Phoenix New Media Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2015 Unaudited Financial Results

BEIJING, March 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix New Media Limited (NYSE: FENG), a leading new media company in China ("Phoenix New Media", "ifeng" or the "Company"), today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

"I'm glad to announce that we beat our guidance for the quarter and close out a challenging year on solid footing despite of numerous headwinds," stated Mr. Shuang Liu, CEO of Phoenix New Media. "In late 2015, we adjusted and solidified our business strategy to characterize our strategic foray into the emerging frontiers of news delivery, consumption and targeted digital advertising solutions. Through these strategic initiatives, we expect to continue to lead in the development and implementation of cutting-edge targeting technologies that more accurately match users with their desired content and advertisers with their target audience. By staying at the forefront of this rapid evolution in the consumption of news and broader interest-based content, our goal is to build upon our core media DNA and proprietary content expertise in order to continue to provide our users with the high-quality content they've come to expect from us and our advertisers with the enhanced advertising solutions they have come to demand."

Mr. Ya Li, president of Phoenix New Media, stated, "Though 2015 was a tough year for PC advertising, we are excited about the development of our suite of mobile products, which carry enormous monetization potential down the road. The number of average daily active user of Yidian Zixun had grown 4 times year-over-year to over 20 million by the end of 2015. As we continue to amass a larger and stickier user community for our mobile products, we are simultaneously developing personalized, interest-based advertising solutions which we aim to implement later this year. With the soft macroeconomic outlook and the ongoing mobile transition, it is likely that we will continue facing challenges, but we are optimistic about the future potential of our business."

Fourth Quarter 2015 Financial Results

REVENUES

Total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2015 were RMB430.8 million (US$66.5 million), as compared to RMB438.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Net advertising revenues (net of advertising agency service fees) for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased by 2.3% to RMB346.2 million (US$53.4 million) from RMB338.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to the 118.2% year-over-year growth in mobile advertising revenues,  which was partially offset by the decrease in PC advertising revenues.

Paid service revenues for the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased by 15.0% to RMB84.6 million (US$13.1 million) from RMB99.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to the decrease of mobile value-added services ("MVAS")[1] revenue, which decreased by 15.0% to RMB59.6 million (US$9.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2015 from RMB70.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Revenues from games and others[2] for the fourth quarter of 2015 were RMB25.0 million (US$3.9 million), as compared to RMB29.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The decrease in revenues from games and others was primarily due to a decrease in revenues generated from web-based games on the Company's game platform.

COST OF REVENUES AND GROSS PROFIT

Cost of revenues for the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB207.0 million (US$32.0 million), as compared to RMB207.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. The slight decrease in cost of revenues was primarily due to decreases in content and operational costs, bandwidth costs and sales taxes and surcharges, offset by an increase in revenue sharing fees. Revenue sharing fees to telecom operators and channel partners in the fourth quarter of 2015 increased to RMB46.6 million (US$7.2 million) from RMB35.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, mainly due to the increased sales of higher revenue sharing products. Content and operational costs for the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased to RMB106.6 million (US$16.5 million) from RMB114.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, due to the decrease in share-based compensation. Bandwidth costs for the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased to RMB19.7 million (US$3.0 million) from RMB21.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Sales taxes and surcharges for the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased to RMB34.2 million (US$5.3 million) from RMB35.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Share-based compensation included in cost of revenues was negative RMB7.3 million (negative US$1.1 million) in the fourth quarter of 2015, as compared to RMB5.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to adjustment of the estimated forfeiture rate of share-based awards.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB223.7 million (US$34.5 million), as compared to RMB230.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2015 was 51.9% as compared to 52.7% in the fourth quarter of 2014. Adjusted gross margin[3], which excludes share-based compensation, for the fourth quarter of 2015 was 50.2%, as compared to 53.9% in the fourth quarter of 2014.

OPERATING EXPENSES AND INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2015 were RMB186.7 million (US$28.8 million), as compared to RMB187.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Share-based compensation included in operating expenses was RMB1.3 million (US$0.2 million) in the fourth quarter of 2015, as compared to RMB10.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, primarily due to adjustment of the estimated forfeiture rate of share-based awards.

Adjusted income from operations for the fourth quarter of 2015, which excludes share-based compensation, was RMB31.1 million (US$4.8 million), as compared to RMB59.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Adjusted operating margin for the fourth quarter of 2015, which excludes share-based compensation, was 7.2%, as compared to 13.6% in the fourth quarter of 2014. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in adjusted gross margin and the increase in mobile traffic acquisition expenses and bad debt provision.

Income from operations for the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB37.0 million (US$5.7 million), as compared to RMB43.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Operating margin for the fourth quarter of 2015 was 8.6%, as compared to 9.9% in the fourth quarter of 2014.

OTHER INCOME/(LOSS)

Other income/(loss) reflects interest income, net, foreign currency exchange gain or loss, loss from equity investments, impairment of equity investments and others, net[4]. Total other income for the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB10.8 million (US$1.7 million), as compared to RMB13.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Loss from equity investments for the fourth quarter of 2015 decreased to RMB0.15 million (US$0.02 million) from RMB7.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Interest income, net, for the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB6.8 million (US$1.0 million), as compared to RMB9.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Foreign currency exchange gain for the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB0.7 million (US$0.1 million), as compared to RMB0.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Impairment of equity investments was RMB9.6 million (US$1.5 million) for the fourth quarter of 2015, which was primarily due to the impairment of equity investments in Lifeix Inc. and Shenzhen Fenghuang Jingcai Network Technology Co., Ltd.

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PHOENIX NEW MEDIA LIMITED

Adjusted net income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited for the fourth quarter of 2015, which excludes share-based compensation, loss from equity investments and impairment of equity investments, was RMB44.9 million (US$6.9 million), as compared to RMB62.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Adjusted net margin for the fourth quarter of 2015 was 10.4%, as compared to 14.3% in the fourth quarter of 2014. Adjusted net income per diluted ADS[5] in the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB0.62 (US$0.10), as compared to RMB0.84 in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Net income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited for the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB41.1 million (US$6.3 million), as compared to RMB46.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2014. Net margin for the fourth quarter of 2015 was 9.5% as compared to 10.7% in the fourth quarter of 2014. Net income per diluted ADS in the fourth quarter of 2015 was RMB0.57 (US$0.09), as compared to RMB0.63 in the fourth quarter of 2014.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company's cash and cash equivalents, term deposits and short term investments and restricted cash were RMB1.21 billion (US$186.1 million).

For the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company's weighted average number of ADSs used in the computation of diluted net income per ADS was 72,328,186. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had a total of 570,576,214 ordinary shares outstanding, or the equivalent of 71,322,027 ADSs.

Fiscal Year 2015 Financial Results

REVENUES

Total revenues for fiscal year 2015 were RMB1.61 billion (US$248.4 million), as compared to RMB1.64 billion in fiscal year 2014.

Net advertising revenues (net of advertising agency service fees) for fiscal year 2015 increased by 3.1% to RMB1.23 billion (US$189.3 million) from RMB1.19 billion in fiscal year 2014. This increase was primarily due to the 114.2% year-over-year growth in mobile advertising revenues, which was partially offset by the decrease in PC advertising revenues. Total number of advertisers increased by 15.2% to 705 in 2015 while average revenue per advertiser ("ARPA") decreased by 10.5% to RMB1.74million (US$0.3 million) in 2015.

Paid service revenues for fiscal year 2015 decreased by 14.5% to RMB382.7 million (US$59.1 million) from RMB447.7 million in fiscal year 2014. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in revenues generated from mobile value-added services with telecom operators and web-based games on the Company's game platform.

COST OF REVENUES AND GROSS PROFIT

Cost of revenues for fiscal year 2015 were RMB829.4 million (US$128.0 million), as compared to RMB781.6 million in fiscal year 2014. The increase in cost of revenues was mainly due to increased revenue sharing fees and content and operational costs. Share-based compensation included in cost of revenues was RMB6.3 million (US$0.98 million) in fiscal year 2015, compared to RMB16.3 million in fiscal year 2014. The decrease in share-based compensation included in cost of revenues was mainly due to adjustment of the estimated forfeiture rate of share-based awards.

Gross profit for fiscal year 2015 was RMB779.8 million (US$120.4 million), as compared to RMB856.2 million in fiscal year 2014. Gross margin for fiscal year 2015 was 48.5%, as compared to 52.3% in fiscal year 2014. The decrease was mainly due to increased revenue sharing fees, and content and operational costs. Adjusted gross margin, which excludes share-based compensation, for fiscal year 2015 was 48.9%, as compared to 53.3% in fiscal year 2014.

OPERATING EXPENSES AND INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

Total operating expenses for fiscal year 2015 were RMB700.8 million (US$108.2 million), as compared to RMB618.6 million in fiscal year 2014. The increase in operating expenses was primarily attributable to the increase in expenses associated with mobile traffic acquisition and bad debt provision. Share-based compensation included in operating expenses decreased to RMB28.0 million (US$4.3 million) in fiscal year 2015 from RMB36.9 million in fiscal year 2014.

Adjusted income from operations, which excludes share-based compensation, for fiscal year 2015 was RMB113.3 million (US$17.5 million), as compared to RMB290.8 million in fiscal year 2014. Adjusted operating margin for fiscal year 2015 was 7.0%, as compared to 17.8% in fiscal year 2014. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in adjusted gross margin and the increase in mobile traffic acquisition expenses and bad debt provision.

Income from operations for fiscal year 2015 was RMB79.0 million (US$12.2 million), as compared to RMB237.6 million in fiscal year 2014. Operating margin for fiscal year 2015 was 4.9%, as compared to 14.5% in fiscal year 2014.

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO PHOENIX NEW MEDIA LIMITED

Adjusted net income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited for fiscal year 2015, which excludes share-based compensation, loss from equity investments, gain on disposition of subsidiaries and acquisition of equity investments, gain on disposal of an equity investment and acquisition of available-for-sale securities and impairment of equity investments, was RMB145.2 million (US$22.4 million), as compared to RMB305.2 million in fiscal year 2014. Adjusted net margin for fiscal year 2015 was 9.0%, as compared to 18.6% in fiscal year 2014. Adjusted net income per diluted ADS for fiscal year 2015 was RMB2.00 (US$0.31), as compared to RMB3.97 in fiscal year 2014.

Net income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited for fiscal year 2015 was RMB73.6 million (US$11.4 million), as compared to RMB263.1 million in fiscal year 2014. Net margin for fiscal year 2015 was 4.6%, as compared to 16.1% in fiscal year 2014. Net income per diluted ADS for fiscal year 2015 was RMB1.01 (US$0.16), as compared to RMB3.42 in fiscal year 2014. 

Business Outlook

For the first quarter of 2016, the Company expects its total revenues to be between RMB290 million and RMB305 million. Net advertising revenues are expected to be between RMB245 million and RMB255 million. Paid service revenues are expected to be between RMB45 million and RMB50 million. These forecasts reflect the Company's current and preliminary view on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.

Conference Call Information

The Company will hold a conference call at 8:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on March 8, 2016 (March 9, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Beijing / Hong Kong time) to discuss its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2015 unaudited financial results and operating performance.

To participate in the call, please use the dial-in numbers and conference ID below:

A replay of the call will be available through March 16, 2016 by using the dial-in numbers and conference ID below:

A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.ifeng.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), Phoenix New Media Limited uses adjusted gross profit, adjusted gross margin, adjusted income from operations, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited, adjusted net margin and adjusted net income per diluted ADS, each of which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted gross profit is gross profit excluding share-based compensation. Adjusted gross margin is adjusted gross profit divided by total revenues. Adjusted income from operations is income from operations excluding share-based compensation. Adjusted operating margin is adjusted income from operations divided by total revenues. Adjusted net income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited is net income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited excluding share-based compensation, loss from equity investments, gain on disposition of subsidiaries and acquisition of equity investments, gain on disposal of an equity investment and acquisition of available-for-sale securities, and impairment of equity investments. Adjusted net margin is adjusted net income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited divided by total revenues. Adjusted net income per diluted ADS is adjusted net income attributable to Phoenix New Media Limited divided by weighted average number of diluted ADSs. The Company believes that separate analysis and exclusion of the non-cash impact of share-based compensation, loss from equity investments, gain on disposition of subsidiaries and acquisition of equity investments, gain on disposal of an equity investment and acquisition of available-for-sale securities, impairment of equity investments add clarity to the constituent parts of its performance. The Company reviews adjusted net income together with net income to obtain a better understanding of its operating performance. It uses these non-GAAP financial measures for planning, forecasting and measuring results against the forecast. The Company believes that using multiple measures to evaluate its business allows both management and investors to assess the Company's performance against its competitors. The Company also believes that non-GAAP financial measures are useful supplemental information for investors and analysts to assess its operating performance without the effect of non-cash share-based compensation, impairment of equity investments, gain on disposition of subsidiaries and acquisition of equity investments, loss from equity investments and gain on disposal of an equity investment and acquisition of available-for-sale securities. Share-based compensation and loss from equity investments have been and will continue to be significant and recurring in its business. However, the use of non-GAAP financial measures has material limitations as an analytical tool. One of the limitations of using non-GAAP financial measures is that they do not include all items that impact the Company's net income for the period. In addition, because non-GAAP financial measures are not measured in the same manner by all companies, they may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures used by other companies. In light of the foregoing limitations, you should not consider non-GAAP financial measure in isolation from, or as an alternative to, the financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Exchange Rate

This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars ("USD") at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations from RMB to USD were made at the rate of RMB6.4778 to US$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on December 31, 2015 in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or USD amounts referred could be converted into USD or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. For analytical presentation, all percentages are calculated using the numbers presented in the financial statements contained in this earnings release.

About Phoenix New Media Limited

Phoenix New Media Limited (NYSE: FENG) is a leading new media company providing premium content on an integrated platform across Internet, mobile and TV channels in China. Having originated from a leading global Chinese language TV network based in Hong Kong, Phoenix TV, the Company enables consumers to access professional news and other quality information and share user-generated content on the Internet and through their mobile devices. Phoenix New Media's platform includes its ifeng.com channel, consisting of its ifeng.com website and web-based game platform, its video channel, comprised of its dedicated video vertical and mobile video services, and its mobile channel, including its mobile Internet website, mobile applications and mobile value-added services.

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 announcement, as well as Phoenix New Media's strategic and operational plans, contain forward−looking statements. Phoenix New Media may also make written or oral forward−looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Forms 20−F and 6−K, 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 Phoenix New Media's beliefs and expectations, are forward−looking statements. Forward−looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward−looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of online and mobile advertising, online video and mobile paid services markets in China; the Company's reliance on online and mobile advertising and MVAS for a majority of its total revenues; the Company's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its services; the Company's expectations regarding maintaining and strengthening its relationships with advertisers, partners and customers; fluctuations in the Company's quarterly operating results; the Company's plans to enhance its user experience, infrastructure and services offerings; the Company's reliance on mobile operators in China to provide most of its MVAS; changes by mobile operators in China to their policies for MVAS; competition in its industry in China; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the SEC, including its registration statement on Form F−1, as amended, and its annual reports on Form 20−F. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Phoenix New Media does not undertake any obligation to update any forward−looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries please contact:

Phoenix New Media Limited
Matthew Zhao
Email: [email protected]

ICR, Inc.
In Beijing, China: Charles Eveslage
In New York City: Vera Tang
Tel: +1 (646) 277-1215
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Phoenix New Media Limited