SHANGHAI, March 5 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Giant Interactive Group Inc.
(NYSE: GA) ("Giant" or "the Company"), one of China's leading online game developers and operators, announced today its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
Fourth Quarter 2009 Highlights:
-- Net revenue was RMB276.0 million (US$40.4 million), compared to
RMB290.2 million in the third quarter 2009 and RMB353.1 million in the
fourth quarter 2008.
-- Gross profit was RMB231.6 million (US$33.9 million), compared to
RMB244.8 million in the third quarter 2009 and RMB296.5 million in the
fourth quarter 2008. Gross profit margin for the fourth quarter 2009
was 83.9%.
-- Net income attributable to the Company's shareholders was
RMB197.8 million (US$29.0 million), compared to RMB197.7 million in the
third quarter 2009 and RMB290.3 million in the fourth quarter 2008. The
margin of net income attributable to the Company's shareholders for the
fourth quarter 2009 was 71.7%.
-- Basic and diluted earnings per American Depositary Share ("ADS") were
RMB0.87 (US$0.13) and RMB0.85 (US$0.12), respectively, compared to
basic and diluted earnings per ADS of RMB1.26 and RMB1.23, respectively,
for the fourth quarter 2008, and basic and diluted earnings per ADS of
RMB0.87 and RMB0.84, respectively, for the third quarter 2009. Each ADS
represents one ordinary share.
-- Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company's shareholders
excluding non-cash share-based compensation was RMB204.5 million
(US$30.0 million), compared to RMB205.4 million in the third quarter
2009 and RMB298.3 million in the fourth quarter 2008. The margin of
non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company's shareholders
excluding non-cash share-based compensation was 74.1%.
-- Basic and diluted non-GAAP earnings excluding non-cash share-based
compensation per ADS were RMB0.90 (US$0.13) and RMB0.87 (US$0.13),
respectively, compared to basic and diluted non-GAAP earnings per ADS
of RMB1.29 and RMB1.26, respectively, for the fourth quarter 2008, and
basic and diluted non-GAAP earnings per ADS of RMB0.91 and RMB0.88,
respectively, for the third quarter 2009.
-- Active Paying Accounts ("APA") for online games(1) in the fourth
quarter 2009 reached 1,138,000, an increase of 2.7% from the third
quarter 2009 and a decrease of 11.8% from the fourth quarter 2008.
-- Average Revenue Per User ("ARPU") for online games(1) was RMB240.5, a
decrease of 7.3% from the third quarter 2009 and a decrease of 11.8%
from the fourth quarter 2008.
-- Average Concurrent Users ("ACU") for online games(1) was 485,000, an
increase of 14.0% from the third quarter 2009 and a decrease of 12.7%
from the fourth quarter 2008.
-- Peak Concurrent Users ("PCU") for online games(1) was 1,391,000, an
increase of 8.6% from the third quarter 2009 and a decrease of 7.6%
from the fourth quarter 2008.
Fiscal Year 2009 Highlights:
Compared to fiscal year 2008 results,
-- Net revenue decreased 18.2% to RMB1,303.8 million (US$191.0 million).
-- Gross profit decreased 20.1% to RMB1,099.8 million (US$161.1 million).
-- Net income attributable to the Company's shareholders decreased 22.8%
to RMB859.3 million (US$125.9 million).
-- Basic and diluted net income per ADS decreased 18.3% and 18.3%,
respectively, to RMB3.80 (US$0.56) and RMB3.67 (US$0.54), respectively.
-- Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company's shareholders
excluding non-cash share-based compensation decreased 23.3% to
RMB889.9 million (US$130.4 million).
-- Basic and diluted non-GAAP net income excluding non-cash share-based
compensation per ADS decreased 18.8% and 18.8%, respectively, to
RMB3.93 (US$0.58) and RMB3.80 (US$0.56), respectively.
Mr. Yuzhu Shi, Giant's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented, "Although our financial results in the second half of 2009 were adversely impacted by the cancellation of ‘Treasure Box’ monetization features within ZT Online, we are beginning to see signs of recovery in our key performance metrics driven by our segmentation strategy and commitment to innovative gameplay. Since the launch of limited closed beta testing in October 2009, our ZT Online Green Edition has quickly gained traction among China's online gamers and has achieved robust ACU and PCU levels. Ongoing enhancements and the addition of new features to ZT Online have also helped stabilize user levels and contributed to a rebound in players within our flagship game.
"While our strategic initiatives to reach a broader, more diverse audience will ultimately improve the vitality and sustainability of the ZT Online family of games, we are also actively developing new potential growth drivers through our pipeline, partnerships and licensing opportunities. In recent months, we have partnered with Astrum Nival to expand ZT Online's geographic footprint into Russia and bolstered our own game pipeline by becoming the exclusive operator of Allods Online in China. With a healthy ZT Online series and a number of new products slated for release in the coming year, we believe the first quarter of 2010 will lay the foundation for a return to sustainable growth in 2010."
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2009 Unaudited Financial Results
Net Revenue. Net revenue for the fourth quarter 2009 was RMB276.0 million (US$40.4 million), representing a 4.9% decrease from RMB290.2 million in the third quarter 2009 and a 21.8% decrease from RMB353.1 million in the fourth quarter 2008.
Net revenue decreased 18.2% to RMB1,303.8 million (US$191.0 million) for the fiscal year 2009, from RMB1,594.7 million in 2008.
Revenue from online games(1) in the fourth quarter totaled RMB273.7 million (US$40.1 million), representing a decrease of 4.8% from RMB287.5 million in the third quarter 2009 and a 22.2% decrease from RMB351.9 million in the fourth quarter 2008. Online game net revenue decreased sequentially and
year-over-year quarterly as ZT Online experienced continued pressure from the cancellation of selected in-game monetization features, such as "Treasure Box," during the third quarter 2009.
ACU for online games(1) in the fourth quarter 2009 was 485,000, representing a 14.0% sequential increase and a 12.7% decrease over the fourth quarter 2008. PCU for online games(1) in the fourth quarter 2009 was 1,391,000, representing an 8.6% sequential increase and a 7.6% decrease over the fourth quarter 2008. ACU and PCU were up on a sequential basis due to increased interest and usage for the newly launched games such as ZT Online Green Edition. ARPU for online games(1) in the fourth quarter 2009 decreased 7.3% sequentially and 11.8% year-over-year quarterly to RMB240.5. The sequential decline in ARPU in the fourth quarter of 2009 is attributable to the launch of new games geared toward users with lower spending habits. APA for online games(1) in the fourth quarter 2009 increased 2.7% sequentially and decreased 11.8% from the fourth quarter 2008 to 1,138,000. The sequential increase in APA is attributable to users subscribing for paying accounts within the Company's newly launched games. The year-over-year quarterly decreases in operating metrics were primarily attributable to the cancellation of “Treasure Box” monetization features within ZT Online during the third quarter 2009.
Cost of Services. Cost of services was RMB44.4 million (US$6.5 million), representing a decrease of 2.2% from the third quarter 2009 and a 21.6% decrease over the fourth quarter 2008. The sequential decrease in cost of services was primarily due to a slight decrease in business tax and the Company's continuous efforts to control operating costs such as IDC expenses.
Cost of services decreased 6.3% to RMB204.1 million (US$29.9 million) for the fiscal year 2009, from RMB217.9 million in 2008. This decrease was primarily attributable to the decrease in business tax resulting from lower sales of prepaid game cards and more stringent cost control in IDC costs and other operating expenses.
Gross Profit and Gross Margin. Gross profit for the fourth quarter 2009 was RMB231.6 million (US$33.9 million), representing a 5.4% sequential decrease and a 21.9% year-over-year quarterly decrease. Gross margin for the fourth quarter 2009 was 83.9%, down slightly from 84.3% in the third quarter 2009 and in line with 84.0% in the fourth quarter 2008.
Gross profit fell to RMB1,099.8 million (US$161.1 million) for the fiscal year 2009, from RMB1,376.8 million in 2008, caused by the decrease in net revenue. Gross margin for the fiscal year 2009 was 84.3%, compared with 86.3% in 2008.
Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter 2009 were RMB55.8 million (US$8.2 million), representing an increase of 5.0% from RMB53.1 million in the third quarter 2009 and a decline of 32.7% from RMB82.9 million in the fourth quarter 2008. The sequential increase in operating expenses is mainly attributable to higher R&D expenditure and increased sales and marketing expenses.
For the fiscal year 2009, total operating expenses decreased 34.9% to RMB265.9 million (US$39.0 million) from RMB408.8 million in 2008, as the Company raised the effectiveness and efficiency of marketing resources and cut back its sales and marketing spending. Also, due to stringent cost controls, G&A expenses decreased in fiscal year 2009. These decreases more than offset the increase in R&D spending, which was used to broaden the Company's game pipeline.
Research and product development ("R&D") expenses for the fourth quarter 2009 increased 12.2% sequentially to RMB27.5 million (US$4.0 million) from RMB24.5 million in the third quarter 2009 and 9.3% year-over-year quarterly from RMB25.2 million in the fourth quarter 2008. The sequential rise in R&D expenses was mainly due to the increase in staff headcount as additional R&D talents were hired for the development of new game projects. For the fiscal year 2009, R&D expenses increased 28.0% to RMB113.4 million (US$16.6 million) from RMB88.5 million in 2008 as the R&D department expanded to accommodate additional product development and existing game enhancements.
Sales and marketing ("S&M") expenses were RMB34.8 million (US$5.1 million) in the fourth quarter 2009, up 14.5% sequentially from RMB30.4 million in the third quarter 2009, as the Company spent more on advertisements and marketing campaigns for the promotion of ZT Online Green Edition. However, S&M expenses were down 23.4% year-over-year quarterly from RMB45.4 million in the fourth quarter 2008, as the Company exercised tighter cost controls over S&M liaison personnel and implemented more streamlined advertising campaigns compared to a year ago. For fiscal year 2009, S&M expenses were RMB119.6 million (US$17.5 million), down 50.5% from RMB241.6 million for fiscal year 2008, as the Company enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of its marketing expenditure throughout the year.
General and administrative expenses ("G&A") for the fourth quarter 2009 were RMB33.2 million (US$4.9 million), up 23.3% sequentially from RMB26.9 million in the third quarter 2009, but down 20.7% from RMB41.8 million in the fourth quarter 2008. The sequential rise was mainly caused by an increase in consulting fees and year-end human resources-related expenditures. The
year-over-year quarterly decrease in G&A expenses was mainly attributable to management's strict control of expenses. For fiscal year 2009, G&A expenses decreased 14.3% to RMB121.4 million (US$17.8 million) from RMB141.8 million in fiscal year 2008, caused by the decrease of consulting fees and option expenses due to the implementation of the accelerated amortization method.
Financial Incentive. The financial incentive, which mainly relates to sales tax received from the municipal government, was RMB39.7 million (US$5.8 million) in the fourth quarter 2009. This refund mainly relates to the sales tax accounted for in the Company's cost of services and is treated as a deduction in operating expenses. The total financial incentive received for fiscal year 2009 increased to RMB88.5 million from RMB63.1 million in 2008.
Interest Income. Interest income for the fourth quarter 2009 was RMB30.1 million (US$4.4 million), compared to RMB23.1 million in the third quarter 2009 and RMB41.3 million in the fourth quarter 2008. The sequential increase in interest income was mainly due to the Company's efforts to more efficiently manage short-term and held-to-maturity securities, while the year-over-year quarterly decrease was primarily caused by a decline in the market interest rate.
For the fiscal year 2009, interest income decreased to RMB102.2 million (US$15.0 million) from RMB185.0 million in fiscal year 2008, which was mainly attributable to the decrease in market interest rates.
Income Tax. Income tax expense for the fourth quarter 2009 was RMB15.3 million (US$2.2 million), compared to income tax expense of RMB18.1 million in the third quarter 2009 and income tax benefit of RMB34.9 million in the fourth quarter 2008. Income tax expense for fiscal year 2009 was RMB85.1 million (US$ 12.5 million).
Net Income Attributable to the Company's Shareholders. Net income attributable to the Company's shareholders for the fourth quarter 2009 was RMB197.8 million (US$29.0 million), in line with RMB197.7 million in the third quarter 2009 and a year-over-year quarterly decrease of 31.9% from RMB290.3 million. Net income declined from the same period last year as the Company remained in a transitional period following the cancellation of certain monetization features in ZT Online during the third quarter 2009. The margin of net income attributable to the Company's shareholders was 71.7% for the fourth quarter 2009, compared to 68.1% in the third quarter 2009 and 82.2% in the fourth quarter 2008.
For fiscal year 2009, net income attributable to the Company's shareholders decreased 22.9% to RMB859.3 million (US$125.9 million), from RMB1,113.6 million in 2008. Net income margin declined to 65.9% for the fiscal year 2009, as compared to 69.8% in 2008.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Short-Term Investments and Held-To-Maturity Investments. As of December 31, 2009, Giant's cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and held-to-maturity securities totaled RMB5,399.2 million (US$791.0 million), compared to RMB5,179.4 million as of September 30, 2009. The sequential increase consists of cash generated by the Company's operating business.
Share Repurchase Program. In August 2009, the Board of Directors terminated the share repurchase plan authorized in August 2008 and approved a new share repurchase plan, authorizing the Company to repurchase up to US$150.0 million of its ADSs. Under this share repurchase plan, the Company may repurchase its shares under one year, unless further extended or shortened by the Board of Directors within one year, as under the board resolution and as defined by SEC regulations. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had not repurchased any shares under this new plan.
(1) Online games includes nine games that are currently operated by the
Company
Business Highlights and Outlook
ZT Online - The Company continued enhancing the original ZT Online by reducing redundant in-game tasks, upgrading the skill system, creating a new map, and introducing the baby-sitter system. New shards were added in ZT Online Classic Edition that simplify certain gaming experiences, such as relieving the burden of redundant tasks and lowering the difficulty of acquiring certain equipment. ZT Online Green Edition, which surpassed 200,000 PCU during limited closed beta testing with persistent accounts and monetization features, entered into closed beta testing and joint operation with Tencent at the end of December. During closed beta testing, ZT Online Green Edition surpassed 300,000 PCU. The Company plans to launch open beta testing at the end of the first quarter 2010.
Giant Online - During the fourth quarter 2009, various new features such as a parenthood system and a robotic pet system were introduced. Numerous
in-game activities were added during the holiday season, and generated more interest from gamers. The Company is now optimizing the state system and believes this will better cater to the current needs of gamers and stabilize the number of concurrent players.
King of Kings III - Since the fourth quarter 2009, King of Kings III has been under limited closed beta testing with persistent accounts and monetization features. During this phase, the Company unlocked higher character ranks and enhanced other content, in order to improve playability and user churn rates. King of Kings III is currently scheduled to begin open beta testing near the beginning of the second quarter 2010.
ZT Online II - ZT Online II will feature greatly improved 2D technology and graphics with more vibrant colors and artwork. The game will also incorporate a revised in-game economy, enriched task systems and new types of gameplay. In January 2010, the Company conducted limited internal testing and plans to proceed to engineering testing at the end of the second quarter of 2010.
Dragon Soul - Dragon Soul is a 3D ancient Chinese PK massively multiplayer online role playing game ("MMORPG") developed by the Company's internal R&D team based in Chengdu, Sichuan. Efforts in the fourth quarter 2009 were focused on developing in-depth PVP gameplay for the state battle system, improving the server capacity and other game details. In the first quarter, 2010, Dragon Soul began limited closed beta testing with persistent user accounts and monetization features. Closed beta testing is expected to begin during the third quarter 2010.
The Golden Land - The Golden Land officially underwent limited closed beta testing with persistent accounts and monetization features in the fourth quarter 2009, with focus mainly on testing and enhancement of monetization features and gameplay associated with mid- and long-term in-game pursuits. Currently, additional features are under development and a revised version is expected in the first quarter 2010.
Win@Giant Program -
-- XT Online-Since the start of limited closed beta testing with
persistent user accounts and monetization features in the fourth
quarter 2009, the Company has been continuously improving the
interactive gameplay features and fine-tuning the economy system. XT
Online recently entered into the ultimate limited closed beta testing
phase and is expected to unlock the new content for level 100
characters and undergo further beta testing to accommodate a larger
scale of gamers.
-- My Sweetie - The Company continued to update the game, including
festive content and activities during the holiday season. The Company
is also developing another version of My Sweetie that will feature
combat and an upgraded client-end engine that supports full-screen play.
Instance dungeons are currently being added.
Allods Online - Allods Online is a free-to-play MMORPG developed by Astrum Nival, LLC ("Astrum Nival"), a studio owned by Mail.Ru Inc. ("Mail.Ru"). The Company recently signed an exclusive agreement with Mail.Ru to operate Allods Online in mainland China. Allods Online is currently operated in the Russian speaking markets, and is under closed beta testing in Europe and USA. Over the coming months, Giant will localize and tailor the game to Chinese gamers' preferences in advance of expected commercial launch in late 2010.
First Quarter 2010 Guidance-Throughout the fourth quarter 2009, the Company was encouraged by signs of increasing stability and positive growth momentum in the performance of ZT Online as the effects from the cancellation of “Treasure Box” diminished. Supported by a strengthening ZT Online and expected contributions from new games such as ZT Online Green Edition, the Company anticipates a return to sustainable top-line growth in the first quarter 2010. However, Giant does not expect profit to move in-line with revenues in the near term due to an expected reduction in contribution from certain non-operating factors such as financial incentive.
Conference Call
Giant's senior management will host a conference call on March 4, 2010 at 8:00 pm (US Eastern Standard Time) / 5:00 pm (US Pacific Standard Time) / 9:00 am (Beijing Time on March 5) to discuss its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2009 financial results and recent business activity. The conference call may be accessed by calling +1 866 272 9941 (for callers in the US), +86 (10) 800 852 1490 (for callers in Southern China), +86 (10) 152 1490 (for callers in Northern China) or +1 617 213 8895 (for callers outside of the US and China) and entering pass code 51568491.
A recording of the conference call will be available starting 11: 00 pm (US Eastern Standard Time) on March 4, 2010, by calling +1 (888) 286 - 8010 (for callers in the US) or +1 (617) 801 - 6888 (for callers outside the US) and entering pass code 43196348.
A live webcast of the conference call and replay will be available on the investor relations page of Giant Interactive Group's website at
http://www.ga-me.com/earningsannouncements.php .
Currency Convenience Translation
This release contains translations of certain Renminbi (RMB) amounts into US dollars (US$) at the rate of US$1.00 to RMB6.8259, which was the noon buying rate as of December 31, 2009 in the City of New York for cable transfers in Renminbi per US dollar as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The Company makes no representation that the Renminbi or US dollar amounts referred to in this release could have been, or could be, converted into US dollars at such rate or at all.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Giant has reported net income attributable to the Company's shareholders for the period indicated below on a non-GAAP basis excluding non-cash
share-based compensation. Giant believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing the performance of Giant and when planning and forecasting future periods. Giant computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter.
Readers are cautioned not to view non-GAAP results on a stand-alone basis or as a substitute for results under GAAP, or as being comparable to results reported or forecasted by other companies, and should refer to the reconciliation of GAAP results with non-GAAP results in the attached financial information.
The table below sets forth the reconciliation of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures for the indicated periods:
Giant Interactive Group, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP (Unaudited)
Three months ended
December September December December
31, 2008 30, 2009 31, 2009 31, 2009
(RMB) (RMB) (RMB) (US$)
GAAP net income
attributable to the
Company's
shareholders: 290,260,391 197,735,865 197,785,813 28,975,785
Share-based
compensation 8,009,045 7,640,287 6,710,277 983,061
Non-GAAP net income
attributable to the
Company's
shareholders: 298,269,436 205,376,152 204,496,090 29,958,846
Non-GAAP earnings per
share:
Basic 1.29 0.91 0.90 0.13
Diluted 1.26 0.88 0.87 0.13
Weighted average
ordinary shares:
Basic 230,589,753 226,453,309 226,732,894 226,732,894
Diluted 236,878,192 234,274,321 233,930,367 233,930,367
For the year ended
December December December
31, 2008 31, 2009 31, 2009
(RMB) (RMB) (US$)
GAAP net income attributable to
the Company's shareholders: 1,113,588,154 859,313,746 125,890,175
Share-based compensation 46,131,574 30,575,391 4,479,320
Non-GAAP net income attributable
to the Company's shareholders: 1,159,719,728 889,889,136 130,369,495
Non-GAAP earnings per share:
Basic 4.84 3.93 0.58
Diluted 4.68 3.80 0.56
Weighted average ordinary shares:
Basic 239,458,633 226,278,227 226,278,227
Diluted 247,895,076 233,960,556 233,960,556
Statement Regarding Unaudited Financial Information
The unaudited financial information set forth above is preliminary and subject to adjustments. Adjustments to the financial statements may be identified when audit work is performed for the year-end audit, which could result in significant differences from this preliminary unaudited financial information.
About Giant Interactive Group Inc.
Giant Interactive Group Inc. (NYSE: GA) is a leading online game developer and operator in China in terms of market share according to iResearch Consulting Group, an independent Chinese research center, and focuses on massively multiplayer online role playing games. Currently, Giant operates multiple games, including ZT Online, ZT Online Green Edition, Giant Online, King of Kings III, The Golden Land, XT Online, and My Sweetie. Giant has several additional online games that it intends to launch, including ZT Online II, Dragon Soul, and Allods Online. Giant has built a nationwide distribution network to sell the prepaid game cards and game points required to play its games, which as of December 31, 2009 consisted of over 290 distributors, and reached over 116,500 retail outlets, including internet cafes, software stores, supermarkets, bookstores, newspaper stands, and convenience stores located throughout China. For more information, please visit Giant Interactive Group on the web at http://www.ga-me.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this release contain "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the 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 and among others, include our business outlook for the first quarter of 2010, the ability of ZT Online to attract players and extend its life cycle with the enhancement introduced in the fourth quarter 2009, our expectations on the performances of our newly launched games, our ability to successfully commercially launch our new games, our continued efforts to successfully operate and adjust features of our existing games, including introduction of expansion packs, and our ability to continue to grow our business and build long-term shareholder value. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition and other circumstances may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause our actual results to differ from what we currently anticipate may include failure by ZT Online gamers to resume in-game spending or continue in-game spending at historical levels, our ability to develop, purchase or license additional online games that are attractive to our players, our ability to develop and successfully launch expansion packs for our online games, our ability to adjust and enhance our online games to users' preferences to generate revenues, our dependence on one online game, which currently accounts for the majority of our historical net revenues, our ability to respond to competition, our ability to adjust to the current global economic crisis, our need to implement and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, our limited operating history and unproven long-term potential of our online game business model, our uncertainties with respect to the PRC legal and regulatory environments and volatility in the markets we operate in. The financial information contained in this release should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 20F for the fiscal year 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 19, 2009, and is available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov . For additional information on these and other important factors that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, see "Risk Factors" beginning on page 8 of our annual report for fiscal year 2008. Our actual results of operations for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2009 are not necessarily indicative of our operating results for any future periods. Any projections in this release are based on limited information currently available to us, which is subject to change. Although such projections and the factors influencing them will likely change, we undertake no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release. Such information speaks only as of the date of this release.
For further information, please contact:
Investor Contact:
Rich Chiang, IR Manager
Giant Interactive Group Inc.
Tel: +86-21-6451-1258
Investor Relations (HK):
Ruby Yim, Managing Director
Taylor Rafferty
Tel: +852-3196-3712
Investor Relations (US):
Mahmoud Siddig, Director
Taylor Rafferty
Tel: +1-212-889-4350
Media Contact:
Michael Henson, Director
Taylor Rafferty
Tel: +1-212-889-4350
GIANT INTERACTIVE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Audited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
December September December December
31, 2008 30, 2009 31, 2009 31, 2009
ASSETS (RMB) (RMB) (RMB) (US$)
Current
assets:
Cash and
cash
equivalents 1,696,272,856 854,016,847 1,097,155,269 160,734,155
Prepayments
and other
current
assets 48,916,555 83,920,471 125,522,286 18,389,119
Accounts
receivable -- 1,143,934 1,623,703 237,874
Due from a
related
party -- -- 3,592 526
Inventories 1,452,802 736,170 724,055 106,075
Deferred tax
assets 117,590,965 69,577,691 75,893,065 11,118,397
Short-term
investments 3,371,827,722 3,825,410,000 3,802,050,000 557,003,472
Total
current
assets 5,236,060,900 4,834,805,113 5,102,971,970 747,589,618
Non-current
assets:
Property and
equipment,
net 213,905,124 187,574,442 178,669,982 26,175,300
Intangible
assets, net 96,126,394 114,888,675 118,328,290 17,335,192
Goodwill -- 6,224,587 6,224,587 911,907
Available-
for-sale
securities 450,006,853 475,021,469 450,966,634 66,066,985
Held-to-
maturity
securities -- 500,000,000 500,000,000 73,250,414
Deferred tax
assets 6,324,526 9,257,497 10,840,757 1,588,180
Other assets -- 85,239,597 84,659,968 12,402,755
Total non-
current
assets 766,362,897 1,378,206,267 1,349,690,218 197,730,733
Total assets 6,002,423,797 6,213,011,380 6,452,662,188 945,320,351
LIABILITIES
AND
SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY
Current
liabilities:
Payables and
accrued
expenses 92,304,337 93,434,907 121,037,990 17,732,166
Advances
from
distributors 86,619,404 77,997,941 89,564,714 13,121,305
Deferred
revenue 403,130,277 314,761,757 321,291,085 47,069,410
Unrecognized
tax benefit 4,812,724 8,821,098 9,955,138 1,458,436
Tax payable 16,741,580 1,011,813 5,384,702 788,863
Deferred tax
liability 25,686,020 119,016 214,339 31,401
Total
current
liabilities 629,294,342 496,146,532 547,447,968 80,201,581
Non-current
liabilities:
Deferred tax
liability -- -- 420,947 61,669
Total non-
current
liabilities -- -- 420,947 61,669
Total
liabilities 629,294,342 496,146,532 547,868,915 80,263,250
Shareholders'
equity
Ordinary shares
(par value
US$0.0000002
per share;
500,000,000
shares
authorized as
at December 31,
2008, September
30, 2009 and
December 31,
2009
respectively;
263,110,626
shares issued
and 227,018,426
shares
outstanding
at December 31,
2008,
263,110,626
shares issued
and 226,441,541
shares
outstanding
at September
30, 2009,
263,110,626
shares issued
and
226,819,007
shares
outstanding
at December
31, 2009) 417 417 417 61
Additional
paid-in
capital 5,985,416,631 6,024,441,066 6,036,189,677 884,306,784
Statutory
reserves 43,890,273 43,890,273 43,890,273 6,429,961
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss (167,236,828) (188,444,945) (212,770,129) (31,171,000)
Retained
earnings
(accumulated
losses) 1,625,004,920 2,008,880,649 2,206,666,461 323,278,463
Treasury
stock (2,113,945,958) (2,176,792,033) (2,176,792,033) (318,901,835)
Total
shareholders'
equity 5,373,129,455 5,711,975,427 5,897,184,666 863,942,434
Non
controlling
interest -- 4,889,421 7,608,607 1,114,667
Total equity 5,373,129,455 5,716,864,848 5,904,793,273 865,057,101
Total
liability
and
shareholders'
equity 6,002,423,797 6,213,011,380 6,452,662,188 945,320,351
GIANT INTERACTIVE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended
December 31, December 31, December 31,
2008 2009 2009
(RMB) (RMB) (US$)
Audited Unaudited Unaudited
Net revenue:
Online game 1,589,675,915 1,293,018,121 189,428,225
Overseas licensing revenue 4,391,427 10,687,252 1,565,691
Other revenue, net 612,444 130,074 19,056
Total net revenue 1,594,679,786 1,303,835,447 191,012,972
Cost of services (217,899,466) (204,069,659) (29,896,374)
Gross profit 1,376,780,320 1,099,765,788 161,116,598
Operating (expenses) income:
Research and product
development expenses (88,539,393) (113,354,460) (16,606,522)
Sales and marketing expenses (241,575,189) (119,600,377) (17,521,554)
General and administrative
expenses (141,785,677) (121,446,102) (17,791,954)
Government financial incentives 63,084,300 88,460,000 12,959,463
Total operating expenses (408,815,959) (265,940,939) (38,960,567)
Income from operations 967,964,361 833,824,849 122,156,031
Interest income 184,963,678 102,200,467 14,972,453
Other (expense) income, net (842,825) 14,024,846 2,054,652
Investment income (loss) 1,171,241 (5,970,899) (874,742)
Unrealized loss on investment
held-for-trading (300,493) -- --
Income before income tax
expenses 1,152,955,962 944,079,263 138,308,394
Income tax expense (39,367,808) (85,060,010) (12,461,362)
Net income 1,113,588,154 859,019,253 125,847,032
Net loss attributable to non
controlling interest -- 294,493 43,143
Net income attributable to the
Company's shareholders 1,113,588,154 859,313,746 125,890,175
Other comprehensive loss, net
of tax
Foreign currency translation (192,424,438) (12,768,786) (1,870,638)
Reclassification adjustment -- (1,813,513) (265,681)
Unrealized holding gain (loss) 76,969,037 (30,951,003) (4,534,348)
Total other comprehensive loss,
net of tax (115,455,401) (45,533,302) (6,670,667)
Comprehensive income 998,132,753 813,780,444 119,219,508
Earnings per share:
Basic 4.65 3.80 0.56
Diluted 4.49 3.67 0.54
Weighted average ordinary shares:
Basic 239,458,633 226,278,227 226,278,227
Diluted 247,895,076 233,960,556 233,960,556
GIANT INTERACTIVE GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Three months ended
December September December December
31, 2008 30, 2009 31, 2009 31, 2009
(RMB) (RMB) (RMB) (US$)
Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited
Net revenue:
Online game 351,851,278 287,546,644 273,743,227 40,103,609
Overseas licensing
revenue 1,221,708 2,640,216 2,269,980 332,554
Other revenue, net 52,654 14,031 11,225 1,644
Total net revenue 353,125,640 290,200,891 276,024,432 40,437,807
Cost of services (56,662,035) (45,436,528) (44,440,785) (6,510,612)
Gross profit 296,463,605 244,764,363 231,583,647 33,927,195
Operating (expenses)
income:
Research and product
development expenses (25,185,542) (24,538,213) (27,538,052) (4,034,347)
Sales and marketing
expenses (45,405,004) (30,394,878) (34,802,464) (5,098,590)
General and
administrative
expenses (41,824,995) (26,915,756) (33,174,412) (4,860,079)
Government financial
incentives 29,516,000 28,730,000 39,730,000 5,820,478
Total operating
expenses (82,899,541) (53,118,847) (55,784,928) (8,172,538)
Income from operations 213,564,064 191,645,516 175,798,719 25,754,657
Interest income 41,258,109 23,102,435 30,069,886 4,405,263
Other income
(expense), net 791,245 748,786 7,200,020 1,054,809
Unrealized loss on
investment held-for-
trading (300,493) -- -- --
Income before income
tax expenses 255,312,926 215,496,738 213,068,625 31,214,730
Income tax
benefit/(expense) 34,947,465 (18,051,287) (15,258,628) (2,235,402)
Net Income 290,260,391 197,445,451 197,809,997 28,979,328
Net loss(income)
attributable to non
controlling interest -- 290,415 (24,185) (3,543)
Net income
attributable to the
Company's
shareholders 290,260,391 197,735,865 197,785,812 28,975,785
Other comprehensive
loss, net of tax
Foreign currency
translation 62,158,879 (3,107,122) (328,105) (48,068)
Reclassification
adjustment -- (1,813,513) -- --
Unrealized holding
gain (loss) 5,124,455 (1,116,473) (23,997,079) (3,515,592)
Total other
comprehensive loss,
net of tax 67,283,334 (6,037,108) (24,325,184) (3,563,660)
Comprehensive income 357,543,725 191,698,757 173,460,628 25,412,125
Earnings per share:
Basic 1.26 0.87 0.87 0.13
Diluted 1.23 0.84 0.85 0.12
Weighted average
ordinary shares:
Basic 230,589,753 226,453,309 226,732,894 226,732,894
Diluted 236,878,192 234,274,321 233,930,367 233,930,367