minutes prior to the call, then click on the icon for “The9 Limited 1Q & 2Q 2013 Earnings Conference Call” and follow the instructions.

About The9

The9 Limited is an online game developer and operator. The9 develops and operates, directly or through its affiliates, its proprietary MMO games including Firefall and Qiji2. The9 also develops and operates web games and social games including ReXueWuShuang and Winning Dunk. The9 has also obtained exclusive licenses to operate other MMO games in mainland China such as Planetside 2. In 2010, The9 established its Mobile Internet Unit to focus on mobile internet business.

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this press release contain forward-looking statements. The9 may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 20-F and 6-K, etc., in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about The9’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, political and economic policies of the Chinese government, the laws and regulations governing the online game industry, information disseminated over the Internet and Internet content providers in China, intensified government regulation of Internet cafes, The9’s ability to retain existing players and attract new players, license, develop or acquire additional online games that are appealing to users, anticipate and adapt to changing consumer preferences and respond to competitive market conditions, and other risks and uncertainties outlined in The9’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 20-F. The9 does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.


For further information, please contact:

Ms. Phyllis Sai

Manager, Investor Relations

The9 Limited

Tel: +86 (21) 5172-9990

Email: IR@corp.the9.com

Website: http://www.corp.the9.com/

– Tables follow –


THE9 LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Expressed in Renminbi - RMB and US Dollars - US$, except share data)

 

    Quarter ended  
    March 31,
2012
    June 30,
2012
    December 31,
2012
    March 31,
2013
    June 30,
2013
    March 31,
2013
    June 30,
2013
 
    RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB     RMB     US$     US$  

Revenues:

             

Online game services

    51,591,154        57,422,981        15,480,802        18,853,262        23,862,119        3,071,865        3,887,985   

Other revenues

    527,388        716,506        3,813,959        1,530,828        2,895,626        249,426        471,800   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    52,118,542        58,139,487        19,294,761        20,384,090        26,757,745        3,321,291        4,359,785   

Sales Taxes

    (3,510,585     (3,343,719     (706,456     (492,703     (583,489     (80,279     (95,071
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Revenues

    48,607,957        54,795,768        18,588,305        19,891,387        26,174,256        3,241,012        4,264,714   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost of Services

    (15,817,867     (16,045,323     (19,921,262     (20,720,433     (23,169,282     (3,376,093     (3,775,097
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Profit (loss)

    32,790,090        38,750,445        (1,332,957     (829,046     3,004,974        (135,081     489,617   

Operating Expenses:

             

Product development

    (69,261,659     (78,253,825     (68,702,039     (53,510,806     (59,174,437     (8,718,806     (9,641,614

Sales and marketing

    (48,703,335     (44,795,100     (41,084,956     (29,319,993     (37,689,001     (4,777,266     (6,140,875

General and administrative

    (36,952,477     (45,156,943     (39,068,639     (42,530,459     (52,504,655     (6,929,719     (8,554,869

Impairment of equipment and intangible assets

    —          (569,139     —          —          —          —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    (154,917,471     (168,775,007     (148,855,634     (125,361,258     (149,368,093     (20,425,791     (24,337,358

Other operating Income

    30,000        30,000        30,000        30,000        34,628        4,888        5,642   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations

    (122,097,381     (129,994,562     (150,158,591     (126,160,304     (146,328,491     (20,555,984     (23,842,099

Interest income, net

    6,771,491        6,517,258        3,548,297        3,561,357        2,209,606        580,271        360,023   

Other (expenses) income , net

    875,783        1,621,895        2,258,930        144,567        2,171,902        23,555        353,880   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before gain on investment disposal, impairment loss on investments and share of loss in equity investments

    (114,450,107     (121,855,409     (144,351,364     (122,454,380     (141,946,983     (19,952,158     (23,128,196

Gain on investment disposal

    —          —          15,725,792        —          —          —          —     

Impairment loss on investments

    —          —          —          —          (32,789,319     —          (5,342,542

Share of loss in equity investments

    (1,856,783     (2,521,100     (31,544     (920,541     (1,043,738     (149,989     (170,062
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

    (116,306,890     (124,376,509     (128,657,116     (123,374,921     (175,780,040     (20,102,147     (28,640,800

Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (4,953,916     (6,356,698     (12,766,951     (9,280,345     (7,973,642     (1,512,097     (1,299,189
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares

    (111,352,974     (118,019,811     (115,890,165     (114,094,576     (167,806,398     (18,590,050     (27,341,611
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

    (116,306,890     (124,376,509     (128,657,116     (123,374,921     (175,780,040     (20,102,147     (28,640,800

Other Comprehensive loss:

             

Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments

    —          —          (56,600     (16,600     —          (2,705     —     

Currency translation adjustments

    (41,316     (111,701     (1,830,684     121,010        (1,727,211     19,717        (281,424
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

    (116,348,206     (124,488,210     (130,544,400     (123,270,511     (177,507,251     (20,085,135     (28,922,224

Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (4,953,109     (6,374,414     (12,621,017     (9,196,148     (7,356,438     (1,498,378     (1,198,625
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares

    (111,395,097     (118,113,796     (117,923,383     (114,074,363     (170,150,813     (18,586,757     (27,723,599
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to holders of ordinary shares per share

             

- Basic and diluted

    (4.55     (4.82     (4.73     (4.79     (7.34     (0.78     (1.20
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

             

- Basic and diluted

    24,459,891        24,474,211        24,518,298        23,838,496        22,850,083        23,838,496        22,850,083   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 


THE9 LIMITED

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS INFORMATION

(Expressed in Renminbi - RMB and US Dollars - US$)

 

     As at  
     December 31, 2012     March 31, 2013     June 30, 2013     March 31, 2013     June 30, 2013  
     RMB     RMB     RMB     US$     US$  

Assets

          

Current Assets

          

Cash and cash equivalents

     554,278,809        432,629,134        321,210,487        70,490,621        52,336,574   

Short term investment

     877,350        279,150        55,830        45,483        9,097   

Accounts receivable

     15,621,678        19,437,139        19,990,552        3,166,999        3,257,169   

Due from related parties

     —          —          163,863        —          26,699   

Advances to suppliers

     2,094,525        3,079,581        6,364,475        501,773        1,036,999   

Prepayments and other current assets

     76,022,204        49,836,458        55,009,071        8,120,125        8,962,927   

Prepaid royalties

     14,820,331        14,781,163        12,051,430        2,408,375        1,963,605   

Deferred costs

     900,961        834,692        2,493,128        136,001        406,219   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     664,615,858        520,877,317        417,338,836        84,869,377        67,999,289   

Restricted cash

     737,959        737,959        700,000        120,240        114,055   

Investments in equity investees

     76,017,792        80,245,745        52,674,765        13,074,876        8,582,586   

Available-for-sale investments

     6,285,500        6,268,900        —          1,021,426        —     

Property, equipment and software

     64,575,315        62,002,915        60,630,081        10,102,473        9,878,789   

Goodwill

     10,011,247        9,984,807        9,841,141        1,626,879        1,603,471   

Intangible assets

     155,049,811        149,080,004        143,147,821        24,290,417        23,323,854   

Land use right

     74,115,115        73,634,888        73,154,660        11,997,733        11,919,487   

Other long-term assets

     60,936,775        51,305,441        50,207,883        8,359,475        8,180,644   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

     1,112,345,372        954,137,976        807,695,187        155,462,896        131,602,175   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

          

Current Liabilities

          

Accounts payable

     54,947,197        41,236,041        55,715,695        6,718,813        9,078,062   

Other taxes payable

     4,148,647        2,681,563        4,369,145        436,922        711,889   

Advances from customers

     17,878,053        19,502,390        17,813,636        3,177,631        2,902,473   

Deferred revenue

     20,255,327        23,711,065        30,035,379        3,863,373        4,893,828   

Refund of game points

     169,998,682        169,998,682        169,998,682        27,698,811        27,698,811   

Other payables and accruals

     50,484,656        42,607,932        45,814,808        6,942,342        7,464,856   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     317,712,562        299,737,673        323,747,345        48,837,892        52,749,919   

Long-term accounts payable

     39,912,925        39,807,515        39,234,745        6,486,055        6,392,731   

Deferred tax liabilities, non-current

     5,508,341        5,493,793        5,414,746        895,134        882,254   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     363,133,828        345,038,981        368,396,836        56,219,081        60,024,904   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Equity

          

Common shares (US$0.01 par value; 24,484,634 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2012, 23,080,797 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2013, 22,830,431 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2013)

     1,997,390        1,882,919        1,862,254        306,794        303,427   

Additional paid-in capital

     2,148,416,134        2,131,822,657        2,139,927,380        347,349,473        348,670,020   

Statutory reserves

     28,071,982        28,071,982        28,071,982        4,573,921        4,573,921   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (6,710,971     (6,690,758     (9,035,173     (1,090,162     (1,472,150

Accumulated deficit

     (1,386,308,302     (1,500,402,878     (1,668,209,276     (244,468,811     (271,810,422
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The9 Limited shareholders’ equity

     785,466,233        654,683,922        492,617,167        106,671,215        80,264,796   

Noncontrolling interests

     (36,254,689     (45,584,927     (53,318,816     (7,427,400     (8,687,525
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     749,211,544        609,098,995        439,298,351        99,243,815        71,577,271   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

     1,112,345,372        954,137,976        807,695,187        155,462,896        131,602,175